HEARTLAND GROUP INC
N-30D, 1996-09-09
Previous: FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL INC /DE/, 4, 1996-09-09
Next: DESERT SPRINGS ACQUISITION CORP, 10QSB/A, 1996-09-09



<PAGE>   1
                                     [Logo]
                                HEARTLAND FUNDS
                            AMERICA'S VALUE INVESTOR


                                  VALUE REPORT
                              SECOND QUARTER 1996

                            Notes on value investing
                                for investors in
                                Heartland Funds


                               SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
                                TO SHAREHOLDERS


<PAGE>   2


                                   [Photo of
                                Bill Nasgovitz]
DEAR INVESTOR


The year's first half saw stock indices reach historic highs, as growth and
momentum investors had their day.

But we value investors did, too. As the popular stocks sizzled and soared,
thousands remained comparatively overlooked, and more than a few former
high-flyers lay smoldering on the ground. And it's there - among the
wallflowers and casualties - that we find bargains, through aggressive research
and rigorous selection based on our value criteria.

On the facing page, we present our value criteria for selecting stocks. On the
pages that follow, you'll find these criteria translated into real-world
portfolio holdings. You'll see, too, how they serve as a framework for what we
believe are original thinking and creative decision-making.

We are also pleased to enclose each Fund's six-month performance summary and
financial information.

If you have a question or comment on this issue of the VALUE REPORT, please
feel free to contact us at 1-800-432-7856.

Sincerely,



William J. Nasgovitz
President

August 10, 1996

1 VALUE REPORT



<PAGE>   3



                                                                 VALUE INVESTING

OUR VALUE CRITERIA FOR INVESTING IN STOCKS

In selecting stocks, Heartland Advisors considers whether a security is
undervalued relative to a set of factors, including:

  1. LOW PRICE/EARNINGS MULTIPLE. Profits make the world go around.

  2. HIGH CASH FLOW. Cash is king!

  3. INCREASED EARNINGS. A sure sign of growth.

  4. DISCOUNT TO BOOK VALUE. Tangible, salable assets at a bargain.

  5. FINANCIAL SOUNDNESS. Clean balance sheet - a margin of safety.

  6. HIGH INSIDER OWNERSHIP. Management with a vested interest.

  7. CAPABLE MANAGEMENT. Competent, respected and ethical.

  8. HIDDEN ASSETS. Assets not reflected on the books.

  9. POSITIVE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS. Is the stock positioned to appreciate?

  10. CATALYST FOR RECOGNITION. Events that will change the market's perception
      for the better.

Over the years, this value discipline has served our investors well. If you
would like to know more about it, you can find a detailed explanation in the
Funds' prospectus wrap.

                                  VALUE UPDATE
         Changes in holdings highlighted in last quarter's Value Report
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      CHANGE SINCE                % OF PORTFOLIO
COMPANY              FUND             MARCH 31, 1996               AS OF 6/30/96

Boca Research, Inc.  Small Cap        Purchased 141,000
                     Contrarian       additional shares                 2.4%

PictureTel Corp.     Small Cap        Covered entire short position
                     Contrarian       of 25,000 shares at a profit        0%

Forest Oil Co.       Value            Added 60,000 shares               1.4%

Decorator            Value & Income   Purchased 15,900
Industries, Inc.                      additional shares                 2.0%

Quantum Health       U.S. Government  Sold 3,295 bonds for a gain       0.8%
Resources, Inc.      Securities Fund


                                                                  VALUE REPORT 2


<PAGE>   4


HEARTLAND
SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND

A SECOND OPINION

It would appear that ADVANCED TISSUE SCIENCES has a lot going for it. Patented
technology, excellent management, strong sales growth, and an exciting
product...skin replacement tissue made from live human cells, intended for
victims of burns, ulcers and hard-to-heal wounds.

Yet, conversely, Advanced Tissue has something going against it: the company
has never earned a penny. In fact, by this past March - when we started to
"short" its stock - the company had experienced 22 consecutive quarterly
losses...a trend that's expected to continue through 1997.

Nonetheless, because of the company's exceptional potential, speculators had
bid up its stock to 10X book value and 160X sales - valuations that we
considered simply absurd.

Throughout the second quarter, we continued to short Advanced Tissue stock. By
June 30, we had shorted 75,000 shares at an average sales price of $15.78 - a
dollar amount representing over 0.5% of the portfolio's assets.

Will Advanced now decline, producing a profit for the Fund? We'll keep you
posted.


As part of its aggressive approach to value investing, this Fund can take
advantage of stocks that appear overvalued and ready to fall. It sells these
stocks "short," hoping to profit from their decline. An example is Advanced
Tissue Sciences

<TABLE>
                    
<S>                            <C>
Price .........................  $  12.75
Revenues ('96 est.) ...........  $4.8 mil
Earnings per share ('96 est.)..  $ (0.70)
Cash flow per share ...........  negative
Book value per share ..........  $   1.56
Sales per share ...............  $   0.13
% of portfolio (short) ........     0.44%

</TABLE>

(Statistics as of 7/26/96)


3 VALUE REPORT


<PAGE>   5

                                                               PORTFOLIO PROFILE
OBJECTIVE

The Heartland Small Cap Contrarian Fund seeks to achieve maximum long-term
growth through an aggressive investment strategy with small company stocks to
take advantage of both rising and, to a lesser degree, declining markets.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
                                  YTD             SINCE INCEPTION
                              6/30/96(1)  1-YEAR       4/27/95
                              ----------  ------  ----------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>
Small Cap Contrarian Fund ..       18.3%    27.4%       35.5%
Russell 2000 ...............       10.4     23.9        27.6 (2)
</TABLE>                                           


1                  2
  Not annualized.   Since 5/1/95.  The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged
index of stocks considered to be representative of the small-cap market in
general.

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>
TOP 10 HOLDINGS
Interdigital
Communications Corp................ 3.8%
ICN Pharmaceuticals................ 3.7
Equity Inns, Inc................... 3.1
Syncor International............... 2.9
Campbell Resources................. 2.8
Boca Research...................... 2.4
London Pacific Group, Ltd.......... 2.2
Crown Book Corp.................... 2.0
Interpore International............ 1.7
Compression Labs................... 1.6

GENERAL INFORMATION
Assets............................. $222.0 mil
Net asset value (NAV)..............     $13.95
Median market cap.................. $   50 mil
P/E ratio ('96 est.)...............      15.8X
Sales load.........................       None
Inception..........................    4/27/95
</TABLE>


PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

[graphic - A pie chart displays categories of the Heartland Small Cap
Contrarian Fund's portfolio as of 6/30/96:  small-cap value stocks at 88.1%;
cash & equivalents at 0.2%; short positions at 11.7%]

All statistics are as of June 30, 1996.



                                                                  VALUE REPORT 4


<PAGE>   6

HEARTLAND VALUE FUND

DRILLING FOR DOLLARS

What does Heartland have in common with a small international oil and gas
service and equipment company? We both dig deeply for value.

Back in 1994, value was exactly what we discovered in CLIFFS DRILLING. Our
research efforts unearthed a company that met virtually all of our value
criteria.

Houston-based Cliffs Drilling was selling at only 80% of book value, with no
debt, no institutional coverage, strong insider buying, conservative but
innovative management, and a strategy of diversifying into market niches that
provided both higher margins and more predictable sources of income and cash
flow.

In 1994, we made a purchase of 300,000 shares at $12. Since then, we've
continued to buy, eventually accumulating some 400,000 shares, or 7% of the
company.

This past April, Cliffs Drilling purchased a number of mobile offshore drilling
rigs, thus doubling its exploration capacity overnight and expanding its
activities in Venezuela and the Gulf of Mexico.

This aggressive expansion, and the stock issue that financed it, has drawn
investor attention, causing the stock's price to rise smartly. By  quarter-end,
we felt the stock was fairly valued at its price of $34; consequently, we
started to lessen our position.


As of July 26, 1996, CLIFFS DRILLING'S price was $28.25, and this stock
represented 0.49% of portfolio assets.

5 VALUE REPORT


<PAGE>   7



                                                            PORTFOLIO PROFILE
OBJECTIVE

The Heartland Value Fund seeks capital appreciation through small
company stocks selected on a value basis.
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Since
                              YTD                                                   inception
                           6/30/96 (1)      1-year          5-year       10-year      12/28/84
- ----------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  -----------   -----------
<S>                    <C>             <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>
Value Fund ...........       13.4%           23.3%           24.1%        13.6%       17.0%
Russell 2000 .........       10.4            23.9            17.5         10.4        13.3(2)
S&P 500 ..............       10.2            26.1            15.8         13.8        16.4(2)
</TABLE>                                                    
                                                            

(1) Not annualized.  (2) Since 12/31/84.  The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged
index of stocks considered to be representative of the small-cap market in
general. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks representing
major U.S. industries. Small company stocks may be more volatile than those of
the S&P 500.



<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>           
TOP 10 HOLDINGS                                                                      
ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc....... 3.8%                                                     
                                                                                     
CMAC Investment Corp........... 1.5                                                        
                                                                                     
John Alden Financial Corp. .... 1.5                                                     
                                                                                     
Forest Oil .................... 1.4                                                       
                                                                                     
Grancare, Inc.................. 1.4                                                  
                                                                                     
Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. ... 1.3                                                  
                                                                                     
Quantum Health                                                                       
Resources, Inc. ............... 1.2                                                  
                                                                                     
Presidential Life Corp......... 1.2                                                  
                                                                                     
Allwaste, Inc.................. 1.2                                                  
                                                                                     
Interdigital                                                                         
Communications Corp............ 1.2                                                  

GENERAL INFORMATION                                                          
Assets ........................ $1.5 bil                    
                                          
Net asset value (NAV) ......... $31.69  
                                                      
Median market cap  ............ $76mil  
                                          
P/E ratio ('96 est.)  ......... 14X  
                                          
Sales load .................... None  
                                          
Inception  .................... 12/28/84  
                                          
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION                     
                                          
[graphic - A pie chart displays           
categories of the Heartland Value         
Fund's portfolio as of 6/30/96:           
small-cap value stocks at 83.4%;          
short-term and corporate bonds &          
convertibles at 3.9%; cash &              
equivalents at 12.7%]                     

All statistics are as of June 30, 1996.

</TABLE>

VALUE REPORT 6       

<PAGE>   8



                        HEARTLAND VALUE & INCOME FUND






A SNAZZY CONVERTIBLE                                                            
                                                                                
Our equity research can yield                                                   
unexpected dividends. Take for                                                  
example the convertible bond                                                    
of ICN PHARMACEUTICALS.                                                         
                                                                                
ICN is a rapidly growing, very                                                  
profitable drug manufacturer                                                    
and distributor, with extensive                                                 
operations in the U.S. and Eastern                                              
Europe. We first bought its stock                                               
for the Value Fund in 1994 and have                                             
added to our position periodically.                                             
From our average cost of $18, the                                               
stock has risen to $27. But we still                                            
consider it to be a compelling value,                                           
since it sells at only 9X estimated                                             
'96 earnings.                                                                   
                                                                                
Because we feel confident in this                                               
stock, we've chosen to invest in ICN's                                          
convertible bond for the Value &                                                
Income Fund. This 8.5% bond due in                                              
1999 provides a generous stream of                                              
current income and appreciation                                                 
potential - each $1000 bond is                                                  
convertible into 45 shares 
of ICN stock. At our cost of $980,  
this bond yields 8.7%. And its      
price, having risen along with       
the stock's, was $1,200 at           
quarter end.                         
                                     
Convertibles currently represent     
16.6% of the Fund's assets, and      
account for much of its generous     
yield of 3.32%. Thus they make a    
healthy contribution to total       
return and provide a potential      
share-price cushion if the market   
turns down.                         
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
As of July 26, 1996, the price of   
ICN's convertible bond was $1,190,  
and it represented 3.1% of the      
Value & Income Fund's assets. In    
the Value Fund, ICN's common stock  
stood at $27.875 and represented    
4.11% of the Fund's assets.         
                                    
Value Report 7
<PAGE>   9


                                                   PORTFOLIO PROFILE


OBJECTIVE

The Heartland Value & Income Fund seeks long-term capital growth with
meaningful current income.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
                                 YTD                    Since inception        
                              6/30/96(1)    1-year         10/26/93          
                              ----------    ------      ---------------       
<S>                         <C>           <C>         <C>                   
Value & Income Fund ......... 15.5%         21.9%            14.5%       
                                                          
S&P 400 Mid-Cap Index .......  9.2          21.6             14.4(2)       
                                                          
Lehman Intermediate                                                  
Corporate Bond Index ........ -0.9           5.3              5.2(2)       
                                                          
Current Yield(3) ............  3.3%                                        
</TABLE>

(1) Not annualized. (2) Since 11/1/93. (3) June SEC yield annualized for
the 30 days commencing 6/1/96. The S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index is an unmanaged index
of 400 mid-cap stocks representing major U.S. industries. The Lehman
Intermediate Corporate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of intermediate-term
corporate bonds. 

<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>
TOP 10 HOLDINGS                                                             
                                                                            
NovaCare, Inc.................. 5.6%                                        
                                                                            
USX Delhi Group ............... 4.9                                         
                                                                            
Shopko Stores, Inc............. 4.7                                         
                                                                            
Western Gas Resources, Inc..... 4.4                                         
                                                                            
Callon Petroleum                                                            
(8.5% preferred) .............. 4.3                                         
                                                                            
Minnesota Power & Light ....... 4.2                                         
                                                                            
Berry Petroleum................ 4.2                                         
                                                                            
Carson Pirie Scott & Co........ 3.9                                         
                                                                            
Toro, Inc...................... 3.6                                         
                                                                           
Regency Health Services, Inc.                                                 
(bond 9.875% due 10/15/02)..... 3.5                                          
                                                                              
GENERAL INFORMATION                                    
                                      
Assets ................... $ 27.6 mil 
                                         
Net asset value (NAV) ....... $12.68     
                                                                 
Median market cap .......... $220 mil 
                                      
P/E ratio ('96 est.) ........... 16X  
                                      
Sales load .................... None  
                                      
Inception ................. 10/26/93  
                                      
                                      
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION                 
                                      
[graphic - A pie chart displays       
categories of the Heartland           
Value & Income Fund's portfolio       
as of 6/30/96:  common stocks at      
57.2%; corporate bonds &              
convertibles at 27.2%;                
utilities/preferred stocks at         
8.5%; cash & equivalents at 7.1%]     

All statistics are as of June 30 1996.

</TABLE>

VALUE REPORT  8  
                             
<PAGE>   10


HEARTLAND
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND

INVESTING WITH AUTHORITY

In the 1930s, with the country in the grip of the Great Depression, Congress
created the TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY. This governmental agency had a noble,
well-defined charter: to improve the economic conditions in Appalachia by
bringing electricity and other elements of infrastructure to this notably poor
region of rural America.

The TVA financed its projects with bonds. Successful from the start, it has
grown to be one of the nation's largest electric utilities, with annual
revenues of over $5 billion and assets exceeding $31 billion.

We recently bought a TVA bond that we believe represents outstanding value.
Until November of 1999, this security functions as a zero coupon bond. At that
point, it may be subject to call at $106.16. Otherwise, it starts paying
dividends at the rate of 8.625% until 2029.

We calculate that this AAA-rated bond will always pay 1.2% - 1.75% over 30-year
Treasuries. Thus, while this issue is callable at many points during its life,
we believe we'll be well compensated for that possibility.

Actually, we believe this bond may well be called in 1999. If it is, we
estimate our annual return will be 8.15%; if not, it carries a yield to
maturity of 8.18%. Contrast this to the 6.9% now offered by 30-year Treasuries
and the 7.6% yield of A-rated long-term corporates.


TVA 0% OF 2029 (6/30/96)
- --------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>
Average cost
of bonds in Fund................  $      742
Current market value............  $      813
Total market value..............  $3,251,184
% of portfolio assets...........        5.6%
</TABLE>


                                                                  VALUE REPORT 9


<PAGE>   11


                                                               PORTFOLIO PROFILE

OBJECTIVE

The Heartland U.S. Government Securities Fund seeks a high level of
current income, liquidity and safety of principal.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS       
                                                                    Since
                                           YTD                    inception
                                        6/30/96(1)  1 YR.  5 YR.   4/9/87
                                        ----------  -----  -----  ---------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>    <C>    <C>
U.S. Government Securities Fund.......    -4.5%     2.6%   8.5%       8.2%

Lipper General       
U.S. Government Fund Index............    -2.2      3.7    6.8        7.6(2)
             
Current Yield(3)......................     6.7%
</TABLE>
(1) Not annualized.  (2) Since 4/1/87. (3) June SEC yield annualized
for the 30 days commencing 6/1/96. The Lipper General U.S. Government Fund
Index is an equally weighted index of the performance of the 30 largest general
U.S. government funds as tracked by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.



<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
TOP 10 HOLDINGS
U.S. Treasury 7.25% 5/15/2004................ 15.3%
U.S. Treasury 0% 11/15/2016.................. 13.9
FNMA-CMO 7% 2/25/20 FNR 1993-2PG............. 10.0
FHLMC 6.4% 1/15/23 FHR 1619 B................  8.1
FHLM-CMO 7% 1/15/22 FHR 1437 G...............  5.9
TVA 0% 11/15/2029............................  5.6
Coleman Holdings 0% 5/27/1998................  5.5
Louis Dreyfus 9.25% 06/15/2004...............  5.3
Grancare 9.375% 9/15/2005....................  4.6

GENERAL INFORMATION
Assets.......................................  $57.6 mil
Net asset value (NAV)........................      $9.22

Ave. weighted
fund maturity................................  11.4 yrs.
Ave. weighted duration.......................   8.3 yrs.
Sales load...................................       None
Inception....................................     4/9/87
</TABLE>


PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
[graphic - A pie chart displays categories of the Heartland U.S.
Government Securities Fund's portfolio as of 6/30/96:  corporate bonds at
21.3%; treasury & agency bonds at 42.0%; mortgage-backed securities at 33.0%;
cash & equivalents at 3.7%]

All statistics are as of June 30, 1996.

                                                                 VALUE REPORT 10


<PAGE>   12


TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


   Page  Fund
   ----  ----
   12    Small Cap Contrarian Fund
   23    Value Fund
   39    Value & Income Fund
   46    U.S. Government Securities Fund


11 VALUE REPORT


<PAGE>   13


                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                            SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                      VALUE
HELD          COMMON STOCKS - 86.9%                                                                                        NOTE 1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                                                                                        <C>
              BANKS AND SAVINGS & LOANS - 4.5%                                                                    
   20,000  *  BankUnited Financial Corp. (Class A)- Operates nine banking offices in south Florida .................... $   145,000
    8,400     Beverly Bancorporation - Community bank serving southwest Chicago........................................     571,200
   37,800  *  CB Bancorp, Inc. - Savings bank in northern Indiana......................................................     670,950
   50,000  *  Community Financial Corp. - Savings bank operating in five southern Illinois counties....................     637,500
   60,000     First Savings Bank of Washington - Savings bank in southeast Washington..................................     937,500
   50,600     Foothill Independent Bancorp - Bank holding company operating in suburban L.A............................     430,100
  104,167  *  Highland Federal Bank - Savings bank in Los Angeles, California..........................................   1,666,672
   50,000  *  Mountain Parks Financial Corp. - Holding company, which owns two banks in CO.............................   1,350,000
   50,000     North Central Bancshares, Inc. - Savings bank in Fort Dodge, Iowa........................................     550,000
   18,375  *  Professional Bancorp, Inc. - Bank specializing in servicing the medical industry.........................     197,531
   35,000     Security Capital Corporation - Holding company for Security Bank S.S.B. in Wisconsin.....................   2,082,500
   60,000  *  Union Bankshares, Ltd. - Offers commercial banking services in Denver (Note 6)...........................     750,000
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                          9,988,953
              CHEMICALS - 0.2%                                                                                          
  127,600  *  High Plains Corporation - Manufacturer of fuel grade ethanol.............................................     494,450
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                            494,450
              COMMERCIAL SERVICES - 2.0%                                                                                
  110,000  *  Business Resource Group  - Workspace services and products in northern California........................     543,125
  358,600  *  Children's Discovery Centers of America - Child care and preschool programs (Note 6).....................   2,420,550
  200,000     ICTS Holland Production - Provides aviation security services and security training......................   1,425,000
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                          4,388,675
                                                                                                                        
              COMMUNICATIONS - 5.7%                                                                                     
  280,000  *  Communications Central, Inc.  - Operator of pay phones and inmate phones.................................   2,170,000
  500,000  *  Executone Information Systems - Telecommunications systems and equipment.................................   1,312,500
1,000,000  *  Interdigital Communications Corporation - Markets digital radio telephone systems .......................   8,500,000
   85,000  *  TCI International, Inc. - Manufactures special purpose communications equipment .........................     605,625
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                         12,588,125
              ELECTRONICS - 0.6%
  300,000  *  Micro Component Technology - Test equipment for semiconductor industries.................................   1,087,500
   10,000  *  Ultralife Batteries, Inc. - Manufacturer and marketer of lithium batteries...............................     142,500
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                          1,230,000
              ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES - 11.5%
  400,000  *  Alta Gold Co. - Explores for and produces precious metals and minerals...................................   1,425,000
  700,000  *  Arakis Energy Corp. - Domestic natural gas; oil explorations in the Sudan................................   3,281,250
5,000,000  *  Campbell Resources, Inc. - Explores, produces gold and minerals in N. America............................   6,250,000
  200,000  *  Callon Petroleum Company - Gulf of Mexico oil and gas producer...........................................   2,500,000
  200,000  *  COHO Energy, Inc. - Develops, produces, explores for oil and gas reserves in LA and MS...................   1,375,000
  100,000  *  Geomaque Explorations - Exploration & development operating in Mexico & Quebec ..........................     199,440
  300,000  *  Gothic Energy Corporation - Interests in oil and gas properties in OK, TX, AK, KS .......................     750,000
  220,000  *  Key Production Company Inc. - Operates oil and gas properties in OK and TX...............................   1,705,000
  115,000  *  Lomak Petroleum, Inc. - Oil and gas properties, primarily in Appalachea, TX and OK ......................   1,638,750
  300,000  *  Solid State Geophysical, Inc. - 3D seismic services for the petroleum industry (Note 6) .................     371,760
  460,000  *  Serv-Tech, Inc.  - Offers maintenance services to petroleum refining industry (Note 6) ..................   2,645,000
  700,000  *  Tipperary Corporation - Explores, develops and produces oil and gas in Australia (Note 6) ...............   2,909,410
   95,000  *  TRC Companies Inc. - Environmental engineering & consultation to industry & gov't. ......................     558,125
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                         25,608,735

</TABLE>
                                                                              12


<PAGE>   14



                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                      VALUE
HELD          COMMON STOCKS - 86.9% [CONT'D]                                                                               NOTE 1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                                                                                        <C>
              ENTERTAINMENT - 0.4%
  197,500  *  Quality Dino Entertainment, Ltd. - Music distributor in N. America, U.K.& Australia...................... $   999,844
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                            999,844
              ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - 3.9%                                                                             
   27,500     BHA Group Inc.  (Class A) - Manufactures industrial air pollution control equipment......................     364,375
   70,000     Dames & Moore, Inc. - Comprehensive environmental &  specialized consulting services.....................     848,750
  600,000  *  GNI Group, Inc. - Recycles, reclaims, treats and disposes hazardous wastes (Note 6)......................   3,150,000
  400,000  *  Harding Associates, Inc. - Remediator of contamination sites (Note 6)....................................   2,350,000
  100,000  *  O. I. Corporation - Produces devices for pollution detection.............................................     375,000
  650,000  *  Vectra Technologies, Inc. - Products, services to nuclear facilities worldwide (Note 6)..................   1,625,000
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                          8,713,125
              FINANCE  - 3.6%                                                                                           
  100,000  *  ACC Consumer Finance Corp. - Indirect financing of automobile installment contracts......................     750,000
  100,000  *  Autoinfo, Inc. - Computer and information services for vehicle collision and repair shops................     312,500
  200,000  *  Dignity Partners, Inc.  - Provides viatical settlements for terminally ill people........................   1,850,000
  169,200     Fahnestock Viner Holdings, Inc. - Full service regional brokerage........................................   2,220,750
  300,000  *  Payco American Corporation  - Nationwide accounts receivable manager.....................................   2,625,000
   12,500  *  Resource Bancshares Mortgage Corp. - Originates, secures residential mortgage loans......................     151,563
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                          7,909,813
              FOOD & BEVERAGE - 0.9%                                                                                    
  700,000  *  Family Steak Houses of Florida, Inc. - Operates 28 restaurants in N. and Cen. FL (Note 6)................     481,250
  250,000  *  Lion Brewery, Inc. - Brews and bottles specialty beers and soft drinks (Note 6)..........................   1,437,500
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                          1,918,750
              HEALTH CARE SERVICE - 9.9%                                                                                
  500,000     American Biomedica Corp. - Manufactures/markets drug screening test strips (Note 6)......................   1,625,000
  240,000  *  Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc.  - Patient care services for orthotic and prosthetic rehab.................   1,470,000
  180,000  *  Health Fitness Physical Therapy - Acquires and develops physical therapy clinics.........................     540,000
  350,000     ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Pharmaceutical and nutritional products......................................   8,137,500
  600,000  *  Interpore International - Manufactures bone graft material for orthopedic market (Note 6)................   3,675,000
  500,000  *  Syncor International Corporation - Distributes radio-pharmaceuticals on prescription.....................   6,500,000
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                         21,947,500
              HOME HEALTH - 0.3%
   39,700  *  Help at Home, Inc. - General housekeeping services to elderly and disabled persons.......................     307,675
  186,000  *  In Home Health, Inc. - A national provider of home health care services..................................     406,875
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                            714,550
              INSURANCE  - 3.8%
   85,000     Cotton States Life & Health Insurance - Underwrites life, accident,  health insurance....................     935,000
    4,000  *  Financial Industries Corporation  - Life and health insurance products...................................     238,000
  300,000     London Pacific Group Ltd. (ADR) - Offers insurance and trust services....................................   4,762,500
   41,500  *  Motor Club of America - Provides a wide range of insurance, finance and related services.................     295,688
   38,700  *  Transport Holdings, Inc. (Class A) - Underwrites, distributes supplemental health insurance..............   1,780,200
   75,000     Unico American Corporation  - Commercial multi-peril insurance...........................................     543,750
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                          8,555,138
              LEISURE - 1.0%
   62,500  *  NTN Canada, Inc. - 24 hour entertainment network programming throughout Canada...........................     460,938
  140,000  *  Vacation Break USA, Inc. - Vacation ownership interests in premium resorts...............................   1,802,500
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                          2,263,438
              MANUFACTURING - 8.8%
  100,000  *  Astrotech International Corp. - Storage tanks for oil, paper and agricultural products...................     562,500
   50,000  *  Bonded Motors, Inc - Remanufactures and distributes replacement engines for cars.........................     400,000
  335,000  *  Consep, Inc. - Develops and produces environmentally safe pest control products..........................   1,298,125
   48,100  *  Deflecta Shield Corp. - Accessories for light and heavy duty trucks......................................     306,638
   55,200     Donnelly Corp. - Glass related and plastic molded products for the auto industry.........................     883,200
</TABLE>

