FLAGSHIP ADMIRAL FUNDS INC
497, 1997-10-29
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<PAGE>
 
 
        TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Page
  <S>                            <C>
  Fees and Expenses.............   2
  Financial Highlights..........   2
  Who Should Invest in the
   Fund?........................   3
  The Fund and Its Objective....   3
  How to Buy Shares.............   6
  How to Redeem Shares..........   9
  Free Repurchase...............   9
  Systematic Withdrawal Plan....   9
  Direct Deposits...............   9
  How Fund Shares are Priced....  10
  Taxes.........................  10
  Yield.........................  11
  Management of the Fund........  11
  Distributor...................  12
  Multiple Class Distribution...  13
  Description of Shares.........  13
  Custodian and Transfer Agent..  14
  Counsel and Auditors..........  14
  Additional Information........  14
</TABLE>
 
 
         [LOGO OF THE GOLDEN RAINBOW A JAMES ADVISED MUTUAL FUND(SM)]
 
THE GOLDEN RAINBOW A JAMES ADVISED MUTUAL FUND(SM) (THE "FUND") IS A SERIES OF
FLAGSHIP ADMIRAL FUNDS INC.(SM) (THE "CORPORATION") A SERIES, OPEN-END,
DIVERSIFIED MUTUAL FUND. THE FUND SEEKS TO PROVIDE TOTAL RETURN THROUGH A
COMBINATION OF GROWTH AND INCOME FROM INVESTING IN EQUITY AND/OR DEBT
SECURITIES AND PRESERVATION OF CAPITAL IN DECLINING MARKETS. THE FUND WILL
ATTEMPT TO PROVIDE TOTAL RETURN IN EXCESS OF THE RATE OF INFLATION OVER THE
LONG TERM (THREE TO FIVE YEARS). NO ASSURANCE CAN BE GIVEN THAT THE FUND WILL
ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVE. THE FUND MAY INVEST IN EQUITY SECURITIES TRADED ON ANY
NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE OR NASDAQ OR IN DEBT SECURITIES THAT ARE RATED "A" OR
BETTER BY MOODY'S OR S&P, OR IF UNRATED, OF EQUIVALENT QUALITY, AS WELL AS
EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES OF NON-UNITED STATES ISSUERS AND AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. THE FUND MAY INVEST ITS ASSETS IN ANY COMBINATION OF
SECURITIES AND IS NOT LIMITED WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPORTION INVESTED IN ANY
CATEGORY.
 
                             Account Information:
                          toll free at 1-800-225-8530
 
                              ------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that you
should know before investing in shares of the Fund. A Statement of Additional
Information dated October 29, 1997, containing additional information about
the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and is
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. A copy of the Statement
of Additional Information can be obtained without charge by telephoning or
writing to the Fund. Please read and retain this Prospectus for future
reference.
 
                              ------------------
 
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. SHARES IN THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK SELLING THE SHARES, NOR ARE THEY FEDERALLY
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE
BOARD, OR ANY OTHER U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT RISKS INCLUDE POSSIBLE
LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. THE VALUE OF THE INVESTMENT AND ITS RETURN WILL FLUCTUATE
AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED. WHEN SOLD, THE VALUE OF THE INVESTMENT MAY BE HIGHER
OR LOWER THAN THE AMOUNT ORIGINALLY INVESTED.
 
October 29, 1997
     
                              ------------------
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES AFTER
                   SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION      FEE WAIVERS & REIMBURSEMENT
                           EXPENSE                     ARRANGEMENTS*
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Total Fund
                                                                                   Operating
                      Maximum                                                       Expenses
                     Front End    Maximum                                           Without
                   Sales Charge     CDSC                                Total Fund Waiver Or
                    Imposed On   Imposed on Management 12b-1    Other   Operating  Reimburse-
                     Purchases   Purchases     Fee      Fee    Expenses  Expenses     ment
                   ------------- --------------------- -----   -------- ---------- ----------
<S>                <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>     <C>      <C>        <C>
Class A Shares         4.20%        N/A        .74%     .25%     .10%      1.09%      1.09%
Class B Shares(a)      N/A          5.0        .74      .85(c)   .10       1.69       1.69
Class C Shares         N/A          1.0(b)     .74      .85(c)   .10       1.69       1.69
Class R Shares         N/A          N/A        .74      .00      .10        .84        .84
<CAPTION>
                               EXAMPLE OF EXPENSES
                   -------------------------------------------------
                             An Investor in the Fund
                    Would Pay the Following Dollar Amount of
                    Expenses on a $1,000 Investment Assuming
                     (1) 5% Annual Return and (2) Redemption
                            at the End of Each Period
                   -------------------------------------------------
                    1 YEAR      3 YEARS     5 YEARS      10 YEARS
                   ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S>                <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Class A Shares      $      53          $75        $100          $169
Class B Shares(a)          57           85         103           184
Class C Shares             17           53          92           200
Class R Shares              9           27          47           104
</TABLE>
 
* Percentage based on actual fees incurred from the previous fiscal year
  restated to reflect current fees and operating expenses. Persons who
  indirectly purchase Fund shares through intermediaries may pay fees charged
  by such intermediaries in addition to the expenses and fees of the Fund shown
  above. Class B, C and R are based on estimates.
- --------
(a) No initial sales charge; contingent deferred sales charge of 5% declining
    to 1% in the 6th year if redeemed. Class B expenses in years 9 through 10
    are based on Class A expenses, because the shares automatically convert to
    Class A after 8 years. If you did not redeem, the example of expenses would
    be $40, $32, and $11 less in years 1, 3 and 5 respectively.
(b) No initial sales load; 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed
    within 1 year of purchase.
(c) Of this amount, 0.75% is an asset based sales charge and 0.10% is a service
    fee.
 
The preceding table is meant to assist an investor in understanding the various
costs and expenses that may directly or indirectly be incurred as a result of
an investment in the Fund. As indicated in the expense table, the Fund utilizes
a declining sales charge for Class A Shares, a contingent deferred sales charge
("CDSC") for Class B and Class C Shares and a no-fee, no-charge structure for
institutional investors for Class R Shares. Class R Shares are subject to a
minimum purchase requirement of $1,000,000. Long-term Class B and Class C
stockholders could pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum front-
end sales charge for Class A Shares. Class B Shares automatically convert to
Class A Shares after eight years. The Fund's 12b-1 plan and management fee are
more fully described herein. These expenses should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses as actual expenses may be greater or
less than those shown.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
The following data have been derived from financial highlights audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, whose report appears in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
The following table provides per share income and capital changes for a share
of capital stock of the Fund outstanding from July 1, 1991 (commencement of
operations), to June 30, 1997. Class B, Class C, and Class R Shares were not
offered to the public during the fiscal year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS          LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
                    ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
          NET ASSET                                               Distri-                  NET
            VALUE     Net   Net Realized &             Dividends  butions                 ASSET
  YEAR    BEGINNING Invest-   Unrealized    TOTAL FROM (From Net   (From  Returns  TOTAL  VALUE
 ENDED       OF      ment     Gain (Loss)   INVESTMENT Investment Capital   of    DISTRI- END OF   Total
JUNE 30,   PERIOD    Income  on Securities  OPERATIONS  Income)   Gains)  Capital BUTIONS PERIOD Return(a)
- --------  --------- ------- --------------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ---------
<S>       <C>       <C>     <C>             <C>        <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>
1992       $15.00    $.87        $ .90        $1.77       $.87     $.02     $--    $ .89  $15.88   11.91%
1993        15.88     .76         2.05         2.81        .75      .13      --      .88   17.81   18.09
1994        17.81     .66         (.89)        (.23)       .66      .25      --      .91   16.67   (1.49)
1995        16.67     .69         1.94         2.63        .68      .35      --     1.03   18.27   16.55
1996        18.27     .73          .61         1.34        .74     1.31      --     2.05   17.56    7.76
1997        17.56     .66         2.16         2.82        .68      .39      --     1.07   19.31   16.53
<CAPTION>
                       RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
          --------------------------------------------------
                              Ratio of
                   Ratio of     Net
                   Expenses  Investment
            Net       to       Income              Average
  YEAR     Assets   Average  to Average Portfolio Commission
 ENDED     End of     Net       Net     Turnover     Rate
JUNE 30,   Period  Assets(b) Assets(b)    Rate     Paid(c)
- --------- -------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
<S>       <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
1992      $124,563   1.09%      5.51%     10.48%        --
1993       179,209   1.02       4.44      38.42         --
1994       188,747    .96       3.70      30.64         --
1995       191,473   1.04       4.05      48.46         --
1996       184,307   1.06       4.01      83.17     $.0832
1997       157,183   1.09       3.63      56.37      .0846
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Prior to June, 1991, the Fund was organized as a Master Trust, with its
    common and collective trust funds (the "Predecessor Funds") held at
    Citizens Federal Bank, F.S.B. These Predecessor Funds were advised by the
    Fund's investment adviser, James Investment Research, Inc., using
    investment objectives, policies and strategies substantially similar to
    those used in managing the Fund. The Predecessor Funds' returns for the
    years ended June 30, 1985 through June 30, 1991 were 20.35%, 33.73%,
    17.73%, 16.53%, 10.37%, 6.49% and 8.24% respectively. This performance
    represents a compounded annual return of 15.7%. The prior returns of the
    Predecessor Funds should not be interpreted as the historical performance
    of the Fund.

  The total returns for either the Predecessor Funds or the Fund should not be
  interpreted as indicative of the Fund's future performance.

  Total returns are calculated on net asset value without any sales charge.

(b) After waiver of certain management fees or reimbursement of expenses by
    John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated or its predecessor Flagship Funds Inc.
(c) Average commission rate paid on equity portfolio transactions. Commissions
    paid are included in the cost of the securities. Disclosure was not
    required prior to June 30, 1996.
 
The Fund's annual report for the most recent fiscal year includes a discussion
of fund performance. It is available upon request and without charge.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO SHOULD INVEST IN THE FUND?
 
The Fund is specially designed for investors who seek total return from
investments in equity and debt securities and who also seek capital
preservation in declining markets. The Fund's investment adviser expects to
invest in securities that make the Fund a suitable investment for individuals
wishing to make long-term investments, Individual Retirement Accounts, Keogh
Plans and other retirement or pension oriented plans, trusts or accounts. The
Fund's shares are offered to individuals or entities which are customers of a
securities dealer affiliated with Citizens Federal Bank, F.S.B., ("Citizens
Federal") or trust customers of Citizens Federal.
 
The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $5,000, except for qualified
individual retirement plans which have a $2,000 minimum initial investment. Its
shares are sold at a public offering price that is equal to the net asset value
per share plus a sales charge through affiliated securities dealers of Citizens
Federal. Shares are sold at net asset value to investors through trust accounts
at Citizens Federal. Shares are redeemable without any redemption charge. In
addition, the Fund has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") that permits the Fund to spend
up to .40% annually of its average daily net assets for certain expenses
related to the distribution of its shares (see "The Distributor"). The Fund
expects to pay dividends quarterly.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND AND ITS OBJECTIVE
 
The Fund's investment objective is to provide total return through a
combination of growth and income primarily in equity and/or debt securities and
preservation of capital in declining markets. The Fund's investment objective
is a fundamental policy that cannot be changed without authorization by a vote
of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund will seek to
provide total return in excess of the rate of inflation over the long term
(three to five years). The Manager of the Fund is Nuveen Advisory Corp. (the
"Manager"), and the Investment Adviser is James Investment Research, Inc. (the
"Adviser").
 
To accomplish the foregoing investment objective, the Fund intends to invest
its assets in a portfolio consisting of equity securities traded on a national
securities exchange or NASDAQ; high grade debt securities rated "A" or better
by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard and Poor's Ratings
Group ("S&P"), or unrated securities determined by the Adviser to be of
equivalent quality; securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
government or its agencies or instrumentalities; equity and dollar denominated
debt securities of non-United States issuers; United States domiciled closed-
end mutual funds which invest in the securities of non-United States issuers;
preferred stock rated "A" or better; and convertible securities including
convertible bonds, which shall be treated as equity and not debt securities for
purposes of determining investment quality.
 
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
 
The Adviser does its own research using quantitative databases and statistical
expertise. It utilizes a number of elements to help predict future stock and
bond price movements. When selecting equity securities, the Adviser focuses on
value, neglect or limited following by Wall Street analysts and on management
commitment and assesses a number of fundamental factors such as earnings,
earnings trend, price earnings multiples, return on assets, and balance sheet
data as well as other proprietary calculations to identify stocks which it
considers undervalued.
 
The Adviser expects that the fixed income portion of the Fund portfolio will
consist primarily of U.S. Treasury securities or high grade corporate bonds. In
addition, when the Adviser believes that interest rates will fall, it expects
that it may extend maturities in anticipation of capital appreciation in the
bonds. If the Adviser believes that interest rates may rise, it expects to seek
capital preservation through the purchase of shorter term bonds.
 
Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects that the Fund will hold
both debt and equity securities, the proportions of which are not fixed and may
invest up to 90% of its assets in either debt or equity securities and, for
temporary defensive purposes, may invest up to 100% of its assets in short term
U.S. Government or high quality money market instruments or repurchase
agreements collateralized by such securities or any other security of
equivalent quality deemed appropriate. The Adviser expects that the bulk of the
portion of the Fund's assets invested in equities will be invested in New York
Stock Exchange listed equity securities, but the bulk of the Fund's assets
could consist of American Stock Exchange and over-the-counter traded equity
securities in appropriate circumstances, such as when they are determined to be
undervalued by the Adviser. The Fund may also invest in closed-end funds which
invest in the securities of non-United States issuers, foreign equity
securities, or American
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Depositary Receipts of such securities. See "Non-United States Securities." The
Fund may invest in the following types of securities in any proportion:
convertible preferred and common stocks, long and short term debt securities,
money market instruments, repurchase agreements, and "when issued" securities
of any of the above, as well as new types of securities that may be created in
the future, but will do so only to the extent such investment is compatible
with its investment objective. The Fund may invest in debt obligations of any
maturity and will select such investments consistent with its anticipated needs
for liquidity to meet redemptions.
 
The Fund will limit its holdings of debt securities to issues rated, at the
time of purchase, "A" or better by either Moody's, or S&P, respectively or
other issues believed by the Adviser to be of at least comparable quality.
Securities rated A are judged by Moody's to be upper medium grade obligations,
security for principal and interest of which are considered adequate, but
elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime
in the future. S&P believes debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest
and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in
higher rated categories.
 
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in money market funds or closed-end
funds (which invest in the securities of non-United States issuers) which are
registered investment companies, subject to the requirements of applicable law.
Such investments could result in stockholders paying duplicate or multiple
fees, as such money market or closed-end funds incur expenses similar to those
of the Fund. The Adviser will only invest in money market funds or closed-end
funds when it believes the yields on such funds are beneficial even including
multiple fees. Risks associated with investment in the securities of non-United
States issuers and closed-end funds which invest in the securities of non-
United States issuers are discussed below under "Non-United States Securities."
 
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
 
American Depositary Receipts (ADR's) represent interests in underlying equity
securities of non-United States issuers which do not trade directly in the
United States. ADR programs may be sponsored by the issuers or unsponsored,
that is, organized without the issuer's assistance. Generally, the underlying
equity securities are deposited with a bank or other financial institution and
the ADR is traded, representing an interest in the shares on deposit and
entitling the owner of the ADR to interest and dividend income from the shares
pursuant to the contractual arrangements relating to the ADR program. ADR's
often trade at a lower price than the underlying security and may be less
liquid, but at the same time provide a potential for greater yields.
 
NON-UNITED STATES SECURITIES
 
The Fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in securities issued by non-United
States issuers and up to 10% of its assets in investment companies including
closed-end funds which invest in the securities of non-United States issuers.
Investments in securities of non-United States issuers involve certain risks
not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers.
Such risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, future political and
economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or
other foreign governmental laws or restrictions. Securities denominated or
quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar will have their value affected
by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and such changes may affect
unrealized appreciation or depreciation, although the Fund will attempt to
hedge such risks. See "Hedging." With respect to certain countries, there is
the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or
social instability or diplomatic developments which could adversely affect
investments in those countries.
 
There may be less publicly available information about a non-United States
company than about a United States company, and such a company may not be
subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
requirements comparable to or as uniform as those applicable to United States
companies. Non-United States securities markets (other than Japan), while
growing in volume, have, for the most part, substantially less volume than
United States markets, and securities of many non-United States companies are
less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable United
States companies. Transaction costs in non-United States securities markets are
generally higher than in the United States and settlement procedures are often
not as regulated as in the United States. There is generally less government
supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers than there is in
the United States. The Fund may have greater difficulty taking appropriate
legal action with respect to foreign investments in non-United States courts
than with respect to domestic issuers in United States courts.
 
Dividend and interest income from non-United States securities will generally
be subject to withholding taxes by the country in which the issuer is located
and the Fund will not be able to pass through to its stockholders foreign tax
credits or deductions with respect to these taxes.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
OTHER POLICIES
 
Among other things, the Fund may not make loans (other than repurchase
agreements), except to the extent the purchase of debt obligations of any type
are considered loans, and except that the Fund may lend portfolio securities
pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") requirements and the
exchanges on which such securities are traded; invest more than 25% of the
value of its assets in one industry; or issue securities senior to its stock.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements and may invest up to 5% of its
assets in repurchase agreements longer than seven days in order to realize
additional income. Repurchase agreements are generally agreements under which
the Fund obtains securities subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon
price and date. The repurchase agreement must be fully collateralized at all
times by securities with a value at least equal to 100% of the current market
value of the loaned securities. There are certain risks associated with such
transactions which are described in the Statement of Additional Information. As
with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and loss of
rights in collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially.
 
LOANS OF SECURITIES
 
The Fund may make loans of its portfolio securities in order to realize
additional income. All such loans shall be fully collateralized. There are
certain risks associated with such transactions which are discussed in the
Statement of Additional Information. As with any extension of credit, there are
risks of delay in recovery and loss of rights in collateral should the borrower
of the securities fail financially.
 
HEDGING
 
The Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and
call options on securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other financial
instruments, purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon,
enter into various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or
collars, and enter into various currency transactions such as currency forward
contracts, currency futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies
or currency futures (collectively, all the above are called "hedging
transactions"). Hedging transactions may be used to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange
rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of the Fund's portfolio,
or to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary substitute
for purchasing or selling particular securities. No more than 5% of the Fund's
assets will be committed to hedging transactions entered into for non-hedging
purposes. Any or all of these investment techniques may be used at any time and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any hedging transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these
hedging transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to
predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund will
comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Hedging transactions involving
financial futures and options thereon will be purchased, sold or entered into
only for bona fide hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes
and not for speculative purposes.
 
RISKS
 
Hedging transactions have risks associated with them including possible default
by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the
Adviser's view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the
use of such hedging transactions could result in losses greater than if they
had not been used. Use of put and call options may result in losses to the
Fund, force the sale or purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times
or for prices higher than (in the case of put options) or lower than (in the
case of call options) current market values, limit the amount of appreciation
the Fund can realize on its investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it
might otherwise sell. The use of currency transactions can result in the Fund
incurring losses as a result of a number of factors including the imposition of
exchange controls, suspension of settlements, or the inability to deliver or
receive a specified currency. The use of options and futures transactions
entails certain other risks. In particular, the variable degree of correlation
between price movements of futures contracts and price movements in the related
portfolio position of the Fund creates the possibility that losses on the
hedging instrument may be greater than gains in the value of the Fund's
position. In addition, futures and options markets may not be liquid in all
circumstances
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
and certain over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in
certain markets, the Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without
incurring substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and
options transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due
to a decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to
limit any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures
contracts would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would
purchases of options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial
premium. Losses resulting from the use of hedging transactions would reduce net
asset value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the
hedging transactions had not been utilized.
 
BORROWING
 
The Fund may borrow from time to time on a temporary basis in amounts up to 
33 1/3% of its net assets. Such borrowings are called leverage, and while they
provide opportunity for greater returns than if borrowing had not occurred, to
the extent the interest on the borrowings exceeds the interest on dividends
received, there is a risk that the income to the Fund will be less than if the
borrowing had not been made. To the extent the Fund invests the proceeds from
borrowings in equity or fixed income securities, the net asset value of the
Fund may appreciate or depreciate more rapidly than a fund that does not
utilize leverage. The Adviser will only cause the Fund to borrow when there is
an expectation it will benefit the Funds.
 
FUNDAMENTAL RESTRICTIONS
 
The Fund as a whole has adopted a number of fundamental investment
restrictions, which may not be changed without the approval of its
stockholders. These restrictions are set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information. Other than such restrictions and the fundamental objective above,
the Fund has no investment policies which it considers fundamental.
 
RESTRICTED SECURITIES
 
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets (valued at the purchase date) in
illiquid securities, including securities that are subject to restrictions on
disposition under the Securities Act of 1933 or for which market quotations are
not readily available, including repurchase agreements in excess of seven days.
Due to the illiquid nature of restricted securities, if the Funds were forced
to sell such securities, it might have to do so at a disadvantageous price.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO BUY SHARES
 
Shares of the Fund are offered continuously at a public offering price that is
equal to net asset value per share next determined after a purchase order is
received by the Fund plus any applicable sales charge. The sales charge, at the
election of the purchaser, may be imposed (i) at the time of purchase (Class A
Shares) or (ii) on a contingent deferred basis (Class B and Class C Shares).
The Class R Shares are designed for institutional investors and are sold at net
asset value with no front-end sales charge, no contingent deferred sales charge
and no Rule 12b-1 charge. When placing purchase orders, investors should
specify whether the order is for Class A, Class B, Class C or Class R Shares.
All purchase orders that fail to specify a Class will automatically be invested
in Class A Shares.
 
Four classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and
Class R Shares are authorized for the Fund. They are described fully in the
SAI. The following table shows the total sales charges or underwriting
discounts and dealer concessions for each amount.
 
CLASS A SHARES
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    TOTAL SALES CHARGE
                              ------------------------------ DEALER CONCESSION OR AGENCY
     SIZE OF TRANSACTION      PERCENTAGE OF   PERCENTAGE OF   COMMISSION AS PERCENTAGE
   AT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE   OFFERING PRICE NET ASSET VALUE      OF OFFERING PRICE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                        <C>            <C>             <C>
       Less than $   50,000        4.20%          4.38%                 3.70%
   $   50,000 to $  100,000        4.00           4.18                  3.50
   $  100,000 to $  250,000        3.50           3.65                  3.00
   $  250,000 to $  500,000        2.50           2.61                  2.00
   $  500,000 to $1,000,000        2.00           2.09                  1.50
   $1,000,000 to $2,000,000         .50            .52                   .30
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
CLASS B SHARES
 
Class B Shares are offered at net asset value, without an initial sales charge,
subject to a continuing 0.95% annual distribution fee. Class B Shares are
subject to a declining contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if you redeem
your shares within six years from the purchase date. This CDSC charge is 5%,
4%, 4%, 3%, 2% and 1% for years one through six. Class B Shares automatically
convert to Class A Shares at the end of eight years. The conversion is based on
the relative net asset value of the two classes, and no sales charge or other
charge is imposed.
 
The Distributor pays a 0.20% service fee to dealers in advance for the first
year upon the sale of Class B Shares. After the shares have been held for a
year, the Distributor pays the fee monthly. In addition, the Distributor pays
sales commission of 3.80% of the purchase price to dealers from its own
resources at the time of sale.
 
CLASS C SHARES
 
Class C Shares are offered at net asset value, without an initial sales charge,
subject to a continuing 0.95% annual distribution fee (of which .75% is an
asset based sales charge and .20% is a service fee) and a CDSC of 1% if
redeemed within one year of the purchase date. The first year of the annual
distribution fee is paid to the Distributor, and in subsequent years 0.75% is
paid to the dealer and 0.20% is paid to the Distributor.
 
CLASS R SHARES
 
You may purchase Class R Shares with monies representing dividends and capital
gain distributions on Class R Shares of the Fund. Also, you may purchase Class
R Shares if you are within the following specified categories of investors who
are also eligible to purchase Class A Shares at net asset value without an up-
front sales charge: officers, current and former directors of the Fund; bona
fide, full-time and retired employees of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated and
James Investment Research, Inc. and subsidiaries thereof, or their immediate
family members; any person who, for at least 90 days, has been an officer,
director or bona fide employee of any Authorized Dealer, or their immediate
family members; officers and directors of bank holding companies that make Fund
shares available directly or through subsidiaries or bank affiliates; and bank
or broker-affiliated trust departments; persons investing $1 million or more in
Class R Shares; and clients of investment advisers, financial planners or other
financial intermediaries that charge periodic or asset-based "wrap" fees for
their services.
 
If you are eligible to purchase either Class R Shares or Class A Shares without
a sales charge at net asset value, you should be aware of the differences
between these two classes of shares. Class A Shares are subject to an annual
distribution fee to compensate John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the
"Distributor") for distribution costs associated with the Fund and to an annual
service fee to compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing
account services. Class R Shares are not subject to a distribution or service
fee and, consequently, holders of Class R Shares may not receive the same types
or levels of services from Authorized Dealers. In choosing between Class A
Shares and Class R Shares, you should weigh the benefits of the services to be
provided by Authorized Dealers against the annual service fee imposed upon the
Class A Shares.
 
The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $5,000, except for qualified
individual retirement plans which have a $2,000 minimum and investments in
Class R Shares which have a $1,000,000 minimum. Additional purchases of $100 or
more may be made at any time. Any order in an amount of $1,000,000 or more must
be for Class A or Class R Shares.
 
Shares of the Fund are sold to individuals or entities who hold their shares in
individual or master trust accounts at Citizens Federal, including Individual
Retirement Accounts, Keogh Plans, pension plans, bank and/or savings and loan
trust departments, trusts or accounts, including individuals who have signed
trust agreements. Such shares are sold in a continuous offering at the public
offering price, which is equal to the net asset value per share next determined
after a purchase order is received by the Fund (see "How Fund Shares are
Priced"). Purchases may also be made as described below under "Purchase For
Trust Accounts Through Dealers." In addition, shares of the Fund may be
purchased, in amounts less than the minimum purchase amount, by officers,
directors and employees of the Fund, the Adviser, the Manager, or the
Distributor, and any such person's spouse, children, and trustees or custodians
of any qualified pension or profit sharing plan or IRA established for the
benefit of such person. Such person should request instructions on how to
invest or redeem from the Distributor. The Fund reserves the right to reject
any order for shares.
 
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
PURCHASE FOR TRUST ACCOUNTS THROUGH DEALERS
 
To purchase shares through a dealer, you should direct your dealer to contact
the Distributor to request information on the Fund and on Citizens Federal's
process for establishing the necessary trust accounts. The Distributor can be
reached toll free at 1-800-414-7447. After establishing an account, an investor
may, either directly or through a broker, purchase shares of the Fund. For
purchases made through a dealer, that dealer will be designated as the broker
of record for those account assets. The public offering price is the Funds's
net asset value. Because the Fund determines net asset value daily as of the
close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time) on the New York Stock
Exchange on each day that the Exchange is open for trading, the dealer must
transmit your request to Citizens Federal prior to such time in order for your
order to be executed at the net asset value to be determined that day. Any
change in price due to the failure of the Fund to receive an order prior to the
close of the Exchange must be settled between the investor and the dealer
placing the order.
 
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
 
The Fund offers current stockholders who receive a quarterly statement from
Flagship the convenience of automatic monthly investing. On any regular
business day between the fifth and twenty-eighth of each month, the amount you
specify ($100 minimum) will be transferred from your bank to the Fund. To
initiate the automatic investment plan, complete the application form and
attach a voided check.
 
The Fund pays the cost associated with these transfers, but reserves the right,
upon ninety (90) days written notice, to make reasonable charges for this
service. Your bank may charge for debiting your account. Stockholders can
change the amount or discontinue their participation in the plan by written
notice to Boston Financial ("Stockholders Services Agent") thirty (30) days
prior to fund transfer date. Because a sales charge is applied on new shares
purchased, it would be disadvantageous to purchase shares while also making
systematic withdrawals.
 
LETTER OF INTENT (RETAIL SHARES ONLY)
 
A stockholder may qualify for reduced sales charges by sending to the Fund
(within 90 days after the first purchase desired to be included in the purchase
program) the signed, non-binding Letter of Intent section on the application
form. All investments in retail shares of the Fund count toward the indicated
goal. Please see the Statement of Additional Information for further details.
 
Escrow provision: It is understood that 5% of the dollar amount checked on the
application will be held in a special escrow account. These shares will be held
by the escrow agent subject to the terms of the escrow. All dividends and
capital gains distributions on the escrowed shares will be credited to the
stockholder's account in shares. If the total purchases, less redemptions by
the stockholder, his spouse, children and parents, equal the amount specified
under this Letter, the shares held in escrow will be deposited to the
stockholder's open account or delivered to the stockholder or to his order. If
the total purchases, less redemptions, exceed the amount specified under this
Letter and an amount which would qualify for a further quantity discount, a
retroactive price adjustment will be made by the Distributor and the dealer
through whom purchases were made pursuant to this Letter of Intent (to reflect
such further quantity discount). The resulting difference in offering price
will be applied to the purchase of additional shares at the offering price
applicable to a single purchase of the dollar amount of the total purchases. If
the total purchases less redemptions are less than the amount specified under
this Letter, the stockholder will remit to the Distributor an amount equal to
the difference in the dollar amount of sales charge actually paid and the
amount of sales charge which would have applied to the aggregate purchases if
the total of such purchases had been made at a single time. Upon such
remittance the shares held for the stockholder's account will be deposited to
his Account or delivered to him or to his order. If within 20 days after
written request by the Distributor such difference in sales charge is not paid,
the Distributor is hereby authorized to redeem an appropriate number of shares
to realize such difference. The Distributor is hereby irrevocably constituted
under this Letter of Intent to effect such redemption as agent of the
stockholder. The stockholder or his dealer will inform the Stockholder Services
Agent that this Letter is in effect each time a purchase is made.
 
GENERAL
 
All funds will be fully invested in full and fractional shares. All dividends
declared will be paid in the form of additional full and fractional shares at
net asset value unless the Fund has received an election in writing from the
stockholder to receive such dividends in cash. Such dividends can be deposited
electronically into a stockholder's Citizens Federal or other bank account
using the Automated Clearing House ("ACH") system. See "Direct Deposits."
 
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
The issuance of shares is recorded on the books of the Fund, and, to avoid
additional operating costs and for investor convenience, share certificates
will not be issued, except by special arrangement.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
 
Stockholders should advise their financial consultant of their desire to redeem
shares. Upon receipt by the Fund of a proper redemption request, the Fund will
redeem shares at their next determined net asset value. See "How Fund Shares
are Priced." Neither the Distributor nor the Fund charges a fee or a commission
for redemption, except that the Fund may charge a fee for wiring redemption
proceeds.
 
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
 
The Stockholder Services Agent may require a signature guarantee on certain
written transaction requests. A signature guarantee may be executed by any
eligible guarantor. Eligible guarantors include member firms of a domestic
stock exchange, commercial banks, trust companies, savings associations and
credit unions as defined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. You should
verify with the institution that they are an eligible guarantor prior to
signing.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FREE REPURCHASE
 
A stockholder who has redeemed shares may repurchase shares at net asset value
without incurring the applicable sales charge. Such a purchase must be in an
amount between the stated minimum investment of such fund and the amount of the
proceeds of redemption within one year of the redemption. This feature may be
exercised by a stockholder only twice per calendar year. Exercising the
reinvestment privilege will not affect the character of any gain or loss
realized on the redemption for federal income tax purposes, except that if the
redemptions resulted in a loss, the reinvestment may result in the loss being
disallowed under the "wash sale" rules.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
 
Accounts with a value greater than $10,000 may establish a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan ("SWP") and receive monthly or quarterly checks for $100 or
more as specified by the stockholder. To establish a SWP all distributions must
be in the form of shares. Such payments are drawn from the proceeds of the
redemption shares held in the stockholder's account. To the extent that SWP
redemptions exceed dividend income reinvested in the account, such redemptions
will reduce and may ultimately exhaust the number of shares in the account. To
initiate this service, shares having an aggregate value of at least $10,000
must be held by the Stockholder Services Agent. Maintaining a SWP concurrently
with an investment program would be disadvantageous because of the sales
charges included in share purchases. Therefore, a stockholder should not have a
SWP in effect at the same time he is making recurring purchases of shares of
the Fund. The stockholder by written instructions to the Stockholder Services
Agent may withdraw from the program, change the payee or change the dollar
amount of each payment. The Stockholder Services Agent may charge the account
for services rendered and expenses incurred beyond those normally assumed by
the Fund with respect to the liquidation of shares. No charge is currently
assessed against the account, but could be instituted by the Stockholder
Services Agent on 60 days' notice in writing to the stockholder in the event
that the Fund ceases to assume the cost of these services. The Fund reserves the
right to amend or terminate the SWP on thirty days' notice.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECT DEPOSITS
 
Stockholders can have dividends or SWP redemption proceeds deposited
electronically into their Citizens Federal or other bank accounts. Under normal
circumstances, direct deposits are credited to the account on the second
business day of the month following normal payment. In order to utilize this
option, the stockholder's bank must be a member of Automated Clearing House. In
addition, the stockholder must (1) fill out the appropriate section of the
application attached to this Prospectus and (2) include with the completed
application a voided check from the bank account into which funds are to be
deposited. Once the Stockholder Services Agent has received the application and
the voided check, such stockholder's designated bank account, following any
dividend or redemption, will be credited with the proceeds. Once enrolled in
direct deposit, a stockholder may terminate participation at any time by
written notice to the Stockholder Services Agent.
 
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW FUND SHARES ARE PRICED
 
For purposes of pricing purchases and redemptions, the net asset value of the
Fund is separately determined by Boston Financial as of the close of trading on
the New York Stock Exchange on each day that the Exchange is open for business,
except for Ohio bank holidays (and will also be computed as of 4:00 p.m. New
York time on any other day on which purchase or redemption orders are received
and there is a sufficient degree of trading in the portfolio securities of the
Fund such that the Fund's net asset value per share might be affected). Net
asset value per share of the Fund is calculated (to the nearest cent) by adding
the value of all securities and other assets, subtracting all of the
liabilities and dividing the remainder by the number of shares outstanding at
the time the determination is made.
 
Assets of the Fund for which market quotations are readily available are valued
at market value. Equity securities are valued at the last sale price on the
exchange on which they are traded. If equity securities are not traded that
day, they are valued at the mean of the bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter
securities are valued at the mean of the bid and asked prices as are listed
debt securities. Securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are
valued at their amortized cost under rules adopted by the SEC unless conditions
indicate otherwise. Other assets and securities are valued at their fair value
as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Fund's Board of
Directors.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXES
 
The following discussion is a general summary of certain of the current federal
income tax laws regarding the Fund and its investors. The discussion does not
purport to deal with all of the federal income tax consequences applicable to
the Fund, or to all categories of investors who may be subject to special rules
(for example, foreign investors). Investors should consult their own tax
consultant for more detailed information regarding the above and for
information regarding any state, local or foreign taxes that may be applicable
to them.
 
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
 
The Fund intends to qualify for taxation as a regulated investment company
("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and
satisfy certain other requirements, so that the Fund will not be subject to
federal income tax to the extent it distributes all of its net investment
income and capital gain to its stockholders at least annually. Stockholders
generally will be required to pay federal income taxes on the dividends and
distributions they receive from the Fund, whether received in cash or in
additional shares of the Fund, and on gains realized upon redemption of their
shares.
 
Following each calendar year, each stockholder will receive information for tax
purposes on the dividends and capital gains distributions received during the
previous year. The Fund may make distributions from net investment income or
capital gain and may also make distributions in kind. Dividends from net
investment income and any net short-term capital gain will be taxable as
ordinary income. Any distribution designated as realized net capital gain (the
excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) will be
taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of the stockholder's holding
period. The Internal Revenue Service requires backup withholding of federal
income tax of 31% of the gross amount of ordinary dividends, capital gain
dividends, and redemption proceeds paid or credited to stockholders who do not
furnish a valid social security or taxpayer identification number.
 
