As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about October 29,
1998
Securities Act Registration No. 33-7603
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-4770
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ ]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 [ X ]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ]
Amendment No. 19 [ X ]
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
STRONG MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
100 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (414) 359-3400
Thomas P. Lemke
Strong Capital Management, Inc.
100 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate
box):
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
[ X ] on January 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective
date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
1
<PAGE>
-- OUTSIDE FRONT COVER --
PROSPECTUS
THE STRONG HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
THE STRONG MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
THE STRONG SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND
THE STRONG SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
[cover design]
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not
guarantee that the information in this prospectus is accurate or complete and
it has not approved or disapproved of these securities. Anyone who informs you
otherwise is committing a criminal offense.
January 1, 1999
1
<PAGE>
-- INSIDE FRONT COVER -
CONTENTS
YOUR INVESTMENT................................................................3
KEY INFORMATION...........................................................3
What are the funds' goals?...........................................3
What are the funds' principal investment strategies?.................3
What are the main risks of investing in the funds?...................4
What are the funds' fees and expenses?...............................5
Who are the funds' investment advisor and portfolio managers?........6
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW...............................7
Comparing the Funds..................................................7
A Word About Credit Quality..........................................7
Taxable Investments..................................................8
If You Are Subject to Alternative Minimum Tax........................8
Financial Highlights.................................................8
YOUR ACCOUNT...................................................................9
Share Price...............................................................9
Buying Shares.............................................................9
Selling Shares...........................................................11
Additional Policies......................................................12
Distributions............................................................13
Taxes....................................................................13
Services For Investors...................................................14
Reserved Rights..........................................................16
For More Information.....................................Back Outside Cover
IN THIS PROSPECTUS, "WE" REFERS TO STRONG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC., THE
INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND TRANSFER AGENT FOR THE STRONG FUNDS.
2
<PAGE>
YOUR INVESTMENT
KEY INFORMATION
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' GOALS?
The STRONG HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND seeks total return by investing for a
high level of federally tax-exempt current income.
The STRONG MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and the STRONG SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL
FUND seek total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt
current income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
The STRONG SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND FUND seeks total return by investing for a
high level of federally tax-exempt current income with a low degree of
share-price fluctuation.
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES?
The HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND invests primarily in long-term, medium- and
lower-quality municipal bonds. The fund's manager emphasizes bonds whose credit
quality may be improving, and issuers that complement current investment
themes, such as the "aging of America." The manager also takes the overall
interest rate environment into consideration. The fund typically maintains an
average maturity between 15 and 25 years.
The MUNICIPAL BOND FUND invests primarily in long-term, higher- and
medium-quality municipal bonds. The fund's manager conducts intensive research
on individual issuers to uncover solid investment opportunities, especially
looking for bonds whose quality may be improving. The fund typically maintains
an average maturity between 10 and 20 years.
The SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND follows a similar investment style to
the HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, but invests primarily in short- and
intermediate-term, medium- and lower-quality municipal bonds. To help manage
risk, the fund maintains an average maturity between one and three years.
The SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND FUND invests primarily in short- and
intermediate-term, higher- and medium-quality municipal bonds, following the
investment style of the MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. The fund maintains an average
maturity of three years or less.
For all of the funds, the managers may sell a holding if its fundamental
qualities deteriorate, or to take advantage of more attractive yield
opportunities. Also, the managers may invest any amount in cash or
cash-type securities as a temporary defensive position to avoid losses during
adverse market conditions. This could reduce the benefit to the funds if the
market goes up. In this case, the fund may not achieve its investment goal.
((Side Box))
Under normal market conditions, the funds will invest at least 80% of assets in
municipal bonds. MUNICIPAL BONDS are debt obligations issued by or for U.S.
states, territories, and possessions and the District of Columbia and their
political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities. Municipal bonds can
be issued to obtain money for public purposes or for privately operated
facilities or projects. Some municipal bonds pay interest which is exempt from
federal income tax. Examples of municipal bonds are general obligation bonds,
revenue bonds, industrial
3
<PAGE>
development bonds, notes, and municipal lease obligations.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS?
BOND RISKS: The funds' major risks are those of investing in the bond market. A
bond's market value is affected significantly by changes in interest rates-when
interest rates rise, the bond's market value declines and when interest rates
decline, its market value rises. Generally, the longer a bond's maturity, the
greater the risk and the higher its yield. Conversely, the shorter a bond's
maturity, the lower the risk and the lower its yield. A bond's value can also be
affected by changes in the bond's credit quality rating or its issuer's
financial condition. Because bond values fluctuate, when you sell your
investment, you may receive more or less money than you originally invested.
HIGH-YIELD BONDS: The HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPAL FUND invest in lower-quality, high-yield bonds. These bonds involve
greater risks, including the increased possibility that the bond's issuer may
not be able to make its payments of interest and principal. If that happens,
the fund's share price would decrease and its income distributions would be
reduced.
CONCENTRATED PORTFOLIOS: The funds may concentrate their assets in the bonds of
issuers that are related in such a way (for example, issuers located in the
same state or industry) that an economic, business, or political development or
change could similarly impact numerous securities in the funds. As a result,
the shares of these funds are likely to fluctuate in value more than those of a
fund investing in a broader range of securities.
The funds are appropriate for investors who are comfortable with the risks
described here. Also, the HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and the MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND are appropriate for investors whose financial goals are four to seven
years away. The SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND and the SHORT-TERM
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND are appropriate for investors whose financial goals are two
to four years away. The funds are not appropriate for investors concerned
primarily with principal stability.
The return information below illustrates how the funds' performance can vary,
which is one indication of the risks of investing in the funds. Please keep in
mind that the funds' past performance does not represent how they will perform
in the future. The information assumes that you reinvested all dividends and
distributions. Only funds with at least one calendar year's performance appear
below.
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year High-Yield Municipal Short-Term
Municipal Bond Municipal
Bond Bond
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1988 - 7.6% -
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1989 - 7.1% -
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1990 - 4.6% -
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1991 - 13.4% -
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1992 - 12.2% 7.2%
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1993 - 11.8% 6.8%
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1994 -1.0% -4.6% -1.6%
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1995 14.6% 11.4% 5.4%
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1996 5.1% 2.4% 4.9%
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
1997 13.9% 12.1% 6.9%
- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
</TABLE>
THE FUNDS' YEAR-TO-DATE RETURNS THROUGH 9-30-98 WERE: HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL
BOND, 4.85%; MUNICIPAL BOND, 6.02%; AND SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND, 4.44%.
4
<PAGE>
BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE (through 12-31-97)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FUND NAME BEST QUARTER RETURN WORST QUARTER RETURN
- -------------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
High-Yield Municipal Bond 4.7% (1st Q 1995) -2.9% (1st Q 1996)
- -------------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Municipal Bond 5.8% (2nd Q 1992) -7.8% (2nd Q 1987)
- -------------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Short-Term Municipal Bond 2.4% (3rd Q 1995) -1.8% (1st Q 1994)
- -------------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
</TABLE>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
AS OF 9-30-98
FUND/INDEX 1-YEAR 5-YEAR 10-YEAR SINCE INCEPTION
HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND 8.98% 7.90% - 7.90% (10-1-93)
High-Yield Municipal
Bond Index 9.29% 6.85% - 6.85%
MUNICIPAL BOND 9.77% 5.60% 7.67% 6.86% (10-23-86)
Lehman Bros. Municipal
Bond Index 8.71% 6.40% 8.35% 7.98%
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND 6.38% 4.18% - 4.99% (12-31-91)
Lehman Bros. Municipal
3 Year Bond Index 5.67% 4.94% - 5.36%
THE HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX IS COMPOSED OF TWO UNMANAGED INDICES
GENERALLY REPRESENTATIVE OF HIGH-YIELD, TAX-EXEMPT BONDS (THE LEHMAN BROTHERS
BAA MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX FROM INCEPTION THROUGH 12-31-95 AND THE LEHMAN
BROTHERS HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX FROM 1-1-96 TO PRESENT). THE LEHMAN
BROTHERS MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX IS AN UNMANAGED INDEX GENERALLY REPRESENTATIVE OF
INVESTMENT-GRADE, TAX-EXEMPT BONDS. THE LEHMAN BROTHERS MUNICIPAL 3 YEAR BOND
INDEX IS AN UNMANAGED INDEX GENERALLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THREE-YEAR, TAX-EXEMPT
BONDS.
As of September 30, 1998, the 30-day yields for the funds were as follows:
HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND, 5.42%; MUNICIPAL BOND, 4.78%; SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPAL, 4.99%; and SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND, 4.15%. For investors in the
36% tax bracket, these translate into taxable equivalent yields of 8.47%,
7.47%, 7.80%, and 6.48%, respectively. Without fee waivers, the Short-Term High
Yield Municipal's yields would have been 4.49% and 7.02%, respectively. For
current yield information on these funds, call 1-800-368-3863.
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' FEES AND EXPENSES?
This section describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the funds.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
The funds are 100% no-load, so you pay no fees to buy or sell shares.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted from fund assets)
The costs of operating each fund are deducted from fund assets, which means you
pay them indirectly. These costs are deducted before computing the daily share
price or making distributions. As a result, they don't appear on your account
statement, but instead reduce the total return you receive from your fund
investment. Because the SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND did not begin
operations until November 30, 1997, the expenses, other than management fees,
have been estimated in the chart below.
5
<PAGE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENT OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
FUND MANAGEMENT FEES OTHER EXPENSES TOTAL EXPENSES
- -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
High-Yield Municipal Bond 0.60% 0.XX% X.XX%
- -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Municipal Bond 0.60% 0.XX% X.XX%
- -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Short-Term High Yield Municipal 0.60% 0.XX% X.XX%
- -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Short-Term Municipal Bond 0.50% 0.XX% X.XX%
- -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
</TABLE>
We may voluntarily waive some or all of our management fee and/or absorb some
fund expenses. This will temporarily lower your investment's expense ratio and
increase your investment return.
Example: This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the funds with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes
that you invest $10,000 in the funds for the time periods indicated, and then
redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes
that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the funds' operating
expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower,
based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------
High-Yield Municipal Bond $XX $XX $XX $XX
- -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------
Municipal Bond $XX $XX $XX $XX
- -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------
Short-Term High Yield Municipal $XX $XX $XX $XX
- -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------
Short-Term Municipal Bond $XX $XX $XX $XX
- -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------
</TABLE>
WHO ARE THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND PORTFOLIO MANAGERS?
Strong Capital Management, Inc. (Strong) is the investment advisor for the
funds. Strong provides investment management services for mutual funds and
other investment portfolios representing assets of over $XX billion. Strong
began conducting business in 1974. Since then, its principal business has been
providing investment advice for individuals and institutional accounts, such as
pension and profit-sharing plans, as well as mutual funds, several of
which are available through variable insurance products. Strong's address is
P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, WI 53201.
MARY-KAY H. BOURBULAS manages the HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and the
SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND and has ten years of investment
experience. She joined Strong as a portfolio manager in October 1991. Ms.
Bourbulas co-managed the High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund from its inception in
1993 until December 1995, when she assumed sole management responsibility for
the fund. She has managed the Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund since its
inception in November 1997. Prior to joining Strong, Ms. Bourbulas was employed
by Stein Roe & Farnham, where she co-managed two tax-exempt funds. Ms.
Bourbulas received her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in 1989.
STEVEN D. HARROP manages the MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and the SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND. He has more than 25 years of investment experience and is a
Chartered Financial Analyst. He joined Strong as a portfolio manager in March
1991. He has managed the Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund since December 1995 and
the Municipal Bond Fund since September 1996. Prior to joining Strong, Mr.
Harrop was employed by USAA Investment Management Company, where he co-managed
a balanced fund and managed five tax-exempt funds. Mr. Harrop received his
bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in 1972 and his master's degree
from Northwestern University in 1973.
((Side Box))
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Your investment could be adversely affected if the computer systems used by the
funds and their service providers do not properly process and calculate
date-related information before, on, and after January 1, 2000. Year
2000-related computer problems could have a negative impact on your investment,
but we are working to avoid these problems and to obtain assurances from our
service providers that they are taking similar steps.
6
<PAGE>
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW
COMPARING THE FUNDS
The following will help you distinguish the funds and compare their investment
strategies:
AVERAGE INCOME
FUND MATURITY CREDIT QUALITY POTENTIAL VOLATILITY
High-Yield 15 to 25 At least 65% rated High Moderate
Municipal Bond years* medium or lower to High
Municipal Bond 10 to 20 At least 85% rated Moderate Moderate
years* higher or medium to High
Short-Term High 1 to 3 At least 80% rated High Moderate
Yield Municipal years medium or lower
Short-Term 3 years At least 85% rated Low to Low
Municipal Bond or less higher or medium Moderate
* Expected Range
The High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund and the Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund
may invest in bonds that are in default, but the funds are not expected to
invest more than 10% of net assets in those bonds.
A WORD ABOUT CREDIT QUALITY
CREDIT QUALITY measures the issuer's expected ability to pay interest and
principal payments on time. Credit quality can be "higher-quality",
"medium-quality", "lower-quality", or "in default".
- - HIGHER-QUALITY means bonds that are in the highest rating category to those
rated in the fourth-highest rating category. For example, bonds rated at
least A by Standard & Poor's Rating Group (S&P)*.
- - MEDIUM-QUALITY means bonds that are in the fourth-highest rating category.
For example, bonds rated BBB by S&P*.
- - LOWER-QUALITY means bonds that are below the fourth-highest rating category.
They are also known as non-investment, high-risk, high-yield, or "junk
bonds". For example, bonds rated BB to C by S&P*.
- - IN DEFAULT means the bond's issuer has not paid principal or interest on
time.
*or those rated in this category by any nationally recognized statistical
rating organization. S&P is only one example of a nationally recognized
statistical rating organization.
We determine a bond's credit quality rating at the time of investment by
conducting credit research and analysis and by relying on credit ratings of
several nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. These
organizations are called NRSROs. When we determine if a bond is in a specific
category, we may use the highest rating assigned to it by any NRSRO. If a bond
is not rated, we rely on our credit research and analysis to rate the bond. If
a bond's credit quality rating is downgraded after our investment, we monitor
the situation to decide if we need to take any action such as selling the bond.
Typically, municipal bonds are not rated. This means that investments in
municipal bonds generally require more credit analysis by us than investments
in taxable bonds. Also, investments in lower-quality bonds will be more
dependent on our credit analysis than would be higher-quality bonds because,
while lower-quality bonds generally offer higher yields than higher-quality
bonds with similar maturities, lower-quality bonds involve greater risks. This
includes the possibility of default or bankruptcy because the issuer's capacity
to pay interest and repay principal is considered predominantly speculative.
Also, lower-quality bonds are less liquid, meaning that they may be harder to
sell than bonds of higher quality because the demand for them may be lower and
there are fewer potential buyers. This lack of liquidity may lower the value
of the fund and your investment.
7
<PAGE>
TAXABLE INVESTMENTS
A Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in U.S. government and corporate
bonds, and other debt securities that are of the same quality as the fund's
investments in municipal bonds. A fund will generally invest in these bonds
to take advantage of capital gain opportunities. These bonds produce taxable
income, unlike municipal bonds which generally provide tax-exempt income.
IF YOU ARE SUBJECT TO THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX
The funds may invest, without limitation, in municipal obligations whose
interest is a tax-preference item for purposes of the federal alternative
minimum tax (AMT). If you are subject to the AMT, a substantial portion of
your fund's distributions to you may not be exempt from federal income tax. If
this is the case, a fund's net return to you may be lower.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
This information describes investment performance for the periods shown. These
figures have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
<<Financial Highlights>>
8
<PAGE>
YOUR ACCOUNT
All of the Strong Funds are 100% no-load. This means that you may purchase,
redeem, or exchange shares directly at their net asset value without paying a
sales charge.
SHARE PRICE
Your transaction price for buying, selling, or exchanging shares is the net
asset value per share (NAV). NAV is generally calculated as of the close of
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (usually 3:00 p.m. Central Time) every
day the NYSE is open. If the NYSE closes at any other time, or if an emergency
exists, the time at which the NAV is calculated may differ. Your share price
will be the next NAV calculated after we accept your order.
NAV is based on the market value of the securities in a fund's portfolio. If
market prices are not available, NAV is based on a security's fair value as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Strong Funds.
((Side Box))
We determine share price or NAV by dividing net
assets (the value of its investments, cash, and other
assets minus its liabilities) by the number of shares
outstanding.
- -----------------------------------------------------
BUYING SHARES
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
When buying shares, you must meet the following investment requirements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
INITIAL ADDITIONAL
- ----------- ---------------------- -----------
REGULAR $2,500 $50
ACCOUNTS
- ----------- ---------------------- -----------
AUTOMATIC No minimum $50
INVESTMENT
PLAN (AIP)
- ----------- ---------------------- -----------
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
BUYING INSTRUCTIONS
You can buy shares in several ways.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
BY MAIL You can open or add to an account by mail with a check or money order made payable to Strong Funds.
<ICON>
Send it to the address listed on the back of this prospectus, along with your account application
(for a new account) or an Additional Investment Form (for an existing account).
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY TELEPHONE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE. Sign up for telephone exchange privileges when you open your account.
<ICON> To add this option to an existing account, call 1-800-368-3863 for a Shareholder Account Options
Form. Once you have telephone exchange privileges in place, you can call to establish a new account
or to add to an existing one by exchanging assets from another identically registered Strong Funds
account.
STRONG DIRECT(R). You can also use Strong Direct(R) to exchange assets between accounts. Just call
1-800-368-7550.
BANK ACCOUNT. You can make additional investments to your existing account directly from your
bank account. If you didn't establish the telephone purchase option when you opened your account,
call us at 1-800-368-3863 for a Shareholder Account Options Form.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY COMPUTER You can use Strong netDirect(R) at our Web site, www.strongfunds.com, to add to your investment from
<ICON> your bank account or to exchange shares between Strong Funds. See "Services for Investors" for more
information.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN PERSON You can visit our Investor Center in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee. Call
<ICON>
1-800-368-3863 for hours and directions. THE INVESTOR CENTER ONLY ACCEPTS CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS
PAYABLE TO STRONG FUNDS.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY WIRE Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions before wiring funds either to open or add to an account. This
<ICON> helps to ensure that your account will be credited promptly and correctly.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATICALLY See "Services for Investors" for detailed information on all of our automatic investment services. You
<ICON>
can sign up for these plans when you open your account or call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions on how
to add them.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THROUGH A You may purchase shares through a broker-dealer or other intermediary who may charge you a fee.
BROKER-DEALER
<ICON>
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PLEASE REMEMBER . . .
- - Make checks or money orders payable to Strong Funds.
- - We cannot accept cash, third-party checks (checks payable to you written by
another party), or checks drawn on banks outside the U.S.
- - You will be charged $20 for every check, money order, wire, or Electronic
Funds Transfer returned unpaid.
((Side Box))
1-800-368-3863
24 HOURS A DAY,
7 DAYS A WEEK
10
<PAGE>
SELLING SHARES
You can gain access to the money in your account at any time by selling (also
called redeeming) some or all of your shares by one of the methods below.
After your redemption request is accepted, we will normally send you the
proceeds from the sale on the next business day but, in any event, no more than
seven days later.
SELLING INSTRUCTIONS
You can sell shares in several ways.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
BY MAIL Write a letter of instruction. It should specify your account number, the dollar amount of shares or
<ICON>
number of shares you wish to redeem, the names and signatures of all owners (or other authorized persons),
and your mailing address. Then, mail it to the address listed on the back of this prospectus.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY TELEPHONE Sign up for telephone redemption privileges when you open your account. To add this option to an existing
<ICON > account, call 1-800-368-3863 to request a Shareholder Account Options Form. With this option, you may
sell shares by phone and receive the proceeds in one of three ways:
(1) We can mail a check to your account's address. Checks will not be forwarded by the Postal
Service, so please notify us if your address has changed.
(2) We can transmit the proceeds to your account by Electronic Funds Transfer if you have properly
set up EFT with your bank and us. Usually, the proceeds will arrive at your bank two banking
days after we process your redemption.
(3) For a $10 fee, we can transmit the proceeds by wire to a pre-authorized bank account. Usually, the
proceeds will arrive at your bank the first banking day after we accept your redemption.
You can also redeem shares through Strong Direct(R) at 1-800-368-7550.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY COMPUTER You can use Strong netDirect(R) at our Web site, www.strongfunds.com, to redeem shares. See
<ICON> "Services for Investors" for more information.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATICALLY You can set up automatic withdrawals from your account at regular intervals. See "Services for
<ICON> Investors" for information on all of our automatic investment services.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THROUGH A You may sell shares through a broker-dealer or other intermediary who may charge you a fee.
BROKER-DEALER
<ICON>
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY WRITING A Sign up for free checkwriting when you open your account or call 1-800-368-3863 to add it later to an
CHECK existing account. Check redemptions must be for a minimum of $500. You cannot write a check to
<ICON > close out an account.
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PLEASE REMEMBER ...
- - If you have recently purchased shares, your redemption request will not be
honored until 10 days after we receive the purchase check or electronic
transaction.
- - You will be charged a $10 service fee for a stop-payment on a check written
on your Strong Funds account.
- - Some transactions and requests require a signature guarantee.
- - If you are selling shares you hold in certificate form, you must submit the
certificates with your redemption request. Each registered owner must sign
the certificates and all signatures must be guaranteed.