13


<PAGE>   15



                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                      VALUE
HELD          COMMON STOCKS - 86.9% [CONT'D]                                                                              NOTE 1 (a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                                                        <C>
              MANUFACTURING [CONT'D]
  250,000  *  Dynamic Materials Corp. - Produces chemical processing materials (Note 6)................................  $ 1,187,500
   62,900     Friedman Industries - Processes and distributes steel products to manufacturers..........................      290,913
   75,000  *  JPM Company - Cable assemblies and wire harnesses for the electronics industry...........................      628,125
   95,000  *  K-Tron International, Inc. - Gravimetric feeders & blenders and process control equip....................      807,500
  110,000  *  Northwest Pipe Company - Welded steel pipe for water transmission........................................    1,870,000
  200,000     Oregon Steel Mills, Inc. - Produces a variety of specialty and commodity steel products..................    2,750,000
  151,200  *  Portec, Inc. - Produces railroad, construction and materials handling equipment..........................    1,512,000
  150,000     Shelter Components Corp. - Distributes products to mfd. housing and RV industries........................    2,531,250
  150,000  *  Shiloh Industries, Inc. - Steel processor supplying automotive and other industries......................    2,418,750
  350,000  *  Winsloew Furniture, Inc. - Designs, distributes and manufactures casual furniture........................    2,012,500
                                                                                                                         -----------
                                                                                                                          19,459,000
              MARKETING/CORP SERVICES - 2.2%
  200,000  *  Personnel Management, Inc. - Temporary service in Midwest and Southeast (Note 6).........................    1,750,000
  180,000  *  RCM Technologies, Inc.  - Temporary and full-time professional services..................................    1,620,000
  342,600  *  Speizman Industries, Inc. - Sells hosiery and knitting manufacturing equipment (Note 6)..................    1,541,700
                                                                                                                         -----------
                                                                                                                           4,911,700
              MEDICAL PRODUCTS - 4.9%
  140,000  *  Autonomous Technologies - Excimer laser instruments for laser vision correction..........................      822,500
  100,000  *  Isomedix, Inc. - Irradiation services to manufacturers of medical supplies...............................    1,487,500
  250,000  *  Life Medical Services - Develops medical products using tissue culturing technology......................    2,187,500
  150,000     Medex, Inc. - Manufactures disposable hospital products for life support systems.........................    1,931,250
1,000,000  *  Mednet, MPC Corp.  - Pharmacy benefits management and prescription mail service..........................    1,937,500
   58,000  *  Moore Medical Corp.  - Pharmaceutical and medical products distributor...................................      703,250
  231,105     New Brunswick Scientific, Inc. - Manufactures and markets biotechnology equipment (Note 6)...............    1,704,399
                                                                                                                         -----------
                                                                                                                          10,773,899
              REAL ESTATE  - 3.1%
  596,200     Equity Inns, Inc. - Real estate investment trust company with equity interests in hotels.................    6,856,300
                                                                                                                         -----------
                                                                                                                           6,856,300

              RETAIL - 10.5%
  408,100  *  Allou Health & Beauty, Inc. (Class A) - Health and beauty products (Note 6)..............................    2,805,688
  123,000  *  Catherines Stores Corporation - Specialty apparel retailer of women's clothing...........................    1,214,625
   28,300     Dart Group Corporation (Class A) - Auto parts stores, bookstores and grocery store.......................    2,518,700
  200,000  *  Chico's Fas, Inc. - Operates retail women's clothing stores..............................................    2,025,000
  250,000  *  Coast Distribution System - Recreational vehicle accessories & marine parts..............................    1,531,250
  325,000  *  Crown Book Corp. -  247 retail book stores offering discount prices (Note 6).............................    4,387,500
  300,000     Fred's, Inc. (Class A) - Operates 188 discount general merchandise stores................................    3,300,000
  700,000  *  Harmony Brook, Inc. - Manufactures, distributes, operates water filtering equip. (Note 6)................      700,000
  320,000  *  Hyde Athletic Industries (Class B) - Athletic shoes, outdoor recreational products.......................    1,800,000
  400,000  *  Little Switzerland, Inc. - Retailer in the Caribbean Islands.............................................    2,100,000
  139,800  *  Strouds, Inc. - Specialty retailer of home textile products..............................................      524,250
  104,000  *  Universal International - Buys and sells consumer goods on a close-out basis.............................      468,000
                                                                                                                         -----------
                                                                                                                          23,375,013
              
              TECHNOLOGY - 8.9%
  291,000  *  Boca Research - Manufactures computer enhancement products...............................................    5,310,750
  100,000  *  Burr - Brown Corp. - High-performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits........................    1,775,000
  600,000  *  Compression Labs - Markets and produces visual communications systems....................................    3,450,000
   75,000  *  Diehl Graphsoft, Inc. - Develops and publishes computer software products................................      590,625
  125,000  *  GaSonics Inter Corp. - Photoresist removal equipment for integrated circuits.............................    1,312,500
   10,000  *  Hutchinson Technologies - Manufactures components for computer disk drives...............................      355,000
  110,000  *  Jaco Electronics, Inc. - Distributes electronic components and subsystems................................    1,113,750
   65,000  *  M-Wave Inc. - Manufactures microwave circuitboards.......................................................      296,563

</TABLE>
              
                                                                              14
              

<PAGE>   16


                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                      VALUE
HELD          COMMON STOCKS - 86.9% [CONT'D]                                                                              NOTE 1 (a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                                                     <C>
               TECHNOLOGY [CONT'D]
  100,000      Orthologic Corp. - Produces advanced orthopedic devices................................................ $  1,275,000
  (20,000)     Orthologic Corp........................................................................................     (255,000)
   55,000   *  Praegitzer Industries, Inc. - Produces multilayer printed circuitboards................................      591,250
  126,000   *  Reptron Electronics - Contract manufacturing services for electronic products..........................    2,220,750
  280,000   *  Triad Systems Corp.  - Designs computer systems for automotive parts aftermarket.......................    1,785,000
                                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                                         19,821,188
               TRANSPORTATION  - 0.2%
  25,000    *  Airnet Systems, Inc. - Air transportation network for delivery of time-critical shipments..............      400,000
                                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                                            400,000

               TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $171,624,490)................................................................ $192,918,196

<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                      VALUE
HELD           PREFERRED STOCKS - 1.1%                                                                                     NOTE 1(A)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                                                     <C>
  22,500       Drypers Corporation (7.5% Senior Cumulative Convertible Preferred) - Disposable baby diapers........... $  2,543,479
                                                                                                                       ------------
               TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $2,250,000)............................................................... $  2,543,479


<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                                                        VALUE
AMOUNT         SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 14.1%                             COUPON                MATURITY                  NOTE 1 (A)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                       <C>                    <C>                   <C>
               U. S. TREASURY SECURITIES - 8.9%                                           
$20,075,000    U. S. Treasury Bill....................................... 5.120%                 09/05/1996            $ 19,888,265
                                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                                         19,888,265
               DISCOUNT NOTES - 3.6%                                                                                   
  8,000,000    Federal Home Loan Bank.................................... 5.130                  07/29/1996               7,967,953
                                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                                          7,967,953
               VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES - 1.6%                                                                       
  3,500,000    Warner - Lambert Company.................................. 5.115                  07/01/1996               3,500,000
                                                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                                                          3,500,000
                                                                                                                       ------------
               TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $31,356,218)..................................................         31,356,218
                                                                                                                       ------------
               TOTAL - INVESTMENTS - 102.2% (Cost $205,230,708) (+).............................................       $226,817,893
                                                                                                                       ============

</TABLE>

15 


<PAGE>   17


                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                             VALUE
 SHARES  SHORT SALES                                                                                                      NOTE 1 (A)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                                                                         <C>  
 75,000  Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc. - Technology to replicate bone marrow and skin cells...........................  $ 1,209,375
 20,000  Chesapeake Energy Corporation - Produces crude oil and natural gas in TX and OK...............................    1,797,500
 67,500  Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. - Operates 400 discount variety stores in 20 states..................................    2,143,125
100,000  Drypers Corporation - Manufactures and markets disposable baby diapers........................................      325,000
100,000  Employee Solutions - Provides lease staffing..................................................................    3,150,000
100,000  Gentex Corp. - Manufactures automatic rearview mirrors and fire protection equipment..........................    1,950,000
 80,000  Just for Feet - Operates a chain of stores specializing in brand-name footwear................................    4,230,000
 25,000  Identix, Inc. - Designs and manufactures a fingerprint identification system..................................      365,625
 75,000  The Men's Wearhouse  - National retailer of men's business attire.............................................    2,418,750
 25,000  Organogenesis - Manufactures living tissue for replacement skin...............................................      506,250
 30,000  PHP Healthcare, Inc - A full-service managed care organization................................................      945,000
 65,000  Pentair Inc. - Manufactures enclosures for various types of equipment.........................................    1,950,000
 20,000  Presstek - Licenses direct imaging technology to printing press manufacturers.................................    1,290,000
 30,000  Qualcomm, Inc. - Manufactures and operates communications systems.............................................    1,593,750
 80,000  Sunglass Hut International - Specialty retailer of non-prescription sunglasses................................    1,950,000
                                                                                                                         -----------
         TOTAL SHORT SALES (Proceeds $22,979,398) (Note 1(f))..........................................................  $25,824,375
                                                                                                                         ===========
</TABLE>


*  Non-income producing security.
(+) Percentages for the various classifications relate to total net assets.

The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
schedule.
                                                                              16


<PAGE>   18


                     HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                     (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                     STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                          June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                             <C>
ASSETS:
    Investments in securities, at quoted market value
        -non-affiliated companies (Cost $170,740,972) .......................................   $189,300,636
        -affiliated companies (Cost $34,489,736) (Note 6) ...................................     37,517,257
    Deposits with brokers for investments sold short ........................................      1,481,790
    Receivable from fund shares sold ........................................................        395,070
    Receivable from investments sold ........................................................      2,040,253
    Receivable from investments sold short ..................................................     23,491,433
    Accrued dividends and interest ..........................................................         52,762
    Deferred organization expense (Note 3) ..................................................         37,799
                                                                                                ------------
        Total assets ........................................................................    254,317,000
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                            
LIABILITIES:                                                                                                
    Securities sold short, at current market value (proceeds $22,979,398) ...................     25,824,375
    Payable for investments purchased .......................................................      5,290,817
    Payable for fund shares redeemed ........................................................        812,901
    Payable to Distributor for distribution fees (Note 2) ...................................        110,018
    Payable to Advisor for management fee (Note 2) ..........................................        126,421
    Payable to transfer agent ...............................................................        101,643
    Payable to Advisor for deferred organization expense (Note 3) ...........................         37,799
                                                                                                ------------
        Total liabilities ...................................................................     32,303,974
                                                                                                ------------

NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO OUTSTANDING SHARES
    ($.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 15,917,525 shares outstanding) .........   $222,013,026

NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
    Net asset value and offering price per share ($.001 par value,
    100,000,000 shares authorized [$222,013,026 divided by 15,917,525 shares outstanding])...  $      13.95
                                                                                               ============
</TABLE>




The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.

17


<PAGE>   19


                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
              For the six months ending June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
    Interest ..............................................................  $    145,801
    Dividends .............................................................       712,566
                                                                             ------------
        Total investment income ...........................................       858,367
                                                                             ------------

EXPENSES:
    Management fees (Note 2) ..............................................       533,942
    Distribution fees (Note 2) ............................................       177,672
    Transfer agent fees ...................................................       164,857
    Registration fees .....................................................        63,426
    Custodian fees ........................................................        23,130
    Postage ...............................................................        22,060
    Printing and communications ...........................................        13,136
    Amortization of organization expenses (Note 3) ........................         4,930
    Audit fees ............................................................         3,988
    Directors' fees .......................................................         2,086
    Legal fees ............................................................         1,332
    Other operating expenses ..............................................        43,070
                                                                             ------------
       Total expenses .....................................................     1,053,629
                                                                             ------------
    Net investment income .................................................      (195,262)
                                                                             ------------

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS-NET:
    NET REALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS (Long transactions) .................     4,343,464
    NET REALIZED LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS (Short transactions) ...............    (1,002,075)
    NET INCREASE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS ................    18,226,595
                                                                             ------------
       NET GAINS ON INVESTMENTS ...........................................    21,567,984
                                                                             ------------
    NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................  $ 21,372,722
                                                                             ============
</TABLE>




                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
              For the six months ending June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
OPERATIONS:
    Net investment income .................................................  $   (195,262)
    Net realized gains on investments .....................................     3,341,389
    Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments ................    18,226,595
                                                                             ------------
       Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ...............    21,372,722
                                                                             ------------
FUND SHARE ACTIVITIES:
    Proceeds from shares issued (11,277,326 shares) .......................   149,308,079
    Cost of shares redeemed (2,616,050 shares) ............................   (34,216,346)
                                                                             ------------
       Net increase in net assets derived from Fund share activities ......   115,091,733
                                                                             ------------
    TOTAL INCREASE ........................................................   136,464,455

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 ...........................................    85,548,571
                                                                             ------------
NET ASSETS AT JUNE 30, 1996 (Note 4) ......................................  $222,013,026
                                                                             ============
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.
                                                                              18


<PAGE>   20


                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   For the six months         April 27, 1995(1)
                                                                   ending June 30, 1996           through
                                                                       (Unaudited)             December 31, 1995
<S>                                                                   <C>                          <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period............................       $  11.79                     $ 10.00
                                                                                 
Income from investment operations:                                               
 Net investment income (loss) ..................................          (0.01)                       0.03
 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)                                      
 on securities .................................................           2.17                        2.05
                                                                       --------                     -------
 Total from investment operations ..............................           2.16                        2.08
Less distributions:                                                              
 Dividends from net investment income ..........................             --                       (0.03)
 Distributions from net realized gains .........................             --                       (0.26)
                                                                       --------                     -------
 Total distributions ...........................................             --                       (0.29)
                                                                                 
Net asset value, end of period .................................       $  13.95                     $ 11.79
                                                                       ========                     =======
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
Total return ...................................................           18.3%(2)                    20.8%(2)
                                                                                 
Supplemental data and ratios:                                                    
 Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ......................       $222,013                     $85,549
 Ratio of total expenses to average net assets .................           1.46%(3)                    1.44%(3)
 Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets ...           (.27)%(3)                   1.01%(3)
 Portfolio turnover rate .......................................             30%                         45%
</TABLE>



(1) Commencement of operations
(2) Not annualized
(3) Annualized


The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.
19


<PAGE>   21
                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES.

       The Heartland Small Cap Contrarian Fund ("The Fund") is a separate
       series of Heartland Group, Inc.  The assets and liabilities of each
       portfolio of Heartland Group, Inc. are segregated with a shareholder's
       interest limited to the portfolio in which the shareholder owns shares. 
       The Fund's investment objective is maximum long-term growth.  The Fund
       seeks to achieve its objective through aggressive, yet flexible value
       investing in small company stocks.  The following is a summary of
       significant accounting policies of the Fund:

       (a)  Each security is valued at the last sale price reported by the
            principal security exchange on which the issue is traded, or if no
            sale is reported, the latest bid price.  Net realized gains and
            losses on investments are computed on the first-in, first-out cost
            method. Short-term investments are recorded at cost which
            approximates market. Debt securities having maturities of 60 days
            or less may be valued at acquisition cost, plus or minus any
            amortized discount or premium.

            The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities
            that are not readily marketable or that would require registration
            under the Securities Act of 1933 upon disposition.  At June 30,
            1996, the Fund held common stock of Tipperary Corporation and
            Senior Convertible Cumulative 7.5% Preferred Stock of Drypers
            Corporation; valued at 1.3% and 1.1% of the Funds total net assets,
            respectively.  Prior to registration, these securities are valued
            at a discount to the market value of the issuer's registered common
            stock, in accordance with the guidelines and procedures adopted by 
            the Fund's Board of Directors.

       (b)  Provision has not been made for Federal income taxes since the
            Fund has elected to be taxed as a "regulated investment company" and
            intends to distribute substantially all income to its shareholders
            and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue
            Code applicable to regulated investment companies.

       (c)  Net investment income and undistributed capital gains are
            distributed to shareholders annually and recorded on the ex-dividend
            date. The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment
            income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance
            with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from generally
            accepted accounting principles.   To the extent these book and tax
            differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified
            to paid-in capital in excess of par value.

       (d)  The Fund records security transactions at cost no later than the
            first business day after the trade date.  The cost amount as
            reflected in the Schedule of Investments is the same for Federal
            income tax purposes.

       (e)  The Fund may enter into futures contracts to provide protection
            against adverse movements in the prices of securities in the
            portfolio. Upon entering into futures contracts, the Fund pledges to
            the broker stock or U.S. government securities equal to the minimum
            "initial margin" requirements of the exchange. Additionally, the
            Fund receives from or pays to the broker an amount of cash equal to
            the daily fluctuation in value of the contract.  Such receipts or
            payments are known as "variation margin," and are recorded by the
            Fund as unrealized gains or losses.  When the futures contract is
            closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the
            difference between the value of the contract at the time it was
            opened and the value at the time it was closed.

            The use of futures contracts involves, to varying degrees, elements
            of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement
            of assets and liabilities.  The predominant risk is that the
            movement of the futures contracts price may result in a loss which
            could render the portfolio's hedging strategy unsuccessful.  The 
            Fund had no open futures contracts at June 30, 1996.

       (f)  The Fund may enter into transactions where it will sell a security
            short (sell a security which the Fund does not own, then owe for
            delivery at a future date) and borrow the same security from a
            broker or other institution to complete the sale.  The predominant
            risk is that the market price may decrease or increase between the
            date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund must replace
            the borrowed security. As collateral for its short positions, the
            Fund is required under the 1940 Act to maintain segregated assets
            consisting of cash or equity securities.  These segregated assets
            are required to be adjusted daily to reflect changes in the value
            of the securities sold short.

            The Fund may also engage in "short sales against the box,"
            transactions which involve selling a security that the Fund owns (or
            has an unconditional right to purchase) for delivery at a specified
            date in the future. Similarly, the Fund may also engage in short
            sales of securities of an issuer

                                                                              20


<PAGE>   22


                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         ("acquiror") that has publicly announced a proposed or pending
         transaction in which a portfolio security of the Fund will be
         converted into securities of the acquiror. These techniques are
         intended to hedge protectively against anticipated declines in the
         market price of the Fund's portfolio securities or to defer any
         unrealized gain.

    (g)  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
         generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make   
         estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
         and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
         the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
         revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual  results
         could differ from the estimates.

2)  INVESTMENT ADVISOR, MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED
    PARTIES.

    The Fund has a management agreement with Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the      
    "Advisor") with whom certain officers and directors of the Fund are
    affiliated, to serve as investment advisor and manager.  Under the terms of
    the agreement, the Fund will pay the Advisor a monthly management fee at
    the annual rate of .75% of the daily net asset value of the Fund.

    The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule
    12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  The Distributor is
    Heartland Advisors, Inc. (The "Distributor") with whom certain officers and
    directors of the Fund are affiliated. The Plan requires the Fund to pay the
    Distributor a quarterly distribution fee on an annual basis up to .25% of
    its daily net assets. In addition, for the six month period ending June 30,
    1996, the Distributor received $133,992 from the Fund for brokerage fees on
    the execution of purchases and sales of portfolio investments.

    As permitted under Rule 10f-3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the    
    Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted a plan which will allow the
    Fund, under certain conditions described in the Rule, to acquire
    newly-issued securities from syndicates in which the Distributor is a
    member.

3)  DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES.

    Organization expenses have been deferred and are being amortized on a       
    straight-line basis over sixty months.  Payments for these expenses were
    advanced by the Advisor who will be reimbursed by the Fund over the same
    period.  The proceeds of any redemption of the initial shares by the
    original shareholders will be reduced by a pro-rata portion of any then
    unamortized expenses.  Unamortized deferred organization expenses and the
    related payable to the Advisor at June 30, 1996 were $37,799.

4)  INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS.

    For the six month period ending June 30, 1996, the cost of purchases and
    the proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding short-term
    securities) were $149,136,679 and $39,592,980 respectively.

5)  SOURCES OF NET ASSETS.

<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                            <C>
    As of June 30, 1996, the sources of net assets were as follows:     
    Fund shares issued and outstanding .........................................   $199,612,657
    Net unrealized appreciation on investments .................................     19,254,242 
    Accumulated net realized gains on investments ..............................      3,341,389 
    Accumulated net investment income (loss) ...................................       (195,262) 
                                                                                   ------------
                                                                                   $222,013,026
                                                                                   ============

    Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of June 30, 1996,
    based on investment cost for Federal income tax purposes is as follows:
    Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation ....................................   $ 28,678,886
    Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation ....................................     (9,424,644)
                                                                                   ------------
    Net unrealized appreciation on investments .................................   $ 19,254,242
                                                                                   ============
</TABLE>


21


<PAGE>   23


                      HEARTLAND SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6)  TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES.