REDEMPTIONS
 
Redemptions of shares will be taxable transactions for federal income tax
purposes. Generally, gain or loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the
difference between the stockholder's basis in its shares and the amount
received. Assuming that such shares are held as a capital asset, such gain or
loss will be a capital gain or loss and will generally be a long-term capital
gain or loss if the stockholder has held its shares for a period of one year or
more. Gain on the sale of shares held for more than 18 months will generally be
taxed at a maximum marginal rate of 20%. If a stockholder redeems shares of the
Fund at a loss and makes an additional investment in the Fund 30 days before or
after such redemption, the loss may be disallowed under the wash sale rules.
 
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
 
The Fund is organized as a Maryland corporation and, except for some small
amounts of taxes based on share capital, the Fund will not be subject to
Maryland income taxes to the extent that it is not subject to federal income
taxes. Stockholders may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions
received from the Fund, which taxes may be determined differently from federal
income taxes thereon.
 
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YIELD
 
YIELD AND CURRENT RETURN
 
In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund may include its current yield
and/or average annual total return in advertisements or information furnished
to stockholders or potential investors.
 
YIELD AND TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION
 
The Fund's yield is calculated in accordance with the SEC's standardized yield
formula. In it, dividend and interest income over the 30 day measurement period
is reduced by period expenses and divided by the number of days within the
measurement period to arrive at a daily income rate. This daily income rate is
then expressed as a semi-annually compounded yield based on the net asset value
of a share assuming a standardized 360 day year.
 
The Fund's average annual total return for any time period is calculated by
assuming an investment at the beginning of the measurement period at the net
asset value. Dividends from the net investable amount are then reinvested in
additional shares each month at the net asset value. At the end of the
measurement period, the total number of shares owned are redeemed at net asset
value (less any applicable contingent deferred sales load). The change in the
total value during the investment period is then expressed as an average annual
total rate of return.
 
The Fund may also advertise total return which is calculated differently from
"average annual total return" (a "non-standardized quotation"). A
nonstandardized quotation of total return measures the percentage change in the
value of an account between the beginning and end of a period, assuming no
activity in the account other than reinvestment of dividends and capital gains
distributions. A nonstandardized quotation of total return will always be
accompanied by the Fund's "average annual total return" as described above.
 
Yield and current return will vary from time to time depending on market
conditions, the composition of the portfolio, operating expenses and other
factors. These factors and possible differences in method of calculating
performance figures should be considered when comparing the performance figures
of the Fund with those of other investment vehicles. Yield and return
information is based on historical performance and is not intended to indicate
future performance. See the Statement of Additional Information "Yield and
Total Return Calculation."
 
The Fund's dividends vary with fluctuations in the income earned on its
portfolio securities and in its expenses while its net asset value varies with
realized and unrealized gains and losses on its portfolio securities to the
extent not reflected in dividends. Consequently, any given current distribution
yield quotation should not be considered representative of what the
distribution yield may be for any specified period in the future. Distribution
yield quotations may not necessarily be useful in comparing an investment in
the Fund with investment alternatives that provide a fixed rate of interest,
that are insured or guaranteed or that compute yield or return on a different
basis.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
 
DIRECTORS
 
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of its
Board of Directors.
 
MANAGER
 
The manager to the Fund is Nuveen Advisory Corp. (the "Manager"), whose
principal business address is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
The Manager serves as investment adviser to investment portfolios with more
than $35 billion in municipal assets under management. The Fund's Board of
Directors oversees the activities of the Manager, which also include managing
the Fund's business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and
other administrative services. Established in 1976, the Manager is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, which itself is
approximately 78% owned by the St. Paul Companies, Inc. Effective January 1,
1997, The John Nuveen Company acquired Flagship Resources Inc., and as part of
that acquisition, Flagship Financial, the adviser to the Flagship Admiral
Funds, was merged with the Manager.
 
Pursuant to the terms of an Assumption and Assignment Agreement, dated January
1, 1997 (the "Agreement"), the Manager, subject to the general supervision of
the Fund's Board of Directors and in conformity with the stated policies of the
Fund, manages the Fund including general supervision of the purchase and sale
of securities, and provides supervisory and corporate administrative services
to the Fund. In this regard, it is the responsibility of the Manager to assure
compliance with applicable law and the Fund's policies and to perform, or
supervise the
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
performance of, administrative services in connection with the Fund including:
(i) assisting in supervising all aspects of the Fund's operations; (ii)
providing the Fund, at the Manager's expense, with the services of persons
competent to perform such administrative and clerical functions as are
necessary in order to provide effective corporate administration of the Fund;
and (iii) providing the Fund, at the Manager's expense, with adequate office
space and related services. The Fund's accounting records are maintained, at
the Fund's expense, by its Custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company.
 
As compensation for the services rendered by the Manager under the Management
Agreement, the Fund will pay the Manager a fee, computed daily and payable
monthly, at an annual rate of .74% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Of
this amount, the Manager will pay the Investment Adviser, pursuant to an
Investment Advisory Agreement, .55% of the Fund's average daily net assets (see
below). For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the total expenses of the Fund
and the fee paid to the Manager, expressed as a percentage of average net
assets on an annualized basis, were 1.09% and .74%, respectively.
 
The Fund has adopted a Code of Ethics regarding restrictions on the investment
activity of specified "Investment Personnel." These include restrictions on
personal investing, pre-clearance of trades, sanctions and disgorgement of
certain profits, as well as prohibitions on short swing profits, investments in
initial public offerings and holding public directorships.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER
 
The investment adviser to the Fund is James Investment Research, Inc. (the
"Adviser"), whose principal business address is P.O. Box 8, Alpha, Ohio 45301.
The Adviser is owned by Frank James, Ph.D., who established it in 1972. The
Adviser provides advice to institutional as well as individual clients,
including NYSE listed corporations, colleges, banks, hospitals, foundations,
trusts, endowment funds and individuals.
 
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement among the Adviser, Flagship
Financial Inc. and the Fund dated May 30, 1991, and pursuant to an agreement
dated January 1, 1997 in which the Manager assumed the rights and obligations
of Flagship Financial Inc. and Flagship Financial Inc. assigned its rights and
obligations to the Manager, the Adviser has complete investment discretion with
respect to making the Fund investments subject to the general supervision of
the Board of Directors and the authority of the Manager to assure compliance by
the Adviser with applicable law and the Fund's investment objectives and
policies. Investment decisions are made by a team of portfolio managers, each
of whom has been employed by the Adviser for more than five years.
 
As compensation for the services rendered by the Adviser under the Advisory
Agreement, the Manager will pay the Adviser a fee, computed daily and payable
monthly, at an annual rate of .55% of the Fund's average daily net assets. For
the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the fee paid to the Investment Adviser was
 .55% of average net assets on an annualized basis. The Advisory Agreement may
be terminated on 60 days notice without penalty by either the Fund, the Manager
or the Adviser provided that the Manager may only terminate the Advisory
Agreement with the concurrence of a majority of the Board of Directors,
including a majority of the independent Directors.
 
The Adviser may allocate brokerage in a manner that takes account of the sale
of Fund shares.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTOR
 
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement (the "Distribution
Agreement") with John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the "Distributor"), pursuant
to which the Distributor serves as the exclusive selling agent and Distributor
of the Fund's shares, and in that capacity will make a continuous offering of
the shares and will be responsible for all sales and promotion efforts.
 
The Fund has adopted a plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act which permits the Fund to pay for certain distribution and promotion
expenses related to marketing its shares. Such expenses may include certain
fees to broker-dealers of record for customers of Citizens Federal, who are
stockholders of the Fund, but such fees shall not, when aggregated with other
expenses reimbursed to the Distributor in accordance with the Plan, exceed the
maximum 12b-1 fee set forth in the table on page 2 of this Prospectus. The
Fund's 12b-1 plan conforms to the requirements of the rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers with regard to Rule 12b-1 plans.
 
The Plan authorizes the Fund to expend its monies in an amount equal to the
aggregate for all such expenditures to such percentage of the Fund's daily net
asset value as may be determined from time to time by vote cast in person at
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
a meeting called for such purpose, by a majority of the Fund's disinterested
directors. The scope of the foregoing shall be interpreted by the directors,
whose decision shall be conclusive except to the extent it contravenes
established legal authority. Without in any way limiting the discretion of the
directors, the following activities are hereby declared to be primarily
intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund: advertising the Fund or
the Fund's Manager's mutual fund activities; compensating underwriters,
dealers, brokers, banks and other selling entities and sales and marketing
personnel of any of them for sales of shares of the Fund, whether in a lump sum
or on a continuous, periodic, contingent, deferred or other basis; compensating
underwriters, dealers, brokers, banks and other servicing entities and
servicing personnel (including the Fund's Manager and its personnel of any of
them for providing services to shareholders of the Fund relating to their
investment in the Fund, including assistance in connection with inquiries
relating to shareholder accounts; the production and dissemination of
prospectuses including statements of additional information) of the Fund and
the preparation, production and dissemination of sales, marketing and
stockholder servicing materials; and the ordinary or capital expenses, such as
equipment, rent, fixtures, salaries, bonuses, reporting and recordkeeping and
third party consultancy or similar expenses relating to any activity for which
payment is authorized by the directors and the financing of any activity for
which payment is authorized by the directors. Pursuant to the Plan the Fund
through authorized officers may make similar payments for marketing services to
non-broker-dealers who enter into service agreements with the Fund. The
Distributor has voluntarily waived any portion of its normally retained 12b-1
fee with regard to its service agreement with Citizens Federal and limited its
payments to $500 per month plus reimbursement of expenses and 12b-1 fees with
regard to selling agreements with broker-dealers affiliated with Citizens
Federal until notice to and approval by the Fund's Board of Directors is
obtained for increased payments.
 
The maximum amount payable by the Fund under the Plan and related agreements on
an annual basis is .40% of average daily net assets for the year. In the case
of broker-dealers and others, such as banks, who have selling or service
agreements with the Distributor or the Fund, the maximum amount payable to any
recipient is .0005479% per day (.20% on an annualized basis) of the proportion
of daily net assets represented by such person's customers. The Board of
Directors may reduce these amounts at any time. Expenditures pursuant to the
Plan and related agreements may reduce current yield after expenses. For the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the Fund paid $423,778 under the Plan and
related agreements (the Distributor permanently waived $252,756 for the same
period).
 
Various federal and state laws prohibit national banks and some state-chartered
commercial banks from underwriting or dealing in the Fund's shares. In the
unlikely event that a court were to find that these laws also prohibit such
banks from providing services of the type contemplated by the Fund's service
agreement, the Fund would seek alternative providers of such services and
expects that stockholders would not experience any disadvantage. In addition,
under the securities laws in some states, banks and financial institutions may
be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MULTIPLE CLASS DISTRIBUTION
 
The SEC has adopted rules which permit funds to issue multiple classes of
shares and impose deferred sales charges. The Corporation has adopted a plan
pursuant to such rules permitting each of the Corporation's series to offer
multiple classes of shares consistent with such rules.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
 
The Corporation was organized on April 18, 1983, as a Maryland corporation. On
October 15, 1987, the Corporation's stockholders approved amendments to the
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation converting it into a series fund.
 
The authorized capital stock of the Corporation consists of 600,000,000 shares
of stock, par value $.001 per share, which are divided into five (5) portfolio
classes; namely, the Flagship Utility Income Fund Portfolio Stock, The Golden
Rainbow--A James Advised Mutual Fund Portfolio Stock, the Flagship Short Term
U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock, the Flagship Limited Term U.S. Government
Fund Portfolio Stock and the Flagship Intermediate U.S. Government Fund
Portfolio Stock.
 
The Flagship Utility Income Fund Portfolio Stock consists of 200,000,000
shares, which are divided into five (5) subclasses, designated respectively as
the Flagship Utility Income Fund Portfolio Stock, consisting of 3,500,000
shares, and the Flagship Utility Income Fund Portfolio Stock--Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class R, each
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
consisting of 49,125,000 shares. The Golden Rainbow - A James Advised Mutual
Fund Portfolio Stock consists of 100,000,00 shares which are divided into five
(5) subclasses, designated respectively as The Golden Rainbow--A James Advised
Mutual Fund Portfolio Stock, consisting of 15,000,000 shares, and The Golden
Rainbow--A James Advised Mutual Fund Portfolio Stock--Class A, Class B, Class C
and Class R, each consisting of 21,250,000 shares. The Flagship Short Term U.S.
Government Fund Portfolio Stock consists of 100,000,000 shares which are
designated as the Flagship Short Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock. The
Flagship Limited Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock consists of
100,000,000 shares which are divided into five (5) subclasses, designated
respectively as the Flagship Limited Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock,
consisting of 2,000,000 shares and the Flagship Limited Term U.S. Government
Fund Portfolio Stock--Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R, each consisting of
24,500,000 shares. The Flagship Intermediate U.S. Government Fund Portfolio
Stock consists of 100,000,000 shares which are divided into five (5)
subclasses, designated respectively as the Flagship Intermediate Term U.S.
Government Fund Portfolio Stock consisting of 2,000,000 shares and the Flagship
Intermediate Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock--Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class R, each consisting of 24,500,000 shares.
 
The Flagship Utility Income Fund is offered through a separate prospectus.
Pursuant to Maryland law and the Corporation's charter, the Board of Directors
may increase the authorized capital and reclassify unissued shares of any class
to create additional classes of stock with specified rights, preferences, and
limitations. Each share is entitled to one vote per share on all matters
subject to stockholders' vote. Shares of all classes vote together as a single
class except that where a matter affects a particular class differently from
other classes, that class will vote separately on such matter. The Corporation
is not required to hold meetings of stockholders for the purpose of electing
directors unless less than a majority of the directors elected by stockholders
remain in office. If the Corporation does not hold annual meetings of
stockholders, it will abide by section 16 (c) of the 1940 Act which provides
certain rights to stockholders. Directors may be removed by vote of a majority
of the outstanding shares of the Corporation.
 
Each share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions
declared by the Directors with respect to shares of the same class, and in the
net distributable assets allocated to such class on liquidation. Stockholders
are entitled to redeem their shares, as set forth under "How to Redeem." There
are no conversion, preemptive or exchange rights in connection with any shares
of the Fund, nor are there cumulative voting rights. All shares of the Fund
when issued will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Fund.
 
Almost all of the Fund's shares are owned by Citizens Federal Bank, F.S.B.,
Dayton, Ohio acting as either trustee, investment agent, or custodian for its
clients. While Citizens Federal has the legal right in certain situations to
vote on behalf of its clients, it is anticipated that Citizens Federal will
contact its clients and vote in accordance with their preferences.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
 
The Chase Manhattan Bank, 4 New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004 is the
custodian of the Fund's assets. The custodian performs custodial, fund
accounting, portfolio accounting, shareholder, and transfer agency services.
 
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02106, is the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund. It
also maintains the accounting records, determines the net asset value, and
performs other stockholder services for the Fund.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNSEL AND AUDITORS
 
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, counsel to the Corporation, passes
upon legal matters for the Corporation. Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
auditors, are auditors of the Corporation effective July 1, 1997.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
The Fund issues to its stockholders semiannual reports containing unaudited
financial statements for the Fund and annual reports containing audited
financial statements approved annually by the Board of Directors. The words
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
"A James Advised Mutual Fund' are used under revocable license from James
Investment Research, Inc. The Fund's license to use the James language will
terminate if the Adviser ceases to be Adviser to the Fund.
 
This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the
Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
the Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act with respect to the securities
offered hereby, certain portions of which have been omitted pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Registration Statement including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined at
the office of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C.
 
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or
other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part,
each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
 
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY BY THE FUND OR BY THE
DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
 
The symbol sm indicates a service mark of the Manager.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
  
GOLDEN RAINBOW FUND APPLICATION FORM
 
 
 PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE ALL INFORMATION     PLEASE MAIL THIS APPLICATION AND
                                          YOUR CHECK TO:
 
 NOTE: YOU MUST COMPLETE SECTIONS 1,      Boston Financial
 2, 3, 4, 5 AND SIGN THE SIGNATURE        Attn.: Golden Rainbow Fund
 LINE. YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR     P.O. Box 8509
 PROCESSING. COMPLETE SECTIONS 7, 8,      Boston, MA 02266-8509
 9, 10 AND 11 FOR OPTIONAL SERVICES.
 
 
1. YOUR ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
 
 Please check only ONE registration type:
 OWNER NAME(S) (FIRST, MIDDLE INITIAL (IF USED), LAST)
 [_] INDIVIDUAL OR JOINT ACCOUNT*
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 *Joint tenants with rights of survivorship unless tenancy in common is
 indicated
 [_] OTHER ENTITY
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 [_] UNIFORM GIFT TO MINORS                  Minor's state of residence
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Minor's Name (One name only)
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Custodian Name (One name only)
 
2. YOUR MAILING ADDRESS
 
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Street or P.O. Box                       Suite or Apt. Number
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 -----          --------    ------
 State          Zip Code

 (  )   -            (  )   -
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Daytime Phone       Evening Phone
 [_] U.S. CITIZEN OR  [_] OTHER (specify) ______________________________________
 
3. YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY/TAX ID NUMBER
 
 For Individual or Joint accounts use Social Security number of owner. For
 custodial accounts use minor's Social Security number.
 
 --- -- ----
 Social Security number
 
 --- ---------------
 Tax ID Number
 
4. YOUR INITIAL INVESTMENT
 
 I want to invest this amount*:
 $ ___________
 *Minimum of $5,000.
 
 Attach check payable to THE GOLDEN RAINBOW
 
5. DIVIDEND/DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
 If no option is selected, all distributions will be reinvested.
 [_] Reinvest dividends and capital gains.
 [_] Pay dividends in cash, reinvest capital gains.
 [_] Pay dividends and capital gains in cash.
 [_] Deposit dividends directly into the bank account indicated on the
     attached VOIDED check (subject to terms and conditions in the prospectus).
 [_] Send my distributions to the address listed below.
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name of Individual
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Street Address
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 ---   --------    ------
 State Zip Code
 
6. DEALER AUTHORIZATION
 We are a duly registered and licensed dealer and have a sales agreement with
 Flagship Funds Inc. We are authorized to purchase shares from the Fund for
 the investor. The investor is authorized to send any future payments directly
 to the Fund for investment. Confirm each transaction to the investor and to
 us. We guarantee the genuineness of the investor's signature.
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Investment Firm
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Investment Professional's Name                    Rep #
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Branch Address                                    Branch #
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 ---   --------     ------
 State Zip Code
 
 (  )    -
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Investment Professional's Phone Number
 X
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Signature of Investment Professional
 
7. LETTER OF INTENT (Retail Shares only)
 I/we agree to the escrow provision described in the prospectus and intend to
 purchase, although I'm not obligated to do so, shares of the Fund designated
 on this application within a 13-month period which, together with the total
 asset value of shares owned, will aggregate at least:
    [_] $50,000
    [_] $100,000
    [_] $250,000
    [_] $500,000
    [_] $1,000,000
<PAGE>
  
8. AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
 Pursuant to the terms of the plan described in the prospectus, I/we authorize
 the automatic monthly transfer of funds from my/our bank account for
 investment in the above Flagship Fund. Attached is a VOIDED check from that
 account.

 Date for Investment            (Between 5th and 28th only)
                     ---
 
 $
 -----------------   Month to Begin Plan ______________________________________
 Amount ($100 Minimum)
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name of Bank
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank Account  #
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank's Street Address
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 ---   --------   ------
 State Zip Code
 X
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Signature of Depositor                         Date
 X
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Signature of Joint Depositor                   Date
 
9. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
 
 A minimum $10,000 balance is required.
 BANK ACCOUNT CREDIT
 Please redeem $_________ from my account and credit my bank account as indi-
 cated in the banking information section below.
 Month first credit is to be made: ____________________________________________

 Day of the month that I wish the credit to be made:____
 (Between the 5th and 28th only.)
 Please credit my account for each month I have selected.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   JAN            FEB                   MAR                   APR                   MAY                   JUN
   <S>            <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
   [_]            [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]

   JUL            AUG                   SEP                   OCT                   NOV                   DEC
   [_]            [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]
</TABLE>
 CHECK
 Please redeem $___________ from my account on or about the 31st of each month
 as selected above.
 Month first credit is to be sent: ____________________________________________
 Send checks to: [_] Address on account
                 [_] Special address (complete below)
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Payee
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Street
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 ---   --------   ------
 State Zip Code
 
10. TELEPHONE REDEMPTION
 
 I/we hereby authorize the Fund to implement the following telephone 
 redemption requests (under $50,000 only) without signature verification to the 
 registered fund account name and address. Redemption proceeds may be wired to
 the U.S. commercial bank designated, provided you complete the information
 below and enclose a VOIDED check for that account.
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name of Bank
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank Account #
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank's Street Address
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 ---   -------    ------
 State Zip Code
 
 [_] I do not authorize redemption by telephone.
 
11. INTERESTED PARTY MAIL
 [_] Send duplicate confirmation statements to the interested party listed
     below.
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name of Individual
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Street Address
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 ---   --------   ------
 State Zip Code

SIGNATURE(S)
 
Under the penalties of perjury, I/we certify that the information provided on
this form is true, correct, and complete. The undersigned certify that I/we
have full authority and legal capacity to purchase, exchange or redeem shares
of the above named Fund(s) and affirm that I/we have received and read a 
current Prospectus of the named Fund(s) and agree to be bound by its terms.
 
I/we agree to indemnify and hold harmless State Street Bank and Trust Company,
Boston Financial, and any Flagship fund(s) which may be involved in transactions
authorized by telephone against any claim, loss, expense or damage, including
reasonable fees of investigation and counsel, in connection with any telephone
withdrawal effected on my account pursuant to procedures described in the
Prospectus.
X                                        X
- --------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
Signature                    Date        Signature (Joint Tenant)      Date
 1. As required by the IRS I/we certify (a) that the number shown on this form
    is my correct Taxpayer Identification number. I/we understand that if I/we
    do not provide a Taxpayer Identification Number to the Fund within 60 days,
    the Fund is required to withhold 31 percent of all reportable payments
    thereafter made to me until I/we provide a number certified under penalties
    of perjury, and that I/we may be subject to a $50 penalty by the IRS.
 2. As required by the IRS I/we certify under penalties of perjury that I/we
    are not subject to backup withholding by the IRS.
NOTE: Strike out Item (2) if you have been notified that you are subject to
backup withholding by the IRS and you have not received a notice from the IRS
advising you that backup withholding has been terminated.
X                                        X
- --------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
Signature                    Date        Signature (Joint Tenant)      Date
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE FUND. YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION
STATEMENT SHORTLY.
<PAGE>
 
                          FLAGSHIP ADMIRAL FUNDS INC.
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                            DATED OCTOBER 29, 1997
 
                333 WEST WACKER DRIVE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
 
             THE GOLDEN RAINBOW A JAMES ADVISED MUTUAL FUND SERIES
 
  This Statement of Additional Information provides certain detailed
information concerning the Fund. It is not a Prospectus and should be read in
conjunction with the Fund's current Prospectus for The Golden Rainbow A James
Advised Mutual Fund, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by written
request to: Funds, c/o John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, 333 West Wacker Drive,
Chicago, Illinois 60606 or by telephone (toll free) at: (800) 414-7447.
 
  This Statement of Additional Information relates to The Golden Rainbow A
James Advised Mutual Fund Prospectus dated October 29, 1997.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Investment Objectives and Policies.........................................    2
Shares of the Fund.........................................................    9
Officers, Directors and Stockholders.......................................   11
Investment Advisory Services...............................................   14
Taxes......................................................................   15
Yield and Total Return Calculation.........................................   16
Distributions..............................................................   17
Distributor................................................................   17
Custodian and Transfer Agent...............................................   18
Auditors...................................................................   19
Portfolio Transactions.....................................................   19
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares.................................   20
Other Information..........................................................   20
Appendix I--Description of Securities Ratings..............................  I-1
Appendix II--Description of Hedging Techniques............................. II-1
</TABLE>
 
  The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997,
appearing in the Annual Report of The Golden Rainbow A James Advised Mutual
Fund are incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report accompanies this
Statement of Additional Information.
<PAGE>
 
                      INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
  Flagship Admiral Funds Inc. (the "Fund") has no fundamental objectives as a
whole. Each Portfolio of the Fund has its own objectives. The Golden Rainbow A
James Advised Mutual Fund ("GR Fund") has adopted the following investment
restrictions (which supplement the matters described under "The Fund and Its
Objective" in the GR Fund Prospectus), none of which may be changed without
the approval of the holders of a majority (as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")) of its outstanding shares. The GR Fund
may not:
 
  (1) Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S.
Government or any of its instrumentalities, if immediately after such purchase
more than 5% of the value of its total assets would be invested in such
issuer, or the Portfolio would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of such issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the
Portfolio's total assets may be invested without regard to such 5% and 10%
limitations;
 
  (2) Make loans, except to the extent the purchase of debt obligations
(including repurchase agreements and convertible securities) in accordance
with the Portfolio's investment objective and policies are considered loans
and except that the Portfolio may loan portfolio securities to qualified
institutional investors in compliance with requirements established from time
to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the securities
exchanges in which such securities are traded;
 
  (3) Issue securities senior to its stock or borrow money, except that the
Portfolio has reserved the right to borrow money from banks on a temporary
basis from time to time to provide greater liquidity for redemptions or to
make additional portfolio investments. Such borrowings will not exceed 33 1/3%
of the Portfolio's total net assets including all outstanding borrowings
immediately after the time the latest such borrowing is made, plus amounts not
exceeding 5% borrowed to settle securities trades;
 
  (4) Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer any of whose officers,
directors, or security holders is a director or officer of the Fund or of its
investment adviser if or so long as the directors and officers of the Fund and
of its investment adviser together own beneficially more than 5% of any class
of securities of such issuer;
 
  (5) Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets except in an amount up to 
33 1/3% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets, taken at cost, and only to
secure borrowings permitted by clause (3) above.
 
  (6) Purchase or sell real estate, real estate whole mortgage loans or real
estate investment trust securities (excluding securities secured by real
estate or interests therein or issued by entities that invest in real estate
or interests therein), oil and gas interests or, except for bona fide hedging
purposes, commodities or commodity contracts.
 
  (7) Acquire securities of other investment companies (other than in
connection with the acquisitions of such companies) other than as permitted by
applicable law.
 
  (8) Act as an underwriter of securities or invest more than 10% of the
Portfolio's assets, as determined at the time of investment, in securities
that are subject to restrictions on disposition under the Securities Act of
1933 or for which market quotations are not readily available, including
repurchase agreements having more than seven days to maturity.
 
  (9) Purchase securities on margin, make short sales of securities or
maintain a net short position.
 
  In order to permit the sale of shares in certain states, the Fund may make
commitments more restrictive than the operating restrictions described above.
Should the Fund determine that any such commitment is no longer in the best
interest of the stockholders, it will revoke the commitment by terminating
sales of its shares in the state involved. Also, as a matter of policy that is
not fundamental, the GR Fund has determined that it will not invest in
warrants, own more than 5% of the outstanding voting securities of any issuer
and will only write call options which are fully covered.
 
  The Fund places no restrictions on portfolio turnover except as may be
necessary to maintain its status as a regulated investment company under the
Internal Revenue Code.
 
  Repurchase Agreements. The GR Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which it may acquire
securities and agree to resell the securities to the other party at an agreed
upon time and at an agreed upon price. The GR Fund would accrue as interest
the difference between the amount it pays for the securities and the amount it
receives upon resale. At the time the GR Fund enters into a repurchase
agreement, the value of the underlying security including accrued interest
will be equal to or exceed the value of the repurchase agreement and, for
repurchase agreements that mature in more than
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
one day, the seller will agree that the value of the underlying security
including accrued interest will continue to be at least equal to the value of
the repurchase agreement. The GR Fund will enter into repurchase agreements
only with creditworthy parties and will monitor such creditworthiness on an
ongoing basis. Generally, repurchase agreement activities will be restricted
to well-capitalized commercial banks with assets in excess of $1 billion,
primary dealers in U.S. Government securities or broker-dealers registered
with the SEC. The underlying securities will only consist of U.S. Government
or Government Agency securities, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances
or commercial paper. In the event of default by such party, the delays and
expenses potentially involved in establishing the Fund's rights to, and in
liquidating the security may result in a loss.
 
  Leverage. The GR Fund has reserved the right to borrow money from time to
time to provide greater liquidity for redemptions or to make additional
portfolio investments. If the GR Fund were to borrow money, income earned from
additional investments in excess of interest costs would improve performance
over what otherwise would be the case. Conversely, if the investment
performance of such additional investments failed to cover their cost
(including interest cost (including interest costs on such borrowings) the
performance would be poorer than would otherwise be the case. This speculative
factor is known as "leverage."
 
  The 1940 Act limits the amount of money a fund may borrow to 33 1/3% of the
value of such fund's net assets plus all outstanding borrowings immediately
after the time the latest such borrowing is made. If the GR Fund were to
borrow money and the value of its assets were to fall below the statutory
coverage requirement for any reason, the GR Fund would have to take corrective
action to achieve compliance within three business days and accordingly might
be required to sell a portion of its securities at a time when such sale might
be disadvantageous.
 
  "When Issued" Transactions. The Fund may purchase and sell securities on a
"when issued" and "delayed delivery" basis. These transactions are subject to
market fluctuation; the value at delivery may be more or less than the
purchase price. Since the Fund relies on the buyer or seller, as the case may
be, to consummate the transaction, failure by the other party to complete the
transaction may result in it missing the opportunity of obtaining a price or
yield considered to be advantageous. When the Fund is the buyer in such a
transaction, however, it will maintain with its custodian cash or high-grade
portfolio securities having an aggregate value equal to the amount of such
purchase commitments until payment is made. To the extent the Fund engages in
"when issued" and "delayed delivery" transactions, it will do so for the
purpose of acquiring securities for its portfolio consistent with its
investment objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment
leverage.
 
  Diversification. As a diversified fund, the GR Fund may not purchase the
securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government or any of its
instrumentalities, if immediately after such purchase more than 5% of the
value of its total assets would be invested in such issuer, or if it would own
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, except that
up to 25% of the value of the GR Fund's total assets may be invested without
regard to such 5% and 10% limitations.
 
  Hedging Transactions. The GR Fund may utilize various other investment
strategies as described below to hedge various market risks (such as interest
rates, currency exchange rates, and broad or specific equity market
movements), or to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed-income
securities. Such strategies are generally accepted by modern portfolio
managers and are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and other
institutional investors. Techniques and instruments may change over time as
new instruments and strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur.
 
  In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase
and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other financial instruments,
purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, enter into
various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and
enter into various currency transactions such as currency forward contracts,
currency futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies or
currency futures (collectively, all the above are called "Hedging
Transactions"). Hedging Transactions may be used to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for the GR Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency
exchange rate fluctuations, to protect the GR Fund's unrealized gains in the
value of its portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities
for investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of the
GR Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the derivatives markets as
a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities. No
more than 5% of the GR Fund's assets will be committed to Hedging Transactions
entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of these investment
techniques may be used at any time and there is no particular strategy that
dictates the use of one technique rather than another, as use of any Hedging
Transaction is a function of
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
numerous variables including market conditions. The ability of the GR Fund to
utilize these Hedging Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's
ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The GR
Fund will comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing
these strategies, techniques and instruments. Hedging Transactions involving
financial futures and options thereon will be purchased, sold or entered into
only for bona fide hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes
and not for speculative purposes.
 
  Hedging Transactions have risks associated with them including possible
default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent
the Adviser's view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that
the use of such Hedging Transactions could result in losses greater than if
they had not been used. Use of put and call options may result in losses to
the GR Fund, force the sale or purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune
times or for prices higher than (in the case of put options) or lower than (in
the case of call options) current market values, limit the amount the
appreciation of the GR Fund can realize on its investments or cause the GR
Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The use of currency
transactions can result in the GR Fund incurring losses as a result of a
number of factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension of
settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of the
GR Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of the GR Fund's position. In addition,
futures and options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets,
the GR Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring
substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to
limit any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures
contracts would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would
purchases of options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial
premium. Losses resulting from the use of Hedging Transactions would reduce
net asset value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if
the Hedging Transactions had not been utilized.
 
  General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically
have similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless
of the underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the
following general discussion relates to each of the particular types of
options discussed in greater detail below. In addition, many Hedging
Transactions involving options require segregation of GR Fund assets in
special accounts, as described below under "Use of Segregated and Other
Special Accounts."
 
  A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium,
the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying
security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise
price. For instance, the GR Fund's purchase of a put option on a security
might be designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in
some cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market
value by giving the GR Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option
exercise price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser
of the option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the
underlying instrument at the exercise price. The GR Fund's purchase of a call
option on a security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument
might be intended to protect the GR Fund against an increase in the price of
the underlying instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing
the price at which it may purchase such instrument. An American style put or
call option may be exercised at any time during the option period while a
European style put or call option may be exercised only upon expiration or
during a fixed period prior thereto. The Fund is authorized to purchase and
sell exchange-listed options and over-the-counter options ("OTC options").
Exchange-listed options are issued by a regulated intermediary such as the
Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which guarantees the performance of the
obligations of the parties to such options. The discussion below uses the OCC
as a paradigm, but is also applicable to other financial intermediaries.
 
  With certain exceptions, OCC-issued and exchange-listed options generally
settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency, although
in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options and
Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which
the option is "in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying
instrument exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case
of a put option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is
exercised. Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying
instrument through the process of exercising the option, listed options are
closed by entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not
result in ownership of the new option.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  The GR Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of
an OCC or exchange-listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the
liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of
a liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest
in certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange;
(iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including
reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the
OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to
handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of
options), in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange
would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would
generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
  The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours
during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent
that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial
instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the
underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
 
  OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial
institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct bilateral
agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange-listed options, which
generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of
an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise
price, premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the
parties. The GR Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency
options) that are subject to a buy-back provision permitting the GR Fund to
require the Counterparty to sell the option back to the GR Fund at a formula
price within seven days. The GR Fund expects generally to enter into OTC
options that have cash settlement provisions, although it is not required to
do so.
 
  Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty
function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to make or
take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying an OTC
option it has entered into with the GR Fund or fails to make a cash settlement
payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the GR Fund will lose
any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the
transaction. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of each
such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the Counterparty's
credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be
satisfied. The GR Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only with United
States government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York as "primary dealers" or broker dealers, domestic or foreign banks or
other financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligations of which have received) a short-term credit rating of "A-1" from
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group(R) ("S&P") or "P-1" from Moody's Investor
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or an equivalent rating from any nationally
recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO"). The staff of the SEC
currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by the GR Fund, and
portfolios securities "covering" the amount of the GR Fund's obligation
pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus the in-
the-money amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to the GR Fund's
limitation on investing no more than 10% of its assets in illiquid securities.
 
  If the GR Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve
as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in
the value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase the GR Fund's income. The sale of put options can also provide
income.
 
  The GR Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities, including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt
securities, equity securities (including convertible securities) and
Eurodollar instruments that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities
exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets and on securities indices,
currencies and futures contracts. All calls sold by the GR Fund must be
"covered" (i.e., the Fund must own the securities or futures contract subject
to the call) or must meet the asset segregation requirements described below
as long as the call is outstanding. Even though the GR Fund will receive the
option premium to help protect it against loss, a call sold by the GR Fund
exposes the GR Fund during the term of the option to possible loss of
opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying
security or instrument and may require the GR Fund to hold a security or
instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
 
  The GR Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt
securities, equity securities (including convertible securities) and
Eurodollar instruments (whether or not it holds the above securities in its
portfolio) and on
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
securities indices, currencies and futures contracts other than futures on
individual corporate debt and individual equity securities. The GR Fund will
not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of the GR Fund's assets
would be required to be segregated to cover its potential obligations under
such put options other than those with respect to futures and options thereon.
In selling put options, there is a risk that the GR Fund may be required to
buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the market price.
 
  General Characteristics of Futures. The GR Fund may enter into financial
futures contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as
a hedge against anticipated interest rate, currency or equity market changes,
for duration management and for risk management purposes. Futures are
generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed
with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a
futures contract creates a firm obligation by the GR Fund, as seller, to
deliver to the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in
the contract at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect
to index futures and Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). Options on
futures contracts are similar to options on securities except that an option
on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium
paid to assume a position in a futures contract and obligates the seller to
deliver such option.
 