((Side Box))
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES help ensure that major
transactions or changes to your account are in fact
authorized by you. For example, we require a signature
guarantee on written redemption requests for more
than $50,000. You can obtain a signature guarantee for
a nominal fee from most banks, brokerage firms, and
other financial institutions. A notary public stamp or
seal cannot be substituted for a signature guarantee.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
11
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL POLICIES
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS
Once you place a telephone transaction request, it cannot be canceled or
modified. We use reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone redemption
requests are genuine. We may be responsible if we do not follow these
procedures. You are responsible for losses resulting from fraudulent or
unauthorized instructions received over the telephone, provided we reasonably
believe the redemption request was genuine. During times of unusual market
activity, you may have trouble placing a request by telephone. During these
times, consider trying STRONG DIRECT(R), our 24-hour automated telephone
system, by calling 1-800-368-7550, or STRONG NETDIRECT(R), our on-line
transaction center, by visiting www.strongfunds.com. Please remember that you
must have telephone redemption as an option on your account to redeem shares
through STRONG DIRECT(R) or STRONG NETDIRECT(R).
THIRD PARTY INVESTMENTS
If you invest through a third party (rather than directly with Strong Funds),
the policies and fees may be different than described in this prospectus.
Banks, brokers, 401(k) plans, financial advisors, and financial supermarkets
may charge transaction fees and may set different minimum investments or
limitations on buying or selling shares. Consult a representative of your plan
or financial institution if you are not sure.
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DISTRIBUTIONS
DISTRIBUTION POLICY
Your fund pays you dividends from net investment income monthly and generally
distributes annually any net capital gains that it realizes. Dividends are
declared on each day NAV is calculated, except for bank holidays. Dividends
earned on weekends, holidays, and days when the fund's NAV is not calculated are
declared on the first day preceding these days that the fund's NAV is
calculated. Your investment will generally begin earning dividends the first
business day after we accept your purchase order.
REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS
Your dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested
in additional shares of your fund, unless you choose otherwise. Your other
options are to receive checks for these payments, have them automatically
invested in another Strong Fund, or have them deposited into your bank account.
TAXES
Generally, a municipal fund's distributions will be composed primarily of tax
exempt income. However, the fund may make distributions of net investment
income and capital gains that are taxable to you.
TAXABLE DISTRIBUTIONS
Any net investment income and net short-term capital gain distributions you
receive are taxable as ordinary dividend income at your personal income tax
rate. Distributions of net long-term capital gains (also called "net capital
gains") are generally taxable as long-term capital gains. This is generally
true no matter how long you have owned your shares and whether you reinvest
your distributions or take them in cash. In addition to paying these taxes,
you may also have to pay taxes when you exchange shares or when you sell shares
if your shares have increased in value since you bought them.
TAX EXEMPT DISTRIBUTIONS
Exempt-interest dividends from municipal funds are generally exempt from
federal income taxes, but may be subject to state and local tax. Also, if you
are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax, you may have to pay federal tax on
a portion of your income from exempt-interest dividends.
RETURN OF CAPITAL
If your fund's (i) ordinary dividend income exceeds its net investment income
and net short-term capital gains or (ii) net capital gain distributions exceed
its net capital gains in any year, all or a portion of those dividends may be
treated as a return of capital to you. Although a return of capital is not
taxed, it will reduce the cost basis of your shares.
YEAR-END STATEMENT
To assist you in tax preparation, after the end of each calendar year, we send
you a statement of your fund's ordinary dividends and net capital gain
distributions (Form 1099).
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
By law, we must withhold 31% of your distributions and proceeds if you have not
provided us with complete and correct taxpayer information such as your Social
Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN).
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((Side Box))
You may want to avoid selling shares of a mutual fund at
a loss and then investing in the same fund within 30 days
before or after the sale. This is called a WASH SALE and
you will not be allowed to claim a tax loss on the
transaction.
- ---------------------------------------------------------
((Side Box))
COST BASIS is the amount that you paid for the shares.
When you sell shares, you subtract the cost basis from
the sale proceeds to determine whether you realized an
investment gain or loss. For example, if you bought a
share of a fund at $10 and you sold it two years later at
$11, your cost basis on the share is $10 and your gain is
$1.
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Because everyone's tax situation is unique, you should consult your tax
professional for assistance.
SERVICES FOR INVESTORS
Strong provides you with a variety of services to help you manage your
investment. For further details, call 1-800-368-3863.
THESE SERVICES INCLUDE:
STRONG DIRECT (R) AUTOMATED TELEPHONE SYSTEM
Our 24-hour automated response system enables you to use a touch-tone phone to
access current share prices (1-800-368-3550), to access fund and account
information (1-800-368-5550), and to perform transactions (1-800-368-7550).
Passwords protect your account information.
STRONG ON-LINE
Visit us on-line to access the latest performance information, daily prices,
and portfolio manager commentaries. Our address is www.strongfunds.com.
STRONG NETDIRECT(R)
If you are a shareholder, you may use netDirect(R) to access your account
information 24 hours a day from your personal computer. Strong netDirect(R)
allows you to view account history, account balances, and recent dividend
activity, as well as to make purchases, exchanges, or redemptions among your
existing accounts if you have elected these services. Encryption technology and
passwords help to protect your account information. You may register to use
netDirect(R) at www.strongfunds.com.
STRONG EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
You may exchange shares of a Strong Fund for shares of another Strong Fund,
either in writing, by telephone, or through your personal computer, if the
accounts are identically registered (with the same name, address and taxpayer
identification number). Please ask us for the appropriate prospectus and read
it before investing in any of the Strong Funds. Remember, an exchange is
considered a sale and a purchase of fund shares for tax purposes and may result
in a capital gain or loss. Some Strong Funds that you may want to exchange into
may charge a redemption fee of 0.50% on shares held for less than six months.
STRONG CHECKWRITING
Strong Funds offers checkwriting on most of its bond and money market funds.
Checks written on your account are subject to the Terms and Conditions found in
this prospectus and in the front of the book of checks.
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<PAGE>
STRONG AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT SERVICES
You may invest automatically in several ways, some of which may be subject to
additional restrictions or conditions.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
This plan allows you to make regular, automatic investments from your bank
checking or savings account.
AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN
This plan allows you to make regular, automatic exchanges from one eligible
Strong Fund to another.
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
Your dividends and capital gains will be automatically reinvested in additional
shares of the Strong Fund that paid them, unless you choose otherwise. Your
other options are to receive checks for these payments, have them automatically
invested in another Strong Fund, or deposited into your bank account.
PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT PLAN
This plan allows you to send all or a portion of your paycheck, social security
check, military allotment, or annuity payment to the Strong Funds of your
choice.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
This plan allows you to redeem a fixed sum from your account on a regular
basis. Payments may be sent electronically to a bank account or as a check
to you or anyone you properly designate.
SOME OF THESE SERVICES MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS OR CONDITIONS.
CALL 1-800-368-3863 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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RESERVED RIGHTS
We reserve the right to:
- - Refuse, change, discontinue, or temporarily suspend account services for any
reason, including purchase, exchange, or telephone and netDirect(R)
redemption privileges.
- - Reject any purchase request for any reason including exchanges from other
Strong Funds. Generally, we do this if the purchase or exchange is disruptive
to the efficient management of a fund (due to the timing of the investment or
an investor's history of excessive trading).
- - Change the minimum or maximum investment amounts.
- - Delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (this generally
only applies to very large redemptions without notice, excessive trading, or
during unusual market conditions).
- - Suspend redemptions or postpone payments when the NYSE is closed for any
reason other than its usual weekend or holiday closings, when trading is
restricted by the SEC, or under any emergency circumstances.
- - Make a redemption-in-kind (a payment in portfolio securities rather than
cash) if the amount you are redeeming is in excess of the lesser of 1)
$250,000 or 2) 1% of the fund's assets, and is large enough to affect
operations and potentially harm current shareholders. This includes
redemptions made by checkwriting.
- - Close any account that does not meet minimum investment requirements. We
will give you notice and 60 days to begin an automatic investment program or
to increase your balance to the required minimum.
- - Reject any purchase or redemption request that does not contain all required
documentation.
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-- BACK OUTSIDE COVER --
FOR MORE INFORMATION
More information is available upon request at no charge, including the
following:
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
Additional information that contains a letter from management, discusses recent
market conditions, economic trends and investment strategies that significantly
affected your investment's performance during the last fiscal year, and lists
portfolio holdings.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
More details about investment policies and techniques. A current SAI is on
file with the SEC and is incorporated into this prospectus by reference. This
means that the SAI is legally considered a part of this prospectus even though
it is not physically contained within this prospectus.
TO REQUEST INFORMATION OR TO ASK QUESTIONS:
BY TELEPHONE BY DEVICE FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED (TDD)
CALL: (414) 359-1400 or (800) 368-3863 CALL: (800) 999-2780
BY MAIL BY EXPRESS OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY
WRITE: Strong Funds WRITE: Strong Funds
P.O. Box 2936 900 Heritage Reserve
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-2936 Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051
ON THE INTERNET
VIEW ONLINE OR DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS:
STRONG FUNDS SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION*
www.strongfunds.com www.sec.gov
BY E-MAIL
SEND your request to [email protected]
To reduce the volume of mail you receive, only one copy of most financial
reports and prospectuses is mailed to your household. Call 1-800-368-3863 if
you wish to receive additional copies, free of charge.
This prospectus is not an offer to sell securities in any place where it would
be illegal to do so.
*You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. or by sending your request and a duplicating fee to the
Securities and Exchange Commissions' Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C.
20549-6009. You can call 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the operation of the
Public Reference Room.
Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund , Inc. , SEC file number: 811-7930
Strong Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., SEC file number: 811-4769
Strong Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund, a series of Strong Municipal
Funds, Inc., SEC file number: 811-4770
Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., SEC file number: 811-6409
(C) 1999 Strong Investments, Inc.
[Source Code]
17
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ("SAI")
STRONG HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
STRONG MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
STRONG SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND
STRONG SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
P.O. Box 2936
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
Telephone: (414) 359-1400
Toll-Free: (800) 368-3863
e-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.strong-funds.com
Throughout this SAI, "the Fund" is intended to refer to each Fund listed above,
unless otherwise indicated. This SAI is not a Prospectus and should be read
together with the Prospectus for the Fund dated January 1, 1999. Requests for
copies of the Prospectus should be made by calling any number listed above.
The financial statements appearing in the Annual Report, which accompanies this
SAI, are incorporated into this SAI by reference.
January 1, 1999
1
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS........................................................3
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES.............................................5
Borrowing......................................................................5
Cash Management................................................................5
Convertible Securities.........................................................5
Derivative Instruments.........................................................6
High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities.............................................12
Illiquid Securities...........................................................13
Lending of Portfolio Securities...............................................14
Maturity......................................................................14
Municipal Obligations.........................................................15
Participation Interests.......................................................15
Repurchase Agreements.........................................................16
Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Mortgage Dollar Rolls.......................16
Sector Concentration..........................................................16
Short Sales...................................................................17
Standby Commitments...........................................................17
Taxable Securities............................................................17
Temporary Defensive Position..................................................17
Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities.........................................17
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities...................................18
Zero-Coupon, Step-Coupon, and Pay-in-Kind Securities..........................19
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS........................................................19
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS........................................................21
INVESTMENT ADVISOR............................................................21
DISTRIBUTOR...................................................................24
CUSTODIAN.....................................................................28
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT..................................28
TAXES.........................................................................29
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE..............................................31
ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION............................................32
ORGANIZATION..................................................................34
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS..........................................................34
GENERAL INFORMATION...........................................................42
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT..........................................................43
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.......................................................43
LEGAL COUNSEL.................................................................44
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..........................................................44
APPENDIX A - ASSET COMPOSITION BY BOND RATINGS................................45
APPENDIX B - DEFINITION OF BOND RATINGS.......................................47
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this SAI and its corresponding
Prospectus, and if given or made, such information or representations may not
be relied upon as having been authorized. This SAI does not constitute an
offer to sell securities.
2
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
The following are the Fund's fundamental investment limitations which, along
with the Fund's investment objective (which is described in the Prospectus),
cannot be changed without shareholder approval. To obtain approval, a majority
of the Fund's outstanding voting shares must vote for the change. A majority
of the Fund's outstanding voting securities means the vote of the lesser of:
(1) 67% or more of the voting securities present, if more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities are present or represented, or (2) more than 50%
of the outstanding voting shares.
Unless indicated otherwise below, the Fund:
1. May not with respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the securities
of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or
its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, (1) more than 5% of the
Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or (2)
the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that
issuer.
2. May (1) borrow money from banks and (2) make other investments or engage
in other transactions permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act") which may involve a borrowing, provided that the combination of
(1) and (2) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets
(including the amount borrowed), less the Fund's liabilities (other than
borrowings), except that the Fund may borrow up to an additional 5% of its
total assets (not including the amount borrowed) from a bank for temporary or
emergency purposes (but not for leverage or the purchase of investments). The
Fund may also borrow money from the other Strong Funds or other persons to the
extent permitted by applicable law.
3. May not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.
4. May not act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except to
the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning
of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the purchase and sale of
portfolio securities.
5. May not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a
result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not
prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts, or
other derivative instruments, or from investing in securities or other
instruments backed by physical commodities).
6. May not make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of the Fund's
total assets would be lent to other persons, except through (1) purchases of
debt securities or other debt instruments, or (2) engaging in repurchase
agreements.
7. May not purchase the securities of any issuer if, as a result, more than
25% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers,
the principal business activities of which are in the same industry.
8. May not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prohibit the
Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by real
estate or of issuers engaged in real estate activities).
9. May, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment policy or
restriction, invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end
management investment company with substantially the same fundamental
investment objective, policies, and restrictions as the Fund.
10. May not, under normal market conditions, invest less than 80% of its
net assets in municipal securities.
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<PAGE>
NON-FUNDAMENTAL OPERATING POLICIES
The following are the Fund's non-fundamental operating policies which may be
changed by the Fund's Board of Directors without shareholder approval.
Unless indicated otherwise below, the Fund may not:
1. Sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, or
unless it covers such short sale as required by the current rules and positions
of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or its staff, and provided
that transactions in options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts,
or other derivative instruments are not deemed to constitute selling securities
short.
2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions; and
provided that margin deposits in connection with futures contracts, options on
futures contracts, or other derivative instruments shall not constitute
purchasing securities on margin.
3. Invest in illiquid securities if, as a result of such investment, more
than 15% (10% with respect to a money fund) of its net assets would be invested
in illiquid securities, or such other amounts as may be permitted under the
1940 Act.
4. Purchase securities of other investment companies except in compliance
with the 1940 Act and applicable state law.
5. Invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end
investment management company with substantially the same fundamental
investment objective, restrictions and policies as the Fund.
6. Engage in futures or options on futures transactions which are
impermissible pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act and, in
accordance with Rule 4.5, will use futures or options on futures transactions
solely for bona fide hedging transactions (within the meaning of the Commodity
Exchange Act), provided, however, that the Fund may, in addition to bona fide
hedging transactions, use futures and options on futures transactions if the
aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish such positions,
less the amount by which any such options positions are in the money (within
the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act), do not exceed 5% of the Fund's net
assets.
7. Borrow money except (1) from banks or (2) through reverse repurchase
agreements or mortgage dollar rolls, and will not purchase securities when bank
borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
8. Make any loans other than loans of portfolio securities, except through
(1) purchases of debt securities or other debt instruments, or (2) engaging in
repurchase agreements.
Unless noted otherwise, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time
of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a
change in the Fund's assets (I.E. due to cash inflows or redemptions) or in
market value of the investment or the Fund's assets will not constitute a
violation of that restriction.
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<PAGE>
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment
objective, policies, and techniques described in the Prospectus.
BORROWING
The Fund may borrow money from banks and make other investments or engage in
other transactions permissible under the 1940 Act which may be considered a
borrowing (such as mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements).
However, the Fund may not purchase securities when bank borrowings exceed 5% of
the Fund's total assets. Presently, the Fund only intends to borrow from banks
for temporary or emergency purposes.
The Fund has established a line-of-credit ("LOC") with certain banks by which
it may borrow funds for temporary or emergency purposes. A borrowing is
presumed to be for temporary or emergency purposes if it is repaid by the Fund
within 60 days and is not extended or renewed. The Fund intends to use the LOC
to meet large or unexpected redemptions that would otherwise force the Fund to
liquidate securities under circumstances which are unfavorable to the Fund's
remaining shareholders. The Fund pays a commitment fee to the banks for the
LOC.
CASH MANAGEMENT
The Fund may invest directly in cash and short-term fixed-income securities,
including, for this purpose, shares of one or more money market funds managed
by Strong Capital Management, Inc., the Fund's investment advisor ("Advisor")
(collectively, the "Strong Money Funds"). The Strong Money Funds seek current
income, a stable share price of $1.00, and daily liquidity. All money market
instruments can change in value when interest rates or an issuer's
creditworthiness change dramatically. The Strong Money Funds cannot guarantee
that they will always be able to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per
share.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks, or other
securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a specified amount of
common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of
time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the
holder to receive interest normally paid or accrued on debt or the dividend
paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed,
converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment
characteristics in that they generally (1) have higher yields than common
stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (2) are
less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have
fixed income characteristics, and (3) provide the potential for capital
appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
Most convertible securities currently are issued by U.S. companies, although a
substantial Eurodollar convertible securities market has developed, and the
markets for convertible securities denominated in local currencies are
increasing.
The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment value"
(determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of
comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and
its "conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value, if converted
into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible
security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value
declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline.
The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on
the convertible security's investment value. The conversion value of a
convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common
stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the
price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment
value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the convertible security
approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common
stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible
security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A
convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value
by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the
underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.
5
<PAGE>
A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer
at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument. If
a convertible security is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to
permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common
stock, or sell it to a third party.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
IN GENERAL. The Fund may use derivative instruments for any lawful purpose
consistent with its investment objective such as hedging or managing risk.
Derivative instruments are commonly defined to include securities or contracts
whose values depend on (or "derive" from) the value of one or more other
assets, such as securities, currencies, or commodities. These "other assets"
are commonly referred to as "underlying assets."
A derivative instrument generally consists of, is based upon, or exhibits
characteristics similar to OPTIONS or FORWARD CONTRACTS. Options and forward
contracts are considered to be the basic "building blocks" of derivatives. For
example, forward-based derivatives include forward contracts, swap contracts,
as well as exchange-traded futures. Option-based derivatives include privately
negotiated, over-the-counter ("OTC") options (including caps, floors, collars,
and options on forward and swap contracts) and exchange-traded options on
futures. Diverse types of derivatives may be created by combining options or
forward contracts in different ways, and by applying these structures to a wide
range of underlying assets.
An option is a contract in which the "holder" (the buyer) pays a certain amount
("premium") to the "writer" (the seller) to obtain the right, but not the
obligation, to buy from the writer (in a "call") or sell to the writer (in a
"put") a specific asset at an agreed upon price at or before a certain time.
The holder pays the premium at inception and has no further financial
obligation. The holder of an option-based derivative generally will benefit
from favorable movements in the price of the underlying asset but is not
exposed to corresponding losses due to adverse movements in the value of the
underlying asset. The writer of an option-based derivative generally will
receive fees or premiums but generally is exposed to losses due to changes in
the value of the underlying asset.
A forward is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the "long" position) and
a seller (holding the "short" position) for an asset with delivery deferred
until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed
future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that
the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while
the buyer hopes for the contrary. The change in value of a forward-based
derivative generally is roughly proportional to the change in value of the
underlying asset.
HEDGING. The Fund may use derivative instruments to protect against possible
adverse changes in the market value of securities held in, or are anticipated
to be held in, its portfolio. Derivatives may also be used to "lock-in"
realized but unrecognized gains in the value of its portfolio securities.
Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce the risk of loss by wholly or
partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price movements in the
investments being hedged. However, hedging strategies can also reduce the
opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price
movements in the hedged investments. To the extent that a hedge matures prior
to or after the disposition of the investment subject to the hedge, any gain or
loss on the hedge will be realized earlier or later than any offsetting gain or
loss on the hedged investment.
MANAGING RISK. The Fund may also use derivative instruments to manage the
risks of its portfolio. Risk management strategies include, but are not
limited to, facilitating the sale of portfolio securities, managing the
effective maturity or duration of debt obligations in its portfolio,
establishing a position in the derivatives markets as a substitute for buying
or selling certain securities, or creating or altering exposure to certain
asset classes, such as equity, debt, or foreign securities. The use of
derivative instruments may provide a less expensive, more expedient or more
specifically focused way to invest than "traditional" securities (I.E., stocks
or bonds) would.
EXCHANGE AND OTC DERIVATIVES. Derivative instruments may be exchange-traded or
traded in OTC transactions between private parties. Exchange-traded
derivatives are standardized options and futures contracts traded in an auction
on the floor of a regulated exchange. Exchange contracts are generally very
liquid. The exchange clearinghouse is the counterparty of every contract.
Thus, each holder of an exchange contract bears the credit risk of the
clearinghouse (and has the benefit of its financial strength) rather than that
of a particular counterparty. OTC transactions are subject to additional
risks, such as the credit risk of the counterparty to the instrument, and are
less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives since they often can only be
closed out with the other party to the transaction.
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<PAGE>
RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. The use of derivative instruments involves
risks and special considerations as described below. Risks pertaining to
particular derivative instruments are described in the sections that follow.
(1) MARKET RISK. The primary risk of derivatives is the same as the risk
of the underlying assets, namely that the value of the underlying asset may go
up or down. Adverse movements in the value of an underlying asset can expose
the Fund to losses. Derivative instruments may include elements of leverage
and, accordingly, the fluctuation of the value of the derivative instrument in
relation to the underlying asset may be magnified. The successful use of
derivative instruments depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the
ability of the Advisor to predict movements of the securities, currencies, and
commodity markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in
the prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any
particular strategy adopted will succeed. The Advisor's decision to engage in
a derivative instrument will reflect its judgment that the derivative
transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders and is
consistent with the Fund's objectives, investment limitations, and operating
policies. In making such a judgment, the Advisor will analyze the benefits and
risks of the derivative transaction and weigh them in the context of the Fund's
entire portfolio and investment objective.
(2) CREDIT RISK. The Fund will be subject to the risk that a loss may be
sustained as a result of the failure of a counterparty to comply with the terms
of a derivative instrument. The counterparty risk for exchange-traded
derivative instruments is generally less than for privately negotiated or OTC
derivative instruments, since generally a clearing agency, which is the issuer
or counterparty to each exchange-traded instrument, provides a guarantee of
performance. For privately negotiated instruments, there is no similar
clearing agency guarantee. In all transactions, the Fund will bear the risk
that the counterparty will default, and this could result in a loss of the
expected benefit of the derivative transaction and possibly other losses. The
Fund will enter into transactions in derivative instruments only with
counterparties that the Advisor reasonably believes are capable of performing
under the contract.
(3) CORRELATION RISK. When a derivative transaction is used to completely
hedge another position, changes in the market value of the combined position
(the derivative instrument plus the position being hedged) result from an
imperfect correlation between the price movements of the two instruments. With
a perfect hedge, the value of the combined position remains unchanged for any
change in the price of the underlying asset. With an imperfect hedge, the
values of the derivative instrument and its hedge are not perfectly correlated.
Correlation risk is the risk that there might be imperfect correlation, or even
no correlation, between price movements of an instrument and price movements of
investments being hedged. For example, if the value of a derivative
instruments used in a short hedge (such as writing a call option, buying a put
option, or selling a futures contract) increased by less than the decline in
value of the hedged investments, the hedge would not be perfectly correlated.
Such a lack of correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of
the investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the
markets in which these instruments are traded. The effectiveness of hedges
using instruments on indices will depend, in part, on the degree of correlation
between price movements in the index and price movements in the investments
being hedged.
(4) LIQUIDITY RISK. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity risk.
Liquidity risk is the risk that a derivative instrument cannot be sold, closed
out, or replaced quickly at or very close to its fundamental value. Generally,
exchange contracts are very liquid because the exchange clearinghouse is the
counterparty of every contract. OTC transactions are less liquid than
exchange-traded derivatives since they often can only be closed out with the
other party to the transaction. The Fund might be required by applicable
regulatory requirement to maintain assets as "cover," maintain segregated
accounts, and/or make margin payments when it takes positions in derivative
instruments involving obligations to third parties (I.E., instruments other
than purchased options). If the Fund was unable to close out its positions in
such instruments, it might be required to continue to maintain such assets or
accounts or make such payments until the position expired, matured, or was
closed out. The requirements might impair the Fund's ability to sell a
portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be
favorable to do so, or require that the Fund sell a portfolio security at a
disadvantageous time. The Fund's ability to sell or close out a position in an
instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid
secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and
willingness of the counterparty to enter into a transaction closing out the
position. Therefore, there is no assurance that any derivatives position can
be sold or closed out at a time and price that is favorable to the Fund.
(5) LEGAL RISK. Legal risk is the risk of loss caused by the legal
unenforcibility of a party's obligations under the derivative. While a party
seeking price certainty agrees to surrender the potential upside in exchange
for downside protection,
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the party taking the risk is looking for a positive payoff. Despite this
voluntary assumption of risk, a counterparty that has lost money in a
derivative transaction may try to avoid payment by exploiting various legal
uncertainties about certain derivative products.
(6) SYSTEMIC OR "INTERCONNECTION" RISK. Interconnection risk is the risk
that a disruption in the financial markets will cause difficulties for all
market participants. In other words, a disruption in one market will spill
over into other markets, perhaps creating a chain reaction. Much of the OTC
derivatives market takes place among the OTC dealers themselves, thus creating
a large interconnected web of financial obligations. This interconnectedness
raises the possibility that a default by one large dealer could create losses
at other dealers and destabilize the entire market for OTC derivative
instruments.
GENERAL LIMITATIONS. The use of derivative instruments is subject to
applicable regulations of the SEC, the several options and futures exchanges
upon which they may be traded, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC"), and various state regulatory authorities. In addition, the Fund's
ability to use derivative instruments may be limited by certain tax
considerations.
The Fund has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of
the term "commodity pool operator" with the CFTC and the National Futures
Association, which regulate trading in the futures markets. In accordance with
Rule 4.5 of the regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA"), the
notice of eligibility for the Fund includes representations that the Fund will
use futures contracts and related options solely for bona fide hedging purposes
within the meaning of CFTC regulations, provided that the Fund may hold other
positions in futures contracts and related options that do not qualify as a
bona fide hedging position if the aggregate initial margin deposits and
premiums required to establish these positions, less the amount by which any
such futures contracts and related options positions are "in the money," do not
exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets. Adherence to these guidelines does not
limit the Fund's risk to 5% of the Fund's assets.
The SEC has identified certain trading practices involving derivative
instruments that involve the potential for leveraging the Fund's assets in a
manner that raises issues under the 1940 Act. In order to limit the potential
for the leveraging of the Fund's assets, as defined under the 1940 Act, the SEC
has stated that the Fund may use coverage or the segregation of the Fund's
assets. To the extent required by SEC guidelines, the Fund will not enter into
any such transactions unless it owns either: (1) an offsetting ("covered")
position in securities, options, futures, or derivative instruments; or (2)
cash or liquid securities positions with a value sufficient at all times to
cover its potential obligations to the extent that the position is not
"covered". The Fund will also set aside cash and/or appropriate liquid assets
in a segregated custodial account if required to do so by SEC and CFTC
regulations. Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account cannot be
sold while the derivative position is open, unless they are replaced with
similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a large portion of the Fund's
assets to segregated accounts could impede portfolio management or the Fund's
ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
In some cases, the Fund may be required to maintain or limit exposure to a
specified percentage of its assets to a particular asset class. In such cases,
when the Fund uses a derivative instrument to increase or decrease exposure to
an asset class and is required by applicable SEC guidelines to set aside liquid
assets in a segregated account to secure its obligations under the derivative
instruments, the Advisor may, where reasonable in light of the circumstances,
measure compliance with the applicable percentage by reference to the nature of
the economic exposure created through the use of the derivative instrument and
not by reference to the nature of the exposure arising from the liquid assets
set aside in the segregated account (unless another interpretation is specified
by applicable regulatory requirements).
OPTIONS. The Fund may use options for any lawful purpose consistent with its
investment objective such as hedging or managing risk. An option is a contract
in which the "holder" (the buyer) pays a certain amount ("premium") to the
"writer" (the seller) to obtain the right, but not the obligation, to buy from
the writer (in a "call") or sell to the writer (in a "put") a specific asset at
an agreed upon price ("strike price" or "exercise price") at or before a
certain time ("expiration date"). The holder pays the premium at inception and
has no further financial obligation. The holder of an option will benefit from
favorable movements in the price of the underlying asset but is not exposed to
corresponding losses due to adverse movements in the value of the underlying
asset. The writer of an option will receive fees or premiums but is exposed to
losses due to changes in the value of the underlying asset. The Fund may buy
or write (sell) put and call options on assets, such as securities, currencies,
financial commodities, and indices of debt and equity securities ("underlying
assets") and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to
terminate an existing position. Options used by the Fund may include European,
American, and Bermuda style options. If an option is exercisable only at
maturity, it is a "European" option; if it is also exercisable prior to
maturity, it is an "American" option. If it is exercisable only at certain
times, it is a "Bermuda" option.
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The Fund may purchase (buy) and write (sell) put and call options underlying
assets and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to
terminate an existing position. The purchase of a call option serves as a long
hedge, and the purchase of a put option serves as a short hedge. Writing put
or call options can enable the Fund to enhance income by reason of the premiums
paid by the purchaser of such options. Writing call options serves as a
limited short hedge because declines in the value of the hedged investment
would be offset to the extent of the premium received for writing the option.
However, if the security appreciates to a price higher than the exercise price
of the call option, it can be expected that the option will be exercised and
the Fund will be obligated to sell the security at less than its market value
or will be obligated to purchase the security at a price greater than that at
which the security must be sold under the option. All or a portion of any
assets used as cover for OTC options written by the Fund would be considered
illiquid to the extent described under "Investment Policies and Techniques -
Illiquid Securities." Writing put options serves as a limited long hedge
because decreases in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the
extent of the premium received for writing the option. However, if the
security depreciates to a price lower than the exercise price of the put
option, it can be expected that the put option will be exercised and the Fund
will be obligated to purchase the security at more than its market value.
The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the
historical price volatility of the underlying investment, the current market
value of the underlying investment, the time remaining until expiration, the
relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the underlying
investment, and general market conditions.
The Fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an option by
entering into a closing transaction. For example, the Fund may terminate its
obligation under a call or put option that it had written by purchasing an
identical call or put option; this is known as a closing purchase transaction.
Conversely, the Fund may terminate a position in a put or call option it had
purchased by writing an identical put or call option; this is known as a
closing sale transaction. Closing transactions permit the Fund to realize the
profit or limit the loss on an option position prior to its exercise or
expiration.
The Fund may purchase or write both exchange-traded and OTC options.
Exchange-traded options are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with
the exchange on which the option is listed that, in effect, guarantees
completion of every exchange-traded option transaction. In contrast, OTC
options are contracts between the Fund and the other party to the transaction
("counterparty") (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no clearing
organization guarantee. Thus, when the Fund purchases or writes an OTC option,
it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying
investment upon exercise of the option. Failure by the counterparty to do so
would result in the loss of any premium paid by the Fund as well as the loss of
any expected benefit of the transaction.
The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in exchange-listed
options depends on the existence of a liquid market. The Fund intends to
purchase or write only those exchange-traded options for which there appears to
be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a
market will exist at any particular time. Closing transactions can be made for
OTC options only by negotiating directly with the counterparty, or by a
transaction in the secondary market if any such market exists. Although the
Fund will enter into OTC options only with counter parties that are expected to
be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there is no
assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out an OTC option at a
favorable price prior to expiration. In the event of insolvency of the
counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out an OTC option position at
any time prior to its expiration. If the Fund were unable to effect a closing
transaction for an option it had purchased, it would have to exercise the
option to realize any profit.
The Fund may engage in options transactions on indices in much the same manner
as the options on securities discussed above, except the index options may
serve as a hedge against overall fluctuations in the securities market
represented by the relevant market index.
The writing and purchasing of options is a highly specialized activity that
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Imperfect correlation between the
options and securities markets may detract from the effectiveness of the
attempted hedging.
SPREAD TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may use spread transactions for any lawful
purpose consistent with its investment objective such as hedging or managing
risk. The Fund may purchase covered spread options from securities dealers.
Such covered spread options are not presently exchange-listed or
exchange-traded. The purchase of a spread option gives the Fund the right
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to put, or sell, a security that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed
yield spread in relation to another security that the Fund does not own, but
which is used as a benchmark. The risk to the Fund in purchasing covered
spread options is the cost of the premium paid for the spread option and any
transaction costs. In addition, there is no assurance that closing
transactions will be available. The purchase of spread options will be used to
protect the Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads,
I.E., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities. Such
protection is only provided during the life of the spread option.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may use futures contracts for any lawful purpose
consistent with its investment objective such as hedging or managing risk. The
Fund may enter into futures contracts, including, but not limited to, interest
rate and index futures. The Fund may also purchase put and call options, and
write covered put and call options, on futures in which it is allowed to
invest. The purchase of futures or call options thereon can serve as a long
hedge, and the sale of futures or the purchase of put options thereon can serve
as a short hedge. Writing covered call options on futures contracts can serve
as a limited short hedge, and writing covered put options on futures contracts
can serve as a limited long hedge, using a strategy similar to that used for
writing covered options in securities. The Fund may also write put options on
futures contracts while at the same time purchasing call options on the same
futures contracts in order to create synthetically a long futures contract
position. Such options would have the same strike prices and expiration dates.
The Fund will engage in this strategy only when the Advisor believes it is more
advantageous to the Fund than purchasing the futures contract.
To the extent required by regulatory authorities, the Fund only enters into
futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges and are
standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument. Futures
exchanges and trading are regulated under the CEA by the CFTC. Although
techniques other than sales and purchases of futures contracts could be used to
reduce the Fund's exposure to market or interest rate fluctuations, the Fund
may be able to hedge its exposure more effectively and perhaps at a lower cost
through the use of futures contracts.
An interest rate futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and
purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial
instrument (E.G., debt security) for a specified price at a designated date,
time, and place. An index futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which
the parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the
difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day
of the contract and the price at which the index futures contract was
originally written. Transaction costs are incurred when a futures contract is
bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. A futures contract may
be satisfied by delivery or purchase, as the case may be, of the instrument or
by payment of the change in the cash value of the index. More commonly,
futures contracts are closed out prior to delivery by entering into an
offsetting transaction in a matching futures contract. Although the value of
an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no
physical delivery of those securities is made. If the offsetting purchase
price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is
more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is
more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less,
the Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these
calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able
to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures
contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an
offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the
margin deposits on the futures contract.
No price is paid by the Fund upon entering into a futures contract. Instead,
at the inception of a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit in a
segregated account with its custodian, in the name of the futures broker
through whom the transaction was effected, "initial margin" consisting of cash
and/or other appropriate liquid assets in an amount generally equal to 10% or
less of the contract value. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call
or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange
rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures
contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a
performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to the Fund at the
termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been
satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility,
the Fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial
margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in
the future by regulatory action.
Subsequent "variation margin" payments are made to and from the futures broker
daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as "marking
to market." Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather represents
a daily settlement of the Fund's obligations to or from a futures broker. When
the Fund purchases an option on a future, the premium paid plus transaction
costs is all that is at risk. In contrast, when the Fund purchases or sells a
futures contract or writes a call or put option thereon, it is subject to daily
variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price
movements.
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If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements,
it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.
Purchasers and sellers of futures positions and options on futures can enter
into offsetting closing transactions by selling or purchasing, respectively, an
instrument identical to the instrument held or written. Positions in futures
and options on futures may be closed only on an exchange or board of trade that
provides a secondary market. The Fund intends to enter into futures
transactions only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a
liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market
will exist for a particular contract at a particular time.
Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on
the amount that the price of a future or option on a futures contract can vary
from the previous day's settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades
may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not
limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several
consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of
unfavorable positions.
If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures or option on a futures contract
position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of
price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be
subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in
the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to be required to make
daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position
being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a
segregated account.
Certain characteristics of the futures market might increase the risk that
movements in the prices of futures contracts or options on futures contracts
might not correlate perfectly with movements in the prices of the investments
being hedged. For example, all participants in the futures and options on
futures contracts markets are subject to daily variation margin calls and might
be compelled to liquidate futures or options on futures contracts positions
whose prices are moving unfavorably to avoid being subject to further calls.
These liquidations could increase price volatility of the instruments and
distort the normal price relationship between the futures or options and the
investments being hedged. Also, because initial margin deposit requirements in
the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities
markets, there might be increased participation by speculators in the future
markets. This participation also might cause temporary price distortions. In
addition, activities of large traders in both the futures and securities
markets involving arbitrage, "program trading" and other investment strategies
might result in temporary price distortions.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into interest rate, securities index,
commodity, or security and currency exchange rate swap agreements for any
lawful purpose consistent with the Fund's investment objective, such as for the
purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular desired return or
spread at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an
instrument that yielded that desired return or spread. The Fund also may enter
into swaps in order to protect against an increase in the price of, or the
currency exchange rate applicable to, securities that the Fund anticipates
purchasing at a later date. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered
into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks
to several years. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to
exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized
on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to
be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a
"notional amount" (I.E., the return on or increase in value of a particular
dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate) in a particular foreign
currency, or in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index. Swap
agreements may include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a
premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that
interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap;" interest rate floors, under
which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other
to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or "floor;" and
interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor,
or vice versa, in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements
exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.
The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is the agreed upon basis for
calculating the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to
exchange. Under most swap agreements entered into by the Fund, the obligations
of the parties would be exchanged on a "net basis." Consequently, the Fund's
obligation (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to
the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative
values of the positions held by each party to the agreement ("net amount").
The Fund's obligation under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset
against amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed
to a swap counterparty will be covered by the maintenance of a segregated
account consisting of cash and/or other appropriate liquid assets.
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Whether the Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering its
investment objective will depend, in part, on the Advisor's ability to predict
correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater
returns than other investments. Swap agreements may be considered to be
illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to
be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of
a swap agreement counterparty. Certain restrictions imposed on the Fund by the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ("IRC") may limit the Fund's ability to use swap
agreements. The swaps market is largely unregulated.
The Fund will enter swap agreements only with counterparties that the Advisor
reasonably believes are capable of performing under the swap agreements. If
there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have
to rely on its contractual remedies (which may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws) pursuant to the agreements related to the
transaction.
ADDITIONAL DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND STRATEGIES. In addition to the
derivative instruments and strategies described above and in the Prospectus,
the Advisor expects to discover additional derivative instruments and other
hedging or risk management techniques. The Advisor may utilize these new
derivative instruments and techniques to the extent that they are consistent
with the Fund's investment objective and permitted by the Fund's investment
limitations, operating policies, and applicable regulatory authorities.
HIGH-YIELD (HIGH-RISK) SECURITIES
IN GENERAL. Non-investment grade debt obligations ("lower-quality securities")
include (1) bonds rated as low as C by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"),
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"), and comparable ratings of other
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs"); (2)
commercial paper rated as low as C by S&P, Not Prime by Moody's, and comparable
ratings of other NRSROs; and (3) unrated debt obligations of comparable
quality. Lower-quality securities, while generally offering higher yields than
investment grade securities with similar maturities, involve greater risks,
including the possibility of default or bankruptcy. They are regarded as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. The special risk considerations in connection with
investments in these securities are discussed below. Refer to the Appendix for
a description of the securities ratings.
EFFECT OF INTEREST RATES AND ECONOMIC CHANGES. The lower-quality and
comparable unrated security market is relatively new and its growth has
paralleled a long economic expansion. As a result, it is not clear how this
market may withstand a prolonged recession or economic downturn. Such
conditions could severely disrupt the market for and adversely affect the value
of such securities.
All interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when interest
rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The market values of
lower-quality and comparable unrated securities tend to reflect individual
corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher rated securities,
which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates.
Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities also tend to be more sensitive
to economic conditions than are higher-rated securities. As a result, they
generally involve more credit risks than securities in the higher-rated
categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising
interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower-quality and comparable
unrated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient
revenues to meet their payment obligations. The issuer's ability to service
its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate
developments, the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business
forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due
to default by an issuer of these securities is significantly greater than
issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are generally
unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors. Further, if the
issuer of a lower-quality or comparable unrated security defaulted, the Fund
might incur additional expenses to seek recovery. Periods of economic
uncertainty and changes would also generally result in increased volatility in
the market prices of these securities and thus in the Fund's net asset value.
As previously stated, the value of a lower-quality or comparable unrated
security will decrease in a rising interest rate market and accordingly, so
will the Fund's net asset value. If the Fund experiences unexpected net
redemptions in such a market, it may be forced to liquidate a portion of its
portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits. Due to the
limited liquidity of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities (discussed
below), the Fund may be forced to liquidate these securities at a substantial
discount. Any such liquidation would force the Fund to sell the more liquid
portion of its portfolio.
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PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS. Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities
typically contain redemption, call or prepayment provisions which permit the
issuer of such securities containing such provisions to, at its discretion,
redeem the securities. During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of
these securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance
them with debt securities with a lower interest rate. To the extent an issuer
is able to refinance the securities, or otherwise redeem them, the Fund may
have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which would
result in a lower return for the Fund.
CREDIT RATINGS. Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed
to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities.
They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of lower-quality
securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an
investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely
changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of
the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit
ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
Investments in lower-quality and comparable unrated obligations will be more
dependent on the Advisor's credit analysis than would be the case with
investments in investment-grade debt obligations. The Advisor employs its own
credit research and analysis, which includes a study of existing debt, capital
structure, ability to service debt and to pay dividends, the issuer's
sensitivity to economic conditions, its operating history and the current trend
of earnings. The Advisor continually monitors the investments in the Fund's
portfolio and carefully evaluates whether to dispose of or to retain
lower-quality and comparable unrated securities whose credit ratings or credit
quality may have changed.
LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain
lower-quality and comparable unrated securities because there may be a thin
trading market for such securities. Because not all dealers maintain markets
in all lower-quality and comparable unrated securities, there is no established
retail secondary market for many of these securities. The Fund anticipates
that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or
institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market does exist,
it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated
securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact
on the market price of the security. As a result, the Fund's asset value and
ability to dispose of particular securities, when necessary to meet the Fund's
liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, may be impacted.
The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it
more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes
of valuing the Fund's portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on
many lower-quality and comparable unrated issues only from a limited number of
dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices
for actual sales. During periods of thin trading, the spread between bid and
asked prices is likely to increase significantly. In addition, adverse
publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of lower-quality and comparable
unrated securities, especially in a thinly traded market.
LEGISLATION. Legislation may be adopted, from time to time, designed to limit
the use of certain lower-quality and comparable unrated securities by certain
issuers. It is anticipated that if additional legislation is enacted or
proposed, it could have a material affect on the value of these securities and
the existence of a secondary trading market for the securities.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in illiquid securities (I.E., securities that are not
readily marketable). However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid securities
if, as a result, the illiquid securities would comprise more than 15% (10% for
money market funds) of the value of the Fund's net assets (or such other
amounts as may be permitted under the 1940 Act). However, as a matter of
internal policy, the Advisor intends to limit the Fund's investments in
illiquid securities to 10% of its net assets.
The Board of Directors of the Fund, or its delegate, has the ultimate
authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities
laws, which securities are illiquid for purposes of this limitation. Certain
securities exempt from registration or issued in transactions exempt from
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"),
such as securities that may be resold to institutional investors under Rule
144A under the Securities Act and Section 4(2) commercial paper, may be
considered liquid under guidelines adopted by the Fund's Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors of the Fund has delegated to the Advisor the day-to-day
determination of the liquidity of a security, although it has retained
oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations. The Board of
Directors has directed the
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Advisor to look to such factors as (1) the frequency of trades or quotes for a
security, (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security
and number of potential buyers, (3) the willingness of dealers to undertake to
make a market in the security, (4) the nature of the security and nature of the
marketplace trades, such as the time needed to dispose of the security, the
method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer, (5) the likelihood
that the security's marketability will be maintained throughout the anticipated
holding period, and (6) any other relevant factors. The Advisor may determine
4(2) commercial paper to be liquid if (1) the 4(2) commercial paper is not
traded flat or in default as to principal and interest, (2) the 4(2) commercial
paper is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two
NRSROs, or if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or is
determined by the Advisor to be of equivalent quality, and (3) the Advisor
considers the trading market for the specific security taking into account all
relevant factors. With respect to any foreign holdings, a foreign security may
be considered liquid by the Advisor (despite its restricted nature under the
Securities Act) if the security can be freely traded in a foreign securities
market and all the facts and circumstances support a finding of liquidity.
Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or
in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in
effect under the Securities Act. Where registration is required, the Fund may
be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable
period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the
Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration
statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to
develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it
decided to sell. Restricted securities will be priced in accordance with
pricing procedures adopted by the Board of Directors of the Fund. If through
the appreciation of restricted securities or the depreciation of unrestricted
securities the Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of
its net assets are invested in illiquid securities, including restricted
securities which are not readily marketable (except for 144A Securities and
4(2) commercial paper deemed to be liquid by the Advisor), the Fund will take
such steps as is deemed advisable, if any, to protect the liquidity of the
Fund's portfolio.
The Fund may sell OTC options and, in connection therewith, segregate assets or
cover its obligations with respect to OTC options written by the Fund. The
assets used as cover for OTC options written by the Fund will be considered
illiquid unless the OTC options are sold to qualified dealers who agree that
the Fund may repurchase any OTC option it writes at a maximum price to be
calculated by a formula set forth in the option agreement. The cover for an
OTC option written subject to this procedure would be considered illiquid only
to the extent that the maximum repurchase price under the formula exceeds the
intrinsic value of the option.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Fund is authorized to lend up to 33 1/3% of the total value of its
portfolio securities to broker-dealers or institutional investors that the
Advisor deems qualified, but only when the borrower maintains with the Fund's
custodian bank collateral either in cash or money market instruments in an
amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus
accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted
accordingly. Although the Fund is authorized to lend, the Fund does not
presently intend to engage in lending. In determining whether to lend
securities to a particular broker-dealer or institutional investor, the Advisor
will consider, and during the period of the loan will monitor, all relevant
facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. The
Fund will retain authority to terminate any loans at any time. The Fund may
pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan and
may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the cash or money market
instruments held as collateral to the borrower or placing broker. The Fund
will receive reasonable interest on the loan or a flat fee from the borrower
and amounts equivalent to any dividends, interest or other distributions on the
securities loaned. The Fund will retain record ownership of loaned securities
to exercise beneficial rights, such as voting and subscription rights and
rights to dividends, interest or other distributions, when retaining such
rights is considered to be in the Fund's interest.
MATURITY
The Fund's average portfolio maturity represents an average based on the actual
stated maturity dates of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio, except
that (1) variable-rate securities are deemed to mature at the next
interest-rate adjustment date, (2) debt securities with put features are deemed
to mature at the next put-exercise date, (3) the maturity of mortgage-backed
and certain other asset-backed securities is determined on an "expected life"
basis by the Advisor and (4) securities being hedged with futures contracts may
be deemed to have a longer maturity, in the case of purchases of futures
contracts, and a shorter maturity, in the case of sales of futures contracts,
than they would otherwise be deemed to have. In addition, a security that is
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subject to redemption at the option of the issuer on a particular date ("call
date"), which is prior to the security's stated maturity, may be deemed to
mature on the call date rather than on its stated maturity date. The call date
of a security will be used to calculate average portfolio maturity when the
Advisor reasonably anticipates, based upon information available to it, that
the issuer will exercise its right to redeem the security. The average
portfolio maturity of the Fund is dollar-weighted based upon the market value
of the Fund's securities at the time of the calculation.
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
IN GENERAL. Municipal obligations are debt obligations issued by or on behalf
of states, territories, and possessions of the United States and the District
of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities.
Municipal obligations generally include debt obligations issued to obtain funds
for various public purposes. Certain types of municipal obligations are issued
in whole or in part to obtain funding for privately operated facilities or
projects. Municipal obligations include general obligation bonds, revenue
bonds, industrial development bonds, notes, and municipal lease obligations.
Municipal obligations also include obligations, the interest on which is exempt
from federal income tax, that may become available in the future as long as the
Board of Directors of the Fund determines that an investment in any such type
of obligation is consistent with the Fund's investment objective.
BONDS AND NOTES. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of
its full faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of interest and
principal. Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a
project or facility or from the proceeds of a specified revenue source.
Industrial development bonds are generally revenue bonds secured by payments
from and the credit of private users. Municipal notes are issued to meet the
short-term funding requirements of state, regional, and local governments.
Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes,
revenue anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, construction
loan notes, short-term discount notes, tax-exempt commercial paper, demand
notes, and similar instruments.
LEASE OBLIGATIONS. Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an
installment purchase, or a conditional sales contract. They are issued by state
and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment, and
facilities, such as state and municipal vehicles, telecommunications and
computer equipment, and other capital assets. The Fund may purchase these
obligations directly, or it may purchase participation interests in such
obligations. (See "Participation Interests" below.) Municipal leases are
generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds.
State constitutions and statutes set forth requirements that states or
municipalities must meet in order to issue municipal obligations. Municipal
leases may contain a covenant by the state or municipality to budget for,
appropriate, and make payments due under the obligation. Certain municipal
leases may, however, contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the
issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years
unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year. Accordingly,
such obligations are subject to "non-appropriation" risk. While municipal
leases are secured by the underlying capital asset, it may be difficult to
dispose of any such asset in the event of non-appropriation or other default.
MORTGAGE-BACKED BONDS. The Fund's investments in municipal obligations may
include mortgage-backed municipal obligations, which are a type of municipal
security issued by a state, authority, or municipality to provide financing for
residential housing mortgages to target groups, generally low-income
individuals who are first-time home buyers. The Fund's interest, evidenced by
such obligations, is an undivided interest in a pool of mortgages. Payments
made on the underlying mortgages and passed through to the Fund will represent
both regularly scheduled principal and interest payments. The Fund may also
receive additional principal payments representing prepayments of the
underlying mortgages. While a certain level of prepayments can be expected,
regardless of the interest rate environment, it is anticipated that prepayment
of the underlying mortgages will accelerate in periods of declining interest
rates. In the event that the Fund receives principal prepayments in a declining
interest-rate environment, its reinvestment of such funds may be in bonds with
a lower yield.
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS
A participation interest gives the Fund an undivided interest in a municipal
obligation in the proportion that the Fund's participation interest bears to
the principal amount of the obligation. These instruments may have fixed,
floating, or variable rates of interest. The Fund will only purchase
participation interests if accompanied by an opinion of counsel that the
interest earned on the underlying municipal obligations will be tax-exempt. If
the Fund purchases unrated participation interests, the Board of Directors or
its delegate must have determined that the credit risk is equivalent to the
rated obligations in which the
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Fund may invest. Participation interests may be backed by a letter of credit or
guaranty of the selling institution. When determining whether such a
participation interest meets the Fund's credit quality requirements, the Fund
may look to the credit quality of any financial guarantor providing a letter of
credit or guaranty.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks or non-bank
dealers. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a security at one price, and
at the time of sale, the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation at a
mutually agreed upon time and price (usually within seven days). The
repurchase agreement, thereby, determines the yield during the purchaser's
holding period, while the seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the
value of the underlying security. The Advisor will monitor, on an ongoing
basis, the value of the underlying securities to ensure that the value always
equals or exceeds the repurchase price plus accrued interest. Repurchase
agreements could involve certain risks in the event of a default or insolvency
of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays or restrictions
upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities. Although no
definitive creditworthiness criteria are used, the Advisor reviews the
creditworthiness of the banks and non-bank dealers with which the Fund enters
into repurchase agreements to evaluate those risks. The Fund may, under
certain circumstances, deem repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
government securities to be investments in U.S. government securities.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS
The Fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements to facilitate portfolio
liquidity, a practice common in the mutual fund industry, or for arbitrage
transactions as discussed below. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund
would sell a security and enter into an agreement to repurchase the security at
a specified future date and price. The Fund generally retains the right to
interest and principal payments on the security. Since the Fund receives cash
upon entering into a reverse repurchase agreement, it may be considered a
borrowing. When required by guidelines of the SEC, the Fund will set aside
permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to secure its obligations to
repurchase the security.
The Fund may also enter into mortgage dollar rolls, in which the Fund would
sell mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and
simultaneously contract to purchase substantially similar securities on a
specified future date. While the Fund would forego principal and interest paid
on the mortgage-backed securities during the roll period, the Fund would be
compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower
price for the future purchase as well as by any interest earned on the proceeds
of the initial sale. The Fund also could be compensated through the receipt of
fee income equivalent to a lower forward price. At the time the Fund would
enter into a mortgage dollar roll, it would set aside permissible liquid assets
in a segregated account to secure its obligation for the forward commitment to
buy mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage dollar roll transactions may be
considered a borrowing by the Fund.
The mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements entered into by the
Fund may be used as arbitrage transactions in which the Fund will maintain an
offsetting position in investment grade debt obligations or repurchase
agreements that mature on or before the settlement date on the related mortgage
dollar roll or reverse repurchase agreements. Since the Fund will receive
interest on the securities or repurchase agreements in which it invests the
transaction proceeds, such transactions may involve leverage. However, since
such securities or repurchase agreements will be high quality and will mature
on or before the settlement date of the mortgage dollar roll or reverse
repurchase agreement, the Advisor believes that such arbitrage transactions do
not present the risks to the Fund that are associated with other types of
leverage.
SECTOR CONCENTRATION
From time to time, the Fund may invest 25% or more of its assets in municipal
bonds that are related in such a way that an economic, business, or political
development or change affecting one such security could also affect the other
securities (for example, securities whose issuers are located in the same
state). Such related sectors may include hospitals, retirement centers,
pollution control, single family housing, multiple family housing, industrial
development, utilities, education, and general obligation bonds. The Fund also
may invest 25% or more of its assets in municipal bonds whose issuers are
located in the same state. Such states may include California, Pennsylvania,
Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois.
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SHORT SALES
The Fund may sell securities short (1) to hedge unrealized gains on portfolio
securities or (2) if it covers such short sale with liquid assets as required
by the current rules and positions of the SEC or its staff. Selling securities
short against the box involves selling a security that the Fund owns or has the
right to acquire, for delivery at a specified date in the future. If the Fund
sells securities short against the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but
will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS
In order to facilitate portfolio liquidity, the Fund may acquire standby
commitments from brokers, dealers, or banks with respect to securities in its
portfolio. Standby commitments entitle the holder to achieve same-day
settlement and receive an exercise price equal to the amortized cost of the
underlying security plus accrued interest. Standby commitments generally
increase the cost of the acquisition of the underlying security, thereby
reducing the yield. Standby commitments are subject to the issuer's ability to
fulfill its obligation upon demand. Although no definitive creditworthiness
criteria are used, the Advisor reviews the creditworthiness of the brokers,
dealers, and banks from which the Fund obtains standby commitments to evaluate
those risks.
TAXABLE SECURITIES
From time to time when the Advisor deems it appropriate, the Fund may invest up
to 20% of its net assets on a temporary basis in taxable investments (of
comparable quality to their respective tax-free investments), which would
produce interest not exempt from federal income tax, including among others:
(1) obligations issued or guaranteed, as to principal and interest, by the
United States government, its agencies, or instrumentalities; (2) obligations
of financial institutions, including banks, savings and loan institutions,
insurance companies and mortgage banks, such as certificates of deposit,
bankers' acceptances, and time deposits; (3) corporate obligations, including
preferred stock and commercial paper, with equivalent credit quality to the
municipal securities in which the Fund may invest; and (4) repurchase
agreements with respect to any of the foregoing instruments. For example, the
Fund may invest in such taxable investments pending the investment or
reinvestment of such assets in municipal securities, in order to avoid the
necessity of liquidating portfolio securities to satisfy redemptions or pay
expenses, or when such action is deemed to be in the interest of the Fund's
shareholders. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets
in private activity bonds, the interest on which is a tax-preference item for
taxpayers subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION
When the Advisor determines that market conditions warrant a temporary
defensive position, the Fund may invest without limitation in cash and
short-term fixed income securities, including U.S. government securities,
commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates of deposit, and time
deposits.
VARIABLE- OR FLOATING-RATE SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in securities which offer a variable- or floating-rate of
interest. Variable-rate securities provide for automatic establishment of a
new interest rate at fixed intervals (E.G., daily, monthly, semi-annually,
etc.). Floating-rate securities generally provide for automatic adjustment of
the interest rate whenever some specified interest rate index changes. The
interest rate on variable- or floating-rate securities is ordinarily determined
by reference to or is a percentage of a bank's prime rate, the 90-day U.S.
Treasury bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank certificates
of deposit, an index of short-term interest rates, or some other objective
measure.
Variable- or floating-rate securities frequently include a demand feature
entitling the holder to sell the securities to the issuer at par. In many
cases, the demand feature can be exercised at any time on seven days notice; in
other cases, the demand feature is exercisable at any time on 30 days notice or
on similar notice at intervals of not more than one year. Some securities
which do not have variable or floating interest rates may be accompanied by
puts producing similar results and price characteristics. When considering the
maturity of any instrument which may be sold or put to the issuer or a third
party, the Fund may consider that instrument's maturity to be shorter than its
stated maturity.
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Variable-rate demand notes include master demand notes which are obligations
that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts, which may change daily
without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as lender,
and the borrower. The interest rates on these notes fluctuate from time to
time. The issuer of such obligations normally has a corresponding right, after
a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding principal amount of
the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days notice to
the holders of such obligations. The interest rate on a floating-rate demand
obligation is based on a known lending rate, such as a bank's prime rate, and
is adjusted automatically each time such rate is adjusted. The interest rate
on a variable-rate demand obligation is adjusted automatically at specified
intervals. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or
other credit support arrangements provided by banks. Because these obligations
are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not
contemplated that such instruments will generally be traded. There generally
is not an established secondary market for these obligations, although they are
redeemable at face value. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured
by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the Fund's right to
redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and
interest on demand. Such obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating
agencies and, if not so rated, the Fund may invest in them only if the Advisor
determines that at the time of investment the obligations are of comparable
quality to the other obligations in which the Fund may invest. The Advisor, on
behalf of the Fund, will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of
the issuers of the floating- and variable-rate demand obligations in the Fund's
portfolio.
The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets (10% for money market
funds) in variable- and floating-rate demand obligations that are not readily
marketable (a variable- or floating-rate demand obligation that may be disposed
of on not more than seven days notice will be deemed readily marketable and
will not be subject to this limitation). In addition, each variable- or
floating-rate obligation must meet the credit quality requirements applicable
to all the Fund's investments at the time of purchase. When determining
whether such an obligation meets the Fund's credit quality requirements, the
Fund may look to the credit quality of the financial guarantor providing a
letter of credit or other credit support arrangement.
In determining the Fund's weighted average portfolio maturity, the Fund will
consider a floating- or variable-rate security to have a maturity equal to its
stated maturity (or redemption date if it has been called for redemption),
except that it may consider (1) variable-rate securities to have a maturity
equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment in the interest rate,
unless subject to a demand feature, (2) variable-rate securities subject to a
demand feature to have a remaining maturity equal to the longer of (a) the next
readjustment in the interest rate or (b) the period remaining until the
principal can be recovered through demand, and (3) floating-rate securities
subject to a demand feature to have a maturity equal to the period remaining
until the principal can be recovered through demand. Variable- and
floating-rate securities generally are subject to less principal fluctuation
than securities without these attributes since the securities usually trade at
amortized cost following the readjustment in the interest rate.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis.
The price of debt obligations so purchased, which may be expressed in yield
terms, generally is fixed at the time the commitment to purchase is made, but
delivery and payment for the securities take place at a later date. During the
period between the purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund to
the issuer and no interest on the debt obligations accrues to the Fund.
Forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be
purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to
the risk of decline in value of the Fund's other assets. While when-issued and
delayed-delivery securities may be sold prior to the settlement date, the Fund
intends to purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them
unless a sale appears desirable for investment reasons. At the time the Fund
makes the commitment to purchase these types of securities, it will record the
transaction and reflect the value of the security in determining its net asset
value. The Fund does not believe that its net asset value will be adversely
affected by these types of securities purchases.
To the extent required by the SEC, the Fund will maintain cash and marketable
securities equal in value to commitments for when-issued or delayed-delivery
securities. Such segregated securities either will mature or, if necessary, be
sold on or before the settlement date. When the time comes to pay for
when-issued or delayed-delivery securities, the Fund will meet its obligations
from then-available cash flow, sale of the securities held in the separate
account, described above, sale of other securities or, although it would not
normally expect to do so, from the sale of the when-issued or delayed-delivery
securities themselves (which may have a market value greater or less than the
Fund's payment obligation).
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ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON, AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind securities.
These securities are debt securities that do not make regular cash interest
payments. Zero-coupon and step-coupon securities are sold at a deep discount
to their face value. Pay-in-kind securities pay interest through the issuance
of additional securities. Because such securities do not pay current cash
income, the price of these securities can be volatile when interest rates
fluctuate. While these securities do not pay current cash income, federal
income tax law requires the holders of zero-coupon, step-coupon, and
pay-in-kind securities to include in income each year the portion of the
original issue discount (or deemed discount) and other non-cash income on such
securities accruing that year. In order to continue to qualify as a "regulated
investment company" or "RIC" under the IRC and avoid a certain excise tax, the
Fund may be required to distribute a portion of such discount and income and
may be required to dispose of other portfolio securities, which may occur in
periods of adverse market prices, in order to generate cash to meet these
distribution requirements.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Board of Directors of the Fund is responsible for managing the Fund's
business and affairs. Directors and officers of the Fund, together with
information as to their principal business occupations during the last five
years, and other information are shown below. Each director who is deemed an
"interested person," as defined in the 1940 Act, is indicated by an asterisk
(*). Each officer and director holds the same position with the 27 registered
open-end management investment companies consisting of 53 mutual funds ("Strong
Funds"). The Strong Funds, in the aggregate, pay each Director who is not a
director, officer, or employee of the Advisor, or any affiliated company (a
"disinterested director") an annual fee of $50,000, plus $100 per Board meeting
for each Strong Fund. In addition, each disinterested director is reimbursed
by the Strong Funds for travel and other expenses incurred in connection with
attendance at such meetings. Other officers and directors of the Strong Funds
receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Strong Funds.
*RICHARD S. STRONG (DOB 5/12/42), Director and Chairman of the Board of the
Strong Funds.
Prior to August 1985, Mr. Strong was Chief Executive Officer of the Advisor,
which he founded in 1974. Since August 1985, Mr. Strong has been a Security
Analyst and Portfolio Manager of the Advisor. In October 1991, Mr. Strong also
became the Chairman of the Advisor. Mr. Strong is a Director of the Advisor.
Mr. Strong has been in the investment management business since 1967.
MARVIN E. NEVINS (DOB 7/19/18), Director of the Strong Funds.
Private Investor. From 1945 to 1980, Mr. Nevins was Chairman of Wisconsin
Centrifugal Inc., a foundry. From July 1983 to December 1986, he was Chairman
of General Casting Corp., Waukesha, Wisconsin, a foundry. Mr. Nevins is a
former Chairman of the Wisconsin Association of Manufacturers & Commerce. He
was also a regent of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a member of the
Board of Trustees of the Medical College of Wisconsin.
WILLIE D. DAVIS (DOB 7/24/34), Director of the Strong Funds.
Mr. Davis has been Director of Alliance Bank since 1980, Sara Lee Corporation
(a food/consumer products company) since 1983, KMart Corporation (a discount
consumer products company) since 1985, Dow Chemical Company since 1988, MGM
Grand, Inc. (an entertainment/hotel company) since 1990, WICOR, Inc. (a utility
company) since 1990, Johnson Controls, Inc. (an industrial company) since 1992,
L.A. Gear (a footwear/sportswear company) since 1992, and Rally's Hamburger,
Inc. since 1994. Mr. Davis has been a trustee of the University of Chicago
since 1980 and Marquette University since 1988. Since 1977, Mr. Davis has been
President and Chief Executive Officer of All Pro Broadcasting, Inc. Mr. Davis
was a Director of the Fireman's Fund (an insurance company) from 1975 until
1990.
STANLEY KRITZIK (DOB 1/9/30), Director of the Strong Funds.
Mr. Kritzik has been a Partner of Metropolitan Associates since 1962, a
Director of Aurora Health Care since 1987, and Health Network Ventures, Inc.
since 1992.
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WILLIAM F. VOGT (DOB 7/19/47), Director of the Strong Funds.
Mr. Vogt has been the President of Vogt Management Consulting, Inc. since 1990.
From 1982 until 1990, he served as Executive Director of University Physicians
of the University of Colorado. Mr. Vogt is the Past President of the Medical
Group Management Association and a Fellow of the American College of Medical
Practice Executives.
THOMAS P. LEMKE (DOB 7/30/54), Vice President of the Strong Funds.
Mr. Lemke has been Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of the
Advisor since September 1994 and Chief Operating Officer of the Advisor since
November 1996. For two years prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Lemke acted as
Resident Counsel for Funds Management at J.P. Morgan & Co., Inc. From February
1989 until April 1992, Mr. Lemke acted as Associate General Counsel to Sanford
C. Bernstein & Co., Inc. For two years prior to that, Mr. Lemke was Of Counsel
at the Washington D.C. law firm of Tew Jorden & Schulte, a successor of Finley,
Kumble & Wagner. From August 1979 until December 1986, Mr. Lemke worked at the
SEC, most notably as the Chief Counsel to the Division of Investment Management
(November 1984 - December 1986), and as Special Counsel to the Office of
Insurance Products, Division of Investment Management (April 1982 - October
1984).
STEPHEN J. SHENKENBERG (DOB 6/14/58), Vice President and Secretary of the
Strong Funds.
Mr. Shenkenberg has been Acting General Counsel of the Advisor since January
1998. From November 1996 until January 1998, Mr. Shenkenberg acted as Deputy
General Counsel to the Advisor. From December 1992 until November 1996, Mr.
Shenkenberg acted as Associate Counsel to the Advisor. From June 1987 until
December 1992, Mr. Shenkenberg was an attorney for Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., a
Milwaukee law firm.
JOHN S. WEITZER (DOB 10/31/67), Vice President of the Strong Funds.
Mr. Weitzer has been Senior Counsel of the Advisor since December 1997. From
July 1993 until December 1997, Mr. Weitzer acted as Associate Counsel to the
Advisor.
MARY F. HOPPA (DOB 5/31/64), Vice President of the Strong Funds.
Ms. Hoppa has been Vice President and Director of Mutual Fund Administration of
the Advisor since January 1998. From October 1996 to January 1998, Ms. Hoppa
acted as Director of Transfer Agency Services of the Advisor and, from January
1988 to October 1996, as Transfer Agency Systems Liaison Manager of the
Advisor. From January 1987 to January 1988, Ms. Hoppa acted as a Shareholder
Services Associate of the Advisor.
JOHN A. FLANAGAN (DOB 6/5/46), Treasurer of the Strong Funds.
Mr. Flanagan has been Senior Vice President of the Advisor since April 1997.
For three years prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Flanagan was a Partner with
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (an international professional services firm). From
November 1992 to April 1994, Mr. Flanagan was an independent consultant. From
October 1970 to November 1992, Mr. Flanagan was with Ernst & Young (an
international professional services firm), most notably as Partner in charge of
the Investment Company Practice of that firm's Boston office from 1982 to 1992.
Except for Messrs. Nevins, Davis, Kritzik, and Vogt, the address of all of the
above persons is P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201. Mr. Nevins'
address is 6075 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, Florida 34108. Mr. Davis'
address is 161 North La Brea, Inglewood, California 90301. Mr. Kritzik's
address is 1123 North Astor Street, P.O. Box 92547, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53202-0547. Mr. Vogt's address is 2830 East Third Avenue, Denver, Colorado
80206.
Unless otherwise noted below, as of November 30, 1998, the officers and
directors of the Fund in the aggregate beneficially owned less than 1% of the
Fund's then outstanding shares.
20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FUND SHARES PERCENT
- ------ ------ -------
None
</TABLE>
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
Unless otherwise noted below, as of November 30, 1998, no persons owned of
record or are known to own of record or beneficially more than 5% of the Fund's
then outstanding shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES PERCENT
- ---------------- ---------- ----------
None
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The Fund has entered into an Advisory Agreement with Strong Capital Management,
Inc. ("Advisor"). Mr. Strong controls the Advisor. Mr. Strong is the Chairman
and a Director of the Advisor, Mr. Lemke is the Chief Operating Officer, a
Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of the Advisor, Mr.
Flanagan is a Senior Vice President of the Advisor, Mr. Shenkenberg is Vice
President, Assistant Secretary, and Acting General Counsel of the Advisor, Ms.
Hoppa is a Senior Vice President of the Advisor, and Mr. Weitzer is Senior
Counsel of the Advisor. As of November 30, 1998, the Advisor had $30 billion
under management.
The Advisory Agreement is required to be approved annually by either the Board
of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act). In either case, each annual
renewal must be approved by the vote of a majority of the Fund's directors who
are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such
party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval. The Advisory Agreement is terminable, without penalty, on 60 days
written notice by the Board of Directors of the Fund, by vote of a majority of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities, or by the Advisor, and will terminate
automatically in the event of its assignment.
Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor manages the Fund's
investments subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors. The
Advisor is responsible for investment decisions and supplies investment
research and portfolio management. The Advisory Agreement authorizes the
Advisor to delegate its investment advisory duties to a subadvisor in
accordance with a written agreement under which the subadvisor would furnish
such investment advisory services to the Advisor. In that situation, the
Advisor continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services
furnished by the subadvisor under the subadvisory agreement. At its expense,
the Advisor provides office space and all necessary office facilities,
equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund. The Advisor
places all orders for the purchase and sale of the Fund's portfolio securities
at the Fund's expense.
Except for expenses assumed by the Advisor, as set forth above, or by Strong
Funds Distributors, Inc. with respect to the distribution of the Fund's shares,
the Fund is responsible for all its other expenses, including, without
limitation, interest charges, taxes, brokerage commissions, and similar
expenses; expenses of issue, sale, repurchase or redemption of shares; expenses
of registering or qualifying shares for sale with the states and the SEC;
expenses for printing and distribution of prospectuses to existing
shareholders; charges of custodians (including fees as custodian for keeping
books and similar services for the Fund), transfer agents (including the
printing and mailing of reports and notices to shareholders), registrars,
auditing and legal services, and clerical services related to recordkeeping and
shareholder relations; printing of stock certificates; fees for directors who
are not "interested persons" of the Advisor; expenses of indemnification;
extraordinary expenses; and costs of shareholder and director meetings.
As compensation for its services, the Fund pays to the Advisor a monthly
management fee at the annual rate specified below of the average daily net
asset value of the Fund. From time to time, the Advisor may voluntarily waive
all or a portion of its management fee for the Fund.
NAME OF FUND ANNUAL RATE
High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund 0.60%
21
<PAGE>
Municipal Bond Fund 0.60%
Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund 0.60%
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund 0.50%
The Fund paid the following management fees for the time periods indicated:
Management Fee
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MANAGEMENT FEE ($) WAIVER ($) AFTER WAIVER ($)
High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund
12/1995 1,137,284 612,949 524,335
8/1996* 981,330 0 981,330
8/1997 1,668,563 0 1,668,563
8/1998 _______ ______ ________
Municipal Bond Fund
12/1995 1,704,460 0 1,704,460
8/1996* 925,640 0 925,640
8/1997 1,386,365 0 1,386,365
8/1998 ________ ______ ________
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
12/1995 727,146 0 727,146
8/1996* 449,824 0 449,824
8/1997 733,129 0 733,129
8/1998 _______ ______ ______
Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund
8/1998(1) _______ _______ _______
* For the eight-month fiscal period ended August 31, 1996.
(1) For the nine-month fiscal period ended August 31, 1998.
The organizational expenses for the Fund which were advanced by the Advisor and
which will be reimbursed by the Fund over a period of not more than 60 months
from the Fund's date of inception are listed below.
NAME OF FUND ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENSES
High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund $_________
Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund $_________
The Advisory Agreement requires the Advisor to reimburse the Fund in the event
that the expenses and charges payable by the Fund in any fiscal year, including
the management fee but excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, and
similar fees and to the extent permitted extraordinary expenses, exceed two
percent (2%) of the average net asset value of the Fund for such year, as
determined by valuations made as of the close of each business day of the year.
Reimbursement of expenses in excess of the applicable limitation will be made
on a monthly basis and will be paid to the Fund by reduction of the Advisor's
fee, subject to later adjustment, month by month, for the remainder of the
Fund's fiscal year. The Advisor may from time to time voluntarily absorb
expenses for the Fund in addition to the reimbursement of expenses in excess of
applicable limitations.
22
<PAGE>
On July 12, 1994, the SEC filed an administrative action ("Order") against the
Advisor, Mr. Strong, and another employee of the Advisor in connection with
conduct that occurred between 1987 and early 1990. In re Strong/Corneliuson
Capital Management, Inc., et al. Admin. Proc. File No. 3-8411. The proceeding
was settled by consent without admitting or denying the allegations in the
Order. The Order found that the Advisor and Mr. Strong aided and abetted
violations of Section 17(a) of the 1940 Act by effecting trades between mutual
funds, and between mutual funds and Harbour Investments Ltd. ("Harbour"),
without complying with the exemptive provisions of SEC Rule 17a-7 or otherwise
obtaining an exemption. It further found that the Advisor violated, and Mr.
Strong aided and abetted violations of, the disclosure provisions of the 1940
Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by misrepresenting the Advisor's
policy on personal trading and by failing to disclose trading by Harbour, an
entity in which principals of the Advisor owned between 18 and 25 percent of
the voting stock. As part of the settlement, the respondents agreed to a
censure and a cease and desist order and the Advisor agreed to various
undertakings, including adoption of certain procedures and a limitation for six
months on accepting certain types of new advisory clients.
On June 6, 1996, the Department of Labor ("DOL") filed an action against the
Advisor for equitable relief alleging violations of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") in connection with cross trades that
occurred between 1987 and late 1989 involving certain pension accounts managed
by the Advisor. Contemporaneous with this filing, the Advisor, without
admitting or denying the DOL's allegations, agreed to the entry of a consent
judgment resolving all matters relating to the allegations. Reich v. Strong
Capital Management, Inc., (U.S.D.C. E.D. WI) ("Consent Judgment"). Under the
terms of the Consent Judgment, the Advisor agreed to reimburse the affected
accounts a total of $5.9 million. The settlement did not have any material
impact on the Advisor's financial position or operations.
The Fund and the Advisor have adopted a Code of Ethics ("Code") which governs
the personal trading activities of all "Access Persons" of the Advisor. Access
Persons include every director and officer of the Advisor and the investment
companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund, as well as certain
employees of the Advisor who have access to information relating to the
purchase or sale of securities by the Advisor on behalf of accounts managed by
it. The Code is based upon the principal that such Access Persons have a
fiduciary duty to place the interests of the Fund and the Advisor 's other
clients ahead of their own.
The Code requires Access Persons (other than Access Persons who are independent
directors of the investment companies managed by the Advisor, including the
Fund) to, among other things, preclear their securities transactions (with
limited exceptions, such as transactions in shares of mutual funds, direct
obligations of the U.S. government, and certain options on broad-based
securities market indexes) and to execute such transactions through the
Advisor's trading department. The Code, which applies to all Access Persons
(other than Access Persons who are independent directors of the investment
companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund), includes a ban on
acquiring any securities in an initial public offering, other than a new
offering of a registered open-end investment company, and a prohibition from
profiting on short-term trading in securities. In addition, no Access Person
may purchase or sell any security which is contemporaneously being purchased or
sold, or to the knowledge of the Access Person, is being considered for
purchase or sale, by the Advisor on behalf of any mutual fund or other account
managed by it. Finally, the Code provides for trading "black out" periods of
seven calendar days during which time Access Persons who are portfolio managers
may not trade in securities which have been purchased or sold by any mutual
fund or other account managed by the portfolio manager.
The Advisor provides investment advisory services for multiple clients through
different types of investment accounts (E.G., mutual funds, hedge funds,
separately managed accounts, etc.) who may have similar or different investment
objectives and investment policies (E.G., some accounts may have an active
trading strategy while others follow a "buy and hold" strategy). In managing
these accounts, the Advisor seeks to maximize each account's return, consistent
with the account's investment objectives and investment strategies. While the
Advisor's policies are designed to ensure that over time similarly-situated
clients receive similar treatment, to the maximum extent possible, because of
the range of the Advisor's clients, the Advisor may give advice and take action
with respect to one account that may differ from the advice given, or the
timing or nature of action taken, with respect to another account (the Advisor,
its principals and associates also may take such actions in their personal
securities transactions, to the extent permitted by and consistent with the
Code). For example, the Advisor may use the same investment style in managing
two accounts, but one may have a shorter-term horizon and accept high-turnover
while the other may have a longer-term investment horizon and desire to
minimize turnover. If the Advisor reasonably believes that a particular
security may provide an attractive opportunity due to short-term volatility but
may no longer be attractive on a long-term basis, the Advisor may cause
accounts with a shorter-term investment horizon to buy the security at the same
time it is
23
<PAGE>
causing accounts with a longer-term investment horizon to sell the security.
The Advisor takes all reasonable steps to ensure that investment opportunities
are, over time, allocated to accounts on a fair and equitable basis relative to
the other similarly-situated accounts and that the investment activities of
different accounts do not unfairly disadvantage other accounts.
From time to time, the Advisor votes the shares owned by the Fund according to
its Statement of General Proxy Voting Policy ("Proxy Voting Policy"). The
general principal of the Proxy Voting Policy is to vote any beneficial interest
in an equity security prudently and solely in the best long-term economic
interest of the Fund and its beneficiaries considering all relevant factors and
without undue influence from individuals or groups who may have an economic
interest in the outcome of a proxy vote. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the
Proxy Voting Policy upon request from the Advisor.
The Advisor also provides a program of custom portfolio management called the
Strong Advisor. This program is designed to determine which investment
approach fits an investor's financial needs and then provides the investor with
a custom built portfolio of Strong Funds based on that allocation. The
Advisor, on behalf of participants in the Strong Advisor program, may determine
to invest a portion of the program's assets in any one Strong Fund, which
investment, particularly in the case of a smaller Strong Fund, could represent
a material portion of the Fund's assets. In such cases, a decision to redeem
the Strong Advisor program's investment in a Fund on short notice could raise a
potential conflict of interest for the Advisor, between the interests of
participants in the Strong Advisor program and of the Fund's other
shareholders. In general, the Advisor does not expect to direct the Strong
Advisor program to make redemption requests on short notice. However, should
the Advisor determine this to be necessary, the Advisor will use its best
efforts and act in good faith to balance the potentially competing interests of
participants in the Strong Advisor program and the Fund's other shareholders in
a manner the Advisor deems most appropriate for both parties in light of the
circumstances.
From time to time, the Advisor may make available to third parties current and
historical information about the portfolio holdings of the Advisor's mutual
funds or other clients. Release may be made to entities such as fund ratings
entities, industry trade groups, and financial publications. Generally, the
Advisor will release this type of information only where it is otherwise
publicly available. This information may also be released where the Advisor
reasonably believes that the release will not be to the detriment of the best
interests of its clients.
For more complete information about the Advisor, including its services,
investment strategies, policies, and procedures, please call 1-800-368-3863 and
ask for a copy of the Advisor's Form ADV.
DISTRIBUTOR
Under a Distribution Agreement with the Fund ("Distribution Agreement"), Strong
Funds Distributors, Inc. ("Distributor"), P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
53201, acts as underwriter of the Fund's shares. Mr. Strong is the Chairman
and Director of the Distributor, Mr. Lemke is a Vice President of the
Distributor, and Mr. Shenkenberg is a Vice President and Secretary of the
Distributor. The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor will use
its best efforts to distribute the Fund's shares. Since the Fund is a
"no-load" fund, no sales commissions are charged on the purchase of Fund
shares. The Distribution Agreement further provides that the Distributor will
bear the additional costs of printing prospectuses and shareholder reports
which are used for selling purposes, as well as advertising and any other costs
attributable to the distribution of the Fund's shares. The Distributor is an
indirect subsidiary of the Advisor and controlled by the Advisor and Richard S.
Strong. The Distribution Agreement is subject to the same termination and
renewal provisions as are described above with respect to the Advisory
Agreement.
From time to time, the Distributor may hold in-house sales incentive programs
for its associated persons under which these persons may receive non-cash
compensation awards in connection with the sale and distribution of the Fund's
shares. These awards may include items such as, but not limited to, gifts,
merchandise, gift certificates, and payment of travel expenses, meals, and
lodging. As required by the proposed rule amendments of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), any in-house sales incentive
program will be multi-product oriented, I.E., any incentive will be based on an
associated person's gross production of all securities within a product type
and will not be based on the sales of shares of any specifically designated
mutual fund.
24
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the
Fund and for the placement of the Fund's investment business and the
negotiation of the commissions to be paid on such transactions. It is the
policy of the Advisor, to seek the best execution at the best security price
available with respect to each transaction, in light of the overall quality of
brokerage and research services provided to the Advisor, or the Fund. In OTC
transactions, orders are placed directly with a principal market maker unless
it is believed that a better price and execution can be obtained using a
broker. The best price to the Fund means the best net price without regard to
the mix between purchase or sale price and commissions, if any. In selecting
broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Advisor considers a variety
of factors, including best price and execution, the full range of brokerage
services provided by the broker, as well as its capital strength and stability,
and the quality of the research and research services provided by the broker.
Brokerage will not be allocated based on the sale of any shares of the Strong
Funds.
The Advisor has adopted procedures that provide generally for the Advisor to
seek to bunch orders for the purchase or sale of the same security for the
Fund, other mutual funds managed by the Advisor, and other advisory clients
(collectively, "client accounts"). The Advisor will bunch orders when it deems
it to be appropriate and in the best interest of the client accounts. When a
bunched order is filled in its entirety, each participating client account will
participate at the average share price for the bunched order on the same
business day, and transaction costs shall be shared pro rata based on each
client's participation in the bunched order. When a bunched order is only
partially filled, the securities purchased will be allocated on a pro rata
basis to each client account participating in the bunched order based upon the
initial amount requested for the account, subject to certain exceptions, and
each participating account will participate at the average share price for the
bunched order on the same business day.
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 28(e)") permits
an investment advisor, under certain circumstances, to cause an account to pay
a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the
amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting
the transaction in recognition of the value of the brokerage and research
services provided by the broker or dealer. Brokerage and research services
include (1) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability
of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of
securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (2) furnishing analyses and
reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and
trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of accounts; and (3) effecting
securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as
clearance, settlement, and custody).
In carrying out the provisions of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor may cause
the Fund to pay a broker, which provides brokerage and research services to the
Advisor, a commission for effecting a securities transaction in excess of the
amount another broker would have charged for effecting the transaction. The
Advisor believes it is important to its investment decision-making process to
have access to independent research. The Advisory Agreement provides that such
higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund unless (1) the Advisor
determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the
services in terms of the particular transaction or in terms of the Advisor's
overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which it exercises
investment discretion; (2) such payment is made in compliance with the
provisions of Section 28(e), other applicable state and federal laws, and the
Advisory Agreement; and (3) in the opinion of the Advisor, the total
commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to
the Fund over the long term. The investment management fee paid by the Fund
under the Advisory Agreement is not reduced as a result of the Advisor's
receipt of research services.
Generally, research services provided by brokers may include information on the
economy, industries, groups of securities, individual companies, statistical
information, accounting and tax law interpretations, political developments,
legal developments affecting portfolio securities, technical market action,
pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk measurement analysis,
performance analysis, and analysis of corporate responsibility issues. Such
research services are received primarily in the form of written reports,
telephone contacts, and personal meetings with security analysts. In addition,
such research services may be provided in the form of access to various
computer-generated data, computer hardware and software, and meetings arranged
with corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians, and
government representatives. In some cases, research services are generated by
third parties but are provided to the Advisor by or through brokers. Such
brokers may pay for all or a portion of computer hardware and software costs
relating to the pricing of securities.
25
<PAGE>
Where the Advisor itself receives both administrative benefits and research and
brokerage services from the services provided by brokers, it makes a good faith
allocation between the administrative benefits and the research and brokerage
services, and will pay for any administrative benefits with cash. In making
good faith allocations between administrative benefits and research and
brokerage services, a conflict of interest may exist by reason of the Advisor's
allocation of the costs of such benefits and services between those that
primarily benefit the Advisor and those that primarily benefit the Fund and
other advisory clients.
From time to time, the Advisor may purchase new issues of securities for the
Fund in a fixed income price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a
member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling the securities to
the Fund and other advisory clients, provide the Advisor with research. The
NASD has adopted rules expressly permitting these types of arrangements under
certain circumstances. Generally, the seller will provide research "credits" in
these situations at a rate that is higher than that which is available for
typical secondary market transactions. These arrangements may not fall within
the safe harbor of Section 28(e).
At least annually, the Advisor considers the amount and nature of research and
research services provided by brokers, as well as the extent to which such
services are relied upon, and attempts to allocate a portion of the brokerage
business of the Fund and other advisory clients on the basis of that
consideration. In addition, brokers may suggest a level of business they would
like to receive in order to continue to provide such services. The actual
brokerage business received by a broker may be more or less than the suggested
allocations, depending upon the Advisor's evaluation of all applicable
considerations.
The Advisor has informal arrangements with various brokers whereby, in
consideration for providing research services and subject to Section 28(e), the
Advisor allocates brokerage to those firms, provided that the value of any
research and brokerage services was reasonable in relationship to the amount of
commission paid and was subject to best execution. In no case will the
Advisor make binding commitments as to the level of brokerage commissions it
will allocate to a broker, nor will it commit to pay cash if any informal
targets are not met. The Advisor anticipates it will continue to enter into
such brokerage arrangements.
The Advisor may direct the purchase of securities on behalf of the Fund and
other advisory clients in secondary market transactions, in public offerings
directly from an underwriter, or in privately negotiated transactions with an
issuer. When the Advisor believes the circumstances so warrant, securities
purchased in public offerings may be resold shortly after acquisition in the
immediate aftermarket for the security in order to take advantage of price
appreciation from the public offering price or for other reasons. Short-term
trading of securities acquired in public offerings, or otherwise, may result in
higher portfolio turnover and associated brokerage expenses.
The Advisor places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts,
including other mutual funds managed by the Advisor. Research services
furnished by firms through which the Fund effects its securities transactions
may be used by the Advisor in servicing all of its accounts; not all of such
services may be used by the Advisor in connection with the Fund. In the
opinion of the Advisor, it is not possible to measure separately the benefits
from research services to each of the accounts managed by the Advisor. Because
the volume and nature of the trading activities of the accounts are not
uniform, the amount of commissions in excess of those charged by another broker
paid by each account for brokerage and research services will vary. However,
in the opinion of the Advisor, such costs to the Fund will not be
disproportionate to the benefits received by the Fund on a continuing basis.
The Advisor seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever
concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund and
another advisory account. In some cases, this procedure could have an adverse
effect on the price or the amount of securities available to the Fund. In
making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the main
factors considered by the Advisor are the respective investment objectives, the
relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the
availability of cash for investment, the size of investment commitments
generally held, and the opinions of the persons responsible for recommending
the investment.
Where consistent with a client's investment objectives, investment
restrictions, and risk tolerance, the Advisor may purchase securities sold in
underwritten public offerings for client accounts, commonly referred to as
"deal" securities. The Advisor has adopted deal allocation procedures
("Procedures"), summarized below, that reflect the Advisor's overriding policy
that deal
26
<PAGE>
securities must be allocated among participating client accounts in a fair and
equitable manner and that deal securities may not be allocated in a manner that
unfairly discriminates in favor of certain clients or types of clients.
The Procedures provide that, in determining which client accounts a portfolio
manager team will seek to have purchase deal securities, the team will consider
all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the nature, size, and
expected allocation to the Advisor of deal securities; the size of the
account(s); the accounts' investment objectives and restrictions; the risk
tolerance of the client; the client's tolerance for possibly higher portfolio
turnover; the amount of commissions generated by the account during the past
year; and the number and nature of other deals the client has participated in
during the past year.
Where more than one of the Advisor's portfolio manager team seeks to have
client accounts participate in a deal and the amount of deal securities
allocated to the Advisor by the underwriting syndicate is less than the
aggregate amount ordered by the Advisor (a "reduced allocation"), the deal
securities will be allocated among the portfolio manager teams based on all
relevant factors. The primary factor shall be assets under management,
although other factors that may be considered in the allocation decision
include, but are not limited to, the nature, size, and expected allocation of
the deal; the amount of brokerage commissions or other amounts generated by the
respective participating portfolio manager teams; and which portfolio manager
team is primarily responsible for the Advisor receiving securities in the deal.
Based on relevant factors, the Advisor has established general allocation
percentages for its portfolio manager teams, and these percentages are reviewed
on a regular basis to determine whether asset growth or other factors make it
appropriate to use different general allocation percentages for reduced
allocations.
When a portfolio manager team receives a reduced allocation of deal securities,
the portfolio manager team will allocate the reduced allocation among client
accounts in accordance with the allocation percentages set forth in the team's
initial allocation instructions for the deal securities, except where this
would result in a DE MINIMIS allocation to any client account. On a regular
basis, the Advisor reviews the allocation of deal securities to ensure that
they have been allocated in a fair and equitable manner that does not unfairly
discriminate in favor of certain clients or types of clients.
Transactions in futures contracts are executed through futures commission
merchants ("FCMs"). The Fund's procedures in selecting FCMs to execute the
Fund's transactions in futures contracts are similar to those in effect with
respect to brokerage transactions in securities.
The Fund paid the following brokerage commissions for the time periods
indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS ($)
- ---------------------- -------------------------
</TABLE>
High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund
12/1995(1) 48,927
8/1996* 0
8/1997 2,468
8/1998 _____
Municipal Bond Fund
12/1995(1) 457,817
8/1996(2)* 34,350
8/1997 5,723
8/1998 _____
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
12/1995(1) 33,312
8/1996* 4,391
8/1997 5,723
27
<PAGE>
8/1998 _____
Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund
8/1998(3) ______
* For the eight-month fiscal period ended August 31, 1996.
(1) The Fund paid higher brokerage commissions in 1995 primarily because
the Fund employed a trading strategy to preserve the favorable tax treatment
available to it under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(2) The Fund incurred higher brokerage commissions for the eight-month
fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 primarily due to strategies employed by the
Fund to increase current income.
(3) For the nine-month fiscal period ended August 31, 1998.
CUSTODIAN
As custodian of the Fund's assets, Firstar Trust Company, P.O. Box 761,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, has custody of all securities and cash of the Fund,
delivers and receives payment for securities sold, receives and pays for
securities purchased, collects income from investments, and performs other
duties, all as directed by officers of the Fund. The custodian is in no way
responsible for any of the investment policies or decisions of the Fund.
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
The Advisor, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53201, acts as transfer agent
and dividend-disbursing agent for the Fund. The Advisor is compensated based
on an annual fee per open account of $21.75 for equity funds, $31.50 for income
and municipal income funds, and $32.50 for money market funds, plus
out-of-pocket expenses, such as postage and printing expenses in connection
with shareholder communications. The Advisor also receives an annual fee per
closed account of $4.20 from the Fund. The fees received and the services
provided as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent are in addition to
those received and provided by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreements. In
addition, the Advisor provides certain printing and mailing services for the
Fund, such as printing and mailing of shareholder account statements, checks,
and tax forms.
From time to time, the Fund, directly or indirectly through arrangements with
the Advisor, and/or the Advisor may pay amounts to third parties that provide
transfer agent type services and other administrative services relating to the
Fund to persons who beneficially own interests in the Fund, such as
participants in 401(k) plans. These services may include, among other things,
sub-accounting services, transfer agent type activities, answering inquiries
relating to the Fund, transmitting proxy statements, annual reports, updated
prospectuses, other communications regarding the Fund, and related services as
the Fund or beneficial owners may reasonably request. In such cases, the Fund
will not pay fees based on the number of beneficial owners at a rate that is
greater than the rate the Fund is currently paying the Advisor for providing
these services to Fund shareholders.
The Fund paid the following amounts for the time periods indicated for transfer
agency and dividend disbursing and printing and mailing services:
Per Account Out-of-Pocket Printing/Mailing Total Cost
FUND CHARGES ($) EXPENSES ($) SERVICES ($) WAIVER ($) AFTER WAIVER ($)
High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund
12/1995 142,955 21,248 2,495 64,223 102,475
8/1996* 112,559 28,755 2,309 0 143,623
8/1997 193,469 10,158 2,892 0 206,519
28
<PAGE>
8/1998 ______ ______ _____ ______ ______
Municipal Bond Fund
12/1995 406,803 48,526 8,392 0 463,721
8/1996* 237,322 57,015 4,967 0 299,304
8/1997 336,462 19,325 5,018 0 360,805
8/1998 ______ _____ ____ ___ ______
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
12/1995 178,916 26,598 3,730 0 209,244
8/1996* 101,469 29,649 1,789 0 132,907
8/1997 160,593 11,290 1,897 0 173,780
8/1998 ______ _____ _____ ____ ______
Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund
8/1998(1) ______ ______ ______ ____ ______
* For the eight-month fiscal period ended August 31, 1996.
(1) For the nine-month fiscal period ended August 31, 1998.
TAXES
GENERAL
The Fund intends to qualify annually for treatment as a regulated investment
company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the IRC. If so qualified, the Fund will
not be liable for federal income tax earnings and gains distributed to its
shareholders in a timely manner. This qualification does not involve
government supervision of the Fund's management practices or policies. The
following federal tax discussion is intended to provide you with an overview of
the impact of federal income tax provisions on the Fund or its shareholders.
These tax provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative
action at the federal, state, or local level, and any changes may be applied
retroactively. Any such action that limits or restricts the Fund's current
ability to pass-through earnings without taxation at the Fund level, or
otherwise materially changes the Fund's tax treatment, could adversely affect
the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. Because the Fund's taxes
are a complex matter, you should consult your tax adviser for more detailed
information concerning the taxation of the Fund and the federal, state, and
local tax consequences to shareholders of an investment in the Fund.
In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the IRC, the Fund must
distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income (consisting generally of taxable net
investment income, net short-term capital gain, and net gains from certain
foreign currency transactions, if applicable) ("Distribution Requirement") plus
its net investment income excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of
the Tax Code and must meet several additional requirements. These requirements
include the following: (1) the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross
income each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to
securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities
(or foreign currencies if applicable) or other income (including gains from
options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of
investing in securities ("Income Requirement"); (2) at the close of each
quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total
assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities,
securities of other RICs, and other securities, with these other securities
limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of
the value of the Fund's total assets and that does not represent more than 10%
of the issuer's outstanding voting securities; and (3) at the close of each
quarter of the Fund's taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its total
assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. government securities or
the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer.
29
<PAGE>
From time to time the Advisor may find it necessary to make certain types of
investments for the purpose of ensuring that the Fund continues to qualify for
treatment as a RIC under the IRC.
If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the
loss will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt interest dividends received
on those shares. Any portion of such a loss that is not disallowed will be
treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the extent of any
capital gain distributions received on those shares.
The Fund's distributions are taxable in the year they are paid, whether they
are taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, except that certain
distributions declared in the last three months of the year and paid in January
are taxable as if paid on December 31.
The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax ("Excise Tax") to the
extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all
of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net income for the
one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts.
The Fund may make additional distributions if necessary to avoid imposition of
a 4% excise tax on undistributed income and gains.
PASS-THROUGH INCOME TAX EXEMPTION
Most state laws provide a pass-through to mutual fund shareholders of the state
and local income tax exemption afforded owners of direct U.S. government
obligations. You will be notified annually of the percentage of a Fund's
income that is derived from U.S. government securities.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
A substantial portion of the dividends paid by the Fund will qualify as
exempt-interest dividends and thus will be excludable from gross income by its
shareholders, if the Fund satisfies the requirement that, at the close of each
quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets
consists of securities the interest on which is excludable from gross income
under section 103(a); the Fund intends to continue to satisfy this requirement.
The aggregate dividends excludable from the Fund's shareholders' gross income
may not exceed the Fund's net tax-exempt income. The shareholders' treatment
of dividends from the Fund under local and state income tax laws may differ
from the treatment thereof under the Tax Code.
Tax-exempt interest attributable to certain private activity bonds ("PABs")
(including, in the case of a RIC receiving interest on such bonds, a
proportionate part of the exempt-interest dividends paid by that RIC) is
subject to the alternative minimum tax. Exempt-interest dividends received by
a corporate shareholder also may be indirectly subject to that tax without
regard to whether the Fund's tax-exempt interest was attributable to such
bonds. Entities or persons who are "substantial users" (or persons related to
"substantial users") of facilities financed by PABs or industrial development
bonds ("IDBs") should consult their tax advisors before purchasing shares of
the Fund because, for users of certain of these facilities, the interest on
such bonds is not exempt from federal income tax. For these purposes, the term
"substantial user" is defined generally to include a "non-exempt person" who
regularly uses in trade or business a part of a facility financed from the
proceeds of PABs or IDBs.
The Fund may invest in municipal bonds that are purchased, generally not on
their original issue, with market discount (that is, at a price less than the
principal amount of the bond or, in the case of a bond that was issued with
original issue discount, a price less than the amount of the issue price plus
accrued original issue discount) ("municipal market discount bonds"). Market
discount generally arises when the value of the bond declines after issuance
(typically, because of an increase in prevailing interest rates or a decline in
the issuer's creditworthiness). Gain on the disposition of a municipal market
discount bond purchased by the Fund after April 30, 1993 (other than a bond
with a fixed maturity date within one year from its issuance), generally is
treated as ordinary (taxable) income, rather than capital gain, to the extent
of the bond's accrued market discount at the time of disposition. Market
discount on such a bond generally is accrued ratably, on a daily basis, over
the period from the acquisition date to the date of maturity. In lieu of
treating the disposition gain as above, the Fund may elect to include market
discount in its gross income currently, for each taxable year to which it is
attributable.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
30
<PAGE>
The use of derivatives strategies, such as purchasing and selling (writing)
options and futures and entering into forward currency contracts, if
applicable, involves complex rules that will determine for income tax purposes
the character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund
realizes in connection therewith. Gains from the disposition of foreign
currencies, if any (except certain gains therefrom that may be excluded by
future regulations), and income from transactions in options, futures, and
forward currency contracts, if applicable, derived by the Fund with respect to
its business of investing in securities or foreign currencies, if applicable,
will qualify as permissible income under the Income Requirement.
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is required to recognize as income
for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on options, futures,
or forward currency contracts, if any, that are subject to section 1256 of the
IRC ("Section 1256 Contracts") and are held by the Fund as of the end of the
year, as well as gains and losses on Section 1256 Contracts actually realized
during the year. Except for Section 1256 Contracts that are part of a "mixed
straddle" and with respect to which the Fund makes a certain election, any gain
or loss recognized with respect to Section 1256 Contracts is considered to be
60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss,
without regard to the holding period of the Section 1256 Contract.
ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON, AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES
The Fund may acquire zero-coupon, step-coupon, or other securities issued with
original issue discount. As a holder of those securities, the Fund must
include in its income the original issue discount that accrues on the
securities during the taxable year, even if the Fund receives no corresponding
payment on the securities during the year. Similarly, the Fund must include in
its income securities it receives as "interest" on pay-in-kind securities.
Because the Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment
company taxable income, including any original issue discount and other
non-cash income, to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition
of the Excise Tax, it may be required in a particular year to distribute as a
dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually
receives. Those distributions may be made from the proceeds on sales of
portfolio securities, if necessary. The Fund may realize capital gains or
losses from those sales, which would increase or decrease its investment
company taxable income or net capital gain, or both.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund is 100% no load. This means that an investor may purchase, redeem or
exchange shares at the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") without paying a sales
charge. Generally, when an investor makes any purchases, sales, or exchanges,
the price of the investor's shares will be the NAV next determined after Strong
Funds receives a request in proper form (which includes receipt of all
necessary and appropriate documentation and subject to available funds). If
Strong Funds receives such a request prior to the close of the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") on a day on which the NYSE is open, the share price will be
the NAV determined that day. The NAV for each Fund is normally determined as
of 3:00 p.m. Central Time ("CT") each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is open
for trading Monday through Friday except, New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and
Christmas Day. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a
Saturday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday, and
when any such holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading
on the succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist, such as the
ending of a monthly or yearly accounting period.
The Fund reserves the right to change the time at which purchases, redemptions,
and exchanges are priced if the NYSE closes at a time other than 3:00 p.m. CT
or if an emergency exists. The Fund's NAV is calculated by taking the fair
value of the Fund's total assets, subtracting all its liabilities, and dividing
by the total number of shares outstanding. Expenses are accrued daily and
applied when determining the NAV. The Fund's portfolio securities are valued
based on market quotations or at fair value as determined by the method
selected by the Fund's Board of Directors.
The Fund's municipal securities are valued at fair value as determined by a
pricing service that is designated by the Fund's Board of Directors. The
pricing service generally values securities at the average of the most recent
bid and asked prices and also may look to such factors as market transactions
among institutional investors and dealer quotations for similar securities.
The other debt securities are valued at the last sales price on the national
securities exchange or NASDAQ on which such securities are primarily traded;
however, securities traded on NASDAQ for which there were no transactions on a
given day or securities not listed on an exchange or NASDAQ are valued at the
average of the most recent bid and asked prices. Any taxable securities or
other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued
at fair value as determined in
31
<PAGE>
good faith by the Board of Directors. Any debt securities of the Fund having
remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued by the amortized cost method
when the Board of Directors determines that the fair value of such securities
is their amortized cost.
Shareholders can gain access to the money in their accounts by selling (also
called redeeming) some or all of their shares by mail, telephone, computer,
automatic withdrawals, through a broker-dealer, or by writing a check (assuming
all the appropriate documents and requirements have been met for these account
options). After a redemption request is processed, the proceeds from the sale
will normally be sent on the next business day but, in any event, no more than
seven days later.
ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
TELEPHONE AND INTERNET EXCHANGE/REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES
The Fund employs reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone or the Internet are genuine. The Fund may not be
liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Such
procedures include but are not limited to requiring a form of personal
identification prior to acting on instructions received by telephone or the
Internet, providing written confirmations of such transactions to the address
of record, tape recording telephone instructions and backing up Internet
transactions.
REDEMPTION-IN-KIND
The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, which
obligates the Fund to redeem shares in cash, with respect to any one
shareholder during any 90-day period, up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the
assets of the Fund. If the Advisor determines that existing conditions make
cash payments undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part
in securities or other financial assets, valued for this purpose as they are
valued in computing the NAV for the Fund's shares (a "redemption-in-kind").
Shareholders receiving securities or other financial assets in a
redemption-in-kind may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur
any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences. If you expect to
make a redemption in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's
assets during any 90-day period and would like to avoid any possibility of
being paid with securities in-kind, you may do so by providing Strong Funds
with an unconditional instruction to redeem at least 15 calendar days prior to
the date on which the redemption transaction is to occur, specifying the dollar
amount or number of shares to be redeemed and the date of the transaction
(please call 1-800-368-3863). This will provide the Fund with sufficient time
to raise the cash in an orderly manner to pay the redemption and thereby
minimize the effect of the redemption on the interests of the Fund's remaining
shareholders.
Redemption checks in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's
assets during any 90-day period may not be honored by the Fund if the Advisor
determines that existing conditions make cash payments undesirable.
SHARES IN CERTIFICATE FORM
Certificates will be issued for shares held in a Fund account only upon written
request. A shareholder will, however, have full shareholder rights whether or
not a certificate is requested.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
Strong Funds' Automatic Investment Plan, Payroll Direct Deposit Plan, and
Automatic Exchange Plan are methods of implementing dollar cost averaging.
Dollar cost averaging is an investment strategy that involves investing a fixed
amount of money at regular time intervals. By always investing the same set
amount, an investor will be purchasing more shares when the price is low and
fewer shares when the price is high. Ultimately, by using this principle in
conjunction with fluctuations in share price, an investor's average cost per
share may be less than the average transaction price. A program of regular
investment cannot ensure a profit or protect against a loss during declining
markets. Since such a program involves continuous investment regardless of
fluctuating share values, investors should consider their ability to continue
the program through periods of both low and high share-price levels.
32
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
If an investor purchases or redeems shares of the Fund through a financial
intermediary, certain features of the Fund relating to such transactions may
not be available or may be modified. In addition, certain operational policies
of the Fund, including those related to settlement and dividend accrual, may
vary from those applicable to direct shareholders of the Fund and may vary
among intermediaries. Please consult your financial intermediary for more
information regarding these matters. In addition, the Fund may pay, directly
or indirectly through arrangements with the Advisor, amounts to financial
intermediaries that provide transfer agent type and/or other administrative
services to their customers provided, however, that the Fund will not pay more
for these services through intermediary relationships than it would if the
intermediaries' customers were direct shareholders in the Fund. Certain
financial intermediaries may charge an advisory, transaction, or other fee for
their services. Investors will not be charged for such fees if investors
purchase or redeem Fund shares directly from the Fund without the intervention
of a financial intermediary.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES
A signature guarantee is designed to protect shareholders and the Fund against
fraudulent transactions by unauthorized persons. In the following instances,
the Fund will require a signature guarantee for all authorized owners of an
account:
- - when adding the telephone redemption option to an existing account;
- - when transferring the ownership of an account to another individual or
organization;
- - when submitting a written redemption request for more than $50,000;
- - when requesting to redeem or redeposit shares that have been issued in
certificate form;
- - if requesting a certificate after opening an account;
- - when requesting that redemption proceeds be sent to a different name or
address than is registered on an account;
- - if adding/changing a name or adding/removing an owner on an account; and
- - if adding/changing the beneficiary on a transfer-on-death account.
A signature guarantee may be obtained from any eligible guarantor institution,
as defined by the SEC. These institutions include banks, savings associations,
credit unions, brokerage firms, and others. Please note that a notary public
stamp or seal is not acceptable.
RIGHT OF SET-OFF
To the extent not prohibited by law, the Fund, any other Strong Fund, and the
Advisor, each has the right to set-off against a shareholder's account balance
with a Strong Fund, and redeem from such account, any debt the shareholder may
owe any of these entities. This right applies even if the account is not
identically registered.
BROKERS RECEIPT OF PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION ORDERS
The Fund has authorized certain brokers to accept purchase and redemption
orders on the Fund's behalf. These brokers are, in turn, authorized to
designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the
Fund's behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or
redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's
authorized designee, accepts the order. Purchase and redemption orders
received in this manner will be priced at the Fund's net asset value next
computed after they are accepted by an authorized broker or the broker's
authorized designee.
33
<PAGE>
ORGANIZATION
The Fund is either a "Corporation" or a "Series" of common stock of a
Corporation, as described in the chart below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Incorporation Date Series Authorized Par
Corporation Date Created Shares Value ($)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Municipal Funds, Inc. (1) 07/28/86 Indefinite .00001
- Strong Municipal Money Market Fund* 07/28/86 Indefinite .00001
- Strong Municipal Advantage Fund* 07/28/86 Indefinite .00001
- Strong Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund 10/13/97 Indefinite .00001
Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. 12/28/90 Indefinite .00001
Strong Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. 07/28/86 Indefinite .001
Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. 03/20/87 Indefinite .001
</TABLE>
* Described in a different prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
(1) Prior to October 27, 1995, the Corporation's name was Strong Municipal
Money Market Fund, Inc.
The Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., Strong Municipal Bond Fund,
Inc., and Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. are separately
incorporated, diversified, open-end management investment companies. Strong
Short-Term High Yield Municipal Fund is a diversified series of Strong
Municipal Funds, Inc., which is an open-end management investment company.
The Corporation is a Wisconsin corporation that is authorized to offer separate
series of shares representing interests in separate portfolios of securities,
each with differing investment objectives. The shares in any one portfolio
may, in turn, be offered in separate classes, each with differing preferences,
limitations or relative rights. However, the Articles of Incorporation for the
Corporation provide that if additional series of shares are issued by the
Corporation, such new series of shares may not affect the preferences,
limitations or relative rights of the Corporation's outstanding shares. In
addition, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is authorized to allocate
assets, liabilities, income and expenses to each series and class. Classes
within a series may have different expense arrangements than other classes of
the same series and, accordingly, the net asset value of shares within a series
may differ. Finally, all holders of shares of the Corporation may vote on each
matter presented to shareholders for action except with respect to any matter
which affects only one or more series or class, in which case only the shares
of the affected series or class are entitled to vote. Each share of the Fund
has one vote, and all shares participate equally in dividends and other capital
gains distributions by the Fund and in the residual assets of the Fund in the
event of liquidation. Fractional shares have the same rights proportionately
as do full shares. Shares of the Corporation have no preemptive, conversion, or
subscription rights. If the Corporation issues additional series, the assets
belonging to each series of shares will be held separately by the custodian,
and in effect each series will be a separate fund.
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
The Wisconsin Business Corporation Law permits registered investment companies,
such as the Fund, to operate without an annual meeting of shareholders under
specified circumstances if an annual meeting is not required by the 1940 Act.
The Fund has adopted the appropriate provisions in its Bylaws and may, at its
discretion, not hold an annual meeting in any year in which the election of
directors is not required to be acted on by shareholders under the 1940 Act.
The Fund's Bylaws allow for a director to be removed by its shareholders with
or without cause, only at a meeting called for the purpose of removing the
director. Upon the written request of the holders of shares entitled to not
less than ten percent (10%) of all the votes entitled to be cast at such
meeting, the Secretary of the Fund shall promptly call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any
director. The Secretary shall inform such shareholders of the reasonable
estimated costs of preparing and mailing the notice of the meeting, and upon
payment to the Fund of such costs, the Fund shall give not less than ten nor
more than sixty days notice of the special meeting.
34
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Strong Funds may advertise a variety of types of performance information as
more fully described below. The Fund's performance is historical and past
performance does not guarantee the future performance of the Fund. From time
to time, the Advisor may agree to waive or reduce its management fee and/or to
absorb certain operating expenses for the Fund. Waivers of management fees and
absorption of expenses will have the effect of increasing the Fund's
performance.
30-DAY YIELD
The Fund's yield is computed in accordance with a standardized method
prescribed by rules of the SEC. Under that method, the current yield quotation
for the Fund is based on a one month or 30-day period. In computing its yield,
the Fund follows certain standardized accounting practices specified by rules
of the SEC. These practices are not necessarily consistent with those that the
Fund uses to prepare annual and interim financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. The yield is computed by dividing
the net investment income per share earned during the 30-day or one month
period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period,
according to the following formula:
YIELD = 2[( A-B + 1)6 - 1]
cd
Where a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that
were entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
TAXABLE EQUIVALENT YIELD
The Fund's tax-equivalent yield is computed by dividing that portion of the
Fund's yield (computed as described above) that is tax-exempt by one minus the
stated federal income tax rate and adding the result to that portion, if any,
of the yield of the Fund that is not tax-exempt. Tax-equivalent yield does not
reflect possible variations due to the federal alternative minimum tax.
An investor may want to determine which investment, tax-exempt or taxable, will
provide you with a higher after-tax return. To determine the tax-equivalent
yield, simply divide the yield from the tax-exempt investment by the sum of (1
minus the investor's marginal tax rate). The tables below are provided for
making this calculation for selected tax-exempt yield and taxable income
levels. These yields are presented for purposes of illustration only and are
not representative of any yield that a Fund may generate.
The following table is based upon the 1998 federal tax rates in effect as of
January 1, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
A TAX-FREE YIELD OF:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4% 5% 6% 7% 8%
1998 Taxable Income Levels*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Single Married Filing Marginal IS EQUIVALENT TO A TAXABLE YIELD OF:
Jointly Tax Rate
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
under 25,350 under 42,350 15% 4.71% 5.88% 7.06% 8.24% 9.41%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25,350-61,400 42,350-102,300 28% 5.56% 6.94% 8.33% 9.72% 11.11%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
61,400- 102,300-155,950 31% 5.80% 7.25% 8.70% 10.14% 11.59%
128,100
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
128,100- 155,950-278,450 36% 6.25% 7.81% 9.38% 10.94% 12.50%
278,450
- ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
over 278,450 over 278,450 39.6% 6.62% 8.28% 9.93% 11.59% 13.25%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* A taxpayer with an adjusted gross income in excess of $117,950 may, to
the extent such taxpayer itemizes deductions, be subject to a higher effective
marginal rate.
35
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTION RATE
The distribution rate for the Fund is computed, according to a non-standardized
formula, by dividing the total amount of actual distributions per share paid by
the Fund over a twelve month period by the Fund's net asset value on the last
day of the period. The distribution rate differs from the Fund's yield because
the distribution rate includes distributions to shareholders from sources other
than dividends and interest, such as short-term capital gains. Therefore, the
Fund's distribution rate may be substantially different than its yield. Both
the Fund's yield and distribution rate will fluctuate.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
The Fund's average annual total return quotation is computed in accordance with
a standardized method prescribed by rules of the SEC. The average annual total
return for the Fund for a specific period is calculated by first taking a
hypothetical $10,000 investment ("initial investment") in the Fund's shares on
the first day of the period and computing the "redeemable value" of that
investment at the end of the period. The redeemable value is then divided by
the initial investment, and this quotient is taken to the Nth root (N
representing the number of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted from the
result, which is then expressed as a percentage. The calculation assumes that
all income and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been reinvested at
net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.
TOTAL RETURN
Calculation of the Fund's total return is not subject to a standardized
formula. Total return performance for a specific period is calculated by first
taking an investment (assumed below to be $10,000) ("initial investment") in
the Fund's shares on the first day of the period and computing the "ending
value" of that investment at the end of the period. The total return
percentage is then determined by subtracting the initial investment from the
ending value and dividing the remainder by the initial investment and
expressing the result as a percentage. The calculation assumes that all income
and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been reinvested at net asset
value of the Fund on the reinvestment dates during the period. Total return
may also be shown as the increased dollar value of the hypothetical investment
over the period.
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Cumulative total return represents the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period and may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount.
Total returns and cumulative total returns may be broken down into their
components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes in share
price) in order to illustrate the relationship between these factors and their
contributions to total return.
SPECIFIC FUND PERFORMANCE
30-DAY YIELD
(30-day period ended August 31, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Waived
Tax Equivalent Yield Management Absorbed Yield Without Waivers and
Fund Yield (31% Tax Bracket) Fees Expenses Absorptions
- --------------- ------- -------------------- ---------- --------- -------------------------
High-Yield _______ _______ _______
Municipal Bond 0 0
- --------------- ------- -------------------- ---------- --------- -------------------------
Municipal Bond _______ _______ 0 0 _______
- --------------- ------- -------------------- ---------- --------- -------------------------
Short-Term _______ _______ _______
Municipal Bond 0 0
- --------------- ------- -------------------- ---------- --------- -------------------------
Short-Term High _______ _______ ___ ___ _______
Yield Municipal
- --------------- ------- -------------------- ---------- --------- -------------------------
</TABLE>
36
<PAGE>
TOTAL RETURN
HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Initial $10,000 Ending value Cumulative Average Annual Total
Time Period Investment August 31, 1998 Total Return Return
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
One Year $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
Life of Fund* $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
</TABLE>
* Commenced operations on October 1, 1993.
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Initial $10,000 Ending value Cumulative Average Annual Total
Time Period Investment August 31, 1998 Total Return Return
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
One Year $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
Five Year $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
Ten Year $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
Life of Fund* $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
</TABLE>
* Commenced operations on October 23, 1986.
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Initial $10,000 Ending value Cumulative Average Annual Total
Time Period Investment August 31, 1998 Total Return Return
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
One Year $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
Five Year $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
Life of Fund* $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
</TABLE>
* Commenced operations on December 31, 1991.
SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Initial $10,000 Ending value Cumulative Average Annual Total
Time Period Investment August 31, 1998 Total Return Return
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
Life of Fund* $10,000
- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ --------------------
</TABLE>
* Commenced operations on November 30, 1997.
COMPARISONS
U.S. TREASURY BILLS, NOTES, OR BONDS. Investors may want to compare the
performance of the Fund to that of U.S. Treasury bills, notes, or bonds, which
are issued by the U.S. Government. Treasury obligations are issued in selected
denominations. Rates of Treasury obligations are fixed at the time of issuance
and payment of principal and interest is backed by the full faith and credit of
the Treasury. The market value of such instruments will generally fluctuate
inversely with interest rates prior to maturity and will equal par value at
maturity. Generally, the values of obligations with shorter maturities will
fluctuate less than those with longer maturities.
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT. Investors may want to compare the Fund's performance
to that of certificates of deposit offered by banks and other depositary
institutions. Certificates of deposit may offer fixed or variable interest
rates and principal is
37
<PAGE>
guaranteed and may be insured. Withdrawal of the deposits prior to maturity
normally will be subject to a penalty. Rates offered by banks and other
depositary institutions are subject to change at any time specified by the
issuing institution.
MONEY MARKET FUNDS. Investors may also want to compare performance of the Fund
to that of money market funds. Money market fund yields will fluctuate and
shares are not insured, but share values usually remain stable.
LIPPER ANALYTICAL SERVICES, INC. ("LIPPER") AND OTHER INDEPENDENT RANKING
ORGANIZATIONS. From time to time, in marketing and other fund literature, the
Fund's performance may be compared to the performance of other mutual funds in
general or to the performance of particular types of mutual funds with similar
investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations. Among these
organizations, Lipper, a widely used independent research firm which ranks
mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives, and assets, may be
cited. Lipper performance figures are based on changes in net asset value,
with all income and capital gains dividends reinvested. Such calculations do
not include the effect of any sales charges imposed by other funds. The Fund
will be compared to Lipper's appropriate fund category, that is, by fund
objective and portfolio holdings. The Fund's performance may also be compared
to the average performance of its Lipper category.
MORNINGSTAR, INC. The Fund's performance may also be compared to the
performance of other mutual funds by Morningstar, Inc., which rates funds on
the basis of historical risk and total return. Morningstar's ratings range
from five stars (highest) to one star (lowest) and represent Morningstar's
assessment of the historical risk level and total return of a fund as a
weighted average for 3, 5, and 10 year periods. Ratings are not absolute and
do not represent future results.
INDEPENDENT SOURCES. Evaluations of fund performance made by independent
sources may also be used in advertisements concerning the Fund, including
reprints of, or selections from, editorials or articles about the Fund,
especially those with similar objectives. Sources for fund performance and
articles about the Fund may include publications such as Money, Forbes,
Kiplinger's, Smart Money, Financial World, Business Week, U.S. News and World
Report, The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and a variety of investment
newsletters.
IBC/DONOGHUE, INC. IBC/Donoghue, Inc. is an independently operated financial
newsletter publishing firm specializing in the statistical analysis of the
trends in the money market mutual fund industry. From time to time, in
marketing and other fund literature, IBC/Donoghue data may be quoted or
compared to the Fund's performance. IBC/Donoghue, Inc. provides current (7 and
30 day yields) and historical performance (1, 3, and 5 year returns), rankings
and category averages for over 1,100 money market mutual funds.
INDIVIDUAL MUNICIPAL BONDS. The Fund may compare and contrast in advertising
the relative advantages of investing in a mutual fund versus an individual
municipal bond. Unlike municipal bond mutual funds, individual municipal bonds
offer a stated rate of interest and, if held to maturity, repayment of
principal. Although some individual municipal bonds might offer a higher
return, they may not offer the reduced risk of a mutual fund which invests in
many different securities. The initial investment requirements and sales
charges of many municipal bond mutual funds are lower than the purchase cost of
individual municipal bonds, which are generally issued in $5,000 denominations
and are subject to direct brokerage costs.
INDICES. The Fund may compare its performance to a wide variety of indices.
There are differences and similarities between the investments that a Fund may
purchase and the investments measured by the indices.
HISTORICAL ASSET CLASS RETURNS. From time to time, marketing materials may
portray the historical returns of various asset classes. Such presentations
will typically compare the average annual rates of return of inflation, U.S.
Treasury bills, bonds, common stocks, and small stocks. There are important
differences between each of these investments that should be considered in
viewing any such comparison. The market value of stocks will fluctuate with
market conditions, and small-stock prices generally will fluctuate more than
large-stock prices. Stocks are generally more volatile than bonds. In return
for this volatility, stocks have generally performed better than bonds or cash
over time. Bond prices generally will fluctuate inversely with interest rates
and other market conditions, and the prices of bonds with longer maturities
generally will fluctuate more than those of shorter-maturity bonds. Interest
rates for bonds may be fixed at the time of issuance, and payment of principal
and interest may be guaranteed by the issuer and, in the case of U.S. Treasury
obligations, backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.
38
<PAGE>
STRONG FUNDS. The Strong Funds offer a comprehensive range of conservative to
aggressive investment options. The Strong Funds and their investment objectives
are listed below. The Funds are listed in ascending order of risk and return,
as determined by the Funds' Advisor.
FUND NAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Strong Investors Money Fund Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Money Market Fund Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Heritage Money Fund Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Municipal Money Market Fund Federally tax-exempt current income, a stable share-price, and daily liquidity.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Municipal Advantage Fund Federally tax-exempt current income with a very low degree of share-price
fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Advantage Fund Current income with a very low degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current income
Fund with a low degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Short-Term Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a low degree of
share-price fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Short-Term Global Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of income with a low degree of share
price fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Short-Term High Yield Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current income
Municipal Fund with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Short-Term High Yield Bond Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a moderate
Fund degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Government Securities Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a moderate
degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Municipal Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current income
with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Corporate Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a moderate
degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current
Fund income.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong High-Yield Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income and capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Global High-Yield Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income and capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong International Bond Fund High total return by investing for both income and capital appreciation.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Asset Allocation Fund High total return consistent with reasonable risk over the long term.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Equity Income Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong American Utilities Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Blue Chip 100 Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Limited Resources Fund Total return by investing for both capital growth and income.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Total Return Fund High total return by investing for capital growth and income.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Growth and Income Fund High total return by investing for capital growth and income.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Index 500 Fund To approximate as closely as practicable (before fees and expenses) the
capitalization-weighted total rate of return of that portion of the U.S. market for
publicly traded common stocks composed of the larger capitalized companies.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Schafer Balanced Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Schafer Value Fund Long-term capital appreciation principally through investment in common
stocks and other equity securities. Current income is a secondary objective.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Dow 30 Value Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Value Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Opportunity Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Mid Cap Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Common Stock Fund* Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Strong Strategic Growth Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
Strong Small Cap Value Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
Strong Growth Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
Strong Discovery Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
Strong Enterprise Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
Strong Growth 20 Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
Strong International Stock Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
Strong Overseas Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
Strong Foreign MajorMarketsSM Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
Strong Asia Pacific Fund Capital growth.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------
</TABLE>
* The Fund is closed to new investors, except the Fund may continue to
offer its shares through certain 401(k) plans and similar company-sponsored
retirement plans.
The Advisor also serves as Advisor to several management investment companies,
some of which fund variable annuity separate accounts of certain insurance
companies.
The Fund may from time to time be compared to other Strong Funds based on a
risk/reward spectrum. In general, the amount of risk associated with any
investment product is commensurate with that product's potential level of
reward. The Strong Funds risk/reward continuum or any Fund's position on the
continuum may be described or diagrammed in marketing materials. The Strong
Funds risk/reward continuum positions the risk and reward potential of each
Strong Fund relative to the other Strong Funds, but is not intended to position
any Strong Fund relative to other mutual funds or investment products.
Marketing materials may also discuss the relationship between risk and reward
as it relates to an individual investor's portfolio.
TYING TIME FRAMES TO YOUR GOALS. There are many issues to consider as you make
your investment decisions, including analyzing your risk tolerance, investing
experience, and asset allocations. You should start to organize your
investments by learning to link your many financial goals to specific time
frames. Then you can begin to identify the appropriate types of investments to
help meet your goals. As a general rule of thumb, the longer your time
horizon, the more price fluctuation you will be able to tolerate in pursuit of
higher returns. For that reason, many people with longer-term goals select
stocks or long-term bonds, and many people with nearer-term goals match those
up with for instance, short-term bonds. The Advisor developed the following
suggested holding periods to help our investors set realistic expectations for
both the risk and reward potential of our funds. (See table below.) Of
course, time is just one element to consider when making your investment
decision.
STRONG FUNDS SUGGESTED MINIMUM HOLDING PERIODS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
UNDER 1 YEAR 1 TO 2 YEARS 4 TO 7 YEARS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Fund Advantage Fund Government Securities Fund
Heritage Money Fund Municipal Advantage Fund Municipal Bond Fund
Municipal Money Market Corporate Bond Fund
Fund 2 TO 4 YEARS International Bond Fund
Investors Money Fund Short-Term Bond Fund High-Yield Municipal Bond
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
Fund High-Yield Bond Fund
Short-Term Global Bond Global High-Yield Bond Fund
Fund
Short-Term High Yield Bond
Fund
Short-Term High Yield
Municipal Fund
<S> <C>
5 OR MORE YEARS
- ----------------------------------
Asset Allocation Fund
American Utilities Fund
Index 500 Fund
Total Return Fund
Opportunity Fund
Growth Fund
Common Stock Fund*
Discovery Fund
International Stock Fund
Asia Pacific Fund
Value Fund
Growth and Income Fund
Equity Income Fund
Mid Cap Fund
Schafer Value Fund
Growth 20 Fund
Blue Chip 100 Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Dow 30 Value Fund
Schafer Balanced Fund
Limited Resources Fund
Overseas Fund
Foreign MajorMarketsSM Fund
Strategic Growth Fund
Enterprise Fund
</TABLE>
40
<PAGE>
* This Fund is closed to new investors, except the Fund may continue to
offer its shares through certain 401(k) plans and similar company-sponsored
retirement plans.
ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION
PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS. In order to present a more complete picture of the
Fund's portfolio, marketing materials may include various actual or estimated
portfolio characteristics, including but not limited to median market
capitalizations, earnings per share, alphas, betas, price/earnings ratios,
returns on equity, dividend yields, capitalization ranges, growth rates,
price/book ratios, top holdings, sector breakdowns, asset allocations, quality
breakdowns, and breakdowns by geographic region.
MEASURES OF VOLATILITY AND RELATIVE PERFORMANCE. Occasionally statistics may
be used to specify fund volatility or risk. The general premise is that greater
volatility connotes greater risk undertaken in achieving performance. Measures
of volatility or risk are generally used to compare the Fund's net asset value
or performance relative to a market index. One measure of volatility is beta.
Beta is the volatility of a fund relative to the total market as represented by
the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index. A beta of more than 1.00 indicates
volatility greater than the market, and a beta of less than 1.00 indicates
volatility less than the market. Another measure of volatility or risk is
standard deviation. Standard deviation is a statistical tool that measures the
degree to which a fund's performance has varied from its average performance
during a particular time period.
Standard deviation is calculated using the following formula:
Standard deviation = the square root of S(xi - xm)2
n-1
Where: S = "the sum of",
xi = each individual return during the time period,
xm = the average return over the time period, and
n = the number of individual returns during the time period.
Statistics may also be used to discuss the Fund's relative performance. One
such measure is alpha. Alpha measures the actual return of a fund compared to
the expected return of a fund given its risk (as measured by beta). The
expected return is based on how the market as a whole performed, and how the
particular fund has historically performed against the market. Specifically,
alpha is the actual return less the expected return. The expected return is
computed by multiplying the advance or decline in a market representation by
the Fund's beta. A positive alpha quantifies the value that the fund manager
has added, and a negative alpha quantifies the value that the fund manager has
lost.
Other measures of volatility and relative performance may be used as
appropriate. However, all such measures will fluctuate and do not represent
future results.
DURATION. Duration is a calculation that seeks to measure the price
sensitivity of a bond or a bond fund to changes in interest rates. It measures
bond price sensitivity to interest rate changes by taking into account the time
value of cash flows generated over the bond's life. Future interest and
principal payments are discounted to reflect their present value and then are
multiplied by the number of years they will be received to produce a value that
is expressed in years. Since duration can also be computed
41
<PAGE>
for the Fund, you can estimate the effect of interest rates on the Fund's share
price. Simply multiply the Fund's duration by an expected change in interest
rates. For example, the price of the Fund with a duration of two years would
be expected to fall approximately two percent if market interest rates rose by
one percentage point.
GENERAL INFORMATION
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
The Advisor is an independent, Midwestern-based investment advisor, owned by
professionals active in its management. Recognizing that investors are the
focus of its business, the Advisor strives for excellence both in investment
management and in the service provided to investors. This commitment affects
many aspects of the business, including professional staffing, product
development, investment management, and service delivery.
The increasing complexity of the capital markets requires specialized skills
and processes for each asset class and style. Therefore, the Advisor believes
that active management should produce greater returns than a passively managed
index. The Advisor has brought together a group of top-flight investment
professionals with diverse product expertise, and each concentrates on their
investment specialty. The Advisor believes that people are the firm's most
important asset. For this reason, continuity of professionals is critical to
the firm's long-term success.
INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT
Discussions of economic, social, and political conditions and their impact on
the Fund may be used in advertisements and sales materials. Such factors that
may impact the Fund include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates,
political developments, the competitive environment, consumer behavior,
industry trends, technological advances, macroeconomic trends, and the supply
and demand of various financial instruments. In addition, marketing materials
may cite the portfolio management's views or interpretations of such factors.
EIGHT BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESSFUL MUTUAL FUND INVESTING
These common sense rules are followed by many successful investors. They make
sense for beginners, too. If you have a question on these principles, or would
like to discuss them with us, please contact us at 1-800-368-3863.
1. HAVE A PLAN - even a simple plan can help you take control of your
financial future. Review your plan once a year, or if your circumstances
change.
2. START INVESTING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Make time a valuable ally. Let it
put the power of compounding to work for you, while helping to reduce your
potential investment risk.
3. DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO. By investing in different asset classes -
stocks, bonds, and cash - you help protect against poor performance in one type
of investment while including investments most likely to help you achieve your
important goals.
4. INVEST REGULARLY. Investing is a process, not a one-time event. By
investing regularly over the long term, you reduce the impact of short-term
market gyrations, and you attend to your long-term plan before you're tempted
to spend those assets on short-term needs.
5. MAINTAIN A LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE. For most individuals, the best
discipline is staying invested as market conditions change. Reactive, emotional
investment decisions are all too often a source of regret - and principal loss.
6. CONSIDER STOCKS TO HELP ACHIEVE MAJOR LONG-TERM GOALS. Over time, stocks
have provided the more powerful returns needed to help the value of your
investments stay well ahead of inflation.
7. KEEP A COMFORTABLE AMOUNT OF CASH IN YOUR PORTFOLIO. To meet current
needs, including emergencies, use a money market fund or a bank account - not
your long-term investment assets.
42
<PAGE>
8. KNOW WHAT YOU'RE BUYING. Make sure you understand the potential risks
and rewards associated with each of your investments. Ask questions... request
information...make up your own mind. And choose a fund company that helps you
make informed investment decisions.
STRONG FINANCIAL ADVISORS GROUP
The Strong Financial Advisors Group is dedicated to helping financial advisors
better serve their clients. Financial advisors receive regular updates on the
mutual funds managed by the Advisor, access to portfolio managers through
special conference calls, consolidated mailings of duplicate confirmation
statements, access to the Advisor's network of regional representatives, and
other specialized services. For more information on the Strong Financial
Advisors Group, call 1-800-368-1683.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The Fund's portfolio manager(s) works with a team of analysts, traders, and
administrative personnel. From time to time, marketing materials may discuss
various members of the team, including their education, investment experience,
and other credentials.
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
The Funds' management utilizes the following management philosophy:
- - Successful fixed-income management begins with a top-down analysis of the
economy, interest rates, and the supply of and demand for credit.
- - Defining benchmarks for duration, yield-curve characteristics, and
sector/quality composition, making only moderate deviations from those
benchmarks, and then modeling the effects of different economic scenarios on
the portfolio is an efficient way to add value and control risk.
- - Intensive research on individual issuers can uncover solid investment
opportunities, especially in improving credits.
SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND AND HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
To help reduce investment risk, the Fund's management is highly selective,
relying on intensive, ongoing credit research. Its first-hand research
includes frequent contact with issuers' management, often entails on-site
visits, and applies to bonds already purchased as well as to those under
consideration. Decisions are made at three levels that are consistent with the
manager's viewpoint of the path of secular trends, economic activity, and
interest rates:
1. Credit Quality: The investment process is research-driven, with the
objective of limiting credit risk. The Fund's management may prefer issuers
that have not secured a credit rating either because they lack the requisite
operating history or because they are simply too small to justify the
expense of being rated. It also seeks to capitalize on turnaround issues.
However, the Fund's management believes that yield does not compensate for
extreme credit risks.
2. Sector Distribution: The Fund's management target sectors of the municipal
market that are expected to remain stable or improve in credit quality.
Primary themes currently include the aging of America and the reconstruction
of our nation's infrastructure.
3. Maturity Distribution: The average maturity changes based on an assessment
of the future direction of interest rates, with an attempt to maximize
upside price potential when interest rates are expected to fall, and reduce
downside price potential when rates are expected to rise. An optimal
maturity structure is based on fundamental and technical analysis.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
43
<PAGE>
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53202, are the independent accountants for the Fund, providing audit services
and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation of filings with
the SEC.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., 780 North Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, acts
as legal counsel for the Fund.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Annual Report for the Fund that is attached to this SAI contains the
following audited financial information:
1. Schedule of Investments in Securities.
2. Statement of Operations.
3. Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
4. Statement of Changes in Net Assets.
5. Notes to Financial Statements.
6. Financial Highlights.
7. Report of Independent Accountants.
44
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A - ASSET COMPOSITION BY BOND RATINGS
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund's assets were invested in
the credit categories shown below. Percentages are computed on a
dollar-weighted basis and are an average of twelve monthly calculations.
STRONG HIGH-YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
RATED ADVISOR'S ASSESSMENT
RATING SECURITIES* OF UNRATED SECURITIES
- ------ ----------- ---------------------------
AAA x.x% x%
AA x.x x
A x.x x
BBB x.x x
BB x.x x
B x.x x
CCC x.x x
CC x.x x
C x.x x
D x.x x
Total x.x + x.x =x%
</TABLE>
STRONG MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
RATED ADVISOR'S ASSESSMENT
RATING SECURITIES* OF UNRATED SECURITIES
- ------ ----------- ---------------------------
AAA x.x% x%
AA x.x x
A x.x x
BBB x.x x
BB x.x x
B x.x x
CCC x.x x
CC x.x x
C x.x x
D x.x x
Total x.x + x.x =x%
- ------ ----------- ---------------------------
</TABLE>
* The indicated percentages are based on the highest rating received from any
one NRSRO. Each of the NRSROs utilizes rating categories that are substantially
similar to those used in this chart (see the information below for the rating
categories of several NRSROs).
45
<PAGE>
STRONG SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
RATED ADVISOR'S ASSESSMENT
RATING SECURITIES* OF UNRATED SECURITIES
- ------ ----------- ---------------------------
AAA x.x% x%
AA x.x x
A x.x x
BBB x.x x
BB x.x x
B x.x x
CCC x.x x
CC x.x x
C x.x x
D x.x x
Total x.x + x.x =x%
- ------ ----------- ---------------------------
</TABLE>
STRONG SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
RATED ADVISOR'S ASSESSMENT
RATING SECURITIES* OF UNRATED SECURITIES
- ------ ----------- ---------------------------
AAA x.x% x%
AA x.x x
A x.x x
BBB x.x x
BB x.x x
B x.x x
CCC x.x x
CC x.x x
C x.x x
D x.x x
Total x.x + x.x =x%
- ------ ----------- ---------------------------
</TABLE>
* The indicated percentages are based on the highest rating received from any
one NRSRO. Each of the NRSROs utilizes rating categories that are substantially
similar to those used in this chart (see the information below for the rating
categories of several NRSROs).
46
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B - DEFINITION OF BOND RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation,
a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program
(including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs).
It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or
other forms of credit enhancement of the obligation and takes into account the
currency in which the obligation is denominated.
Issue credit ratings are based on current information furnished by the obligors
or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers to be
reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any
credit ratings and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information.
Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings
are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the
relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an
original maturity of no more than 365 days - including commercial paper.
Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor
with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual
rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition
to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term
ratings.
Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
1. Likelihood of payment capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet
its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the
obligation.
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation.
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the
event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such,
they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are
typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in
bankruptcy.
AAA Obligation rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet is financial commitment on the
obligation is extremely strong.
AA Obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest rated obligations only in
small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.
A Obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB Obligation rated 'BBB' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
Obligations rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC' and 'C' are regarded as having
significant speculative characteristics. 'BB' indicates the least degree of
speculation and 'C' the highest. While such obligations will likely have some
quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large
uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB Obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues . However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the
obligor's inadequate capacity to meet the financial commitment on the
obligation.
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B Obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
'BB' but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic
conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC Obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely
to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC Obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C Obligation rated 'C' may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy
petition has been filed, or similar action has been taken, but payments on this
obligation are being continued.
D Obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used
when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grade period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon
the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if
payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
MOODY'S LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS
Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edged". Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations
(I.E., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over
any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
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C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
FITCH IBCA, INC. ("FITCH") LONG-TERM NATIONAL CREDIT RATINGS
AAA
Obligations which have the highest rating assigned by Fitch on its national
rating scale for that country. This rating is automatically assigned to all
obligations issued or guaranteed by the sovereign state. Capacity for timely
repayment of principal and interest is extremely strong, relative to other
obligors in the same country.
AA
Obligations for which capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest
is very strong relative to other obligors in the same country. The risk
attached to these obligations differs only slightly from the country's highest
rated debt.
A
Obligations for which capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest
is strong relative to other obligors in the same country. However, adverse
changes in business, economic or financial conditions are more likely to affect
the capacity for timely repayment than for obligations in higher rated
categories.
BBB
Obligations for which capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest
is adequate relative to other obligors in the same country. However, adverse
changes in business, economic or financial conditions are more likely to affect
the capacity for timely repayment than for obligations in higher rated
categories.
BB
Obligations for which capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest
is uncertain relative to other obligors in the same country. Within the
context of the country, these obligations are speculative to some degree and
capacity for timely repayment remains susceptible over time to adverse changes
in business, financial or economic conditions.
B
Obligations for which capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest
is uncertain relative to other obligors in the same country. Timely repayment
of principal and interest is not sufficiently protected against adverse changes
in business, economic or financial conditions and these obligations are more
speculative than those in higher rated categories.
CCC
Obligations for which there is a current perceived possibility of default
relative to other obligors in the same country. Timely repayment of principal
and interest is dependent on favorable business, economic or financial
conditions and these obligations are far more speculative than those in higher
rated categories.
CC
Obligations which are highly speculative relative to other obligors in the same
country or which have a high risk of default.
C
Obligations which are currently in default.
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DUFF & PHELPS, INC. LONG-TERM DEBT AND PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
Rating Definition
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 may
AA vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
AA-
A+ Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors are
more
A variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
A-
BBB+ Below average protection factors but still considered sufficient for
prudent
BBB investment. Considerable variability in risk during economic cycles.
BBB-
BB+ Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
BB Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according
to
BB- 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
met
B when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely according
to
B- 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.
THOMSON BANKWATCH LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS
Long-Term Debt Ratings assigned by Thomson BankWatch also weigh heavily
government ownership and support. The quality of both the company's management
and franchise are of even greater importance in the Long-Term Debt Rating
decisions. Long-Term Debt Ratings look out over a cycle and are not adjusted
frequently for what it believes are short-term performance aberrations.
Long-Term Debt Ratings can be restricted to local currency debt - ratings will
be identified by the designation LC. In addition, Long-Term Debt Ratings may
include a plus (+) or minus (-) to indicate where within the category the issue
is placed. BankWatch Long-Term Debt Ratings are based on the following scale:
50
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INVESTMENT GRADE
AAA (LC-AAA) - Indicates that the ability to repay principal and interest on a
timely basis is extremely high.
AA (LC-AA) - Indicates a very strong ability to repay principal and interest on
a timely basis, with limited incremental risk compared to issues rated in the
highest category.
A (LC-A) - Indicates the ability to repay principal and interest is strong.
Issues rated A could be more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal
and external) than obligations with higher ratings.
BBB (LC-BBB) - The lowest investment-grade category; indicates an acceptable
capacity to repay principal and interest. BBB issues are more vulnerable to
adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher
ratings.
NON-INVESTMENT GRADE - may be speculative in the likelihood of timely repayment
of principal and interest
BB (LC-BB) - While not investment grade, the BB rating suggests that the
likelihood of default is considerably less than for lower-rated issues.
However, there are significant uncertainties that could affect the ability to
adequately service debt obligations.
B (LC-B) - Issues rated B show higher degree of uncertainty and therefore
greater likelihood of default than higher-rated issues. Adverse developments
could negatively affect the payment of interest and principal on a timely
basis.
CCC (LC-CCC) - Issues rated CCC clearly have a high likelihood of default, with
little capacity to address further adverse changes in financial circumstances.
CC (LC-CC) - CC is applied to issues that are subordinate to other obligations
rated CCC and are afforded less protection in the event of bankruptcy or
reorganization.
D (LC-D) - Default.
SHORT-TERM RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS
'A-1'
A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by
Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are
designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to
meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
'A-2'
A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the averse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligations is satisfactory.
'A-3'
A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation.
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'B'
A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligations; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties
which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
'C'
A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
'D'
A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating
category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's
believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D'
rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking
of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
MOODY'S SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS
Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original
maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.
Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for
repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability
will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: (i) leading
market positions in well-established industries, (ii) high rates of return on
funds employed, (iii) conservative capitalization structure with moderate
reliance on debt and ample asset protection, (iv) broad margins in earnings
coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation, and (v)
well established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of
alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for
repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above, but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be
more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability
for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt
protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
FITCH IBCA, INC. ("FITCH") SHORT-TERM NATIONAL CREDIT RATINGS
F1
Obligations assigned this rating have the highest capacity for timely repayment
under Fitch's national rating scale for that country, relative to other
obligations in the same country. This rating is automatically assigned to all
obligations issued or guaranteed by the sovereign state. Where issues possess
a particularly strong credit feature, a "+" is added to the assigned rating.
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F2
Obligations supported by a strong capacity for timely repayment relative to
other obligors in the same country. However, the relative degree of risk is
slightly higher than for issues classified as 'A1' and capacity for timely
repayment may be susceptible to adverse change in business, economic, or
financial conditions.
F3
Obligations supported by an adequate capacity for timely repayment relative to
other obligors in the same country. Such capacity is more susceptible to
adverse changes in business, economic, or financial conditions than for
obligations in higher categories.
B
Obligations for which the capacity for timely repayment is uncertain relative
to other obligors in the same country. The capacity for timely repayment is
susceptible to adverse changes in business, economic, or financial conditions.
C
Obligations for which there is a high risk of default to other obligors in the
same country or which are in default.
DUFF & PHELPS, INC. SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS
RATING: DEFINITION
HIGH GRADE
D-1+ Highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term liquidity, including
internal operating factors and/or access to alternative sources of funds, is
outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term
obligations.
D-1 Very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent
and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are minor.
D-1- High certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong and
supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very small.
GOOD GRADE
D-2 Good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and company
fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge total
financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk factors are
small.
SATISFACTORY GRADE
D-3 Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors qualify issues as
to investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to more variation.
Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.
NON-INVESTMENT GRADE
D-4 Speculative investment characteristics. Liquidity is not sufficient to
insure against disruption in debt service. Operating factors and market access
may be subject to a high degree of variation.
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DEFAULT
D-5 Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and/or interest
payments.
THOMSON BANKWATCH (TBW) SHORT-TERM RATINGS
TBW assigns Short-Term Debt Ratings to specific debt instruments with original
maturities of one year or less.
TBW-1 (LC-1) The highest category; indicates a very high likelihood that
principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis.
TBW-2 (LC-2) The second highest category; while the degree of safety regarding
timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, the relative degree of
safety is not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1".
TBW-3 (LC-3) The lowest investment-grade category; indicates that while the
obligation is more susceptible to adverse developments (both internal and
external) than those with higher ratings, the capacity to service principal and
interest in a timely fashion is considered adequate.
TBW-4 (LC-4) The lowest rating category; this rating is regarded as
non-investment grade and therefore speculative.
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STRONG MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC.
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. EXHIBITS
(a) Articles of Incorporation dated July 31, 1996(2)
(a.1) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated October 13, 1997(3)
(b) Bylaws dated October 20, 1995(1)
(b.1) Amendment to Bylaws dated May 1, 1998(4)
(c) Specimen Stock Certificate and Article IV to the Articles of
Incorporation(2)
(d) Investment Advisory Agreement(1)
(e) Distribution Agreement(1)
(f) Inapplicable
(g) Custody Agreement(1)
(h) Shareholder Servicing Agent Agreement(1)
(i) Inapplicable
(j) Inapplicable
(k) Inapplicable
(l) Inapplicable
(m) Inapplicable
(n) Inapplicable
(o) Inapplicable
(p) Power of Attorney dated June 26, 1997(2)
(q) Inapplicable
(r) Code of Ethics for Access Persons dated October 18, 1996(2)
(r.1) Code of Ethics for Non-Access Persons dated October 18, 1996(2)
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about
November 17, 1995.
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about June
27, 1997.
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about
November 25, 1997.
(4) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about June
26, 1998.
Item 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
Registrant neither controls any person nor is under common control with
any other person.
1
<PAGE>
Item 25. INDEMNIFICATION
Officers and directors are insured under a joint errors and omissions
insurance policy underwritten by American International Group and Great
American Insurance Company in the aggregate amount of $100,000,000, subject to
certain deductions. Pursuant to the authority of the Wisconsin Business
Corporation Law ("WBCL"), Article VII of Registrant's Bylaws provides as
follows:
ARTICLE VII. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
SECTION 7.01. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation shall
indemnify, to the full extent permitted by the WBCL, as in effect from time to
time, the persons described in Sections 180.0850 through 180.0859 (or any
successor provisions) of the WBCL or other provisions of the law of the State
of Wisconsin relating to indemnification of directors and officers, as in
effect from time to time. The indemnification afforded such persons by this
section shall not be exclusive of other rights to which they may be entitled as
a matter of law.
SECTION 7.02. PERMISSIVE SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFITS. The Corporation may,
but shall not be required to, supplement the right of indemnification under
Section 7.01 by (a) the purchase of insurance on behalf of any one or more of
such persons, whether or not the Corporation would be obligated to indemnify
such person under Section 7.01; (b) individual or group indemnification
agreements with any one or more of such persons; and (c) advances for related
expenses of such a person.
SECTION 7.03. AMENDMENT. This Article VII may be amended or repealed
only by a vote of the shareholders and not by a vote of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 7.04. INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. In no event shall the Corporation
indemnify any person hereunder in contravention of any provision of the
Investment Company Act.
Item 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The information contained under "Who are the Funds' Investment Advisor and
Portfolio Managers?" in the Prospectus and under "Directors and Officers,"
"Investment Advisor," and "Distributor" in the Statement of Additional
Information is hereby incorporated by reference pursuant to Rule 411 under the
Securities Act of 1933.
Item 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Strong Funds Distributors, Inc., principal underwriter for Registrant,
also serves as principal underwriter for Strong Advantage Fund, Inc.; Strong
Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.; Strong Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.; Strong Common
Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.; Strong Corporate Bond
Fund, Inc.; Strong Discovery Fund, Inc.; Strong Equity Funds, Inc.; Strong
Government Securities Fund, Inc.; Strong Heritage Reserve Series, Inc.; Strong
High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Income Funds, Inc.; Strong
Institutional Funds, Inc.; Strong International Equity Funds, Inc.; Strong
International Income Funds, Inc.; Strong Money Market Fund, Inc.; Strong
Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.; Strong Opportunity
Fund II, Inc.; Strong Schafer Funds, Inc.; Strong Schafer Value Fund, Inc.;
Strong Short-Term Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Global Bond Fund, Inc.;
Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.;
and Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
2
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(b)
Name and Principal Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
BUSINESS ADDRESS WITH UNDERWRITER WITH FUND
Richard S. Strong Director and Chairman Director and Chairman of
900 Heritage Reserve of the Board the Board
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Thomas P. Lemke Chief Operating Officer, Vice President
900 Heritage Reserve Vice President and Chief
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Compliance Officer
Stephen J. Shenkenberg Vice President, Deputy Vice President
900 Heritage Reserve Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 and Secretary
Peter D. Schwab Vice President none
900 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Joseph R. DeMartine Vice President none
900 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Donald G. Tyler Vice President none
900 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Anthony J. D'Amato Vice President none
900 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Thomas M. Zoeller Treasurer and Chief none
900 Heritage Reserve Financial Officer
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Richard T. Weiss Director none
900 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
(c) Inapplicable
Item 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
All accounts, books, or other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated
thereunder are in the physical possession of Registrant's Vice President,
Thomas P. Lemke, at Registrant's corporate offices, 100 Heritage Reserve,
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051.
3
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Item 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
All management-related service contracts entered into by Registrant are
discussed in Parts A and B of this Registration Statement.
Item 30. UNDERTAKINGS
None
4
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it has duly
caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly
authorized, in the Village of Menomonee Falls, and State of Wisconsin on the
28th day of October, 1998.
STRONG MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC.
(Registrant)
BY: /S/ THOMAS P. LEMKE
Thomas P. Lemke, Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A has
been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
NAME TITLE DATE
- ----------------------------- ------------------------------------ -----------------
Vice President (Principal Executive
/s/ Thomas P. Lemke Officer) October 28, 1998
- -----------------------------
Thomas P. Lemke
/s/ Richard S. Strong Chairman of the Board and a Director October 28, 1998
- -----------------------------
Richard S. Strong
Treasurer (Principal Financial and
/s/ John A. Flanagan Accounting Officer) October 28, 1998
- -----------------------------
John A. Flanagan
Director October 28, 1998
- -----------------------------
Marvin E. Nevins*
Director October 28, 1998
- -----------------------------
Willie D. Davis*
Director October 28, 1998
- -----------------------------
William F. Vogt*
Director October 28, 1998
- -----------------------------
Stanley Kritzik*
</TABLE>
* John S. Weitzer signs this document pursuant to powers of attorney filed
with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A.
BY: /S/ JOHN S. WEITZER
John S. Weitzer
1
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EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
EDGAR
EXHIBIT NO. EXHIBIT EXHIBIT NO.
None
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