    The following companies are affiliated with the Fund: that is the Fund
    holds 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities. Such companies
    are defined in Section (2) (a) (3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Share                             Share                  Realized
                                                 Balance at                        Balance at     Dividends   Gains
    Security Name                              Dec. 31, 1995  Purchases   Sales   June 30, 1996   Received  (Losses)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <S>                                          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>       <C>        
    Allou Health & Beauty, Inc. (Class A)         355,400       52,700      0        408,100         $0        $0
    American Bio Medica Corporation                     0      500,000      0        500,000          0         0
    Children's Discovery Centers of America             0      358,600      0        358,600          0         0
    Crown Book Corporation                         35,700      289,300      0        325,000          0         0
    Dynamic Materials Corporation                  20,000      230,000      0        250,000          0         0
    Family Steak Houses of Florida, Inc.          360,000      340,000      0        700,000          0         0
    GNI Group, Inc.                               138,000      462,000      0        600,000          0         0
    Harding Associates, Inc.                      200,000      200,000      0        400,000          0         0
    Harmony Brook, Inc.                           700,000            0      0        700,000          0         0
    Interpore International                       516,700       83,300      0        600,000          0         0
    Lion Brewery, Inc.                                  0      250,000      0        250,000          0         0
    New Brunswick Scientific, Inc.                132,100 (1)   88,000      0        231,105          0         0
    Personnel Management, Inc.                    200,000            0      0        200,000          0         0
    Serv-Tech, Inc.                               446,400       13,600      0        460,000          0         0
    Solid State Geophysical, Inc.                 100,000      200,000      0        300,000          0         0
    Speizman Industries, Inc.                           0      342,600      0        342,600          0         0
    Tipperary Corporation                               0      700,000      0        700,000          0         0
    Union Bankshares, Ltd.                         60,000            0      0         60,000          0         0
    Vectra Technologies, Inc.                     502,000      148,000      0        650,000          0         0
                                                                                                  ---------  --------
                                                                                                     $0        $0
                                                                                                  =========  ========
</TABLE>



   (1)  Adjusted for 5% stock dividend
                                                                              22


<PAGE>   24

                                      
                             HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                     (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                           SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
                          JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                              VALUE      
HELD            COMMON STOCKS  83.1%                                                                              NOTE 1(a) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>  <C>                                                                                               <C>        
                AEROSPACE - 2.2%                                                                                             
  115,000  *    Aeroflex, Inc. - Designs electrical and magnetic products for defense contractors ............     $   704,375 
  175,000  *    Banner Aerospace, Inc. - Distributes replacement parts to aviation/aerospace industries ......       1,465,625 
  700,000  *    ECC International Corporation - Produces flight simulators and vending machines (Note 5) .....       6,387,500 
  212,700  *    Esterline Technologies Corporation - Mfg. aerospace/defense and instrumentation products .....       5,317,500 
  354,000  *    FLIR Systems, Inc. - Mfg. thermal imaging systems that detect infrared radiation (Note 5) ....       4,336,500 
  450,000       Mercury Air Group, Inc. - Ground services to commercial airlines and the US military (Note 5).       3,600,000 
  300,000  *    Sifco Industries, Inc. - Forgings for aerospace, auto and defense industries (Note 5) ........       2,587,500 
1,100,000  *    UNC, Inc. - Manufactures engine and airframe parts (Note 5) ..................................       9,212,500 
                                                                                                                   ----------- 
                                                                                                                    33,611,500 
                                                                                                                              
                AUTOMOTIVE - 1.8%                                                                                               
  850,100  *    Cherry Corp. (Class A) - Mfg. mech/elec switches and semiconductor products (Note 5) ...........     9,138,575  
  100,000  *    Rush Enterprises, Inc. - Largest Peterbilt truck dealership in U.S. ............................     1,237,500  
  358,200  *    Starcraft Corporation - Converter of vans, sport utility vehicles and trucks (Note 5) ..........     1,791,000  
  200,000  *    Strattec Security Corp. - Designs, develops, manufactures and markets automotive locks .........     3,550,000  
  417,500       Wescast Industries, Inc. (Class A) - Exhaust manifolds for cars and trucks to "big 3" automakers     7,515,000  
  388,200       Winnebago Industries, Inc - Manufactures recreational vehicles .................................     3,202,650  
                                                                                                                   -----------  
                                                                                                                    26,434,725  
                                                                                                                                
                BANKS AND SAVINGS & LOANS - 6.6%                                                                                
  102,500       Alabama National Bancorporation - Alabama bank expanding through acquisitions ..................     1,306,875  
   30,000       Banknorth Group, Inc. - Operates 44 banking offices in Vermont and New Hampshire ...............     1,027,500  
   44,126       Beverly Bancorporation - Community bank serving southwest Chicago (Note 5) .....................     3,000,568  
   30,000       BSB Bancorp, Inc. - Savings bank in the southern tier of New York ..............................       780,000  
   91,100       California State Bank - Provides banking services through 14 branches in CA ....................     1,457,600  
   78,900  *    Calumet Bancorp, Inc. - Chicago thrift that generates residential mortgages in several states ..     2,209,200  
  200,000       Coastal Bancorp, Inc. - Texas based savings and loan association ...............................     3,600,000  
  200,000       Commercial Federal Corp. - S & L serving Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma ...............     7,650,000  
  400,000  *    D & N Financial Corp. - Operates full service branch offices in N. and Cen. MI (Note 5) ........     5,600,000  
  110,500       Eagle Financial Corp. - Savings bank operating 24 offices in Connecticut .......................     2,790,125  
  204,500       First Federal Bancshares of Eau Claire - Operates 13 retail banking offices in central WI ......     3,144,187  
  626,500       First Financial Corp. - Serves Wisconsin and S. Illinois from approx. 124 locations ............    14,096,250  
  141,750       Franklin Bank National Association - Business bank serving suburbs of Detroit, MI ..............     1,488,375  
   55,000  *    Hallmark Capital Corp. - One bank holding company in West Allis, WI ............................       825,000  
  250,000  *    HMN Financial, Inc. - Recently converted thrift serving Rochester, MN market ...................     4,125,000  
  129,000       Home Federal Bank - Provides banking services to portions of southeastern Indiana (Note 5) .....     3,354,000  
  314,870       MAF Bancorp, Inc. - Market share leader in Dupage County, IL ...................................     7,714,315  
  100,000       Massbank Corp.  - Serves customers in the Middlesex county area in eastern MA ..................     3,275,000  
  327,100  *    Metropolitan Bancorp - Holding co. for Seattle-based Metropolitan Federal S&L (Note 5) .........     4,415,850  
   90,000       Northwest Equity Corp. - WI holding company for Northwest Savings Bank (Note 5) ................       922,500  
   67,800       Pinnacle Bank - Operates four branches in Central and S.E. Alabama (Note 5) ....................     1,101,750  
  224,000  *    Redwood Empire Bancorp - Holding co. for a bank and thrift in N. San Francisco (Note 5) ........     2,296,000  
   36,500       SJNB Financial Corporation - Commercial banking services to San Francisco area .................       611,375  
  134,000       St. Francis Capital Corporation - Wisconsin holding company for St. Francis State Bank .........     3,350,000  
   81,600       State Financial Services Corporation - Milwaukee area multi-bank holding company ...............     1,387,200  
  275,000  *    Sterling Financial Corporation - Multi-branch savings bank serving WA and OR (Note 5) ..........     4,056,250  
  176,775  *    Transworld Bancorp - Commercial bank serving north suburbs of Los Angeles (Note 5) .............     2,563,238  
  100,000       Trans Financial, Inc. - Bank holding co. operating 54 branch offices in KY and TN ..............     1,750,000  
   80,700       United Federal Savings Bank - Provides commercial banking services to customers in SC ..........       645,600  
  154,930  *    United Security Bancorp - Banking services through 8 branches located in E. WA (Note 5) ........     1,859,160  
</TABLE>


23


<PAGE>   25


                             HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                     (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                       SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                          JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SHARES                                                                                                                   VALUE
 HELD           COMMON STOCKS - 83.1% [CONT'D]                                                                          NOTE 1(a)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                                                                            <C> 
                BANKS AND SAVINGS & LOANS - [CONT'D]
  264,000       Virginia First Financial Corp. - Provides banking services through 8 offices in Spokane area.........   $  3,630,000
  100,000       Webster Financial Corporation - Serves over 140,000 customers in CT .................................      2,800,000
  100,000       Westerfed Financial Corporation - Thrift holding company in Montana .................................      1,487,500
                                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                                         100,320,418

                COMMUNICATION/SECURITY - 2.9%
4,100,000  *    Automated Security Holdings, PLC. (ADR) - Sells and services electrical security sys. (Note 5) ......      4,612,500
  500,000  *    Cobra Electronics Corporation - Communications and audio electronics products (Note 5) ..............      1,437,500
  115,000  *    Comdial Corporation - Manufactures business communication systems ...................................        991,875
2,060,000  *    Interdigital Communications Corp.  - Markets digital radio-telephone systems ........................     17,510,000
  276,000  *    Norstan, Inc. - Distributes and services private telephone systems (Note 5) .........................     10,281,000
1,500,000  *    Peoples Telephone Co., Inc. - Markets, operates, maintains privately owned pay-phones (Note 5) ......      4,312,500
  144,500  *    Total Tel USA Communications, Inc. - A discount long distance telephone company (Note 5) ............      5,238,125
                                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                                          44,383,500
 
                CONSTRUCTION/HOUSING - 3.9%
  134,600  *    American Buildings Company  - Constructs and sells pre-engineered metal buildings ...................      3,937,050
  325,000  *    Cameron Ashley Building Products - Distributor of building products to independent dealers ..........      3,737,500
  239,500  *    Castle & Cooke Inc. - Builds homes in Hawaii, California and Arizona ................................      3,832,000
   25,500  *    Christiana Companies  - Constructs and sells pre-engineered metal buildings .........................        541,875
  200,000  *    Crossmann Communities, Inc. - Builds single family homes in Indianapolis/Lafayette, IN ..............      3,900,000
  500,000       Engle Homes, Inc. - Florida homebuilder and developer (Note 5) ......................................      4,125,000
  200,000  *    Fortress Group, Inc. - Builds homes in metropolitan areas surrounding Las Vegas .....................      1,750,000
  750,000       Grupo Tribasa SA (ADR) - Mexican construction company which builds mainly highways ..................      4,312,500
  500,000       MDC Holdings, Inc. - Constructs and sells residential housing .......................................      3,375,000
  300,000       MYR Group, Inc. - Constructs transmission systems for electric utilities (Note 5) ...................      3,375,000
  100,000  *    Miller Building Systems, Inc. - Builder and marketer of modular structures ..........................        637,500
  750,000  *    Morgan Products, Ltd. - Manufactures and distributes specialty building products (Note 5) ...........      4,781,250
  300,000       Patrick Industries, Inc. - Wholesale distributor of building products and materials (Note 5) ........      4,087,500
   75,000       Republic Group, Inc. - Manufactures and sells gypsum wallboard ......................................      1,068,750
  218,000  *    Rottlund Company, Inc. - Minneapolis-based single family home builder ...............................      1,430,625
  350,000       Schult Homes Corporation - Designs and builds manufactured homes (Note 5) ...........................      6,606,250
1,000,000  *    URS Corporation - Architectural, engineering services to local and state governments (Note 5) .......      7,875,000
                                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                                          59,372,800

                EDUCATION - 0.0%
  405,000  *    American Educational Products, Inc. - Sells educational materials to teachers and schools (Note 5) ..        455,625
                                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                                             455,625

                ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES - 8.0%
  118,000  *    Abraxas Petroleum Corp - Oil producer primarily in the Rockies and the Permian Basin, TX ............        767,000
   58,100  *    Alamco, Inc. - Produces oil and gas in the Appalachian Basin ........................................        653,625
  500,000  *    American Oilfield Divers, Inc - Undersea construction/repair for offshore oil/gas industry (Note 5) .      4,500,000
  305,000  *    Box Energy Corporation (Class B) - Independent oil and gas exploration and production co ............      2,783,125
  300,000  *    Chieftain International, Inc. - Explores/produces oil/natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico .............      6,037,500
  600,000  *    Clayton Williams Energy, Inc.  - Acquires, explores, produces oil and natural gas in TX (Note 5) ....      5,925,000
  300,000  *    Cliffs Drilling Company - Provides contract drilling services in the Gulf of Mexico .................     10,200,000
  300,000  *    Dreco Energy Services, Ltd. (Class A) - Mfg./market downhole products ...............................      8,250,000
  688,182  *    ERC Industries, Inc - Manufactures and services oilfield wellhead equipment .........................        623,699
  560,000  *    Evergreen Resources, Inc - Gas exploration, development and production in CO (Note 5) ...............      3,220,000
1,560,000  *    Forest Oil Co. - Explores/produces oil/natural gas in Gulf of Mexico and Canada (Note 5) ............     21,255,000
  100,000  *    Hallwood Consolidated Resources Corp - Owns interest in 2,000 oil and gas wells (Note 5) ............      4,700,000
  200,000       Howell Corporation - Explores/produces/refines oil and natural gas, processes chemicals .............      2,675,000
1,070,000  *    International Colin Energy Corp - Explores/produces oil and natural gas (Note 5) ....................      6,286,250
</TABLE>

                                                                              24


<PAGE>   26


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                      VALUE
HELD            COMMON STOCKS - 83.1% [CONT'D]                                                                            NOTE 1 (a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>  <C>                                                                                                     <C>
                ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES -  [CONT'D]
  123,755       Mining Services International Corp. - Develops explosives technology for mining industry............... $  1,732,570
  500,000  *    Morgan Hydrocarbons, Inc. - Canadian oil and gas producer .............................................    1,484,800
  100,000  *    Offshore Logistics, Inc. - Worldwide transportation svcs to offshore oil explor. companie..............    1,387,500
  500,000       St. Mary Land & Exploration Co. -  Oil and gas co. with diversified interests around the world (Note 5)    8,375,000
  400,000       Snyder Oil Corporations  - Acquires, produces and develops domestic oil and gas properties ............    4,050,000
  350,000  *    3-D Geophysical, Inc. - 3-D seismic data acquisition services to oil and gas companies (Note 5) .......    3,762,500
1,000,000  *    Tesoro Petroleum Corporation - Refines, markets and transports crude oil products .....................   11,500,000
  549,500  *    Tipperary Corporation - Explores, develops and produces oil and gas in Australia ......................    2,404,063
  500,000  *    Tuboscope Vetco International Corp - Provides services and products to the oil/gas industry ...........    5,562,500
  400,000  *    Universal Seismic, Inc. - Provides scientific seismic data to oil and gas companies (Note 5) ..........    2,100,000
                                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                                         120,235,132

                ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - 1.7%
3,800,000  *    Allwaste, Inc. - Provides industrial waste handling, processing, and transportation (Note 5) ..........   17,575,000
  400,000  *    Biosys, Inc. - Develops natural bioinsecticides for state and local governments (Note 5) ..............    1,950,000
  372,700  *    GZA GeoEnvironmental Technologies, Inc. - Environmental consulting services (Note 5)  .................    1,397,625
2,008,800  *    Mid American Waste Systems, Inc. - Non-hazardous solid waste management (Note 5)  .....................    1,883,250
  723,500  *    Vectra Technologies, Inc. - Provides products, services to nuclear facilities worldwide (Note 5) ......    1,808,750
  218,800  *    Weston Roy F. (Class A) - Environmental consulting, engineering and project mgmt. services ............    1,039,300
                                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                                          25,653,925

                FINANCE - 4.4%
  322,100       Advest Group, Inc. - Brokerage, trading, investment banking, leasing/asset mgmt. ......................    3,261,263
  200,000       Atlanta/Sosnoff Capital Corp. - Investment mgmt. firm with over $3.6 billion in client assets .........    1,925,000
1,350,000       Cash America International, Inc. - Operates pawnshops with locations throughout the U.S. ..............    8,775,000
  350,000       Eaton Vance Corporation  - Advisor to mutual funds ....................................................   12,687,500
  300,000  *    EZCorp, Inc (Class A) - Operates pawn shops in Southern U.S. ..........................................    2,025,000
  350,000       Inter-Regional Financial Group, Inc. - Full service securities broker operating through 83 offices ....    9,100,000
  222,704       Kinnard Investments, Inc. - Brokerage services with 22 offices and affiliated banks and S&Ls ..........    1,030,006
1,000,000  *    Payco American Corporation - Nation wide accounts receivable manager (Note 5) .........................    8,750,000
  300,000       Phoenix Duff & Phelps - Investment mgr. for mutual funds and institutional investors  .................    2,250,000
  450,000       Raymond James Financial, Inc. - Brokerage, investment banking and financial planning  .................   10,181,250
  210,000       Stifel Financial Corporation - Securities brokerage with 64 offices in Central U.S  ...................    1,601,250
   99,600       Student Loan Corporation - Originates, holds and services guaranteed student loans ....................    3,585,600
  400,000  *    Sunrise Resources, Inc. - Leasing of new/used electronic data processing equipment (Note 5)............    1,475,000
                                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                                          66,646,869

              FOOD & BEVERAGE - 1.6%
100,000       Eskimo Pie Corporation  - Markets a broad range of frozen novelty food items ............................    1,775,000
200,000  *    Grist Mill Company - Manufactures cereal, snack and confectionery products ..............................    1,275,000
 50,500       Hanover Foods, Inc. - Produces and markets prepared foods (Note 5) ......................................    1,767,500
700,000  *    North Star Universal, Inc. - Holding co. with major interest in Michael Foods and Corvel Corp. ..........    5,425,000
430,000  *    Summit Family Restaurant, Inc. - Family style restaurants (Note 5) ......................................    2,096,250
800,000  *    Stokely USA, Inc. - A leading domestic producer of canned vegetables (Note 5) ...........................    2,800,000
276,100       Thorn Apple Valley, Inc. - Slaughters hogs/provides packaged meat and poultry products ..................    3,037,100
250,000  *    Timber Lodge Steakhouse, Inc. - Operates restaurants in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area (Note 5) ..........    1,093,750
490,000  *    Todhunter International, Inc. - Produces citrus-based brandy, distilled spirits and wine (Note 5) .......    4,287,500
100,000  *    Vicorp Restaurants, Inc. - Operates "Bakers Square" and "Village Inn" restaurants .......................    1,225,000
                                                                                                                         -----------
                                                                                                                          24,782,100
                                                                      
              HEALTH CARE SERVICE - 13.9%
500,000  *    AHI Healthcare Systems, Inc. - Integrates physicians into managed health care networks  .................    3,500,000
105,500  *    American Healthcorp, Inc. - Comprehensive diabetes treatment services through 65 centers ................    1,318,750
</TABLE>

25


<PAGE>   27


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                      VALUE
HELD         COMMON STOCKS - 83.1% [CONT'D]                                                                               NOTE 1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C> <C>                                                                                                         <C>
             HEALTH CARE SERVICE - [CONT'D]
  500,000  * Applied Bioscience International, Inc. - Conducts toxicological studies.................................... $ 5,250,000
  308,900  * Caretenders Healthcorp - Provides home nursing and rehabilitative services (Note 5) .......................   2,316,750
2,000,000  * Coastal Physicians Group, Inc. - Medical group mgmt. services throughout the U.S. (Note 5) ................  13,750,000
  927,400  * Community Psychiatric Centers - Alcoholic rehabilitation, drug and occupational therapy ...................   8,810,300
1,042,000  * Grancare, Inc. - Operates 80 long-term health care facilities .............................................  20,709,750
  300,000  * Health Power, Inc. - Managed health care holding company (Note 5) .........................................   2,175,000
  290,000    Hooper Holmes, Inc. - Provides health information to the insurance industry ...............................   3,842,500
  618,700  * Hospital Staffing Services, Inc. - Provides interim duty medical staff to hospitals (Note 5) ..............   2,088,112
2,500,000    ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Develops, mfgs. pharmaceutical/nutritional products (Note 5) ..................  58,125,000
  500,000    Integrated Health Services, Inc. - Operates 192 facilities for rehabilitation/pharmacy svcs ...............  11,875,000
1,000,000  * Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. - Diversified medical products manufacturer and supplier (Note 5) .............  18,875,000
  186,666  * Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Group, Inc. - Provides rehabilitation services (Note 5) ........................     198,332
1,074,500  * Quantum Health Resources, Inc. - Deliver alternate site therapies and services (Note 5) ...................  18,266,500
  520,000  * Ramsay Health Care, Inc. - One of the largest psychiatric services companies (Note 5) .....................   1,560,000
  250,000  * Ramsay Managed Health Care, Inc. - Provides managed behavioral health services ............................     421,875
  364,000  * Regency Health Services, Inc. - Operator of California healthcare facilities ..............................   4,140,500
  925,200  * RightChoice Managed Care (Class A) - Offers managed health care products and services .....................  11,449,350
  500,000  * Scios, Inc. - Develops drugs for cardiopulmonary diseases and tissue repair ...............................   3,312,500
  213,802  * Star Multi Care Services, Inc. -  Proprietary and custodial health care svcs. / staffing (Note 5) .........   2,044,482
  600,000    United Wisconsin Services, Inc. - Group health insurance and HMO operator .................................  15,600,000
  400,000  * Zynaxis, Inc. - Biotechnology company engaged in new therapeutic delivery systems .........................     375,000
                                                                                                                         -----------
                                                                                                                         210,004,701
             HOME APPLIANCES - 0.6%
  750,000    Toastmaster, Inc. - Makes small electrical household appliances (Note 5) ..................................   3,375,000
  446,300    Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc. - Mfgs./distributes small electric appliances .............................   5,857,688
                                                                                                                         -----------
                                                                                                                           9,232,688

             INSURANCE - 8.5%
  441,500    American Eagle Group, Inc. - Property/casualty coverage to aviation/trucking industries (Note 5) ..........   2,041,938
  200,000    Amwest Insurance Group, Inc. - Underwrites a variety of surety bonds (Note 5) .............................   2,350,000
  500,000    AmVestors Financial Corporation - Writer of single-premium deferred annuities .............................   7,875,000
  200,000    Capital RE Corporation - Specialty reinsurance emphasizing the mortgage guaranty market ...................   7,350,000
  400,000    CMAC Investment Corporation - Provides private mortgage insurance coverage ................................  23,000,000
  151,000  * Delphi Financial Group (Class A) - Life, long-term disability and personal accident insurance .............   4,077,000
1,012,400    John Alden Financial Corporation - Group health/life insurance and managed care services ..................  22,399,350
  100,000    Kaye Group, Inc. - Underwrites property and casualty insurance ............................................     562,500
1,000,000  * Life USA Holding Inc. - Writes/sells universal life insurance and annuity products in 40 states ...........   8,875,000
  200,000  * Picom Insurance Co. - Liability insurance for doctors/dentists/health care professionals (Note 5) .........   5,000,000
  500,000    Pioneer Financial Services, Inc. - Underwrites health, accident, life and annuities .......................   8,312,500
1,700,000    Presidential Life Corporation - Writes annuities, whole life, universal life and term policies (Note 5) ...  17,637,500
  250,000    Renaissance Re Holdings Ltd. - Property catastrophe reinsurance and short-tail reinsurance ................   7,687,500
  300,000    Transnational Re Corporation (Class A) - Property catastrophe reinsurance in U.S. and abroad ..............   7,387,500
  500,000  * Westbridge Capital Corp. - Underwrites/sells individual accident and health insurance (Note 5) ............   3,937,500
                                                                                                                         -----------
                                                                                                                         128,493,288

             LEISURE - 4.2%
  226,900    American Recreation Centers, Inc. - Operates 41 bowling centers in six states .............................   1,474,850
  325,000  * Baldwin Piano & Organ Company - Manufactures pianos and electric organs (Note 5) ..........................   4,793,750
  500,000    Barefoot, Inc. - Provides residential lawn care services ..................................................   5,500,000
  150,000  * Buckhead America Corp. - Mortgage servicing and hotel management services (Note 5) ........................     918,750
  420,500  * ERO, Inc. - Markets children's products which feature popular licensed characters .........................   2,628,125
  500,000  * Grand Casinos, Inc. - Develops, manages land-based and dockside casinos and bingo facilities ..............  12,875,000
</TABLE>


                                                                              26


<PAGE>   28


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                    VALUE
HELD         COMMON STOCKS - 83.1% [CONT'D]                                                                              NOTE 1(a)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                                                                                        <C>
             LEISURE - [CONT'D]
  400,000  * Iwerks Entertainment, Inc. - Movie-based specialty theaters for the entertainment market ................ $ 3,950,000
  285,000  * Johnson Worldwide (Class A) - Recreational products for fishing, camping and marine activities ..........   3,918,750
  120,000    La Crosse Footwear, Inc. - Develops/mfgs. protective, industrial and recreational footwear ..............   1,245,000
   75,000    Marcus Corporation - Operates restaurants, theaters, hotels and motels ..................................   1,884,375
  200,000    Matthews International Corporation (Class A) - Custom-made identity products ............................   5,500,000
  800,000  * NTN Communications, Inc. - 24 hr. entertainment network programming throughout Canada ...................   4,700,000
  400,000  * Players International, Inc. - Operates casinos in regional markets ......................................   3,900,000
  300,000  * Sholodge, Inc. - Franchiser/operator of Shoney's Inn and Sumner Suites hotels ...........................   3,750,000
  700,000  * Stratosphere Corporation - Owns and operates Stratosphere Tower Casino in Las Vegas .....................   4,200,000
  400,000  * Trimark Holdings, Inc. - Distributor of home videos and feature films ...................................   2,150,000
                                                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                                                        63,388,600

             MANUFACTURING - 5.8%
1,050,000  * Alpine Group, Inc. - Mfg. copper wire & cable for telecomm. and refractory products (Note 5) ............   5,250,000
  650,000  * Arden Industrial Products, Inc. - Nat'l distributor of specialty and standard fasteners (Note 5) ........   3,412,500
1,000,000  * Astec Industries, Inc. - Designs, mfgs., markets asphalt plants, milling and paving equip. (Note 5) .....   9,250,000
  100,000    Badger Meter, Inc. - Producer of fluid meters and flow valves (Note 5) ..................................   2,787,500
  208,500  * Dakotah, Inc. - Designs, manufactures and markets home fashion furnishings (Note 5) .....................     899,156
  692,500  * Devlieg-Bullard, Inc. - Mfgs., upgrades, automates precision engineered machine tools (Note 5) ..........   1,558,125
  300,000  * Encore Wire Corp. - Produces copper elec. building wire for commercial / residential uses ...............   3,150,000
  401,500  * Gehl Company - Manufactures/markets agricultural and construction equipment (Note 5) ....................   3,362,563
  700,000    General Chemical Group, Inc. - Manufactures and supplies inorganic chemicals ............................  14,175,000
   97,000  * Hampshire Group Ltd. - Produces classically-styled fashion sweaters .....................................   1,139,750
  373,000  * Kentucky Electric Steel Company, Inc. - Owns and operates a mini steel mill (Note 5) ....................   3,030,625
  310,300    Martin Industries, Inc. - Mfgs. gas space heaters, gas logs, fireplaces and metal office furniture ......   2,792,700
  300,000  * MFRI, Inc. - Manufacturer and marketer of filter bags, related parts and accessories (Note 5) ...........   2,137,500
  230,080    Mosinee Paper Corporation -  Industrial specialty and tissue paper products producer ....................   6,154,640
  387,200  * NYCOR, Inc. - Manufactures components for heating and cooling systems (Note 5) ..........................   2,274,800
  341,400  * NYCOR, Inc. (Class A) - (Note 5) ........................................................................   1,920,375
  600,000  * Powell Industries, Inc. - Designs/manufs/sells electrical power generation products (Note 5) ............   6,975,000
  153,500    Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company - Full-line distributor/processor of steel and aluminum ...............   5,602,750
  185,500  * Rexworks, Inc. - Manufactures and sells concrete and waste disposal equipment (Note 5) ..................     626,063
  108,000    Salem Corporation - Designs and installs heavy industrial equipment (Note 5) ............................   2,403,000
  500,000    Spartech Corporation - Manufactures and markets single and multi-layer plastic sheet ....................   5,312,500
  250,000  * Specialty Paperboard, Inc. - Largest domestic supplier of heavyweight pressboard (Note 5) ...............   3,656,250
                                                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                                                        87,870,797