  The GR Fund's use of financial futures and options thereon will in all cases
be consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular the
rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and will be
entered into only for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration
management) or other portfolio management purposes. Typically, maintaining a
futures contract or selling an option thereon requires the GR Fund to deposit
with a financial intermediary as security for its obligations an amount of
cash or other specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically
1% to 10% of the face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some
circumstances). Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required
to be deposited thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the
contract fluctuates. The purchase of an option on financial futures involves
payment of a premium for the option without any further obligation on the part
of the GR Fund. If the GR Fund exercises an option on a futures contract, it
will be obligated to post initial margin (and potential subsequent variation
margin) for the resulting futures position just as it would for any position.
Futures contracts and options thereon are generally settled by entering into
an offsetting transaction, but there can be no assurance that the position can
be offset prior to settlement at an advantageous price nor that delivery will
occur.
 
  The GR Fund will not enter into a futures contract or related option (except
for closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of
its initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts and options thereon
would exceed 5% of the GR Fund's total assets (taken at current value);
however, in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of the
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5%
limitation. The segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and
options thereon are described below.
 
  Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. The GR Fund also
may purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other
financial indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it
would achieve through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities
or other instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial
indices are similar to options on a security or other instrument except that,
rather than settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they
settle by cash settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the
right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the
closing level of the index upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case
of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the
option (except if, in the case of an OTC option, physical delivery is
specified). This amount of cash is equal to the excess of the closing price of
the index over the exercise price of the option, which also may be multiplied
by a formula value. The seller of the option is obligated, in return for the
premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The gain or loss on an
option on an index depends on price movements in the instruments making up the
market, market segment, industry or other composite on which the underlying
index is based, rather than price movements in individual securities, as is
the case with respect to options on securities.
 
  Currency Transactions. The GR Fund may engage in currency transactions with
Counterparties in order to hedge the value of portfolio holdings denominated
in particular currencies against fluctuations in relative value. Currency
transactions include forward currency contracts, exchange-listed currency
futures, exchange-listed and OTC options on currencies, and currency swaps. 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
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
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. A currency swap is an
agreement to exchange cash flows based on the notional difference among two or
more currencies and operates similarly to an interest rate swap, which is
described below. The GR Fund may enter into currency transactions with
Counterparties which have received (or the guarantors of the obligations of
such Counterparties have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or
Moody's, respectively, or that have an equivalent rating from an NRSRO or
(except for OTC currency options) are determined to be of equivalent credit
quality by the Adviser.
 
  The GR Fund's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps will be
limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions. Transaction hedging is entering into a currency transaction with
respect to specific assets or liabilities of the GR Fund, which will generally
arise in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities or
the receipt of income therefrom. Position hedging is entering into a currency
transaction with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or
generally quoted in that currency.
 
  The GR Fund will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency exposure to
an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended to wholly or
partially offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the
time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio
that are denominated or generally quoted in or currency convertible into such
currently other than with respect to proxy hedging as described below.
 
  The GR Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions to
purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value
relative to other currencies to which the GR Fund has or in which the GR Fund
expects to have portfolio exposure.
 
  To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing or
anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the GR Fund may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the GR
Fund's portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the
dollar. Proxy hedging entails entering into a forward contract to sell a
currency whose changes in value are generally considered to be linked to a
currency or currencies in which some or all of the GR Fund's portfolio
securities are or are expected to be denominated, and to buy U.S. dollars. The
amount of the contract would not exceed the value of the GR Fund's securities
denominated in linked currencies. For example, if the Adviser considers the
Austrian schilling is linked to the German deutschemark (the "D-mark"), the GR
Fund holds securities denominated in schillings and the Adviser believes that
the value of schillings will decline against the U.S. dollar, the Adviser may
enter into a contract to sell D-marks and buy dollars. Currency hedging
involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions with
similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the GR Fund
if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction
that is not anticipated. Further, there is the risk that the perceived linkage
between various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the
particular time that the GR Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. If the GR Fund
enters into a currency hedging transaction, the GR Fund will comply with the
asset segregation requirements described below.
 
  Risks of Currency Transactions. Currency transactions are 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 sales of currency and related instruments
can be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and
manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can
result in losses to the GR Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency
or funds 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. Buyers and sellers of currency futures
are subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures 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 is relatively new, and the ability to establish and close
out positions on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market
which may not always be available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based
on factors extrinsic to that country's economy.
 
  Combined Transactions. The GR Fund may enter into multiple transactions,
including multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions,
multiple currency transactions (including forward currency contracts) and any
combination of futures, options and currency transactions ("component"
transactions), instead of a single Hedging Transaction, as part of a single or
combined strategy when, in the opinion of the Adviser, it is
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
in the best interests of the GR Fund to do so. A combined transaction will
usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component
transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered into based
on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or
otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it
is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or hinder
achievement of the portfolio management objective.
 
  Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Hedging Transactions into which
the GR Fund may enter are interest rate, currency and index swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The GR Fund expects to
enter into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a
particular investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the GR Fund anticipates purchasing at a
later date. The GR Fund intends to use these transactions as hedges and not as
speculative investments and will not sell interest rate caps or floors where
it does not own securities or other instruments providing the income stream
the GR Fund may be obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange
by the GR Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or
receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate
payments with respect to a notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an
agreement to exchange cash flows on a notional amount of two or more
currencies based on the relative value differential among them and an index
swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on a notional amount based on changes
in the values of the reference indices. The purchase of a cap entitles the
purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party
selling such cap to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined
interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor entitles the purchaser to
receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling such
floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined
interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor that
preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates or
values.
 
  The GR Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or
dates specified in the instrument, with the GR Fund receiving or paying, as
the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as these
swaps, caps, floors, and collars are entered into for good faith hedging
purposes, the Adviser and the GR Fund believe such obligations do not
constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not
treat them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions. The GR Fund will
not enter into any swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time
of entering into such transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the
Counterparty, combined with any credit enhancements, is rated at least "A" by
S&P or Moody's or has an equivalent rating from an NRSRO or is determined to
be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser. If there is a default by the
Counterparty, the GR Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the
agreements related to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially
in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms
acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap
documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid.
Caps, floors, and collars are more recent innovations for which standardized
documentation has not yet been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less
liquid than swaps.
 
  Eurodollar Instruments. The GR Fund may make investments in Eurodollar
instruments. Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures
contracts or options thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered
Rate ("LIBOR"), although foreign currency-denominated instruments are
available from time to time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to
obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed
rate for borrowings. The GR Fund might use Eurodollar futures contracts and
options thereon to hedge against changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate
swaps and fixed income instruments are linked.
 
  Risks of Hedging Transactions Outside the United States. When conducted
outside the United States, Hedging Transactions may not be regulated as
rigorously as in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and
related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions
affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities, currencies and
other instruments. The value of such positions also could be adversely
affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors,
(ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make
trading decisions, (iii) delays in the GR Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during nonbusiness hours in the United
States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and
procedures and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) lower
trading volume and liquidity.
 
  Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Hedging Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that the GR Fund segregate liquid high
grade assets with its custodian to the extent GR Fund obligations are not
otherwise "covered" through ownership of the underlying security, financial
instrument
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
or currency. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the GR
Fund to pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by
the securities, instruments or currency required to be delivered, or, subject
to any regulatory restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid high grade
securities at least equal to the current amount of the obligation must be
segregated with the custodian. The segregated assets cannot be sold or
transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is
no longer necessary to segregate them. For example, a call option written by
the GR Fund will require the Fund to hold the securities subject to the call
(or securities convertible into the needed securities without additional
consideration) or to segregate liquid high-grade securities sufficient to
purchase and deliver the securities if the call is exercised. A call option
sold by the GR Fund on an index will require the GR Fund to own portfolio
securities which correlate with the index or to segregate liquid high grade
assets equal to the excess of the index value over the exercise price on a
current basis. A put option written by the GR Fund requires the GR Fund to
segregate liquid, high grade assets equal to the exercise price.
 
  Except when the GR Fund enters into a forward contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no
segregation, a currency contract which obligates the GR Fund to buy or sell
currency will generally require the GR Fund to hold an amount of that currency
or liquid securities denominated in that currency equal to the GR Fund's
obligations or to segregate liquid high grade assets equal to the amount of
the GR Fund's obligation.
 
  OTC options entered into by the GR Fund, including those on securities,
currency, financial instruments or indices and OCC-issued and exchange-listed
index options will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when
the GR Fund sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of assets
equal to its accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for payment
or delivery of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will equal
100% of the exercise price in the case of a noncash settled put, the same as
an OCC guaranteed listed option sold by the GR Fund, or the in-the-money
amount plus any sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or
call. In addition, when the GR Fund sells a call option on an index at a time
when the in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, the GR Fund will
segregate, until the option expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents
equal in value to such excess. OCC-issued and exchange-listed options sold by
the GR Fund other than those above generally settle with physical delivery, or
with an election of either physical delivery or cash settlement and the GR
Fund will segregate an amount of assets equal to the full value of the option.
OTC options settling with physical delivery, or with an election of either
physical delivery or cash settlement, will be treated the same as other
options settling with physical delivery.
 
  In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, the GR Fund must
deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to
segregating assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide
securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an
index-based futures contract. Such assets may consist of cash, cash
equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
 
  With respect to swaps, the GR Fund will accrue the net amount of the excess,
if any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap on
a daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid high grade
securities having a value equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and
collars require segregation of assets with a value equal to the GR Fund's net
obligation, if any.
 
  Hedging Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent with
applicable regulatory policies. The GR Fund may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated
assets, equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Hedging
Transactions. For example, the GR Fund could purchase a put option if the
strike price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a
put option sold by the GR Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating assets if the
GR Fund held a futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on
the same futures or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher
than the price of the contract held. Other Hedging Transactions may also be
offset in combinations. If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time
of or after the primary transaction no segregation is required, but if it
terminates prior to such time, assets equal to any remaining obligation would
need to be segregated.
 
                              SHARES OF THE FUND
 
  Four classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, and
Class R Shares are authorized for the Fund. Currently, the Fund is offering
Class A Shares. Other classes of shares are not presently available,
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
but may be offered in the future. The Fund is authorized to offer up to four
classes of shares which may be purchased at a price equal to their net asset
value per share, plus (for certain classes) a sales charge (discussed below)
which, at the election of the purchaser, may be imposed either (i) at the time
of purchase (the "Class A Shares") or (ii) on a contingent deferred basis (the
"Class B Shares" or the "Class C Shares"). The four classes of shares each
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and
have the same rights, except (i) Class B and Class C Shares bear the expenses
of the deferred sales arrangement and any expenses (including a higher
distribution services fee) resulting from such sales arrangement, (ii) each
class that is subject to a distribution fee has exclusive voting rights with
respect to those provisions of the Fund's Rule 12b-1 distribution plan which
relate only to such class and (iii) the classes have different exchange
privileges. Additionally, Class B Shares will automatically convert into Class
A Shares after a specified period of years (as described below). The net
income attributable to Class B and Class C Shares and the dividends payable on
Class B and Class C Shares will be reduced by the amount of the higher
distribution services fee and certain other incremental expenses associated
with the deferred sales charge arrangement. The net asset value per share of
Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares is expected
to be substantially the same, but it may differ from time to time.
 
  1. Class A Shares. The public offering price of Class A Shares is equal to
net asset value plus an initial sales charge that is a variable percentage of
the offering price depending on the amount of the sale. Net asset value will
be determined as described in the Prospectus under "How Fund Shares are
Priced". The net assets attributable to Class A Shares are subject to an
ongoing distribution fee of 0.40% (see "Distributor" in the Prospectus).
Purchasers of Class A Shares may be entitled to a reduced sales charge through
a Letter of Intent (see "Letter of Intent" in the Prospectus) even if their
current investment would not normally qualify for a quantity discount (see
"Reduced Sales Charges" in the Prospectus). The investor or the investor's
broker or dealer is responsible for promptly forwarding payment to the Fund
for shares purchased.
 
  2. Class B Shares. Class B Shares are sold at net asset value without a
sales charge at the time of purchase. Instead, the sales charge is imposed on
a contingent deferred basis. The net assets attributable to Class B Shares are
subject to an ongoing distribution and services fee of 0.95% (see
"Distributor" below). The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if
any, will vary depending on the number of years from the time of payment of
the purchase of Class B Shares until the time such shares are redeemed. Solely
for purposes of determining the number of years from the time of any payment
of the purchase of Class B Shares, all payments during any month will be
aggregated and deemed to have been made on the last day of the month.
 
  Class B Shares automatically convert into Class A Shares after 8 years after
the end of the month in which a stockholder's order to purchase Class B Shares
was accepted. As a result, the shares that converted will no longer be subject
to a sales charge upon redemption and will enjoy the lower Class A
distribution services fee.
 
  For purposes of conversion of Class A Shares, Class B Shares purchased
through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions paid in respect of
Class B Shares in a stockholder's account will be considered to be held in a
separate sub-account. Each time any Class B Shares in the stockholder's
account (other than those in the sub-account) convert to Class A Shares, an
equal pro rata portion of the Class B Shares in the sub-account also will
convert to Class A Shares. The conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares
is subject to the continuing determination that (i) the assessment of the
higher distribution services fee and transfer agency cost with respect to
Class B Shares does not result in the Fund's dividends or distributions
constituting "preferential dividends" under the Code, and (ii) that the
conversion of Class B Shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal
income tax law. The conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares may be
suspended if such an opinion is no longer available. In that event, no further
conversions of Class B Shares would occur, and Class B Shares might continue
to be subject to the higher distribution services fee for an indefinite
period, which period may extend beyond the conversion period after the end of
the month in which the shares were issued.
 
  The Class B Shares are otherwise the same as Class C Shares and are subject
to the same conditions, except that they can only be exchanged for other Class
B Shares without imposition of sales charges.
 
  3. Class C Shares. Class C Shares are sold at net asset value (see "How Fund
Shares are Priced" in the Prospectus) without a sales charge at the time of
purchase. Instead, the Class C Shares are subject to a 1% CDSC if they are
redeemed within one year after purchase. The net assets attributable to Class
C Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and services fee of 0.95% (see
"Distributor" in the Prospectus). The Class C Shares have no conversion
rights.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  The CDSC will not be imposed on amounts representing increases in net asset
value above the initial purchase price. Additionally, no charge will be
assessed on Class B or Class C Shares derived from reinvestment of dividends
or capital gains distributions. The CDSC will be waived (i) on redemption of
shares following the disability (as determined in writing by the Social
Security Administration) or death of a stockholder, (ii) on certain
redemptions in connection with IRAs and other qualified retirement plans, and
(iii) when Class B or Class C Shares are exchanged for Class B or Class C
Shares of other Flagship funds distributed by the Distributor (see "Exchange
And Reinvestment Privilege" in the Prospectus). In the case of an exchange,
the length of time that the investor held the original Class B or Class C
Shares is counted towards satisfaction of the period during which a deferred
sales charge is imposed on the Class B or Class C for which the exchange was
made.
 
  4. Class R Shares. You may purchase Class R Shares with monies representing
dividends and capital gain distributions on Class R Shares of the Fund. Also,
you may purchase Class R Shares if you are within the following specified
categories of investors who are also eligible to purchase Class A Shares at
net asset value without an up-front sales charge: officers, current and former
directors of the Fund, bona fide, full-time and retired employees of Nuveen
and James Investment Research, Inc. and subsidiaries thereof, or their
immediate family members; any person who, for at least 90 days, has been an
officer, director or bona fide employee of any Authorized Dealer, or their
immediate family members; officers and directors of bank holding companies
that make Fund shares available directly or through subsidiaries or bank
affiliates; and bank or broker-affiliated trust departments; persons investing
$1 million or more in Class R Shares; and clients of investment advisers,
financial planners or other financial intermediaries that charge periodic or
asset-based "wrap" fees for their services.
 
  If you are eligible to purchase either Class R Shares or Class A Shares
without a sales charge at net asset value, you should be aware of the
differences between these two classes of shares. Class A Shares are subject to
an annual distribution fee to compensate John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the
"Distributor") for distribution costs associated with the Fund and to an
annual service fee to compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with
ongoing account services. Class R Shares are not subject to a distribution or
service fee and, consequently, holders of Class R Shares may not receive the
same types or levels of services from Authorized Dealers. In choosing between
Class A Shares and Class R Shares, you should weigh the benefits of the
services to be provided by Authorized Dealers against the annual service fee
imposed upon the Class A Shares.
 
                     OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The management of the Corporation, including general supervision of the
duties performed for the Funds under the Investment Management Agreement, is
the responsibility of its Board of Directors. The Corporation currently has
eight directors, two of whom are "interested persons" (as the term "interested
persons" is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) and six of whom are
"disinterested persons." The names and business addresses of the directors and
officers of the Corporation and their principal occupations and other
affiliations during the past five years are set forth below, with those
directors who are "interested persons" of the Corporation indicated by an
asterisk.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              POSITIONS
                             AND OFFICES             PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS        AGE  WITH TRUST              DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ----------------        ---  -----------             ----------------------
<S>                     <C> <C>           <C>
Timothy R.              48  Chairman and  Chairman since July 1, 1996 of The John
 Schwertfeger*               Director      Nuveen Company, John Nuveen & Co.
 333 West Wacker Drive                     Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Chicago, IL 60606                         Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.; prior
                                           thereto Executive Vice President and
                                           Director of The John Nuveen Company, John
                                           Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory
                                           Corp. (since October 1992) and Nuveen
                                           Institutional Advisory Corp. (since October
                                           1992).
Anthony T. Dean*        52  President and President since July 1, 1996 of The John
 333 West Wacker Drive       Director      Nuveen Company, John Nuveen & Co.
 Chicago, IL 60606                         Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
                                           Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.; prior
                                           thereto, Executive Vice President and
                                           Director of The John Nuveen Company, John
                                           Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory
                                           Corp. (since October 1992) and Nuveen
                                           Institutional Advisory Corp. (since October
                                           1992).
</TABLE>
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              POSITIONS
                             AND OFFICES              PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS        AGE   WITH TRUST              DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ----------------        ---  -----------              ----------------------
<S>                     <C> <C>            <C>
Robert P. Bremner       56  Director       Private Investor and Management Consultant.
 3725 Huntington
 Street, N.W.
 Washington, D.C. 20015
Lawrence H. Brown       63  Director       Retired (August 1989) as Senior Vice
 201 Michigan Avenue                        President of The Northern Trust Company.
 Highwood, IL 60040
Anne E. Impellizzeri    64  Director       President and Chief Executive Officer of
 3 West 29th Street                         Blanton-Peale Institute of Religion and
 New York, NY 10001                         Health.
Peter R. Sawers         64  Director       Adjunct Professor of Business and Economics,
 22 The Landmark                            University of Dubuque, Iowa; Adjunct
 Northfield, IL 60093                       Professor, Lake Forest Graduate School of
                                            Management, Lake Forest, Illinois;
                                            Chartered Financial Analyst; Certified
                                            Management Consultant.
William J. Schneider    53  Director       Senior Partner, Miller-Valentine Partners,
 4000 Miller-Valentine                      Vice President, Miller-Valentine Group.
 Ct.
 P.O. Box 744
 Dayton, OH 45401
Judith M. Stockdale     49  Director       Executive Director, Gaylord and Dorothy
 35 E. Wacker Drive                         Donnelley Foundation (since 1994); prior
 Suite 2600                                 thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes
 Chicago, IL 60601                          Protection Fund (from 1990 to 1994).
Bruce P. Bedford        57  Executive Vice Executive Vice President of John Nuveen &
 333 West Wacker Drive       President      Co. Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Chicago, IL 60606                          Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. (since
                                            January 1997); prior thereto, Chairman and
                                            CEO of Flagship Resources Inc. and Flagship
                                            Financial Inc. and the Flagship funds.
Michael S. Davern       40  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 One South Main Street                      (since January 1997); prior thereto, Vice
 Dayton, OH 45402                           President and Portfolio Manager of Flagship
                                            Financial.
William M. Fitzgerald   33  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 333 West Wacker Drive                      (since December 1995); Assistant Vice
 Chicago, IL 60606                          President of Nuveen Advisory Corp. (from
                                            September 1992 to December 1995), prior
                                            thereto, Assistant Portfolio Manager of
                                            Nuveen Advisory Corp.
Kathleen M. Flanagan    50  Vice President Vice President of John Nuveen & Co.
 333 West Wacker Drive                      Incorporated, Vice President (since June
 Chicago, IL 60606                          1996) of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen
                                            Institutional Advisory Corp.
J. Thomas Futrell       42  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 333 West Wacker Drive
 Chicago, IL 60606
Richard A. Huber        34  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 One South Main Street                      (since January 1997); prior thereto, Vice
 Dayton, OH 45402                           President and Portfolio Manager of Flagship
                                            Financial.
Steven J. Krupa         39  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 333 West Wacker Drive
 Chicago, IL 60606
Anna R. Kucinskis       51  Vice President Vice President of John Nuveen & Co.
 333 West Wacker Drive                      Incorporated.
 Chicago, IL 60606
</TABLE>
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        POSITIONS
                       AND OFFICES              PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS  AGE   WITH TRUST              DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ----------------  ---  -----------              ----------------------
<S>               <C> <C>            <C>
Larry W. Martin   46  Vice President Vice President, Assistant Secretary and
 333 West                             Assistant General Counsel of John Nuveen &
 Wacker Drive                         Co. Incorporated; Vice President (since May
 Chicago, IL                          1993) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen
 60606                                Advisory Corp.; Vice President (since May
                                      1993) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen
                                      Institutional Advisory Corp.; Assistant
                                      Secretary of The John Nuveen Company (since
                                      February 1993).
Edward F.         32  Vice President Vice President (since September 1996),
 Neild, IV                            previously Assistant Vice President (since
 One South Main                       December 1993) of Nuveen Advisory Corp.,
 Street Dayton,                       portfolio manager prior thereto; Vice
 OH 45402                             President (since September 1996),
                                      previously Assistant Vice President (since
                                      May 1995) of Nuveen Institutional Advisory
                                      Corp., portfolio manager prior thereto.
Walter K.         48  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 Parker                               (since January 1997); prior thereto, Vice
 One South Main                       President and Portfolio Manager (since July
 Street                               1994) of Flagship Financial; Portfolio
 Dayton, OH                           Manager and CIO Trust Investor (between
 45402                                1983 and June 1994) for PNC Bank.
O. Walter         58  Vice President Vice President and Controller of The John
 Renfftlen                            Nuveen Company, John Nuveen & Co.
 333 West                             Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Wacker Drive                         Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
 Chicago, IL
 60606
Thomas C.         46  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Spalding, Jr.                        Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.;
 333 West                             Chartered Financial Analyst.
 Wacker Drive
 Chicago, IL
 60606
H. William        63  Vice President Vice President and Treasurer of The John
 Stabenow                             Nuveen Company, John Nuveen & Co.
 333 West                             Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Wacker Drive                         Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
 Chicago, IL
 60606
Jan E.            41  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 Terbrueggen                          (since January 1997); prior thereto, Vice
 One South Main                       President and Portfolio Manager of Flagship
 Street                               Financial.
 Dayton, OH
 45402
Gifford R.        41  Vice President Vice President, Assistant Secretary and
 Zimmerman             and Assistant  Associate General Counsel formerly
 333 West              Secretary      Assistant General Counsel of John Nuveen &
 Wacker Drive                         Co. Incorporated; Vice President (since May
 Chicago, IL                          1993) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen
 60606                                Advisory Corp.; Vice President (since May
                                      1993) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen
                                      Institutional Advisory Corp; Assistant
                                      Secretary of The John Nuveen Company (since
                                      May 1994).
</TABLE>
 
  Anthony Dean, Peter Sawers and Timothy Schwertfeger serve as members of the
Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee, which
meets between regular meetings of the Board of Directors, is authorized to
exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors.
 
  The directors of the Corporation are directors or trustees, as the case may
be, of 42 Nuveen open-end funds and 52 Nuveen closed-end funds advised by
Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth compensation paid by the Corporation to each
of the directors of the Corporation and the total compensation paid to each
director during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997. The Corporation has no
retirement or pension plans. The officers and directors affiliated with Nuveen
serve without any compensation from the Corporation. Directors Brown,
Impellizzeri, Rosenheim and Sawers became directors of this Corporation on
January 30, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  AGGREGATE          TOTAL
                                                 COMPENSATION    COMPENSATION
                                                 FROM THE TWO  FROM CORPORATION
                                                SERIES OF THIS AND FUND COMPLEX
      NAME OF DIRECTOR                           CORPORATION   PAID TO DIRECTORS
      ----------------                          -------------- -----------------
      <S>                                       <C>            <C>
      Robert P. Bremner........................     $3,936(1)       $25,333(1)
      Lawrence H. Brown........................     $  192          $59,500
      Joseph F. Castellano.....................     $3,750          $17,000(1)
      Anne E. Impellizzeri.....................     $  192          $59,500
      Paul F. Nezi.............................     $3,750          $17,000(1)
      Margaret K. Rosenheim....................     $  209          $67,582(2)
      Peter R. Sawers..........................     $  192          $59,500
      William J. Schneider.....................     $3,936(1)       $26,333(1)
      Judith M. Stockdale......................     $    0(3)       $     0(3)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes compensation received as a trustee of the Flagship Funds, for the
    period July 1, 1996 to January 31, 1997.
(2) Includes $1,582 in interest accrued on deferred compensation from prior
    years; former director, retired July 1997
(3) Elected to the Board in July 1997.
 
  Each director who is not affiliated with Nuveen or Nuveen Advisory receives
a fee. The Corporation requires no employees other than its officers, all of
whom are compensated by Nuveen.
 
  As of October 2, 1997, to the knowledge of management, the following
stockholder held of record more than 5% of the GR Fund: Citizens Federal Bank,
F.S.B. ("Citizens Federal"), One Citizens Federal Centre, Dayton, Ohio, 45402,
89%. All Directors and officers as a group own less than 1% of the outstanding
shares as of the above date.
 
  The GR Fund has no knowledge of any other person owning more than 5% of the
outstanding shares as of such date.
 
                         INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
 
  As stated in the GR Fund Prospectus, Nuveen Advisory Corp. acts as the
manager (the "Manager") to the GR Fund pursuant to a Management Agreement (the
"Management Agreement"), and James Investment Research, Inc. acts as
investment adviser (the "Adviser") pursuant to an Investment Advisory
Agreement. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides for indemnification of
the Manager by the Fund unless the Manager acted with gross negligence,
willful misfeasance, reckless disregard of the duties of its position or with
bad faith.
 
  See "MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND--Manager and Investment Adviser" in the
Prospectus for a description of the Manager's and Adviser's duties. The
Manager's administrative obligations include: (i) assisting in supervising all
aspects of the Fund's operations; (ii) providing the Fund, at the Manager's
expense, with the services of persons competent to perform such administrative
and clerical functions as are necessary in order to provide effective
corporate administration of the Fund; and (iii) providing the Fund, at the
Manager's expense, with adequate office space and related services. The
Manager also has authority to require compliance with applicable law by the
Adviser and assure itself of such compliance. The Adviser has discretion to
make all GR Fund investments. For the three fiscal years ended June 30, 1995,
June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997, respectively, the GR Fund paid $1,396,526,
$1,434,522, and $1,252,243 to the Manager pursuant to its Management Agreement
of which $1,037,959, $1,066,199, and $930,721, respectively, were paid to the
Adviser pursuant to its Investment Advisory Agreement. The GR Fund's
accounting records are maintained, at the Fund's expense, by its Custodian,
The Chase Manhattan Bank.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
  The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement will each
terminate automatically upon assignment and continuance must be approved
annually by the Fund's Board of Directors of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares and in either case, by a majority of the Fund's
independent directors. The Management Agreement is terminable at any time
without penalty by the Board of Directors or by a vote of a majority of the
voting shares on 60 days' written notice to the Manager, or by the Manager on
60 days' written notice to the Fund, and the Advisory Agreement is terminable
by either the Board of Directors (including a majority of the disinterested
Directors), the stockholders, or the Manager (with the concurrence of a
majority of the Board of Directors including a majority of the disinterested
Directors) on the one hand and the Adviser on the other, each by 60 days'
notice to the other.
 
  The Manager and Adviser have agreed that in the event the operating expenses
of the GR Fund (including fees paid to the Manager and the Adviser and
payments to the Distributor but excluding taxes, interest, brokerage and
extraordinary expenses) for any fiscal year ending on a date on which the
Advisory Agreement is in effect, exceed the expense limitations imposed by
applicable state securities laws or any regulations thereunder, or the amount
provided in the Fees and Expenses in the Prospectus, the Adviser will, up to
the amount of its fee, reduce its fee or reimburse the Fund in the amount of
such excess. As of the date of this Prospectus, under the most restrictive
state regulations applicable, the Adviser would be required to reimburse the
Fund such operating expenses exceeding 2 1/2% of the first $30 million of the
average net assets, 2% of the next $70 million of the average net assets, and
1 1/2% of the remaining average net assets. The Manager and the Adviser
believe that such operating expenses will be less than such amounts. Pursuant
to an arrangement among the Adviser, the Manager and Citizens Federal, to the
extent that the Adviser reduces its fee or reimburses the Fund pursuant to the
Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will be partially reimbursed by the
Manager and Citizens Federal.
 
  Under their agreements with the Fund, the Manager and the Adviser will be
indemnified by the Fund for any actions taken unless such person acted with
gross negligence, willful misfeasance, reckless disregard of the duties of its
position or with bad faith. In addition, under the Investment Advisory
Agreement, the Manager and Adviser cross-indemnify each other.
 
  Securities held by the Fund may also be held by, or be appropriate
investments for, other investment advisory clients of the Manager, the Adviser
and their affiliates. Because of different objectives or other factors, a
particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more
clients are selling the same security. If purchases or sales of securities for
the Fund or other advisory clients arise for consideration at or about the
same time, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible,
for the Fund and such other clients in a manner deemed equitable to all. To
the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Manager
or Adviser during the same period may increase the demand for securities being
purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse
effect on the price of such securities.
 
                                     TAXES
 
  References are made to the sections in the Prospectus entitled "Taxes" for a
discussion of relevant tax matters and to which the discussion below is
supplementary.
 
TAXATION OF THE FUND
 
  Each Portfolio of the Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment
company ("RIC") for federal income tax purposes. In order to so qualify, each
Portfolio must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross
income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of securities
and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or certain other
related income; (b) generally derive less than 30% of its gross income from
gains from the sale or other disposition of securities and certain other
investments held for less than three months (this requirement applies only to
taxable years beginning on or before August 5, 1997); and (c) diversify its
holdings so that at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the
value of such Portfolio's assets is represented by cash, United States
government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and
other securities which, with respect to any one issuer, do not represent more
than 5% of the value of such Portfolio's assets nor more than 10% of the
voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of
such Portfolio's assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other
than United States government securities or the securities of other RICs).
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
  If each Portfolio of the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes to its
stockholders at least 90% of the investment company taxable income (not
including net capital gain, which is the excess of net long-term capital gain
over net short-term capital loss), then each Portfolio will not be subject to
federal income tax on the income so distributed. However, each Portfolio would
be subject to corporate income tax (currently at a 35% rate) on any
undistributed income. In addition, each Portfolio will be subject to a
nondeductible 4% excise tax on the amount by which the income it distributes
in any calendar year is less than a required distribution amount. The required
distribution amount for a calendar year equals the sum of (a) 98% of each
Portfolio's ordinary income for such calendar year; (b) 98% of the excess of
capital gains over capital losses for the one-year period ending on October 31
of such calendar year; and (c) 100% of the undistributed income and gains from
prior years. Each Portfolio intends to distribute sufficient income so as to
avoid both corporate income tax and the excise tax. However, a Portfolio may
in the future decide to retain all or a portion of its net capital gain. In
such case, the Portfolio would be subject to corporate income tax on such
retained net capital gain, and would designate to stockholders the
undistributed capital gain. Stockholders would include as long-term capital
gain income such undistributed net capital gain, and stockholders would be
eligible for a credit with respect to such tax paid by the Portfolio.
 
  Distributions. The GR Fund normally will distribute substantially all of its
net investment income to stockholders in the form of dividends to be paid
quarterly as determined by the Board of Directors. Such dividends are taxable
whether paid in cash or additional shares of such series. The Board presently
intends to declare such distributions from net realized capital gain, if any,
at least annually at the end of each year.
 
  Any dividends or distributions paid shortly after the purchase of shares of
the GR Fund by an investor may have the effect of reducing the per share value
of the shares owned by the investor by the per share amount of the dividends
or distributions. Furthermore, such dividends and distributions, although in
effect a return of capital, are subject to income taxes.
 
  In the event that total distributions (including distributed or designated
net capital gain) for a taxable year exceed its investment company taxable
income and net capital gain, a portion of each distribution generally will be
treated as a return of capital. Distributions treated as a return of capital
reduce a stockholder's basis in its shares and could result in a capital gain
tax either when a distribution is in excess of basis or, more likely, when a
stockholder redeems its shares.
 
  Stockholders of the GR Fund will be notified annually by the Fund as to the
federal tax status of dividends and distributions paid during the calendar
year. Dividends and distributions may also be subject to state and local
taxes. State and local tax treatment may vary according to applicable laws.
Stockholders can elect to receive distributions in cash or in additional
shares of the GR Fund. The price of the additional shares is determined as of
the record date for the dividend payment.
 
  The Fund may in the future engage in various defensive hedging transactions.
Under various Code provisions, such transactions might change in the character
of recognized gains and losses, accelerate the recognition of certain gains
and losses, and defer the recognition of certain losses.
 
  Dividend and interest income from non-U.S. equity and debt securities may be
subject to a withholding tax imposed by the country in which the issuer is
located. Since the GR Fund anticipates that no more than 30% of the value of
its total assets will consist of non-U.S. equity and debt securities,
stockholders are not expected to be eligible for a pass-through of the foreign
taxes paid by the GR Fund.
 
                      YIELD AND TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION
 
  In accordance with SEC regulations, the GR Fund may include current yield
and average annual total return in advertisements or information furnished to
stockholders or potential investors. Yields are calculated in accordance with
the SEC's standardized yield formula. In it, dividend and interest income over
the 30 day measurement period is reduced by period expenses and divided by the
number of days within the measurement period to arrive at a daily income rate.
This daily income rate is then expressed as a semiannually compounded yield
based on the maximum offering price of a share assuming a standardized 360 day
year.
     
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
  The GR Fund may also advertise total return which is calculated differently
from "average annual total return" (a "non-standardized quotation"). A non-
standardized quotation of total return measures the percentage change in the
value of an account between the beginning and end of a period, assuming no
activity in the account other than reinvestment of dividends and capital gains
distributions. A non-standardized quotation of total return will always be
accompanied by the "average annual total return." Average annual total return
for any time period is calculated by assuming an investment at the beginning
of the measurement period at the maximum offering price. Dividends from the
net investable amount are then reinvested in additional shares each month at
the net asset value. At the end of the measurement period, the total number of
shares owned are redeemed at net asset value (less any applicable contingent
deferred sales load). The change in the total value during the investment
period is then expressed as an average annual total rate of return. The GR
Fund may also quote rankings, yields or returns as published by recognized
statistical services or publishers wherein its performance is categorized or
compared with other funds with similar investment objectives, such as Lipper
Analytical Service's "Growth and Income," or this same data as quoted by
Barron's, Business Week, Forbes, Fortune, Micropal, Money, Mutual Fund,
Personal Investing, Worth, Value Line Mutual Fund Survey, or others;
Weisenberger Investment Companies Service's annual Investment Companies under
"Equity" or "Equity-Asset Allocation"; or Morningstar, Inc.'s Mutual Fund
Values.
 
  Current yield and total return will vary from time to time depending on
market conditions, the composition of the portfolio, operating expenses and
other factors. These factors and possible differences in method of calculating
performance figures should be considered when comparing the performance
figures of the GR Fund with those of other investment vehicles.
 