             MARKETING/CORPORATE SERVICE - 1.5%
  300,000    Cyrk International, Inc. - Designs products that promote brand names and corp. identities ...............   4,087,500
  300,000  * LCS Industries, Inc. - Provides computer related direct response marketing svcs (Note 5) ................   3,600,000
1,300,000    Luminart, Inc. - Develops products for visual effects in signage display (Note 5) .......................   3,336,320
  250,000  * M/A/R/C, Inc. - Provides market research, database marketing and consulting services (Note 5) ...........   5,437,500
  150,000    Norwood Promotional Products, Inc. - Custom promo products to distributors nationwide ...................   3,375,000
  430,000  * Outlook Group Corporation - Print./pack./dist. sports cards, food and consumer printing (Note 5) ........   2,042,500
                                                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                                                        21,878,820

             MEDICAL PRODUCTS - 3.0%
  450,000  * Aequitron Medical, Inc. - Manufactures home health care and hospital products (Note 5) ..................   3,375,000
  400,000    Allied Healthcare Products, Inc. - Mfgs./markets medical gas / respiratory therapy equip. (Note 5) ......   3,700,000
   40,000  * Electroscope, Inc. - Electrosurgical shielding system and integrated electrosurgical instruments ........     400,000
  395,000  * Female Health Co. - Manufactures chemical and branded consumer health products (Note 5) .................   2,049,063
  200,000  * Gish Biomedical, Inc - Offers devices for use in cardiovascular and orthopedic surgery (Note 5) .........   1,150,000
  357,000  * Hauser Chemical Research, Inc. - Processes chemicals for use in drugs ...................................   2,409,750
</TABLE>


27


<PAGE>   29


                             HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                     (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                       SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                          June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  SHARES                                                                                                                   VALUE
  HELD        COMMON STOCKS - 83.1% [CONT'D]                                                                             NOTE 1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>       <C>                                                                                                         <C>
              MEDICAL PRODUCTS - [CONT'D]
  500,000  *  MDT Corp. - Develops, manufactures, markets and services sterility assurance systems (Note 5)...........  $ 2,265,650
  403,500  *  Marquette Electronics, Inc. (Class A) - Mfg. of medical electronic monitoring equipment ................    6,960,375
  227,800  *  Maxxim Medical, Inc. - Manufactures and distributes physical therapy equipment .........................    3,901,075
  243,700  *  Medical Graphics Corp. - Computerized diagnostic sys. to detect heart and lung disease (Note 5) ........    1,976,261
  600,000  *  OEC Medical Systems, Inc. - Mfgs. computer based medical instruments ...................................    8,175,000
  400,000  *  Rehabilicare, Inc. - Dsgns./mfgs./markets electromed. rehab. and pain mgmt. products (Note 5) ..........    1,600,000
  540,000  *  Sullivan Dental Products, Inc. - Distributes consumable dental supplies and equipment (Note 5) .........    5,467,500
  100,000     Sterile Concepts Holdings - Produces surgical and clinical custom procedure trays ......................    1,987,500
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                         45,417,174
             
              RETAIL - 6.7%
  550,000  *  Action Industries, Inc. - Merchandising programs (Note 5) ..............................................    1,134,375
   76,000  *  Amrion, Inc. - Markets dietary supplements and other consumer products .................................    1,178,000
  450,000  *  Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc. - Operates over 1,000 convenience stores (Note 5) ..................    2,643,750
  850,000  *  Damark International, Inc. (Class A) - Information-based, direct mktr of brnd name merch. (Note 5) .....   11,900,000
1,100,000  *  Designs, Inc. - Operates 120 specialty retail stores selling Levi Strauss merchandise (Note 5) .........    6,600,000
  330,000  *  Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. - Discount retailer operating throughout the central U.S. (Note 5) ..........    4,867,500
  168,900  *  Funco, Inc. - Interactive home entertainment from purchase and resale of video games ...................    1,456,763
1,200,600  *  Gibson Greetings, Inc. - Manufacturer and retailer of greeting cards (Note 5) ..........................   16,508,250
   80,000  *  Good Guys, Inc. - Consumer electronics retailer in California ..........................................      700,000
  720,000  *  Harmony Brook, Inc. - Develops, mfgs., distributes and operates water filtering equipment (Note 5) .....      720,000
  403,000  *  HealthRite, Inc. - Sells vitamins, dietary supplements, sports nutritions, personal care products 
              (Note 5) ...............................................................................................      806,000
  900,000  *  Hi-Lo Automotive, Inc. - Retails automotive replacement parts (Note 5) .................................    4,162,500
  675,000  *  Oneita Industries, Inc. - Manufactures, sells high quality blank t-shirts for screenprinting (Note 5)...    2,109,375
  510,000  *  Rhodes, Inc. - Retailer of brand-name furniture to a broad base of middle-income customers (Note 5)        5,673,750
  400,000  *  Roberds, Inc. - Operates retail outlets of home furnishing products (Note 5) ...........................    4,250,000
1,000,000     Shopko Stores, Inc. - Regional discount store concentrated in the upper Midwest ........................   16,125,000
  575,000  *  Sports & Recreation, Inc. - Sells sporting goods through 80 "Sports Unlimited" superstores .............    5,246,875
1,000,000  *  Supercuts, Inc. - Nationwide franchiser and operator of haircare stores (Note 5) .......................    8,500,000
  366,500  *  Trak Auto Corporation - Retail auto parts stores (Note 5) ..............................................    5,864,000
   25,000     Weyco Group, Inc. - Manufacturer and retailer of quality shoes .........................................    1,012,500
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                        101,458,638
              TECHNOLOGY - 4.7%
  479,000  *  Align-Rite International, Inc. - Mfg. of photomasks used to produce integrated circuits (Note 5) .......    5,568,375
  250,000  *  BancTec, Inc. - Manufacturer of computerized check processing systems ..................................    5,062,500
  280,000  *  CSP, Inc. - Manufacturer of array processors to enhance computer speed (Note 5) ........................    2,310,000
1,000,000  *  Computer Products, Inc. - Designs / manufactures products for industrial data processing ...............   17,125,000
  785,000  *  Digital Biometrics, Inc. - Produces fingerprint recording and identification products (Note 5) .........    4,710,000
  350,000  *  Effective Management Systems, Inc. - Dvlp., mfg and svc. business mgmt software (Note 5) ...............    2,406,250
   40,000     FDP Corporation - Sells and supports computer applications software systems ............................      530,000
1,000,000  *  FSI International, Inc. - Mfgs surfacing conditioning equipment for processing silicon wafers ..........   12,625,000
  700,000  *  IEC Electronics Corp. - Mfgs complex printed circuit boards and electronic products (Note 5) ...........    5,075,000
  301,200  *  Mizar, Inc. - Manufactures computer subsystems used in real-time image processing (Note 5) .............    1,957,800
  457,500     Netframe Systems, Inc. - Produces specialized computer systems for local area networks .................    2,058,750
  100,000  *  Odetics, Inc. (Class A) - Dvlp, mfg/mkt intelligent mach. to collect digital/analog data ...............    1,525,000
  249,400  *  Perle Systems, Ltd - Designs proprietary data communication networking hardware / software .............    1,059,950
  565,000  *  PolyVision Corporation - Mfg custom dsgnd display products for schools, banks and offices (Note 5) .....      600,313
  564,000     Quixote Corporation - Manufactures compact and optical discs (Note 5) ..................................    3,807,000
  125,000  *  Read-Rite Corporation - Produces magnetic recording heads for disk drives ..............................    1,765,625
  500,000     Technology Research Corporation - Control/measurement devices for elec. power distrib. (Note 5) ........    2,687,500
                                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                                         70,874,063
</TABLE>
                                                                              28


<PAGE>   30


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                     VALUE
HELD          COMMON STOCKS - 83.1% [CONT'D]                                                                            NOTE 1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                                                                         <C>       
              TRANSPORTATION - 1.1%
  540,200  *  Amtran, Inc - Provides charter and selective scheduled airline services to leisure travelers ..........$   4,456,650
  212,000  *  Marten Transport, Ltd. - Long-haul refrigerated motor carrier (Note 5)  3,392,000
  300,000  *  MTL, Inc. - Transports industrial chemicals and bulk food products by tank truck (Note 5) .............     5,100,000
  348,700  *  Tower Air, Inc. - Provider of long-haul scheduled and charter passenger air services ..................     1,743,500
  294,700  *  Trism, Inc. - Trucking co. carrying heavy machinery, explosives, and radioactive materials (Note 5) ...     1,657,688
                                                                                                                     --------------
                                                                                                                         16,349,838
                                                                                                                     --------------
               TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $1,035,808,624) ............................................................$1,256,865,201
<CAPTION>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                     VALUE
HELD          PREFERRED STOCKS - 0.3%                                                                                   NOTE 1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                                                    <C>       
 4,000,000    Automated Security PFD 6.0% - Sells and services electrical security systems ..........................$    4,553,600
              TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $2,530,007) ..............................................................$    4,553,600

<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                                                        VALUE
AMOUNT        CORPORATE BONDS - 0.6%                                         COUPON           MATURITY                  NOTE 1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>           <C>                     <C>
              CONVERTIBLE BONDS - 0.2%
$  400,000    Fort Bend Holding Corporation ................................  8.000%           01/01/2005            $      393,000
 1,000,000    ICN Pharmaceutical, Inc ......................................  8.500            11/15/1999                 1,200,000
   750,000    Mercury Air Group, Inc .......................................  7.750            02/01/2006                   772,500
 1,000,000    Professional Bancorp .........................................  8.500            03/01/2004                 1,025,000
                                                                                                                     --------------
                                                                                                                          3,390,500
              NON-CONVERTIBLE BONDS - 0.4%
 6,335,000    Engle Homes, Inc ............................................. 11.750            12/15/2000                 6,152,869
                                                                                                                     --------------
                                                                                                                          6,152,869
                                                                                                                     --------------
             TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $9,174,938) ................................................................$    9,543,369

<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAR                                                                                                                        VALUE
AMOUNT       U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES - 3.3%                               COUPON         MATURITY                    NOTE 1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                            <C>           <C>                     <C>
$50,000,000  US Treasury Note ..............................................  5.875%        08/15/1998               $   49,703,100
                                                                                                                     --------------
             TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES (Cost $49,769,483) .................................................   $   49,703,100
</TABLE>


29


<PAGE>   31


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                               VALUE
AMOUNT       SHORT -TERM INVESTMENTS - 13.2%                COUPON  MATURITY     NOTE 1(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>     <C>         <C>
             U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES - 6.7%
$50,000,000  US Treasury Note ............................  7.250%  11/30/1996  $50,343,750
 50,000,000  US Treasury Note ............................  6.500   05/15/1997   50,296,850
                                                                                -----------
                                                                                100,640,600

            DISCOUNT NOTES - 5.1%
12,000,000  Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation........  5.250   07/15/1996   11,975,500
20,000,000  Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation .......  5.360   07/12/1996   19,968,161
15,000,000  Federal Home Loan Banks ......................  5.307   07/15/1996   14,969,796
10,700,000  Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation .......  5.359   09/04/1996   10,698,600
20,000,000  Federal Home Loan Banks ......................  5.270   09/25/1996   19,748,232
                                                                                 ----------
                                                                                 77,360,289

              VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES - 1.4%
21,679,000    Warner - Lambert Company ...................  5.115   07/01/1996   21,679,000
                                                                                 ----------
                                                                                 21,679,000
                                                                                 ----------





TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $199,495,475) .........................      199,679,889
                                                                                -----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.5% (Cost $1,296,778,527) (+) .....................   $1,520,345,159
                                                                             ==============


<CAPTION>                                                                        VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES  SHORT-SALES                                                             Note 1(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                                    <C>
155,900  Fedders Corporation - Room air conditioner manufacturer that publicly
         announced a pending merger with NYCOR, Inc., a portfolio holding       $ 1,110,787
                                                                                -----------
         TOTAL SHORT SALES (Proceeds $977,643) (Note 1(f)) ...............        1,110,787
                                                                                ===========
</TABLE>



 *   Non-income producing security.

(+)  Percentages for the various classifications relate to total net assets.

     The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of
     this schedule.


                                                                              30


<PAGE>   32


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                      STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                           June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
ASSETS:
    Investments in securities, at quoted market value
       -non-affiliated companies (Cost $772,625,020) .................................  $  922,343,361
       -affiliated companies (Cost $524,153,507) (Note 5) ............................     598,001,798
    Cash .............................................................................         184,082
    Receivable from investments sold .................................................       1,196,614
    Receivable from fund shares sold .................................................         226,633
    Accrued dividends and interest ...................................................       2,629,826
                                                                                         -------------
       Total assets ..................................................................   1,524,582,314
                                                                                         -------------
LIABILITIES:
    Securities sold short, at current market value (proceeds $977,643) ...............       1,110,757
    Payable for investments purchased ................................................       9,704,679
    Payable for fund shares redeemed .................................................         492,090
    Payable to Distributor for distribution fees (Note 2) ............................         902,180
    Payable to transfer agent ........................................................         123,895
    Other accrued expense ............................................................         352,559
                                                                                         -------------
       Total liabilities .............................................................      12,686,160
                                                                                         -------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO OUTSTANDING SHARES
    ($.001 par value,100,000,000 shares authorized 47,713,214 shares outstanding) ....  $1,511,896,154
                                                                                        ==============
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
    Net asset value and offering price per share ($.001 par value,
    100,000,000 shares authorized [$1,511,896,154 / 47,713,214 shares outstanding]) ..  $        31.69
                                                                                        ==============
</TABLE>



                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
              For the six months ending June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income ...............................................  $    1,967,544
   Net realized gains on investments. ..................................      92,722,211
   Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments ..............      73,419,688
                                                                          --------------
        Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ...........     168,109,443
                                                                          --------------
FUND SHARE ACTIVITIES:
   Proceeds from shares issued (9,651,037 shares) ......................     287,758,766
   Cost of shares redeemed (4,550,834 shares) ..........................    (134,898,063)
                                                                          --------------
        Net increase in net assets derived from Fund share activities ..     152,860,703
                                                                          --------------
   TOTAL INCREASE ......................................................     320,970,146

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 ........................................   1,190,926,008
                                                                          --------------
NET ASSETS AT JUNE 30, 1996 (Note 4) ...................................  $1,511,896,154
                                                                          ==============
</TABLE> 


The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.


31


<PAGE>   33

                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
              For the six months ending June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
    Interest........................................................... $  7,453,006
    Dividends-non affiliated companies.................................    2,384,980
    Dividends-affiliated companies (Note 5)............................      904,038
                                                                        ------------
         Total investment income.......................................   10,742,024
                                                                        ------------
EXPENSES:
    Management fees (Note 2)...........................................    5,057,240
    Distribution fees (Note 2).........................................    1,685,746
    Transfer agent fees................................................      961,610
    Registration fees..................................................      333,493
    Postage............................................................      300,570
    Custodian fees.....................................................      142,277
    Printing and communications........................................      126,821
    Legal fees.........................................................       62,800
    Audit fees.........................................................       32,448
    Directors' fees....................................................        2,000
    Other expenses.....................................................       69,475
                                                                        ------------
         Total expenses................................................    8,774,480
                                                                        ------------
    Net investment income..............................................    1,967,544
                                                                        ------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS-NET:
    NET REALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS - non-affiliated companies.......   94,515,178
    NET REALIZED LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS - affiliated companies (Note 5).   (1,792,967)
                                                                        ------------
    TOTAL NET REALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS............................   92,722,211
    NET INCREASE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS.............   73,419,688
                                                                        ------------
        NET GAINS ON INVESTMENTS.......................................  166,141,899
                                                                        ------------
    NET INCREASE  IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS.............. $168,109,443
                                                                        ============
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.
                                                                              32


<PAGE>   34
                                        

                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          FOR THE SIX MONTHS                         FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                         ENDING JUNE 30, 1996          --------------------------------------------------
                                              (UNAUDITED)              1995       1994        1993       1992       1991
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>              <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
Net asset value, at beginning of period ...        $27.95          $    22.72   $  23.22    $  20.41    $ 16.06    $ 11.32

Income from investment operations:
   Net investment income (loss) ...........          0.04                0.13      (0.09)      (0.12)     (0.09)     (0.08)
   Net realized and unrealized
   gains (losses) on securities ...........          3.70                6.63       0.47        3.95       6.91       5.66
                                                     ----                ----       ----        ----       ----       ----
   Total from investment operations .......          3.74                6.76       0.38        3.83       6.82       5.58

Less distributions:
   Dividends from net investment income ...            --               (0.13)        --          --         --         --
   Distributions from net realized gains ..            --               (1.40)     (0.88)      (1.02)     (2.47)     (0.84)
                                                  -------             -------   --------    --------    -------    -------
   Total distributions ....................            --               (1.53)     (0.88)      (1.02)     (2.47)     (0.84)

Net asset value, end of year ..............        $31.69          $    27.95   $  22.72    $  23.22    $ 20.41    $ 16.06
                                                   ======          ==========   ========    ========    =======    =======

Total Return (1) ..........................          13.4%(2)            29.8%       1.7%       18.8%      42.5%      49.4%


Supplemental data and ratios:

   Net assets, end of period
   (in thousands)..........................    $1,511,896          $1,190,926   $339,364    $186,518    $48,391    $29,880
   Ratio of total expenses
   to average net assets ..................          1.29%(3)            1.29%      1.39%       1.51%      1.48%      1.69%
   Ratio of net investment income
   (loss) to average net assets ...........          0.29%(3)            0.61%     (0.52)%     (0.71)%    (0.49)%    (0.54)%
   Portfolio turnover rate ................            15%                 31%        35%         51%        76%        79%
</TABLE>



(1) Contingent deferred and initial sales charges in effect for the Fund prior
    to June 1, 1994 are not reflected in Total Return as set forth in the table.
(2) Not annualized
(3) Annualized

The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.


33


<PAGE>   35
                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
           NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - JUNE 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

    The Heartland Value Fund ("The Fund") is a separate series of Heartland
    Group, Inc.  The assets and liabilities of each portfolio of Heartland
    Group, Inc. are segregated with a shareholder's interest limited to the
    portfolio in which the shareholder owns shares.  The Fund's Investment
    objectives is long-term capital appreciation.  The Fund seeks to achieve
    its objective through investment in small company stocks selected on a
    value basis.  The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
    of the Fund:

    (a)  Securities for which exchange quotations are readily valued at
         the    last sale price reported by the principal security exchange on
         which the issue is traded, or if no sale is reported, the latest bid
         price. Securities for which exchange quotations are not readily
         available are valued primarily using dealer-supplied valuations or at
         their fair value as determined in good faith under consistently
         applied procedures under the general supervision of the Board of
         Directors. Net realized gains and losses on investments are computed on
         the specific identification cost method.  Short-term investments are
         recorded at cost which approximates market.  Debt securities having 
         maturities of 60 days or less may be valued at acquisition cost, plus 
         or minus any amortized discount or premium.

    (b)  Provision has not been made for Federal income taxes since the
         Fund has elected to be taxed as a "regulated investment company" and
         intends to distribute substantially all income to its shareholders and
         otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
         applicable to regulated investment companies.

    (c)  Net investment income and undistributed capital gains are
         distributed to shareholders annually and recorded on the ex-dividend
         date.  The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment
         income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance
         with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from generally
         accepted accounting principles.  To the extent these book and tax
         differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are re-classified to
         paid-in capital in excess of par value.

    (d)  The Fund records security transactions at cost no later than the
         first business day after the trade date.  The cost amount as reflected
         in the Schedule of Investments is the same for Federal income tax
         purposes.

    (e)  The Fund may enter into futures contracts to provide protection
         against adverse movements in the prices of securities in the
         portfolio.  Upon entering into futures contracts, the Fund pledges to
         the broker stock or U.S. government securities equal to the minimum
         "initial margin" requirements of the exchange.  Additionally, the Fund
         receives from or pays to the broker an amount of cash equal to the
         daily fluctuation in value of the contract.  Such receipts or payments
         are known as "variation margin," and are recorded by the Fund as
         unrealized gains or losses.  When the futures contract is closed, the
         Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between
         the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at
         the time it was closed.

         The use of futures contracts involves, to varying degrees, elements of
         market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement of
         assets and liabilities.  The predominant risk is that the movement of
         the futures contracts price may result in a loss which could render the
         portfolio's hedging strategy unsuccessful. The fund had no open futures
         contracts at June 30, 1996.

    (f)  The Fund may engage in "short sales against the box",
         transactions which involve selling a security that the Fund owns (or
         has an unconditional right to purchase) for delivery at a specified
         date in the future.  Similarly, the Fund may also engage in short 
         sales of securities of an issuer "(acquiror") that has publicly
         announced a proposed or pending transaction in which a portfolio
         security of the Fund will be converted into securities of the acquiror.
         These techniques are intended to hedge protectively against    
         anticipated declines in the market price of the Fund's portfolio 
         securities or to defer any unrealized gain.

    (g)  The Fund may write covered call options that are traded on
         recognized U.S. exchanges with respect to specific securities owned,
         to enhance Fund income to the extent of the premium received. A
         written covered call option provides the holder of the option the
         right to buy the security at a fixed price for a stated period of
         time; therefore, the specific Fund would not realize any appreciation
         on the security above the option price. During the six month period
         ending June 30, 1996 the fund did not engage in any option related
         activities and no options were owned at the end of the period.

    (h)  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
         generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
         estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
         and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
         the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
         revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
         could differ from the estimates.

                                                                              34
<PAGE>   36


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - JUNE 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2)  Investment Advisor, Management Agreement and Transactions with Related
    Parties.

    The Fund has a management agreement with Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the
    "Advisor") with whom certain officers and directors of the Fund are
    affiliated, to serve as investment advisor and manager.  Under the terms of
    the agreement, the Fund will pay the Advisor a monthly management fee at
    the annual rate of .75% of the daily net asset value of the Fund.

    The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule
    12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  The Distributor is
    Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the "Distributor") with whom certain officers and
    directors of the Fund are affiliated.  The Plan requires the Fund to pay
    the Distributor a quarterly distribution fee on an annual basis up to .25%
    of its daily net assets.  In addition, for the six months ended June 30,
    1996, the Distributor received $64,219 from investors representing
    commissions for Fund share redemptions and $181,296 from the Fund for
    brokerage fees on the execution of purchases and sales of portfolio
    investments.

    As permitted under Rule 10f-3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the
    Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted a plan which will allow the
    Fund, under certain conditions described in the Rule, to acquire
    newly-issued securities from syndicates in which the Distributor is a
    member.


3)  Investment Transactions.

    For the six months ended June 30, 1996, the cost of purchases and the
    proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding short-term 
    securities) were $488,964,387 and $169,809,050 respectively, of which 
    purchases of government and government agency obligations were $49,756,641.

4)  Sources of Net Assets

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
       As of June 30, 1996, the sources of net assets were as follows:
       Fund shares issued and outstanding ........................................  $1,193,772,911
       Accumulated net realized gains of investments .............................      92,722,211
       Net unrealized appreciation on investments ................................     223,433,488
       Accumulated net investment income .........................................       1,967,544
                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                    $1,511,896,154
                                                                                    ==============

       Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of June 30, 1996,
       based on investment cost for Federal income tax purposes is as follows:
       Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation ...................................  $  299,615,640
       Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation ...................................     (76,182,152)
                                                                                    --------------
       Net unrealized appreciation on investments ................................  $  223,433,488
                                                                                    ==============
</TABLE>


5)     Transactions with Affiliates.