  Yield and Total Return Calculation as of June 30, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                     -----------------------------------------------------
   CURRENT                                                   SINCE
30- DAY YIELD        1 YEAR             5 YEAR             INCEPTION             INCEPTION DATE
- -------------        ------             ------             ---------             --------------
<S>                  <C>                <C>                <C>                   <C>
    3.52%            11.63%             10.25%              10.53%                July 1, 1991
</TABLE>
 
                                 DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  The GR Fund normally will distribute substantially all of its net investment
income to stockholders in the form of dividends to be paid quarterly as
determined by the Board of Directors. Such dividends are taxable whether paid
in cash or additional shares of the GR Fund. The Board presently intends to
declare distributions from net realized capital gain, if any, at least
annually at the end of each year.
 
                                  DISTRIBUTOR
 
  As stated in the Prospectus, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated acts as the
distributor (the "Distributor") of shares of the Fund in accordance with the
terms of the Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 1997, for the GR Fund.
The Distributor will make a continuous offering of the shares and will be
responsible for all sales and promotion efforts. There is no redemption
charge. The Distribution Agreement must be approved in the same manner as the
Advisory Agreement discussed under "Investment Advisory Services" above and
will terminate automatically if assigned by either party thereto and is
terminable at any time without penalty by the Board of Directors of the Fund
or by vote of a majority of a Portfolio's outstanding shares on 60 days'
written notice to the Distributor and by the Distributor on 60 days' written
notice to the Fund.
 
  Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the GR Fund has adopted a plan
(the "Plan") which permits the GR Fund to pay for certain distribution and
promotion expenses related to marketing the shares of each Portfolio. The Plan
authorizes the GR Fund to expend its monies in an amount equal to the
aggregate for all such expenditures to such percentage of the GR Fund's daily
net asset value as may be determined from time to time by vote cast in person
at a meeting called for such purpose, by a majority of the GR Fund's
disinterested directors. The scope of the foregoing shall be interpreted by
the directors, whose decisions shall be conclusive except to the extent it
contravenes established legal authority. Without in any way limiting the
discretion of the directors, the following activities are hereby declared to
be primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the GR Fund:
advertising the GR Fund or the GR Fund's Manager's mutual fund activities;
compensating
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
underwriters, dealers, brokers, banks and other selling entities and sales and
marketing personnel of any of them for sales of shares of the GR Fund, whether
in a lump sum or on a continuous, periodic, contingent, deferred or other
basis; compensating underwriters, dealers, brokers, banks and other servicing
entities and servicing personnel (including the GR Fund's Manager and its
personnel or any of them for providing services to stockholders of the GR Fund
relating to their investment in the GR Fund, including assistance in
connection with inquiries relating to stockholders accounts; the production
and dissemination of prospectuses including statements of additional
information) of the GR Fund and the preparation, production and dissemination
of sales, marketing and stockholders servicing materials; and the ordinary or
capital expenses, such as equipment, rent fixtures, salaries, bonuses,
reporting and recordkeeping and third party consultancy or similar expenses
relating to any activity for which payment is authorized by the directors.
Pursuant to the Plan, the GR Fund through authorized officers may make similar
payments for marketing services to non-broker-dealers who enter into service
agreements with the GR Fund. Citizens Federal Trust Department is such a non-
broker-dealer who has entered into a service agreement with the GR Fund.
 
  The maximum amount payable by the Fund under the Plan and related agreements
on an annual basis is .40% of the GR Fund's average daily net assets for the
year. In the case of broker-dealers and others, such as banks, who have
Selling or Service Agreements with the Distributor or the GR Fund, the maximum
amount payable to any recipient is .0005479% per day (.20% on an annualized
basis) of the proportion of daily net assets of the Fund represented by such
person's customers. As described in the Prospectus, the Board of Directors may
reduce these amounts at any time and has reduced them for the GR Fund. All
distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor and others, such as broker-
dealers or banks, in excess of the amount paid by the GR Fund will be borne by
such persons without any reimbursement from the GR Fund. As detailed in the
charter below, under its Plan and related agreements, the GR Fund paid the
amounts shown. Amounts permanently waived for the same periods are also shown.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 FISCAL YEAR      AMOUNT PAID        AMOUNT PERMANENTLY
ENDED JUNE 30    TO DISTRIBUTOR     WAIVED BY DISTRIBUTOR
- -------------    --------------     ---------------------
<S>              <C>                <C>                       <C>          <C>
    1993            $218,962              $371,378
    1994             224,637               551,045
    1995             321,321               433,700
    1996             385,785               388,483
    1997             423,778               252,756
 
These amounts are summarized below as to purpose:
 
<CAPTION>
 FISCAL YEAR      COMPENSATION          ADVERTISING &
ENDED JUNE 30      TO BROKERS            PROMOTIONS           OVERHEAD      TOTAL
- -------------    --------------     ---------------------     --------     --------
<S>              <C>                <C>                       <C>          <C>
    1993            $139,804              $ 73,158            $ 6,000      $218,962
    1994             170,065                54,572                -0-       224,637
    1995             157,167               148,784             15,370       321,321
    1996             326,228                59,557                -0-       385,785
    1997*            174,088                42,284              3,000       219,372
</TABLE>
- --------
   *Amounts represent the period from July 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996.
 
  The Plan, the Distribution Agreement, the Selling Agreements and the Service
Agreements of the Fund have been approved by the Fund's Board of Directors,
including a majority of the directors who are not "interested persons" of the
Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan or any
related agreement, by vote cast in person at meetings called for the purpose
of voting on the Plan and such agreements and by the stockholders on June 4,
1992. Continuation of the Plan and the related agreements must be approved
annually in the same manner, and the Plan or any related agreement may be
terminated at any time without penalty by a majority of such independent
directors or by a majority of a Portfolio's outstanding shares. Any amendment
increasing the maximum percentage payable under the Plan or other material
change must be approved by a majority of the respective Portfolio's
outstanding shares, and all other material amendments to the Plan or any
related agreement must be approved by a majority of the independent directors.
 
  In order for the Plan to remain effective, the selection and nomination of
directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund must be done by the
directors who are not "interested persons" and the persons authorized to make
payments under the Plans must provide written reports at least quarterly to
the Board of Directors for their review.
 
                         CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
 
  The custodian for the GR Fund is The Chase Manhattan Bank, 4 New York Plaza,
New York, New York 10004.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
  The transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the GR Fund is State
Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02106.
 
                                   AUDITORS
 
  Arthur Andersen LLP, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, are the
independent auditors for the GR Fund effective July 1, 1997.
 
                            PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
  Subject to policy established by the Fund's Board of Directors, the Adviser
is primarily responsible for making investment decisions for the GR Fund. In
placing orders, it is the policy of the Fund that the Adviser obtain the best
net results taking into account such factors as price (including the dealer
spread, where applicable); the size, type and difficulty of the transaction
involved; the size and breadth of the market; the firm's general execution and
operational facilities; and the firm's risk in positioning the securities
involved. While the Adviser seeks reasonably competitive prices or
commissions, the Fund will not necessarily always be paying the lowest price
or commission available. The Adviser does not expect to use any one particular
broker or dealer, but, subject to obtaining best execution, brokers or dealers
who provide supplemental investment research to the Fund or the Adviser may
receive orders for transactions by the Fund. In addition, the Adviser may
direct brokerage to brokers or dealers because of research services provided.
Such information may be used by other clients of the Adviser and not just the
Fund. Conversely, the Fund may benefit from research services provided in
respect to other clients. All research shall be paid for in compliance with
Section 28 (e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or consistent with the
fiduciary duties of the Board and the Adviser. Information so received will be
in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the
Adviser under its Agreement and the expenses of the Adviser will not
necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental
information. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the GR Fund paid
$137,461 in brokerage commissions and made no payments to brokers in respect
to sales of GR Fund shares. The GR Fund expects to purchase equity securities
traded on the New York Stock Exchange and elsewhere. Money market securities,
bonds and debentures, in which the Adviser may invest a portion of the Fund's
assets, are usually traded over-the-counter, but may be traded on an exchange.
For listed securities, the Adviser, on behalf of the Fund, will deal directly
with the brokers and dealers who make a market in the securities involved
except in those circumstances where better prices and execution are available
elsewhere. Such dealers usually are acting as principal for their own account.
On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. The Adviser
may also deal with foreign dealers.
 
  The Adviser is able to fulfill its obligations to furnish a continuous
investment program to the Fund without receiving research from brokers;
however, it considers access to such information to be an important element of
financial management. Although such information is considered useful, its
value is not determinable, as it must be reviewed and assimilated by them, and
does not reduce its normal research activities in rendering investment advice
under its Advisory Agreements. It is possible that the Adviser's expenses
could be materially increased if it attempted to purchase this type of
information or generate it through its own staff. While it is possible that
the Adviser might be influenced to direct brokerage to brokers providing
research to the Fund, the Fund believes that the requirement to obtain best
execution substantially mitigates this risk, and that the benefits are
appropriate. During the period from July 1, 1996, to June 30, 1997, the
Adviser did not direct any brokerage to brokers providing research and related
brokerage services.
 
  One or more of the other accounts which the Manager or the Adviser manages
may own from time to time the same investments as the Fund. Investment
decisions are made independently from those of such other accounts; however,
from time to time, the same investment decision may be made for more than one
company or account. When two or more companies or accounts seek to purchase or
sell the same securities, the securities actually purchased or sold will be
allocated among the companies and accounts on a good faith equitable basis by
the Manager or the Adviser, as the case may be, in its discretion in
accordance with the accounts' various investment objectives. In some cases,
this system may adversely affect the price or size of the position obtainable
for the Fund. In other cases, however, the ability of the Fund to participate
in volume transactions may produce better execution. It is the opinion of the
Fund's Board of Directors that this advantage, when combined with the other
benefits available due to the Adviser's organizations, outweighs any
disadvantages that may be said to exist from exposure to simultaneous
transactions.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                  PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
 
  The various manners in which the shares of the GR Fund are offered to the
public or may be redeemed, and the method of calculation by the GR Fund of net
asset value per share (which is the offering price of the shares) are
described in the GR Fund's Prospectus.
 
  LETTER OF INTENT (RETAIL SHARES ONLY). A stockholder may also qualify for
reduced sales charges by sending to the Fund (within 90 days after the first
purchase desired to be included in the purchase program) a signed, non-binding
letter of intent to purchase, during a 13-month period, an amount sufficient
to qualify for a reduced sales charge. A single letter may be used for
spouses, their children and parents or any single trust estate or other
fiduciary account. All investments in Class A Shares of the Fund or in Class A
Shares of any other open-end mutual fund subject to a front-end sales charge
distributed by the Distributor count toward the indicated goal. Once the
Distributor receives the required letter of intent, it will apply to
qualifying purchases within the 13-month period the sales charge that would be
applicable to a single purchase of the total amount indicated in the letter.
During the period covered by the letter of intent, 5% of the shares purchased
will be restricted until the stated goal is reached. If the intended purchase
program is not completed within the 13-month period, the sales charge will be
adjusted upward as appropriate and a sufficient number of restricted shares
will be redeemed by the Fund if the stockholder does not pay the increased
sales charge.
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
  The Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information do not contain
all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC
under the Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act with respect to the Fund and
the securities offered by it pursuant to the Prospectus, certain portions of
which have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The
Registration Statement including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined
at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
 
  Statements contained in the Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional
Information as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to
are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the
copy of such contact or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information
form a part, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such
reference.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                                  APPENDIX I
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
 
  STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP(R)--A brief description of the applicable
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group rating symbols and their meanings (as
published by Standard & Poor's Corporation) follows:
 
  A Standard & Poor's corporate debt rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific debt obligation.
This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors,
insurers, or lessees.
 
  The 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 and
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it 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 arrangements under
       the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
l. Long-term bonds
 
<TABLE>
   <C>  <S>
   AAA  Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's
        to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
        extremely strong.
   AA   Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
        principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in small
        degree.
   A    Bonds rated A have 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 bonds
        in higher rated categories.
   BBB  Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
        interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit 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 bonds in this category than for bonds
        in higher rated categories.
   BB-D Debt rated "BB", "B", "CCC", "CC" and "C" 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 "C" 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. The "CI" is reserved for
        income bonds on which no interest is being paid. Debt rated "D" is in
        default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is in
        arrears.
</TABLE>
 
  Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BBB" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or a 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.
 
 
                                      I-1
<PAGE>
 
2. Preferred stock rating criteria
 
  Preferred stock ratings reflect the merits of each issue relative to the
universe of preferreds, and not in relation to debt obligations. Since
preferred stock is by definition a junior ranking security, preferred stock
ratings do not factor in the security's junior position--in a bankruptcy
reorganization or liquidation--to a company's debt obligations. However,
preferred stock cannot be rated higher than a company's highest-ranking debt
obligations because the same basic methodology and ratio norms are used to
rate both types of securities.
 
  The financial analysis performed in conjunction with preferred stock ratings
is virtually the same as that used to rate debt. Fixed-charge coverage and
capitalization ratios are calculated treating preferred stock obligations as
though they were debt. Accordingly, if there is a substantial amount of
preferred, the rating on preferred stock could differ greatly from the debt
rating; the company has less capacity to pay dividends and debt service than
it has to meet debt service alone. The size of the differential is a function
of how much preferred is outstanding. (While the gap can be a full rating
category or more, a large amount of preferred will drag down the debt rating
as well. Even though a company under duress can stop paying the preferred
dividends to avoid default, the burden of the preferred increases the risk
that the company will face such a financial crisis. The company will pay
dividends as long as possible; this can sap its financial strength or siphon
off funds that otherwise could be used to protect the firm's competitive
position.)
 
  Preferred stock ratings also consider the vulnerability of the dividend to
the firm's discretionary passing on a payment. It is often appropriate to rate
preferred stock lower than indicated by pure financial analysis--and well
below the debt rating--in the case of speculative grade credits. Such issuers
may be expected to eliminate preferred dividends to help avoid financial
constraints. Similarly, covenants in debt instruments can endanger payment of
preferred dividends even if financial measures indicate a capacity to pay.
 
  MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INC.--A brief description of the applicable
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follow:
 
l. Long-term bonds
 
  Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be 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 more unlikely to
impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues. With the occasional
exception of oversupply in a few specific instances, the safety of obligations
of this class is so absolute that their market value is affected solely by
money market fluctuations.
 
  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 fluctuations 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 the Aaa
Securities. These Aa bonds are high grade, their market value virtually immune
to all but money market influences, with the occasional exception of
oversupply in a few specific instances.
 
  A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as higher medium grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may
be present which suggest a susceptibility to A-rated bonds may be influenced
to some degree by credit circumstances during a sustained period of depressed
business conditions. During periods of normalcy, bonds of this quality
frequently move in parallel with Aaa and Aa obligations, with the occasional
exception of oversupply in a few specific instances.
 
  Baa--Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as lower medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments 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. The
market value of Baa-rated bonds is more sensitive to change in economic
circumstances, and aside from occasional speculative factors applying to some
bonds of this class, Baa market valuations move in parallel with Aaa, Aa, and
A obligations during periods of economic normalcy, except in instances of
oversupply.
 
                                      I-2
<PAGE>
 
  Ba-C--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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
 
  Moody's bond rating symbols may contain numerical modifiers of a generic
rating classification. The modifier l indicates that the bond ranks at the
high end of its category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and
the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic
rating category.
 
  Con.--Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some act
or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These are bonds
secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings of
projects unseasoned in operating experience, (c) rentals which begin when
facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting
condition attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable credit status upon
completion of construction or elimination of basis of condition.
 
2. Preferred Stock
 
<TABLE>
   <C> <S>
   aaa An issue which is rated "aaa" is considered to be a top-quality
       preferred stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the
       least risk of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred
       stocks.
   aa  An issue which is rated "aa" is considered a high-grade preferred stock.
       This rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance that earnings
       and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the
       foreseeable future.
   a   An issue which is rated "a" is considered to be an upper-medium grade
       preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in
       the "aaa" and "aa" classification, earnings and asset protection are,
       nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.
   baa An issue which is rated "baa" is considered to be a medium-grade
       preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings
       and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable
       over any great length of time.
   ba  An issue which is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative elements
       and its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset
       protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse
       periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this
       class.
   b   An issue which is rated "b" generally lacks the characteristics of a
       desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of
       other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.
   caa An issue which is rated "caa" is likely to be in arrears on dividend
       payments. This rating designation does not purport to indicate the
       future status of payments.
   ca  An issue which is rated "ca" is speculative in a high degree and is
       likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
       payments.
   c   This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues
       so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of
       everattaining any real investment standing.
</TABLE>
- --------
*Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each rating
classification: 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 the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of
its generic rating category.
 
                                      I-3
<PAGE>
 
  FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.--A brief description of the applicable Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
l. Long-term bonds
 
<TABLE>
 <C>                <S>
 AAA                Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest
                    credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong
                    ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is
                    unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.

 AA                 Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high
                    credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
                    repay principal is very strong, although not quite as
                    strong as bonds rated "AAA'. Because bonds rated in the
                    "AAA' and "AA' categories are not significantly vulnerable
                    to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of
                    these issuers is generally rated "F-l+'.

 A                  Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit
                    quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay
                    principal is considered to be strong, but may be more
                    vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
                    circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

 BBB                Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
                    credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
                    repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse
                    changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however,
                    are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and
                    therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the
                    ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is
                    higher than for bonds with higher ratings.

 Plus (+) Minus (-) Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
                    indicate the relative position of a credit within the
                    rating category. Plus and minus signs, however, are not
                    used in the "AAA' category. NR Indicates that Fitch does
                    not rate the specific issue.

 Conditional        A conditional rating is premised on the successful
                    completion of a project or the occurrence of a specific
                    event.

 Suspended          A rating is suspended when Fitch deems the amount of
                    information available from the issuer to be inadequate for
                    rating purposes.

 Withdrawn          A rating will be withdrawn when an issue matures or is
                    called or refinanced, and, at Fitch's discretion, when an
                    issuer fails to furnish proper and timely information.

 FitchAlert         Ratings are placed on FitchAlert to notify investors of an
                    occurrence that is likely to result in a rating change and
                    the likely direction of such change. These are designated
                    as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative,"
                    for potential downgrade, or "Evolving," where ratings may
                    be raised or lowered. FitchAlert is relatively short-term,
                    and should be resolved within 12 months.

 Credit Trend       Credit trend indicators show whether credit fundamentals
                    are improving, stable, declining, or uncertain, as follows:

                    Improving (ARROW UP)
                    Stable (LEFT/RIGHT ARROW)
                    Declining (ARROW DOWN)
                    Uncertain (ARROW UP & DOWN)

                    Credit trend indicators are not predictions that any rating
                    change will occur, and have a longer-term time frame than
                    issues placed on FitchAlert.
</TABLE>
 
    
 
                                      I-4
<PAGE>
 
  DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING SCALE--A brief description of the applicable Duff
& Phelps rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
<TABLE>
 <C>  <S>
 AAA  Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
      slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 AA+  High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but
 AA   may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
 AA-
 A+   Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors are
 A    more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
 A-
 BBB+ Below average protection factors but still considered sufficient for
 BBB  prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during economic
 BBB- cycles.
 BB+  Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
 BB   Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according
 BB-  to industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move up
      or down frequently within this category.
 B+   Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not be
 B    met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely
 B-   according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company
      fortunes. Potential exists for frequent changes in the rating within this
      category or into a higher or lower rating grade.
 CCC  Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists
      as to timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends.
      Protection factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with
      unfavorable economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company
      developments.
 DD   Defaulted debt obligations, issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
      and/or interest payments.
 DP   Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
</TABLE>
 
                                      I-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  APPENDIX II
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF HEDGING TECHNIQUES
 
  Set forth below is additional information regarding the Fund's defensive
hedging techniques and use of repurchase agreements.
 
FUTURES AND INDEX TRANSACTIONS
 
  Financial Futures. A financial future is an agreement between two parties to
buy and sell a security for a set price on a future date. They have been
designed by boards of trade which have been designated "contracts markets" by
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").
 
  The purchase of financial futures is for the purpose of hedging a fund's
existing or anticipated holdings of long-term debt securities. When a fund
purchases a financial future, it deposits in cash or securities an "initial
margin" of between 1% and 5% of the contract amount. Thereafter, the fund's
account is either credited or debited on a daily basis in correlation with the
fluctuation in price of the underlying future or other requirements imposed by
the exchange in order to maintain an orderly market. The fund must make
additional payments to cover debits to its account and has the right to
withdraw credits in excess of the liquidity, the fund may close out its
position at any time prior to expiration of the financial future by taking an
opposite position. At closing a final determination of debits and credits is
made, additional cash is paid by or to the fund to settle the final
determination and the fund realizes a loss or gain depending on whether on a
net basis it made or received such payments.
 
  The sale of financial futures is for the purpose of hedging a fund's
existing or anticipated holdings of long-term debt securities. For example, if
a fund owns long-term bonds and interest rates were expected to increase, it
might sell financial futures. If interest rates did increase, the value of
long-term bonds in the fund's portfolio would decline, but the value of the
fund's financial futures would be expected to increase at approximately the
same rate thereby keeping the net asset value of the fund from declining as
much as it otherwise would have.
 
  Among the risks associated with the use of financial futures by a fund as a
hedging device, perhaps the most significant is the imperfect correlation
between movements in the price of the financial futures and movements in the
price of the debt securities which are the subject of the hedge.
 
  Thus, if the price of the financial future moves less or more than the price
of the securities which are the subject of the hedge, the hedge will not be
fully effective. To compensate for this imperfect correlation, the series may
enter into financial futures in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount
of the securities being hedged if the historical volatility of the prices of
such securities has been greater than the historical volatility of the
financial futures. Conversely, the series may enter into fewer financial
futures if the historical volatility of the price of the securities being
hedged is less than the historical volatility of the financial futures.
 
  The market prices of financial futures may also be affected by factors other
than interest rates. One of these factors is the possibility that rapid
changes in the volume of closing transactions, whether due to volatile markets
or movements by speculators, would temporarily distort the normal relationship
between the markets in the financial future and the chosen debt securities. In
these circumstances as well as in periods of rapid and large price movements,
the fund might find it difficult or impossible to close out a particular
transaction.
 
  Options on Financial Futures. A fund may also purchase put or call options
on financial futures which are traded on a U.S. Exchange or board of trade and
enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an
existing position. Currently, options can be purchased with respect to
financial futures on U.S. Treasury Bonds on The Chicago Board of Trade. The
purchase of put options on financial futures is analogous to the purchase of
put options by a fund on its portfolio securities to hedge against the risk of
rising interest rates. As with options on debt securities, the holder of an
option may terminate his position by selling an option of the same series.
There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected.
 
INDEX CONTRACTS
 
  Index Futures. An index which assigns relative values to the securities
included in the index is traded on the Chicago Board of Trade. The index
fluctuates with changes in the market values of all such securities included
rather than a single security. An index future is a bilateral agreement
pursuant to which two parties
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash--rather than any
security--equal to specified dollar amount times the difference between the
index value at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price
at which the index future was originally written. Thus, an index future is
similar to traditional financial futures except that settlement is made in
cash.
 
  Index Options. The Fund may also purchase put or call options on U.S.
Government or equity index futures and enter into closing transactions with
respect to such options to terminate an existing position. Options on index
futures are similar to options on debt instruments except that an option on an
index future gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to
assume a position in an index contract rather than an underlying security at a
specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon
exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of
the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the
accumulated balance of the writer's futures margin account which represents
the amount by which the market price of the index futures contract, at
exercise, is less than the exercise price of the option on the index future.
 
  Index futures and options transactions would be subject to risks similar to
transactions in financial futures and options thereon as described above. No
fund will enter into transactions in index or financial futures or related
options unless and until, in the Manager's opinion, the market for such
instruments has developed sufficiently.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
  A fund may invest temporarily up to 5% of its assets in repurchase
agreements, which are agreements pursuant to which securities are acquired by
such fund from a third party with the understanding that they will be
repurchased by the seller at a fixed price on an agreed date. These agreements
may be made with respect to any of the portfolio securities in which such fund
is authorized to invest. Repurchase agreements may be characterized as loans
secured by the underlying securities. A fund may enter into repurchase
agreements with (i) member banks of the Federal Reserve System having total
assets in excess of $500 million and (ii) securities dealers, provided that
such banks or dealers meet the creditworthiness standards established by the
Fund's Board of Directors ("Qualified Institutions"). The Manager will monitor
the continued creditworthiness of Qualified Institutions, subject to the
oversight of the series Board of Directors.
 
  The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the
seller of securities under a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation
to repurchase the underlying securities, as a result of its bankruptcy or
otherwise, the series will seek to dispose of such securities, which action
could involve costs or delays. If the seller becomes insolvent and subject to
liquidation or reorganization under applicable bankruptcy or other laws, the
series' ability to dispose of the underlying securities may be restricted.
Finally, it is possible that the series may not be able to substantiate its
interest in the underlying securities. To minimize this risk, the securities
underlying the repurchase agreement will be held by the custodian at all times
in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price, including accrued
interest. If the seller fails to repurchase the securities, the series may
suffer a loss to the extent proceeds from the sale of the underlying
securities are less than the repurchase price.
 
  The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed upon market rate
of interest which is unrelated to the coupon rate or date of maturity of the
purchased security. The collateral is marked to market daily. Such agreements
permit the fund to keep all its assets earning interest while retaining
"overnight" flexibility in pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature.
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN
Growth and Income
Mutual Funds

October 29, 1997

Prospectus

Designed to provide superior 
equity market performance
with less risk


[PHOTO APPEARS HERE]
 

Utility
Income Fund

<PAGE>
 
 
                                              Prospectus dated October 29, 1997
 
                 FLAGSHIP UTILITY INCOME FUND(R)
LOGO
Flagship Utility Income Fund(R) (the "Fund") is a diversified series of Flag-
ship Admiral Funds Inc. (the "Corporation"), a series, open-end mutual fund.
The Fund seeks to provide current income and long-term growth of income and
capital for individual and corporate investors by investing primarily in the
preferred and common stocks of companies in the public utilities industry. The
Fund will seek capital appreciation as a secondary objective. No assurance can
be given that the Fund will achieve its objective. The investment adviser for
the Fund is Nuveen Advisory Corp. (the "Manager"), a registered investment ad-
viser since 1976.
 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS               PAGE
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>
 Fees and Expenses........................   2
 Financial Highlights.....................   3
 The Fund and Its Objective...............   4
 Investment Considerations and Risk
  Factors.................................   4
 How to Buy Shares........................   6
 How To Redeem Shares.....................   9
 Exchange and Reinvestment Privilege......  10
 Systematic Withdrawal Plan...............  11
 Direct Deposits..........................  11
 How Fund Shares Are Priced...............  11
 Taxes....................................  11
 Distributions and Yield..................  13
 About the Investment Manager.............  14
 About the Distributor....................  14
 General Information......................  15
 Custodian and Transfer Agent.............  16
 Counsel and Auditors.....................  16
 Additional Information...................  16
 Application..............................  17
</TABLE>
 
 
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that you
should know before investing. Please read and retain it for future reference.
 
A Statement of Additional Information dated October 29, 1997 containing addi-
tional information about the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Ex-
change Commission, and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospec-
tus. A copy of the Statement of Additional Information can be obtained without
charge by telephoning the Fund toll free at: 1-800-414-7447.
 
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 AC-
CURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE. SHARES IN THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY ANY BANK SELLING THE SHARES, NOR ARE THEY FEDERALLY
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE
BOARD, OR ANY OTHER U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT RISKS INCLUDE POSSIBLE
LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. THE VALUE OF THE INVESTMENT AND ITS RETURN WILL FLUCTUATE
AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED. WHEN SOLD, THE VALUE OF THE INVESTMENT MAY BE HIGHER
OR LOWER THAN THE AMOUNT ORIGINALLY INVESTED.
<PAGE>
 
 FEES AND EXPENSES
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            CLASS A  CLASS B   CLASS C    CLASS R
                                            SHARES  SHARES(A)  SHARES    SHARES(A)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                                      <C>     <C>        <C>       <C>
   Shareholder Transaction Expenses
    Maximum Front End Sales Charge
    Imposed on Purchase                      4.20%    None      None       None
    Maximum CDSC Imposed on Redemptions      None     5.0%(b)   1.00%(c)   None
    Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on
    Reinvested Dividend                      None     None      None       None
    Redemption Fee                           None     None      None       None
    Exchange Fee                             None     None      None       None
   Annual Fund Operating Expenses As a
   Percentage of Average Net Assets After
   Fee Waiver & Reimbursement Arrangements
    Management Fee
    (See "About the Investment Manager")      .50%     .50%      .50%      .50%
    12b-1 Fee (See "About the Distribu-
    tor")                                     .20%     .95%(d)   .75%(e)   None
    Other Expenses                            .67%     .67%      .67%      .67%
    Total Fund Operating Expenses            1.37%    2.12%     1.92%      1.17%
   Total Fund Operating Expenses Without
    Waiver or Reimbursement                  1.37%    2.12%     1.92%      1.17%
</TABLE>
 
 Percentage based on actual fees incurred from the previous fiscal year
 restated to reflect current fees and operating expenses. Class B and Class C
 Shares are sold without a front-end sales charge but their 12b-1 fees may
 cause long-term stockholders to pay more than the economic equivalent of the
 maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
 (a) These amounts are based on estimates.
 (b) No initial sales load; contingent deferred sales charge of 5% declining
     to 1% in the 6th year if redeemed. Class B expenses in years 9 through 10
     are based on Class A expenses, because the shares automatically convert
     to Class A after 8 years. If you did not redeem, the example of expenses
     would be $39, $31 and $11 less in years 1, 3 and 5 respectively.
 (c) No initial sales charge; 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed
     within 1 year of purchase.
 (d) Of this amount, 0.75% is an asset based sales charge and 0.20% is a
     service fee.
 (e) Of this amount, 0.55% is an asset based sales charge and 0.20% is a
     service fee.
 
EXAMPLE OF EXPENSES
An investor in the Fund would pay the following dollar amount of expenses on a
$1,000 investment assuming: (1) 5% annual return and (2) Redemption at the end
of each period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         1 YEAR             3 YEARS             5 YEARS             10 YEARS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                   <C>                <C>                 <C>                 <C>
   Class A Shares         $55                 $84                $114                 $200
   Class B Shares         $61                 $98                $125                 $226
   Class C Shares         $19                 $60                $104                 $224
   Class R Shares         $12                 $37                $ 64                 $142
</TABLE>
 
The preceding fee tables are provided to assist investors in understanding the
various costs and expenses which may directly or indirectly be incurred as a
result of an investment in the Fund. The rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") require that the Fund's maximum sales charge be reflected
in the fee table. As indicated in the expense table, the Fund utilizes a de-
clining sales charge for Class A Shares, a contingent deferred sales load
("CDSC") for Class B and Class C Shares and a no-fee, no-charge struc-
ture for institutional investors for Class R Shares. Class R Shares are sub-
ject to a minimum purchase requirement of $1,000,000. Long-term Class B and
Class C stockholders could pay more than the economic equivalent of the maxi-
mum front-end sales charges for Class A Shares. Class B Shares automatically
convert to Class A Shares after eight years. The Fund's 12b-1 plan and manage-
ment fee are more fully described herein. These expenses should not be consid-
ered a representation of actual past or future expenses, as actual expenses
may be greater or less than those shown.
    
                                    -- 2 --
<PAGE>
 
 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
 
The following information for years 1988 and subsequent was derived from fi-
nancial highlights audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors.
Their report on the financial statements appears in the Statement of Addi-
tional Information.
 
PER SHARE INCOME AND CAPITAL CHANGES
The following table provides per share income and capital changes for a share
of capital stock of the Flagship Basic Value Fund outstanding from August 26,
1983 (commencement of operations) to June 30, 1991, and of Class A Shares of
the Flagship Utility Income Fund ("Utility Fund") from July 1, 1991 to June
30, 1997, and of Class C Shares of the Utility Fund from July 6, 1993 to June
30, 1997. Class B and Class R Shares were not offered to the public during the
fiscal year. On June 4, 1992 the stockholders of the Flagship Basic Value Fund
approved a change in the fundamental investment objective and policies of the
Fund described in this Prospectus. As a result of the fundamental change in
the Fund, the financial information below is primarily of historical value and
has only limited relevance to the Fund's current operations and performance as
a utility fund. The Fund does not expect portfolio turnover to exceed 100%.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            INCOME FROM
                       INVESTMENT OPERATIONS                    LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
    -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      -----------------------------------------
                                                 TOTAL
                                                 FROM              DISTRI-
              NET ASSET     NET   NET REALIZED  INVEST- DIVIDENDS  BUTIONS
                VALUE     INVEST- & UNREALIZED   MENT    FROM NET   FROM   RETURNS  TOTAL  NET ASSET
 YEAR ENDED   BEGINNING    MENT    GAINS (LOSS) OPERA-  INVESTMENT CAPITAL   OF    DISTRI- VALUE END   TOTAL
  JUNE 30,    OF PERIOD   INCOME  ON SECURITIES  TIONS    INCOME    GAINS  CAPITAL BUTIONS OF PERIOD RETURN(D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                          RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
    -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      -----------------------------------------
                                    RATIO OF
                         RATIO OF     NET
                         EXPENSES  INVESTMENT           AVERAGE
              NET ASSETS    TO     INCOME TO             COM-
                END OF    AVERAGE   AVERAGE   PORTFOLIO MISSION
 YEAR ENDED     PERIOD      NET       NET     TURNOVER   RATE
  JUNE 30,     (000'S)   ASSETS(B) ASSETS(B)   RATE(C)  PAID(E)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>          <C>         <C>     <C>           <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>
 Class A
 8/26/83(a)-
 12/31/83      $16.67(a)   $.71       ($.44)     $ .27     $.71                     $.71    $16.23     2.72%
 01/01/84-
 06/30/84       16.23       .88        (.97)      (.09)     .88     $.02    $.03     .93     15.21    (1.06)
 1985           15.21      1.67         .81       2.48     1.66                     1.66     16.03    17.23
 1986           16.03      1.40        (.66)       .74     1.37                     1.37     15.40     4.64
 1987           15.40      1.08         .11       1.19     1.09                     1.09     15.50     7.95
 1988           15.50      1.15       (3.12)     (1.97)    1.18                     1.18     12.35   (13.60)
 1989           12.35      1.06       (1.27)      (.21)     .97                      .97     11.17    (1.70)
 1990           11.17       .80        (.50)       .30     1.02                     1.02     10.45     2.56
 1991           10.45       .76        (.88)      (.12)     .82                      .82      9.51    (1.14)
 1992            9.51       .67         .69       1.36      .69                      .69     10.18    14.69
 1993           10.18       .67         .86       1.53      .67                      .67     11.04    15.86
 1994           11.04       .63       (1.34)      (.71)     .64                      .64      9.69    (6.83)
 1995            9.69       .64         .55       1.19      .64                      .64     10.24    12.73
 1996           10.24       .64         .85       1.49      .64                      .64     11.09    14.82
 1997           11.09       .66         .40       1.06      .64                      .64     11.51     9.89
 Class C
 1994(a)        11.05       .59       (1.39)      (.80)     .56                      .56      9.69    (7.52)
 1995            9.69       .59         .55       1.14      .59                      .59     10.24    12.14
 1996           10.24       .58         .84       1.42      .58                      .58     11.08    14.15
 1997           11.08       .61         .38        .99      .58                      .58     11.49     9.25
 <S>          <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
 Class A
 8/26/83(a)-
 12/31/83      $64,665     1.03%     12.51%     28.78%      --
 01/01/84-
 06/30/84      193,602     1.03      10.96      83.25       --
 1985          241,121     1.02      10.68     128.80       --
 1986          307,604      .96       8.76     182.89       --
 1987          236,607      .99       7.00     315.96       --
 1988           84,749     1.00       7.88     186.30       --
 1989           32,692     1.23       9.03     120.45       --
 1990           16,934     1.21       7.29     148.46       --
 1991           12,830     1.48       7.79     116.16       --
 1992            6,050     1.42       6.72      58.50       --
 1993           32,819     1.03       6.31     154.12       --
 1994           26,921      .94       5.92     193.14       --
 1995           25,000     1.00       6.52     158.55       --
 1996           25,010      .98       5.82     115.30   $.0640
 1997           20,157      .98       5.97     127.89    .0633
 Class C
 1994(a)         5,129     1.46       5.69     193.14       --
 1995            5,501     1.54       6.01     158.55       --
 1996            6,302     1.52       5.27     115.30    .0640
 1997            5,555     1.53       5.47     127.89    .0633
</TABLE>
 
(a) Commencement of investment operations.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Annualization is not appropriate.
(d) The total returns shown do not include the effects of front-end or
    contingent deferred sales loads and are annualized in first year after
    commencement of investment operations.
(e) Average commission rate paid on equity portfolio transactions. Commissions
    paid are included in the cost of the securities. Disclosure was not
    required prior to June 30, 1996.
Note: All amounts have been adjusted for a 3-for-1 stock split which occurred
on July 1, 1992.
 