       The following companies are affiliated with the Fund; that is, the Fund
       holds 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities. Such companies are
       defined in Section (2)(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Share                               Share                   Realized
                                      Balance at                          Balance at     Dividends   Gains
 Security Name                       Dec. 31, 1995   Purchases   Sales   June 30, 1996   Received   (Losses)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>        <C>      <C>            <C>         <C>
3-D Geophysical, Inc.                            0    350,000      0        350,000        $ 0        $0
Action Industries, Inc.                    550,000          0      0        550,000          0         0
Aequitron Medical, Inc.                    450,000          0      0        450,000          0         0
Align-Rite International, Inc.                   0    479,000      0        479,000          0         0
Allied Healthcare Products, Inc.           181,200    218,800      0        400,000     56,000         0
Allwaste, Inc.                           2,843,300    956,700      0      3,800,000          0         0
Alpine Group, Inc.                       1,000,000     50,000      0      1,050,000          0         0
American Eagle Group, Inc.                 300,000    141,500      0        441,500     29,660         0
American Educational Products, Inc.        405,000          0      0        405,000          0         0
</TABLE>


35


<PAGE>   37


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - [CONT'D] - JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Share                                      Share                     Realized
                                         Balance at                                Balance at      Dividends    Gains
    Security Name                       Dec. 31, 1995     Purchases     Sales     June 30, 1996    Received    (Losses)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>           <C>         <C>             <C>           <C>               
Amwest Insurance Group, Inc.                200,000         10,000      10,000        200,000      $ 42,900     $   995       
Arden Industrial Products, Inc..            206,500        443,500           0        650,000             0           0       
Astec Industries, Inc.                    1,000,000              0           0      1,000,000             0           0       
Automated Security Holdings,                                                                                                  
 PLC. (ADR)                               2,000,000      2,100,000           0      4,100,000             0           0       
Badger Meter, Inc.                          100,000              0           0        100,000        42,000           0       
Baldwin Piano & Organ Company               325,000              0           0        325,000             0           0       
Beverly Bancorporation                       44,126(1)           0           0         44,126        21,394           0       
Biosys, Inc.                                400,000(2)           0           0        400,000             0           0       
Buckhead America Corporation                116,000         34,000           0        150,000             0           0       
Caretenders Healthcorp                      243,900         65,000           0        308,900             0           0       
Cherry Corporation (Class A)                500,000        400,100      50,000        850,100             0    (218,750)      
Clayton Williams Energy, Inc.               505,000         95,000           0        600,000             0           0       
Coastal Physicians Group, Inc.            1,000,000      1,000,000           0      2,000,000             0           0       
Cobra Electronics Corporation               481,000         19,000           0        500,000             0           0       
CSP, Inc.                                   280,000              0           0        280,000             0           0       
D & N Financial Corporation                 169,600        230,400           0        400,000             0           0       
Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc.                                                                                           
 (Class A)                                  450,000              0           0        450,000             0           0       
Dakotah, Inc.                               150,500         58,000           0        208,500             0           0       
Damark International, Inc. (Class A)        900,000              0      50,000        850,000             0     217,113       
Designs, Inc.                               978,200        121,800           0      1,100,000             0           0       
Devlieg-Bullard, Inc.                       692,500              0           0        692,500             0           0       
Digital Biometrics, Inc.                          0        840,000      55,000        785,000             0      89,764       
Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.                  290,000         40,000           0        330,000             0           0       
ECC International Corporation               504,900        195,100           0        700,000             0           0       
Effective Management Systems, Inc.          350,000              0           0        350,000             0           0       
Engle Homes, Inc.                           500,000              0           0        500,000        40,000           0       
Evergreen Resources, Inc.                   518,500         41,500           0        560,000             0           0       
Female Health Company                             0        395,000           0        395,000             0           0       
FLIR Systems, Inc.                          155,600        198,400           0        354,000             0           0       
Forest Oil Company                                0      1,560,000           0      1,560,000             0           0       
Gehl Company                                311,500         90,000           0        401,500             0           0       
Gibson Greetings, Inc.                    1,200,600              0           0      1,200,600             0           0       
Gish Biomedical, Inc.                       200,000              0           0        200,000             0           0       
GZA GeoEnvironmental                                                                                                          
 Technologies, Inc.                         363,300          9,400           0        372,700             0           0       
Hallwood Consolidated                                                                                                         
 Resources Corporation                      100,000              0           0        100,000             0           0       
Hanover Foods, Inc.                          34,500         16,000           0         50,500        20,900           0       
Harmony Brook, Inc.                         720,000              0           0        720,000             0           0       
Health Power, Inc.                          242,400         57,600           0        300,000             0           0       
HealthRite, Inc.                            365,000         38,000           0        403,000             0           0       
Hi-Lo Automotive, Inc.                      850,000         50,000           0        900,000             0           0       
Home Federal Bank                                 0        129,000           0        129,000        16,125           0       
Hospital Staffing Services, Inc.            620,000              0       1,300        618,700             0       1,230       
ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.                 2,100,005        399,995           0      2,500,000       166,489           0       
IEC Electronics Corporation                 653,100         46,900           0        700,000             0           0       
International Colin Energy Corp.          1,070,000              0           0      1,070,000             0           0       
Kentucky Electric Steel Co., Inc.           240,000        133,000           0        373,000             0           0       
LCS Industries, Inc.                        368,500              0      68,500        300,000             0     394,588       
</TABLE>


                                                                              36


<PAGE>   38


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - [CONT'D] - JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Share                                      Share                     Realized
                                            Balance at                                Balance at      Dividends    Gains
    Security Name                          Dec. 31, 1995     Purchases     Sales     June 30, 1996    Received    (Losses)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>              <C>             <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>          
                                                                                                                              
Luminart, Inc.                               1,300,000               0          0      1,300,000   $     0   $         0      
Marten Transport, Ltd.                         212,000               0          0        212,000         0             0      
Maxicare Health Plans, Inc.                    750,000         400,000    150,000      1,000,000         0     1,955,400      
MDT Corporation                                500,000               0          0        500,000         0             0      
Meadowbrook Rehab Group, Inc.                  177,500(3)        9,166          0        186,666         0             0      
Medical Graphics Corporation                   243,700               0          0        243,700         0             0      
Mercury Air Group, Inc.                        233,530(4)      216,470          0        450,000     6,498             0      
Metropolitan Bancorp                           327,100               0          0        327,100         0             0      
MFRI, Inc.                                     300,000               0          0        300,000         0             0      
Mid American Waste Systems, Inc.             2,750,000         150,000    973,100      1,926,900         0    (4,567,174)     
Mizar, Inc.                                    175,000         126,200          0        301,200         0             0      
Morgan Products, Ltd.                          418,800         331,200          0        750,000         0             0      
MTL, Inc.                                      150,000         150,000          0        300,000         0             0      
MYR Group, Inc.                                260,000          40,000          0        300,000    30,000             0      
M/A/R/C, Inc.                                  269,000               0     19,000        250,000         0       243,238      
Norstan, Inc.                                  276,000               0          0        276,000         0             0      
North Star Universal, Inc.                     700,000               0          0        700,000         0             0      
Northwest Equity Corporation                   100,000               0     10,000         90,000     9,000        13,375      
NYCOR, Inc.                                    728,600               0          0        728,600         0             0      
Oneita Industries, Inc.                        322,900         352,100          0        675,000         0             0      
Outlook Group Corporation                      300,000         130,000          0        430,000         0             0      
Patrick Industries, Inc.                       250,000          50,000          0        300,000    22,000             0      
Payco American Corporation                     943,000          57,000          0      1,000,000         0             0      
Peoples Telephone Company, Inc.              1,500,000               0          0      1,500,000         0             0      
Picom Insurance Company                        185,700          14,300          0        200,000         0             0      
Pinnacle Bank (1)                               67,800               0          0         67,800    24,408             0      
(formerly 1st Federal of Alabama F.S.B.)                                                                               0      
PolyVision Corporation                         320,000         245,000          0        565,000         0             0      
Powell Industries, Inc.                        600,000               0          0        600,000         0             0      
Presidential Life Corporation                1,700,000               0          0      1,700,000   119,000             0      
Quantum Health Resources, Inc.                 916,500         158,000          0      1,074,500         0             0      
Quixote Corporation                            424,400         139,600          0        564,000    63,600             0      
Ramsay Health Care, Inc.                       520,000               0          0        520,000         0             0      
Redwood Empire Bancorp                         224,000               0          0        224,000         0             0      
Rehabilicare, Inc.                             438,000               0     38,000        400,000         0        77,255      
Rexworks, Inc.                                 185,500               0          0        185,500         0             0      
Rhodes, Inc.                                         0         510,000          0        510,000         0             0      
Roberds, Inc.                                  400,000               0          0        400,000         0             0      
Salem Corporation                               87,500          20,500          0        108,000    29,700             0      
Schult Homes Corporation                       350,000               0          0        350,000    35,000             0      
Sifco Industries, Inc.                         266,300          33,700          0        300,000         0             0      
Specialty Paperboard, Inc.                     250,000               0          0        250,000         0             0      
Star Multi Care Services, Inc.                 213,802               0          0        213,802         0             0      
Starcraft Corporation                          315,500          42,700          0        358,200         0             0      
Sterling Financial Corporation                 275,000               0          0        275,000         0             0      
Stokely USA, Inc.                              457,000         343,000          0        800,000         0             0      
St. Mary Land & Exploration Co.                490,000          10,000          0        500,000    40,000             0      
Sullivan Dental Products, Inc.                 540,000               0          0        540,000         0             0      
Summit Family Restaurant, Inc.                 430,000               0          0        430,000         0             0      
Sunrise Resources, Inc.                        400,000               0          0        400,000         0             0      
Supercuts, Inc.                                516,000         484,000          0      1,000,000         0             0      
</TABLE>


37


<PAGE>   39


                              HEARTLAND VALUE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - [CONT'D] - JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Share                                      Share                       Realized
                                            Balance at                                Balance at      Dividends      Gains
    Security Name                          Dec. 31, 1995     Purchases     Sales     June 30, 1996    Received      (Losses)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>              <C>       <C>      
                                                                                                                                
Technology Research Corporation               500,000               0         0          500,000      $ 60,000   $         0      
Timber Lodge Steakhouse, Inc.                 250,000               0         0          250,000             0             0      
Toastmaster, Inc.                             591,400         158,600         0          750,000        29,364             0      
Todhunter International, Inc.                 490,000               0         0          490,000             0             0      
Total Tel USA Communications, Inc.            144,500               0         0          144,500             0             0      
Trak Auto Corporation                         366,500               0         0          366,500             0             0      
Transworld Bancorp                            176,775(5)            0         0          176,775             0             0      
Trimark Holdings, Inc.                        400,000               0         0          400,000             0             0      
Trism, Inc.                                   294,700               0         0          294,700             0             0      
UNC, Inc.                                   1,100,000               0         0        1,100,000             0             0      
United Security Bancorp                       149,930(6)        5,000         0          154,930             0             0      
Universal Seismic, Inc.                       370,000          30,000         0          400,000             0             0      
URS Corporation                               700,100         299,900         0        1,000,000             0             0      
Vectra Technologies, Inc.                     700,000          23,500         0          723,500             0             0      
Westbridge Capital Corporation                500,000               0         0          500,000             0             0      
                                                                                                      --------   -----------
                                                                                                      $904,038   $(1,792,967)     
                                                                                                      ========   ===========
</TABLE>                                                                       
                                                                               


(1) Adjusted for 5% stock dividend
(2) Adjusted for 2 for 5 reverse stock split
(3) Adjusted for 1 for 3 reverse stock split
(4) Adjusted for 10% stock dividend
(5) Adjusted for 25% stock dividend
(6) Adjusted for 10% stock dividend

                                                                              38


<PAGE>   40


                         HEARTLAND VALUE & INCOME FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                            SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                              VALUE
HELD        COMMON STOCKS - 61.4%                                                                                   NOTE 1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>         <C>                                                                                                     <C>
            BANKS AND SAVINGS & LOANS - 2.4%
50,000      Teche Holding Company - Holding company for Teche Federal Savings Bank.................................  $   656,250
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                         656,250
            ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES  - 15.5%
100,000     Berry Petroleum Company (Class A) - Explores and produces oil and natural gas..........................    1,137,500
 50,000  *  Tesoro Petroleum Corporation - Refines and transports crude oil products...............................      575,000
110,000     USX Delhi Group - Sells natural gas to distribution companies and electric utilities...................    1,347,500
 75,000     Western Gas Resources, Inc - Natural gas gathering and processing facilities...........................    1,218,750
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                       4,278,750

            ENTERTAINMENT - 2.7%
100,000     Intrav, Inc. - Designs, markets and operates escorted, international travel programs...................      737,500
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                         737,500
            FINANCIAL SERVICES - 1.6%
35,000  *   Medallion Financial Corp. - Finance company specializing in taxi medallions............................      437,500
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                         437,500
            HEALTH CARE - 5.5%
200,000  *  Nova Care, Inc. - Provides contract rehabilitation services to health care institutions................    1,525,000
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                       1,525,000
            MANUFACTURING - 13.0%                                                                                        
 66,667     Decorator Industries, Inc. - Design, printing and sale of fabric for home furnishings..................      550,003
 26,000     Knape & Vogt Manufacturing, Inc. - Storage products....................................................      409,500
100,000     Tab Products Co. - Office filing and furniture systems and computer related products...................      737,500
 30,000     Toro Company - Consumer and commercial lawn and snow removal equipment.................................      993,750
 10,000     Woodward Governor Company - Controls and accessory products for prime movers...........................      885,000
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                       3,575,753


            RETAIL - 13.0%
20,000      Blair Corp. - Direct-mail retailer of men's and women's apparel and home furnishings...................      472,500
40,000  *   Carson Pirie Scott  Company - Department store retailer concentrated in the upper Midwest..............    1,070,000
17,100      Flexsteel Indust., Inc. - Upholstered furniture for various markets....................................      200,925
40,000  *   Gibson Greetings, Inc. - Manufacturer and retailer of greeting cards...................................      550,000
80,000      Shopko Stores, Inc. - Regional discount store concentrated in the upper Midwest........................    1,290,000
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                       3,583,425

            TRANSPORTATION - 3.5%
30,000  *   Midwest Express Holdings, Inc. - All first-class airline from Omaha and Milwaukee......................      963,750
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                         963,750
            UTILITY - 4.2%
40,000      Minnesota Power & Light Company - Provides electric service in central and northern MN.................    1,160,000
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                       1,160,000

                                                                                                                     -----------
            TOTAL COMMON STOCKS  (Cost $15,002,986)................................................................  $16,917,928

<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                                                                                                  VALUE
HELD        PREFERRED STOCKS - 4.3%                                                                                    NOTE 1(A)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>         <C>                                                                                                     <C>
37,500      Callon Petroleum Company  - Interests in 1,500 oil wells................................................ $ 1,190,625
                                                                                                                     -----------
            TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $937,500).................................................................. $ 1,190,625
</TABLE>


39


<PAGE>   41


                         HEARTLAND VALUE & INCOME FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                                                   VALUE
AMOUNT      BONDS - 27.2%                                                                    COUPON      MATURITY    Note 1(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                                                              <C>         <C>        <C>     
            CONVERTIBLE BONDS - 16.6%
$  750,000  Chock Ful O' Nuts Corporation -
            Produces coffees, teas, shell peanuts and peanut products ...................     8.000%    09/15/2006 $   690,000
   750,000  Complete Management, Inc -
            Management and support services to medical practices ........................     5.000     08/15/2003     780,000
   500,000  Hector Communication Corporation -
            Operates rural telephone exchange companies in WI and MN ....................     8.500     02/15/2002     505,000
   700,000  ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. -
            Manufactures and markets a broad range of drugs .............................     8.500     11/15/1999     840,000
   560,000  NYCOR, Inc. -
            Manufactures components for heating and cooling systems .....................     8.500     06/15/2012     448,000
   500,000  Professional Bancorp, Inc.-
            Bank holding company engaged in commercial banking ..........................     8.500     03/01/2004     512,500
   570,000  Sierra Tahoe Bancorp -
            Bank holding company located in Lake Tahoe, CA ..............................     8.500     02/01/2004     798,000
                                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                                     4,573,500


            CORPORATE BONDS - 10.6%
   525,000  ADT, Ltd. -
            Security systems and auto auctions ..........................................     9.250     08/01/2003     545,343
   825,000  Engle Homes, Inc. -
            Designs, constructs and markets housing units in Florida ....................    11.750     12/15/2000     801,281
   121,000  Medalist Industries, Inc. - Produces industrial fasteners ...................     7.500     07/01/2001     120,698
 1,000,000  Regency Health Services, Inc. -
            Operator of California health care facilities ...............................     9.875     10/15/2002     965,000
   500,000  UNC, Inc. -
            Manufactures and remanufactures engine and airframe parts ...................     9.125     07/15/2003     485,000
                                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                                     2,917,322
                                                                                                                   -----------
            TOTAL BONDS  (Cost $7,023,252) ..............................................                          $ 7,490,822

<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                                                    VALUE
AMOUNT      SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 7.8%                                                     COUPON      MATURITY   Note 1(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>         <C>                                                                               <C>       <C>        <C>
            VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES - 7.8%
$  822,000  Eli Lilly Corporation .......................................................     4.980%    07/01/1996 $   822,000
 1,336,000  Warner-Lambert Company ......................................................     5.115     07/01/1996   1,336,000
                                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                                     2,158,000
                                                                                                                   -----------
            TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,158,000) ..............................                            2,158,000
                                                                                                                   -----------
            TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.7% (Cost $25,121,738) (+) ...........................                          $27,757,375
                                                                                                                   ===========
</TABLE>

            *   Non-income producing security
           (+)  Percentages for the various classifications relate to total 
                net assets.

           The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part 
           of this schedule.
                                                                              40


<PAGE>   42


                         HEARTLAND VALUE & INCOME FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                      STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
ASSETS:
    Investments in securities, at quoted market value (Cost $25,121,738) ............  $27,757,375
    Receivable from fund shares sold ................................................      120,500
    Accrued dividends and interest ..................................................      191,033
    Deferred organization expense (Note 3) ..........................................       17,789
                                                                                       -----------
        Total assets ................................................................   28,086,697
                                                                                       -----------


LIABILITIES:
    Payable for investments purchased ...............................................      436,462
    Payable for fund shares redeemed ................................................        8,401
    Payable to Distributor for distribution fees (Note 2) ...........................       15,290
    Payable to Advisor for management fee (Note 2) ..................................       13,832
    Payable to transfer agent .......................................................       34,185
    Dividends payable ...............................................................          520
    Payable to Advisor for deferred organization expense (Note 3) ...................       17,789
                                                                                       -----------
        Total liabilities ...........................................................      526,479
                                                                                       -----------

NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO OUTSTANDING SHARES
    ($.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 2,173,931 shares outstanding) ..  $27,560,218
                                                                                       ===========
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
    Net asset value and offering price per share ($.001 par value,
    100,000,000 shares authorized [$27,560,218 / 2,173,931 shares outstanding]) .....  $     12.68
                                                                                       ===========
</TABLE>




The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.



41


<PAGE>   43


                         HEARTLAND VALUE & INCOME FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
              For the six months ending June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                         <C>
     INVESTMENT INCOME:
        Interest..............................................   $  393,675
        Dividends.............................................      229,418
                                                                 ----------
           Total investment income............................      623,093
                                                                 ----------

     EXPENSES:
        Management fees (Note 2)..............................       80,246
        Distribution fees (Note 2)............................       28,583
        Transfer agent fees...................................       27,106
        Registration fees.....................................       21,318
        Postage...............................................        5,368
        Audit fees............................................        4,855
        Amortization of organization expenses (Note 3)........        3,812
        Custodian fees........................................        2,943
        Printing and communications...........................        2,447
        Directors' fees.......................................        2,014
        Legal fees............................................        1,800
        Other operating expenses..............................        2,555
                                                                 ----------
           Total expenses.....................................      183,047
                                                                 ----------
        Net investment income.................................      440,046
                                                                 ----------

     REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS-NET:
        NET REALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS.......................  1,253,188
        NET INCREASE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS..  1,626,009
                                                                 ----------
          NET GAINS ON INVESTMENTS..............................  2,879,197
                                                                 ----------

        NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS.... $3,319,243
                                                                 ==========
</TABLE>


                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
              For the six months ending June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>
OPERATIONS:
     Net investment income.....................................              $   440,046
     Net realized gains on investments.........................                1,253,188
     Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments....                1,626,009
                                                                             -----------
        Net increase in net assets resulting from operations...                3,319,243
                                                                             -----------

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
     Distributions from net investment income ($.22 per share).                 (440,046)
                                                                             -----------
        Total distributions....................................                 (440,046)
                                                                             -----------

FUND SHARE ACTIVITIES:
     Proceeds from shares issued (872,225 shares)...............              10,444,255
     Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of 
        distributions fromnet investment income 
        (32,539 shares).........................................                 398,962
     Cost of shares redeemed (443,102 shares)...................              (5,284,890)
                                                                             -----------
        Net increase in net assets derived from Fund share 
         activities.............................................               5,558,327
                                                                             -----------

     TOTAL INCREASE.............................................               8,437,524

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1995.................................              19,122,694
                                                                             -----------
NET ASSETS AT JUNE 30, 1996 (Note 5)............................             $27,560,218
                                                                             ===========
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.  
                                                                              42


<PAGE>   44


                         HEARTLAND VALUE & INCOME FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              For the six months                               10/26/93(1)
                                                             ending June 30, 1996   For the year ended Dec. 31  through
                                                                                   ---------------------------
                                                                 (Unaudited)            1995          1994      12/31/93
<S>                                                              <C>               <C>             <C>         <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period ..........................     $ 11.17          $  9.53       $ 10.45     $ 10.00
                                                                
Income from investment operations:                              
 Net investment income ........................................        0.22             0.41          0.41        0.07
 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)                     
 on securities ................................................        1.51             1.89         (0.92)       0.45
                                                                    -------          -------       -------     -------
 Total from investment operations .............................        1.73             2.30         (0.51)       0.52
Less distributions:                                             
 Dividends from net investment income .........................       (0.22)           (0.41)        (0.41)      (0.07)
 Distributions from net realized gains ........................          --            (0.25)           --          --
                                                                    -------          -------       -------     -------
Total distributions ...........................................       (0.22)           (0.66)        (0.41)      (0.07)
                                                                
Net asset value, end of period ................................     $ 12.68          $ 11.17       $  9.53     $ 10.45
                                                                    =======          =======       =======     =======
                                                                
Total return (2) ..............................................        15.5% (3)        24.4%         (4.9)%       5.2% (3)
                                                                
Supplemental data and ratios:                                   
 Net assets, end of period (in thousands) .....................     $27,560          $19,123        $9,884      $5,811
 Ratio of total expenses to average net assets ................        1.58% (4)        1.54%         1.80%       1.30% (4)
 Ratio of net investment income to average                      
  net assets ..................................................        3.79% (4)        3.90%         4.39%       6.52% (4)
 Portfolio turnover rate ......................................          47%             150%          127%          6%
</TABLE>                                                        



(1) Commencement of operations
(2) The contingent deferred sales charge in effect for the Fund prior to June
    1, 1994 is not reflected in Total Return as set forth in the table.
(3) Not annualized.
(4) Annualized.

The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.

43


<PAGE>   45


                         HEARTLAND VALUE & INCOME FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES.

       The Heartland Value & Income Fund ("The Fund") is a separate series of
       Heartland Group, Inc.  The assets and liabilities of each portfolio of
       Heartland Group, Inc. are segregated with a shareholder's interest
       limited to the portfolio in which the shareholder owns shares.  The Fund
       seeks to obtain capital growth and current income through investment in
       stocks and bonds. The following is a summary of significant accounting
       policies of the Fund:

        (a)  Each equity security is valued at the last sale price reported by
             the principal security exchange on which the issue is traded,
             or if no sale is reported, the latest bid price.  Each debt
             security is valued using bid side market quotations, prices
             provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained
             from yield data relating to instruments or securities with similar
             characteristics. Net realized gains and losses on investments are
             computed on the first-in, first-out cost method.  Short-term
             investments are recorded at cost which approximates market.  Debt
             securities having maturities of 60 days or less may be valued at
             acquisition cost, plus or minus any amortized discount or premium.

        (b)  Provision has not been made for Federal income taxes since the
             Fund has elected to be taxed as a "regulated investment
             company" and intends to distribute substantially all income to its
             shareholders and otherwise comply with the provisions of the
             Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
             companies.

        (c)  Net investment income is distributed on a quarterly basis and net
             capital gains are distributed on an annual basis.  The amount
             of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net
             realized capital gains is determined in accordance with Federal
             income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted
             accounting principles. To the extent these book and tax
             differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified
             to paid-in capital in excess of par value.

        (d)  The Fund records security transactions at cost no later than the
             first business day after the trade date.  The cost amount as
             reflected in the Schedule of Investments is the same for Federal
             income tax purposes.  The Fund amortizes all premiums and accretes
             all discounts on debt instruments utilizing the effective interest
             method.

        (e)  Dividends to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

        (f)  The Fund may enter into futures contracts to provide protection
             against adverse movements in the prices of securities in the
             portfolio. Upon entering into futures contracts, the Fund pledges
             to the broker stock or U.S. government securities equal to the
             minimum "initial margin" requirements of the exchange.
             Additionally, the Fund receives from or pays to the broker an
             amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the
             contract.  Such receipts or payments are known as "variation
             margin," and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or
             losses.  When the futures contract is closed, the Fund records a
             realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of
             the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time
             it was closed.

             The use of futures contracts involves, to varying degrees,
             elements of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the
             statements of assets and liabilities. The predominant risk is that
             the movement of the futures contracts price may result in a loss
             which could render the portfolio's hedging strategy unsuccessful. 
             The Fund had no open futures contracts at June 30, 1996.

        (g)  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
             generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
             make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
             assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
             liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
             reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting
             period.  Actual results could differ from the estimates.


                                                                              44


<PAGE>   46


                         HEARTLAND VALUE & INCOME FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2)  INVESTMENT ADVISOR, MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED
    PARTIES.

    The Fund has a management agreement with Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the
    "Advisor"), with whom certain officers and directors of the Fund are
    affiliated, to serve as investment advisor and manager. Under the terms of
    the agreement, the Fund will pay the Advisor a monthly management fee at
    the annual rate of .70% of the daily net asset value of the Fund.

    The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule
    12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  The Distributor is
    Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the "Distributor") with whom certain officers and
    directors of the Fund are affiliated. The Plan requires the Fund to pay the
    Distributor a quarterly distribution fee on an annual basis up to .25% of
    its daily net assets. In addition, for the six month period ending June 30,
    1996, the Distributor received $1,555 from investors representing
    commissions for Fund share redemptions and $4,028 from the Fund for
    brokerage fees on the execution of purchases and sales of portfolio
    investments.

    As permitted under Rule 10f-3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the    
    Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted a plan which will allow the
    Fund, under certain conditions described in the Rule, to acquire
    newly-issued securities from syndicates in which the Distributor is a
    member.