The Fund's annual report for the most recent fiscal year includes a discussion
of fund performance. It is available upon request and without charge.
 
 
                                    -- 3 --
<PAGE>
 
 THE FUND AND ITS OBJECTIVE
 
 
The Fund is a professionally managed, diversified series of an open-end in-
vestment company. The Fund's objective is to seek "current income and long-
term growth of income and capital." To the extent consistent with the primary
investment objective, the Fund will seek capital appreciation as a secondary
objective. The Fund will also seek to maximize the amount of its qualifying
dividend income under Federal income tax laws. Under current Federal income
tax laws, qualifying dividends paid by the Fund will qualify for the 70% divi-
dends-received deduction for corporations. The Fund's investment objectives
are fundamental and cannot be changed without authorization by a vote of a ma-
jority of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
 
To accomplish its objective, the Fund intends to invest at least 65% of its
total assets in the securities, including preferred and common stock, of com-
panies in the public utilities industry, including companies principally en-
gaged in the production, transmission or distribution of electric energy, gas,
water or communications services such as telephone or telecommunications serv-
ices, or in solid waste disposal. The Fund also may seek to enhance its return
by selling options on portfolio securities. However, the income generated from
such options would not qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction.
 
The Manager will continuously monitor the issuers of securities in which the
Fund is likely to invest and will diversify the Fund's portfolio among issues
that the Manager believes will best accomplish the Fund's objective. As to
preferred and debt securities, the Fund will limit its holdings to issues rat-
ed, at the time of purchase, as investment grade by either Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Ratings Group(R) ("S&P"), Duff
and Phelp ("D&P"), or Fitch Investors Service ("Fitch") respectively or other
issues believed by the Manager to be of at least comparable quality.
 
THE UTILITIES INDUSTRY
As a fundamental policy, the Fund will concentrate its investments with at
least 65% of its total assets invested in companies in the public utilities
industry. As a result of this concentration policy, the Fund's performance
will depend in part on conditions in the public utilities industry. Utility
stocks have traditionally been popular among more conservative investors, be-
cause they have generally paid above-average dividends. However, utility
stocks can still be affected by the risks of the stock market, as well as by
special factors specific to public utility companies.
 
Rates of return of utility companies generally are subject to review and limi-
tation by state public utilities commissions and tend to fluctuate with mar-
ginal financing costs. Rate changes, however, ordinarily lag behind the
changes in financing costs, and thus can favorably or unfavorably affect the
earnings or dividend pay-outs on utilities stocks depending upon whether such
rates and costs are declining or rising.
 
 INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISK FACTORS
 
 
INVESTMENT RISKS
Utility companies in the United States are generally subject to substantial
regulation intended to ensure appropriate standards of review and adequate ca-
pacity to meet public demand. The nature of regulation in the utility indus-
tries continues to evolve in the United States. Although certain companies may
develop more profitable opportunities, others may be forced to defend their
core business and may be less profitable. Electric utility companies have his-
torically been subject to the risks associated with increases in fuel and
other operating costs, high interest costs on borrowings, costs associated
with compliance with environmental, nuclear facility and other safety regula-
tions and changes in the regulatory climate. Increased scrutiny of electric
utilities might result in higher costs and higher capital expenditures, with
the risk that regulators might disallow inclusion of these costs in rate au-
thorizations. Increasing competition due to past regulatory changes in the
telephone communications industry continue, and whereas certain companies have
benefited, many companies may be adversely affected in the future. Gas trans-
mission companies and gas distribution companies continue to undergo signifi-
cant changes as well. Many companies have diversified into oil and gas explo-
ration and development, making returns more sensitive to energy prices. In ad-
dition, several large suppliers have recently suffered financial difficulties,
partly as a result of being locked into long-term fixed-price contracts. Water
supply utilities are in an industry that is highly fragmented due to local
ownership and generally the companies are more mature and are experiencing
little or no per capita volume growth. There can also be no assurance that
regulatory policies or accounting standards changes will not negatively affect
utility companies' earnings or dividends. The telephone and telecommunications
industry, while undergoing rapid growth in some segments, is also subject to
regulatory changes and numerous competitive pressures as technologies are de-
veloped. It also requires substantial capital for new technology. Under market
conditions that are unfavorable to the public utilities industry, the Fund may
temporarily significantly reduce its investment in that industry. Some public
utility companies are facing increased competition, which may reduce their
profits. All of these factors are subject to rapid changes, which may affect
utility companies independently from the stock market as a whole.
 
BORROWING
The Fund may borrow from time to time on a temporary basis in amounts up to
25% of its net assets. Such borrowings are called leverage, and while they
provide opportunity for greater returns than if borrowing had not occurred, to
the extent the interest on the borrowings exceeds the interest on dividends
received, there is a risk that the income to the Fund will be less than if the
borrowing had not been made. To the extent the Fund invests the proceeds from
borrowings in equity or fixed income securities, the net
 
                                    -- 4 --
<PAGE>
 
asset value of the Fund may appreciate or depreciate more rapidly than a fund
that does not utilize leverage. The Manager will only cause the Fund to borrow
when there is an expectation it will benefit the Fund. Borrowing by the Fund
would cause a pro rata portion of the dividends-received deduction with re-
spect to the Fund's dividends to be disallowed. Accordingly, the Fund does not
intend to borrow to any significant extent.
 
RESTRICTED SECURITIES
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets (valued at the purchase date) in
illiquid securities, including securities that are subject to restrictions on
disposition under the Securities Act of 1933 or for which market quotations
are not readily available, including repurchase agreements in excess of seven
days. Under guidelines adopted by the SEC, the Manager is permitted to deter-
mine whether certain securities are liquid pursuant to procedures approved by
the Fund's Board of Directors. Due to the less liquid nature of restricted se-
curities, if the Fund were forced to sell such securities, it might have to do
so at a disadvantageous price.
 
HEDGING
In order to hedge the risks of equity market and interest rate changes, the
Fund may utilize various publicly or privately traded instruments including
options, futures contracts or options on futures contracts or stock or finan-
cial index options or futures thereon. The range of permissible hedging activ-
ities may well change over time as new instruments are created or regulatory
changes occur. In addition, the Fund may utilize such contracts or options as
a means of increasing the yield and/or total return of the Fund's portfolio.
Such trading strategies are a generally accepted part of portfolio management
engaged in by many mutual funds. The Fund's use of futures and options on
futures would in all cases be consistent with applicable regulatory require-
ments and in particular, the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission with which the Fund must comply in order not to be deemed a
commodity pool operator within the meaning and intent of the Commodity Ex-
change Act and any applicable state laws. Hedging instruments have risks asso-
ciated with them including possible failure of delivery, illiquidity and mar-
ket risks.
 
RISKS
In addition to the risks described above, the use of options and futures
transactions for hedging purposes entails certain other risks. In particular,
the variable degree of correlation between price movement of futures contracts
and price movements in the position being hedged creates the possibility that
losses on the hedge may be greater than gains in the Fund's position. In addi-
tion, futures transactions markets may not be liquid in all circumstances. As
a result, in volatile markets, the Fund might not be able to close out a
transaction without incurring losses substantially greater than the initial
deposit. Although the contemplated use of these contracts should tend to mini-
mize the risk of loss due to the decline in the value of the hedged portion,
at the same time they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from
an increase in value of such position. The ability of the Fund to hedge suc-
cessfully would depend on the Manager's ability to forecast pertinent market
movements, which cannot be assured. Furthermore, the Fund's holding period in
its portfolio assets could be suspended during the period in which risks were
hedged. As described below in "Taxes--Dividends", the Fund must satisfy cer-
tain holding period requirements to be eligible for the dividends-received de-
duction. Finally, the daily deposit requirements in futures contracts would
create an ongoing greater potential financial risk than would purchases of op-
tions, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses due to hedging transactions would reduce net asset value.
 
QUALITY
The Fund will invest in preferred stocks and debt obligations which are rated
at the date of purchase as investment grade, which means that such securities
will be rated no lower than Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P or BBB by D&P, or BBB
by Fitch. Securities rated Baa by Moody's, BBB by S&P or Fitch or D&P gener-
ally are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. However, such securities lack outstanding investment characteris-
tics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. Generally, the Fund
will not invest in securities rated lower than Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P,
or Fitch, or D&P, respectively, but may do so if the Manager believes the fi-
nancial condition of the issuer or other available protections reduce the risk
to the Fund. For example, the Fund may invest in such a security if the Man-
ager believes the issuer's assets are sufficient to insure that the issuer can
repay its outstanding obligations. The Fund will not invest more than 5% of
its assets in securities rated below investment grade. The Fund may also in-
vest in unrated securities if the Manager determines that such securities
present attractive investment opportunities and are of comparable quality to
the other securities in which the Fund may invest.
 
OTHER POLICIES
Among other things, the Fund may not make loans (other than repurchase agree-
ments), except to the extent the purchase of debt obligations of any type are
considered loans, and except that the Fund may lend portfolio securities, not
exceeding 5% of the value of its assets, pursuant to SEC requirements and the
exchanges on which such securities are traded; issue securities senior to its
stock; or invest more than 5% of the value of its assets in repurchase agree-
ments or when-issued or delayed delivery transactions.
                                    -- 5 --
<PAGE>
 
 HOW TO BUY SHARES
 
 
CONTINUOUS OFFERING
Shares of the Fund are sold in a continuous offering at the public offering
price, which is equal to the net asset value per share next determined after a
purchase order is received by the Fund (see "How Fund Shares are Priced") plus
a sales charge which, at the election of the purchaser, may be imposed (i) at
the time of purchase (Class A Shares) or (ii) on a contingent deferred basis
(Class B and Class C Shares). The Class R Shares are designed for institu-
tional investors, with a minimum initial investment of $1,000,000. The Class R
Shares are sold at net asset value with no front-end sales load, no contingent
deferred sales charge and no Rule 12b-1 charge. When placing purchase orders,
investors should specify whether the order is for Class A, Class B, Class C,
or Class R Shares. All purchase orders that fail to specify a Class will auto-
matically be invested in Class A Shares. Purchases may be made as described
below under "Purchase Through Dealers" and "Purchase by Check." The Fund re-
serves the right to reject any order for shares.
 
CLASSES OF SHARES
Four classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, and
Class R Shares, are authorized for the Fund. They are described fully in the
SAI. The following table shows the total sales charges or underwriting dis-
counts and dealer concessions for each amount.
 
CLASS A SHARES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          TOTAL SALES
                                             CHARGE
                                 ------------------------------
                                                                DEALER CONCESSION OR AGENCY
         SIZE OF TRANSACTION     PERCENTAGE OF   PERCENTAGE OF   COMMISSION AS PERCENTAGE
       AT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE  OFFERING PRICE NET ASSET VALUE      OF OFFERING PRICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  <S>                            <C>            <C>             <C>
      Less than
       $50,000                        4.20%          4.38%                 3.70%
      $50,000 to
       $100,000                       4.00           4.18                  3.50
      $100,000 to
       $250,000                       3.50           3.65                  3.00
      $250,000 to
       $500,000                       2.50           2.61                  2.00
      $500,000 to
       $1,000,000                     2.00           2.09                  1.50
      $1,000,000
       and over                         --             --                    --*
</TABLE>
 
 
  *A CDSC may be imposed as described below.
 
  No sales charge will be assessed on purchases by stockholders who owned
shares of the Fund on June 4, 1992.
 
 
Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. There is no initial sales charge on
purchases of Class A Shares of the Fund for purchases aggregating $1 million
or more. The Distributor pays dealers of record commissions on those purchases
in an amount equal to the sum of 1.0% of the first $2.5 million, plus 0.50% of
the next $2.5 million, plus 0.25% of purchases over $5 million. If you redeem
any of those shares within 18 months of the end of the calendar month of their
purchase, a Class A contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") may be deducted
from the redemption proceeds. That sales charge will be equal to 1.0% of ei-
ther (1) the aggregate net asset value of the redeemed shares (not including
shares purchased by reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions)
or (2) the original cost of the shares, whichever is less.
 
CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares are offered at net asset value, without an initial sales
charge, subject to a continuing 0.95% annual distribution fee. Class B Shares
are subject to a declining contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if you
redeem your shares within six years from the purchase date. This CDSC charge
is 5%, 4%, 4%, 3%, 2% and 1% for years one through six. Class B Shares auto-
matically convert to Class A Shares at the end of eight years. The conversion
is based on the relative net asset value of the two classes, and no sales
charge or other charge is imposed.
 
The Distributor pays a 0.20% service fee to dealers in advance for the first
year upon the sale of Class B Shares. After the shares have been held for a
year, the Distributor pays the fee monthly. In addition, the Distributor pays
sales commission of 3.80% of the purchase price to dealers from its own re-
sources at the time of sale.
 
CLASS C SHARES
Class C Shares are offered at net asset value, without initial sales charge,
subject to a continuing 0.75% annual distribution fee (of which .55% is an as-
set based sales charge and .20% is a service fee) and a CDSC of 1% if redeemed
within one year of the purchase date. The first year of the annual distribu-
tion fee is paid to the Distributor, and in subsequent years 0.55% is paid to
the dealer and 0.20% is paid to the Distributor.
 
CLASS R SHARES
You may purchase Class R Shares with monies representing dividends and capital
gain distributions on Class R Shares of the Fund. Also, you may purchase Class
R Shares if you are within the following specified categories of investors who
are also eligible to purchase Class A Shares at net asset value without an up-
front sales charge: officers, current and former directors of the Fund; bona
fide, full-time and retired employees of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, and
subsidiar-
    
                                    -- 6 --
<PAGE>
 
ies thereof, or their immediate family members; any person who, for at least
90 days, has been an officer, director or bona fide employee of any Authorized
Dealer, or their immediate family members; officers and directors of bank
holding companies that make Fund shares available directly or through subsidi-
aries or bank affiliates; and bank or broker-affiliated trust departments;
persons investing $1 million or more in Class R Shares; and clients of invest-
ment advisers, financial planners or other financial intermediaries that
charge periodic or asset-based "wrap" fees for their services.
 
If you are eligible to purchase either Class R Shares or Class A Shares with-
out a sales charge at net asset value, you should be aware of the differences
between these two classes of shares. Class A Shares are subject to an annual
distribution fee to compensate John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the "Distribu-
tor") for distribution costs associated with the Fund and to an annual service
fee to compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing account
services. Class R Shares are not subject to a distribution or service fee and,
consequently, holders of Class R Shares may not receive the same types or lev-
els of services from Authorized Dealers. In choosing between Class A Shares
and Class R Shares, you should weigh the benefit of the services to be pro-
vided by Authorized Dealers against the annual service fee imposed upon the
Class A Shares.
 
The minimum purchase required to open an account in the Fund is $3,000. For
investments by Individual Retirement Accounts or Keogh accounts, the minimum
initial purchase is $1,000. Additional purchases of $50 or more may be made at
any time. Any order in an amount of $1,000,000 or more must be for Class A or
Class R Shares. The Fund executes purchase orders immediately prior to decla-
ration of the daily dividend as of the close of business on the day the order
is received. Payments by wire will begin to earn dividends on the business day
that the Fund's custodian bank receives payment for your shares. All other
forms of payment will begin to earn dividends on the subsequent business day.
When you redeem shares, you will continue to receive dividends up to, but not
including, payment date. See "How to Redeem Shares" and "Distributions and
Yield." Because dividends do not begin until payment is received, you should
request your dealer to forward payment promptly. To the extent your securities
account or bank account is charged for your purchase before the Fund receives
funds, your dealer or bank may be earning interest on your funds.
 
At various times the Distributor may implement programs whereby a dealer's
sales force may be eligible for nominal awards or whereby the Distributor will
reallow to any dealer that sponsors sales programs conforming to criteria es-
tablished by the Distributor up to an additional 0.50% of the sales generated
by the dealer (but never, together with the commission, more than the total
sales charge) at the public offering price during such program (see "About the
Distributor" below). These programs will not affect the price investors pay
for shares or the amount that the Fund will receive from such sale. A sales-
person and any other person entitled to receive compensation for selling Fund
shares may receive different compensation for selling one particular class of
shares over another. Quantity discounts may be modified or terminated at any
time. For more information about quantity discounts, contact your dealer or
the Distributor. Where a dealer receives the total sales charge, such dealer
may be deemed to be an underwriter.
 
PURCHASE THROUGH DEALERS
To purchase shares through a dealer, you should request your dealer to trans-
mit an order to Boston Financial for the appropriate number of shares and make
arrangements with your dealer to transmit funds for the purchase. Your dealer
may require you to fill out an Application Form or similar application.
 
The public offering price is based on net asset value and includes the appli-
cable sales charge. Because the Fund determines net asset value for each se-
ries daily as of the close of the regular trading session (normally 4:00 p.m.
New York time) on the New York Stock Exchange on each day that the Exchange is
open for trading, your dealer must transmit your order to the Fund prior to
such time in order for your order to be executed at the public offering price
based on the net asset value to be determined that day. Any change in price
due to the failure of the Fund to receive an order prior to the close of the
Exchange must be settled between you and your dealer. Similarly, if your
dealer fails to provide timely payment (normally three business days after the
order is received), the Distributor may sell the shares to other investors at
the then current offering price. If the Distributor does so, the dealer will
be responsible to the Distributor for any loss which the Distributor incurs in
connection with the transaction, and you must settle with your dealer your
rights to shares at the price on the day you ordered them.
 
PURCHASE BY CHECK
To purchase shares by check, please mail the amount you wish to invest and, in
the case of a new account, a completed Application Form to: Boston Financial,
Attention: Flagship Utility Income Fund, P.O. Box 8509, Boston, MA 02266-8509.
Checks should be made payable to Flagship Utility Income Fund. Orders will be
priced at the public offering price based on the net asset value (including
the applicable sales charge) next determined after the order is received and
will be executed on the day the check is received. All purchases made by check
should be in U.S. dollars. Third-party checks will not be accepted.
 
FUND-DIRECT--ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER
You may arrange to transfer funds electronically between your bank account and
your fund account by completing the appropriate section of the account appli-
cation. If you need additional copies of the form, or would like assistance in
completing it, contact your financial adviser or call Nuveen at (800) 225-
8530. You may request Fund Direct transfers to quickly and conveniently pur-
chase or sell shares by tele-
                                    -- 7 --
<PAGE>
 
phone, systematically invest or withdraw funds, or send dividend payments di-
rectly to your bank account.
 
If you have established electronic funds transfer privileges on your account,
you may request that redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more be wired directly
to your bank account. While you will generally receive your redemption pro-
ceeds more quickly than a regular telephone redemption, the fund may charge
you a fee for this expedited service.
 
SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
Once you have opened an account, you may make regular investments of $50 or
more a month through automatic deductions from your bank account (see Fund Di-
rect above), or directly from your paycheck. To invest regularly from your
bank account, simply complete the appropriate section of the account applica-
tion. To invest regularly from your paycheck, call Nuveen for a Payroll Direct
Deposit Enrollment form. If you need additional copies of these forms, or
would like assistance completing them, contact your financial adviser or call
Nuveen at (800) 225-8530.
 
GENERAL
All funds will be fully invested in full and fractional shares. The issuance
of shares is recorded on the books of the Fund, and, to avoid additional oper-
ating costs and for investor convenience, share certificates will not be is-
sued, except by special arrangement. The Fund's transfer agent will send to
each stockholder of record a confirmation of each purchase and redemption
transaction (including the aggregate number of shares owned after such trans-
action) by such stockholder and a quarterly statement summarizing purchases,
redemptions and dividend accruals and distributions in the account during the
prior months.
 
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
During the continuous offering, the Distributor will offer several reduced
sales charge programs as described below.
 
1. CUMULATIVE PURCHASE DISCOUNT (CLASS A SHARES ONLY)
You may qualify for a reduced sales charge on a purchase of Class A Shares of
the Fund, if the amount of your purchase, when added to the value that day of
all of your prior purchases of shares of any Nuveen Mutual Fund, or units of a
Nuveen unit trust, on which an up front sales charge or ongoing distribution
fee is imposed, falls within the amounts stated in the Class A Sales Charges
and Commissions table in the Prospectus. You or your financial adviser must
notify Nuveen or the Fund's transfer agent of any cumulative discount whenever
you plan to purchase Class A Shares of a Fund that you wish to qualify for a
reduced sales charge.
 
2. LETTER OF INTENT (CLASS A SHARES ONLY)
A stockholder may also qualify for reduced sales charges by sending to the
Fund (within 90 days after the first purchase desired to be included in the
purchase program) a signed, non-binding letter of intent to invest, during a
13-month period, an amount sufficient to qualify for a reduced sales charge. A
single letter may be used for spouses, their children and parents or any sin-
gle trust estate or other fiduciary account. All investments in the Fund or
any other mutual fund distributed by the Distributor which is sold with a
sales charge count toward the indicated goal. Once the Distributor receives
the required letter of intent, it will apply to qualifying purchases within
the 13-month period the sales charge that would be applicable to a single pur-
chase of the total amount indicated in the letter. During the period covered
by the letter of intent, 5% of the shares purchased will be restricted until
the stated goal is reached. If the intended purchase program is not completed
within the 13-month period, the sales charge will be adjusted upward as appro-
priate and a sufficient number of restricted shares will be redeemed by the
Fund if the stockholder does not pay the increased sales charge.
 
3. BROKER/DEALER AND NUVEEN EMPLOYEES
In view of the reduction of distribution expenses associated with sales of the
Fund's shares to registered representatives and full-time employees of
broker/dealers who have signed Selling Agreements with the Distributor, such
individuals are permitted to purchase shares of the Fund at net asset value
for their personal accounts. The purchaser must certify to the Fund that cer-
tain qualifications have been met and agree to certain restrictions (such as
an investment letter) in order to take advantage of this program. For similar
reasons, shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value and in amounts
less than the minimum purchase price by officers, directors and full-time em-
ployees of the Fund, the Distributor and the Manager. For this purpose, the
terms "registered representatives of broker/dealers who have signed Dealer
Agreements with the Distributor", "officers", "directors" and "employees" in-
clude such persons' spouses, children and parents, as well as the trustee or
custodian of any qualified pension or profit sharing plan or IRA established
for the benefit of such officer, director, employee, spouse, child or parent.
 
4. GROUP PURCHASES (CLASS A SHARES ONLY)
Members of a qualified group may purchase shares of the Fund at a reduced
sales charge applicable to the group as a whole, if such purchases are made in
an amount and manner acceptable to the Fund. The sales charge, if any, is
based on the aggregate dollar value of shares purchased and still owned by the
group, plus the current purchase amount. Members of a qualified group may pur-
chase shares at net asset value (without sales charge) where the amount in-
vested is documented to the Fund to be proceeds from distributions of a unit
investment trust. Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value
(without sales charge) by tax-qualified employee benefit plans and by trust
companies and bank trust departments for funds over which they exercise exclu-
sive discretionary investment authority for which they charge customary fees
and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, advisory, custodial or similar ca-
pacity.
 
A "qualified group" is one which (i) has previously been in existence, (ii)
has a primary purpose other than acquiring
                                    -- 8 --
<PAGE>
 
Fund shares at a discount and (iii) satisfies investment criteria described in
the Prospectus which enables the Distributor to realize economies of scale in
its costs of distributing shares. A qualified group must have more than 10
members and must agree to comply with certain administrative requirements re-
lating to its group purchases.
 
Under such purchase plans, subsequent investments will continue until such
time as the investor notifies his group to discontinue further investments.
There may be a delay between the time a member's funds are received by the
group and the time the money reaches the Fund because of a qualified group's
remittance procedures. Unless otherwise noted above, the investment in the
Fund will be made at the public offering price based on net asset value deter-
mined on the day that the funds are received in proper form by the Fund.
 
5. REDEMPTIONS FROM UNRELATED FUNDS
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value where the amount in-
vested is documented in the Fund to be proceeds from the redemption (within
sixty days of the purchase of Fund shares) of shares of unrelated investment
companies on which the investor has paid initial or contingent deferred sales
charges, or is no longer subject to a CDSC.
 
6. WRAP FEE ACCOUNTS (CLASS A OR CLASS R SHARES ONLY)
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value by broker/dealers on
behalf of wrap fee client accounts for which the broker/dealer charges a fee
and performs advisory, custodial, recordkeeping or other services.
 
7. WAIVER OF CDSC
For purchases of Class A Shares in amounts over $1,000,000, the contingent de-
ferred sales charge may be waived for purchases through a broker/dealer that
waives its commission.
 
8. REINVESTMENT FROM NUVEEN UITS
Class A Shares may be purchased at net asset value by reinvestment of distri-
butions from any of the various unit trusts sponsored by Nuveen. There is no
initial or subsequent minimum investment requirement for such reinvestment
purchases.
 
LETTER OF INTENT ESCROW PROVISION (CLASS A SHARES ONLY)
It is understood that 5% of the dollar amount checked on the application will
be held in a special escrow account. These shares will be held by the escrow
agent subject to the terms of the escrow. All dividends and capital gains dis-
tributions on the escrowed shares will be credited to the stockholder's ac-
count in shares. If the total purchases, less redemptions by the stockholder,
his spouse, children and parents, equal the amount specified under this Let-
ter, the shares held in escrow will be deposited to the stockholder's open ac-
count or delivered to the stockholder or to his order. If the total purchases,
less redemptions, exceed the amount specified under this Letter and an amount
which would qualify for a further quantity discount, a retroactive price ad-
justment will be made by the Distributor and the dealer through whom purchases
were made pursuant to this Letter of Intent (to reflect such further quantity
discount). The resulting difference in offering price will be applied to the
purchase of additional shares at the offering price applicable to a single
purchase of the dollar amount of the total purchases. If the total purchases
less redemptions are less than the amount specified under this Letter, the
stockholder will remit to the Distributor an amount equal to the difference in
the dollar amount of sales charge actually paid and the amount of sales charge
which would have applied to the aggregate purchases if the total of such pur-
chases had been made at a single time. Upon such remittance the shares held
for the stockholder's account will be deposited to his account or delivered to
him or to his order. If within 20 days after written request by the Distribu-
tor such difference in sales charge is not paid, the Distributor is hereby au-
thorized to redeem an appropriate number of shares to realize such difference.
The Distributor is hereby irrevocably constituted under this Letter of Intent
to effect such redemption as agent of the stockholder. The stockholder or his
dealer will inform Boston Financial that this Letter is in effect each time a
purchase is made.
 
 HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
 
 
Upon receipt by Boston Financial through one of the methods discussed below of
a proper redemption request (indicating your name and account number and the
dollar or share amount to be redeemed from the particular series), the Fund
will redeem shares at their next determined net asset value. See "How Fund
Shares are Priced." Proceeds of redemptions of recently purchased shares may
be delayed for 15 days or more, pending collection of funds for the initial
purchase. Neither the Distributor nor the Fund charges a fee or a commission
for redemption. For further information on redemptions or exchanges, please
contact your dealer or call Boston Financial toll free at: 1-800-225-8530, or
for TDD, 1-800-360-4521.
 
REDEMPTION THROUGH DEALERS
You may redeem shares through any dealer which has a Selling Agreement with
the Distributor. Your dealer is responsible for transmitting the redemption
request to Boston Financial by the close of trading on the New York Stock Ex-
change on a particular day in order for you to receive the redemption price
based upon the net asset value per share determined that day. If the dealer
fails to do so, you will receive the redemption price next calculated after
your request and any other materials are received and your entitlement to any
prior day's redemption price must be settled between you and your dealer. Your
dealer may charge a service fee for handling your redemption request.
 
OTHER REDEMPTION METHODS
You may redeem shares by telephone (provided that you did not reject the tele-
phone redemption service on your application) toll free at: 1-800-225-8530, or
for TDD,
 
                                    -- 9 --
<PAGE>
 
1-800-360-4521. You may also have redemption proceeds sent electronically to
your pre-designated bank account. See "Fund Direct--Electronic Funds Transfer"
above for details. For all other redemptions your redemption request must be
submitted in writing to Boston Financial at the address below. The Fund's pur-
chase application relieves the Fund and the Transfer Agent (Boston Financial)
of any liability for loss, costs, or expenses arising out of telephone redemp-
tions that are reasonably believed to be genuine. The Fund will employ reason-
able procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine, and if it does not, it may be liable for any losses due to fraudulent
or unauthorized instructions. The procedures include requiring a form of per-
sonal identification prior to acting on telephone instructions, recording such
instructions, and providing written confirmation of such transactions.
 
Payment will be made by sending a check to you at the address on your most re-
cent Application Form. Checks will normally be sent out within one business
day, but in no event more than the required settlement period as set by regu-
lations following receipt of the redemption request in proper form. For re-
demption requests over $50,000, or if the registration on your account has
been changed within the past 60 days, or if the redemption proceeds are to go
to an address other than the address of record, the Fund must receive a letter
of instruction signed by all persons authorized to sign for the account ex-
actly as it is registered. All signatures must be guaranteed (see below). The
letter must be mailed to: Boston Financial, Attention: Flagship Utility Income
Fund, P.O. Box 8509, Boston, MA 02266-8509.
 
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
Boston Financial may require a signature guarantee on certain written transac-
tions. Signature guarantees can be obtained from a bank or brokerage, or other
financial intermediary that is a member of an Approved Medallion Guarantee
Program, or that is otherwise approved by the fund. You should verify with the
institution that they are an acceptable guarantor prior to signing.
 
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you redeem all shares owned, the dividends declared during the month
through the time of redemption will be included in the remittance. Due to the
relatively high cost of handling small investments, the Fund reserves the
right to involuntarily redeem, at net asset value, the shares of any stock-
holder whose redemptions cause the value of its holdings to have a value of
less than $1,000. Before the Fund redeems such shares and sends the proceeds
to the stockholder, the stockholder will be given written notice that the
value of the shares in the account is less than the minimum amount and will be
allowed 30 days to make an additional investment in an amount which will in-
crease the value of his holdings to at least $1,000. Accounts with balances of
less than $25 will be redeemed without written notice. No CDSC will be imposed
on involuntary redemptions.
 
Shares purchased other than by Federal Funds wire or bank wire may not be re-
deemed by telephone until 15 calendar days after the purchase of such shares,
but may be redeemed pursuant to the ordinary redemption procedure during such
period. For further details on redemption, contact your dealer or call Boston
Financial toll free at: 1-800-225-8530, or for TDD, 1-800-360-4521.
 
 EXCHANGE AND REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE
 
 
Any Class A Shares which have been registered in a stockholder's name for at
least 15 calendar days, except shares of money market funds, may be exchanged
on the basis of relative net asset value per share for Class A Shares of any
other tax exempt, or taxable fixed-income fund or series thereof distributed
by the Distributor in any state where such exchange may legally be made. Simi-
larly, Class C Shares may be exchanged for Class C Shares of any other fund or
series thereof distributed by the Distributor which are sold pursuant to a
similar CDSC arrangement on the basis of relative net asset value per share
without the payment of any CDSC otherwise due upon redemption of Class C
Shares. For purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon the redemption of
shares acquired through such an exchange, the period of time for which the in-
vestor held the Class C Shares will be counted toward the holding period ap-
plicable to the Class C Shares which the investor acquired through the ex-
change. In order to qualify for the exchange privilege, it is required that
the shares being exchanged have a net asset value of at least the minimum
amount required to make an initial investment in the fund for which the ex-
change is being made. Shares must be on deposit at Boston Financial before the
exchange can be made. Stockholders of the Fund should obtain and read a cur-
rent prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is to be made before ef-
fecting an exchange.
 
Stockholders with the desire to automatically exchange shares of a predeter-
mined amount on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis may take advantage of
the systematic exchange plan. Please refer to the account application to es-
tablish this plan.
 
The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time. The Fund re-
serves the right to limit the number of times an investor may exercise the ex-
change privilege. To exercise the exchange privilege, you must either contact
your dealer or broker, who will advise the Fund of the exchange, or complete
the Exchange Application available from Boston Financial or the Distributor
and submit it to Boston Financial. If you have certificates for any shares be-
ing exchanged, you must surrender such certificates at the time of exchange.
 
A stockholder who has redeemed shares may repurchase at net asset value, with-
out a sales charge, shares of the Fund or shares of other funds with a sales
charge distributed by the Distributor in any amount between the stated minimum
investment amount of such fund and the proceeds of redemption. The reinvest-
ment request must be received by Boston
 
                                   -- 10 --
<PAGE>
 
Financial within 1 year of the redemption and this feature may be exercised by
a stockholder only twice per calendar year.
 
An exchange between funds pursuant to the exchange privilege is treated as a
sale for federal income tax purposes and, depending upon the circumstances, a
capital gain or loss may be realized. However, stockholders who exchange be-
tween funds within 90 days of the initial purchase date may not take as a loss
the amount of the sales charge paid. Exercising the reinvestment privilege
will not affect the character of any gain or loss realized on the redemption
for federal income tax purposes, except that if the redemption resulted in a
loss, the reinvestment may result in the loss being disallowed under the "wash
sale" rules. For further details on exchanges or reinvestment, please contact
your dealer or call Boston Financial toll free at: 1-800-225-8530, or for TDD,
1-800-360-4521.
 
 SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
 
 
Accounts with a value of greater than $10,000 may establish a Systematic With-
drawal Plan ("SWP") and receive monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual
checks for $50 or more as specified by the shareholder. To establish a SWP all
distributions must be in the form of shares. Such payments are drawn from the
proceeds of the redemption shares held in the stockholder's account. To the
extent that redemptions for a SWP exceed dividend income reinvested in the ac-
count, such redemptions will reduce and may ultimately exhaust the number of
shares in the account. To initiate this service, shares having an aggregate
value of at least $10,000 must be held by Boston Financial. Maintaining a SWP
concurrently with an investment program would be disadvantageous because of
the sales charges included in share purchases. Therefore, a stockholder should
not have a SWP in effect at the same time he is making recurring purchases of
shares of the Fund. The stockholder by written instructions to Boston Finan-
cial may withdraw from the program, change the payee or change the dollar
amount of each payment. Boston Financial may charge the account for services
rendered and expenses incurred beyond those normally assumed by the Fund with
respect to the liquidation of shares. No charge is currently assessed against
the account, but could be instituted by Boston Financial on 60 days' notice in
writing to the stockholder in the event that the Fund ceases to assume the
cost of these services. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the
SWP on thirty days' notice.
 
 DIRECT DEPOSITS
 
 
Stockholders can have dividends or SWP redemption proceeds deposited electron-
ically into their bank accounts. Under normal circumstances, direct deposits
are credited to the account on the second business day of the month following
normal payment. In order to utilize this option, the stockholder's bank must
be a member of Automated Clearing House. In addition, the stockholder must (1)
fill out the appropriate section of the application attached to this Prospec-
tus and (2) include with the completed application a voided check from the
bank account into which redemptions are to be deposited. Once Boston Financial
has received the application and the voided check, such stockholder's desig-
nated bank account, following any dividend or redemption, will be credited
with the proceeds. Once enrolled in direct deposit, a stockholder may termi-
nate participation at any time by written notice to Boston Financial.
 
 HOW FUND SHARES ARE PRICED
 
 
For purposes of pricing purchases and redemptions, the net asset value of each
class of shares of the Fund is separately determined by Boston Financial as of
the close of the regular trading session on the New York Stock Exchange on
each day that the Exchange is open for business (and will also be computed as
of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any other day on which purchase or redemption
orders are received and there is a sufficient degree of trading in the portfo-
lio securities of the Fund such that net asset value per share might be af-
fected). Net asset value per share of the Fund is calculated (to the nearest
cent) by adding the value of all securities and other assets, subtracting all
of the liabilities and dividing the remainder by the number of shares out-
standing at the time the determination is made.
 