3)  DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES.

    Organization expenses have been deferred and are being amortized on a       
    straight-line basis over sixty months.  Payments for these expenses were
    advanced by the Advisor, who will be reimbursed by the Fund over the same
    period.  The proceeds of any redemption of the initial shares by the
    original shareholders will be reduced by a pro-rata portion of any then
    unamortized expenses.  Unamortized deferred organization expenses and the
    related payable to the Advisor at June 30, 1996 were $17,789.

4)  INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS.

    For the six month period ending June 30, 1996, the cost of purchases and
    the proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding short-term
    securities) were $16,876,522 and $9,745,275, respectively.

5)  SOURCES OF NET ASSETS.

<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                    <C>
    As of June 30, 1996, the sources of net assets were as follows:
    Fund shares issued and outstanding........................................ $ 23,679,858
    Net unrealized appreciation on investments................................    2,627,172
    Accumulated net realized gains on investment..............................    1,253,188
                                                                               ------------
                                                                               $ 27,560,218
                                                                               ============

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                            <C>                       
    Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of June 30, 1996,                            
    based on investment cost for Federal income tax purposes is as follows:                                
    Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation................................... $  2,880,004                
    Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation...................................     (252,832)               
                                                                               ------------
    Net unrealized appreciation on investments................................ $  2,627,172                
                                                                               ============
</TABLE>
    



45


<PAGE>   47


                   HEARTLAND U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                            STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                            VALUE
AMOUNT       DESCRIPTION                                               COUPON     MATURITY     NOTE 1(A)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                                      <C>        <C>          <C>  
LONG TERM INVESTMENTS - 96.3%
             U.S. TREASURY AND AGENCY SECURITIES - 42.0%
$ 8,500,000  U.S. Treasury Note.....................................    7.250%    05/15/2004  $ 8,812,885
 15,000,000  U.S. Treasury Bond.....................................     0.000    11/15/2014    4,111,650
 34,000,000  U.S. Treasury Bond.....................................     0.000    11/15/2016    8,031,140
  4,000,000  Tennessee Valley Authority.............................     0.000    11/15/2029    3,251,184
                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                               24,206,859
             MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES - 33.0%                                             
  5,000,000  Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.................     6.400     THRU 2023    4,664,250     
  3,574,000  Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (CMO)...........     7.000     THRU 2022    3,370,425     
  1,225,200  Federal Housing Administration.........................     8.875     THRU 2030    1,268,464     
     30,867  Federal National Mortgage Association..................    10.000     THRU 2017       33,481     
  1,373,428  Federal National Mortgage Association..................     7.000     THRU 2035    1,305,615     
  6,000,000  Federal National Mortgage Association (CMO)............     7.000     THRU 2020    5,776,860     
  2,438,884  Government National Mortgage Association...............     9.125     THRU 2030    2,578,357     
                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                               18,997,452
             CORPORATE SECURITIES - 21.3%                                            
  3,800,000  Coleman Holdings, Inc..................................     0.000    05/27/1998    3,187,250     
  2,750,000  Grancare, Inc..........................................     9.375    09/15/2005    2,646,875     
    500,000  Integrated Health Services, Inc........................     9.625    05/31/2002      497,500     
  2,389,000  IMC Fertilizer Group, Inc..............................     9.450    12/15/2011    2,454,697     
  2,940,000  Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas Corporation..................     9.250    06/15/2004    3,046,575     
    513,000  Quantum Health Resources, Inc..........................     4.750    10/01/2000      460,417     
                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                               12,293,314
                                                                                              -----------
             TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $57,423,683) ................................. $55,497,625

<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                            VALUE
AMOUNT       DESCRIPTION                                               COUPON     MATURITY     NOTE 1(A)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                                      <C>        <C>          <C>  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.5%                                                                
             VARIABLE DEMAND NOTES - 1.5%                                                    
$  835,000   Warner - Lambert Company...............................   5.115%     07/01/1996  $   835,000                          
                                                                                              -----------
             TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $835,000)....................................     835,000
                                                                                             
                                                                                             
             TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 97.8% (Cost $58,258,681)....................................  56,332,625
             Cash and receivables, less liabilities  - 2.2%..................................   1,290,872
                                                                                              -----------
             TOTAL NET ASSETS (NOTE 4) (+)................................................... $57,623,497
                                                                                              ===========
                                                                                             
             Net asset value and offering price per share ($.001 par value, 100,000,000      
             shares authorized [$57,623,497 + 6,248,456 shares outstanding])................... $    9.22
                                                                                              ===========
                                                                                             
             (+) Percentages for the various classifications use total net assets as a basis.

             The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this statement.
</TABLE>
                
                                                                              46
<PAGE>   48


                  HEARTLAND U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
                     (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                           STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
             FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<S>                                                                       <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:    
   Interest ..............................................................   $  2,236,333 
                                                                             ============ 
                                                                                          
EXPENSES:                                                                                 
   Management fees (Note 2) ..............................................        199,255 
   Distribution expense (Note 2) .........................................         76,637 
   Transfer agent fee ....................................................         36,693 
   Registration fees .....................................................         17,042 
   Professional fees .....................................................         10,520 
   Custodian fees ........................................................          8,489 
   Printing and communications ...........................................          6,822 
   Postage ...............................................................          6,378 
   Legal fees ............................................................          4,400 
   Directors' fees .......................................................          2,000 
   Other operating expenses ..............................................          9,017 
                                                                             ------------ 
   Total expenses ........................................................        377,253 
   Less expenses reimbursed by Advisor (Note 2) ..........................        (45,982)
                                                                             ------------ 
      Net expenses .......................................................        331,271 
                                                                             ------------ 
   Net investment income .................................................      1,905,062 
                                                                             ------------ 
                                                                                          
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS-NET:                                
   NET REALIZED LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS ....................................        (62,800)
   NET INCREASE IN UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS ................     (4,839,989)
                                                                             ------------
      NET LOSS ON INVESTMENTS ............................................     (4,902,789)
                                                                             ------------               
   NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................   $ (2,997,727)
                                                                             ============ 
</TABLE>



                      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
              FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>
OPERATIONS:                                                                  
    Net investment income ................................................   $  1,905,062
    Net realized losses on investments. ..................................        (62,800)
    Net increase in unrealized depreciation on investments ...............     (4,839,989)
                                                                             ------------
        Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations .............     (2,997,727)
                                                                             ------------
                                                                               
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:                                                 
    Distributions from net investment income ($.29 per share)  ...........     (1,905,062)
                                                                             ------------
        Total distributions ..............................................     (1,905,062)
                                                                             ------------
                                                                               
FUND SHARE ACTIVITIES:                                                         
    Proceeds from shares issued (627,949 shares) .........................      5,937,110
    Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions from     
    net investment income (143,176 shares) ...............................      1,344,737
    Cost of shares redeemed (1,173,226 shares) ...........................    (11,016,359)
                                                                             ------------
        Net decrease in net assets derived from Fund share activities ....     (3,734,512)
                                                                             ------------
                                                                             
    TOTAL DECREASE ......................................................      (8,637,301)
                                                                             
    NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 .....................................      66,260,798
                                                                             ------------
    NET ASSETS AT JUNE 30,1996 (Note 4) .................................    $ 57,623,497
                                                                             ============
                                                                             

    
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of 
these statements.

47


<PAGE>   49


                   HEARTLAND U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                FOR THE SIX MONTHS          FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                               ENDING JUNE 30, 1996  ------------------------------------------------
                                                     (UNAUDITED)     1995      1994      1993       1992       1991
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period ................  $ 9.96       $ 8.91    $10.50    $ 9.93     $ 9.97     $ 9.39

Income from investment operations:
  Net investment income .............................    0.29         0.60      0.59      0.56       0.66       0.69
  Net realized and unrealized 
  gains (losses) on securities ......................   (0.74)        1.05     (1.59)     1.18       0.30       0.83
                                                       ------       ------    ------    ------     ------     ------
  Total from investment operations ..................   (0.45)        1.65     (1.00)     1.74       0.96       1.52

Less distributions:
  Dividends from net investment income ..............   (0.29)       (0.60)    (0.59)    (0.56)     (0.66)     (0.69)
  Distributions from net realized gain ..............    --           --        --       (0.61)     (0.34)     (0.25)
                                                       ------       ------    ------    ------     ------     ------
   Total distributions ..............................   (0.29)       (0.60)    (0.59)    (1.17)     (1.00)     (0.94)

Net asset value, end of period ......................  $ 9.22       $ 9.96    $ 8.91    $10.50     $ 9.93     $ 9.97
                                                       ======       ======    ======    ======     ======     ======

Total return (1) ....................................   (4.5)% (2)   19.0%     (9.6)%    17.8%      10.1%      17.0%

Supplemental data and ratios:
  Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ..........  $57,623      $66,261   $64,807   $66,789    $28,378    $29,101
  Ratio of net expenses to average net assets(3) ....    1.08% (4)    1.07%     1.07%     1.06%      0.92%      0.92%
  Ratio of net investment income to
  average net asset .................................    6.22% (4)    6.31%     6.30%     5.09%      6.71%      7.06%
  Portfolio turnover rate ...........................      14%          97%       95%      200%       149%       185%
</TABLE>




(1)  Contingent deferred and initial sales charges in effect for the Fund
     prior to June 1, 1994 are not reflected in Total Return as set forth in
     the table.
(2)  Not annualized.
(3)  Heartland Advisors, Inc. voluntarily waived the management fee in its
     entirety from May 7, 1988 through November 30, 1990.  Effective December
     1, 1990, Heartland Advisors, Inc. partially reinstated a portion of the
     fee at the rate of .25 of 1% of average net assets and, effective January
     20, 1992 and January 1, 1993, respectively, reinstated additional portions
     of the fee resulting in a rate of .35 of 1% and .50 of 1% of average daily
     net assets, respectively.
(4)  Annualized.

The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.
                                                                              48


<PAGE>   50


                   HEARTLAND U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES  FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1)      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES.

  The Heartland U.S. Government Securities Fund, ("The Fund") is a separate
  series of Heartland Group, Inc.  The assets and liabilities of each portfolio
  of Heartland Group, Inc. are segregated with a shareholder's interest limited
  to the portfolio in which the shareholder owns shares.  The Fund's investment
  objectives are a high level of current income, liquidity and safety of
  principal.  The following is a summary of significant accounting policies of
  the Fund:

  (a)  Each security is valued using bid side market quotations, prices
       provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from
       yield data relating to instruments or securities with similar
       characteristics. Short-term investments are recorded at cost which
       approximates market. Debt securities having maturities of 60 days or
       less may be valued at acquisition cost, plus or minus any amortized
       discount or premium.

  (b)  Provision has not been made for Federal income taxes since the Fund
       has elected to be taxed as a "regulated investment company" and intends
       to distribute substantially all income to its shareholders and otherwise
       comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to
       regulated investment companies. As of June 30, 1996 the Fund has a
       Federal income tax capital loss carry forward of $5,030,226 expiring in
       2002, $858,457 expiring in 2003 and $62,800 expiring in 2004.

  (c)  The Fund declares daily and pays monthly distributions from net
       investment income. Net capital gains, if any, are distributed annually.
       The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and
       net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with Federal
       income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted
       accounting principles. To the extent these book and tax differences are
       permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified to paid-in capital in
       excess of par value.

  (d)  The Fund records security transactions at cost no later than the
       first business day after the trade date.  Net realized gains and losses
       on investments are computed on the specific identification cost method.
       Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis.  The cost amounts as
       reflected in the Statement of Net Assets are the same for Federal income
       tax purposes.  The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts on
       investments utilizing the effective interest method.

  (e)  Dividends to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

  (f)  The Fund may enter into futures contracts to provide protection
       against adverse movements in the prices of securities in the portfolio.
       Upon entering into futures contracts, the Fund pledges to the broker
       securities equal to the minimum "initial margin" requirements of the
       exchange. Additionally, the Fund receives from or pays to the broker an
       amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract.
       Such receipts or payments are known as "variation margin", and are
       recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the futures
       contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to
       the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was
       opened and the value at the time it was closed.

       The use of futures contracts involves, to varying degrees, elements      
       of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement of
       assets and liabilities.  The predominant risk is that the movement of
       the futures contracts price may result in a loss which could render the
       portfolio's hedging strategy unsuccessful. The Fund had no open futures
       contracts at June 30, 1996.

  (g)  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
       generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
       estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
       liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
       date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
       and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ
       from the estimates.

49


<PAGE>   51


                   HEARTLAND U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES  FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2)   INVESTMENT ADVISOR, MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED 
     PARTIES.

     The Fund has a management agreement with Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the
     "Advisor") with whom certain officers and directors of the Fund are
     affiliated, to serve as investment advisor and manager. Under the terms of
     the agreement, the Fund will pay the Advisor a monthly management fee at
     the annual rate of .65% of the first $100 million of the Fund's average
     daily net assets, .50% of the next $400 million of net assets, and .40% on
     net assets in excess of $500 million.  The Advisor voluntarily waived the
     management fee in its entirety from May 7, 1988 through November 30,1990,
     and effective December 1,1990, the Advisor partially reinstated a portion
     of the fee at the annual rate of .25% of average daily net assets and also
     effective January 20, 1992, the Advisor began collecting a partial fee at
     the annual rate of .35% of the Fund's average daily net assets.  As of
     January 1, 1993, the Advisor began collecting a partial fee at the annual
     rate of .50% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Advisor may
     reinstate any portion or all of the management fee at any time.  The Fund
     has adopted a Distribution Plan (the "Plan" pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under
     the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Distributor is Heartland Advisors,
     Inc. (The "Distributor") with whom certain officers and directors of the
     Fund are affiliated.  The Plan requires the Fund to pay the Distributor a
     quarterly distribution fee on an annual basis up to .25% of its average
     daily net assets.  In addition, for the six months ended June 30, 1996 the
     Distributor received $29,039 from investors representing commissions for
     Fund share redemptions. As permitted under Rule 10f-3 of the Investment
     Company Act of 1940, the Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted a plan
     which will allow the Fund, under certain conditions described in the Rule,
     to acquire newly-issued securities from syndicates in which the Distributor
     is a member.

3)   INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS.

     For the six months ended June 30, 1996 the cost of purchases and the
     proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding short-term
     securities) were $8,644,480 and $14,591,230 respectively, of which sales of
     U.S. government and government agency obligations aggregated $6,132,912.

4)   SOURCES OF NET ASSETS.

<TABLE>
     <S>                                                                  <C> 
     As of June 30, 1996, the sources of net assets were as follows:

     Fund shares issued and outstanding.................................  $65,501,036
     Net unrealized depreciation on investments.........................   (1,926,056)
     Accumulated net realized losses on investments.....................   (5,951,483)
                                                                          -----------
                                                                          $57,623,497
                                                                          ===========
</TABLE>  
   
                                                                    

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of June 30, 1996,
based on investment cost for Federal income tax purposes is as follows:
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation.................................     $   366,551
Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.................................      (2,292,607)
                                                                             -----------
Net unrealized depreciation on investments..............................     $(1,926,056)
                                                                             ===========
</TABLE>


                                                                              50


<PAGE>   52


                                     
                             [LOGO]  HEARTLAND FUNDS
                            AMERICA'S VALUE INVESTOR

                           SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND

                                   VALUE FUND

                        (CLOSED TO NEW INVESTORS 7/1/95)

                              VALUE & INCOME FUND

                        U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND

                            WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND

                             NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND


                               TO LEARN MORE ...
                    PLEASE CALL A HEARTLAND REPRESENTATIVE.
                                 1-800-432-7856

These are not recommendations to buy or sell the securities discussed, but
rather illustrations of our value investment strategy. Statements regarding
particular securities represent the portfolio manager's views when made and are
subject to change at any time based on market and other considerations.

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

This material may only be used when preceded or accompanied by the Fund's
prospectus


<PAGE>   53
                           [LOGO]
                                  HEARTLAND FUNDS
                          -------------------------
                           AMERICA'S VALUE INVESTOR







                                  Value Report

                              Second Quarter 1996

                          Notes on value investing

           for investors in the Heartland Wisconsin Tax Free Fund

                               SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
                                TO SHAREHOLDERS

<PAGE>   54


                DEAR INVESTOR



 [photo of 
Pat Retzer]

                Dear Wisconsin Investor:
        
                For bond investors, the year's first half was trying.
                As interest rates rose, bonds declined, and municipals were 
                not spared. Your Fund's price declined from $10.30 on January 
                1 to $9.95 on June 30.

                We believe, however, that the worst is over, and that the case
                for municipal bonds is now compelling.

                  - We find current tax-exempt yields to be very attractive - 
                    not only on their own merit, but also relative to long-term
                    Treasuries, their classic benchmark.

                  - Talk of a flat tax has pretty much evaporated.

                  - The supply/demand ratio of municipals seems favorable. 
                    Last year, the outstanding supply of municipal bonds shrank
                    by $76 billion, or 6%. In 1996, the shrinkage in supply is
                    estimated to be about $12 billion.

                On the following pages, you'll find details on your Fund: its 
                performance history, advantages, and portfolio composition, as
                well as a look into our thought process behind a recent 
                investment.

                Thank you for your continued support.

                Sincerely,




                Patrick J. Retzer
                Portfolio Manager                       August 10, 1996


1 VALUE REPORT

<PAGE>   55


                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND

OBJECTIVE

The Heartland Wisconsin Tax Free Fund seeks a high level of current income that
is exempt from Wisconsin and federal personal income taxes.



INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
- --CURRENT YIELD.........................................................  5.36%
July SEC yield for the 30 days commencing 7/1/96.



- --AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF 6-30-96

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    YTD(1)                                                            Since
   6/30/96                 1-year              3-year             inception 4-3-92
   -------                 ------              ------             ----------------
   <S>                     <C>                 <C>                   <C>
   -0.9%                   6.5%                4.3%                   5.9%
</TABLE>


       (1) Not annualized. Performance is historical. Investment returns and
  principal value fluctuate, so that your shares when redeemed may be worth
  more or less than their original cost. Up to 20% of the Fund's assets may be
  invested with income subject to alternative minimum tax.


- --WE BELIEVE YOUR FUND OFFERS COMPELLING VALUE TODAY.


  Consider its advantages over the other Wisconsin tax-free funds:

     - It is the only no-load - so your entire investment works for you.

     - It is the largest - enjoying major clout in the Wisconsin market.

     - It is the most broadly diversified - which helps reduce risk.

     - It has the highest proportion of Wisconsin bonds - investments
       where Heartland Advisors' understanding of the state's economy can
       make an important difference.

     - We invite you to compare its current yield to that of any similar
       investment.


                                                                  VALUE REPORT 2
<PAGE>   56
HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND


AN UNCONVENTIONAL VALUE OPPORTUNITY

Milwaukee would like a larger share of the nation's multi-billion dollar
convention business. To earn it, the city must improve its image among meeting
planners. The WISCONSIN CENTER, now under construction, is critical to this
effort.

Scheduled for completion in 1999, the Wisconsin Center will accommodate up to
10,000 conventioneers, in a 700,000 square-foot facility with state-of-the-art
amenities.

This January, when its bonds were issued, we bought $14 million worth - about
$12 million of it in A-rated bonds yielding 5.55% to 5.7%. The rest was in
AAA-rated insured zero coupon bonds. Because the issue was $180 million - too
large for Wisconsin investors to absorb - the bonds carried yields intended to
appeal to national tax-free funds, which invested heavily.

But the bond market soon fell steeply, causing some national funds to panic and
sell the bonds at a loss. Fortunately, our Fund had the resources to buy
aggressively at a significant discount to the issue price, thus earning much
higher yields - up to 0.45% higher - than we did at issue.

We have often mentioned the advantages we enjoy of being both the largest
double tax-free fund in Wisconsin and only one of two such funds that are
actually managed in this state. Our Wisconsin Center investment serves as an
example. Along with the size of our asset base, our intimate knowledge of the
Wisconsin municipal market enabled us to capitalize on this compelling value
opportunity.

As of June 30, 1996, the Fund's WISCONSIN CENTER bonds were valued at $16.8
million and represented 13.8% of the portfolio.


3 VALUE REPORT


<PAGE>   57


                                                               PORTFOLIO PROFILE



          
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Since
                                   YTD                       inception
                                   6/30/96(1) 1-year  3-year   4/3/92
          -----------------------  --------   ------  ------  ---------
          <S>                      <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>
          Heartland
          Wisconsin Tax Free Fund....  -0.9%    6.5%    4.3%       5.9%
          Lehman 20-Year
          Municipal Bond Index.......  -1.1     7.5     5.3        7.4(2)
</TABLE>

(1) Not annualized. (2) Since 4/1/92. The Lehman 20-Year Municipal Bond Index is
an unmanaged index of certain investment grade municipal securities with
maturities between 17 and 22 years. Performance is historical. Investment
returns and principal value fluctuate, so that your shares when redeemed may be
worth more or less than their original cost.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          
          GENERAL INFORMATION
          <S>                                <C>
          Inception.........................    4/3/92
          Assets............................  $ 122 mil
          Net asset value (NAV).............     $9.95
          Number of issues..................       214
          Weighted average maturity......... 19.2 yrs.
          Weighted average duration......... 11.3 yrs.
          Current yield.....................     5.36%

          July SEC yield annualized for the 
          30 days commencing 7/1/96.
          Sales load........................      None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   

                                                                    % OF NET
   TOP 5 HOLDINGS                             COUPON    MATURITY    ASSETS
   -----------------------------------------  --------  ----------  --------
   <S>                                           <C>    <C>            <C>
   Wisconsin Center............................    5.7% 12/15/2020      8.9%
   Milwaukee Redevelopment.....................    5.5  09/12/2012      8.8
   Puerto Rico Authority.......................    5.5  07/01/2017      3.6
   Guam Power Authority........................    6.3  10/01/2012      2.8
   Brown County HSG Authority..................    6.5  07/01/2019      2.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION BY REGION


[graphic - A pie chart displays composition by region of the Heartland
Wisconsin Tax Free Fund's portfolio as of 6/30/96: Wisconsin at 81.5%; Guam at
7.4%; Puerto Rico at 9.3%; cash & equivalents at 1.8%]

All statistics are as of June 30, 1996.