Assets of the Fund for which market quotations are readily available are val-
ued at market value. Securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less
are valued at their amortized cost under rules adopted by the SEC. Other as-
sets and securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith
under procedures established by the Directors of the Fund.
 
 TAXES
 
 
The following discussion is a general summary of certain of the current fed-
eral income tax laws regarding the Fund and its investors. The discussion does
not purport to deal with all of the federal income tax consequences applicable
to the Fund, or to all categories of investors who may be subject to special
rules (for example, foreign investors). Investors should consult their own tax
consultant for more detailed information regarding the above and for informa-
tion regarding any state, local or foreign taxes that may be applicable to
them.
 
The Fund intends to qualify for taxation as a regulated investment company
("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so
that the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent it dis-
tributes its income to its stockholders. In order to so qualify, certain gross
income and other requirements must be satisfied.
 
DIVIDENDS
Dividends other than capital gain dividends paid by the Fund to individuals
will be taxable as ordinary income. If the
 
                                   -- 11 --
<PAGE>
 
Fund qualifies for taxation as a RIC and satisfies certain requirements dis-
cussed below, dividends paid by the Fund (other than capital gain distribu-
tions, which are discussed separately below) will be eligible, whether paid in
cash or in additional shares, for the 70% dividends-received deduction that is
available to corporate taxpayers to the extent attributable to dividends re-
ceived by the Fund from domestic corporations. After giving effect to such 70%
deduction, such dividends are subject to a maximum effective rate of federal
corporate income tax of approximately 10.5%, in contrast to the maximum fed-
eral corporate income tax rate of approximately 35%.
 
Dividends distributed by the Fund to stockholders will only be eligible for
the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the Fund's gross income that
consists of dividends received on equity securities of domestic corporations
with respect to which the Fund meets the same holding period, risk of loss and
borrowing limitations applicable to the Fund's stockholders, as described be-
low under "Holding Period and Other Requirements". If the expenses and losses
of the Fund equal or exceed non-qualifying income (if any), all dividends dis-
tributed by the Fund may qualify for the dividends-received deduction.
 
In the event that the Fund's total distributions (including distributed or
designated net capital gain) for a taxable year exceed, generally, its invest-
ment company taxable income and net capital gain, a portion of each distribu-
tion will be treated as a return of capital, which will not qualify for the
dividends-received deduction. Distributions treated as a return of capital re-
duce a stockholder's basis in its shares and could result in recognition of
capital gain either when a distribution is in excess of basis, or more likely,
when a stockholder redeems its shares.
 
For purposes of the alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations, alterna-
tive minimum taxable income will be increased by 75% of the amount by which an
alternative measure of income (adjusted current earnings) that includes the
full amount of dividends received (without regard to the dividends-received
deduction) exceeds the amount otherwise determined to be the alternative mini-
mum taxable income. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund may cause a corpo-
rate stockholder to be subject to (or result in an increased liability under)
the alternative minimum tax.
 
HOLDING PERIOD AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for the benefits of the dividends-received deduction, a
corporate stockholder must satisfy certain holding period requirements with
respect to the Fund's shares. Section 246 of the Code permits the dividends-
received deduction to corporate stockholders only if the shares with respect
to which the dividends were paid have been held for more than 45 days. The
holding period requirements are separately applicable to each block of shares
acquired, including each block of shares received in payment of the Fund's
daily dividends. The Fund has received a ruling under Section 246 with respect
to this issue from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") confirming the
Fund's interpretation. For purposes of determining whether this holding period
requirement has been met, the day of acquisition and any day after the first
45 days after the date on which such shares become ex-dividend must be disre-
garded. The Fund and the Manager believe that once a stockholder has satisfied
this 46-day holding period with respect to any block of shares, such stock-
holder will similarly satisfy the 46-day holding period on reinvested divi-
dends declared with respect to such shares to the extent that such stockhold-
er's total redemptions during any period are properly identified, as described
below, as relating to shares that have been held for more than 45 days.
 
In addition, the holding period is reduced for periods during which the stock
is subject to diminished risk of loss including, for example, because the
holder has acquired a put option or sold a call option (other than certain
covered call options where the exercise price is not substantially below the
selling price) or otherwise hedged his position. If the holding period is not
satisfied, the dividends-received deduction is disallowed, regardless of
whether the shares with respect to which the dividends were paid have been
sold or otherwise disposed of.
 
The dividends-received deduction will also be reduced, for stockholders who
incur indebtedness in order to purchase shares of the Fund, by the percentage
of the cost of the shares that is debt-financed. Generally, this limitation
applies only if the debt is directly attributable to the purchase of shares.
Whether debt is directly attributable to the purchase of shares depends on the
particular facts and circumstances of each situation and accordingly stock-
holders are urged to consult their tax advisers.
 
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund will be subject to federal income taxation (at the capital gain rate)
on its net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over
net short-term capital loss) unless such amounts are distributed to the stock-
holders and designated as capital gain distributions. If the Fund distributes
such capital gain distributions, the stockholders will treat such amounts as a
long-term capital gain for purposes of computing their own federal income tax
liability. Alternatively, the Fund may pay the tax with respect to the net
capital gain and then designate, but not distribute, all or a portion of such
gain. Stockholders will treat such designated amounts as a capital gain on
their federal income tax returns, but they will receive a credit or refund
equal to the federal income taxes paid by the Fund with respect to such capi-
tal gains. Any actual or designated distributions attributable to net capital
gains will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. If a capital
gain distribution is paid with respect to any shares which are sold at a loss
after being held for six months or less, then any loss realized upon the sale
of such shares will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
such capital gain distribution.
                                   -- 12 --
<PAGE>
 
REDEMPTIONS
Redemptions of shares will be taxable transactions for federal income tax pur-
poses. Generally, gain or loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the
difference between the stockholder's basis in its shares and the amount re-
ceived. Assuming that such shares are held as a capital asset, such gain or
loss will be a capital gain or loss and will generally be a long-term capital
gain or loss if the stockholder has held its shares for a period of one year
or more. Gain on the sale of shares held for more than 18 months will gener-
ally be taxed at a maximum marginal rate of 20%. If a stockholder redeems
shares of the Fund at a loss and makes an additional investment in the Fund 30
days before or after such redemption, the loss may be disallowed under the
wash sale rules.
 
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
Stockholders may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received
from the Fund, which taxes may be determined differently than federal income
taxes thereon. Stockholders should consult their own tax advisors as to the
state and local tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
 
 DISTRIBUTIONS AND YIELD
 
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund will seek to distribute all of its income each year. The Fund de-
clares dividends daily immediately prior to the close of business, from its
net investment income. Each such dividend will be payable with respect to
fully paid shares to stockholders of record at the time of declaration. All
daily dividends declared during a given month will be paid as of the last cal-
endar day of the month. Distributions of realized net capital gains, if any,
will generally be declared and paid at the end of the year in which they have
been earned. In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund may include its cur-
rent yield and/or return in advertisements or information furnished to stock-
holders or potential investors.
 
DIVIDEND PAYMENT OPTIONS
The funds automatically reinvest your dividends each month in additional fund
shares unless you request otherwise. You may request to have your dividends
paid to you by check, deposited directly into your bank account, paid to a
third party, sent to an address other than your address of record, or rein-
vested in shares of another Nuveen mutual fund. If you wish to do so, complete
the appropriate section of the account application, contact your financial ad-
viser, or call Nuveen at (800) 225-8530.
 
TAX OBJECTIVES OF DIVIDEND POLICY FOR CORPORATE INVESTORS
The Fund's dividend procedures are designed to maximize the Federal income tax
advantage of the 70% dividends-received deduction to domestic corporate stock-
holders. Although the Fund and the Manager believe that the Fund will be able
to achieve its tax objectives, there can be no assurances on this matter. For
further information regarding the dividends-received deduction, see the State-
ment of Additional Information, "Taxes."
 
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS
Normally the Fund will make a distribution of realized net capital gain for a
taxable year within 75 days after the end of such year (June 30) and may make
an additional distribution in order to avoid an excise tax which is imposed on
any undistributed income if substantially all of such income has not been de-
clared and distributed within certain time periods. The Fund retains the dis-
cretion, however, not to distribute all or a portion of such gain if, in its
judgment, nondistribution of such gain would help achieve the tax objectives
of the Fund.
 
YIELD AND TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION
The yield for each class of the Fund's shares is calculated in accordance with
the SEC's standardized yield formula. Under this formula, dividend and inter-
est income over the 30 day measurement period is reduced by period expenses
and divided by the number of days within the measurement period to arrive at a
daily income rate. This daily income rate is then expressed as a semiannually
compounded yield based on the maximum offering price of a share assuming a
standardized 360 day year.
 
The average annual total return for each class of the Fund's shares for any
time period is calculated by assuming an investment at the beginning of the
measurement period at the maximum offering price. Dividends from the net
investable amount are then reinvested in additional shares each month at the
net asset value. At the end of the measurement period, the total number of
shares owned are redeemed at net asset value (less any applicable contingent
deferred sales load). The change in the total value during the investment pe-
riod is then expressed as an average annual total rate of return.
 
The Fund may also advertise total return for each class of shares which is
calculated differently from "average annual total return" (a "nonstandardized
quotation"). A nonstandardized quotation of total return measures the percent-
age change in the value of an account between the beginning and end of a peri-
od, assuming no activity in the account other than reinvestment of dividends
and capital gains distributions. The Fund may also quote a tax equivalent cur-
rent yield for corporate investors assuming the availability of the 70% divi-
dends-received deduction for all of the Fund's daily dividends and an appro-
priate specified corporate tax rate. These computations may or may not include
the effect of applicable sales charges which, if included, would reduce total
return. A nonstandardized quotation of total return for a particular class of
shares will always be accompanied by the "average annual total return" for
such class as described above.
 
Current yield and total return of each class will vary from time to time de-
pending on market conditions, the composi-
 
                                   -- 13 --
<PAGE>
 
tion of the portfolio, operating expenses and other factors. These factors and
possible differences in method of calculating performance figures should be
considered when comparing the performance figures of the Fund with those of
other investment vehicles. Yield and return information is based on historical
performance and is not intended to indicate future performance. See "Yield and
Total Return Calculation" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
 ABOUT THE INVESTMENT MANAGER
 
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Nuveen Advisory Corp. ("Nuveen Advisory") serves as the investment adviser to
the Fund and in this capacity is responsible for the selection and on-going
monitoring of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio. Nuveen Advi-
sory serves as investment adviser to investment portfolios with more than $35
billion in municipal assets under management. The funds' Board of Directors
oversees the activities of Nuveen Advisory, which also include managing the
Fund's business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other
administrative services. Established in 1976, Nuveen Advisory is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, which itself is approxi-
mately 78% owned by the St. Paul Companies, Inc. Effective January 1, 1997,
The John Nuveen Company acquired Flagship Resources Inc., and as part of that
acquisition, Flagship Financial, the adviser to the Flagship Admiral Funds,
was merged with Nuveen Advisory.
 
For providing these services, Nuveen Advisory is paid an annual management
fee. The following schedule applies to the Fund:
 
MANAGEMENT FEES
<TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSET VALUE                                   MANAGEMENT FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>
For the first $125 million                                             0.5000%
For the next $125 million                                              0.4875%
For the next $250 million                                              0.4750%
For the next $500 million                                              0.4625%
For the next $1 billion                                                0.4500%
For assets over $2 billion                                             0.4250%
</TABLE>
 
For more information about fees and expenses, see the expense tables on page
2.
 
 ABOUT THE DISTRIBUTOR
 
 
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement (the "Distribution Agree-
ment") with John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the "Distributor"), pursuant to
which the Distributor serves as the exclusive selling agent and distributor of
the Fund's shares, and in that capacity will make a continuous offering of the
shares and will be responsible for all sales and promotion efforts.
 
Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a plan (the
"Plan") with respect to the Class A, Class B, and Class C Shares which permits
the Fund to pay for certain distribution and promotion expenses related to
marketing its shares. The Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan conforms to the requirements
of the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers with regard to
Rule 12b-1 plans.
 
The Plan authorizes the Fund to expend its monies in an amount equal to the
aggregate for all such expenditures to such percentage of the Fund's daily net
asset value as may be determined from time to time by vote cast in person at a
meeting called for such purpose, by a majority of the Fund's disinterested di-
rectors. The scope of the foregoing shall be interpreted by the directors,
whose decision shall be conclusive except to the extent it contravenes estab-
lished legal authority. Without in any way limiting the discretion of the di-
rectors, the following activities are hereby declared to be primarily intended
to result in the sale of shares of the Fund: advertising the Fund or the
Fund's Manager's mutual fund activities; compensating underwriters, dealers,
brokers, banks and other selling entities and sales and marketing personnel of
any of them for sales of shares of the Fund, whether in a lump sum or on a
continuous, periodic, contingent, deferred or other basis: compensating under-
writers, dealers, brokers, banks and other servicing entities and servicing
personnel (including the Fund's Manager and its personnel of any of them for
providing services to stockholders of the Fund relating to their investment in
the Fund, including assistance in connection with inquiries relating to stock-
holder accounts; the production and dissemination of prospectuses including
statements of additional information) of the Fund and the preparation, produc-
tion and dissemination of sales, marketing and stockholder servicing materi-
als; and the ordinary or capital expenses, such as equipment, rent, fixtures,
salaries, bonuses, reporting and recordkeeping and third party consultancy or
similar expenses relating to any activity for which payment is authorized by
the directors; and the financing of any activity for which payment is autho-
rized by the directors. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund through authorized of-
ficers may make similar payments for marketing services to non-broker-dealers
who enter into service agreements with the Fund.
 
Class A Shares are subject to a .20% service fee. The maximum amount payable
by the Fund under the Plan and related agreements on an annual basis for Class
B Shares is .95% of average daily net assets for the year and for Class C
Shares is .75% of average daily net assets for the year. Of this amount, for
Class B Shares 0.75% is an asset based sales charge and .20% is a service fee
and for Class C shares 0.55% is an asset based sales charge and 0.20% is a
service fee. In the case of broker-dealers and others, such as banks, who have
selling or service agreements with the Distributor or the Fund, the maximum
amount payable for Class B Shares to any recipient is .00260% per day (.95% on
an annualized basis) and for Class C Shares is .00205% per day
 
                                   -- 14 --
<PAGE>
 
(.75% on an annualized basis) of the proportion of average daily net assets
represented by such person's customers. A salesperson and any other person en-
titled to receive compensation for selling Fund shares may receive different
compensation for selling one particular class of shares over another. The
Board of Directors may reduce these amounts at any time. Amounts payable by a
class of shares may be lower than the maximum and have been described previ-
ously. Expenditures pursuant to the Plan and related agreements may reduce
current yield after expenses. Under the Plan and related agreements, in the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 the Fund's Class A Shares paid $73,137 and
Class C Shares paid $50,127.
 
The Distributor periodically undertakes sales promotion programs with
broker/dealers with whom it has Distribution Agreements, in which it will
grant a partial or full reallowance of its retained underwriting commission
for fund sales as permitted by applicable rules. In addition, it will support
those firms' efforts in sales training seminars, management meetings, and bro-
ker roundtables where it has the opportunity to present the Distributor's
products and services. In addition, the distributor provides recognition
through the awarding of imprinted nominal promotional items; client leads; as
well as "thank you" dinners and entertainment. Its agents also typically pro-
vide food for office meetings. Under appropriate terms it will share with
broker/dealers a portion of the cost of prospecting seminars and shareholder
gatherings. In those situations where there is no retained underwriting com-
mission, i.e., on the sale of Class B, Class C or Class R Shares, the Distrib-
utor will periodically pay for similar activities at its own expense.
 
Various federal and state laws prohibit national banks and some state-chart-
ered commercial banks from underwriting or dealing in the Fund's shares. In
the unlikely event that a court were to find that these laws also prohibit
such banks from providing services of the type contemplated by the Fund's
service agreement, the Fund would seek alternative providers of such services
and expects that stockholders would not experience any disadvantage. In addi-
tion, under the securities laws in some states, banks and financial institu-
tions may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
 
 GENERAL INFORMATION
 
 
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Corporation was organized on April 18, 1983, as a Maryland corporation. On
October 15, 1987, the Corporation's stockholders approved amendments to the
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation converting it into a series fund. On
June 4, 1992 the stockholders approved a change in the name of the Corporation
to Flagship Admiral Funds Inc. and a change in the name of the Fund Stock to
Flagship Utility Income Fund Portfolio Stock. The authorized capital stock of
the Corporation consists of 600,000,000 shares of stock, par value $.001 per
share, which are divided into five (5) portfolio classes; namely, the Flagship
Utility Income Fund Portfolio Stock, The Golden Rainbow--A James Advised Mu-
tual Fund Portfolio Stock, the Flagship Short Term U.S. Government Fund Port-
folio Stock, the Flagship Limited Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock
and the Flagship Intermediate U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock.
 
The Flagship Utility Income Fund Portfolio Stock consists of 200,000,000
shares, which are divided into five (5) subclasses, designated respectively as
the Flagship Utility Income Fund Portfolio Stock, consisting of 3,500,000
shares, and the Flagship Utility Income Fund Portfolio Stock-- Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class R, each consisting of 49,125,000 shares. The Golden Rain-
bow--A James Advised Mutual Fund Portfolio Stock consists of 100,000,000
shares which are divided into five (5) subclasses, designated respectively as
The Golden Rainbow--A James Advised Mutual Fund Portfolio Stock, consisting of
15,000,000 shares, and The Golden Rainbow--A James Advised Mutual Fund Portfo-
lio Stock--Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R, each consisting of
21,250,000 shares. The Flagship Short Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio
Stock consists of 100,000,000 shares which are designated as the Flagship
Short Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock. The Flagship Limited Term
U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock consists of 100,000,000 shares which are
divided into five (5) subclasses, designated respectively as the Flagship Lim-
ited Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock, consisting of 2,000,000 shares
and the Flagship Limited Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock--Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class R, each consisting of 24,500,000 shares. The Flag-
ship Intermediate U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock consists of 100,000,000
shares which are divided into five (5) subclasses, designated respectively as
the Flagship Intermediate Term U.S. Government Fund Portfolio Stock consisting
of 2,000,000 shares and the Flagship Intermediate Term U.S. Government Fund
Portfolio Stock--Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R, each consisting of
24,500,000 shares. Pursuant to Maryland law and the Corporation's charter, the
Board of Directors may increase the authorized capital and reclassify unissued
shares of any class to create additional classes of stock with specified
rights, preferences, and limitations. Each share is entitled to one vote per
share on all matters subject to stockholders' vote. Shares of all classes vote
together as a single class except that where a matter affects a particular
class differently from other classes, that class will vote separately on such
matter. The Corporation is not required to hold meetings of stockholders for
the purpose of electing directors unless less than a majority of the directors
elected by stockholders remain in office. If the Corporation does not hold an-
nual meetings of stockholders, it will abide by Section 16 (c) of the 1940 Act
which provides that the Directors will call a meeting of stockholders for the
purpose of voting on the question of the removal of a Director if so requested
in writing by the holders of 10% or more of the Fund's outstanding shares and
will assist such stockholders in communicating with the other stockholders.
 
                                   -- 15 --
<PAGE>
 
Directors may be removed by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
the Corporation.
 
Each share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions
declared by the Directors with respect to shares of the same class, and in the
net distributable assets allocated to such class on liquidation. Stockholders
are entitled to redeem their shares, and such shares are subject to redemption
by the Fund, as set forth under "How to Redeem or Exchange." There are no con-
version, preemptive or exchange rights in connection with any shares of the
Fund, nor are there cumulative voting rights. All shares of the Fund when is-
sued will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Fund.
 
 CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
 
 
The Chase Manhattan Bank, 4 New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004 is the
custodian of the Fund's assets. The custodian performs custodial, fund ac-
counting, portfolio accounting, shareholder, and transfer agency services.
 
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachu-
setts 02106, is the Fund's transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent. It
also maintains the Fund's accounting records, determines the net asset value,
and performs other stockholder services for the Corporation and each series.
 
 COUNSEL AND AUDITORS
 
 
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, counsel to the Fund, passes upon
certain legal matters for the Corporation and the Fund. Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent auditors, are auditors for the Fund (effective July 1, 1997) and
advise the Fund as to certain tax matters.
 
 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
 
Please direct your inquiries to a Nuveen Representative at 1-800-414-7447 or
for TDD, 1-800-360-4521. The Fund issues to its stockholders semiannual re-
ports containing unaudited financial statements for the Fund and annual re-
ports containing audited financial statements approved annually by the Board
of Directors.
 
This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the Registra-
tion Statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 and the
1940 Act with respect to the securities offered hereby, certain portions of
which have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The
Registration Statement including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined
at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
 
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or
other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each in-
stance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a
part, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
 
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any represen-
tations, other than those contained in this Prospectus, in connection with the
offer made by this Prospectus, and, if given or made, such other information
or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the
Fund or its Distributor. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell
or a solicitation of an offer to buy by the Fund or by the Distributor in any
State in which such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy may not
lawfully be made.
 
 
                                   -- 16 --
<PAGE>
  
Flagship Utility Income Fund Application Form
 
 
 PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE ALL INFORMATION      PLEASE MAIL THIS APPLICATION AND YOUR
 NOTE: You must complete Sections 1,       CHECK TO:
 2, 3, 4, 5 and sign the signature         Boston Financial
 line. Your signature is required          Attn.: Flagship Utility Income Fund
 for processing. Complete sections         P.O. Box 8509
 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 for op-        Boston, MA 02266-8509
 tional services.
 
 
1. YOUR ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
 
 Please check only ONE registration type:
 Owner Name(s) (First, Middle Initial (if used), Last)
 [_] Individual or Joint Account*
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 *Joint tenants with rights of survivorship unless tenancy in common is
 indicated
 [_] Other Entity
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 [_] Uniform Gift to Minors
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Custodian Name (One name only)
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Minor's Name (One name only)

 Minor's state of residence   ______

 
2. YOUR MAILING ADDRESS
 
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Street or P.O. Box   Suite or Apt. Number
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 State                                                          Zip Code
 ()-                 ()-
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Daytime Phone       Evening Phone
 [_] U.S. Citizen or
 [_] Other (specify) __________________________________________________________
 
3. YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY/TAX ID NUMBER
 
 For individual or joint accounts use Social Security number of owner. For
 custodial accounts use minor's Social Security number.
 
 ------------------------------------
 Social Security Number
 
 ------------------------------------
 Tax ID Number
 
4. YOUR INITIAL INVESTMENT
 
 I want to invest in this Flagship Utility Income Fund.
 Please indicate class of shares
 
 $______________________  [_] A Shares**
 $______________________  [_] C Shares***
 
 *Minimum of $3,000. **Front end sales charge. ***Level load. If no share
 class is marked, investment will automatically be made in A Shares.
 
 Attach check payable to NAME OF FUND
 [_] Purchase or check through Dealer Account
 [_] Exchange of bonds. (See application and transmittal letter)
 
5. DIVIDEND/DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
 If no option is selected, all distributions will be reinvested.
 [_] Reinvest dividends and capital gains.
 [_] Pay dividends in cash, reinvest capital gains.
 [_] Pay dividends and capital gains in cash.
 [_] Direct dividends to an existing account with identical registration.
  Designate the Fund name and account number below.
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name of Fund
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Existing Fund Account Number
 
 [_] Deposit dividends directly into the bank account indicated on the
  attached VOIDED check (subject to terms and conditions in the prospectus).
 
6. DEALER AUTHORIZATION

 We are a duly registered and licensed dealer and have a sales agreement with
 John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated. We are authorized to purchase shares from the
 Fund for the investor. The investor is authorized to send any future payments
 directly to the Fund for investment. Confirm each transaction to the investor
 and to us. We guarantee the genuineness of the investor's signature. 
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Investment Firm
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Investment Professional's Name                         Rep #
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Branch Address                                         Branch #
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 ----------------------------------------------
 State                          Zip Code

 (     )      -
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Investment Professional's Phone Number
 X
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Signature of Investment Professional
 
7. LETTER OF INTENT
                (Class A Shares only)
 I/we agree to the escrow provision described in the prospectus and intend to
 purchase, although I'm not obligated to do so, shares of the Fund designated
 on this application within a 13-month period which, together with the total
 asset value of shares owned, will aggregate at least:
    [_] $50,000         [_] $100,000          [_] $250,000
    [_] $500,000        [_] $1,000,000
 
8. CUMULATIVE PURCHASE DISCOUNT
 I/we qualify for cumulative discount with the accounts listed below.
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund Name
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Account Number
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund Name
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Account Number
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund Name
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Account Number
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    -- 17 --
<PAGE>
    
9. SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN 

 Pursuant to the terms of the plan described in the prospectus, I/we authorize
 the automatic monthly transfer of funds from my/our bank account for
 investment in the above Fund. Attached is a VOIDED check from that account.
 
 Date for Investment            (Between 5th and 28th Only)
                     ---
 
 $
 -----------------   Month to Begin Plan_______________________________________
 Amount ($50 Minimum)
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name of Bank
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank Account#
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank's Street Address
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 -----   --------   -------
 State   Zip Code
 X
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Signature of Depositor           Date
 X
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Signature of Joint Depositor     Date
 
10. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
 
 A minimum $10,000 balance is required.
 BANK ACCOUNT CREDIT
 Please redeem $          from my account and credit my bank account as indi-
 cated in the banking information section below.
 Month first credit is to be made: ____________________________________________
 Day of the month that I wish the credit to be made:
                            ---
 (Between the 5th and 28th only.)
 Please credit my account for each month I have selected.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   JAN            FEB                   MAR                   APR                   MAY                   JUN
   <S>            <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
   [_]            [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]

   JUL            AUG                   SEP                   OCT                   NOV                   DEC
   [_]            [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]
</TABLE>
 CHECK
 Please redeem $          from my account on or about the 31st of each month
 as selected above.
 Month first credit is to be sent: ____________________________________________
 Send checks to: [_] Address on account
         [_] Special address (complete below)
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Payee
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Street
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 -----   --------   -------
 State   Zip Code
 
11. SYSTEMATIC EXCHANGES
 
 IMPORTANT: The account registrations for the originating and receiving funds
 must be identical. I hereby authorize automatic exchanges of;
 Amount $            ($50 minimum)
 From fund name _______________________________________________________________
 Account no. (if known) _______________________________________________________
 Into fund name _______________________________________________________________
 Account no. (if known) _______________________________________________________
 Exchanges will be made on or about the 16th of these months:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   JAN            FEB                   MAR                   APR                   MAY                   JUN
   <S>            <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
   [_]            [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]

   JUL            AUG                   SEP                   OCT                   NOV                   DEC
   [_]            [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]                   [_]
</TABLE>
 
12. TELEPHONE REDEMPTION
 
 I/we hereby authorize the Fund to implement the following telephone redemp-
 tion requests (under $50,000 only) without signature verification to the reg-
 istered fund account name and address. Redemption proceeds may be wired to
 the U.S. commercial bank designated, provided you complete the information
 below and enclose a VOIDED check for that account.
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name of Bank
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank Account#
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank's Street Address
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 -----   --------   -------
 State   Zip Code
 
 [_] I do not authorize redemption by telephone.
 
13. INTERESTED PARTY MAIL/DIVIDEND MAIL
 [_] Send duplicate confirmation statements to the interested party listed be-
     low.
 [_] Send my distributions to the address listed below.
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Name of Individual
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Street Address
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City
 
 -----   --------   -------
 State   Zip Code

SIGNATURE(S)
 
Under the penalties of perjury, I/we certify that the information provided on
this form is true, correct, and complete. The undersigned certify that I/we
have full authority and legal capacity to purchase, exchange or redeem shares
of the above named Fund(s) and affirm that I/we have received and read a cur-
rent Prospectus of the named Fund(s) and agree to be bound by its terms.
 
I/we agree to indemnify and hold harmless State Street Bank and Trust Company,
Boston Financial, and any Flagship fund(s) which may be involved in transac-
tions authorized by telephone against any claim, loss, expense or damage, in-
cluding reasonable fees of investigation and counsel, in connection with any
telephone withdrawal effected on my account pursuant to procedures described
in the Prospectus.
X                                        X
- --------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
Signature                    Date        Signature (Joint Tenant)      Date
 1. As required by the IRS I/we certify (a) that the number shown on this form
  is my correct Taxpayer Identification number. I/we understand that if I/we
  do not provide a Taxpayer Identification Number to the Fund within 60 days,
  the Fund is required to withhold 31 percent of all reportable payments
  thereafter made to me until I/we provide a number certified under penalties
  of perjury, and that I/we may be subject to a $50 penalty by the IRS.
 2. As required by the IRS I/we certify under penalties of perjury that I/we
 are not subject to backup withholding by the IRS.
NOTE: Strike out Item (2) if you have been notified that you are subject to
backup withholding by the IRS and you have not received a notice from the IRS
advising you that backup withholding has been terminated.
X                                        X
- --------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
Signature                    Date        Signature (Joint Tenant)      Date
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE FUND. YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION
STATEMENT SHORTLY.
 
                                   -- 18 --
<PAGE>
 
Serving Investors for Generations



[PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

John Nuveen, Sr.



Since our founding in 1898, John Nuveen & Co. has been synonymous with
investments that withstand the test of time. Today we offer a broad range of
investments designed for individuals who plan to rely on their investments as a
principal source of their ongoing financial security. In fact, more than 1.3
million investors have entrusted Nuveen to help them maintain the lifestyle they
currently enjoy.

The cornerstone of Nuveen's investment philosophy is a commitment to disciplined
long-term investment strategies whose aim is to provide consistent, attractive
performance over time -- with moderated risk. We emphasize high-quality
securities carefully chosen through in-depth research, and we follow those
securities closely over time to ensure that they continue to meet our exacting
standards.

Whether your focus is long-term growth, dependable current income or 
preservation of capital, Nuveen offers a wide variety of products and services 
to help you meet your unique circumstances and financial planning needs. You can
choose among equity and fixed-income mutual funds, unit trusts, customized asset
management services and cash management products.

Talk with your financial adviser to learn more about how Nuveen investment 
products and services can help you preserve your long-term financial security. 
Or call us at (800) 621-7227 for more information, including a prospectus where 
applicable. Please read that information carefully before investing.



[NUVEEN LOGO]

John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606-1286

(800) 621-7227
www.nuveen.com


                 [C]1997 by John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated. All rights reserved.


                                                                    EPR-UI-10.97
<PAGE>
 
                          FLAGSHIP ADMIRAL FUNDS INC.
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                            DATED OCTOBER 29, 1997
 
                333 WEST WACKER DRIVE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
 
                      FLAGSHIP UTILITY INCOME FUND SERIES
 
  This Statement of Additional Information provides certain detailed informa-
tion concerning the Fund. It is not a Prospectus and should be read in con-
junction with the Fund's current Prospectus for the Flagship Utility Income
Fund, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by written request to:
Funds, c/o John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated; by telephone at: (800) 414-7447.
 
  This Statement of Additional Information relates to the Flagship Utility In-
come Fund Prospectus dated October 29, 1997.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           -----
<S>                                                                        <C>
Investment Objectives and Policies........................................     2
Shares of the Fund........................................................     5
Officers, Directors and Stockholders......................................     6
Investment Advisory Services..............................................     9
Taxes.....................................................................    10
Yield and Total Return Calculation........................................    13
Distributions.............................................................    14
Distributor...............................................................    15
Custodian and Transfer Agent..............................................    17
Auditors..................................................................    17
Portfolio Transactions....................................................    17
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares................................    18
Servicemark and Trademark.................................................    18
Other Information.........................................................    18
Appendix I--Description of Securities Ratings.............................   I-1
Appendix II--Description of Hedging Techniques............................  II-1
Appendix III--Tax Equivalent Chart........................................ III-1
</TABLE>
 
  The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997,
appearing in the Annual Report of Flagship Utility Income Fund are incorpo-
rated herein by reference. The Annual Report accompanies this Statement of Ad-
ditional Information.
<PAGE>
 
                      INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
  Flagship Admiral Funds Inc. (the "Fund") has no fundamental objectives as a
whole. Each Portfolio of the Fund has its own objectives. The Flagship Utility
Income Fund ("Utility Income Fund") has adopted the following investment re-
strictions (which supplement the matters described under "The Fund and Its Ob-
jective" in the Utility Income Fund Prospectus), none of which may be changed
without the approval of the holders of a majority (as defined in the Invest-
ment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")) of its outstanding shares. The
Utility Income Fund may not:
 
  (1) Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Govern-
ment or any of its instrumentalities, if immediately after such purchase more
than 5% of the value of its total assets would be invested in such issuer, or
the Portfolio would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
such issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the Portfolio's total as-
sets may be invested without regard to such 5% and 10% limitations;
 
  (2) Make loans, except to the extent the purchase of debt obligations (in-
cluding repurchase agreements) in accordance with the Portfolio's investment
objective and policies are considered loans and except that the Portfolio may
loan portfolio securities to qualified institutional investors in compliance
with requirements established from time to time by the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") and the securities exchanges in which such securities are
traded;
 
  (3) Issue securities senior to its stock or borrow money, except that the
Portfolio has reserved the right to borrow money from banks on a temporary ba-
sis from time to time to provide greater liquidity for redemptions or to make
additional portfolio investments. Such borrowings will not exceed 25% of the
Portfolio's net assets plus all outstanding borrowings immediately after the
time the latest such borrowing is made;
 
  (4) Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer any of whose officers,
directors, or security holders is a director or officer of the Fund or of its
investment adviser if or so long as the directors and officers of the Fund and
of its investment adviser together own beneficially more than 5% of any class
of securities of such issuer;
 
  (5) Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets except in an amount up to 50%
of the value of the Portfolio's net assets, taken at cost, and only to secure
borrowings permitted by clause (3) above.
 
  (6) Purchase or sell real estate, real estate mortgage loans, real estate
investment trust securities, commodities, commodity contracts (except for bona
fide hedging purposes) or oil and gas interests.
 
  (7) Acquire securities of other investment companies (other than in connec-
tion with the acquisitions of such companies).
 
  (8) Act as an underwriter of securities or invest more than 10% of the Port-
folio's assets, as determined at the time of investment, in securities that
are subject to restrictions on disposition under the Securities Act of 1933 or
for which market quotations are not readily available, including repurchase
agreements having more than seven days to maturity.
 
  (9) Purchase securities on margin, make short sales of securities or main-
tain a net short position.
 
  In order to permit the sale of shares in certain states, the Fund may make
commitments more restrictive than the operating restrictions described above.
Should the Fund determine that any such commitment is no longer in the best
interest of the stockholders, it will revoke the commitment by terminating
sales of its shares in the state involved. Also, as a matter of policy that is
not fundamental, the Utility Income Fund has determined that it will not in-
vest in warrants, own more than 5% of the outstanding voting securities of any
issuer and will only write call options which are fully covered.
 
  The Fund places no restrictions on portfolio turnover except as may be nec-
essary to maintain its status as a regulated investment company under the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
  Repurchase Agreements. The Utility Income Fund may enter into repurchase
agreements with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, in an amount up
to 5% of its total assets, under which such Fund acquires securities and
agrees to resell the securities to the other party at an agreed upon time and
at an agreed upon price. The Fund would accrue as interest the difference be-
tween the amount it pays for the securities and the
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
amount it receives upon resale. At the time it enters into a repurchase agree-
ment, the value of the underlying security including accrued interest will be
equal to or exceed the value of the repurchase agreement and, for repurchase
agreements that mature in more than one day, the seller will agree that the
value of the underlying security including accrued interest will continue to
be at least equal to the value of the repurchase agreement. The Utility Income
Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with creditworthy parties and
will monitor such creditworthiness on an ongoing basis. Generally, repurchase
agreement activities will be restricted to well-capitalized commercial banks
with assets in excess of $1 billion, primary dealers in U.S. Government secu-
rities or broker-dealers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commis-
sion. The underlying securities will only consist of U.S. Government or Gov-
ernment Agency securities, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances or
commercial paper. In the event of default by such party, the delays and ex-
penses potentially involved in establishing the Fund's rights to, and in liq-
uidating the security may result in a loss.
 
  Leverage. The Utility Income Fund has reserved the right to borrow money
from time to time to provide greater liquidity for redemptions or to make ad-
ditional portfolio investments. If a Portfolio were to borrow money, income
earned from additional investments in excess of interest costs would improve
performance over what otherwise would be the case. Conversely, if the invest-
ment performance of such additional investments failed to cover their cost
(including interest costs on such borrowings) the performance would be poorer
than would otherwise be the case. This speculative factor is known as "lever-
age."
 
  The 1940 Act limits the amount of money a fund may borrow to 33 1/3% of the
value of such fund's net assets plus all outstanding borrowings immediately
after the time the latest such borrowing is made; the Utility Income Fund has
elected to restrict its borrowings to a maximum amount of 25%. If a Portfolio
were to borrow money and the value of its assets were to fall below the statu-
tory coverage requirement for any reason, the Portfolio would have to take
corrective action to achieve compliance within three business days and accord-
ingly might be required to sell a portion of its securities at a time when
such sale might be disadvantageous.
 
  "When Issued" Transactions. The Utility Income Fund may purchase and sell
securities on a "when issued" and "delayed delivery" basis. These transactions
are subject to market fluctuation; the value at delivery may be more or less
than the purchase price. Since the Fund relies on the buyer or seller, as the
case may be, to consummate the transaction, failure by the other party to com-
plete the transaction may result in it missing the opportunity of obtaining a
price or yield considered to be advantageous. When the Fund is the buyer in
such a transaction, however, it will maintain with its custodian cash or high-
grade portfolio securities having an aggregate value equal to the amount of
such purchase commitments until payment is made. To the extent the Fund en-
gages in "when issued" and "delayed delivery" transactions, it will do so for
the purpose of acquiring securities for its portfolio consistent with its in-
vestment objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment lever-
age.
 
  Diversification. As a diversified fund, the Utility Income Fund may not pur-
chase the securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government or any
of its instrumentalities, if immediately after such purchase more than 5% of
the value of its total assets would be invested in such issuer, or if it would
own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, except
that up to 25% of the value of the Utility Income Fund's total assets may be
invested without regard to such 5% and 10% limitations.
 
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES
 
  Put Options. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to
sell and the writer of the option the obligation to buy the underlying secu-
rity at the exercise price during the option period. The purchase of a put op-
tion on a security would be designed to protect the Fund's holdings in a secu-
rity against a substantial decline in the market value. The Fund is authorized
to purchase exchange-listed options and over-the-counter options ("OTC Op-
tions"). Listed options are issued by the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC")
which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such op-
tions. OTC options shall be treated as illiquid.
 
  The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser of an exchange-
listed put option is dependent upon the existence of a liquid secondary market
on option exchanges. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid
secondary market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in cer-
tain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to par-
ticular classes or series of options or underlying securities; (iv) interrup-
tion of the normal operations on an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities
of an exchange or OCC to handle current trading
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading
of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the
secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options)
would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange that had
been listed by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would generally
continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms. OTC Options are
purchased from or sold to dealers or financial institutions which have entered
into direct agreement with the Fund. With OTC Options, such variables as expi-
ration date, exercise price and premium will be agreed upon between the Fund
and the transacting dealer, without the intermediation of a third party such
as the OCC. If the transacting dealer fails to make or take delivery of the
securities underlying an option it has written, in accordance with the terms
of that option as written, the Fund would lose the premium paid for the option
as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. The Fund will engage in
OTC Option transactions only with primary United States Government securities
dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
 
  The hours of trading for options on securities may not conform to the hours
during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the op-
tion markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, signifi-
cant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that
cannot be reflected in the option markets.
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS
 
  Characteristics. The Fund may sell financial futures contracts or purchase
put options on such futures as a hedge against anticipated interest rate
changes and may purchase stock index options or futures thereon to hedge
against changes in the equity markets. It may also utilize such investments to
hedge currency risk. A futures contract sale creates an obligation by the
Fund, as seller, to deliver the specific type of financial instrument called
for in the contract at a specified future time for a specified price. Options
on futures contracts are similar to options on securities except that an op-
tion on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the
premium paid to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if
the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put). Stock index
options may also be listed on a stock exchange.
 
  Limitations on Use of Options and Futures. The Fund's use of futures and op-
tions on futures will in all cases be consistent with applicable regulatory
requirements and in particular the rules and regulations of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission with which the Fund must comply in order not to be
deemed a commodity pool operator within the meaning and intent of the Commod-
ity Exchange Act.
 
  Risks. Typically, investment in futures contracts requires the Fund to de-
posit with the applicable exchange or other specified financial intermediary
as security for its obligations an amount of cash or other specified securi-
ties which initially is 1% to 5% of the face amount of the contract and which
thereafter fluctuates on a periodic basis as the value of the contract fluctu-
ates. Investment in options involves payment of a premium for the option with-
out any further obligation on the part of the Fund.
 
  The Fund will not engage in transactions in futures contracts or related op-
tions for speculative purposes but only as a hedge against changes resulting
from market conditions in the values of securities in its portfolio. In addi-
tion, the Fund will not enter into a futures contract or related option (ex-
cept for closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the
amount of its initial deposits and premiums on open contracts and options
would exceed 5% of its total assets (taken at current value). Also, when re-
quired, a segregated account of cash or cash equivalents will be maintained
and marked to market in an amount equal to the market value of the contract.
 
  Hedging transactions present certain risks. In particular, the variable de-
gree of correlation between price movements of futures contracts and price
movements in the position being hedged creates the possibility that losses on
the hedge may be greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. In
addition, futures and futures option markets may not be liquid in all circum-
stances. As a result, in volatile markets, the Fund may not be able to close
out a transaction without incurring losses substantially greater than the ini-
tial deposit. Although the contemplated use of these contracts should tend to
minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged posi-
tion, at the same time they tend to limit any potential gain which might re-
sult from an increase in the value of such position. The ability of the Fund
to hedge successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to predict perti-
nent market movements, which cannot be assured. Finally, the daily deposit re-
quirements in futures contracts create an ongoing greater potential financial
risk than do options transactions, where the exposure is limited to the cost
of the initial premium. Losses due to hedging transactions will reduce net as-
set value. Income earned by the Fund from its hedging activities generally
will be treated as capital gains.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                              SHARES OF THE FUND
 
  Four classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, and
Class R Shares are authorized for the Fund. Currently, the Fund is offering
Class A and C Shares. Other classes of shares are not presently available, but
may be offered in the future. The Fund is authorized to offer up to four clas-
ses of shares which may be purchased at a price equal to their net asset value
per share, plus (for certain classes) a sales charge (discussed below) which,
at the election of the purchaser, may be imposed either (i) at the time of
purchase (the "Class A Shares") or (ii) on a contingent deferred basis (the
"Class B Shares" or the "Class C Shares"). The four classes of shares each
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and
have the same rights, except (i) Class B and Class C Shares bear the expenses
of the deferred sales arrangement and any expenses (including a higher distri-
bution services fee) resulting from such sales arrangement, (ii) each class
that is subject to a distribution fee has exclusive voting rights with respect
to those provisions of the Fund's Rule 12b-1 distribution plan which relate
only to such class and (iii) the classes have different exchange privileges.
Additionally, Class B Shares will automatically convert into Class A Shares
after a specified period of years (as described below). The net income attrib-
utable to Class B and Class C Shares and the dividends payable on Class B and
Class C Shares will be reduced by the amount of the higher distribution serv-
ices fee and certain other incremental expenses associated with the deferred
sales charge arrangement. The net asset value per share of Class A Shares,
Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares is expected to be substan-
tially the same, but it may differ from time to time.
 
  1. Class A Shares. The public offering price of Class A Shares is equal to
net asset value plus an initial sales charge that is a variable percentage of
the offering price depending on the amount of the sale. Net asset value will
be determined as described in the Prospectus under "How Fund Shares are
Priced". The net assets attributable to Class A Shares are subject to an ongo-
ing services fee (see "About the Distributor" in the Prospectus). Purchasers
of Class A Shares may be entitled to reduced sales charges through a combina-
tion of investments, rights of accumulation or a Letter of Intent even if
their current investment would not normally qualify for a quantity discount
(see "Reduced Sales Charges" in the Prospectus). Class A Shares also qualify
for certain exchange and reinvestment privileges as described in "Exchange And
Reinvestment Privilege" in the Prospectus. The investor or the investor's bro-
ker or dealer is responsible for promptly forwarding payment to the Fund for
shares purchased. Class A Shares may be subject to a CDSC as explained in the
Prospectus under "Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge".
 
  2. Class B Shares. Class B Shares are sold at net asset value (see "Net As-
set Value") without a sales charge at the time of purchase. Instead, the sales
charge is imposed on a contingent deferred basis. The net assets attributable
to Class B Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution fee (see "Distribu-
tor" below). The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, will
vary depending on the number of years from the time of payment of the purchase
of Class B Shares until the time such shares are redeemed. Solely for purposes
of determining the number of years from the time of any payment of the pur-
chase of Class B Shares, all payments during any month will be aggregated and
deemed to have been made on the last day of the month.
 
  Class B Shares automatically convert into Class A Shares after 8 years after
the end of the month in which a stockholder's order to purchase Class B Shares
was accepted. As a result, the shares that converted will no longer be subject
to a sales charge upon redemption and will enjoy the lower Class A distribu-
tion services fee.
 
  For purposes of conversion of Class A Shares, Class B Shares purchased
through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions paid in respect of
Class B Shares in a stockholder's account will be considered to be held in a
separate sub-account. Each time any Class B Shares in the stockholder's ac-
count (other than those in the sub-account) convert to Class A Shares, an
equal pro rata portion of the Class B Shares in the sub-account also will con-
vert to Class A Shares. The conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares is
subject to the continuing determination that (i) the assessment of the higher
distribution services fee and transfer agency cost with respect to Class B
Shares does not result in the Fund's dividends or distributions constituting
"preferential dividends" under the Code, and (ii) that the conversion of Class
B Shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law. The
conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares may be suspended if such an
opinion is no longer available. In that event, no further conversions of Class
B Shares would occur, and Class B Shares might continue to be subject to the
higher distribution services fee for an indefinite period, which period may
extend beyond the conversion period after the end of the month in which the
shares were issued.
 
  The Class B Shares are otherwise the same as Class C Shares and are subject
to the same conditions, except that they can only be exchanged for other Class
B Shares without imposition of sales charges.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  3. Class C Shares. Class C Shares are sold at net asset value (see "How Fund
Shares are Priced" in the Prospectus) without a sales charge at the time of
purchase. Instead, the Class C Shares are subject to a 1% CDSC if they are re-
deemed within one year after purchase. The net assets attributable to Class C
Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and services fee of 0.75% (see
"About the Distributor" in the Prospectus). The Class C Shares have no conver-
sion rights.
 
  The CDSC will not be imposed on amounts representing increases in net asset
value above the initial purchase price. Additionally, no charge will be as-
sessed on Class B or Class C Shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains distributions. The CDSC will be waived (i) on redemption of
shares following the disability (as determined in writing by the Social Secu-
rity Administration) or death of a stockholder, (ii) on certain redemptions in
connection with IRAs and other qualified retirement plans, and (iii) when
Class B or Class C Shares are exchanged for Class B or Class C Shares of other
Flagship funds distributed by the Distributor (see "Exchange And Reinvestment
Privilege" in the Prospectus). In the case of an exchange, the length of time
that the investor held the original Class B or Class C Shares is counted to-
wards satisfaction of the period during which a deferred sales charge is im-
posed on the Class B or Class C for which the exchange was made.
 
  4. Class R Shares. You may purchase Class R Shares with monies representing
dividends and capital gain distributions on Class R Shares of the Fund. Also,
you may purchase Class R Shares if you are within the following specified cat-
egories of investors who are also eligible to purchase Class A Shares at net
asset value without an up-front sales charge: officers, current and former di-
rectors of the Fund; bona fide, full-time and retired employees of Nuveen, and
subsidiaries thereof, or their immediate family members; any person who, for
at least 90 days, has been an officer, director or bona fide employee of any
Authorized Dealer, or their immediate family members; officers and directors
of bank holding companies that make Fund shares available directly or through
subsidiaries or bank affiliates; and bank or broker-affiliated trust depart-
ments; persons investing $1 million or more in Class R Shares; and clients of
investment advisers, financial planners or other financial intermediaries that
charge periodic or asset-based "wrap" fees for their services.
 
  If you are eligible to purchase either Class R Shares or Class A Shares
without a sales charge at net asset value, you should be aware of the differ-
ences between these two classes of shares. Class A Shares are subject to an
annual distribution fee to compensate John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the
"Distributor") for distribution costs associated with the Fund and to an an-
nual service fee to compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongo-
ing account services. Class R Shares are not subject to a distribution or
service fee and, consequently, holders of Class R Shares may not receive the
same types or levels of services from Authorized Dealers. In choosing between
Class A Shares and Class R Shares, you should weigh the benefits of the serv-
ices to be provided by Authorized Dealers against the annual service fee im-
posed upon the Class A Shares.
 
                     OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The management of the Corporation, including general supervision of the du-
ties performed for the Funds under the Investment Management Agreement, is the
responsibility of its Board of Directors. The Corporation currently has eight
directors, two of whom are "interested persons" (as the term "interested per-
sons" is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) and six of whom are
"disinterested persons." The names and business addresses of the directors and
officers of the Corporation and their principal occupations and other affilia-
tions during the past five years are set forth below, with those directors who
are "interested persons" of the Corporation indicated by an asterisk.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       POSITIONS
                      AND OFFICES             PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS  AGE  WITH TRUST             DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ----------------  --- -----------             ----------------------
<S>               <C> <C>          <C>
Timothy R.        48  Chairman and Chairman since July 1, 1996 of The John
 Schwertfeger*         Director     Nuveen Company, John Nuveen & Co.
 333 West                           Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Wacker Drive                       Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.; prior
 Chicago, IL                        thereto Executive Vice President and
 60606                              Director of The John Nuveen Company, John
                                    Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory
                                    Corp. (since October 1992) and Nuveen
                                    Institutional Advisory Corp. (since October
                                    1992).
</TABLE>
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              POSITIONS
                             AND OFFICES              PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS        AGE   WITH TRUST              DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ----------------        ---  -----------              ----------------------
<S>                     <C> <C>            <C>
Anthony T. Dean*        52  President and  President since July 1, 1996 of The John
 333 West Wacker Drive       Director       Nuveen Company, John Nuveen & Co.
 Chicago, IL 60606                          Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
                                            Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.; prior
                                            thereto, Executive Vice President and
                                            Director of The John Nuveen Company, John
                                            Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory
                                            Corp. (since October 1992) and Nuveen
                                            Institutional Advisory Corp. (since October
                                            1992).
Robert P. Bremner       56  Director       Private Investor and Management Consultant.
 3725 Huntington
 Street, N.W.
 Washington, D.C. 20015
Lawrence H. Brown       63  Director       Retired (August 1989) as Senior Vice
 201 Michigan Avenue                        President of The Northern Trust Company.
 Highwood, IL 60040
Anne E. Impellizzeri    64  Director       President and Chief Executive Officer of
 3 West 29th Street                         Blanton-Peale Institute of Religion and
 New York, NY 10001                         Health.
Peter R. Sawers         64  Director       Adjunct Professor of Business and Economics,
 22 The Landmark                            University of Dubuque, Iowa; Adjunct
 Northfield, IL 60093                       Professor, Lake Forest Graduate School of
                                            Management, Lake Forest, Illinois;
                                            Chartered Financial Analyst; Certified
                                            Management Consultant.
William J. Schneider    53  Director       Senior Partner, Miller-Valentine Partners,
 4000 Miller-Valentine                      Vice President, Miller-Valentine Group.
 Ct.
 P.O. Box 744
 Dayton, OH 45401
Judith M. Stockdale     49  Director       Executive Director, Gaylord and Dorothy
 35 E. Wacker Drive                         Donnelley Foundation (since 1994); prior
 Suite 2600                                 thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes
 Chicago, IL 60601                          Protection Fund (from 1990 to 1994).
Bruce P. Bedford        57  Executive Vice Executive Vice President of John Nuveen &
 333 West Wacker Drive       President      Co. Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Chicago, IL 60606                          Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. (since
                                            January 1997); prior thereto, Chairman and
                                            CEO of Flagship Resources Inc. and Flagship
                                            Financial Inc. and the Flagship funds.
Michael S. Davern       40  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 One South Main Street                      (since January 1997); prior thereto, Vice
 Dayton, OH 45402                           President and Portfolio Manager of Flagship
                                            Financial.
William M. Fitzgerald   33  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 333 West Wacker Drive                      (since December 1995); Assistant Vice
 Chicago, IL 60606                          President of Nuveen Advisory Corp. (from
                                            September 1992 to December 1995), prior
                                            thereto, Assistant Portfolio Manager of
                                            Nuveen Advisory Corp.
Kathleen M. Flanagan    50  Vice President Vice President of John Nuveen & Co.
 333 West Wacker Drive                      Incorporated, Vice President (since June
 Chicago, IL 60606                          1996) of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen
                                            Institutional Advisory Corp.
J. Thomas Futrell       42  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 333 West Wacker Drive
 Chicago, IL 60606
</TABLE>
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        POSITIONS
                       AND OFFICES              PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS  AGE   WITH TRUST              DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ----------------  ---  -----------              ----------------------
<S>               <C> <C>            <C>
Richard A.        34  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 Huber                                (since January 1997); prior thereto, Vice
 One South Main                       President and Portfolio Manager of Flagship
 Street                               Financial.
 Dayton, OH
 45402
Steven J. Krupa   39  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 333 West
 Wacker Drive
 Chicago, IL
 60606
Anna R.           51  Vice President Vice President of John Nuveen & Co.
 Kucinskis                            Incorporated.
 333 West
 Wacker Drive
 Chicago, IL
 60606
Larry W. Martin   46  Vice President Vice President, Assistant Secretary and
 333 West                             Assistant General Counsel of John Nuveen &
 Wacker Drive                         Co. Incorporated; Vice President (since May
 Chicago, IL                          1993) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen
 60606                                Advisory Corp.; Vice President (since May
                                      1993) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen
                                      Institutional Advisory Corp.; Assistant
                                      Secretary of The John Nuveen Company (since
                                      February 1993).
Edward F.         32  Vice President Vice President (since September 1996),
 Neild, IV                            previously Assistant Vice President (since
 One South Main                       December 1993) of Nuveen Advisory Corp.,
 Street Dayton,                       portfolio manager prior thereto; Vice
 OH 45402                             President (since September 1996),
                                      previously Assistant Vice President (since
                                      May 1995) of Nuveen Institutional Advisory
                                      Corp., portfolio manager prior thereto.
Walter K.         48  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 Parker                               (since January 1997); prior thereto, Vice
 One South Main                       President and Portfolio Manager (since July
 Street                               1994) of Flagship Financial; Portfolio
 Dayton, OH                           Manager and CIO Trust Investor (between
 45402                                1983 and June 1994) for PNC Bank.
O. Walter         58  Vice President Vice President and Controller of The John
 Renfftlen                            Nuveen Company, John Nuveen & Co.
 333 West                             Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Wacker Drive                         Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
 Chicago, IL
 60606
Thomas C.         46  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Spalding, Jr.                        Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.;
 333 West                             Chartered Financial Analyst.
 Wacker Drive
 Chicago, IL
 60606
H. William        63  Vice President Vice President and Treasurer of The John
 Stabenow                             Nuveen Company, John Nuveen & Co.
 333 West                             Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
 Wacker Drive                         Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
 Chicago, IL
 60606
Jan E.            41  Vice President Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 Terbrueggen                          (since January 1997); prior thereto, Vice
 One South Main                       President and Portfolio Manager of Flagship
 Street                               Financial.
 Dayton, OH
 45402
Gifford R.        41  Vice President Vice President, Assistant Secretary and
 Zimmerman             and Assistant  Associate General Counsel formerly
 333 West              Secretary      Assistant General Counsel of John Nuveen &
 Wacker Drive                         Co. Incorporated; Vice President (since May
 Chicago, IL                          1993) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen
 60606                                Advisory Corp.; Vice President (since May
                                      1993) and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen
                                      Institutional Advisory Corp.; Assistant
                                      Secretary of The John Nuveen Company (since
                                      May 1994).
</TABLE>
  Anthony Dean, Peter Sawers and Timothy Schwertfeger serve as members of the
Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee, which
meets between regular meetings of the Board of Directors, is authorized to ex-
ercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  The directors of the Corporation are directors or trustees, as the case may
be, of 42 Nuveen open-end funds and 52 Nuveen closed-end funds advised by
Nuveen Advisory Corp.
 
  The following table sets forth compensation paid by the Corporation to each
of the directors of the Corporation and the total compensation paid to each
director during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997. The Corporation has no
retirement or pension plans. The officers and directors affiliated with Nuveen
serve without any compensation from the Corporation. Directors Brown,
Impellizzeri, Rosenheim and Sawers became directors of this Corporation on
January 30, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             AGGREGATE       TOTAL COMPENSATION
                                           COMPENSATION     FROM CORPORATION AND
                                        FROM THE TWO SERIES     FUND COMPLEX
      NAME OF DIRECTOR                  OF THIS CORPORATION  PAID TO DIRECTORS
      ----------------                  ------------------- --------------------
      <S>                               <C>                 <C>
      Robert P. Bremner................       $3,936(1)           $25,333(1)
      Lawrence H. Brown................       $  192              $59,500
      Joseph F. Castellano.............       $3,750              $17,000(1)
      Anne E. Impellizzeri.............       $  192              $59,500
      Paul F. Nezi.....................       $3,750              $17,000(1)
      Margaret K. Rosenheim............       $  209              $67,582(2)
      Peter R. Sawers..................       $  192              $59,500
      William J. Schneider.............       $3,936(1)           $26,333(1)
      Judith M. Stockdale..............       $    0(3)           $     0(3)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes compensation received as a trustee of the Flagship Funds, for the
    period July 1, 1996 to January 31, 1997.
(2) Includes $1,582 in interest accrued on deferred compensation from prior
    years; former director, retired July 1997
(3) Elected to the Board in July 1997.
 
  Each director who is not affiliated with Nuveen or Nuveen Advisory receives
a fee. The Corporation requires no employees other than its officers, all of
whom are compensated by Nuveen.
 
  As of October 2, 1997, to the knowledge of management, the following stock-
holder held of record more than 5% of the Class A Shares of the Utility Income
Fund: Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith FSBC, Attn: Fund Administration,
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E. Fl. 3, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484, 26.23%; and the fol-
lowing stockholder held of record more than 5% of the Class C Shares of the
Utility Fund: Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith FSBC, Attn: Fund Adminis-
tration, 4800 Deer Lake Dr. E. Fl. 3, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484, 35.39%. All
directors and officers as a group own less than 1% of the outstanding shares
as of the above date. The Fund has no knowledge of any other person owning
more than 5% of the outstanding shares as of such date.
 
                         INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
 
  As stated in the Utility Income Fund Prospectus, Nuveen Advisory Corp. acts
as investment adviser (the "Manager") to the Utility Income Fund pursuant to
an Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement").
 
  See "About the Investment Manager" in the Prospectus for a description of
the Manager's duties as investment adviser. The Manager's administrative obli-
gations include: (i) assisting in supervising all aspects of the Utility In-
come Fund's operations; (ii) providing the Utility Income Fund, at the Manag-
er's expense, with the services of persons competent to perform such adminis-
trative and clerical functions as are necessary in order to provide effective
corporate administration of the Utility Income Fund; and (iii) providing the
Utility Income Fund, at the Manager's expense, with adequate office space and
related services. The Utility Income Fund paid $6,194; $0; and $0 to the Man-
ager pursuant to its Advisory Agreement for the three fiscal years ended June
30, 1995, June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997, respectively. The amounts paid for
the fiscal years ended June 30, 1995, June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997 do not
include $145,717; $157,329; and $144,058 respectively, of the Manager's fee
which was permanently waived by the Manager for that period. The Utility In-
come Fund's accounting records are maintained, at the Utility Income Fund's
expense, by its Custodian, The Chase Manhattan Bank.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically upon assignment and its
continuance must be approved annually by the Fund's Board of Directors or a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting shares and in either case, by a ma-
jority of the Fund's independent directors. The Advisory Agreement is termina-
ble at any time without penalty by the Board of Directors or by a vote of a
majority of the voting shares on 60 days' written notice to the Manager, or by
the Manager on 60 days' written notice to the Utility Income Fund.
 
  The Manager of the Utility Income Fund has agreed that in the event the op-
erating expenses of the Utility Income Fund (including fees paid by the Util-
ity Income Fund to the Manager and payments by the Utility Income Fund to the
Distributor but excluding taxes, interest, brokerage and extraordinary ex-
penses) for any fiscal year ending on a date on which the Advisory Agreement
with the Utility Income Fund is in effect, exceed the expense limitations im-
posed by applicable state securities laws or any regulations thereunder, it
will, up to the amount of its fee, reduce its fee or reimburse the Utility In-
come Fund in the amount of such excess. As of the date of this Prospectus, un-
der the most restrictive state regulations applicable, the Manager would be
required to reimburse the Utility Income Fund such operating expenses exceed-
ing 2 1/2% of the first $30 million of the average net assets, 2% of the next
$70 million of the average net assets, and 1 1/2% of the remaining average net
assets. The Manager believes that such operating expenses will be less than
such amounts.
 
  Securities held by the Utility Income Fund may also be held by, or be appro-
priate investments for, other investment advisory clients of the Manager and
its affiliates. Because of different objectives or other factors, a particular
security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are
selling the same security. If purchases or sales of securities for the Utility
Income Fund or other advisory clients arise for consideration at or about the
same time, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible,
for the Utility Income Fund and such other clients in a manner deemed equita-
ble to all. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client
of the Manager during the same period may increase the demand for securities
being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an ad-
verse effect on the price of such securities.
 
                                     TAXES
 
  References are made to the sections in the Prospectus entitled "Taxes" for a
discussion of relevant tax matters and to which the discussion below is sup-
plementary.
 
TAXATION OF THE FUND
 
  Each Portfolio of the Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment com-
pany ("RIC") for federal income tax purposes. In order to so qualify, each
Portfolio must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross in-
come from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of securities
and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or certain other
related income; (b) generally derive less than 30% of its gross income from
gains from the sale or other disposition of securities and certain other in-
vestments held for less than three months (this requirement applies only to
taxable years beginning on or before August 5, 1997); and (c) diversify its
holdings so that at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the
value of such Portfolio's assets is represented by cash, United States govern-
ment securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other
securities which, with respect to any one issuer, do not represent more than
5% of the value of such Portfolio's assets nor more than 10% of the voting se-
curities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of such Port-
folio's assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than
United States government securities or the securities of other RICs).
 
  If each Portfolio of the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes to its
stockholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (not in-
cluding net capital gain, which is the excess of net long-term capital gain
over net short-term capital loss), then each Portfolio will not be subject to
Federal income tax on the income so distributed. However, each Portfolio would
be subject to corporate income tax on any undistributed income. In addition,
each Portfolio will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the amount
by which the income it distributes in any calendar year is less than a re-
quired distribution amount. The required distribution amount for a calendar
year equals the sum of (a) 98% of each Portfolio's ordinary income for such
calendar year; (b) 98% of the excess of capital gains over capital losses for
the one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year; and (c) 100%
of the undistributed income and gains from prior years. Each Portfolio intends
to distribute sufficient income so as to avoid both corporate income tax and
the excise tax. However, a Portfolio may in the future decide to retain all or
a portion of its net capital gain. In such case, the Portfolio would be sub-
ject to corporate income tax on such retained net capital gain; would desig-
nate to stockholders the undistributed capital gain; stockholders would in-
clude as long-term capital gain income such undistributed net capital gain;
and stockholders would be eligible for a credit with respect to such tax paid
by the Portfolio.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
TAX OBJECTIVE OF DIVIDEND POLICY FOR CORPORATE INVESTORS
 
  The Utility Income Fund's dividend procedures are designed to maximize the
federal income tax advantage of the 70% dividends-received deduction to domes-
tic corporate stockholders. If the Utility Income Fund did not declare divi-
dends on a frequent basis, the net asset value would tend to rise during the
period between dividends, due to income received on the investment portfolio
and the gradual increase in market value shown by many preferred stocks or
other securities as periodic dividend payment dates approach. Under this meth-
od, any increase in net asset value would result in short- or long-term capi-
tal gains rather than dividend income for stockholders who redeemed shares be-
tween dividend payment dates. By averaging the anticipated income on a daily
basis and declaring each day's anticipated income as a dividend, the Utility
Income Fund seeks to maximize the portion of the Utility Income Fund's income
and temporary unrealized appreciation that will qualify as dividend income.
Although the Utility Income Fund and the Manager believe that the Utility In-
come Fund will be able to achieve its tax objectives, there can be no assur-
ances on this matter.
 
  Dividends distributed by the Fund to stockholders will only be eligible for
the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the Fund's gross income that
consists of dividends received on equity securities of domestic corporations
with respect to which the Fund meets the same holding period, risk of loss and
borrowing limitations applicable to the Fund's stockholders, as described be-
low under "Holding Period and Other Requirements". If the expenses and losses
of the Fund equal or exceed non-qualifying income (if any), all dividends dis-
tributed by the Fund may qualify for the dividends-received deduction.
 
  In the event that the Fund's total distributions (including distributed or
designated net capital gain) for a taxable year exceed, generally, its invest-
ment company taxable income and net capital gain, a portion of each distribu-
tion will be treated as a return of capital, which will not qualify for the
dividends-received deduction. Distributions treated as a return of capital re-
duce a stockholder's basis in its shares and could result in recognition of
capital gain either when a distribution is in excess of basis, or more likely,
when a stockholder redeems its shares.
 
  For purposes of the alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations, alter-
native minimum taxable income will be increased by 75% of the amount by which
an alternative measure of income (adjusted current earnings) that includes the
full amount of dividends received (without regard to the dividends-received
deduction) exceeds the amount otherwise determined to be the alternative mini-
mum taxable income. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund may cause a corpo-
rate stockholder to be subject to (or result in an increased liability under)
the alternative minimum tax.
 
HOLDING PERIOD AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
 
  In order to qualify for the benefits of the dividends-received deduction, a
corporate stockholder must satisfy certain holding period requirements with
respect to the Fund's shares. Section 246 of the Code permits the dividends-
received deduction to corporate stockholders only if the shares with respect
to which the dividends were paid have been held for more than 45 days during
the 90-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days before the date on
which such shares become ex-dividend with respect to such dividend. The hold-
ing period requirements are separately applicable to each block of shares ac-
quired, including each block of shares received in payment of the Fund's daily
dividends. The Fund has received a ruling under Section 246 with respect to
this issue from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") confirming the Fund's
interpretation. For purposes of determining whether this holding period re-
quirement has been met, the day of acquisition and any day after the first 45
days after the date on which such shares become ex-dividend must be disregard-
ed. The Fund and the Manager believe that once a stockholder has satisfied
this 46-day holding period with respect to any block of shares, such stock-
holder will similarly satisfy the 46-day holding period on reinvested divi-
dends declared with respect to such shares to the extent that such stockhold-
er's total redemptions during any period are properly identified, as described
below, as relating to shares with respect to which the stockholder has satis-
fied the 45-day period.
 
  In addition, the holding period is reduced for periods during which the
stock is subject to diminished risk of loss including, for example, because
the holder has acquired a put option or sold a call option (other than certain
covered call options where the exercise price is not substantially below the
selling price) or otherwise hedged his position. If the holding period is not
satisfied, the dividends-received deduction is disallowed, regardless of
whether the shares with respect to which the dividends were paid have been
sold or otherwise disposed of.
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
  The dividends-received deduction will also be reduced, for stockholders who
incur indebtedness in order to purchase shares of the Fund, by the percentage
of the cost of the shares that is debt-financed. Generally, this limitation
applies only if the debt is directly attributable to the purchase of shares.
Whether debt is directly attributable to the purchase of shares depends on the
particular facts and circumstances of each situation and accordingly stock-
holders are urged to consult their tax advisers.
 
  A stockholder and the Fund may also be subject to the extraordinary dividend
provision of the Code under which a stockholder's basis in stock can be re-
duced if certain extraordinary dividends are received.
 
  Identification of Utility Income Fund Shares. The IRS has specific regula-
tions governing the identification of shares to be redeemed by a stockholder
that wishes to redeem some, but not all, of its shares. In effect, provided
that any shares redeemed are properly identified, as described below, as
shares which have been held for more than 45 days, these regulations permit a
stockholder to make redemptions on a weekly or even daily basis without ad-
versely affecting the availability of the dividends-received deduction.
 
  The IRS's regulations permit a stockholder to identify specifically the
shares to be redeemed, thereby enabling such stockholder to select for redemp-
tion those shares having a tax basis and holding period considered to be most
favorable by such stockholder. Alternatively, the regulations also permit a
stockholder to elect to differentiate shares on the basis of long- and short-
term holding periods and to designate from which category the redeemed shares
are to be drawn. For tax basis purposes, the basis of all shares in a category
will be averaged. In the absence of adequate identification under the rules,
any shares redeemed, including classes of shares subject to a contingent de-
ferred sales load, will be charged against the earliest lot(s) acquired for
both holding period and tax basis purposes.
 
  Basis Adjustment for Extraordinary Dividends of Utility Income Fund. Under
section 1059 of the Code, a corporation which receives an "extraordinary divi-
dend" and disposes of the stock with respect to which such dividend was paid,
provided generally that such stock has not been held for at least two years
prior to the date of declaration, announcement or agreement about the extraor-
dinary dividend, is required to reduce its basis in such stock (but not below
zero) by the amount of the dividend which was not taxed because of the divi-
dends-received deduction with such basis reduction generally being treated as
having occurred immediately before the sale or disposition of such stock. To
the extent that such untaxed amount exceeds the shareholder's basis, such ex-
cess will be taxed as gain upon a sale or disposition of such stock. An ex-
traordinary dividend generally is any dividend that equals or exceeds 10% of
the shareholder's basis in the stock (5% in the case of preferred stocks).
 
  For this purpose, generally, all dividends received within any 85-day peri-
od, and, if such dividends total more than 20% of the shareholder's basis in
its stock, all dividends received within one year, must be aggregated for pur-
poses of determining whether such dividends constitute extraordinary divi-
dends. The holder may elect to determine the status of extraordinary dividends
by reference to the fair market value of the stock as of the date before the
ex-dividend date, rather than by reference to the adjusted basis of such stock
(provided the holder established the fair market value to the satisfaction of
the IRS). If the Fund receives any extraordinary dividends (as so defined)
with respect to any stock and does not maintain the two-year holding period
described above, its basis in such stock will be reduced, and it may recognize
additional gain upon disposition of such stock. Similarly, if the dividends
received by an investor constitute extraordinary dividends, the investor may
be required to recognize additional gain upon redemption. See "Taxes--Capital
Gain Dividends" and "Taxes-- Redemptions" in the Utility Income Fund Prospec-
tus.
 
  Section 1059(f) of the Code generally provides that dividends on certain
self-liquidating stock are treated as extraordinary dividends without regard
to the period that the taxpayer has held such stock. In general, the stock
that is subject to this provision is preferred stock which (i) when issued,
has a dividend rate which declines (or can reasonably be expected to decline)
in the future, (ii) has an issue price in excess of its liquidation rights or
stated redemption price, or (iii) is otherwise structured to enable corporate
stockholders to reduce tax through a combination of dividend received deduc-
tion and loss on the disposition of the stock. Although it is arguable that
the dividend rate on adjustable rate preferred stock can reasonably be ex-
pected to decline in the future, the Fund does not believe that this provision
was intended to cover stock which is not designed to produce both an increased
dividends received deduction and a capital loss. The Fund does not intend to
invest in stock paying dividends which are treated as extraordinary under this
provision.
 
  In determining whether the two-year holding period has been met, the same
rules apply as are applicable to the 45-day holding period requirement for the
dividends-received deductions.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  In the event that total distributions (including distributed or designated
net capital gain) for a taxable year exceed its investment company taxable in-
come and net capital gain, a portion of each distribution generally will be
treated as a return of capital. Distributions treated as a return of capital
reduce a stockholder's basis in its shares and could result in a capital gain
tax either when a distribution is in excess of basis or, more likely, when a
stockholder redeems its shares.
 