                                                                 VALUE REPORT 4

<PAGE>   58


                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND
                      (A Series of Heartland Group, Inc.)
                            SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
                           June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                     VALUE
AMOUNT     DESCRIPTION                                          COUPON     MATURITY     NOTE 1(a)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


LONG TERM INVESTMENTS - 98.2%
<S>      <C>                                                       <C>    <C>         <C>
           WISCONSIN - 81.5%
$  20,000  Amery, WI Housing Authority - Revenue Bonds............   7.375% 05/01/2005 $   21,050
  125,000  Barron, WI Housing Authority - Maplecroft Project......   0.000  10/01/2004     77,248
   35,000  Barron, WI Housing Authority - Maplecroft Project......   0.000  10/01/2005     20,350
  130,000  Barron, WI Housing Authority - Maplecroft Project......   0.000  10/01/2006     71,071
   85,000  Barron, WI Housing Authority - Maplecroft Project......   0.000  10/01/2007     43,669
  130,000  Barron, WI Housing Authority - Maplecroft Project......   0.000  10/01/2008     62,725
  520,000  Barron, WI Housing Authority - Maplecroft Project......   5.375  10/01/2011    490,750
1,000,000  Bristol, WI CDA - Lease Revenue........................   6.125  03/01/2012    995,000
3,220,000  Brown County, WI Housing Auth. - R.P. Terrace Project..   6.500  06/01/2019  3,292,450
   75,000  Dane County, WI Housing Auth. - Forest Harbor Apt......   5.950  07/01/2013     74,156
   25,000  Dane County, WI Housing Auth. - Forest Harbor Apt......   6.000  07/01/2014     24,601
  265,000  De Forest, WI Redev. Auth. - Lease Revenue Bonds.......   6.200  02/01/2014    270,963
  435,000  De Forest, WI Redev. Auth. - Lease Revenue Bonds.......   6.250  02/01/2018    443,156
  685,000  Eau Claire, WI Housing Auth. - London Hill Townhouses..   6.250  05/01/2015    687,569
  550,000  Elkhart Lake, WI CDA...................................   6.000  04/01/2015    537,625
   10,000  Franklin, WI CDA.......................................   5.400  04/01/2003     10,000
  250,000  Franklin, WI CDA.......................................   5.850  04/01/2006    258,095
1,000,000  Franklin, WI CDA.......................................   6.050  04/01/2008  1,035,000
  890,000  Franklin, WI CDA.......................................   6.100  04/01/2010    924,060
  250,000  Franklin, WI CDA.......................................   6.150  04/01/2012    250,000
3,055,000  Green Bay, WI Housing Authority - Pheasant Run Project.   6.500  09/01/2019  3,093,188
  100,000  Hartford, WI CDA.......................................   5.450  12/01/2002    103,250
  200,000  Hartford, WI CDA.......................................   5.800  12/01/2005    208,750
  210,000  Hartford, WI CDA.......................................   6.000  12/01/2007    217,440
  225,000  Hartford, WI CDA.......................................   6.100  12/01/2008    233,719
   10,000  Hudson, WI Christian Community Home....................   8.000  07/01/2005     10,000
   55,000  Hudson, WI Christian Community Home....................   6.700  05/01/2008     55,455
   75,000  Hudson, WI Christian Community Home....................   6.800  05/01/2009     75,533
   65,000  Hudson, WI Christian Community Home....................   6.900  05/01/2010     65,488
  250,000  Hudson, WI Christian Community Home....................   7.000  05/01/2023    250,938
  160,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   6.500  12/01/2006    168,557
  105,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   6.600  12/01/2007    111,600
  180,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   6.700  12/01/2008    192,600
  260,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   6.800  12/01/2009    280,818
  285,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   6.900  12/01/2010    298,928
  350,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   7.000  12/01/2012    373,188
  390,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   7.000  12/01/2013    415,350
  430,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   7.000  12/01/2014    457,413
  345,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   7.000  12/01/2015    366,563
  515,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   7.000  12/01/2016    546,544
  500,000  Jackson, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds........................   7.000  12/01/2017    530,000
1,760,000  La Crosse, WI Housing Authority - Forest Park Project..   6.375  12/01/2018  1,753,400
  880,000  La Crosse, WI Housing Authority - Ping Manor Project...   6.000  04/01/2005    876,700
1,100,000  La Crosse, WI Housing Authority - Ping Manor Project...   6.375  04/01/2012  1,109,625
  305,000  Madison, WI CDA - Dempsey Manor Project................   6.400  10/01/2018    305,763
  160,000  Madison, WI CDA - Dempsey Manor Project................   6.650  10/01/2025    157,800
</TABLE>


5 Value Report

<PAGE>   59


                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                           VALUE
AMOUNT       DESCRIPTION                                              COUPON     MATURITY     NOTE 1(a)         
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                                        <C>       <C>          <C>
             WISCONSIN - [CONT'D]
$ 1,435,000  Madison, WI CDA - Edgewood College........................ 6.250%    04/01/2014  $ 1,429,619
     95,000  Madison, WI CDA - Greentree Project - Series A............ 7.300     09/01/2032       95,238
  1,000,000  Madison, WI CDA - Meriter Retirement Project.............. 6.125     12/01/2019    1,022,500
     45,000  Madison, WI CDA - Monticello Apartments Project........... 7.125     04/01/2009       45,169
    100,000  Marinette, WI Housing Authority - Multifamily - Series A.. 6.750     02/01/2024      103,000
    165,000  Markesan, WI CDA - Elderly Housing Revenue Bonds.......... 6.750     10/01/2009      163,715
    190,000  Markesan, WI CDA - Elderly Housing Revenue Bonds.......... 6.900     10/01/2011      189,525
    100,000  Menomonee Falls, WI CDA - Village Square Project.......... 5.200     09/01/2009       92,125
    950,000  Menomonee Falls, WI CDA - Village Square Project.......... 5.350     09/01/2016      845,500
    215,000  Milwaukee, WI Housing Authority - Blatz Apartments........ 7.500     12/01/2028      221,719
     50,000  Milwaukee, WI New Public Housing Authority................ 5.000     09/01/2010       47,632
    100,000  Milwaukee, WI Redevelopment Auth. - Campus Town........... 5.550     11/01/2012       98,250
  3,000,000  Milwaukee, WI Redevelopment Auth. - Campus Town........... 5.700     11/01/2018    2,970,000
     55,000  Milwaukee, WI Redevelopment Auth. Dynapro, Inc............ 5.300     12/01/2007       54,656
     65,000  Milwaukee, WI Redevelopment Auth. Dynapro, Inc............ 5.350     12/01/2008       64,269
     55,000  Milwaukee, WI Redevelopment Auth. Dynapro, Inc............ 5.400     12/01/2010       53,144
    225,000  Milwaukee, WI Redevelopment Auth. Dynapro, Inc............ 5.500     12/01/2013      216,000
  1,955,000  Milwaukee, WI Redevelopment Authority - MSOE.............. 6.000     10/01/2017    1,947,669
  1,385,000  Milwaukee, WI Redevelopment Authority - MSOE.............. 6.000     10/01/2017    1,379,806
    500,000  Milwaukee, WI Redevelopment Authority - Schlitz Park II... 5.000     01/01/2015      503,125
     10,000  Milwaukee, WI RDA - School Improvement.................... 0.000     03/01/2004        6,375
  1,300,000  Milwaukee, WI RDA - Wis.Ave./M.L.King, Jr. Dr............. 5.500     03/01/2008    1,314,573
  1,705,000  Milwaukee, WI RDA - Wis.Ave./M.L.King, Jr. Dr............. 5.600     03/01/2009    1,725,272
  1,755,000  Milwaukee, WI RDA - Wis.Ave./M.L. King, Jr. Dr............ 5.600     09/01/2009    1,769,075
 11,000,000  Milwaukee, WI RDA - Wis.Ave./M.L. King, Jr. Dr............ 5.500     09/01/2012   10,738,750
     65,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     11/01/2003       43,225
     65,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     11/01/2004       40,412
     70,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     05/01/2005       42,088
     65,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     11/01/2005       37,872
     70,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     05/01/2006       39,484
     65,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     11/01/2006       35,506
     70,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     05/01/2007       37,020
     65,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     11/01/2007       33,175
     70,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     05/01/2009       32,547
     65,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     11/01/2009       29,277
     70,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 0.000     05/01/2010       30,538
  1,210,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 6.700     11/01/2017    1,259,913
    650,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Apple Glen............. 6.700     11/01/2020      676,813
    125,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.400     05/01/2008      129,428
    125,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.400     11/01/2008      129,556
    105,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.500     05/01/2009      108,783
    125,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.600     05/01/2010      130,156
    150,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.700     05/01/2011      157,710
    155,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.700     11/01/2011      161,873
    165,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.800     11/01/2012      174,006
    160,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.850     05/01/2013      168,890
    165,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.850     11/01/2013      173,456
    135,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek......... 6.900     05/01/2014      142,316
</TABLE>

                                                               VALUE REPORT 6

<PAGE>   60


                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                    VALUE
AMOUNT    DESCRIPTION                                              COUPON  MATURITY    NOTE 1(a)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                                      <C>     <C>         <C>
           WISCONSIN - [CONT'D]
$ 190,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek........ 6.900% 11/01/2014   $ 200,450
1,015,000  New Berlin, WI Housing Authority - Pinewood Creek........ 7.125  05/01/2024   1,072,094
   80,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Country Oaks II........ 6.000  08/01/2010      78,900
1,440,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Country Oaks I......... 6.200  08/01/2017   1,414,800
2,980,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Country Oaks II........ 6.300  08/01/2028   3,017,250
   10,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Multifamily............ 7.750  03/01/2031      10,363
  100,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek.............27.750  07/20/1998     143,625
   50,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 0.000  07/20/2007      26,017
   35,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 0.000  01/20/2010      15,400
  125,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 0.000  01/20/2011      51,389
  125,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 0.000  07/20/2011      49,844
   65,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 0.000  01/20/2012      25,139
  125,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 0.000  01/20/2013      45,156
  125,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 0.000  07/20/2013      44,115
   60,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 0.000  01/20/2014      20,175
1,000,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 5.500  07/20/2019     970,000
2,130,000  Oak Creek, WI Housing Authority - Wood Creek............. 5.625  07/20/2029   1,975,575
   50,000  Omro, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds............................. 5.750  12/01/2006      52,313
  335,000  Omro, WI CDA - Revenue Bonds............................. 5.875  12/01/2011     344,631
  200,000  Outagamie, WI Housing Authority - First Mortgage......... 5.000  11/15/2003     193,250
    5,000  Racine, WI Elderly Housing Authority - Lincoln Lutheran.. 7.100  10/01/2004       5,000
   50,000  Reedsville, WI - New Public Housing Authority............ 5.125  04/01/2011      47,936
  170,000  Schofield, WI CDA Lease Revenue.......................... 6.000  10/01/2012     169,031
  500,000  Schofield, WI CDA Lease Revenue.......................... 6.200  10/01/2017     497,500
  315,000  Sheboygan, WI Housing Authority - Multifamily Housing.... 6.900  02/01/2024     322,088
  175,000  Sheboygan, WI Housing Authority - Rocky Knoll Project.... 5.250  12/01/2013     157,281
  125,000  Sheboygan, WI Housing Authority - Rocky Knoll Project.... 5.300  12/01/2016     113,594
   35,000  Slinger, WI Redevelopment Authority...................... 5.800  09/01/2007      35,719
   95,000  Slinger, WI Redevelopment Authority...................... 5.850  09/01/2008      97,256
  540,000  Slinger, WI Redevelopment Authority...................... 6.250  09/01/2017     546,750
  100,000  Stevens Point, WI CDA - Mortgage Refunding............... 6.500  09/01/2006     105,125
  560,000  Stevens Point, WI CDA - Mortgage Refunding............... 6.625  09/01/2009     583,100
  435,000  Sturtevant, WI CDA - Redevelopment Lease................. 5.700  12/01/2009     428,853
  375,000  Sturtevant, WI CDA - Redevelopment Lease................. 5.800  12/01/2010     373,069
  200,000  Sturtevant, WI CDA - Redevelopment Lease................. 5.900  12/01/2011     199,750
1,000,000  Sturtevant, WI CDA - Redevelopment Lease................. 6.000  12/01/2015   1,000,000
  200,000  Sturtevant, WI CDA - Redevelopment Lease................. 6.500  12/01/2015     208,000
  105,000  St. Croix Falls, WI CDA Lease Revenue.................... 5.900  12/01/2006     105,895
  115,000  St. Croix Falls, WI CDA Lease Revenue.................... 6.000  12/01/2007     116,438
1,190,000  St. Croix Falls, WI CDA Lease Revenue.................... 6.400  12/01/2014   1,200,413
  305,000  Superior, WI RA - Superior Memorial Hospital Mortgage.... 5.700  05/01/2009     306,144
  195,000  Sussex, WI CDA - Revenue Bond............................ 5.700  04/01/2007     193,538
1,900,000  Sussex, WI CDA - Revenue Bond............................ 6.100  04/01/2015   1,890,500
  270,000  Two Rivers, WI CDA - Arch Forest Project................. 6.350  12/15/2012     277,088
  500,000  Waukesha, WI HA - Multifamily - Brookfield Woods......... 6.750  12/01/2034     502,500
    5,000  Waukesha, WI HA - Multifamily - Summit Woods............. 7.375  12/01/2024       5,000
   10,000  Waukesha, WI HA - Multifamily - Court Apartments......... 6.300  12/01/2013      10,000
1,000,000  Waukesha, WI HA - Multifamily - Court Apartments......... 6.000  04/01/2036     895,000
   25,000  Waukesha, WI HA - Westgrove Woods II Project............. 8.250  12/01/2020      25,000
</TABLE>

7 VALUE REPORT


<PAGE>   61


                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                              VALUE
AMOUNT  DESCRIPTION                                           COUPON  MATURITY    NOTE 1(a)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                                   <C>     <C>         <C>
           WISCONSIN - [CONT'D]
$  20,000  Waukesha, WI HA - Westgrove Woods III Project......... 8.000% 12/01/2020   $  20,450
  405,000  Waukesha, WI HA - Multifamily - Court Apartments...... 5.800  04/01/2025     390,825
    5,000  Waukesha, WI RA - Barstow Associates.................. 4.875  08/01/2010       5,000
   95,000  Waupaca, WI CDA....................................... 6.100  10/01/2008      96,245
  100,000  Waupaca, WI CDA....................................... 6.100  10/01/2009     101,103
  100,000  Waupaca, WI CDA....................................... 6.200  10/01/2010     101,153
  110,000  Waupaca, WI CDA....................................... 6.200  10/01/2011     111,436
  120,000  Waupaca, WI CDA....................................... 6.200  10/01/2012     121,500
   75,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  05/01/2003      51,377
  100,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  11/01/2003      66,500
  105,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  05/01/2004      67,620
  100,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  11/01/2004      62,173
   70,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  05/01/2005      42,088
  100,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  11/01/2005      58,265
  105,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  05/01/2006      59,225
  100,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  11/01/2006      54,625
  105,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  05/01/2007      55,530
  100,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  11/01/2007      51,038
  105,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  05/01/2008      51,844
  100,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  11/01/2008      47,839
  105,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  05/01/2009      48,820
  100,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  11/01/2009      45,041
  105,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  05/01/2010      45,806
  100,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 0.000  11/01/2010      42,158
1,200,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 6.700  11/01/2015   1,215,000
1,060,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 6.700  11/01/2019   1,069,275
  670,000  Wauwatosa, WI HA - Hawthorne Terrace Project.......... 6.700  11/01/2022     675,863
2,720,000  West Allis, WI CDA - Poblocki Investments Project..... 6.100  05/01/2007   2,740,400
  150,000  Whitewater, WI Multifamily Housing - Rev. Bonds....... 5.375  11/15/2005     148,875
  100,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - 1st Mortgage Rev. Bonds..... 5.625  05/01/2005      98,875
  105,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - 1st Mortgage Rev. Bonds..... 5.625  05/01/2006     103,273
  115,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - 1st Mortgage Rev. Bonds..... 5.625  05/01/2007     112,448
  120,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - 1st Mortgage Rev. Bonds..... 5.625  05/01/2008     116,869
  125,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - 1st Mortgage Rev. Bonds..... 5.625  05/01/2009     120,894
  135,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - 1st Mortgage Rev. Bonds..... 5.625  05/01/2010     129,600
  140,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - Multifamily Housing......... 6.750  10/01/2020     140,434
   10,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - Series A.................... 6.000  03/01/1999      10,213
  195,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - Series A.................... 6.875  03/01/2012     199,631
  380,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - Series A.................... 7.125  03/01/2022     389,975
   10,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - Series A.................... 6.100  03/01/2000      10,263
   10,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - Series A.................... 6.200  03/01/2001      10,325
   15,000  Winnebago County, WI HA - Series A.................... 6.300  03/01/2002      15,544
2,750,000  Wisconsin Center District - Rev. Bonds - Public Imp... 0.000  12/15/2012   1,045,000
3,395,000  Wisconsin Center District - Rev. Bonds - Public Imp... 0.000  12/15/2013   1,222,200
  155,000  Wisconsin Center District - Rev. Bonds - Public Imp... 5.400  12/15/2013     148,219
1,325,000  Wisconsin Center District - Rev. Bonds - Public Imp... 0.000  12/15/2015     415,719
2,000,000  Wisconsin Center District - Rev. Bonds - Public Imp... 5.550  12/15/2015   1,920,000
</TABLE>

                                                       VALUE REPORT     8

<PAGE>   62


                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                   VALUE
AMOUNT     DESCRIPTION                                           COUPON  MATURITY    NOTE1(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                                   <C>     <C>         <C>
            WISCONSIN - [CONT'D]
$  850,000  Wisconsin Center District - Rev. Bonds - Public Imp... 5.550% 12/15/2016  $  809,370
 2,000,000  Wisconsin Center District - Rev. Bonds - Public Imp... 0.000  12/15/2019     487,500
11,150,000  Wisconsin Center District - Rev. Bonds - Public Imp... 5.700  12/15/2020  10,787,625
    15,000  WHEDA Home Ownership.................................. 7.375  09/01/2017      15,206
   365,000  WHEDA Home Ownership.................................. 6.100  06/01/2021     382,794
   130,000  WHEDA Home Ownership.................................. 0.000  12/01/2007      42,900
     5,000  Wisconsin Rapids, WI HA - River Run Project........... 7.625  05/01/2009       5,000
    60,000  Wittenberg, WI Housing Authority...................... 7.200  06/20/2030      61,050
                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                      99,374,936
                                                                                    ------------                        


           PUERTO RICO - 9.3%
  400,000  Puerto Rico Commonwealth - Public Improvement.......... 5.850  07/01/2011     401,360
  420,000  Puerto Rico Commonwealth - Public Improvement.......... 5.500  07/01/2013     404,741
  635,000  Puerto Rico Commonwealth Hwy/Transp. Authority......... 6.375  07/01/2008     673,672
4,705,000  Puerto Rico Commonwealth Hwy/Transp. Authority......... 5.500  07/01/2017   4,434,463
2,915,000  Puerto Rico Commonwealth Hwy/Transp. Authority......... 5.750  07/01/2018   2,810,147
  990,000  Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority - Series O........ 0.000  07/01/2017     274,309
  280,000  Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority - Series P........ 7.000  07/01/2021     312,740
  135,000  Puerto Rico Housing Finance Corporation................ 7.500  10/01/2015     141,750
  250,000  Puerto Rico Industrial, Medical & Environmental 
           Authority.............................................. 6.000  06/01/2000     257,500
1,625,000  Puerto Rico Municipal Finance Agency................... 5.875  07/01/2007   1,647,344
                                                                                    ------------        
                                                                                      11,358,026
                                                                                    ------------


              GUAM - 7.4%
   3,400,000  Guam Power Authority - Series A..................... 6.300  10/01/2012   3,387,250
     250,000  Guam Power Authority - Series A..................... 5.250  10/01/2013     221,563
   1,000,000  Guam Power Authority - Series A..................... 5.250  10/01/2023     847,500
   1,000,000  Guam Government G.O. - Series A..................... 5.375  11/15/2013     880,750
   3,000,000  Guam Government G.O. - Series A..................... 5.400  11/15/2018   2,621,250
   1,000,000  Guam Airport Authority - Series B................... 6.400  10/01/2005   1,023,100
                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                       8,981,413
                                                                                    ------------

        NEW PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES - 0.0%
35,000  Burleigh County, ND - New Public Housing Authority........ 4.875  01/01/2011      32,810
                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                          32,810
                                                                                    ------------        

        TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 98.2% (Cost $120,599,023)...........................   $ 119,747,185
        Cash and receivables, less liabilities - 1.8%...........................       2,204,388
                                                                                    ------------        
        TOTAL NET ASSETS (NOTE 5) (+)...........................................    $121,951,573
                                                                                    ============
</TABLE>

     (+) Percentages for the various classifications use total net assets as a
     basis. The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part
     of this schedule.

9 VALUE REPORT

<PAGE>   63


                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
              FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>
OPERATIONS:
     Net investment income............................................................      $  3,012,994
     Net realized gains on investments................................................           190,962
     Net increase in unrealized depreciation on investments...........................        (4,249,796)
                                                                                            -------------
        Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations..........................        (1,045,840)
                                                                                            -------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
     Distributions from net investment income ($.25 per share)........................        (3,012,994)
                                                                                            -------------
         Total distributions..........................................................        (3,012,994)
                                                                                            -------------

FUND SHARE ACTIVITIES:
     Proceeds from shares issued (1,439,716 shares).....................................      14,384,005
     Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions from net 
     investment income (208,655 shares).................................................       2,093,460
     Cost of shares redeemed (897,517 shares)...........................................      (8,980,178)
                                                                                            -------------
         Net increase in net assets derived from Fund share activities..................       7,497,287
                                                                                            -------------
     TOTAL INCREASE.....................................................................       3,438,453
NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1995.........................................................     118,513,120
                                                                                            -------------
NET ASSETS AT JUNE 30, 1996 (NOTE 5)....................................................    $121,951,573
                                                                                            =============
</TABLE>




                      STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>
ASSETS:
    Investments in securities, at quoted market value (Cost $120,599,023)...............    $119,747,185
    Cash................................................................................         609,587
    Accrued interest....................................................................       1,631,371
    Receivable from investments sold....................................................         109,525
    Deferred organization expense (Note 3)..............................................           2,275
                                                                                            -------------      
        Total assets....................................................................     122,099,943
                                                                                            -------------
LIABILITIES:
    Payable for Fund shares redeemed....................................................          17,969
    Payable to Advisor for management fee...............................................          59,856
    Payable to transfer agent...........................................................          68,270
    Payable to Advisor for deferred organization expense (Note 3).......................           2,275
                                                                                            -------------
        Total liabilities...............................................................         148,370
                                                                                            -------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO OUTSTANDING SHARES
    ($.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 12,255,514 shares outstanding).....    $121,951,573
                                                                                            =============
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
    Net asset value and offering price per share ($.001 par value,
    100,000,000 shares authorized [$121,951,573 / 12,255,514 shares outstanding]).......    $       9.95
                                                                                            =============
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.


                                                             VALUE REPORT 10

<PAGE>   64


                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
              FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
   Interest.................................................        $ 3,490,204
                                                                    -----------
EXPENSES:
   Management fees (Note 2).................................            383,549
   Transfer agent fees......................................             40,115
   Postage..................................................              7,317
   Audit fees...............................................              6,269
   Custodian fees...........................................              5,942
   Printing and communications..............................              3,586
   Registration fees........................................              3,525
   Directors' fees..........................................              2,066
   Amortization of organization expenses (Note 3)...........              1,517
   Legal fees...............................................                450
   Other operating expenses.................................             22,874
                                                                    -----------
     Total expenses.........................................            477,210
                                                                    -----------
   Net investment income....................................          3,012,994
                                                                    -----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS-NET:
   NET REALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS                                    190,962
   NET INCREASE IN UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS 
     (NOTE 5) ..............................................         (4,249,796)
                                                                    -----------
     NET LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS .............................         (4,058,834)
                                                                    -----------
   NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ....        $(1,045,840)
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>


                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 
                                             For the six months       Year ended December 31          April 3, 1992(1)
                                           ending June 30, 1996     ---------------------------           through     
                                               (UNAUDITED)          1995       1994        1993       December 31, 1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>              
Net asset value at beginning of period ...........   $  10.30       $   9.21   $  10.38     $  9.85         $  9.70    
Income from investment operations:                                                                                     
 Net investment income ...........................        .25            .51        .51         .49             .37    
 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)                                                                            
 on securities ...................................       (.35)          1.09      (1.17)        .55             .15    
                                                     --------       --------   --------    --------        --------    
 Total from investment operations ................       (.10)          1.60       (.66)       1.04             .52    
Less distributions:                                                                                                    
 Dividends from net investment income ............       (.25)          (.51)      (.51)       (.49)           (.37)   
 Distributions from net realized gains ...........         --             --         --        (.02)             --    
                                                     --------       --------   --------    --------        --------
 Total distributions .............................       (.25)          (.51)      (.51)       (.51)           (.37)   
                                                                                                                       
Net asset value, end of period ...................   $   9.95       $  10.30   $   9.21     $ 10.38         $  9.85    
                                                     ========       ========   =========   ========        ========
Total return(3) ..................................        (.9)%(4)      17.8%      (6.5)%      10.8%            7.3%(2)
                                                                                                                       
Supplemental data and ratios:                                                                                          
 Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ........   $121,952       $118,513   $101,749     $99,350         $36,304    
 Ratio of total expenses to average net assets ...       0.80%(2)       0.84%      0.85%       0.84%           0.82%(2)
 Ratio of net investment income to average                                                                             
   net assets ....................................       5.08%(2)       5.23%      5.28%       4.81%           4.87%(2)
 Portfolio turnover rate .........................         11%            11%        22%          6%              7%(2)
</TABLE>


(1) Commencement of operations
(2) Annualized
(3) The front-end sales charge in effect for the Fund prior to June 1, 1994 is
    not reflected in Total Return as set forth in the table.
(4) Not annualized.

The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.

11 VALUE REPORT
   
<PAGE>   65

                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES.
       
       The Heartland Wisconsin Tax Free Fund ("The Fund") is a separate
       series of Heartland Group, Inc. The assets and liabilities of each
       portfolio of Heartland Group, Inc. are segregated, with a
       shareholder's interest limited to the portfolio in which the
       shareholder owns shares. The Fund's investment objective is to
       provide a high level of current income that is exempt from federal
       and Wisconsin personal income taxes.  The following is a summary
       of significant accounting policies of the Fund:
       
       (a)  Each security is valued using bid side market quotations, prices
            provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained
            from pricing services or yield data relating to instruments or
            securities with similar characteristics.  Short-term investments
            are recorded at cost which approximates market.

       (b)  Provision has not been made for Federal income taxes since the Fund
            has elected to be taxed as a  "regulated investment company" and
            intends to distribute substantially all income to its shareholders
            and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue
            Code applicable to regulated investment companies. As of June 30,
            1996, the Fund has a Federal income tax capital loss carry forward
            of $176,538 expiring in 2002, and $537,926 expiring in 2003.

       (c)  The Fund declares daily and pays monthly distributions from net
            investment income. Net capital gains, if any, are distributed
            annually. The amount of dividends and distributions from net
            investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in
            accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ
            from generally accepted accounting principles.  To the extent these
            book and tax differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are
            reclassified to paid-in capital in excess of par value.

       (d)  The Fund records security transactions at cost no later than the
            first business day after the trade date.  Net realized gains and
            losses on investments are computed on the specific identification
            cost method. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. The
            cost amounts as reflected in the Schedule of Investments are the
            same for Federal income tax purposes.  The Fund amortizes discounts
            on original issue discount  securities, and all premiums using the
            effective interest method.

       (e)  Dividends to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
 
       (f)  The Fund may enter into futures contracts to provide protection
            against adverse movements in the prices of securities in the
            portfolio. Upon entering into futures contracts, the Fund pledges
            to the broker securities equal to the minimum "initial margin"
            requirements of the exchange. Additionally, the Fund receives from
            or pays to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily
            fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are
            known as "variation margin," and are recorded by the Fund as
            unrealized gains or losses. When the futures contract is closed,
            the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference
            between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the
            value at the time it was closed.

            The use of futures contracts involves, to varying degrees, elements
            of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement
            of assets and liabilities. The predominant risk is that the
            movement of the futures contracts price may result in a loss which
            could render the portfolio's hedging strategy unsuccessful. The
            Fund had no open futures contracts at June 30, 1996.