  Stockholders of a Portfolio will be notified annually by the Fund as to the
federal tax status of dividends and distributions paid during the calendar
year. Dividends and distributions may also be subject to state and local tax-
es. State and local tax treatment may vary according to applicable laws.
Stockholders can elect to receive distributions in cash or in additional
shares of such Portfolio. The price of the additional shares is determined as
of the record date for the dividend payment.
 
  The Fund may in the future engage in various defensive hedging transactions.
Under various Code provisions such transactions might change the character of
recognized gains and losses, accelerate the recognition of certain gains and
losses, and defer the recognition of certain losses.
 
                      YIELD AND TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION
 
  In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund may include current yield and
average annual total return in advertisements or information furnished to
stockholders or potential investors. Yields are calculated (separately for
each class of shares) in accordance with the SEC's standardized yield formula.
Under this formula, dividend and interest income over the 30 day measurement
period, is reduced by period expenses and divided by the number of days within
the measurement period to arrive at a daily income rate. This daily income
rate is then expressed as a semiannually compounded yield based on the maximum
offering price of a share assuming a standardized 360 day year. The Utility
Income Fund may quote a tax equivalent yield which reflects the rate a corpo-
rate investor (assuming the availability of the 70% dividends-received deduc-
tion for all daily dividends and a then appropriate and specified corporate
tax rate) would have to earn on a taxable security in order to equal the same
after-tax return.
 
  The Fund may also advertise total return for each class of shares which is
calculated differently from "average annual total return" (a "non-standardized
quotation"). A non-standardized quotation of total return measures the per-
centage change in the value of an account between the beginning and end of a
period, assuming no activity in the account other than reinvestment of divi-
dends and capital gains distributions. A non-standardized quotation of total
return for a particular class of shares will always be accompanied by the "av-
erage annual total return" for such class. Average annual total return for any
time period is calculated (separately for each class) by assuming an invest-
ment at the beginning of the measurement period at the maximum offering price.
Dividends from the net investable amount are then reinvested in additional
shares each month at the net asset value. At the end of the measurement peri-
od, the total number of shares owned are redeemed at net asset value (less any
applicable contingent deferred sales load). The change in the total value dur-
ing the investment period is then expressed as an average annual total rate of
return. The Utility Income Fund may also quote its current yield and total re-
turn of each class on a tax equivalent basis assuming the availability of the
70% dividends-received deduction for all of its daily dividends and a then ap-
propriate and specified corporate tax rate. The Utility Income Fund may also
quote rankings, yields or returns as published by recognized statistical serv-
ices or publishers wherein its performance is categorized or compared with
other funds with similar investment objectives, such as Lipper Analytical
Service's "Utility Funds" under "Equity Funds," or this same data as quoted by
Barron's, Business Week, Forbes, Fortune, Micropal, Money, Mutual Fund, Per-
sonal Investing, Worth, Value Line Mutual Fund Survey, or others; Weisenberger
Investment Companies Service's annual Investment Companies under "Growth and
Current Income"; or Morningstar, Inc.'s Mutual Fund Values under "Specialty--
Utilities."
 
  Current yield and total return of each class will vary from time to time de-
pending on market conditions, the composition of the portfolio, operating ex-
penses and other factors. These factors and possible differences in method of
calculating performance figures should be considered when comparing the per-
formance figures of the Utility Income Fund with those of other investment ve-
hicles.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  Yield and Total Return Calculation as of June 30, 1997, for the Utility In-
come Fund (there is no historical data for Class B or R Shares):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              CURRENT           AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
              30 DAY            --------------------------------------        INCEPTION
               YIELD            1 YEAR           SINCE INCEPTION*               DATE
              -------           ------           ----------------           -------------
<S>           <C>               <C>              <C>                        <C>
Class A        4.04%            5.28%                 8.02%                 Aug. 26, 1983
Class C        3.67%            9.25%                 8.35%                  July 6, 1993
</TABLE>
- --------
   *Since inception returns are reflected since the change in investment
   objectives as of 7/1/92.
 
                                 DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  The Utility Income Fund anticipates making daily distributions. The antici-
pated daily distributable income of the Utility Income Fund for a particular
day will be equal to the "anticipated daily dividend and interest income" for
the day, less the "anticipated daily expenses" for that day plus or minus any
special adjustment for that day.
 
  As with all declarations of distributions by investment companies, the net
asset value will be reduced by the amount of each daily dividend at the time
of declaration.
 
ANTICIPATED DAILY DIVIDEND AND INTEREST INCOME
 
  In order to determine this component of anticipated daily distributable in-
come, the Manager will first project the amount of the next anticipated divi-
dend or interest payment (or accretion of discount in the case of discounted
instruments) on each security and the date upon which such dividend or inter-
est is scheduled to be paid and will then divide such amount by the number of
days from the most recent dividend or interest payment date to the next antic-
ipated payment date.
 
  The Manager will continually monitor each portfolio instrument held by the
Utility Income Fund and will revise, as often as appropriate, its projections
of the amount and timing of dividend and interest payments. In making any re-
vision, the Manager will recalculate the anticipated daily dividend or inter-
est income for the instrument and calculate the difference between the origi-
nal and revised anticipated daily income figures. The Manager will then use
the revised figure after temporarily adjusting it to account for the cumula-
tive effect of such revision on the period prior to such revision. In making
this temporary adjustment, the Manager will generally add or subtract such
difference to or from the revised daily income figure for the particular in-
strument for the same number of days as have already elapsed prior to such re-
vision during the anticipated payment period. However, if the revised figure
is less than 50% of the original figure, the Manager will make such adjustment
over a longer period of time or, in extreme cases, will apply such adjustment
to other portfolio securities in order to minimize the effect of any such re-
vision.
 
  Special dividends, if any, will not be included in anticipated daily income
until declared and will then be included ratably over the number of days re-
maining from the time the Manager learns of such declaration to the end of the
month following the month during which such dividend is paid (but in no event
later than the end of the Utility Income Fund's taxable year).
 
  There is, of course, no assurance that dividends will be declared by the di-
rectors of the companies in which the Utility Income Fund invests or that in-
terest will be paid on the debt obligations held by the Utility Income Fund.
 
ANTICIPATED DAILY EXPENSES
 
  In order to determine this component of the anticipated daily distributable
income, the Manager will first project the total amount of anticipated ex-
penses in a proportionate amount for each class and will then divide such
amount by the number of days during the year. The Manager will continually
monitor the Utility Income Fund's expenses and will revise, as often as appro-
priate, its projections of such expenses. In making any revision, the Manager
will, in the same manner as described above under "Anticipated Daily Dividend
and Interest Income," recalculate the anticipated daily expenses figure and
the cumulative difference and will then spread the amount of such difference
over the number of days remaining during the year.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
SPECIAL ADJUSTMENTS
 
  Gains and losses on portfolio securities (both realized and unrealized) do
not enter into the determination of anticipated daily distributable income
even though such gains and losses affect the Utility Income Fund's net asset
value and even though realized gains and losses affect the Utility Income
Fund's book and taxable income. The Utility Income Fund does not include these
gains and losses in the determination of anticipated daily distributable in-
come because (i) it is the belief of the Utility Income Fund and the Manager
that any component of gains and losses on the sale of securities that is at-
tributable to the timing of dividend or interest payments on portfolio securi-
ties is likely to be reflected in the anticipated dividend and interest income
component of the daily dividend formula and (ii) the Utility Income Fund and
the Manager do not expect that a significant portion of the Utility Income
Fund's income will be short- or long-term capital gain or loss.
 
  The Manager will, however, continually monitor the Utility Income Fund's ag-
gregate short- and long-term capital gain or loss and ordinary income after
taking into account dividends declared with respect to anticipated dividend
and interest income on portfolio securities sold prior to the Utility Income
Fund being entitled to receive such income. If the Manager concludes that the
Utility Income Fund is accumulating short-term capital gain or loss ordinary
income in an amount which may be material, the Utility Income Fund reserves
the right to adjust the daily dividend so as to more nearly accomplish the
Utility Income Fund's objective of distributing as much as practicable of its
investment company taxable income in the form of dividends. Any such adjust-
ments will be made over the course of such period of not less than 60 days as
the Utility Income Fund shall determine (but in no event ending later than the
last day of the Utility Income Fund's taxable year).
 
                                  DISTRIBUTOR
 
  As stated in the Prospectus, John Nuveen & Co., Incorporated acts as the
distributor (the "Distributor") of shares of the Fund in accordance with the
terms of the Distribution Agreement originally dated January 1, 1997. The Dis-
tributor will make a continuous offering of the shares and will be responsible
for all sales and promotion efforts. There is no redemption charge. Each Dis-
tribution Agreement must be approved in the same manner as the Advisory Agree-
ment discussed under "Investment Advisory Services" above and will terminate
automatically if assigned by either party thereto and is terminable at any
time without penalty by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a ma-
jority of the Utility Income Fund's outstanding shares on 60 days' written no-
tice to the Distributor and by the Distributor on 60 days' written notice to
the Utility Income Fund.
 
  Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a plan (the
"Plan") with respect to Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
which permits the Fund to pay for certain distribution and promotion expenses
related to marketing the shares of each Portfolio. The Plan authorizes the
Fund to expend its monies in an amount equal to the aggregate for all such ex-
penditures to such percentage of the Fund's daily net asset value as may be
determined from time to time by vote cast in person at a meeting called for
such purpose, by a majority of the Fund's disinterested directors. The scope
of the foregoing shall be interpreted by the directors, whose decision shall
be conclusive except to the extent it contravenes established legal authority.
Without in any way limiting the discretion of the directors, the following ac-
tivities are hereby declared to be primarily intended to result in the sale of
shares of the Fund: advertising the Fund or the Fund's investment manager's
mutual fund activities; compensating underwriters, dealers, brokers, banks and
other selling entities and sales and marketing personnel of any of them for
sales of shares of the Fund, whether in a lump sum or on a continuous, period-
ic, contingent, deferred or other basis; compensating underwriters, dealers,
brokers, banks and other servicing entities and servicing personnel (including
the Fund's investment manager and its personnel of any of them for providing
services to stockholders of the Fund relating to their investment in the Fund,
including assistance in connection with inquiries relating to stockholder ac-
counts; the production and dissemination of prospectuses including statements
of additional information) of the Fund and the preparation, production and
dissemination of sales, marketing and stockholder servicing materials; and the
ordinary or capital expenses, such as equipment, rent, fixtures, salaries, bo-
nuses, reporting and recordkeeping and third party consultancy or similar ex-
penses relating to any activity for which payment is authorized by the direc-
tors; and the financing of any activity for which payment is authorized by the
directors. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund through authorized officers may make
similar payments for marketing services to non-broker-dealers who enter into
service agreements with the Fund.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
  The maximum amount payable by the Fund under the Plan and related agreements
with respect to Class A Shares is .20% of each Portfolio's average daily net
assets for the year attributable to such Class A Shares. For Class B Shares,
the maximum amount payable annually is .95% of such Portfolio's average daily
net assets attributable to such Class B Shares. For Class C Shares, the maxi-
mum amount payable annually is .75% of such Portfolio's average daily net as-
sets attributable to such Class C Shares. In the case of broker-dealers and
others, such as banks, who have Selling or Service Agreements with the Dis-
tributor or the Fund, the maximum amount payable to any recipient is .000548%
per day (.20% on an annualized basis) of the proportion of daily net assets of
the Portfolio attributable to Class A Shares represented by such person's cus-
tomers. The maximum amount payable to any such recipient with respect to Class
B Shares is .00260% per day (.95% on an annualized basis) of the proportion of
average daily net assets of such Portfolio's attributable to Class B Shares
represented by such person's customers. The maximum amount payable to any such
recipient with respect to Class C Shares is .00205% per day (.75% on an
annualized basis) of the proportion of average daily net assets of such Port-
folio's attributable to Class C Shares represented by such person's customers.
As described in the Prospectus, the Board of Directors may reduce these
amounts at any time. All distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor and
others, such as broker-dealers or banks, in excess of the amount paid by a
Portfolio will be borne by such persons without any reimbursement from such
Portfolio.
 
  As detailed in the chart below, under its Plan and related agreements, the
Flagship Utility Income Fund paid the amounts shown. Amounts permanently
waived by the Distributor for the same periods are also shown. There is no
historical data for Class B Shares.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 FISCAL YEAR                 AMOUNT PAID                              AMOUNT PERMANENTLY
ENDED JUNE 30               TO DISTRIBUTOR                           WAIVED BY DISTRIBUTOR
- -------------               --------------                           ---------------------
<S>                         <C>                                      <C>
Class A
 1993                          $ 53,599                                     $10,139
 1994                           128,548                                          --
 1995                           101,226                                          --
 1996                            92,234                                       9,861
 1997                            73,137                                          --
Class C
 1994                            32,610                                       3,378
 1995                            48,312                                          --
 1996                            53,871                                       2,578
 1997                            50,127                                          --
</TABLE>
 
These amounts are summarized below as to purpose:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 FISCAL YEAR    COMPENSATION   SALARIES &   ADVERTISING &
ENDED JUNE 30    TO BROKERS     BENEFITS     PROMOTIONS     OVERHEAD    TOTAL
- -------------   ------------   ----------   -------------   --------   -------
<S>             <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>        <C>
Class A
 1993              36,042        17,557            --           --      53,599
 1994              75,919            --        52,629           --     128,548
 1995              60,804            --        40,422           --     101,226
 1996              60,116        23,120         8,998           --      92,234
 1997*             31,512         8,092         2,321        6,796      48,721
Class C
 1994              32,610            --            --           --      32,610
 1995              37,018         5,929         4,566          799      48,312
 1996              50,580         3,291            --           --      53,871
 1997*             22,239         2,138         2,638        1,696      28,711
</TABLE>
 
* Amounts represent the period from July 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996.
 
  The Plan, the Distribution Agreement, the Selling Agreements and the Service
Agreements of the Fund have been renewed with respect to the Utility Income
Fund, by the Fund's Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors
who are not "interested persons" of the Fund and who have no direct or indi-
rect financial interest in the Plan or any related agreement, by vote cast in
person at meetings called for the purpose of voting on the Plan and such
agreements. Continuation of the Plan and the related agreements must be ap-
proved annually in the same manner, and the Plan or any related agreement may
be terminated at any time without penalty by a majority of such independent
directors or by a majority of a Portfolio's outstanding shares. Any amendment
increasing the maximum percentage payable under the Plan or other material
change must be approved by a majority of the respective Portfolio's outstand-
ing shares, and all other material amendments to the Plan or any related
agreement must be approved by a majority of the independent directors.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
  In order for the Plan to remain effective, the selection and nomination of
directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund must be done by the di-
rectors who are not "interested persons" and the persons authorized to make
payments under the Plans must provide written reports at least quarterly to
the Board of Directors for their review.
 
  Also in its capacity as national wholesale underwriter for shares of the
Fund, the Distributor received commissions on sales of the Fund's Class A and
Class C Shares offered on a continuous basis for the years ended June 30,
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997, as follows (no commissions were received in
prior years; there is no historical data for Class B or R Shares):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       FISCAL YEAR                     AGGREGATE                              RETAINED BY
      ENDED JUNE 30                     AMOUNT                                DISTRIBUTOR
      -------------               -------------------                         -----------
      <S>                         <C>                                         <C>
      Class A
       1993                           $1,009,000                                $46,000
       1994                              297,500                                 37,300
       1995                               84,100                                 10,200
       1996                              100,800                                 12,600
       1997                               18,900                                  2,400
<CAPTION>
                                  CONTINGENT DEFERRED
                                     SALES CHARGE
                                  -------------------
      <S>                         <C>                                         <C>
      Class C
       1994                           $    2,600
       1995                                4,100
       1996                                1,200
       1997                               10,900
</TABLE>
 
                         CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
 
  The Chase Manhattan Bank, 4 New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004 is the
custodian for the Utility Income Fund.
 
  State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachu-
setts 02106, is the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Util-
ity Income Fund. It also maintains the accounting records, determines the net
asset value and performs other stockholder services for the Utility Income
Fund.
 
                                   AUDITORS
 
  Arthur Andersen LLP, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, are the
independent auditors for the Fund effective July 1, 1997.
 
                            PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
  Subject to policy established by the Fund's Board of Directors, the Manager
is primarily responsible for the Utility Income Fund's investment decisions
and the placing of securities orders. In placing orders, it is the policy of
the Fund that the Manager obtain the best net results taking into account such
factors as price (including the dealer spread, where applicable); the size,
type and difficulty of the transaction involved; the size and breadth of the
market; the firm's general execution and operational facilities; and the
firm's risk in positioning the securities involved. While the Manager seeks
reasonably competitive prices or commissions, the Portfolio will not necessar-
ily always be paying the lowest price or commission available. The Manager
does not expect to use any one particular broker or dealer, but, subject to
obtaining best execution, brokers or dealers who provide supplemental invest-
ment research to the Fund or the Manager may receive orders for transactions
by the Fund. In addition, the Manager may direct brokerage to brokers or deal-
ers because of research services provided. Such information may be used by
other clients of the Manager and not just the Fund. Conversely, the Fund may
benefit from research services provided in respect to other clients. All re-
search shall be paid for in compliance with Section 28 (e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 or consistent with the fiduciary duties of the Board and
the Manager. Information so received will be in addition to and not in lieu of
the services required to be performed by the Manager under its Agreement and
the expenses of the Manager will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the
receipt of such supplemental information. For the fiscal year ended June 30,
1997, the Utility
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
Income Fund paid $81,938 in brokerage commissions. The preferred stock and
other equity securities in which the Utility Income Fund may invest are traded
primarily on the national securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter
market. Money market securities, bonds and debentures, in which the Manager
may invest a portion of the Portfolio's assets, are usually traded over-the-
counter, but may be traded on an exchange. For listed securities, the Manager
will deal directly with the brokers and dealers who make a market in the secu-
rities involved except in those circumstances where better prices and execu-
tion are available elsewhere. Such dealers usually are acting as principal for
their own account. On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from the
issuer.
 
  The Manager is able to fulfill its obligations to furnish a continuous in-
vestment program to the Portfolio without receiving research from brokers;
however, it considers access to such information to be an important element of
financial management. Although such information is considered useful, its
value is not determinable, as it must be reviewed and assimilated, and does
not reduce normal research activities in rendering investment advice under the
Advisory Agreement. It is possible that the Manager's expenses could be mate-
rially increased if it attempted to purchase this type of information or gen-
erate it through its own staff.
 
  One or more of the other accounts which the Manager manages may own from
time to time the same investments as the Portfolio. Investment decisions for
the Portfolio are made independently from those of such other accounts; howev-
er, from time to time, the same investment decision may be made for more than
one company or account. When two or more companies or accounts seek to pur-
chase or sell the same securities, the securities actually purchased or sold
will be allocated among the companies and accounts on a good faith equitable
basis by the Manager in its discretion in accordance with the accounts' vari-
ous investment objectives. In some cases, this system may adversely affect the
price or size of the position obtainable for the Portfolio. In other cases,
however, the ability of the Portfolio to participate in volume transactions
may produce better execution for the Portfolio. It is the opinion of the
Fund's Board of Directors that this advantage, when combined with the other
benefits available due to the Manager's organization, outweighs any disadvan-
tages that may be said to exist from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
 
                  PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
 
  The various manners in which the shares of the Utility Income Fund are of-
fered to the public or may be redeemed, and the method of calculation by the
Utility Income Fund of net asset value per share (which is the offering price
of the shares plus a sales charge that varies with the amount purchased) are
described in the Utility Income Fund's Prospectus.
 
  Under "Group Purchases," shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset
value (without sales charge) by tax-qualified employee benefit plans and by
trust companies and bank trust departments for funds over which they exercise
exclusive discretionary investment authority for which they charge customary
fees and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, advisory, custodial or similar
capacity.
 
                           SERVICEMARK AND TRADEMARK
 
  Flagship Financial has obtained federal registration of the Fund's
servicemark. In addition, Flagship Financial was granted a federal registered
trademark for its use of "Plain Vanilla"(R) in the investment and mutual fund
area.
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
  The Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information do not contain
all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC
under the Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act with respect to the Fund and
the securities offered by it pursuant to the Prospectus, certain portions of
which have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The
Registration Statement including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined
at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
 
  Statements contained in the Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional In-
formation as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are
not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy
of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information
form a part, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such ref-
erence.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                                  APPENDIX I
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
 
  STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP(R)--A brief description of the applicable
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group rating symbols and their meanings (as pub-
lished by Standard & Poor's Corporation) follows:
 
  A Standard & Poor's corporate debt rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific debt obligation.
This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, in-
surers, or lessees.
 
  The rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in-
asmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particu-
lar investor.
 
  The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer and ob-
tained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it 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 arrangements under
       the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
l. Long-term bonds
 
<TABLE>
 <C>  <S>
 AAA  Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's to
      a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
      extremely strong.
 AA   Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
      principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
 A    Bonds rated A have 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 bonds in higher
      rated categories.
 BBB  Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
      interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit 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 bonds in this category than for bonds in
      higher rated categories.
 BB-D Debt rated "BB", "B", "CCC", "CC" and "C" 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 "C" 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. The "CI" is reserved for income
      bonds on which no interest is being paid. Debt rated "D" is in default,
      and payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears.
</TABLE>
 
  Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BBB" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or a minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
 
  Provisional Ratings: The letter "P" indicates that the rating is provision-
al. A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project be-
ing financed by the bonds being rated and indicates that payment of debt serv-
ice 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.
 
 
                                      I-1
<PAGE>
 
2. Preferred stock rating criteria
 
  Preferred stock ratings reflect the merits of each issue relative to the
universe of preferreds, and not in relation to debt obligations. Since pre-
ferred stock is by definition a junior ranking security, preferred stock rat-
ings do not factor in the security's junior position--in a bankruptcy reorga-
nization or liquidation--to a company's debt obligations. However, preferred
stock cannot be rated higher than a company's highest-ranking debt obligations
because the same basic methodology and ratio norms are used to rate both types
of securities.
 
  The financial analysis performed in conjunction with preferred stock ratings
is virtually the same as that used to rate debt. Fixed-charge coverage and
capitalization ratios are calculated treating preferred stock obligations as
though they were debt. Accordingly, if there is a substantial amount of pre-
ferred, the rating on preferred stock could differ greatly from the debt rat-
ing; the company has less capacity to pay dividends and debt service than it
has to meet debt service alone. The size of the differential is a function of
how much preferred is outstanding. (While the gap can be a full rating cate-
gory or more, a large amount of preferred will drag down the debt rating as
well. Even though a company under duress can stop paying the preferred divi-
dends to avoid default, the burden of the preferred increases the risk that
the company will face such a financial crisis. The company will pay dividends
as long as possible; this can sap its financial strength or siphon off funds
that otherwise could be used to protect the firm's competitive position.)
 
  Preferred stock ratings also consider the vulnerability of the dividend to
the firm's discretionary passing on a payment. It is often appropriate to rate
preferred stock lower than indicated by pure financial analysis -- and well
below the debt rating--in the case of speculative grade credits. Such issuers
may be expected to eliminate preferred dividends to help avoid financial
constraints. Similarly, covenants in debt instruments can endanger payment of
preferred dividends even if financial measures indicate a capacity to pay.
 
  MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INC.--A brief description of the applicable
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follow:
 
l. Long-term bonds
 
  Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be 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 sta-
ble, margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are more unlikely to im-
pair the fundamentally strong position of such issues. With the occasional ex-
ception of oversupply in a few specific instances, the safety of obligations
of this class is so absolute that their market value is affected solely by
money market fluctuations.
 
  Aa--Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all stan-
dards. 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 fluctuations of protec-
tive elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements pres-
ent which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa Securi-
ties. These Aa bonds are high grade, their market value virtually immune to
all but money market influences, with the occasional exception of oversupply
in a few specific instances.
 
  A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as higher medium grade obligations. Factors giving secu-
rity to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to A-rated bonds may be influenced to
some degree by credit circumstances during a sustained period of depressed
business conditions. During periods of normalcy, bonds of this quality fre-
quently move in parallel with Aaa and Aa obligations, with the occasional ex-
ception of oversupply in a few specific instances.
 
  Baa--Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as lower medium grade obliga-
tions, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest
payments 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. The market value of Baa-rated
bonds is more sensitive to change in economic circumstances, and aside from
occasional speculative factors applying to some bonds of this class, Baa mar-
ket valuations move in parallel with Aaa, Aa, and A obligations during periods
of economic normalcy, except in instances of oversupply.
 
                                      I-2
<PAGE>
 
  Ba-C--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 po-
sition characterizes bonds in this class. 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. Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor stand-
ing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger
with respect to principal or interest. Bonds which are rated Ca represent ob-
ligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in de-
fault or have other marked shortcomings. Bonds which are rated C are the low-
est rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having ex-
tremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
 
  Moody's bond rating symbols may contain numerical modifiers of a generic
rating classification. The modifier l indicates that the bond ranks at the
high end of its category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and
the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic
rating category.
 
  Con.--Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some act
or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These are bonds
secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings of pro-
jects unseasoned in operating experience, (c) rentals which begin when facili-
ties are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition at-
taches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable credit status upon completion of
construction or elimination of basis of condition.
 
2. Preferred Stock
 
<TABLE>
 <C> <S>
 aaa An issue which is rated "aaa" is considered to be a top-quality preferred
     stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of
     dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
 aa  An issue which is rated "aa" is considered a high-grade preferred stock.
     This rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance that earnings
     and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the
     foreseeable future.
 a   An issue which is rated "a" is considered to be an upper-medium grade
     preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the
     "aaa" and "aa" classification, earnings and asset protection are,
     nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.
 baa An issue which is rated "baa" is considered to be a medium-grade preferred
     stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset
     protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any
     great length of time.
 ba  An issue which is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative elements
     and its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset
     protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse
     periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this
     class.
 b   An issue which is rated "b" generally lacks the characteristics of a
     desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of
     other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.
 caa An issue which is rated "caa" is likely to be in arrears on dividend
     payments. This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future
     status of payments.
 ca  An issue which is rated "ca" is speculative in a high degree and is likely
     to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual payments.
 c   This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues so
     rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of everattaining
     any real investment standing.
</TABLE>
- --------
*Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each rating
   classification: 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 the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the
   lower end of its generic rating category.
 
                                      I-3
<PAGE>
 
  FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.--A brief description of the applicable Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
l. Long-term bonds
 
<TABLE>
 <C>                <S>
 AAA                Bonds considered to be investment grade and the of highest
                    credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong
                    ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is
                    unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
 AA                 Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high
                    credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
                    repay principal is very strong, although not quite as
                    strong as bonds rated "AAA'. Because bonds rated in the
                    "AAA' and "AA' categories are not significantly vulnerable
                    to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of
                    these issuers is generally rated "F-l+'.
 A                  Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit
                    quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay
                    principal is considered to be strong, but may be more
                    vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
                    circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
 BBB                Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
                    credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
                    repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse
                    changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however,
                    are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and
                    therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the
                    ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is
                    higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
 Plus (+) Minus (-) Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
                    indicate the relative position of a credit within the
                    rating category. Plus and minus signs, however, are not
                    used in the "AAA' category. NR Indicates that Fitch does
                    not rate the specific issue.
 Conditional        A conditional rating is premised on the successful
                    completion of a project or the occurrence of a specific
                    event.
 Suspended          A rating is suspended when Fitch deems the amount of
                    information available from the issuer to be inadequate for
                    rating purposes.
 Withdrawn          A rating will be withdrawn when an issue matures or is
                    called or refinanced, and, at Fitch's discretion, when an
                    issuer fails to furnish proper and timely information.
 FitchAlert         Ratings are placed on FitchAlert to notify investors of an
                    occurrence that is likely to result in a rating change and
                    the likely direction of such change. These are designated
                    as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative,"
                    for potential downgrade, or "Evolving," where ratings may
                    be raised or lowered. FitchAlert is relatively short-term,
                    and should be resolved within 12 months.
 Credit Trend       Credit trend indicators show whether credit fundamentals
                    are improving, stable, declining, or uncertain, as follows:
                    Improving
                    Stable
                    Declining
                    Uncertain
                    Credit trend indicators are not predictions that any rating
                    change will occur, and have a longer-term time frame than
                    issues placed on FitchAlert.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      I-4
<PAGE>
 
  DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING SCALE--A brief description of the applicable Duff
& Phelps rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
<TABLE>
 <C>  <S>
 AAA  Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
      slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 AA+  High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but
 AA   may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
 AA-
 A+   Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors are
 A    more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
 A-
 BBB+ Below average protection factors but still considered sufficient for
 BBB  prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during economic
 BBB- cycles.
 BB+  Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
 BB   Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according
 BB-  to industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move up
      or down frequently within this category.
 B+   Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not be
 B    met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely
 B-   according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company
      fortunes. Potential exists for frequent changes in the rating within this
      category or into a higher or lower rating grade.
 CCC  Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists
      as to timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends.
      Protection factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with
      unfavorable economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company
      developments.
 DD   Defaulted debt obligations, issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
      and/or interest payments.
 DP   Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
</TABLE>
 
                                      I-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  APPENDIX II
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF HEDGING TECHNIQUES
 
  Set forth below is additional information regarding the Fund's defensive
hedging techniques and use of repurchase agreements.
 
FUTURES AND INDEX TRANSACTIONS
 
  Financial Futures. A financial future is an agreement between two parties to
buy and sell a security for a set price on a future date. They have been de-
signed by boards of trade which have been designated "contracts markets" by
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").
 
  The purchase of financial futures is for the purpose of hedging a fund's ex-
isting or anticipated holdings of long-term debt securities. When a fund pur-
chases a financial future, it deposits in cash or securities an "initial mar-
gin" of between 1% and 5% of the contract amount. Thereafter, the fund's ac-
count is either credited or debited on a daily basis in correlation with the
fluctuation in price of the underlying future or other requirements imposed by
the exchange in order to maintain an orderly market. The fund must make addi-
tional payments to cover debits to its account and has the right to withdraw
credits in excess of the liquidity, the fund may close out its position at any
time prior to expiration of the financial future by taking an opposite posi-
tion. At closing a final determination of debits and credits is made, addi-
tional cash is paid by or to the fund to settle the final determination and
the fund realizes a loss or gain depending on whether on a net basis it made
or received such payments.
 
  The sale of financial futures is for the purpose of hedging a fund's exist-
ing or anticipated holdings of long-term debt securities. For example, if a
fund owns long-term bonds and interest rates were expected to increase, it
might sell financial futures. If interest rates did increase, the value of
long-term bonds in the fund's portfolio would decline, but the value of the
fund's financial futures would be expected to increase at approximately the
same rate thereby keeping the net asset value of the fund from declining as
much as it otherwise would have.
 
  Among the risks associated with the use of financial futures by a fund as a
hedging device, perhaps the most significant is the imperfect correlation be-
tween movements in the price of the financial futures and movements in the
price of the debt securities which are the subject of the hedge.
 
  Thus, if the price of the financial future moves less or more than the price
of the securities which are the subject of the hedge, the hedge will not be
fully effective. To compensate for this imperfect correlation, the series may
enter into financial futures in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount
of the securities being hedged if the historical volatility of the prices of
such securities has been greater than the historical volatility of the finan-
cial futures. Conversely, the series may enter into fewer financial futures if
the historical volatility of the price of the securities being hedged is less
than the historical volatility of the financial futures.
 
  The market prices of financial futures may also be affected by factors other
than interest rates. One of these factors is the possibility that rapid
changes in the volume of closing transactions, whether due to volatile markets
or movements by speculators, would temporarily distort the normal relationship
between the markets in the financial future and the chosen debt securities. In
these circumstances as well as in periods of rapid and large price movements,
the fund might find it difficult or impossible to close out a particular
transaction.
 
  Options on Financial Futures. A fund may also purchase put or call options
on financial futures which are traded on a U.S. Exchange or board of trade and
enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an
existing position. Currently, options can be purchased with respect to finan-
cial futures on U.S. Treasury Bonds on The Chicago Board of Trade. The pur-
chase of put options on financial futures is analogous to the purchase of put
options by a fund on its portfolio securities to hedge against the risk of
rising interest rates. As with options on debt securities, the holder of an
option may terminate his position by selling an option of the same series.
There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected.
 
INDEX CONTRACTS
 
  Index Futures. An index which assigns relative values to the securities in-
cluded in the index is traded on the Chicago Board of Trade. The index fluctu-
ates with changes in the market values of all such securities included rather
than a single security. An index future is a bilateral agreement pursuant to
which two parties
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash--rather than any securi-
ty--equal to specified dollar amount times the difference between the index
value at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at
which the index future was originally written. Thus, an index future is simi-
lar to traditional financial futures except that settlement is made in cash.
 
  Index Options. The Fund may also purchase put or call options on U.S. Gov-
ernment or equity index futures and enter into closing transactions with re-
spect to such options to terminate an existing position. Options on index
futures are similar to options on debt instruments except that an option on an
index future gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to
assume a position in an index contract rather than an underlying security at a
specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon ex-
ercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of
the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the
accumulated balance of the writer's futures margin account which represents
the amount by which the market price of the index futures contract, at exer-
cise, is less than the exercise price of the option on the index future.
 
  Index futures and options transactions would be subject to risks similar to
transactions in financial futures and options thereon as described above. No
fund will enter into transactions in index or financial futures or related op-
tions unless and until, in the Manager's opinion, the market for such instru-
ments has developed sufficiently.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
  A fund may invest temporarily up to 5% of its assets in repurchase agree-
ments, which are agreements pursuant to which securities are acquired by such
fund from a third party with the understanding that they will be repurchased
by the seller at a fixed price on an agreed date. These agreements may be made
with respect to any of the portfolio securities in which such fund is autho-
rized to invest. Repurchase agreements may be characterized as loans secured
by the underlying securities. A fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
(i) member banks of the Federal Reserve System having total assets in excess
of $500 million and (ii) securities dealers, provided that such banks or deal-
ers meet the creditworthiness standards established by the Fund's Board of Di-
rectors ("Qualified Institutions"). The Manager will monitor the continued
creditworthiness of Qualified Institutions, subject to the oversight of the
series Board of Directors.
 
  The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the
seller of securities under a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation
to repurchase the underlying securities, as a result of its bankruptcy or oth-
erwise, the series will seek to dispose of such securities, which action could
involve costs or delays. If the seller becomes insolvent and subject to liqui-
dation or reorganization under applicable bankruptcy or other laws, the se-
ries' ability to dispose of the underlying securities may be restricted. Fi-
nally, it is possible that the series may not be able to substantiate its in-
terest in the underlying securities. To minimize this risk, the securities un-
derlying the repurchase agreement will be held by the custodian at all times
in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price, including accrued inter-
est. If the seller fails to repurchase the securities, the series may suffer a
loss to the extent proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities are
less than the repurchase price.
 
  The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed upon market rate
of interest which is unrelated to the coupon rate or date of maturity of the
purchased security. The collateral is marked to market daily. Such agreements
permit the fund to keep all its assets earning interest while retaining "over-
night" flexibility in pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature.
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
                                 APPENDIX III
 
                             TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD
 
  This chart shows the taxable yield that a corporate investor would have to
earn in order to equal the amount of after tax income generated by the given
Fund yield.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND YIELD                     CORPORATE TAXABLE                                       FUND YIELD
 (BEFORE                          FUND YIELD                                            (BEFORE
   TAX)                           (AFTER TAX)                                             TAX)
- ----------                     -----------------                                       ----------
<S>                            <C>                                                     <C>
   6.00%                              5.37%                                               8.26%
   7.00                               6.27                                                9.64
   8.00                               7.16                                               11.02
   9.00                               8.06                                               12.39
  10.00                               8.95                                               13.77
  11.00                               9.85                                               15.15
  12.00                              10.74                                               16.52
  13.00                              11.64                                               17.90
  14.00                              12.53                                               19.28
  15.00                              13.43                                               20.65
  16.00                              14.32                                               22.03
</TABLE>
- --------
*Assuming that all the Fund's income qualifies for the 70% corporate dividend-
   received deduction and that the corporate investor is at a maximum Federal
   tax rate (35% tax rate).
 
                                     III-1


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