       (g)  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
            accepted accounting principles requires management to make
            estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
            assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
            liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
            reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting
            period. Actual results could differ from the estimates.

        
                                                                VALUE REPORT 12
        

<PAGE>   66


                       HEARTLAND WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2)     INVESTMENT ADVISOR, MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED
       PARTIES.

       The Fund has a management agreement with Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the
       "Advisor") with whom certain officers and directors of the Fund are
       affiliated, to serve as investment advisor and manager.  Under the terms
       of the agreement, the Fund will pay the Advisor a monthly management fee
       at the   annual rate of .65 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net
       assets.

       As permitted under Rule 10f-3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the 
       Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted a plan which will allow the
       Fund, under certain conditions described in the Rule, to acquire
       newly-issued securities from syndicates in which the Distributor is a
       member.

3)     DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES.

       Organization expenses have been deferred and are being amortized on a    
       straight-line basis over sixty months. Payments for these expenses were
       advanced by the Advisor who will be reimbursed by the Fund over the same
       period. The proceeds of any redemption of the initial shares by the
       original shareholders will be reduced by a pro-rata portion of any then
       unamortized expenses. Unamortized deferred organization expenses and the
       related payable to the Advisor at June 30, 1996 were $2,275.

4)     INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS.

       For the six-month period ending June 30, 1996, the cost of purchases
       and the proceeds from sales of investment securities (excluding
       short-term securities) were $19,258,862 and $12,562,047 respectively.

5)     SOURCES OF NET ASSETS.

<TABLE>
       <S>                                                              <C>
       As of June 30, 1996, the sources of net assets were as follows:                 
       Fund shares issued and outstanding..............................   $123,517,876 
       Net unrealized depreciation on investments......................       (851,839)
       Accumulated net realized losses on investments..................       (714,464)
                                                                         ------------- 
                                                                          $121,951,573 
                                                                         ============= 

       Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of June 30, 1996,       
       based on investment cost for Federal income tax purposes is as follows:           
       Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation..........................    $ 1,326,866  
       Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation..........................     (2,178,705) 
                                                                          -------------  
       Net unrealized depreciation on investments.......................    $  (851,839) 
                                                                          =============  
</TABLE>


13 VALUE REPORT 



<PAGE>   67


                                     
                            [LOGO] HEARTLAND FUNDS
                         ----------------------------
                            AMERICA'S VALUE INVESTOR

                           SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND

                                   VALUE FUND

                        (CLOSED TO NEW INVESTORS 7/1/95)

                              VALUE & INCOME FUND

                        U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND

                            WISCONSIN TAX FREE FUND

                             NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND


                               TO LEARN MORE ...
                    PLEASE CALL A HEARTLAND REPRESENTATIVE.
                                 1-800-432-7856

These are not recommendations to buy or sell the securities discussed, but
rather illustrations of our value investment strategy. Statements regarding
particular securities represent the portfolio manager's views when made and are
subject to change at any time based on market and other considerations.

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

This material may only be used when preceded or accompanied by the Fund's
prospectus. Heartland Advisors, Inc. - Distributor. Member SIPC, NASD.


<PAGE>   68

                           [LOGO] HEARTLAND FUNDS
                          AMERICA'S VALUE INVESTOR

                                      
                                VALUE REPORT
                             SECOND QUARTER 1996

                          NOTES ON VALUE INVESTING
                       FOR INVESTORS IN THE HEARTLAND
                           NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND

                             SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
                               TO SHAREHOLDERS
                                      

<PAGE>   69



                                 
                                 
                                       



              DEAR INVESTOR
  [Photo of
Pat Retzer]

              Dear Nebraska Investor:

              For bond investors, the year's first half was trying.
              As interest rates rose, bonds declined, and municipals 
              were not spared. Your Fund's price declined from $9.37 
              on January 1 to $9.00 on June 30.

              We believe, however, that the worst is over, and that 
              the case for municipal bonds is now compelling.

                   -We find current tax-exempt yields to be very attractive -
                    not only on their own merit, but also relative to long-term
                    Treasuries, their classic benchmark.

                   -Talk of a flat tax has pretty much evaporated.

                   -The supply/demand ratio of municipals seems favorable. Last
                    year, the outstanding supply of municipal bonds shrank by
                    $76 billion, or 6%. In 1996, the shrinkage in supply is
                    estimated to be about $12 billion.

              On the following pages, you'll find details on your 
              Fund: its performance history, advantages, and portfolio 
              composition.

              Thank you for your continued support.

              Sincerely,

              Patrick J. Retzer
              Portfolio Manager                          August 10, 1996


1 VALUE REPORT

<PAGE>   70


                        HEARTLAND NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND
OBJECTIVE

The Heartland Nebraska Tax Free Fund seeks a high level of current income that
is exempt from Nebraska and federal personal income taxes. 

          AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
                                                      Since
                                  YTD                 inception
                                  6/30/96(1)  1-year  9/27/93
                                  ----------  ------  ---------
          Heartland
          Nebraska Tax Free Fund..   -1.5%    6.7%       2.3%
         
          Lehman 20-Year
          Municipal Bond Index....   -1.1      7.5       4.3(2)

                  
(1) Not annualized. (2) Since 10/1/93. The Lehman 20-Year Municipal Bond Index
is an unmanaged index of certain investment grade municipal securities with
maturities between 17 and 22 years. Performance is historical. Investment
returns and principal value fluctuate, so that your shares when redeemed may be
worth more or less than their original cost. 


                     For the Fund's current yield - double

           tax-free* - as well as its equivalent taxable yield, call
     
           1-800-432-7856 and speak with a Heartland representative.

          * Up to 20% of the Fund's assets may be invested with income
                     subject to alternative minimum tax.

                                                                 VALUE REPORT  2

<PAGE>   71
PORTFOLIO PROFILE

GENERAL INFORMATION 
Inception....................     9/27/93
Assets.......................    $12.0 mil
Net asset value (NAV)........       $9.00
Number of issues.............          63
Weighted average maturity....   18.1 yrs.
Weighted average duration....   11.1 yrs.
Current yield................       5.42%

July SEC yield annualized for the 30 days
commencing 7/1/96.
Sales load...................       None


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
   TOP 5 HOLDINGS                                                   % OF NET
                                               COUPON  MATURITY      ASSETS
                                               ------  ----------   ---------
   <S>                                           <C>   <C>            <C>
   Nebraska Higher Education..............       5.8%  06/01/2014     10.9%
   Lincoln Electric.......................       5.3   09/01/2015       7.4
   Nebraska Public Power District.........       5.0   01/01/2017       7.4
   Nebraska Public Power District.........       5.3   01/01/2013       4.7
   NE Investment Finance Authority........       6.9   12/01/2025       4.6

</TABLE>



PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION BY REGION


[graphic - A pie chart displays composition by region of the Heartland Nebraska
Tax Free Fund's portfolio as of 6/30/96: Nebraska at 99.1%; cash equivalents at
0.9%]


All statistics are as of June 30, 1996.



3 VALUE REPORT
<PAGE>   72


                        HEARTLAND NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                            SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                          VALUE
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                        COUPON       MATURITY     NOTE 1 (a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LONG TERM INVESTMENTS - 99.1%
<S>        <C>                                                     <C>        <C>         <C>
$  25,000  Antelope County, NE School District - Series A.......    5.250%    12/15/2012  $  23,311
   40,000  Antelope County, NE School District - Series B.......    5.250     12/15/2012     37,297
   20,000  Antelope County, NE School District - Series A.......    5.300     12/15/2013     18,609
   45,000  Antelope County, NE School District - Series B.......    5.300     12/15/2013     41,869
   25,000  Antelope County, NE School District - Series A.......    5.350     12/15/2014     23,344
   45,000  Antelope County, NE School District - Series B.......    5.350     12/15/2014     42,019
   55,000  Arapahoe, NE Various Purpose Bonds...................    5.400     11/15/2008     55,910
   25,000  Arapahoe, NE Various Purpose Bonds...................    5.450     11/15/2009     25,156
   70,000  Arapahoe, NE Various Purpose Bonds...................    5.500     11/15/2013     66,588
  150,000  Boone County, NE - Health Center Project.............    5.400     12/15/2013    139,500
  300,000  Cass County, NE School District #1...................    6.250     12/01/2014    310,950
  245,000  Cedar County, NE School District #45.................    5.250     11/15/2010    245,306
  100,000  Cedar County, NE School District #45.................    5.350     11/15/2014     92,875
   15,000  Consumer's Public Power District.....................    5.100     01/01/2003     15,000
   25,000  David City, NE Industrial Development Revenue........    6.400     12/15/2002     25,938
  125,000  Dawson County, NE Sanitation and Imprv. District.....    6.950     02/01/2005    126,408
   55,000  Dixon County, NE Ponca Public Schools................    4.800     12/01/2005     52,456
   40,000  Hall County, NE Hospital Auth. Regency Retirement....    5.450     12/01/2008     36,752
   35,000  Hall County, NE Hospital Auth. Regency Retirement....    5.500     12/01/2009     32,014
   45,000  Hall County, NE Hospital Auth. Regency Retirement....    5.500     12/01/2010     40,781
   85,000  Hall County, NE Hospital Auth. Regency Retirement....    6.000     12/01/2018     78,094
  270,000  Hastings, NE Electrical Systems......................    5.200     01/01/2013    247,388
   25,000  Hastings, NE Various Purpose Bonds - Series 1993.....    5.550     07/15/2011     25,002
  115,000  Hemingford, NE Refunding Bonds (General Obligation)..    5.600     02/15/2012    112,700
  100,000  Kearney County, NE School District #503..............    6.150     12/15/2012     99,873
  200,000  Kearney, NE Combined Utility Revenue Bonds...........    6.100     06/01/2014    203,048
   40,000  La Vista, NE Facilities Corporation Revenue Bonds....    5.400     12/15/2010     37,731
   65,000  La Vista, NE Facilities Corporation Revenue Bonds....    5.400     12/15/2011     60,856
  960,000  Lincoln, NE Electrical Systems - Series A............    5.250     09/01/2015    890,410
  170,000  Lincoln, NE Parking Revenue Bonds....................    5.100     08/15/2012    156,613
  285,000  Lincoln, NE Parking Revenue Bonds....................    5.200     08/15/2013    263,269
  215,000  Lincoln, NE Parking Revenue Bonds....................    5.200     08/15/2014    196,994
   45,000  Merrick County, NE School District #49...............    6.200     07/01/2010     45,100
   50,000  Merrick County, NE School District #49...............    6.250     07/01/2014     50,063
  100,000  Merrick County, NE School District #4................    5.350     01/15/2011     92,800
  100,000  Merrick County, NE School District #4................    5.350     01/15/2012     92,500
  500,000  Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska..................    6.000     04/01/2017    505,660
  100,000  NE Educational Finance Auth.- Midland Lutheran College   6.250     06/15/2015     97,147
   50,000  Nebraska Higher Education LN Program - Series A......    6.250     06/01/2018     49,720
1,350,000  Nebraska Higher Education LN Program - Series B......    5.875     06/01/2014  1,302,750
  150,000  NE Investment Finance Auth. - Gr. Plains Med. Center.    6.500     05/15/2014    153,188
   10,000  NE Investment Finance Auth. - Single Family Mtg .....    7.900     08/15/2014     10,000
  290,000  NE Investment Finance Auth. - FHA - Muirfield Greens.    6.800     12/01/2015    304,138
  525,000  NE Investment Finance Auth. - FHA - Muirfield Greens.    6.850     12/01/2025    547,969 
  100,000  Nebraska Public Power District - Series C............    5.000     01/01/2009     94,659
  600,000  Nebraska Public Power District - Series B............    5.250     01/01/2013    562,146
</TABLE>

                                                                  VALUE REPORT 4

<PAGE>   73


                        HEARTLAND NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS [CONT'D]
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAR                                                                                          VALUE
AMOUNT             DESCRIPTION                                        COUPON    MATURITY     NOTE 1 (a)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LONG TERM INVESTMENTS - [CONT'D]
     <S>           <C>                                                 <C>     <C>            <C>
      $1,000,000  Nebraska Public Power District - Series C..........  5.000% 01/01/2017     $889,210
         300,000  Nebraska State Colleges Board of Trustees..........  5.700  07/01/2011      287,250
         450,000  Nebraska State Educational Services Unit #3........  5.500  06/01/2013      430,875
          80,000  Omaha, NE Public Power District - Series B.........  5.600  02/01/2012       78,759
         390,000  Omaha, NE Public Power District....................  5.250  02/01/2013      367,805
         590,000  Omaha, NE Public Power District....................  5.300  02/01/2016      547,455
         105,000  Papillion, NE Various Purpose Bonds - Series 1994B.  6.150  07/01/2012      105,919
          75,000  Saunders County, NE School District #9.............  5.400  12/01/2014       70,020
         235,000  Saunders County, NE School District #9.............  5.450  12/01/2016      219,887
         125,000  Saunders County, NE School District #9.............  5.450  12/01/2017      116,764
          25,000  Saunders County, NE School District #9.............  5.500  12/01/2018       23,469
         200,000  Stanton County, NE School District #003............  5.300  11/15/2012      188,500
         350,000  University of Nebraska-Omaha Student Center........  5.350  05/15/2013      339,224
         200,000  University of Nebraska-Omaha Student Center........  5.250  05/15/2014      195,000
         100,000  Washington County, NE School District..............  5.800  07/15/2011      100,125
          40,000  Washington County, NE GO Courthouse Bonds..........  5.200  01/01/2008       39,350
         160,000  Washington County, NE GO Courthouse Bonds..........  5.450  01/01/2014      152,200
                                                                                           ----------
                                                                                           11,883,707
                                                                                           ----------

         TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.1% (Cost $12,410,715).................................    $11,883,707
         Cash and receivables, less liabilities - .9%.................................        105,175
                                                                                          -----------
         TOTAL NET ASSETS (NOTE 5) (+)................................................    $11,988,882
                                                                                          ===========
         (+)    Percentages for the various classifications use total net assets as a basis.
</TABLE>



                      STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>
ASSETS:
    Investments in securities, at quoted market value (Cost $12,410,715)..........  $11,883,707
    Accrued interest..............................................................      182,335
    Deferred organization expense (Note 3)........................................        7,583
                                                                                    -----------
         Total assets.............................................................   12,073,625
                                                                                    -----------
LIABILITIES:
    Payable for Fund shares redeemed..............................................       48,661
    Payable to Advisor for management fee.........................................        2,966
    Payable to transfer agent.....................................................       25,533
    Payable to Advisor for deferred organization expense (Note 3).................        7,583
                                                                                    -----------
         Total liabilities........................................................       84,743
                                                                                    -----------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO OUTSTANDING SHARES
    ($.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 1,332,381 shares outstanding)  $11,988,882
                                                                                    ===========
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
    Net asset value and offering price per share ($.001 par value,
    100,000,000 shares authorized [$11,988,882 / 1,332,381 shares outstanding])...  $      9.00
                                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>     


The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.


5  VALUE REPORT
 
<PAGE>   74


                        HEARTLAND NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
              FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
     <S>                                                         <C>
     INVESTMENT INCOME:
        Interest.............................................    $ 353,038
                                                                 ---------

     EXPENSES:
        Management fees (Note 2).............................       40,118
        Audit fees...........................................        5,194
        Transfer agent fees..................................        3,629
        Printing and communications..........................        2,737
        Directors' fees......................................        2,007
        Amortization of organization expenses (Note 3).......        1,685
        Postage..............................................        1,146
        Custodian fees.......................................          712
        Legal fees...........................................          450
        Registration fees....................................          381
        Other operating expenses.............................        3,593
                                                                 ---------
        Total expenses.......................................       61,652
        Less expenses reimbursed by Advisor (Note 2).........      (20,059)
                                                                 ---------
            Net expenses.....................................       41,593
                                                                 ---------
        Net investment income................................      311,445
                                                                 ---------
      
     REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS-NET:
        NET REALIZED LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS.....................    (12,016)
        NET INCREASE IN UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS.   (499,671)
                                                                 ---------
           NET LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS...........................   (511,687)
                                                                 ---------
        NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS...  $(200,242)
                                                                 =========
</TABLE>              



                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
              FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>
OPERATIONS:
     Net investment income..............................................     $   311,445
     Net realized losses on investments.................................         (12,016)
     Net increase in unrealized depreciation on investments.............        (499,671)
                                                                             -----------
         Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations...........        (200,242)
                                                                             -----------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
     Distributions from net investment income ($.23 per share)..........        (311,445)
                                                                             -----------
         Total distributions............................................        (311,445)
                                                                             -----------
FUND SHARE ACTIVITIES:
     Proceeds from shares issued (40,794 shares)........................         371,854
     Net asset value of shares issued in reinvestment of distributions     
     from net investment income (24,888 shares).........................         226,447
     Cost of shares redeemed (152,405 shares)...........................      (1,394,900)
                                                                             -----------
         Net decrease in net assets derived from Fund share activities..        (796,599)
                                                                             -----------
     TOTAL DECREASE.....................................................      (1,308,286)
NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1995.........................................      13,297,168
                                                                             -----------
NET ASSETS AT JUNE 30, 1996 (Note 5)....................................     $11,988,882
                                                                             ===========
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.

                                                               VALUE REPORT 6

<PAGE>   75
                        HEARTLAND NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS



<TABLE>                                                                     
<CAPTION>                                                                   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     FOR THE SIX MONTHS            YEAR ENDED               9/27/93(1)
                                                    ENDING JUNE 30, 1996           DECEMBER 31                TO
                                                       (UNAUDITED)              1995        1994            12/31/93
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>                  <C>          <C>               <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period..................   $  9.37            $  8.23      $  9.56           $9.70 
Income from investment operations:                                          
 Net investment income..................................       .23                .45          .45             .11
 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)                                             
 on securities..........................................      (.37)              1.14        (1.33)           (.14) 
                                                           -------            -------      -------           -----
 Total from investment operations.......................      (.14)              1.59         (.88)           (.03)
Less distributions:                                                         
 Dividends from net investment income...................      (.23)              (.45)        (.45)           (.11)
 Distributions from net realized gains..................        --                 --           --              --
                                                           -------            -------      -------           -----
Total distributions.....................................      (.23)              (.45)        (.45)           (.11)
                                                                            
Net asset value, end of period..........................   $  9.00            $  9.37      $  8.23           $9.56
                                                           =======            =======      =======           =====   
Total return (2)........................................      (1.5)%(3)          19.7%        (9.3)%           (.3)%(3)
                                                                            
                                                                            
Supplemental data and ratios:                                               
 Net assets, end of period (in thousands)...............   $11,989            $13,297      $12,526          $8,998
 Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (4)........      0.67%(5)           0.76%        0.81%           0.13%(5)
 Ratio of net investment income to average net assets...      5.00%(5)           5.06%        5.23%           4.65%(5)
 Portfolio turnover rate................................         0%                 5%          33%              3%
</TABLE>                                                                    
                                                                            
                                                          
                                                          
(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) The front-end sales charge in effect for the Funds prior to June 1, 1994 is
    not reflected in Total Return as set forth in the table.
(3) Not annualized.
(4) Heartland Advisors voluntarily waived the management fee in its entirety
    from September 27, 1993 through December 31, 1993.  Effective January 1, 
    1994, Heartland Advisors partially reinstated a portion of the fee at a 
    rate of .325 of 1% of average net assets.
(5) Annualized

The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this
statement.


7  VALUE REPORT

<PAGE>   76


                        HEARTLAND NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND
                      (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1)      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES.
        The Heartland Nebraska Tax Free Fund ("The Fund") is a separate series
        of Heartland Group, Inc. The assets and liabilities of each portfolio of
        Heartland Group, Inc. are segregated, with a shareholder's
        interest limited to the portfolio in which the shareholder owns shares.
        The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of current
        income that is exempt from federal and Nebraska personal income taxes.
        The following is a summary of significant accounting policies of the
        Fund:

        (a)    Each security is valued using bid side market quotations, prices
               provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained
               from pricing services or yield data relating to instruments or
               securities with similar characteristics. Short-term investments
               are recorded at cost which approximates market.

        (b)    Provision has not been made for Federal income taxes since the 
               Fund has elected to be taxed as a "regulated investment company"
               and intends to distribute substantially all income to its
               shareholders and otherwise comply with the provisions of the
               Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
               companies. As of June 30, 1996, the Fund has a Federal income tax
               capital loss carry forward of $165,027 expiring in 2002, $60,376
               expiring in 2003, and $12,016 expiring in 2004.

        (c)    The Fund declares daily and pays monthly distributions from net
               investment income.  Net capital gains, if any, are distributed
               annually. The amount of dividends and distributions from net
               investment income and net realized capital gains are determined
               in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may
               differ from generally accepted accounting principles.  To the
               extent these book and tax differences are permanent in nature,
               such amounts are reclassified to paid-in capital in excess of par
               value.

        (d)    The Fund records security transactions at cost no later than the
               first business day after the trade date.  Net realized gains and
               losses on investments are computed on the specific identification
               cost method. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis.
               The cost amounts as reflected in the Schedule of Investments are
               the same for Federal income tax purposes.  The Fund amortizes
               discounts on original issue discount securities, and all premiums
               using the effective interest method.

        (e)    Dividends to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

        (f)    The Fund may enter into futures contracts to provide protection
               against adverse movements in the prices of securities in the
               portfolio. Upon entering into futures contracts, the Fund pledges
               to the broker securities equal to the minimum  "initial margin"
               requirements of the exchange. Additionally, the Fund receives
               from or pays to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily
               fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments
               are known as "variation margin," and are recorded by the Fund as
               unrealized gains or losses. When the futures contract is closed,
               the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference
               between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and
               the value at the time it was closed.

               The use of futures contracts involves, to varying degrees,
               elements of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the
               statement of assets and liabilities. The predominant risk is that
               the movement of the futures contracts price may result in a loss
               which could render the portfolio's hedging strategy unsuccessful.
               The Fund had no open futures contracts at June 30, 1996.

        (g)    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
               generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
               make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
               assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
               liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
               reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting
               period. Actual results could differ from the estimates.

                                                                 VALUE REPORT 8


<PAGE>   77
                             HEARTLAND NEBRASKA TAX FREE FUND
                             (A SERIES OF HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.)
                           NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [CONT'D]
                                  JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        2)     INVESTMENT ADVISOR, MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH
               RELATED PARTIES. 

               The Fund has a management agreement with Heartland Advisors,
               Inc. (the "Advisor") with whom certain officers and directors of
               the Fund are affiliated, to serve as investment advisor and
               manager. Under the terms of the agreement, the Fund will pay the
               Advisor a monthly management fee at the annual rate of .65 of 1%
               of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Advisor voluntarily
               waived the management fee in its entirety from September 27,
               1993 (commencement of operations) to December 31,1993.  As of
               January 1, 1994, the Advisor began collecting a partial fee at
               the annual rate of .325% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
               The Advisor may reinstate any portion or all of the management
               fee at any time.

               As permitted under Rule 10f-3 of the Investment Company Act of
               1940, the Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted a plan which
               will allow the Fund, under certain conditions described in the
               Rule, to acquire newly-issued securities from syndicates in which
               the Distributor is a member.

        3)     DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES. 

               Organization expenses have been deferred and are being
               amortized on a straight-line basis over sixty months. Payments
               for these expenses were advanced by the Advisor who will be
               reimbursed by the Fund over the same period. The proceeds of any
               redemption of the initial shares by the original shareholders
               will be reduced by a pro-rata portion of any then unamortized
               expenses. Unamortized deferred organization expenses and the
               related payable to the Advisor at June 30, 1996 were $7,583.


        4)     INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS. 

               For the six month period ending June 30, 1996, the cost of
               purchases and the proceeds from sales of investment securities
               (excluding short-term securities) were $61,231 and $712,764,
               respectively.

        5)     SOURCES OF NET ASSETS. 

               As of June 30, 1996, the sources of net assets were as follows:


               Fund shares issued and outstanding................  $ 12,753,309
               Net unrealized depreciation on investments........      (527,008)
               Accumulated net realized losses on investments....      (237,419)
                                                                   ------------ 
                                                                   $ 11,988,882
                                                                   ============
               Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of June
               30, 1996, based on investment cost for Federal income tax
               purposes is as follows:


               Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation...........     $  20,708
               Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation...........      (547,716)
                                                                      ---------
               Net unrealized depreciation on investments........     $(527,008)
                                                                      =========

9 VALUE REPORT

<PAGE>   78


                             [LOGO] HEARTLAND FUNDS
                            AMERICA'S VALUE INVESTOR

                           Small Cap Contrarian Fund

                                   Value Fund

                        (closed to new investors 7/1/95)

                              Value & Income Fund

                        U.S. Government Securities Fund

                            Wisconsin Tax Free Fund

                             Nebraska Tax Free Fund


                               TO LEARN MORE ...
                    PLEASE CALL A HEARTLAND REPRESENTATIVE.
                                1-800-432-7856

These are not recommendations to buy or sell the securities discussed, but
rather illustrations of our value investment strategy. Statements regarding
particular securities represent the portfolio manager's views when made and are
subject to change at any time based on market and other considerations.

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

This material may only be used when preceded or accompanied by the Fund's
prospectus. Heartland Advisors, Inc. - Distributor. Member SIPC, NASD.




© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission