DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS V INC
497, 1998-12-28
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<PAGE>

         The Delaware Investments                       -----------------------
includes funds with a wide range of                                            
investment objectives. Stock funds,                                            
income funds, national and                              MID-CAP VALUE FUND     
state-specific tax-exempt funds, money                                         
market funds, global and international                  -----------------------
funds and closed-end funds give                                                
investors the ability to create a                                              
portfolio that fits their personal                      A CLASS                
financial goals. For more information,                  B CLASS                
contact your financial adviser or call                  C CLASS                
Delaware Investments at 800-523-1918.                   -----------------------
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                                                               
                                                                               
INVESTMENT MANAGER                                                             
Delaware Management Company                                                    
One Commerce Square                                                            
Philadelphia, PA  19103                                                        
                                                                               
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR                                                           
Delaware Distributors, L.P.                                                    
1818 Market Street                                                             
Philadelphia, PA 19103                                  P R O S P E C T U S    
                                                                               
   
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING,                                  -----------------------
DIVIDEND DISBURSING,                                                           
ACCOUNTING SERVICES                                                     
AND TRANSFER AGENT                                      DECEMBER 28, 1998      
Delaware Service Company, Inc.                                                 
1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103                                                         
    
                                                                               
LEGAL COUNSEL                                                                  
Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, LLP                                          
One Commerce Square                                                            
Philadelphia, PA 19103                                                         
                                                                               
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS                                                           
Ernst & Young LLP                                                              
Two Commerce Square                                                            
Philadelphia, PA 19103                                                         
                                                                               
CUSTODIAN                                               DELAWARE(SM)      
The Chase Manhattan Bank                                INVESTMENTS
4 Chase Metrotech Center                                -----------         
Brooklyn, NY 11245



<PAGE>




   
MID-CAP VALUE FUND                                                    PROSPECTUS
                                                               DECEMBER 28, 1998
A CLASS SHARES
B CLASS SHARES
C CLASS SHARES
    

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


                   1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

             For Prospectus and Performance: Nationwide 800-523-1918

              Information on Existing Accounts: (SHAREHOLDERS ONLY)
                             Nationwide 800-523-1918

                     Dealer Services: (BROKER/DEALERS ONLY)
                             Nationwide 800-362-7500

       Representatives of Financial Institutions: Nationwide 800-659-2265


         This Prospectus describes the Mid-Cap Value Fund series (the "Fund") of
Delaware Group Equity Funds V, Inc. ("Equity Funds V, Inc."), a
professionally-managed mutual fund of the series type. The Fund's investment
objective is to provide long term capital growth. The Fund seeks to achieve its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies with a market
capitalization between $1 billion and $9 billion at the time of purchase.

         The Fund offers Mid-Cap Value Fund A Class ("Class A Shares"), Mid-Cap
Value Fund B Class ("Class B Shares") and Mid-Cap Value Fund C Class ("Class C
Shares") (individually, a "Class" and collectively, the "Classes").

   
         This Prospectus relates only to the Classes listed above and sets forth
information that you should read and consider before you invest. Please retain
it for future reference. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("Part
B" of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s registration statement), dated December 28, 1998,
as it may be amended from time to time, contains additional information about
the Fund and has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
Part B is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is available,
without charge, by writing to Delaware Distributors, L.P. at the above address
or by calling the above numbers. The Fund's financial statements appear in its
Annual Report, which will accompany any response to requests for Part B. In
addition, the SEC maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains Part
B, material we incorporated by reference, and other information regarding
registrants that electronically file with the SEC.
    

         The Fund also offers Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class, which is
available for purchase only by certain investors. A prospectus for Mid-Cap Value
Fund Institutional Class can be obtained by writing to Delaware Distributors,
L.P. at the above address or by calling the above number.


                                       -1-

<PAGE>






TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       Page                                                Page
                                       ----                                                ----
<S>                                 <C>            <C>                                    <C>
Cover Page                                       How to Buy Shares
Synopsis                                         Redemption and Exchange
Summary of Expenses                              Dividends and Distributions
Investment Objective and Policies                Taxes
         Suitability                             Calculation of Offering Price and
         Investment Strategy                              Net Asset Value Per Share
         Risk Factors                            Management of the Fund
The Delaware Difference                          Other Investment Policies and
         Plans and Services                               Risk Considerations
Classes of Shares                                Appendix A - Ratings


</TABLE>


THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER WHEN MAKING INVESTMENTS. MUTUAL FUNDS
CAN BE A VALUABLE PART OF YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN; HOWEVER, SHARES OF THE FUND ARE
NOT FDIC OR NCUSIF INSURED, ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK OR ANY CREDIT UNION,
ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR ANY CREDIT UNION, AND INVOLVE INVESTMENT
RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED. SHARES OF
THE FUND ARE NOT BANK OR CREDIT UNION DEPOSITS.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>





SYNOPSIS

   
Investment Objective
         The investment objective of the Mid-Cap Value Fund is to provide long
term capital growth. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing
primarily in common stocks of companies with a market capitalization currently
between $1 billion and $9 billion at the time of purchase.
    

Risk Factors and Special Considerations
         The Fund may enter into options for hedging purposes to counterbalance
portfolio volatility. While the Fund does not engage in options for speculative
purposes, there are risks that result from use of these instruments by the Fund,
and the investor should review the descriptions of these risks in this
Prospectus. See Investment Strategy under Investment Objective and Policies and
Other Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.

Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent
         Delaware Management Company (the "Manager") furnishes investment
management services to the Fund, subject to the supervision and direction of
Equity Funds V, Inc.'s Board of Directors. The Manager also provides investment
management services to certain of the other funds offered by Delaware
Investments. Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the "Distributor") is the national
distributor for the Fund and for all of the other mutual funds offered by
Delaware Investments. Delaware Service Company, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") is
the shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing, accounting services and transfer
agent for the Fund and for all of the other funds offered by Delaware
Investments. See Summary of Expenses and Management of the Fund for further
information regarding the Manager and the fees payable under the Fund's
Investment Management Agreement.

   
Sales Charges
         The price of Class A Shares includes a maximum front-end sales charge
of 5.75% of the offering price. The sales charge is reduced on certain
transactions of at least $50,000 but under $1,000,000. For purchases of
$1,000,000 or more, the front-end sales charge is eliminated; if a dealer's
commission is paid in connection with those purchases, a limited contingent
deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1% will be imposed if shares are redeemed
during the first year after the purchase and 0.50% will be imposed if shares are
redeemed during the second year after the purchase. See Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset
Value under Redemption and Exchange. Class A Shares are subject to annual 12b-1
Plan expenses for the life of the investment.

         The price of Class B Shares is equal to the net asset value per share.
Class B Shares are subject to a CDSC of: (i) 5% if shares are redeemed with one
year of purchase (ii) 4% if shares are redeemed during the second year of
purchase; (iii) 3% if shares are redeemed during the third or fourth year
following purchase; (iv) 2% if shares are redeemed during the fifth year
following purchase; (v) 1% if shares are redeemed during the sixth year
following purchase; and (vi) 0% thereafter. Class B Shares are subject to annual
12b-1 Plan expenses for approximately eight years after purchase.
    

         The price of Class C Shares is equal to the net asset value per share.
Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC of 1% if shares are redeemed within 12
months of purchase. Class C Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses for
the life of the investment.

         See Classes of Shares and Distribution (12b-1) and Service under
Management of the Fund.

                                       -3-

<PAGE>





Purchase Amounts
         Generally, the minimum initial investment in any Class is $1,000.
Subsequent investments must generally be at least $100.

   
         Each purchase of Class B Shares is subject to a maximum purchase
limitation of $250,000. For Class C Shares, each purchase must be in an amount
that is less than $1,000,000. An investor may exceed these maximum purchase
limitations for Class B Shares and Class C Shares by making cumulative purchases
over a period of time. An investor should keep in mind, however, that reduced
front-end sales charges apply to investments of $50,000 or more in Class A
Shares, and that Class A Shares are subject to lower annual 12b-1 Plan expenses
than Class B and Class C Shares and generally are not subject to a CDSC. The
minimum and maximum purchase amounts for retirement plans may vary. See How to
Buy Shares.
    

Redemption and Exchange
         Class A Shares of the Fund may be redeemed or exchanged at the net
asset value calculated after receipt of the redemption or exchange request.
Neither the Fund nor the Distributor assesses a charge for redemptions or
exchanges of Class A Shares, except for certain redemptions of shares purchased
at net asset value, which may be subject to a CDSC if a dealer's commission was
paid in connection with such purchases. See Front-End Sales Charge Alternative -
Class A Shares under Classes of Shares.

         Class B Shares and Class C Shares may be redeemed or exchanged at the
net asset value calculated after receipt of the redemption or exchange request
subject, in the case of redemptions, to any applicable CDSC. Neither the Fund
nor the Distributor assesses any charges other than the CDSC for redemptions or
exchanges of Class B or Class C Shares. There are certain limitations on an
investor's ability to exchange shares between the various classes of shares that
are offered. See Redemption and Exchange.

Open-End Investment Company
         Equity Funds V, Inc., which was organized as a Maryland corporation on
January 16, 1987, is an open-end management investment company. The Fund's
portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"). See Shares under Management of the Fund.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>





SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

         A general comparison of the sales arrangements and other expenses
applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 Mid-Cap Value Fund
Shareholder Transaction Expenses                          Class A Shares            Class B Shares           Class C Shares
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>                   <C>  <C>                 <C>  <C>

Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)......................      5.75%                     None                     None

Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested
Dividends (as a percentage of offering price)............
                                                               None                      None                     None
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, as applicable)......................      None(1)                   5.00%(1)                 1.00%(1)

Redemption Fees..........................................      None(2)                   None(2)                  None(2)



            Annual Operating Expenses                                                  Mid-Cap Value Fund
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)               Class A Shares            Class B Shares          Class C Shares
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fees (after voluntary waivers)................      0.10%(4)                  0.10%(4)                 0.10%(4)

12b-1 Expenses (including service fees)
(after voluntary waivers)................................      0.00%(3)(4)               0.00%(3)(4)              0.00%(3)(4)

Other Operating Expenses
(after voluntary payments)...............................      0.65%(4)                  0.65%(4)                 0.65%(4)
                                                               -----                     -----                    -----

Total Operating Expenses
(after voluntary waivers and payments)...................      0.75%(4)                  0.75%(4)                 0.75%(4)
                                                               =====                     =====                    =====

</TABLE>

                                       -5-

<PAGE>





   
(1)  Class A purchases of $1 million or more may be made at net asset value.
     However, if in connection with any such purchase a dealer commission is
     paid to the financial adviser through whom such purchase is effected, a
     limited CDSC ("Limited CDSC") of 1% will be imposed on certain redemptions
     made during the first year after the purchase and 0.50% will be imposed on
     certain redemptions made during the second year after purchase. Additional
     Class A purchase options involving the imposition of a CDSC may be
     permitted as described in the Prospectus from time to time. Class B Shares
     are subject to a CDSC of: (i) 5% if shares are redeemed with one year of
     purchase (ii) 4% if shares are redeemed during the second year of purchase;
     (iii) 3% if shares are redeemed during the third or fourth year following
     purchase; (iv) 2% if shares are redeemed during the fifth year following
     purchase; (v) 1% if shares are redeemed during the sixth year following
     purchase; and (vi) 0% thereafter. Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC of
     1% if the shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. See Contingent
     Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased
     at Net Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange and Deferred Sales Charge
     Alternative - Class B Shares and Level Sales Charge Alternative - Class C
     Shares under Classes of Shares.
(2)  First Union National Bank currently charges $7.50 per redemption for
     redemptions payable by wire.
(3)  Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares are subject to separate
     12b-1 Plans. Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic
     equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted by rules of the
     National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"). The
     Distributor has elected voluntarily to waive its right to receive 12b-1
     Plan fees (including service fees) from the commencement of the public
     offering of the Classes through May 31, 1999. In the absence of those
     waivers, 12b-1 Plan expenses would equal 0.30% (no more than 0.25% as set
     by the Board) for Class A shares and 1.00% for each of the Class B and
     Class C Shares. See Distribution (12b-1) and Service under Management of
     the Fund.
(4)  Because the Fund is new, "Total Operating Expenses" and "Other Operating
     Expenses" for each Class are based on estimated amounts the Fund expects to
     pay during the initial fiscal year. As noted above, the Distributor has
     elected voluntarily to waive 12b-1 Plan expenses through June 30, 1999.
     Also, the Manager has elected voluntarily to waive that portion, if any, of
     the annual management fees payable by the Fund and to pay certain expenses
     of the Fund to the extent necessary to ensure that Total Operating Expenses
     (exclusive of 12b-1 Plan fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions and
     extraordinary expenses) do not exceed, on an annualized basis, 0.75% of the
     average daily net assets of the Fund. The Manager's voluntary fee waivers
     and expense payments began at the commencement of the public offering of
     the Fund and will extend through May 31, 1999. Absent the Manager's
     voluntary fee waivers and expense payments (and the Distributor's voluntary
     waiver of the 12b-1 Plan fees for each class), it is estimated that during
     the current fiscal year, the Total Operating Expenses, as a percentage of
     average daily net assets, would be 1.65%, 2.40% and 2.40%, respectively,
     for Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares of the Fund,
     reflecting "Management Fees" of 0.75% in all cases.
    




                                       -6-

<PAGE>





   
         Investors utilizing the Asset Planner asset allocation service also
typically incur an annual maintenance fee of $35 per Strategy. However, the
annual maintenance fee is being waived until further notice. Investors who
utilize the Asset Planner for an Individual Retirement Account ("IRA") will pay
an annual IRA fee of $15 per Social Security number. See Asset Planner in Part
B.
    

         For expense information about Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class,
see the separate prospectus relating to that class.

         The following example illustrates the expenses that an investor would
pay on a $1,000 investment over various time periods, assuming (1) a 5% annual
rate of return, (2) redemption and no redemption at the end of each time period
and (3) for Class B Shares and Class C Shares, payment of a CDSC at the time of
redemption, if applicable. The following example also reflects the voluntary
waiver of the management fees and payment of expenses by the Manager and the
waiver of the 12b-1 Plan fees by the Distributor, as discussed in this
Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   

                                      Assuming Redemption                               Assuming No Redemption
                                 1 year                3 years                   1 year                    3 years
                                 ------                -------                   ------                    -------
<S>                              <C>                   <C>                       <C>                       <C>
Class A Shares                   $65(1)                $80                       $65                       $80
Class B Shares(2)                $58                   $54                       $8                        $24
Class C Shares                   $18                   $54                       $8                        $24
    

</TABLE>


(1)      Generally, no redemption charge is assessed upon redemption of Class A
         Shares. Under certain circumstances, however, a Limited CDSC or other
         CDSC, which has not been reflected in this calculation, may be imposed
         on certain redemptions. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for
         Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value
         under Redemption and Exchange.
(2)      At the end of approximately eight years after purchase, Class B Shares
         of the Fund will be automatically converted into Class A Shares of the
         Fund. The example above does not assume conversion of Class B Shares
         since it reflects figures for only one and three years. See Automatic
         Conversion of Class B Shares under Classes of Shares for a description
         of the automatic conversion feature.


This example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses or performance. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those
shown.

         The purpose of the above tables is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in any of the
Classes will bear directly or indirectly.

                                       -7-

<PAGE>






INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

   
         The investment objective of the Mid-Cap Value Fund is to provide long
term capital growth. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing
primarily in common stocks of companies with a market capitalization currently
between $1 billion and $9 billion at the time of purchase.
    

SUITABILITY
         The Fund may be suitable for investors interested in long-term capital
growth. Providing current income is not an objective of the Fund. Any income
produced is expected to be minimal. Investors should not consider a purchase of
Fund shares as equivalent to a complete investment program. The Delaware
Investments includes a family of funds, generally available through registered
investment dealers, which may be used together to create a more complete
investment program.

         Ownership of Fund shares reduces the bookkeeping and administrative
inconvenience that would be involved with direct purchases of the Fund's
portfolio securities.

         Net asset value may fluctuate at times in response to market conditions
and, as a result, the Fund is not appropriate for a short-term investor.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY
         While management believes that the Fund's investment objective may best
be attained by investing in common stocks, the Fund may also invest in other
securities including, but not limited to, convertible securities, warrants,
preferred stocks, bonds and foreign securities. Fixed-income securities are
expected to receive minimal emphasis.

         The Manager will seek companies that are selling at attractive prices
relative to their fundamental value. Generally speaking, a value orientation
focuses on stocks that the Manager believes are undervalued in price and will
eventually be recognized by the market. Securities of companies may be
undervalued due to one or more of the following circumstances: market declines,
economic conditions, investor overreaction to unfavorable news regarding a
particular company, industry or the stock markets in general.

         The Fund intends to utilize a proprietary model to help identify those
companies that may be attractive candidates for investment. The model will focus
on several characteristics, such as the price-to-sales ratio, price-to-cash flow
ratio and price-to-earnings ratio, which appear low when compared to historical
trends of that company or to the market as represented by appropriate mid-cap
indices. In selecting securities for the Fund, the Manager will consider the
financial strength of the company, the nature of its management and any
developments affecting the security, the company or the industry.

         The holdings in the portfolio typically will be selected for their
appreciation potential due to expected improvement in their financial results or
due to the recognition that results have already begun improving. The Fund will
primarily invest in companies with a record of sales, earnings and dividends,
and a sound balance sheet which avoids significant leverage or financial risk.
Additionally, the Fund's policy of investing in securities which are believed to
be temporarily out of favor due to economic or specific company circumstances,
is expected to provide investment returns superior to returns obtained when
premium prices are paid for companies which are currently in favor. The Fund may
invest in securities which pay no dividends, as dividend income is not a
prerequisite in equity security selection.

                                       -8-

<PAGE>





   
         The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities without regard to a
credit quality where there are favorable changes in a company's earnings or
growth potential or where general economic conditions and/or the interest rate
environment provide an opportunity for appreciation in these securities.
Investment characteristics and certain risks associated with the types of
securities in which the Fund will generally invest are described in this
Prospectus. See Risk Factors for more specific information and risks associated
with foreign and lower- rated fixed-income securities. The strategies employed
are dependent upon the judgment of the Manager.
    

         In investing for capital growth, the Fund may hold securities for any
period of time. The degree of portfolio activity will affect brokerage costs of
the Fund and may affect taxes payable by the Fund's shareholders. See Portfolio
Trading Practices under Management of the Fund.

         Should the market warrant a temporary, defensive approach, the Fund may
also invest in fixed-income obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, as well as money market
instruments, and corporate bonds rated A or above by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"). (Appendix A to this
Prospectus describes these ratings.)

   
         If the Manager believes that market conditions warrant, the Fund may
employ options strategies. The Fund may write covered call options on individual
issues as well as write call options on stock indices. A call option is
"covered" if, during the term of the option, the Fund owns or has the right to
obtain at no added cost the security underlying the call option, owns a call
option on the underlying securities with an exercise price no higher than the
exercise price on the call option written or, subject to any regulatory
restrictions, has segregated an amount of cash or liquid high grade debt
obligations at least equal to the current price of the underlying securities.
The Fund may also purchase put options on individual issues and on stock
indices. The Manager will employ these techniques in an attempt to protect
appreciation attained, to offset capital losses and/or to take advantage of the
liquidity available in the option markets. The ability to hedge effectively
using options on stock indices will depend, in part, on the correlation between
the composition of the index and the Fund's portfolio as well as the price
movement of individual securities. Except as discussed above, the Fund does not
currently intend to write or purchase options on stock indices.
    

         While there is no limit on the amount of the Fund's assets which may be
invested in covered call options, the Fund will not invest more than 2% of its
net assets in put options. The Fund will only use exchange-traded options.

RISK FACTORS
         Investors should be willing to accept the risks associated with
investments in out of favor securities. Investing in a company temporarily out
of favor may involve the risk that the anticipated favorable change may not
occur and, as a result, that security may decline in value or not appreciate as
expected. Although the Fund will constantly strive to attain the investment
objective of long term capital growth, there can be no assurance that it will be
attained.

         The Fund may also purchase, at times, lower-rated or unrated
securities, including corporate bonds and convertible securities without regard
to credit quality, which may be considered speculative and may increase the
portfolio's credit risk. Although the Fund will ordinarily place minor emphasis
on fixed-income securities and will not typically purchase bonds or other
securities rated below Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P (i.e., high-yield, high-risk
securities, also known as "junk bonds"), it may do so if the Manager believes
that capital appreciation is likely. While the Fund is authorized to invest up
to 25% of its net assets in securities rated below BBB, it does not presently
intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in securities of this type.
Investing in such lower rated securities may involve certain risks not typically
associated with higher rated securities. Such

                                       -9-

<PAGE>





securities are considered very speculative and may possibly be in default or
have interest payments in arrears. See High-Yield, High-Risk Securities in Part
B for additional information on the risks associated with such securities. See
Appendix A to this Prospectus for more rating information.

         For additional information about the Fund's investment policies and
certain risks associated with investments in certain types of securities, see
Other Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.

                                      -10-

<PAGE>





THE DELAWARE DIFFERENCE

PLANS AND SERVICES
         The Delaware Difference is our commitment to provide you with superior
information and quality service on your investments in the Delaware Investments
of funds.

SHAREHOLDER PHONE DIRECTORY

Shareholder Service Center and Investor Information Center
         800-523-1918
               Information on Existing Regular Investment Accounts and
               Retirement Plan Accounts; Wire Investments; Wire Liquidations;
               Telephone Liquidations and Telephone Exchanges; Fund Information;
               Literature; Price; Yield and Performance Figures

Delaphone
         800-362-FUND
               (800-362-3863)

Performance Information
         During business hours, you can call the Investor Information Center for
current performance information.

Shareholder Services
         During business hours, you can call the Delaware Investments'
Shareholder Service Center. Our representatives can answer any questions about
your account, the Fund, various service features and other funds offered by
Delaware Investments.

   
Automated Shareholder Services
         You can purchase, redeem or exchange your shares through Delaphone,
Delaware Investments' automated telephone system, or through Delaware
Investments' Web site, www.delawarefunds.com. For more information about how to
sign up for these services, call the Shareholder Service Center.
    

Dividend Payments
         Dividends, capital gains and other distributions are automatically
reinvested in your account. You may also elect to have the dividends earned in
one fund automatically invested in another Delaware Investments fund with a
different investment objective subject to certain exceptions and limitations.

         For more information, see Additional Methods of Adding to Your
Investment - Dividend Reinvestment Plan under How to Buy Shares or call the
Shareholder Service Center.

Statements and Confirmations
         You will receive quarterly statements of your account summarizing all
transactions during the period. A confirmation statement will be sent following
all transactions, other than those involving a reinvestment of dividends. You
should examine statements and confirmations immediately and promptly report any
discrepancy by calling the Shareholder Service Center.


                                      -11-

<PAGE>





Duplicate Confirmations
         If your financial adviser or investment dealer is noted on your
investment application, we will send a duplicate confirmation to him or her.
This makes it easier for your adviser to help you manage your investments.

Retirement Planning
         An investment in the Fund may be a suitable investment option for
tax-deferred retirement plans. Delaware Investments offers a full spectrum of
qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, including the popular 401(k)
deferred compensation plan, IRA, and the new Roth IRA. Just call Delaware
Investments at 1- 800-523-1918 for more information.

Right of Accumulation
         With respect to Class A Shares, the Right of Accumulation feature
allows you to combine the value of your current holdings of Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares of the Fund with the dollar amount of new
purchases of Class A Shares of the Fund to qualify for a reduced front-end sales
charge on such purchases of Class A Shares. Under the Combined Purchases
Privilege, you may also include certain shares that you own in other funds
offered by Delaware Investments. See Classes of Shares.

Letter of Intention
         The Letter of Intention feature permits you to obtain a reduced
front-end sales charge on purchases of Class A Shares by aggregating certain of
your purchases of Delaware Investments fund shares over a 13-month period. See
Classes of Shares and Part B.

12-Month Reinvestment Privilege
         The 12-Month Reinvestment Privilege permits you to reinvest proceeds
from a redemption of Class A Shares, within one year of the date of the
redemption, without paying a front-end sales charge. See Part B.

Exchange Privilege
         The Exchange Privilege permits shareholders to exchange all or part of
their shares into shares of other funds offered by Delaware Investments, subject
to certain exceptions and limitations. For additional information on exchanges,
see Investing by Exchange under How to Buy Shares and Redemption and Exchange.

Wealth Builder Option
         You may elect to invest in the Fund through regular liquidations of
shares in your accounts in other funds offered by Delaware Investments.
Investments under this feature are exchanges and are therefore subject to the
same conditions and limitations as other exchanges of Fund shares. See
Additional Methods of Adding to Your Investment - Wealth Builder Option and
Investing by Exchange under How to Buy Shares, and Redemption and Exchange.

Financial Information about the Fund
         Each fiscal year, you will receive an audited annual report and an
unaudited semi-annual report. These reports provide detailed information about
the Fund's investments and performance. Equity Funds V, Inc.'s fiscal year ends
on November 30.

                                      -12-

<PAGE>





CLASSES OF SHARES

Alternative Purchase Arrangements
         Shares may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined net
asset value per share, subject to a sales charge which may be imposed, at the
election of the purchaser, at the time of the purchase for Class A Shares
("front-end sales charge alternative"), or on a contingent deferred basis for
Class B Shares ("deferred sales charge alternative") or Class C Shares ("level
sales charge alternative").

   
         Class A Shares. An investor who elects the front-end sales charge
alternative acquires Class A Shares, which incur a sales charge when they are
purchased, but generally are not subject to any sales charge when they are
redeemed. Absent any applicable fee waiver, Class A Shares are subject to annual
12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a maximum of 0.30% (no more than 0.25% as currently
set by the Board) of average daily net assets of such shares. Certain purchases
of Class A Shares qualify for reduced front-end sales charges. See Front-End
Sales Charge Alternative - Class A Shares, below. See also Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset
Value under Redemption and Exchange and Distribution (12b-1) and Service under
Management of the Fund.

         Class B Shares. An investor who elects the deferred sales charge
alternative acquires Class B Shares, which do not incur a front-end sales charge
when they are purchased, but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
if they are redeemed within six years of purchase. Absent any applicable fee
waiver, Class B Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a
maximum of 1% (0.25% of which are service fees to be paid to the Distributor,
dealers or others for providing personal service and/or maintaining shareholder
accounts) of average daily net assets of such shares for approximately eight
years after purchase. Class B Shares permit all of the investor's dollars to
work from the time the investment is made. If no waiver of 12b-1 fees is in
effect, the higher 12b-1 Plan expenses paid by Class B Shares will cause such
shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than Class A
Shares. At the end of approximately eight years after purchase, the Class B
Shares automatically will be converted into Class A Shares and, thereafter, for
the remainder of the life of the investment, the annual 12b-1 Plan fee of up to
0.30% (no more than 0.25% as currently set by the Board) for the Class A Shares
will apply. See Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares, below.
    

         Class C Shares. An investor who elects the level sales charge
alternative acquires Class C Shares, which do not incur a front-end sales charge
when they are purchased, but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
if they are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Absent any applicable fee
waiver, Class C Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a
maximum of 1% (0.25% of which are service fees to be paid to the Distributor,
dealers or others for providing personal service and/or maintaining shareholder
accounts) of average daily net assets of such shares for the life of the
investment. If no waiver of 12b-1 fees is in effect, the higher 12b-1 Plan
expenses paid by Class C Shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense
ratio and to pay lower dividends than Class A Shares. Unlike Class B Shares,
Class C Shares do not convert to another class.



                                      -13-

<PAGE>





         The alternative purchase arrangements described above permit investors
to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most suitable given the amount
of their purchase, the length of time they expect to hold their shares and other
relevant circumstances. Investors should determine whether, given their
particular circumstances, it is more advantageous to purchase Class A Shares and
incur a front-end sales charge, purchase Class B Shares and have the entire
initial purchase amount invested in the Fund with their investment being subject
to a CDSC if they redeem shares within six years of purchase, or purchase Class
C Shares and have the entire initial purchase amount invested in the Fund with
their investment being subject to a CDSC if they redeem shares within 12 months
of purchase. In addition, investors should consider the level of annual 12b-1
Plan expenses applicable to each Class. If no waiver of 12b-1 fees is in effect,
the higher 12b-1 Plan expenses on Class B Shares and Class C Shares will be
offset to the extent a return is realized on the additional money initially
invested upon the purchase of such shares. However, there can be no assurance as
to the return, if any, that will be realized on such additional money. In
addition, the effect of any return earned on such additional money will diminish
over time. In comparing Class B Shares to Class C Shares, investors should also
consider the duration of the annual 12b-1 Plan expenses to which each of the
Classes is subject and the desirability of an automatic conversion feature,
which is available only for Class B Shares.

         For the distribution and related services provided to, and the expenses
borne on behalf of, the Fund, absent any applicable fee waiver, the Distributor
and others will be paid, in the case of Class A Shares, from the proceeds of the
front-end sales charge and 12b-1 Plan fees and, in the case of Class B Shares
and Class C Shares, from the proceeds of the 12b-1 Plan fees and, if applicable,
the CDSC incurred upon redemption. Financial advisers may receive different
compensation for selling Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the respective
12b-1 Plans and the CDSCs applicable to Class B Shares and Class C Shares are
the same as those of the 12b-1 Plan and the front-end sales charge applicable to
Class A Shares in that such fees and charges are used to finance the
distribution of the respective Classes. See Distribution (12b-1) and Service
under Management of the Fund.

         Dividends, if any, paid on Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C
Shares will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time, on the same day
and will be in the same amount, except that, when assessed, the additional
amount of 12b-1 Plan expenses relating to Class B Shares and Class C Shares will
be borne exclusively by such shares. See Calculation of Offering Price and Net
Asset Value Per Share.

         The NASD has adopted certain rules relating to investment company sales
charges. Equity Funds V, Inc. and the Distributor intend to operate in
compliance with these rules.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>





   
Front-End Sales Charge Alternative - Class A Shares
         Class A Shares may be purchased at the offering price, which reflects a
maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%. See Calculation of Offering Price and
Net Asset Value Per Share.

         Purchases of $50,000 or more carry a reduced front-end sales charge as
shown in the following table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Mid-Cap Value Fund A Class
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Dealer's
                                                                                                  Commission***
                                                  Front-end Sales Charge as % of                     as % of
Amount of Purchase                                 Offering                    Amount                Offering
                                                    Price                    Invested**               Price
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                       <C>                    <C>  
Less than $50,000                                     5.75%                     6.12%                  5.00%
$50,000 but under $100,000                            4.75                       4.94                  4.00
$100,000 but under $250,000                           3.75                       3.88                  3.00
$250,000 but under $500,000                           2.50                       2.59                  2.00
$500,000 but under $1,000,000*                        2.00                       2.00                  1.60
    
</TABLE>

  *      There is no front-end sales charge on purchases of Class A Shares of $1
         million or more but, under certain limited circumstances, a 1% Limited
         CDSC may apply upon redemption of such shares made during the first
         year after the purchase and 0.50% may apply upon redemption of such
         shares made during the second year after the purchase.

 **      Based for an initial net asset value per share of $8.50 for Class A
         Shares.

***      Financial institutions or their affiliated brokers may receive an
         agency transaction fee in the percentages set forth above.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


          The Fund must be notified when a sale takes place which would qualify
          for the reduced front-end sales charge on the basis of previous or
          current purchases. The reduced front-end sales charge will be granted
          upon confirmation of the shareholder's holdings by the Fund. Such
          reduced front-end sales charges are not retroactive.

          From time to time, upon written notice to all of its dealers, the
          Distributor may hold special promotions for specified periods during
          which the Distributor may reallow to dealers up to the full amount of
          the front-end sales charge shown above. In addition, certain dealers
          who enter into an agreement to provide extra training and information
          on Delaware Investments products and services and who increase sales
          of Delaware Investments funds may receive an additional commission of
          up to 0.15% of the offering price. Dealers who receive 90% or more of
          the sales charge may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities
          Act of 1933.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                      -15-

<PAGE>





         For initial purchases of Class A Shares of $1 million or more, a
dealer's commission may be paid by the Distributor to financial advisers through
whom such purchases are made in accordance with the following schedule:

                                                          Dealer's Commission
                                                          (as a percentage of
Amount of Purchase                                         amount purchased)
- ------------------                                         -----------------
Up to $5 million                                                 1.00%
Next $20 million up to $25 million                                0.50
Amount over $25 million                                           0.25

         Such Class A Shares are subject to a Limited CDSC of 1% if shares are
redeemed during the first year after purchase and 0.50% if shares are redeemed
during the second year after purchase.

         For accounts with assets over $1 million, the dealer commission resets
annually to the highest incremental commission rate on the anniversary of the
first purchase. In determining a financial adviser's eligibility for the
dealer's commission, purchases of Class A Shares of other Delaware Investments
funds as to which a Limited CDSC applies may be aggregated with those of the
Class A Shares of the Fund. Financial advisers also may be eligible for a
dealer's commission in connection with certain purchases made under a Letter of
Intention or pursuant to an investor's Right of Accumulation. Financial advisers
should contact the Distributor concerning the applicability and calculation of
the dealer's commission in the case of combined purchases.

         An exchange from other Delaware Investments funds will not qualify for
payment of the dealer's commission, unless a dealer's commission or similar
payment has not been previously paid on the assets being exchanged. The schedule
and program for payment of the dealer's commission are subject to change or
termination at any time by the Distributor at its discretion.

         Redemptions of Class A Shares purchased at net asset value may result
in the imposition of a Limited CDSC if the dealer's commission described above
was paid in connection with the purchase of those shares. See Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net
Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange.

Combined Purchases Privilege
         By combining your holdings of Class A Shares with your holdings of
Class B Shares and/or Class C Shares of the Fund and shares of the other funds
offered by Delaware Investments, except those noted below, you can reduce the
front-end sales charges on any additional purchases of Class A Shares. Shares of
Delaware Group Premium Fund, Inc. beneficially owned in connection with
ownership of variable insurance products may be combined with other Delaware
Investments fund holdings. In addition, assets held by investment advisory
clients of the Manager or its affiliates in any stable value account may be
combined with other Delaware Investments fund holdings. Shares of other funds
that do not carry a front-end sales charge or CDSC may not be included unless
they were acquired through an exchange from a Delaware Investments fund that
does carry a front-end sales charge or CDSC.

         This privilege permits you to combine your purchases and holdings with
those of your spouse, your children under 21 and any trust, fiduciary or
retirement account for the benefit of such family members.

                                      -16-

<PAGE>





         This privilege also permits you to use these combinations under a
Letter of Intention. A Letter of Intention allows you to make purchases over a
13-month period and qualify the entire purchase for a reduction in front-end
sales charges on Class A Shares.

         Combined purchases of $1,000,000 or more, including certain purchases
made at net asset value pursuant to a Right of Accumulation or under a Letter of
Intention, may result in the payment of a dealer's commission and the
applicability of a Limited CDSC. Investors should consult their financial
advisers or the Shareholder Service Center about the operation of these
features. See Front-End Sales Charge Alternative Class A Shares, above.

Allied Plans
         Class A Shares are available for purchase by participants in certain
401(k) Defined Contribution Plans ("Allied Plans") which are made available
under a joint venture agreement between the Distributor and another institution
through which mutual funds are marketed and which allow investments in Class A
Shares of designated Delaware Investments funds ("eligible Delaware Investments
fund shares"), as well as shares of designated classes of non-Delaware
Investments funds ("eligible non-Delaware Investments fund shares"). Class B
Shares and Class C Shares are not eligible for purchase by Allied Plans.

         With respect to purchases made in connection with an Allied Plan, the
value of eligible Delaware Investments and eligible non-Delaware Investments
fund shares held by the Allied Plan may be combined with the dollar amount of
new purchases by that Allied Plan to obtain a reduced front-end sales charge on
additional purchases of eligible Delaware Investments fund shares.

         Participants in Allied Plans may exchange all or part of their eligible
Delaware Investments fund shares for other eligible Delaware Investments fund
shares or for eligible non-Delaware Investments fund shares at net asset value
without payment of a front-end sales charge. However, exchanges of eligible fund
shares, both Delaware Investments and non-Delaware Investments, which were not
subject to a front-end sales charge, will be subject to the applicable sales
charge if exchanged for eligible Delaware Investments fund shares to which a
sales charge applies. No sales charge will apply if the eligible fund shares
were previously acquired through the exchange of eligible shares on which a
sales charge was already paid or through the reinvestment of dividends.
See Investing by Exchange.

         A dealer's commission may be payable on purchases of eligible Delaware
Investments fund shares under an Allied Plan. In determining a financial
adviser's eligibility for a dealer's commission on net asset value purchases of
eligible Delaware Investments fund shares in connection with Allied Plans, all
participant holdings in the Allied Plan will be aggregated.

         The Limited CDSC is applicable to redemptions of net asset value
purchases from an Allied Plan on which a dealer's commission has been paid.
Waivers of the Limited CDSC, as described under Waiver of Limited Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge - Class A Shares under Redemption and Exchange, apply to
redemptions by participants in Allied Plans except in the case of exchanges
between eligible Delaware Investments and non-Delaware Investments fund shares.
When eligible Delaware Investments fund shares are exchanged into eligible
non-Delaware Investments fund shares, the Limited CDSC will be imposed at the
time of the exchange, unless the joint venture agreement specifies that the
amount of the Limited CDSC will be paid by the financial adviser or selling
dealer. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A
Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange.


                                      -17-

<PAGE>





Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset Value
         Class A Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value under
the Delaware Investments Dividend Reinvestment Plan and, under certain
circumstances, the Exchange Privilege and the 12-Month Reinvestment Privilege.
See The Delaware Difference and Redemption and Exchange for additional
information.

         Purchases of Class A Shares may be made at net asset value by current
and former officers, directors and employees (and members of their families) of
the Manager, any affiliate, any of the funds offered by Delaware Investments,
certain of their agents and registered representatives and employees of
authorized investment dealers and by employee benefit plans for such entities.
Individual purchases, including those in retirement accounts, must be for
accounts in the name of the individual or a qualifying family member.

         Purchases of Class A Shares may also be made by clients of registered
representatives of an authorized investment dealer at net asset value within 12
months after the registered representative changes employment, if the purchase
is funded by proceeds from an investment where a front-end sales charge,
contingent deferred sales charge or other sales charge has been assessed.
Purchases of Class A Shares may also be made at net asset value by bank
employees who provide services in connection with agreements between the bank
and unaffiliated brokers or dealers concerning sales of shares of Delaware
Investments funds. Officers, directors and key employees of institutional
clients of the Manager or any of its affiliates may purchase Class A Shares at
net asset value. Moreover, purchases may be effected at net asset value for the
benefit of the clients of brokers, dealers and registered investment advisers
affiliated with a broker or dealer, if such broker, dealer or investment adviser
has entered into an agreement with the Distributor providing specifically for
the purchase of Class A Shares in connection with special investment products,
such as wrap accounts or similar fee based programs. Investors may be charged a
fee when effecting transactions in Class A through a broker or agent that offers
these special investment products.

         Purchases of Class A Shares at net asset value may also be made by the
following: financial institutions investing for the account of their trust
customers if they are not eligible to purchase shares of the Institutional Class
of the Fund; any group retirement plan (excluding defined benefit pension
plans), or such plans of the same employer, for which plan participant records
are maintained on the Retirement Financial Services, Inc. (formerly named
Delaware Investment & Retirement Services, Inc.) ("RFSI") proprietary record
keeping system that (i) has in excess of $500,000 of plan assets invested in
Class A Shares of Delaware Investments funds and any stable value account
available to investment advisory clients of the Manager or its affiliates, or
(ii) is sponsored by an employer that has at any point after May 1, 1997 had
more than 100 employees while such plan has held Class A Shares of a Delaware
Investments fund and such employer has properly represented to RFSI in writing
that it has the requisite number of employees and has received written
confirmation back from RFSI. See Group Investment Plans for information
regarding the applicability of the Limited CDSC.

         Investments in Class A Shares made by plan level and/or participant
retirement accounts that are for the purpose of repaying a loan taken from such
accounts will be made at net asset value. Loan repayments made to a Delaware
Investments account in connection with loans originated from accounts previously
maintained by another investment firm will also be invested at net asset value.

         Investors in Delaware Investments Unit Investment Trusts may reinvest
monthly dividend checks and/or repayment of invested capital into Class A Shares
of any of the funds offered by Delaware Investments at net asset value.



                                      -18-

<PAGE>





         The Fund must be notified in advance that an investment qualifies for
purchase at net asset value.

Group Investment Plans
         Group Investment Plans (e.g., SEP/IRA, SAR/SEP, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE
401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans and 401(k) Defined
Contribution Plans and 403(b)(7) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans) may
benefit from the reduced front-end sales charges available on Class A Shares
based on total plan assets. If a company has more than one plan investing in the
Delaware Investments funds, then the total amount invested in all plans will be
aggregated to determine the applicable front-end sales charge reduction on each
purchase, both initial and subsequent, if, at the time of each such purchase,
the company notifies the Fund that it qualifies for the reduction. Employees
participating in such Group Investment Plans may also combine the investments
held in their plan account to determine the front-end sales charge applicable to
purchases in non-retirement Delaware Investments investment accounts if, at the
time of each such purchase, they notify the Fund that they are eligible to
combine purchase amounts held in their plan account.

         The Limited CDSC is applicable to any redemptions of net asset value
purchases made on behalf of any group retirement plan on which a dealer's
commission has been paid only if such redemption is made pursuant to a
withdrawal of the entire plan from Delaware Investments funds. See Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net
Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange.

         For additional information on retirement plans, including plan forms,
applications, minimum investments and any applicable account maintenance fees,
contact your investment dealer or the Distributor.

   
Deferred Sales Charge Alternative - Class B Shares
         Class B Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a front-end
sales charge and, as a result, the full amount of the investor's purchase
payment will be invested in Fund shares. The Distributor currently compensates
dealers or brokers for selling Class B Shares at the time of purchase from its
own assets in an amount equal to no more than 5% of the dollar amount purchased.
In addition, from time to time, upon written notice to all of its dealers, the
Distributor may hold special promotions for specified periods during which the
Distributor may pay additional compensation to dealers or brokers for selling
Class B Shares at the time of purchase. As discussed below, however, absent any
applicable fee waiver, Class B Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses
of up to a maximum of 1% for approximately eight years after purchase and, if
redeemed within six years of purchase, a CDSC.
    

         Proceeds from the CDSC and the annual 12b-1 Plan fees, if any, are paid
to the Distributor and others for providing distribution and related services,
and bearing related expenses, in connection with the sale of Class B Shares.
These payments support the compensation paid to dealers or brokers for selling
Class B Shares. Payments to the Distributor and others under the Class B 12b-1
Plan may be in an amount equal to no more than 1% annually. The combination of
the CDSC and the proceeds of the 12b-1 Plan fees makes it possible for the Fund
to sell Class B Shares without deducting a front-end sales charge at the time of
purchase.

         Holders of Class B Shares who exercise the exchange privilege described
below will continue to be subject to the CDSC schedule for the Class B Shares
described in this Prospectus, even after the exchange. Such CDSC schedule may be
higher than the CDSC schedule for the Class B Shares acquired as a result of the
exchange. See Redemption and Exchange.

Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares
         Class B Shares, other than shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividends, held for eight years after purchase are eligible for automatic
conversion into Class A Shares. Conversions of Class B Shares into Class A

                                      -19-

<PAGE>





Shares will occur only four times in any calendar year, on the last business day
of the second full week of March, June, September and December (each, a
"Conversion Date"). If the eighth anniversary after a purchase of Class B Shares
falls on a Conversion Date, an investor's Class B Shares will be converted on
that date. If the eighth anniversary occurs between Conversion Dates, an
investor's Class B Shares will be converted on the next Conversion Date after
such anniversary. Consequently, if a shareholder's eighth anniversary falls on
the day after a Conversion Date, that shareholder will have to hold Class B
Shares for as long as three additional months after the eighth anniversary of
purchase before the shares will automatically convert into Class A Shares.

         Class B Shares of a fund acquired through a reinvestment of dividends
will convert to the corresponding Class A Shares of that fund (or, in the case
of Delaware Group Cash Reserve, Inc., the Delaware Cash Reserve Consultant
Class) pro-rata with Class B Shares of that fund not acquired through dividend
reinvestment.

         All such automatic conversions of Class B Shares will constitute
tax-free exchanges for federal income tax purposes. See Taxes.

Level Sales Charge Alternative - Class C Shares
         Class C Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a front-end
sales charge and, as a result, the full amount of the investor's purchase
payment will be invested in Fund shares. The Distributor currently compensates
dealers or brokers for selling Class C Shares at the time of purchase from its
own assets in an amount equal to no more than 1% of the dollar amount purchased.
As discussed below, absent any applicable fee waiver, Class C Shares are subject
to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses and, if redeemed within 12 months of purchase, a
CDSC.

         Proceeds from the CDSC and the annual 12b-1 Plan fees, if any, are paid
to the Distributor and others for providing distribution and related services,
and bearing related expenses, in connection with the sale of Class C Shares.
These payments support the compensation paid to dealers or brokers for selling
Class C Shares. Payments to the Distributor and others under the Class C 12b-1
Plan may be in an amount equal to no more than 1% annually.

         Holders of Class C Shares who exercise the exchange privilege described
below will continue to be subject to the CDSC schedule for the Class C Shares as
described in this Prospectus. See Redemption and Exchange.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares and Class C Shares
         Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase may be subject to
a CDSC at the rates set forth below and Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months
of purchase may be subject to a CDSC of 1%. CDSCs are charged as a percentage of
the dollar amount subject to the CDSC. The charge will be assessed on an amount
equal to the lesser of the net asset value at the time of purchase of the shares
being redeemed or the net asset value of those shares at the time of redemption.
No CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price, nor will a CDSC be assessed on redemptions of shares acquired
through reinvestments of dividends or capital gains distributions. For purposes
of this formula, the "net asset value at the time of purchase" will be the net
asset value at purchase of the Class B Shares or the Class C Shares of the Fund,
even if those shares are later exchanged for shares of another Delaware
Investments fund. In the event of an exchange of the shares, the "net asset
value of such shares at the time of redemption" will be the net asset value of
the shares that were acquired in the exchange.



                                      -20-

<PAGE>





         The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC for the Class B
Shares of the Fund:


   
                                                         Contingent Deferred
                                                         Sales Charge (as a
                                                            Percentage of
                                                            Dollar Amount
Year After Purchase Made                                 Subject to Charge)
- ------------------------                                 ------------------
0-1                                                              5%
2                                                                4%
3-4                                                              3%
5                                                                2%
6                                                                1%
7 and thereafter                                                 None
    

During the seventh year after purchase and, thereafter, until converted
automatically into Class A Shares, Class B Shares will still be subject to the
annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to 1% of average daily net assets of those
shares, absent any applicable fee waiver. See Automatic Conversion of Class B
Shares, above. Investors are reminded that the Class A Shares into which the
Class B Shares will convert are subject to ongoing annual 12b- 1 Plan expenses
of up to a maximum of 0.30% of average daily net assets of such shares.

         In determining whether a CDSC applies to a redemption of Class B
Shares, it will be assumed that shares held for more than six years are redeemed
first, followed by shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or
distributions, and finally by shares held longest during the six-year period.
With respect to Class C Shares, it will be assumed that shares held for more
than 12 months are redeemed first followed by shares acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends or distributions, and finally by shares held for 12
months or less.

         All investments made during a calendar month, regardless of what day of
the month the investment occurred, will age one month on the last day of that
month and each subsequent month.

         The CDSC is waived on certain redemptions of Class B Shares and Class C
Shares. See Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares and
Class C Shares under Redemption and Exchange.

Other Payments to Dealers -- Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
         From time to time at the discretion of the Distributor, all registered
broker/dealers whose aggregate sales of the Classes exceed certain limits, as
set by the Distributor, may receive from the Distributor an additional payment
of up to 0.25% of the dollar amount of such sales. The Distributor may also
provide additional promotional incentives or payments to dealers that sell
shares of the Delaware Investments funds. In some instances, these incentives or
payments may be offered only to certain dealers who maintain, have sold or may
sell certain amounts of shares.

         Subject to pending amendments to the NASD's Conduct Rules, in
connection with the promotion of Delaware Investments fund shares, the
Distributor may, from time to time, pay to participate in dealer- sponsored
seminars and conferences, reimburse dealers for expenses incurred in connection
with preapproved seminars, conferences and advertising and may, from time to
time, pay or allow additional promotional incentives to dealers, which shall
include non-cash concessions, such as certain luxury merchandise or a trip to or
attendance at a business or investment seminar at a luxury resort, as part of
preapproved sales contests.

                                      -21-

<PAGE>





Payment of non-cash compensation to dealers is currently under review by the
NASD and the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is likely that the NASD's
Conduct Rules will be amended such that the ability of the Distributor to pay
non-cash compensation as described above will be restricted in some fashion. The
Distributor intends to comply with the NASD's Conduct Rules as they may be
amended.

Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class
         In addition to offering Class A, Class B and Class C Shares, the Fund
also offers Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class, which is described in a
separate prospectus and is available for purchase only by certain investors.
Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class shares generally are distributed directly
by the Distributor and do not have a front-end sales charge, a CDSC or a Limited
CDSC, and are not subject to 12b-1 Plan distribution expenses. To obtain the
prospectus that describes Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class, contact the
Distributor by writing to the address or by calling the telephone number listed
on the back cover of this Prospectus.


                                      -22-

<PAGE>





HOW TO BUY SHARES

Purchase Amounts
         Generally, the minimum initial purchase is $1,000 for Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares. Subsequent purchases of shares of any Class
generally must be $100 or more. For purchases under a Uniform Gifts to Minors
Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act or through an Automatic Investing Plan,
there is a minimum initial purchase of $250 and a minimum subsequent purchase of
$25. Minimum purchase requirements do not apply to retirement plans other than
IRAs, for which there is a minimum initial purchase of $250, and a minimum
subsequent purchase of $25, regardless of which Class is selected.

   
         There is a maximum purchase limitation of $250,000 on each purchase of
Class B Shares. For Class C Shares, each purchase must be in an amount that is
less than $1,000,000. An investor may exceed these maximum purchase limitations
by making cumulative purchases over a period of time. In doing so, an investor
should keep in mind that reduced front-end sales charges are available on
investments of $50,000 or more in Class A Shares, and that Class A Shares (i)
are subject to lower annual 12b-1 Plan expenses than Class B Shares and Class C
Shares and (ii) generally are not subject to a CDSC. For retirement plans, the
maximum purchase limitations apply only to the initial purchase of Class B
Shares or Class C Shares by the plan.
    

Investing through Your Investment Dealer
         You can make a purchase of shares of the Fund through most investment
dealers who, as part of the service they provide, must transmit orders promptly.
They may charge for this service. If you want a dealer but do not have one, the
Delaware Investments can refer you to one.

Investing by Mail
1. Initial Purchases--An Investment Application or, in the case of a retirement
plan account, an appropriate retirement plan application, must be completed,
signed and sent with a check, payable to Mid-Cap Value Fund A Class, Mid-Cap
Value Fund B Class or Mid-Cap Value Fund C Class, to Delaware Investments at
1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

2. Subsequent Purchases--Additional purchases may be made at any time by mailing
a check payable to the specific Class selected. Your check should be identified
with your name(s) and account number. An investment slip (similar to a deposit
slip) is provided at the bottom of transaction confirmations and dividend
statements that you will receive from Equity Funds V, Inc. Use of this
investment slip can help expedite processing of your check when making
additional purchases. Your investment may be delayed if you send additional
purchases by certified mail.

   
Investing by Wire
         You may purchase shares by requesting your bank to transmit funds by
wire to First Union National Bank ABA #031201467, account number 2014128934013
(include your name(s) and your account number for the Class in which you are
investing).
    

1. Initial Purchases--Before you invest, telephone the Shareholder Service
Center to get an account number. If you do not call first, processing of your
investment may be delayed. In addition, you must promptly send your Investment
Application or, in the case of a retirement plan account, an appropriate
retirement plan application, to the specific Fund and Class selected, to
Delaware Investments at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.


                                      -23-

<PAGE>





2. Subsequent Purchases--You may make additional investments anytime by wiring
funds to First Union National Bank as described above. You should advise the
Shareholder Service Center by telephone of each wire you send.

         If you want to wire investments to a retirement plan account, call the
Shareholder Service Center for special wiring instructions.

Investing by Exchange
         If you have an investment in another mutual fund offered by Delaware
Investments, you may write and authorize an exchange of part or all of your
investment into shares of the Fund. If you wish to open an account by exchange,
call the Shareholder Service Center for more information. All exchanges are
subject to the eligibility and minimum purchase requirements set forth in each
fund's prospectus. See Redemption and Exchange for more complete information
concerning your exchange privilege.

         Holders of Class A Shares may exchange all or part of their shares for
certain of the shares of other funds offered by Delaware Investments, including
other Class A Shares, but may not exchange their Class A Shares for Class B
Shares or Class C Shares of the Fund or of any other Delaware Investments fund.
Holders of Class B Shares of the Fund are permitted to exchange all or part of
their Class B Shares only into Class B Shares of other Delaware Investments
funds. Similarly, holders of Class C Shares of the Fund are permitted to
exchange all or part of their Class C Shares only into Class C Shares of other
Delaware Investments funds. Class B Shares of the Fund and Class C Shares of the
Fund acquired by exchange will continue to carry the CDSC and, in the case of
Class B Shares, the automatic conversion schedule of the fund from which the
exchange is made. The holding period of the Class B Shares of the Fund acquired
by exchange will be added to that of the shares that were exchanged for purposes
of determining the time of the automatic conversion into Class A Shares of the
Fund.

         Permissible exchanges into Class A Shares of the Fund will be made
without a front-end sales charge, except for exchanges of shares that were not
previously subject to a front-end sales charge (unless such shares were acquired
through the reinvestment of dividends). Permissible exchanges into Class B
Shares or Class C Shares of the Fund will be made without the imposition of a
CDSC by the fund from which the exchange is being made at the time of the
exchange.

         See Allied Plans under Classes of Shares for information on exchanges
by participants in an Allied Plan.

Additional Methods of Adding to Your Investment
         Call the Shareholder Service Center for more information if you wish to
use the following services:

1.       Automatic Investing Plan
         The Automatic Investing Plan enables you to make regular monthly
investments without writing or mailing checks. You may authorize Equity Funds V,
Inc. to transfer a designated amount monthly from your checking account to your
Fund account. Many shareholders use this as an automatic savings plan.
Shareholders should allow a reasonable amount of time for initial purchases and
changes to these plans to become effective.

         This option is not available to participants in the following plans:
SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plans.

                                      -24-

<PAGE>





2.       Direct Deposit
         You may have your employer or bank make regular investments directly to
your account for you (for example: payroll deduction, pay by phone, annuity
payments). The Fund also accepts preauthorized recurring government and private
payments by Electronic Fund Transfer, which avoids mail time and check clearing
holds on payments such as social security, federal salaries, Railroad Retirement
benefits, etc.

                                   *     *     *

         Should investments through an automatic investing plan or by direct
deposit be reclaimed or returned for some reason, Equity Funds V, Inc. has the
right to liquidate your shares to reimburse the government or transmitting bank.
If there are insufficient funds in your account, you are obligated to reimburse
the Fund.

3.       Wealth Builder Option
         You can use our Wealth Builder Option to invest in the Fund through
regular liquidations of shares in your accounts in other funds offered by
Delaware Investments. You may also elect to invest in other mutual funds offered
by Delaware Investments through the Wealth Builder Option through regular
liquidations of shares in your Fund account.

         Under this automatic exchange program, you can authorize regular
monthly amounts (minimum of $100 per fund) to be liquidated from your account in
one or more funds offered by Delaware Investments and invested automatically
into any other account in a Delaware Investments mutual fund that you may
specify. If in connection with the election of the Wealth Builder Option, you
wish to open a new account to receive the automatic investment, such new account
must meet the minimum initial purchase requirements described in the prospectus
of the fund that you select. Investments under this option are exchanges and are
therefore subject to the same conditions and limitations as other exchanges
noted above. You can terminate your participation in Wealth Builder at any time
by giving written notice to the fund from which the exchanges are made. See
Redemption and Exchange.

         This option is not available to participants in the following plans:
SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plans.

4.       Dividend Reinvestment Plan
         You can elect to have your distributions (capital gains and/or dividend
income) paid to you by check or reinvested in your account. Or, you may invest
your distributions in certain other funds offered by Delaware Investments,
subject to the exceptions noted below as well as the eligibility and minimum
purchase requirements set forth in each fund's prospectus.

         Reinvestments of distributions into Class A Shares of the Fund or of
other Delaware Investments funds are made without a front-end sales charge.
Reinvestments of distributions into Class B Shares of the Fund or of other
Delaware Investments funds or into Class C Shares of the Fund or of other
Delaware Investments funds are also made without any sales charge and will not
be subject to a CDSC if later redeemed. See Automatic Conversion of Class B
Shares under Classes of Shares for information concerning the automatic
conversion of Class B Shares acquired by reinvesting dividends.

         Holders of Class A Shares of the Fund may not reinvest their
distributions into Class B Shares or Class C Shares of any fund offered by
Delaware Investments, including the Fund. Holders of Class B Shares of the Fund
may reinvest their distributions only into Class B Shares of the Delaware
Investments funds which offer

                                      -25-

<PAGE>





that class of shares. Similarly, holders of Class C Shares of the Fund may
reinvest their distributions only into Class C Shares of the Delaware
Investments funds which offer that class of shares. For more information about
reinvestments, call the Shareholder Service Center.

         Capital gains and/or dividend distributions for participants in the
following retirement plans are automatically reinvested into the same Delaware
Investments fund in which their investments are held: SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE
IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans, 401(k)
Defined Contribution Plans or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation Plans.

Purchase Price and Effective Date
         The offering price and net asset value of Class A, Class B and Class C
Shares are determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (ordinarily, 4 p.m., Eastern time) on days when the Exchange is open.

         The effective date of a purchase is the date the order is received by
the Fund, its agent or designee. The effective date of a direct purchase is the
day your wire, electronic transfer or check is received, unless it is received
after the time the offering price or net asset value of shares is determined, as
noted above. Purchase orders received after such time will be effective the next
business day.

The Conditions of Your Purchase
         The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order. If a purchase
is canceled because your check is returned unpaid, you are responsible for any
loss incurred. The Fund can redeem shares from your account(s) to reimburse
itself for any loss, and you may be restricted from making future purchases in
any of the funds offered by Delaware Investments. The Fund reserves the right to
reject purchase orders paid by third-party checks or checks that are not drawn
on a domestic branch of a United States financial institution. If a check drawn
on a foreign financial institution is accepted, you may be subject to additional
bank charges for clearance and currency conversion.

         The Fund also reserves the right, following shareholder notification,
to charge a service fee on non- retirement accounts that, as a result of a
redemption, have remained below the minimum stated account balance for a period
of three or more consecutive months. Holders of such accounts may be notified of
their insufficient account balance and advised that they have until the end of
the current calendar quarter to raise their balance to the stated minimum. If
the account has not reached the minimum balance requirement by that time, the
Fund will charge a $9 fee for that quarter and each subsequent calendar quarter
until the account is brought up to the minimum balance. The service fee will be
deducted from the account during the first week of each calendar quarter for the
previous quarter, and will be used to help defray the cost of maintaining
low-balance accounts. No fees will be charged without proper notice, and no CDSC
will apply to such assessments.

         The Fund also reserves the right, upon 60 days' written notice, to
involuntarily redeem accounts that remain under the minimum initial purchase
amount as a result of redemptions. An investor making the minimum initial
investment may be subject to involuntary redemption without the imposition of a
CDSC or Limited CDSC if he or she redeems any portion of his or her account.

                                      -26-

<PAGE>





REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE

         You can redeem or exchange your shares in a number of different ways.
The exchange service is useful if your investment requirements change and you
want an easy way to invest in other equity funds, tax- advantaged funds, bond
funds or money market funds. This service is also useful if you are anticipating
a major expenditure and want to move a portion of your investment into a fund
that has the checkwriting feature. Exchanges are subject to the requirements of
each fund and all exchanges of shares constitute taxable events. See Taxes.
Further, in order for an exchange to be processed, shares of the fund being
acquired must be registered in the state where the acquiring shareholder
resides. You may want to consult your financial adviser or investment dealer to
discuss which funds offered by Delaware Investments will best meet your changing
objectives, and the consequences of any exchange transaction. You may also call
the Delaware Investments directly for fund information.

         All exchanges involve a purchase of shares of the fund into which the
exchange is made. As with any purchase, an investor should obtain and carefully
read that fund's prospectus before buying shares in an exchange. The prospectus
contains more complete information about the fund, including charges and
expenses.

         Your shares will be redeemed or exchanged at a price based on the net
asset value next determined after the Fund receives your request in good order,
subject, in the case of a redemption, to any applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC.
For example, redemption or exchange requests received in good order after the
time the offering price and net asset value of shares are determined, as noted
above, will be processed on the next business day. See Purchase Price and
Effective Date under How to Buy Shares. A shareholder submitting a redemption
request may indicate that he or she wishes to receive redemption proceeds of a
specific dollar amount. In the case of such a request, and in the case of
certain redemptions from retirement plan accounts, the Fund will redeem the
number of shares necessary to deduct the applicable CDSC in the case of Class B
and Class C Shares, or, if applicable, the Limited CDSC in the case of Class A
Shares and tender to the shareholder the requested amount, assuming the
shareholder holds enough shares in his or her account for the redemption to be
processed in this manner. Otherwise, the amount tendered to the shareholder upon
redemption will be reduced by the amount of the applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC.
Redemption proceeds will be distributed promptly, as described below, but not
later than seven days after receipt of a redemption request.

         Except as noted below, for a redemption request to be in "good order,"
you must provide your account number, account registration, and the total number
of shares or dollar amount of the transaction. For exchange requests, you must
also provide the name of the fund in which you want to invest the proceeds.
Exchange instructions and redemption requests must be signed by the record
owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered. You may request a redemption or
an exchange by calling the Shareholder Service Center at 800-523-1918. The Fund
may suspend, terminate, or amend the terms of the exchange privilege upon 60
days' written notice to shareholders.

         The Fund will process written and telephone redemption requests to the
extent that the purchase orders for the shares being redeemed have already
settled. The Fund will honor redemption requests as to shares for which a check
was tendered as payment, but the Fund will not mail or wire the proceeds until
it is reasonably satisfied that the check has cleared, which may take up to 15
days from the purchase date. You can avoid this potential delay if you purchase
shares by wiring Federal Funds. The Fund reserves the right to reject a written
or telephone redemption request or delay payment of redemption proceeds if there
has been a recent change to the shareholder's address of record.


                                      -27-

<PAGE>





         There is no front-end sales charge or fee for exchanges made between
shares of funds which both carry a front-end sales charge. Any applicable
front-end sales charge will apply to exchanges from shares of funds not subject
to a front-end sales charge, except for exchanges involving assets that were
previously invested in a fund with a front-end sales charge and/or exchanges
involving the reinvestment of dividends.

         Holders of Class B Shares or Class C Shares that exchange their shares
("Original Shares") for shares of other funds offered by Delaware Investments
(in each case, "New Shares") in a permitted exchange, will not be subject to a
CDSC that might otherwise be due upon redemption of the Original Shares.
However, such shareholders will continue to be subject to the CDSC and, in the
case of Class B Shares, the automatic conversion schedule of the Original Shares
as described in this Prospectus and any CDSC assessed upon redemption will be
charged by the fund from which the Original Shares were exchanged. In an
exchange of Class B Shares from the Fund, the Fund's CDSC schedule may be higher
than the CDSC schedule relating to the New Shares acquired as a result of the
exchange. For purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a
disposition of the New Shares, the period of time that an investor held the
Original Shares is added to the period of time that an investor held the New
Shares. With respect to Class B Shares, the automatic conversion schedule of the
Original Shares may be longer than that of the New Shares. Consequently, an
investment in New Shares by exchange may subject an investor, absent any
applicable fee waiver, to the higher 12b-1 fees applicable to Class B Shares of
the Fund for a longer period of time than if the investment in New Shares were
made directly.

         Various redemption and exchange methods are outlined below. Except for
the CDSC applicable to certain redemptions of Class B and Class C Shares and the
Limited CDSC applicable to certain redemptions of Class A Shares purchased at
net asset value, there is no fee charged by the Fund or the Distributor for
redeeming or exchanging your shares, but such fees could be charged in the
future. You may have your investment dealer arrange to have your shares redeemed
or exchanged. Your investment dealer may charge for this service.

         All authorizations given by shareholders, including selection of any of
the features described below, shall continue in effect until such time as a
written revocation or modification has been received by the Fund or its agent.

Written Redemption
         You can write to the Fund at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
to redeem some or all of your shares. The request must be signed by all owners
of the account or your investment dealer of record. For redemptions of more than
$50,000, or when the proceeds are not sent to the shareholder(s) at the address
of record, the Fund requires a signature by all owners of the account and a
signature guarantee for each owner. A signature guarantee can be obtained from a
commercial bank, a trust company or a member of a Securities Transfer
Association Medallion Program ("STAMP"). A signature guarantee cannot be
provided by a notary public. A signature guarantee is designed to protect the
shareholders, the Fund and its agents from fraud. The Fund reserves the right to
reject a signature guarantee supplied by an eligible institution based on its
creditworthiness. The Fund may require further documentation from corporations,
executors, retirement plans, administrators, trustees or guardians.

         Payment is normally mailed the next business day after receipt of your
redemption request. If your Class A Shares are in certificate form, the
certificate(s) must accompany your request and also be in good order.
Certificates are issued for Class A Shares only if a shareholder submits a
specific request. Certificates are not issued for Class B Shares or Class C
Shares.


                                      -28-

<PAGE>





Written Exchange
         You may also write to the Fund (at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
19103) to request an exchange of any or all of your shares into another mutual
fund offered by Delaware Investments, subject to the same conditions and
limitations as other exchanges noted above.

Telephone Redemption and Exchange
         To get the added convenience of the telephone redemption and exchange
methods, you must have the Transfer Agent hold your shares (without charge) for
you. If you choose to have your Class A Shares in certificate form, you may
redeem or exchange only by written request and you must return your
certificate(s).

         The Telephone Redemption--Check to Your Address of Record service and
the Telephone Exchange service, both of which are described below, are
automatically provided unless you notify the Fund in writing that you do not
wish to have such services available with respect to your account. The Fund
reserves the right to modify, terminate or suspend these procedures upon 60
days' written notice to shareholders. It may be difficult to reach the Fund by
telephone during periods when market or economic conditions lead to an unusually
large volume of telephone requests.

         Neither the Fund nor its Transfer Agent is responsible for any
shareholder loss incurred in acting upon written or telephone instructions for
redemption or exchange of Fund shares which are reasonably believed to be
genuine. With respect to such telephone transactions, the Fund will follow
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine (including verification of a form of personal identification) as, if it
does not, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Instructions received by telephone are
generally tape recorded, and a written confirmation will be provided for all
purchase, exchange and redemption transactions initiated by telephone. By
exchanging shares by telephone, you are acknowledging prior receipt of a
prospectus for the fund into which your shares are being exchanged.

Telephone Redemption--Check to Your Address of Record
         The Telephone Redemption feature is a quick and easy method to redeem
shares. You or your investment dealer of record can have redemption proceeds of
$50,000 or less mailed to you at your address of record. Checks will be payable
to the shareholder(s) of record. Payment is normally mailed the next business
day after receipt of the redemption request. This service is only available to
individual, joint and individual fiduciary-type accounts.

Telephone Redemption--Proceeds to Your Bank
         Redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more can be transferred to your
predesignated bank account by wire or by check. You should authorize this
service when you open your account. If you change your predesignated bank
account, you must complete an Authorization Form and have your signature
guaranteed. For your protection, your authorization must be on file. If you
request a wire, your funds will normally be sent the next business day. First
Union National Bank's fee (currently $7.50) will be deducted from your
redemption proceeds. If you ask for a check, it will normally be mailed the next
business day after receipt of your redemption request to your predesignated bank
account. There are no separate fees for this redemption method, but the mail
time may delay getting funds into your bank account. Simply call the Shareholder
Service Center prior to the time the offering price and net asset value are
determined, as noted above.

Telephone Exchange
         The Telephone Exchange feature is a convenient and efficient way to
adjust your investment holdings as your liquidity requirements and investment
objectives change. You or your investment dealer of record can

                                      -29-

<PAGE>





exchange your shares into other funds offered by Delaware Investments under the
same registration, subject to the same conditions and limitations as other
exchanges noted above. As with the written exchange service, telephone exchanges
are subject to the requirements of each fund, as described above. Telephone
exchanges may be subject to limitations as to amounts or frequency.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares
Purchased at Net Asset Value
         For purchases of $1,000,000 or more, a Limited CDSC will be imposed on
certain redemptions of Class A Shares (or shares into which such Class A Shares
are exchanged) according to the following schedule: (1) 1% if shares are
redeemed during the first year after the purchase; and (2) 0.50% if shares are
redeemed during the second year after the purchase, if such purchases were made
at net asset value and triggered the payment by the Distributor of the dealer's
commission previously described. See Classes of Shares.

         The Limited CDSC will be paid to the Distributor and will be assessed
on an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the net asset value at the time of
purchase of the Class A Shares being redeemed; or (2) the net asset value of
such Class A Shares at the time of redemption. For purposes of this formula, the
"net asset value at the time of purchase" will be the net asset value at
purchase of the Class A Shares even if those shares are later exchanged for
shares of another Delaware Investments fund and, in the event of an exchange of
Class A Shares, the "net asset value of such shares at the time of redemption"
will be the net asset value of the shares acquired in the exchange.

         Redemptions of such Class A Shares held for more than two years will
not be subjected to the Limited CDSC and an exchange of such Class A Shares into
another Delaware Investments fund will not trigger the imposition of the Limited
CDSC at the time of such exchange. The period a shareholder owns shares into
which Class A Shares are exchanged will count towards satisfying the two year
holding period. The Limited CDSC is assessed if such two year period is not
satisfied irrespective of whether the redemption triggering its payment is of
Class A Shares of the Fund or Class A Shares acquired in the exchange.

         In determining whether a Limited CDSC is payable, it will be assumed
that shares not subject to the Limited CDSC are the first redeemed followed by
other shares held for the longest period of time. The Limited CDSC will not be
imposed upon shares representing reinvested dividends or capital gains
distributions, or upon amounts representing share appreciation. All investments
made during a calendar month, regardless of what day of the month the investment
occurred, will age one month on the last day of that month and each subsequent
month.

Waiver of Limited Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class A Shares
         The Limited CDSC for Class A Shares on which a dealer's commission has
been paid will be waived in the following instances: (i) redemptions that result
from the Fund's right to liquidate a shareholder's account if the aggregate net
asset value of the shares held in the account is less than the then-effective
minimum account size; (ii) distributions to participants from a retirement plan
qualified under section 401(a) or 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), or due to death of a participant in such a plan; (iii)
redemptions pursuant to the direction of a participant or beneficiary of a
retirement plan qualified under section 401(a) or 401(k) of the Code with
respect to that retirement plan; (iv) periodic distributions from an IRA, SIMPLE
IRA or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation Plan or due to death, disability,
or attainment of age 59 1/2 and IRA distributions qualifying under Section 72(t)
of the Code; (v) returns of excess contributions to an IRA; (vi) distributions
by other employee benefit plans to pay benefits; and (vii) redemptions by the
classes of shareholders who are permitted to purchase shares at net asset value,
regardless of the size of the purchase (see Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset
Value under Classes of Shares).

                                      -30-

<PAGE>





Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B and Class C Shares
         The CDSC is waived on certain redemptions of Class B Shares in
connection with the following redemptions: (i) redemptions that result from the
Fund's right to liquidate a shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset
value of the shares held in the account is less than the then-effective minimum
account size; (ii) returns of excess contributions to an IRA, SIMPLE IRA,
SEP/IRA or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation Plan; (iii) periodic
distributions from an IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, 403(b)(7) or 457
Deferred Compensation Plan due to death, disability or attainment of age 59 1/2
and IRA distributions qualifying under Section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue
Code; and (iv) distributions from an account if the redemption results from the
death of all registered owners of the account (in the case of accounts
established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors or Uniform Transfers to Minors
Acts or trust accounts, the waiver applies upon the death of all beneficial
owners) or a total and permanent disability (as defined in Section 72 of the
Code) of all registered owners occurring after the purchase of the shares being
redeemed.

         The CDSC on Class C Shares is waived in connection with the following
redemptions: (i) redemptions that result from the Fund's right to liquidate a
shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset value of the shares held in the
account is less than the then-effective minimum account size; (ii) returns of
excess contributions to an IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan, Profit Sharing Plan, Money Purchase Pension Plan or 401(k)
Defined Contribution Plan; (iii) periodic distributions from a 403(b)(7) or 457
Deferred Compensation Plan upon attainment of age 59 1/2, Profit Sharing Plan,
Money Purchase Pension Plan or 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan upon attainment
of age 70 1/2, and IRA distributions qualifying under Section 72(t) of the Code;
(iv) distributions from a 403(b)(7) Deferred Compensation Plan, 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan, Profit Sharing Plan or 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan,
under hardship provisions of the plan; (v) distributions from a 403(b)(7)
Deferred Compensation Plan, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, Profit Sharing Plan,
Money Purchase Pension Plan or a 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan upon
attainment of normal retirement age under the plan or upon separation from
service; (vi) periodic distributions from an IRA or SIMPLE IRA on or after
attainment of age 59 1/2; and (vii) distributions from an account if the
redemption results from the death of all registered owners of the account (in
the case of accounts established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors or Uniform
Transfers to Minors Acts or trust accounts, the waiver applies upon the death of
all beneficial owners) or a total and permanent disability (as defined in
Section 72 of the Code) of all registered owners occurring after the purchase of
the shares being redeemed.


                                      -31-

<PAGE>





DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

         The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net capital
gains and net investment income earned during the year. Such payments, if any,
will generally be made once a year during the first quarter following the end of
the Fund's fiscal year.

         Each class of the Fund will share proportionately in the investment
income and expenses of the Fund, except that, absent any applicable fee waiver,
the per share dividends from net investment income on Class A Shares, Class B
Shares and Class C Shares will vary due to the expenses under the 12b-1 Plan
applicable to each Class. Generally, when a 12b-1 Plan fee waiver is not in
effect, the dividends per share on Class B Shares and Class C Shares can be
expected to be lower than the dividends per share on Class A Shares because the
expenses under the 12b-1 Plans relating to Class B and Class C Shares will be
higher than the expenses under the 12b-1 Plan relating to Class A Shares. See
Distribution (12b-1) and Service under Management of the Fund.

         Both dividends and distributions, if any, are automatically reinvested
in your account at net asset value.


                                      -32-

<PAGE>





TAXES

         The tax discussion set forth below is included for general information
only. Investors should consult their own tax advisers concerning the federal,
state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
   
         On August 5, 1997, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Act") was
signed into law. This new law makes sweeping changes in the Code. Because many
of these changes are complex, and only indirectly affect the Fund and its
distributions to you, they are discussed in Part B. Changes in the treatment of
capital gains, however, are discussed in this section.
    
         The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund will not be subject to federal
income tax, or to any excise tax, to the extent its earnings are distributed as
provided in the Code and by satisfying certain other requirements relating to
the sources of its income and diversification of its assets.

         The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net capital gains, if any. Dividends from net investment income or
net short-term capital gains will be taxable to those investors who are subject
to income taxes as ordinary income, whether received in cash or in additional
shares. For corporate investors, dividends from net investment income will
generally qualify in part for the corporate dividends-received deduction. The
portion of dividends paid by the Fund that so qualifies will be designated each
year in a notice from the Fund to the Fund's shareholders.

         Distributions paid by the Fund from long-term capital gains, whether
received in cash or in additional shares, are taxable to those investors who are
subject to income taxes as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of
time an investor has owned shares in the Fund. The Fund does not seek to realize
any particular amount of capital gains during a year; rather, realized gains are
a by-product of Fund management activities. Consequently, capital gains
distributions may be expected to vary considerably from year to year. Also, for
those investors subject to tax, if purchases of shares in the Fund are made
shortly before the record date for a dividend or capital gains distribution, a
portion of the investment will be returned as a taxable distribution.

The Treatment of Capital Gain Distributions under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 
1997
         The 1997 Act creates a category of long-term capital gain for
individuals that will be taxed at new lower tax rates. For investors who are in
the 28% or higher federal income tax brackets, these gains will be taxed at a
maximum rate of 20%. For investors who are in the 15% federal income tax
bracket, these gains will be taxed at a maximum rate of 10%. Capital gain
distributions will qualify for these new maximum tax rates, depending on when
the Fund's securities were sold and how long they were held by the Fund before
they were sold. The holding periods for which the new rates apply were revised
by the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. Investors
who want more information on holding periods and other qualifying rules relating
to these new rates should review the expanded discussion in Part B, or should
contact their own tax advisers.

         Equity Funds V, Inc. will advise you in its annual information
reporting at calendar year end of the amount of its capital gain distributions
which will qualify for these maximum federal tax rates.

         Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid,
dividends which are declared in October, November, or December to shareholders
of record on a specified date in one of those months, but

                                      -33-

<PAGE>





which, for operational reasons, may not be paid to the shareholder until the
following January, will be treated for tax purposes as if paid by the Fund and
received by the shareholder on December 31 of the year declared.

         The sale of shares of the Fund is a taxable event and may result in a
capital gain or loss to shareholders subject to tax. Capital gain or loss may be
realized from an ordinary redemption of shares or an exchange of shares between
the Fund and any other Delaware Investments fund. Any loss incurred on a sale or
exchange of Fund shares that had been held for six months or less will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of capital gain dividends
received with respect to such shares. All or a portion of the sales charge
incurred in acquiring the Fund's shares will be excluded from the federal tax
basis of any of such shares sold or exchanged within 90 days of their purchase
(for purposes of determining gain or loss upon sale of such shares) if the sale
proceeds are reinvested in the Fund or in another Delaware Investments fund and
a sales charge that would otherwise apply to the reinvestment is reduced or
eliminated. Any portion of such sales charge excluded from the tax basis of the
shares sold will be added to the tax basis of the shares acquired in the
reinvestment.

         The automatic conversion of Class B Shares into Class A Shares at the
end of approximately eight years after purchase will be tax-free for federal tax
purposes. See Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares under Classes of Shares.

         In addition to the federal taxes described above, shareholders may or
may not be subject to various state and local taxes. For example, distributions
of interest income and capital gains realized from certain types of U.S.
government securities may be exempt from state personal income taxes. Because
investors' state and local taxes may be different than the federal taxes
described above, investors should consult their own tax advisers.

         Each year, Equity Funds V, Inc. will mail to you information on the tax
status of the Fund's dividends and distributions. Shareholders will also receive
each year information as to the portion of dividend income, if any, that is
derived from U.S. government securities that are exempt from state income tax.
Of course, shareholders who are not subject to tax on their income would not be
required to pay tax on amounts distributed to them by the Fund.

         Equity Funds V, Inc. is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends,
capital gains distributions, and redemptions paid to shareholders who have not
complied with IRS taxpayer identification regulations. You may avoid this
withholding requirement by certifying on your Investment Application your proper
Taxpayer Identification Number and by certifying that you are not subject to
backup withholding.

         See Accounting and Tax Issues and Distributions and Taxes in Part B for
additional information on tax matters relating to the Fund and its shareholders.


                                      -34-

<PAGE>





CALCULATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

         The net asset value ("NAV") per share is computed by adding the value
of all securities and other assets in the portfolio, deducting any liabilities
(expenses and fees are accrued daily) and dividing by the number of shares
outstanding. Portfolio securities for which market quotations are available are
priced at market value. Foreign securities expressed in foreign currency values
will be converted into U.S. dollar values at the mean between the currencies'
bid and offered quotations. Short-term investments having a maturity of less
than 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. All
other securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith and
in a method approved by Equity Funds V, Inc.'s Board of Directors.

         Class A Shares are purchased at the offering price per share, while
Class B Shares and Class C Shares are purchased at the NAV per share. The
offering price per share of Class A Shares consists of the NAV per share next
computed after the order is received, plus any applicable front-end sales
charges.

         The offering price and NAV are computed as of the close of regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (ordinarily, 4 p.m., Eastern time) on
days when the Exchange is open.

         The net asset values of all outstanding shares of each class of the
Fund will be computed on a pro-rata basis for each outstanding share based on
the proportionate participation in the Fund represented by the value of shares
of that class. All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund will be borne
on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding share of a class, based on each class'
percentage in the Fund represented by the value of shares of such classes,
except that Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class will not incur any of the
expenses under Equity Funds V, Inc.'s 12b-1 Plans and the Class A, Class B and
Class C Shares alone will bear the 12b-1 Plan expenses, if any, payable under
their respective 12b-1 Plans. Due to the specific distribution expenses and
other costs that will be allocable to each class, the NAV of each class of the
Fund will vary.


                                      -35-

<PAGE>





MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Directors
         The business and affairs of Equity Funds V, Inc. are managed under the
direction of its Board of Directors. Part B contains additional information
regarding Equity Funds V, Inc.'s directors and officers.

Investment Manager
         The Manager furnishes investment management services to the Fund.

   
         The Manager and its predecessors have been managing the funds in the
Delaware Investments family since 1938. On September 30, 1998, the Manager and
its affiliates within the Delaware Investments, including Delaware International
Advisers Ltd., were managing in the aggregate more than $40 billion in assets in
the various institutional or separately managed (approximately $23,666,360,000)
and investment company (approximately $17,194, 990,000) accounts.

         The Manager is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Delaware
Management Holdings, Inc. ("DMH"). On April 3, 1995, a merger between DMH and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation ("Lincoln National") was
completed. DMH and the Manager are now indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries, and
subject to the ultimate control, of Lincoln National. Lincoln National, with
headquarters currently located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a diversified
organization with operations in many aspects of the financial services industry,
including insurance and investment management.
    

         The Manager is a series of Delaware Management Business Trust. The
Manager changed its form of organization from a corporation to a business trust
on March 1, 1998. The Manager manages the Fund's portfolio and makes investment
decisions. The Manager also administers Equity Funds V, Inc.'s affairs and pays
the salaries of all the directors, officers and employees of Equity Funds V,
Inc. who are affiliated with the Manager. For these services, the Manager is
paid an annual fee equal to on an annual basis: 0.75% on the first $500 million
of average daily net assets; 0.70% on the next $500 million; 0.65% on the next
$1.5 billion; and 0.60% on the average daily net assets in excess of $2.5
billion. The Fund's fee is higher than that paid by many other funds and may be
higher or lower than that paid by funds with comparable investment objectives.
The directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. annually review fees paid to the Manager.

   
         As noted below, the Distributor has temporarily elected to voluntarily
waive its right to receive 12b-1 fees from the Fund. The Manager has also
elected voluntarily to waive that portion, if any, of the annual management fees
payable by the Fund and to pay expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to
ensure that the Total Operating Expenses (exclusive of taxes, interest,
brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses and 12b-1 expenses) of the Fund
do not exceed 0.75 % through May 31, 1999.

         Christopher S. Beck, Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager of Equity
Funds V, Inc. has primary responsibility for making day-to-day investment
decisions for the Fund. Mr. Beck began his career in the investment business
with Wilmington Trust in 1981. Later, he became Director of Research at Cypress
Capital Management in Wilmington and Chief Investment Officer of the University
of Delaware Endowment Fund. Prior to joining the Delaware Investments in May
1997, he managed the Small Cap Fund for two years at Pitcairn Trust Company. He
holds a BS from the University of Delaware, an MBA from Lehigh University and is
a CFA charterholder.
    

         In making investment decisions for the Fund, Mr. Beck regularly
consults with Wayne A. Stork, Richard G. Unruh, Jr., Andrea Giles and
Christopher Driver. Mr. Stork, Chairman of Delaware Management

                                      -36-

<PAGE>





Company Inc.'s and Equity Funds V, Inc.'s Boards of Directors, is a graduate of
Brown University and attended New York University's Graduate School of Business
Administration. Mr. Stork joined the Delaware Investments in 1962 and has served
in various executive capacities at different times within the Delaware
organization. A graduate of Brown University, Mr. Unruh received his MBA from
the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and joined the Delaware
Investments in 1982 after 19 years of investment management experience with
Kidder, Peabody Co. Inc. Mr. Unruh was named an Executive Vice President of
Equity Funds V, Inc. in 1994. He is also a member of the Board of Delaware
Management Company, Inc. and was named an Executive Vice President of Delaware
Management Company, Inc. in 1994. Andrea Giles, Research Analyst for the Fund,
holds a BSAD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA in
Finance from Columbia University. Prior to joining the Delaware Investments in
1996, she was an account officer in the Leveraged Capital Group with Citibank.
Christopher Driver, Research Analyst for the Fund, holds a BS in Finance from
the University of Delaware. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 1998, he
was a Research Analyst in the Equity Value group at Blackrock, Inc. Prior to
Blackrock, he was a partner at Cashman Farrell & Associates. Mr. Driver is a CFA
charterholder.

Portfolio Trading Practices
         The Fund normally will not invest for short-term trading purposes.
However, the Fund may sell securities without regard to the length of time they
have been held. The degree of portfolio activity will affect brokerage costs of
the Fund and may affect taxes payable by the Fund's shareholders to the extent
that net capital gains are realized.

         The Fund uses its best efforts to obtain the best available price and
most favorable execution for portfolio transactions. Orders may be placed with
brokers or dealers who provide brokerage and research services to the Manager or
its advisory clients. These services may be used by the Manager in servicing any
of its accounts. Subject to best price and execution, the Fund may consider a
broker/dealer's sales of shares of funds in the Delaware Investments in placing
portfolio orders and may place orders with broker/dealers that have agreed to
defray certain expenses of such funds, such as custodian fees.

Performance Information
         From time to time, the Fund may quote total return performance of the
Classes in advertising and other types of literature.

         Total return will be based on a hypothetical $1,000 investment,
reflecting the reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value and: (i) in
the case of Class A Shares, the impact of the maximum front-end sales charge at
the beginning of each specified period; and (ii) in the case of Class B Shares
and Class C Shares, the deduction of any applicable CDSC at the end of the
relevant period. Each presentation will include the average annual total return
for one-, five- and ten-year or life-of-fund periods, as relevant. The Fund may
also advertise aggregate and average total return information concerning a Class
over additional periods of time. In addition, the Fund may present total return
information that does not reflect the deduction of the maximum front-end sales
charge or any applicable CDSC. In this case, such total return information would
be more favorable than total return information that includes the deductions of
the maximum front-end sales charge or any applicable CDSC.

         Because securities prices fluctuate, investment results of the Classes
will fluctuate over time. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.


                                      -37-

<PAGE>





   
Distribution (12b-1) and Service
         The Distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P., serves as the national
distributor of the Fund's shares under a Distribution Agreement with Equity
Funds V, Inc. dated December 28, 1998.
    

         Equity Funds V, Inc. has adopted a separate distribution plan under
Rule 12b-1 for each of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
(the "Plans"). Each Plan permits the Fund to pay the Distributor from the assets
of the respective Classes a monthly fee for the Distributor's services and
expenses in distributing and promoting sales of shares.

   
         These expenses include, among other things, preparing and distributing
advertisements, sales literature, and prospectuses and reports used for sales
purposes, compensating sales and marketing personnel, holding special promotions
for specified periods of time, and paying distribution and maintenance fees to
brokers, dealers and others. In connection with the promotion of shares of the
Classes, the Distributor may, from time to time, pay to participate in
dealer-sponsored seminars and conferences, and reimburse dealers for expenses
incurred in connection with preapproved seminars, conferences and advertising.
The Distributor may pay or allow additional promotional incentives to dealers as
part of preapproved sales contests and/or to dealers who provide extra training
and information concerning a Class and increase sales of the Class. In addition,
the Fund may make payments from the 12b-1 Plan fees of its respective Classes
directly to others, such as banks, who aid in the distribution of Class shares
or provide services in respect of a Class, pursuant to service agreements with
Equity Funds V, Inc. The Distributor has elected voluntarily to waive its right
to receive the 12b-1 fees (including service fees) from the commencement of the
public offering of the classes through May 31, 1999.
    

         The 12b-1 Plan expenses relating to each of the Class B Shares and
Class C Shares are also used to pay the Distributor for advancing the commission
costs to dealers with respect to the initial sale of such shares.

         Absent any applicable fee waiver, the aggregate fees paid by the Fund
from the assets of the respective Classes to the Distributor and others under
the Plans may not exceed (i) 0.30% of the Class A Shares' average daily net
assets in any year, and (ii) 1% (0.25% of which are service fees to be paid by
the Fund to the Distributor, dealers and others, for providing personal service
and/or maintaining shareholder accounts) of each of the Class B Shares' and
Class C Shares' average daily net assets in any year. The Fund's Class A, Class
B and Class C Shares will not incur any distribution expenses beyond these
limits, which may not be increased without shareholder approval.

         Although the maximum fee payable under the Plan relating to Class A
Shares is 0.30% of average daily net assets, the Board of Directors has
currently set the annual fee for the Class at 0.25% of the average daily net
assets. The Board of Directors may increase the fee to the full 0.30% on all
Class A Shares' assets at any time.

         While payments, if any, pursuant to the Plans may not exceed 0.30%
annually with respect to Class A Shares, and 1% annually with respect to each of
the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares, the Plans do not limit fees to
amounts actually expended by the Distributor. It is therefore possible that the
Distributor may realize a profit in any particular year. However, the
Distributor currently expects that its distribution expenses will likely equal
or exceed payments to it under the Plans. The Distributor may, however, incur
such additional expenses and make additional payments to dealers from its own
resources to promote the distribution of shares of the Classes. The monthly fees
paid to the Distributor under the Plans are subject to the review and approval
of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s unaffiliated directors, who may reduce the fees or
terminate the Plans at any time.


                                      -38-

<PAGE>





         The Plans do not apply to Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class of
shares. Those shares are not included in calculating the Plans' fees, and the
Plans are not used to assist in the distribution and marketing of Mid-Cap Value
Fund Institutional Class.

         The Transfer Agent, Delaware Service Company, Inc., serves as the
shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing and transfer agent for the Fund
pursuant to an amended and restated agreement dated December 28, 1998. The
Transfer Agent also provides accounting services to the Fund pursuant to the
terms of a separate Fund Accounting Agreement.

         The directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. annually review fees paid to the
Distributor and the Transfer Agent. The Distributor and the Transfer Agent are
also indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of DMH.

                                      * * *

         As with other mutual funds, financial and business organizations and
individuals around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected if the
computer systems used by its service providers do not properly process and
calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000. This is
commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem." Equity Funds V, Inc. is taking steps
to obtain satisfactory assurances that the Fund's major service providers are
taking steps reasonably designed to address the Year 2000 Problem with respect
to the computer systems that such service providers use. There can be no
assurances that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on
the business of the Fund.

         Several European countries are participating in the European Economic
and Monetary Union, which will establish a common European currency for
participating countries. This currency will commonly be known as the "Euro." It
is anticipated that each such participating country will replace its existing
currency with the Euro on January 1, 1999. Additional European countries may
elect to participate after that date. If the Fund is invested in securities of
participating countries it could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by its major service providers are not properly prepared to handle the
implementation of this single currency or the adoption of the Euro by additional
countries in the future. Equity Funds V, Inc. is taking steps to obtain
satisfactory assurances that the major service providers of the Fund are taking
steps reasonably designed to address these matters with respect to the computer
systems that such service providers use. There can be no assurances that these
steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the business of the
Fund.

Expenses
         The Fund is responsible for all of its own expenses other than those
borne by the Manager under the Investment Management Agreement and those borne
by the Distributor under the Distribution Agreement.

Shares
         Equity Funds V, Inc. is an open-end management investment company. The
Fund's portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by the 1940 Act. Commonly
known as a mutual fund, Equity Funds V, Inc. was organized as a Maryland
corporation on January 16, 1987. In addition to the Fund, Equity Funds V, Inc.
presently offers three other series of shares, the Small Cap Value Fund, Small
Cap Contrarian Fund and Retirement Income Fund series.

         Fund shares have a par value of $.01, equal voting rights, except as
noted below, and are equal in all other respects.

         Equity Funds V, Inc. shares have noncumulative voting rights which
means that the holders of more than 50% of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s shares voting
for the election of directors can elect 100% of the directors if

                                      -39-

<PAGE>





they choose to do so. Under Maryland law, Equity Funds V, Inc. is not required,
and does not intend, to hold annual meetings of shareholders unless, under
certain circumstances, it is required to do so under the 1940 Act.

         In addition to Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares, the
Fund also offers Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class shares. Shares of each
class represent proportionate interests in the assets of the Fund and have the
same voting and other rights and preferences as the other classes of the Fund,
except that shares of Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class are not subject to,
and may not vote on matters affecting, the Distribution Plans under Rule 12b-1
relating to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares. Similarly, as a general matter,
the shareholders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares may vote
only on matters affecting the 12b-1 Plan that relates to the class of shares
that they hold. However, Class B Shares may vote on any proposal to increase
materially the fees to be paid by the Fund under the 12b-1 Plan relating to
Class A Shares.

         The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company ("LNLIC") is expected to
make the initial investment in the Fund. As a result, this could result in LNLIC
owning up to 100% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Subject to certain
limited exceptions, there are no limitations on LNLIC's ability to redeem its
shares of the Fund and it may elect to do so at any time.

                                      -40-

<PAGE>





OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

Foreign Securities and ADRs
         The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in foreign securities. The
Fund may also invest without limitation in sponsored and unsponsored American
Depositary receipts ("ADRs") that are actively traded in the United States. ADRs
are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which evidence
ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. "Sponsored"
ADRs are issued jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a
depository, and "unsponsored" ADRs are issued without the participation of the
issuer of the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all
the costs of such facilities and the depository of an unsponsored ADR facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting
rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities.
Therefore, there may not be a correlation between information concerning the
issuer of the security and the market value of an unsponsored ADR.

         Foreign markets may be more volatile than U.S. markets, and investments
in foreign securities involve sovereign risks in addition to the normal risks
associated with U.S. securities. These risks include political risks, foreign
taxes, exchange controls and currency fluctuations. For example, foreign
portfolio investments may fluctuate in value due to changes in currency rates
(i.e., the value of foreign investments would increase with a fall in the value
of the dollar) and control regulations apart from market fluctuations. The Fund
may also experience delays in foreign securities settlement.

         The Fund will, from time to time, conduct foreign currency exchange
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign currency exchange market or through entering into contracts to purchase
or sell foreign currencies at a future date (i.e., a "forward foreign currency"
contract or "forward" contract). Investors should be aware that there are costs
and risks associated with such currency transactions.

Rule 144A Securities
         The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including securities
eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A ("Rule 144A
Securities") under the Securities Act of 1933. Rule 144A permits many privately
placed and legally restricted securities to be freely traded among certain
institutional buyers such as the Fund. The Fund may invest no more than 15% of
the value of its net assets in illiquid securities.

         While maintaining oversight, the Board of Directors has delegated to
the Manager the day-to-day function of determining whether or not individual
Rule 144A Securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund's 15% limitation on
investments in illiquid assets. The Board has instructed the Manager to consider
the following factors in determining the liquidity of a Rule 144A Security: (i)
the frequency of trades and trading volume for the security; (ii) whether at
least three dealers are willing to purchase or sell the security and the number
of potential purchasers; (iii) whether at least two dealers are making a market
in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and the nature of the
marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer).

         If the Manager determines that a Rule 144A Security which was
previously determined to be liquid is no longer liquid and, as a result, the
Fund's holdings of illiquid securities exceed the Fund's 15% limit on investment
in such securities, the Manager will determine what action to take to ensure
that the Fund continues to adhere to such limitation.


                                      -41-

<PAGE>





Repurchase Agreements
         The Fund may also use repurchase agreements that are at least 102%
collateralized by U.S. government securities. Repurchase agreements help the
Fund to invest cash on a temporary basis. The Fund may invest cash balances in
joint repurchase agreements with other Delaware Investments funds. Under a
repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires ownership and possession of a security,
and the seller agrees to buy the security back at a specified time and higher
price. If the seller is unable to repurchase the security, the Fund could
experience delays in liquidating the securities. To minimize this possibility,
the Fund considers the creditworthiness of banks and dealers when entering into
repurchase agreements.

Portfolio Loan Transactions
         The Fund may loan up to 25% of its assets to qualified broker/dealers
or institutional investors for their use relating to short sales or other
security transactions.

         The major risk to which the Fund would be exposed on a loan transaction
is the risk that the borrower would go bankrupt at a time when the value of the
security goes up. Therefore, the Fund will only enter into loan arrangements
after a review of all pertinent facts by the Manager, subject to overall
supervision by the Board of Directors, including the creditworthiness of the
borrowing broker, dealer or institution and then only if the consideration to be
received from such loans would justify the risk. Creditworthiness will be
monitored on an ongoing basis by the Manager.

Borrowing
         The Fund is permitted under certain circumstances to borrow money.
Investment securities will normally not be purchased while the Fund has an
outstanding borrowing.

   

    

Call Options
         Writing Covered Call Options
         A covered call option obligates the Fund to sell one of its securities
for an agreed price up to an agreed date. When the Fund writes a call, it
receives a premium and agrees to sell the callable securities to a purchaser of
a corresponding call during the call period (usually not more than nine months)
at a fixed exercise price regardless of market price changes during the call
period. The advantage is that the Fund receives premium income for the limited
purpose of offsetting the costs of purchasing put options or offsetting any
capital loss or decline in market value of the security. However, if the
Manager's forecast is wrong, the Fund may not fully participate in the market
appreciation if the security's price rises.

         Writing a Call Option on Stock Indices
         Writing a call option on stock indices is similar to the writing of a
call option on an individual stock. Stock indices used will include, but not be
limited to, the S&P 100 and the S&P Over-The-Counter ("OTC") 250.

Put Options
         Purchasing a Put Option
         A put option gives the Fund the right to sell one of its securities for
an agreed price up to an agreed date. The advantage is that the Fund can be
protected should the market value of the security decline. However, the Fund
must pay a premium for this right which would be lost if the option is not
exercised.

                                      -42-

<PAGE>





         Purchasing a Put Option on Stock Indices
         Purchasing a protective put option on stock indices is similar to the
purchase of protective puts on an individual stock. Indices used will include,
but not be limited to, the S&P 100 and the S&P OTC 250.

Closing Transactions
         Closing transactions essentially let the Fund offset a put option or
covered call option prior to its exercise or expiration. If the Fund cannot
effect a closing transaction, it may have to hold a security it would otherwise
sell or deliver a security it might want to hold.

         Part B sets forth other more specific investment restrictions.


                                      -43-

<PAGE>





APPENDIX A -- RATINGS

Bonds
         Excerpts from Moody's description of its bond ratings: Aaa--judged to
be the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk;
Aa--judged to be of high quality by all standards; A--possess favorable
attributes and are considered "upper medium" grade obligations; Baa--considered
as medium grade obligations. Interest payments and principal security appear
adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may
be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time; Ba--judged to
have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured.
Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class; B--generally lack
characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal
payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period
of time may be small; Caa--are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default
or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest; Ca--represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such
issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings; C--the lowest
rated class of bonds and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely
poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

         Excerpts from S&P's description of its bond ratings: AAA--highest grade
obligations. They possess the ultimate degree of protection as to principal and
interest; AA--also qualify as high grade obligations, and in the majority of
instances differ from AAA issues only in a small degree; A--strong ability to
pay interest and repay principal although more susceptible to changes in
circumstances; BBB--regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal; BB, B, CCC, CC--regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by
large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions; C--reserved
for income bonds on which no interest is being paid; D--in default, and payment
of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears.


                                      -44-


<PAGE>
                                                                       
  For more information contact Delaware 
Investments at 800-510-4015.
                                                                    
    
                                                                   

INVESTMENT MANAGER
Delaware Management Company
One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA  19103

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR
Delaware Distributors, L.P.
1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

SHAREHOLDER SERVICING,
DIVIDEND DISBURSING,
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
AND TRANSFER AGENT
Delaware Service Company, Inc.
1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

LEGAL COUNSEL
Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, LLP
One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 
Ernst & Young LLP 
Two Commerce Square 
Philadelphia, PA 19103

CUSTODIAN                                                           
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 Chase Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11245

- ------------------------------------------------------
                                                      
MID-CAP VALUE FUND INSTITUTIONAL                      
                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
P R O S P E C T U S                                   
                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------
                                                      
                                                           
DECEMBER 28, 1998                                     
                                                          


DELAWARE(SM)
INVESTMENTS
- -----------

<PAGE>
   
                                                                     PROSPECTUS
MID-CAP VALUE FUND INSTITUTIONAL                              DECEMBER 28, 1998

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

                   1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

        For more information about Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class
                   call Delaware Investments at 800-510-4015.
    
         This Prospectus describes the Mid-Cap Value Fund series (the "Fund") of
Delaware Group Fund Equity Funds V, Inc. ("Equity Funds V, Inc."), a
professionally-managed mutual fund of the series type.

         The Fund's investment objective is long term capital growth. The Fund
seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of
mid-size companies.
   
         The Fund offers an Institutional Class (the "Class") of shares. This
Prospectus relates only to the Class and sets forth information that you should
read and consider before you invest. Please retain it for future reference. The
Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("Part B" of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s
registration statement), dated December 28, 1998, as it may be amended from time
to time, contains additional information about the Fund and has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Part B is incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus and is available, without charge, by writing to
Delaware Distributors, L.P. at the above address or by calling the above number.
The Fund's financial statements appear in its Annual Report, which will
accompany any response to requests for Part B. In addition, the SEC maintains a
Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains Part B, material we incorporated by
reference, and other information regarding registrants that electronically file
with the SEC.
    
         The Fund also offers Mid-Cap Value Fund A Class, Mid-Cap Value Fund B
Class and Mid-Cap Value Fund C Class. Shares of these classes are subject to
sales charges and other expenses, which may affect their performance. A
prospectus for these classes can be obtained by writing to Delaware
Distributors, L.P. at the above address or by calling 800-523-1918.


<PAGE>


TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                   Page                                    Page
                                   ----                                    ----
Cover Page                                How to Buy Shares
Synopsis                                  Redemption and Exchange
Summary of Expenses                       Dividends and Distributions
Investment Objective and Policies         Taxes
         Suitability                      Calculation of Offering Price and
         Investment Strategy                       Net Asset Value Per Share
         Risk Factors                     Management of the Fund
The Delaware Difference                   Other Investment Policies and
         Plans and Services                        Risk Considerations
Classes of Shares                         Appendix A - Ratings



THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER WHEN MAKING INVESTMENTS. MUTUAL FUNDS
CAN BE A VALUABLE PART OF YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN; HOWEVER, SHARES OF THE FUND ARE
NOT FDIC OR NCUSIF INSURED, ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK OR ANY CREDIT UNION,
ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR ANY CREDIT UNION, AND INVOLVE INVESTMENT
RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED. SHARES OF
THE FUND ARE NOT BANK OR CREDIT UNION DEPOSITS.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>


SYNOPSIS
   
Investment Objective
         The investment objective of the Mid-Cap Value Fund is to provide long
term capital growth. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing
primarily in common stocks of companies with a market capitalization currently
between $1 billion and $9 billion at the time of purchase.
    
Risk Factors and Special Considerations
         The Fund may enter into options for hedging purposes to counterbalance
portfolio volatility. While the Fund does not engage in options for speculative
purposes, there are risks that result from use of these instruments by the Fund,
and the investor should review the descriptions of these risks in this
Prospectus. See Investment Strategy under Investment Objective and Policies and
Other Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.

Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent
         Delaware Management Company (the "Manager") furnishes investment
management services to the Fund, subject to the supervision and direction of
Equity Funds V, Inc.'s Board of Directors. The Manager also provides investment
management services to certain of the other funds offered by Delaware
Investments. Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the "Distributor") is the national
distributor for the Fund and for all of the other funds offered by Delaware
Investments. Delaware Service Company, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") is the
shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing, accounting services and transfer
agent for the Fund and for all of the other funds offered by Delaware
Investments. See Summary of Expenses and Management of the Fund for further
information regarding the Manager and the fees payable under the Fund's
Investment Management Agreement.

Purchase Price
         Shares of the Class offered by this Prospectus are available at net
asset value, without a front-end or contingent deferred sales charge and are not
subject to distribution fees under a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan. See Classes
of Shares.

Redemption and Exchange
         Shares of the Class are redeemed or exchanged at the net asset value
calculated after receipt of the redemption or exchange request. See Redemption
and Exchange.

Open-End Investment Company
         Equity Funds V, Inc., which was organized as a Maryland corporation on
January 16, 1987, is an open-end management investment company. The Fund's
portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"). See Shares under Management of the Fund.

                                       -3-

<PAGE>

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES


                        Shareholder Transaction Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)................................None

Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
(as a percentage of offering price)................................None

Exchange Fees......................................................None(1)


   
                            Annual Operating Expenses
                  (as a percentage of average daily net assets)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fees....................................................0.17%

12b-1 Fees.........................................................None

Other Operating Expenses(2)........................................0.58%
                                                                   -----

            Total Operating Expenses(2)............................0.75%
                                                                   =====

(1) Exchanges are subject to the requirements of each fund and a front-end sales
    charge may apply.
(2) Because the Fund is new, "Total Operating Expenses" and "Other Operating
    Expenses" are based on estimated amounts the Fund expects to pay during the
    initial fiscal year. The Manager has elected voluntarily to waive that
    portion, if any, of the annual management fees payable by the Fund and to
    pay certain expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to ensure that
    Total Operating Expenses (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage
    commissions and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed, on an annualized
    basis, 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Manager's
    voluntary fee waivers and expense payments began at the commencement of the
    public offering of the Fund and will extend through May 31, 1999. Absent the
    Manager's voluntary fee waivers and expense payments, it is estimated that
    during the current fiscal year, the Total Operating Expenses, as a
    percentage of average daily net assets, would be 1.33%.
    
         For expense information about Class A, Class B and Class C Shares of
the Fund, see the separate prospectus relating to those classes.

         The following example illustrates the expenses that an investor would
pay on a $1,000 investment over various time periods, assuming (1) a 5% annual
rate of return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period. The Fund
charges no redemption fees. The following example also reflects the voluntary
waiver of the management fee and payment of expenses by the Manager, as
discussed in this Prospectus.

                                       -4-

<PAGE>
   
                  1 year                          3 years
                  ------                          -------
                    $8                              $24
    
This example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses or performance. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those
shown.

         The purpose of the above tables is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Class will
bear directly or indirectly.


                                       -5-

<PAGE>


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
   
         The investment objective of the Fund is to provide long term capital
growth. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing primarily in
common stocks of companies with a market capitalization currently between $1
billion and $9 billion at the time of purchase.
    
SUITABILITY
         The Fund may be suitable for investors interested in long-term capital
growth. Providing current income is not an objective of the Fund. Any income
produced is expected to be minimal. Investors should not consider a purchase of
Fund shares as equivalent to a complete investment program. The Delaware
Investments includes a family of funds, generally available through registered
investment dealers, which may be used together to create a more complete
investment program.

         Ownership of Fund shares reduces the bookkeeping and administrative
inconvenience that would be involved with direct purchases of the Fund's
portfolio securities.

         Net asset value may fluctuate at times in response to market conditions
and, as a result, the Fund is not appropriate for a short-term investor.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY
         While management believes that the Fund's investment objective may best
be attained by investing in common stocks, the Fund may also invest in other
securities including, but not limited to, convertible securities, warrants,
preferred stocks, bonds and foreign securities. Fixed-income securities are
expected to receive minimal emphasis.

         The Manager will seek companies that are selling at attractive prices
relative to their fundamental value. Generally speaking, a value orientation
focuses on stocks that the Manager believes are undervalued in price and will
eventually be recognized by the market. Securities of companies may be
undervalued due to one or more of the following circumstances: market declines,
economic conditions, investor overreaction to unfavorable news regarding a
particular company, industry or the stock markets in general.

         The Fund intends to utilize a proprietary model to help identify those
companies that may be attractive candidates for investment. The model will focus
on several characteristics, such as the price-to-sales ratio, price-to-cash flow
ratio and price-to-earnings ratio, which appear low when compared to historical
trends of that company or to the market as represented by appropriate mid-cap
indices. In selecting securities for the Fund, the Manager will consider the
financial strength of the company, the nature of its management and any
developments affecting the security, the company or the industry.

         The holdings in the portfolio typically will be selected for their
appreciation potential due to expected improvement in their financial results or
due to the recognition that results have already begun improving. The Fund will
primarily invest in companies with a record of sales, earnings and dividends,
and a sound balance sheet which avoids significant leverage or financial risk.
Additionally, the Fund's policy of investing in securities which are believed to
be temporarily out of favor due to economic or specific company circumstances,
is expected to provide investment returns superior to returns obtained when
premium prices are paid for companies which are currently in favor. The Fund may
invest in securities which pay no dividends, as dividend income is not a
prerequisite in equity security selection.

                                       -6-

<PAGE>
   
         The Fund may invest without regard to a minimum grade level where there
are favorable changes in a company's earnings or growth potential or where
general economic conditions and/or the interest rate environment provide an
opportunity for appreciation in these securities. Investment characteristics and
certain risks associated with the types of securities in which the Fund will
generally invest are described in this Prospectus. See Risk Factors for more
specific information and risks associated with foreign and lower-rated
fixed-income securities. The strategies employed are dependent upon the judgment
of the Manager.
    
         In investing for capital growth, the Fund may hold securities for any
period of time. The degree of portfolio activity will affect brokerage costs of
the Fund and may affect taxes payable by the Fund's shareholders. See Portfolio
Trading Practices under Management of the Fund.

         Should the market warrant a temporary, defensive approach, the Fund may
also invest in fixed-income obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, as well as money market
instruments, and corporate bonds rated A or above by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"). (Appendix A to this
Prospectus describes these ratings.)
   
         If the Manager believes that market conditions warrant, the Fund may
employ options strategies. The Fund may write covered call options on individual
issues as well as write call options on stock indices. A call option is
"covered" if, during the term of the option, the Fund owns or has the right to
obtain at no added cost the security underlying the call option, owns a call
option on the underlying securities with an exercise price no higher than the
exercise price on the call option written or, subject to any regulatory
restrictions, has segregated an amount of cash or liquid high grade debt
obligations at least equal to the current price of the underlying securities.
The Fund may also purchase put options on individual issues and on stock
indices. The Manager will employ these techniques in an attempt to protect
appreciation attained, to offset capital losses and/or to take advantage of the
liquidity available in the option markets. The ability to hedge effectively
using options on stock indices will depend, in part, on the correlation between
the composition of the index and the Fund's portfolio as well as the price
movement of individual securities. Except as discussed above, the Fund does not
currently intend to write or purchase options on stock indices.
    
         While there is no limit on the amount of the Fund's assets which may be
invested in covered call options, the Fund will not invest more than 2% of its
net assets in put options. The Fund will only use exchange-traded options.

RISK FACTORS
         Investors should be willing to accept the risks associated with
investments in out of favor securities. Investing in a company temporarily out
of favor may involve the risk that the anticipated favorable change may not
occur and, as a result, that security may decline in value or not appreciate as
expected. Although the Fund will constantly strive to attain the investment
objective of long-term capital growth, there can be no assurance that it will be
attained.

         The Fund may also purchase, at times, lower-rated or unrated
securities, including corporate bonds and convertible securities without regard
to credit quality, which may be considered speculative and may increase the
portfolio's credit risk. Although the Fund will ordinarily place minor emphasis
on fixed-income securities and will not typically purchase bonds or other
securities rated below Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P (i.e., high-yield, high-risk
securities, also known as "junk bonds"), it may do so if the Manager believes
that capital appreciation is likely. While the Fund is authorized to invest up
to 25% of its net assets in securities rated below BBB, it does not presently
intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in securities of this type.
Investing in

                                       -7-
<PAGE>

such lower rated securities may involve certain risks not typically associated
with higher rated securities. Such securities are considered very speculative
and may possibly be in default or have interest payments in arrears. See
High-Yield, High-Risk Securities in Part B for additional information on the
risks associated with such securities. See Appendix A to this Prospectus for
more rating information.

         For additional information about the Fund's investment policies and
certain risks associated with investments in certain types of securities, see
Other Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.






                                       -8-

<PAGE>

CLASSES OF SHARES
   
         The Distributor serves as the national distributor for the Fund. Shares
of the Class may be purchased directly by contacting the Fund or its agent or
through authorized investment dealers. All purchases of shares of the Class are
made at net asset value. There is no front-end or contingent deferred sales
charge.
    
         Investment instructions given on behalf of participants in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan are made in accordance with directions
provided by the employer. Employees considering purchasing shares of the Class
as part of their retirement program should contact their employer for details.
   
         Shares of the Class are available for purchase only by: (a) retirement
plans introduced by persons not associated with brokers or dealers that are
primarily engaged in the retail securities business and rollover individual
retirement accounts from such plans; (b) tax-exempt employee benefit plans of
the Manager or its affiliates and securities dealer firms with a selling
agreement with the Distributor; (c) institutional advisory accounts of the
Manager or its affiliates, and those having client relationships with Delaware
Investment Advisers (an affiliate of the Manager) or its affiliates, and their
corporate sponsors, as well as subsidiaries and related employee benefit plans
and rollover individual retirement accounts from such institutional advisory
accounts; (d) a bank, trust company and similar financial institution investing
for its own account or for the account of its trust customers for whom such
financial institution is exercising investment discretion in purchasing shares
of the Class, except where the investment is part of a program that requires
payment to the financial institution of a Rule 12b-1 fee; and (e) registered
investment advisers investing on behalf of clients that consist solely of
institutions and high net-worth individuals having at least $1,000,000 entrusted
to the adviser for investment purposes, but only if the adviser is not
affiliated or associated with a broker or dealer and derives compensation for
its services exclusively from its clients for such advisory services.
    
Mid-Cap Value Fund A Class, Mid-Cap Value Fund B Class and Mid-Cap Value 
Fund C Class
         In addition to offering the Class of shares, the Fund also offers a
Class A. Class B and Class C Shares, which are described in a separate
prospectus. Shares of Class A, Class B and Class C of the Fund may be purchased
through authorized investment dealers or directly by contacting the Fund or the
Distributor. Class A, Class B and Class C Shares may have different sales
charges and other expenses which may affect performance. To obtain a prospectus
relating to such classes, contact the Distributor by writing to the address or
by calling the phone numbers listed on the cover of this Prospectus.


                                       -9-
<PAGE>

HOW TO BUY SHARES
         The Fund makes it easy to invest by mail, by wire, by exchange and by
arrangement with your investment dealer. In all instances, investors must
qualify to purchase shares of the Class.

Investing Directly by Mail
1. Initial Purchases--An Investment Application or, in the case of a retirement
plan account, an appropriate retirement plan application, must be completed,
signed and sent with a check payable to Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class,
to Delaware Investments at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

2. Subsequent Purchases--Additional purchases may be made at any time by mailing
a check payable to Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class. Your check should be
identified with your name(s) and account number.
   
Investing Directly by Wire
         You may purchase shares by requesting your bank to transmit funds by
wire to First Union National Bank, N.A., ABA #031201467, account number
2014128934013 (include your name(s) and your account number for the Fund).

1. Initial Purchases--Before you invest, telephone the Client Services
Department at 800-510-4015 to get an account number. If you do not call first,
it may delay processing your investment. In addition, you must promptly send
your Investment Application or, in the case of a retirement plan account, an
appropriate retirement plan application, to Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional
Class, to Delaware Investments at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

2. Subsequent Purchases--You may make additional investments anytime by wiring
funds to First Union National Bank, as described above. You must advise your
Client Services Representative by telephone at 800- 510-4015 prior to sending
your wire.

Investing by Exchange
         If you have an investment in another mutual fund offered by Delaware
Investments and you qualify to purchase shares of the Class, you may write and
authorize an exchange of part or all of your investment into the Fund. However,
Class B and C Shares of the Fund and any other fund offered by Delaware
Investments be exchanged into the Class. If you wish to open an account by
exchange, call your Client Services Representative at 800-510-4015 for more
information. See Redemption and Exchange for more complete information
concerning your exchange privilege.
    
Investing through Your Investment Dealer
         You can make a purchase of Fund shares through most investment dealers
who, as part of the service they provide, must transmit orders promptly to the
Fund. They may charge for this service.

Purchase Price and Effective Date
         The purchase price (net asset value) of the Class is determined as of
the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (ordinarily, 4 p.m.,
Eastern time) on days when the Exchange is open.

         The effective date of a purchase made through an investment dealer is
the date the order is received by the Fund, its agent or designee. The effective
date of a direct purchase is the day your wire, electronic transfer

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

or check is received, unless it is received after the time the share price is
determined, as noted above. Purchase orders received after such time will be
effective the next business day.

The Conditions of Your Purchase
         The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order. If a purchase
is canceled because your check is returned unpaid, you are responsible for any
loss incurred. The Fund can redeem shares from your account(s) to reimburse
itself for any loss, and you may be restricted from making future purchases in
any of the funds offered by Delaware Investments. The Fund reserves the right to
reject purchases by third-party checks or checks that are not drawn on a
domestic branch of a United States financial institution. If a check drawn on a
foreign financial institution is accepted, you may be subject to additional bank
charges for clearance and currency conversion.

         The Fund also reserves the right, upon 60 days' written notice, to
involuntarily redeem accounts that remain under $250 as a result of redemptions.


                                      -11-

<PAGE>

REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE

         Redemption and exchange requests made on behalf of participants in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan are made in accordance with directions
provided by the employer. Employees should therefore contact their employer for
details.
   
         Your shares will be redeemed or exchanged based on the net asset value
next determined after the Fund receives your request in good order. For example,
redemption and exchange requests received in good order after the time the net
asset value of shares is determined, as noted above, will be processed on the
next business day. See Purchase Price and Effective Date under How to Buy
Shares. Except as otherwise noted below, for a redemption request to be in "good
order," you must provide your account number, account registration, and the
total number of shares or dollar amount of the transaction. With regard to
exchanges, you must also provide the name of the fund in which you want to
invest the proceeds. Exchange instructions and redemption requests must be
signed by the record owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered. You may
request a redemption or an exchange by calling the Fund at 800-510-4015.
Redemption proceeds will be distributed promptly, as described below, but not
later than seven days after receipt of a redemption request.
    
         All exchanges involve a purchase of shares of the fund into which the
exchange is made. As with any purchase, an investor should obtain and carefully
read that fund's prospectus before buying shares in an exchange. The prospectus
contains more complete information about the fund, including charges and
expenses.

         The Fund will process written and telephone redemption requests to the
extent that the purchase orders for the shares being redeemed have already
settled. The Fund will honor redemption requests as to shares for which a check
was tendered as payment, but the Fund will not mail or wire the proceeds until
it is reasonably satisfied that the check has cleared, which may take up to 15
days from the purchase date. You can avoid this potential delay if you purchase
shares by wiring Federal Funds. The Fund reserves the right to reject a written
or telephone redemption request or delay payment of redemption proceeds if there
has been a recent change to the shareholder's address of record.

         Shares of the Class may be exchanged into any other funds offered by
Delaware Investments, provided: (1) the investment satisfies the eligibility and
other requirements set forth in the prospectus of the fund being acquired,
including the payment of any applicable front-end sales charge; and (2) the
shares of the fund being acquired are in a state where that fund is registered.
If exchanges are made into other shares that are eligible for purchase only by
those permitted to purchase shares of the Class, such exchange will be exchanged
at net asset value. Shares of the Class may not be exchanged into Class B Shares
or Class C Shares of other funds offered by Delaware Investments. The Fund may
suspend, terminate or amend the terms of the exchange privilege upon 60 days'
written notice to shareholders.

         Various redemption and exchange methods are outlined below. No fee is
charged by the Fund or the Distributor for redeeming or exchanging your shares
although, in the case of an exchange, a sales charge may apply. You may also
have your investment dealer arrange to have your shares redeemed or exchanged.
Your investment dealer may charge for this service.

         All authorizations given by shareholders, including selection of any of
the features described below, shall continue in effect until such time as a
written revocation or modification has been received by the Fund or its agent.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

Written Redemption and Exchange
         You can write to the Fund at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
to redeem some or all of your shares or to request an exchange of any or all
your shares into another mutual fund offered by Delaware Investments, subject to
the same conditions and limitations as other exchanges noted above. The request
must be signed by all owners of the account or your investment dealer of record.

         For redemptions of more than $50,000, or when the proceeds are not sent
to the shareholder(s) at the address of record, the Fund requires a signature by
all owners of the account and may require a signature guarantee. A signature
guarantee can be obtained from a commercial bank, a trust company or a member of
a Securities Transfer Association Medallion Program ("STAMP"). A signature
guarantee cannot be provided by a notary public. A signature guarantee is
designed to protect the shareholders, the Fund and its agents from fraud. The
Fund reserves the right to reject a signature guarantee supplied by an eligible
institution based on its creditworthiness. The Fund may require further
documentation from corporations, executors, retirement plans, administrators,
trustees or guardians.

         Payment is normally mailed the next business day after receipt of your
redemption request. Certificates are issued for shares only if you submit a
specific request. If your shares are in certificate form, the certificate(s)
must accompany your request and also be in good order.

         You also may submit your written request for redemption or exchange by
facsimile transmission at the following number: 215-255-8864.

Telephone Redemption and Exchange
         To get the added convenience of the telephone redemption and exchange
methods, you must have the Transfer Agent hold your shares (without charge) for
you. If you choose to have your shares in certificate form, you may redeem or
exchange only by written request and you must return your certificate(s).

         The Telephone Redemption--Check to Your Address of Record service and
the Telephone Exchange service, both of which are described below, are
automatically provided unless you notify the Fund in writing that you do not
wish to have such services available with respect to your account. The Fund
reserves the right to modify, terminate or suspend these procedures upon 60
days' written notice to shareholders. It may be difficult to reach the Fund by
telephone during periods when market or economic conditions lead to an unusually
large volume of telephone requests.

         Neither the Fund nor its Transfer Agent is responsible for any
shareholder loss incurred in acting upon written or telephone instructions for
redemption or exchange of Fund shares which are reasonably believed to be
genuine. With respect to such telephone transactions, the Fund will follow
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine (including verification of a form of personal identification) as, if it
does not, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. A written confirmation will be provided
for all purchase, exchange and redemption transactions initiated by telephone.
By exchanging shares by telephone, you are acknowledging prior receipt of a
prospectus for the fund into which your shares are being exchanged.

Telephone Redemption-Check to Your Address of Record
         You or your investment dealer of record can have redemption proceeds of
$50,000 or less mailed to you at your address of record. Checks will be payable
to the shareholder(s) of record. Payment is normally mailed the next business
day after receipt of the redemption request.

                                      -13-

<PAGE>

Telephone Redemption-Proceeds to Your Bank
         Redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more can be transferred to your
predesignated bank account by wire or by check. You should authorize this
service when you open your account. If you change your predesignated bank
account, you must submit a written authorization and you may need to have your
signature guaranteed. For your protection, your authorization must be on file.
If you request a wire, your funds will normally be sent the next business day.
If you ask for a check, it will normally be mailed the next business day after
receipt of your redemption request to your predesignated bank account. There are
no fees for this redemption method, but the mail time may delay getting funds
into your bank account. Simply call your Client Services Representative prior to
the time the net asset value is determined, as noted above.

Telephone Exchange
         You or your investment dealer of record can exchange shares into any
fund offered by Delaware Investments under the same registration. As with the
written exchange service, telephone exchanges are subject to the same conditions
and limitations as other exchanges noted above. Telephone exchanges may be
subject to limitations as to amounts or frequency.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

         The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net capital
gains and net investment income earned during the year. Such payments, if any,
will be made once a year during the first quarter of the next fiscal year.

         Each class of the Fund will share proportionately in the investment
income and expenses of the Fund, except that the Class will not incur any
distribution fee under the 12b-1 Plans which apply to the Class A, Class B and
Class C Shares of the Fund.

         Both dividends and distributions, if any, are automatically reinvested
in your account at net asset value.





                                      -15-

<PAGE>


TAXES

         The tax discussion set forth below is included for general information
only. Investors should consult their own tax advisers concerning the federal,
state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
   
         On August 5, 1997, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Act") was
signed into law. This new law makes sweeping changes in the Internal Revenue
Code (the "Code"). Because many of these changes are complex, and only
indirectly affect the Fund and its distributions to you, they are discussed in
Part B. Changes in the treatment of capital gains, however, are discussed in
this section.
    
         The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund will not be subject to federal
income tax, or to any excise tax, to the extent its earnings are distributed as
provided in the Code and by satisfying certain other requirements relating to
the sources of its income and diversification of its assets.

         The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net capital gains, if any. Dividends from net investment income or
net short-term capital gains will be taxable to those investors who are subject
to income taxes as ordinary income, even though received in additional shares.
For corporate investors, dividends from net investment income will generally
qualify in part for the corporate dividends-received deduction. The portion of
dividends paid by the Fund that so qualifies will be designated each year in a
notice from Equity Funds V, Inc. to the Fund's shareholders.

         Distributions paid by the Fund from long-term capital gains, received
in additional shares, are taxable to those investors who are subject to income
taxes as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time an investor
has owned shares in the Fund. The Fund does not seek to realize any particular
amount of capital gains during a year; rather, realized gains are a by-product
of Fund management activities. Consequently, capital gains distributions may be
expected to vary considerably from year to year. Also, for those investors
subject to tax, if purchases of shares in the Fund are made shortly before the
record date for a dividend or capital gains distribution, a portion of the
investment will be returned as a taxable distribution.

The Treatment of Capital Gain Distributions under the Taxpayer Relief 
Act of 1997
         The 1997 Act creates a category of long-term capital gain for
individuals that will be taxed at new lower tax rates. For investors who are in
the 28% or higher federal income tax brackets, these gains will be taxed at a
maximum rate of 20%. For investors who are in the 15% federal income tax
bracket, these gains will be taxed at a maximum rate of 10%. Capital gain
distributions will qualify for these new maximum tax rates, depending on when
the Fund's securities were sold and how long they were held by the Fund before
they were sold. The holding periods for which the new rates apply were revised
by the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. Investors
who want more information on holding periods and other qualifying rules relating
to these new rates should review the expanded discussion in Part B, or should
contact their own tax advisers.

         Equity Funds V, Inc. will advise you in its annual information
reporting at calendar year end of the amount of its capital gain distributions
which will qualify for these maximum federal tax rates.


                                      -16-

<PAGE>


         Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid,
dividends which are declared in October, November, or December to shareholders
of record on a specified date in one of those months, but which, for operational
reasons, may not be paid to the shareholder until the following January, will be
treated for tax purposes as if paid by the Fund and received by the shareholder
on December 31 of the year declared.

         The sale of shares of the Fund is a taxable event and may result in a
capital gain or loss to shareholders subject to tax. Capital gain or loss may be
realized from an ordinary redemption of shares or an exchange of shares between
the Fund and any other Delaware Investments fund. Any loss incurred on a sale or
exchange of Fund shares that had been held for six months or less will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of capital gain dividends
received with respect to such shares.

         In addition to the federal taxes described above, shareholders may or
may not be subject to various state and local taxes. For example, distributions
of interest income and capital gains realized from certain types of U.S.
government securities may be exempt from state personal income taxes. Because
investors' state and local taxes may be different than the federal taxes
described above, investors should consult their own tax advisers.

         Each year, Equity Funds V, Inc. will mail to you information on the tax
status of the Fund's dividends and distributions. Shareholders will also receive
each year information as to the portion of dividend income, if any, that is
derived from U.S. government securities that are exempt from state income tax.
Of course, shareholders who are not subject to tax on their income would not be
required to pay tax on amounts distributed to them by the Fund.

         Equity Funds V, Inc. is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends,
capital gains distributions, and redemptions paid to shareholders who have not
complied with IRS taxpayer identification regulations. You may avoid this
withholding requirement by certifying on your Investment Application your proper
Taxpayer Identification Number and by certifying that you are not subject to
backup withholding.

         See Accounting and Tax Issues and Distributions and Taxes in Part B for
additional information on tax matters relating to the Fund and its shareholders.


                                      -17-

<PAGE>

CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

         The purchase and redemption price of the Class is the net asset value
("NAV") per share of Class shares next computed after the order is received. The
NAV is computed as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (ordinarily, 4 p.m., Eastern time) on days when the Exchange is open.

         The NAV per share is computed by adding the value of all securities and
other assets in the portfolio, deducting any liabilities (expenses and fees are
accrued daily) and dividing by the number of shares outstanding. Portfolio
securities for which market quotations are available are priced at market value.
Foreign securities expressed in foreign currency values will be converted into
U.S. dollar values at the mean between the currencies' bid and offered
quotations. Short-term investments having a maturity of less than 60 days are
valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. All other securities
are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith and in a method
approved by the Fund's Board of Directors.

         The net asset values of all outstanding shares of each class of the
Fund will be computed on a pro-rata basis for each outstanding share based on
the proportionate participation in the Fund represented by the value of shares
of that class. All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund will be borne
on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding share of a class, based on each class'
percentage in the Fund represented by the value of shares of such classes,
except that the Class will not incur any of the expenses under the Fund's 12b-1
Plans and Class A., Class B and Class C Shares of the Fund alone will bear the
12b-1 Plan fees payable under their respective Plans. Due to the specific
distribution expenses and other costs that will be allocable to each class, the
net asset value of and dividends paid to each class of the Fund will vary.


                                      -18-

<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Directors
         The business and affairs of Equity Funds V, Inc. are managed under the
direction of its Board of Directors. Part B contains additional information
regarding Equity Funds V, Inc.'s directors and officers.

Investment Manager
         The Manager furnishes investment management services to the Fund. The
Manager has offices located at One Commerce Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
   
         The Manager and its predecessors have been managing the funds in the
Delaware Investments family since 1938. On September 30, 1998, the Manager and
its affiliates within the Delaware Investments, including Delaware International
Advisers Ltd., were managing in the aggregate more than $40 billion in assets in
the various institutional or separately managed (approximately $23,666,360,000)
and investment company (approximately $17,194,990,000) accounts.

         The Manager is a series of Delaware Management Business Trust. The
Manager changed its form of organization from a corporation to a business trust
on March 1, 1998. The Manager is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. ("DMH"). On April 3, 1995, a merger between
DMH and a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation ("Lincoln
National") was completed. DMH and the Manager are now indirect, wholly owned
subsidiaries, and subject to the ultimate control, of Lincoln National. Lincoln
National, with headquarters currently located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a
diversified organization with operations in many aspects of the financial
services industry, including insurance and investment management. The Manager
has entered into an Investment Management Agreement with the Fund.

         The Manager manages the Fund's portfolio and makes investment decisions
for the Fund which are implemented by the Fund's Trading Department. The Manager
also administers Equity Funds V, Inc.'s affairs and pays the salaries of all the
directors, officers and employees of Equity Funds V, Inc. who are affiliated
with the Manager. For these services, the Manager is paid an annual fee equal to
on an annual basis: 0.75% on the first $500 million of average daily net assets;
0.70% on the next $500 million; 0.65% on the next $1.5 billion; and 0.60% on the
average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion. The Fund's fee is higher
than that paid by many other funds. The fee may be higher or lower than that
paid by funds with comparable investment objectives. The directors of Equity
Funds V, Inc. annually review fees paid to the Manager.

         The Manager has elected voluntarily to waive that portion, if any, of
the annual management fees payable by the Fund and to pay expenses of the Fund
to the extent necessary to ensure that the Total Operating Expenses (exclusive
of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses) of the
Fund do not exceed 0.75 % through May 31, 1999.

         Christopher S. Beck, Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager of Equity
Funds V, Inc. has primary responsibility for making day-to-day investment
decisions for the Fund. Mr. Beck began his career in the investment business,
starting with Wilmington Trust in 1981. Later, he became Director of Research at
Cypress Capital Management in Wilmington and Chief Investment Officer of the
University of Delaware Endowment Fund. Prior to joining the Delaware Investments
in May 1997, he managed the Small Cap Fund for two years at Pitcairn Trust
Company. He holds a BS from the University of Delaware, an MBA from Lehigh
University and is a CFA charterholder.
    

                                      -19-

<PAGE>
   
         In making investment decisions for the Fund, Mr. Beck regularly
consults with Richard G. Unruh, Jr., Andrea Giles and Christopher Driver. A
graduate of Brown University, Mr. Unruh received his MBA from the University of
Pennsylvania's Wharton School and joined the Delaware Investments in 1982 after
19 years of investment management experience with Kidder, Peabody Co. Inc. Mr.
Unruh was named an Executive Vice President of Equity Funds V, Inc. in 1994. He
is also a member of the Board of Delaware Management Company, Inc. and was named
an Executive Vice President of Delaware Management Company, Inc. in 1994. Andrea
Giles, Research Analyst for the Fund, holds a BSAD from the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology and an MBA in Finance from Columbia University. Prior to
joining Delaware Investments in 1996, she was an account officer in the
Leveraged Capital Group with Citibank. Christopher Driver, Research Analyst for
the Fund, holds a BS in Finance from the University of Delaware. Prior to
joining Delaware Investments in 1998, he was a Research Analyst in the Equity
Value group at Blackrock, Inc. Prior to Blackrock, he was a partner at Cashman
Farrell & Associates. Mr. Driver is a CFA charterholder.

Portfolio Trading Practices
         The Fund normally will not invest for short-term trading purposes.
However, the Fund may sell securities without regard to the length of time they
have been held. The degree of portfolio activity will affect brokerage costs of
the Fund and may affect taxes payable by the Fund's shareholders to the extent
that net capital gains are realized. The Manager uses its best efforts to obtain
the best available price and most favorable execution for portfolio
transactions. Orders may be placed with brokers or dealers who provide brokerage
and research services to the Manager or its advisory clients. These services may
be used by the Manager in servicing any of its accounts. Subject to best price
and execution, the Fund may consider a broker/dealer's sales of shares of funds
in Delaware Investments in placing portfolio orders and may place orders with
broker/dealers that have agreed to defray certain expenses of such funds, such
as custodian fees.
    
Performance Information
         From time to time, the Fund may quote total return performance for the
Class in advertising and other types of literature.

         Total return will be based on a hypothetical $1,000 investment,
reflecting the reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value. Each
presentation will include the average annual total return for one-, five- and
ten-year or life-of-fund periods, as relevant. The Fund may also advertise
aggregate and average total return information concerning the Class over
additional periods of time.

         Because securities prices fluctuate, investment results of the Class
will fluctuate over time and past performance should not be considered a
guarantee of future results.

Statements and Confirmations
         You will receive quarterly statements of your account summarizing all
transactions during the period. A confirmation statement will be sent following
all transactions other than those involving a reinvestment of dividends. You
should examine statements and confirmations immediately and promptly report any
discrepancy by calling your Client Services Representative.

                                      -20-

<PAGE>

Financial Information about the Fund
         Each fiscal year, you will receive an audited annual report and an
unaudited semi-annual report. These reports provide detailed information about
the Fund's investments and performance. Equity Funds V, Inc.'s fiscal year ends
on November 30.
   
Distribution and Service
         The Distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P., serves as the national
distributor for the Fund's shares under a Distribution Agreement with Equity
Funds V, Inc. dated December 28, 1998. The Distributor bears all of the costs of
promotion and distribution.

         The Transfer Agent, Delaware Service Company, Inc., serves as the
shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing and transfer agent for the Fund
pursuant to an amended and restated agreement dated as of December 28, 1998. The
Transfer Agent also provides accounting services to the Fund pursuant to the
terms of a separate Fund Accounting Agreement. Certain recordkeeping and other
shareholder services that otherwise would be performed by the Transfer Agent may
be performed by certain other entities and the Transfer Agent may elect to enter
into an agreement to pay such other entities for those services. In addition,
participant account maintenance fees may be assessed for certain recordkeeping
services provided as part of retirement plan and administration service
packages. These fees are based on the number of participants in the plan and the
various services selected. Fees will be quoted upon request and are subject to
change.
    
         The directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. annually review service fees paid
to the Distributor and the Transfer Agent. The Distributor and the Transfer
Agent are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of DMH.

                                      * * *

         As with other mutual funds, financial and business organizations and
individuals around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected if the
computer systems used by its services providers do not properly process and
calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000. This is
commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem." Equity Funds V. Inc. is taking steps
to obtain satisfactory assurances that the Fund's major service providers are
taking steps reasonably designed to address the Year 2000 Problem with respect
to the computer systems that such service providers use. There can be no
assurances that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on
the business of the Fund.

         Several European countries are participating in the European Economic
and Monetary Union, which will establish a common European currency for
participating countries. This currency will commonly be known as the "Euro." It
is anticipated that each such participating country will replace its existing
currency with the Euro on January 1, 1999. Additional European countries may
elect to participate after that date. If the Fund is invested in securities of
participating countries it could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by its major service providers are not properly prepared to handle the
implementation of this single currency or the adoption of the Euro by additional
countries in the future. Equity Funds V, Inc. is taking steps to obtain
satisfactory assurances that the major service providers of the Fund are taking
steps reasonably designed to address these matters with respect to the computer
systems that such service providers use. There can be no assurances that these
steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the business of the
Fund.

Expenses
         The Fund is responsible for all of its own expenses other than those
borne by the Manager under the Investment Management Agreement and those borne
by the Distributor under the Distribution Agreement.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>


Shares
         Equity Funds V, Inc. is an open-end management investment company. The
Fund's portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by the 1940 Act. Commonly
known as a mutual fund, Equity Funds V, Inc. was organized as a Maryland
corporation on January 16, 1987. In addition to the Fund, Equity Funds V, Inc.
presently offers three other series of shares, the Small Cap Value Fund, Small
Cap Contrarian Fund and Retirement Income Fund series.

         Fund shares have a par value of $.01, equal voting rights, except as
noted below, and are equal in all other respects. Equity Funds V, Inc.'s shares
have noncumulative voting rights which means that the holders of more than 50%
of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s shares voting for the election of directors can elect
100% of the directors if they choose to do so. Under Maryland law, Equity Funds
V, Inc. is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual meetings of
shareholders unless, under certain circumstances, it is required to do so under
the 1940 Act.

         In addition to the Class, the Fund also offers Class A, Class B and
Class C Shares. Shares of each class represent proportionate interests in the
assets of the Fund and have the same voting and other rights and preferences as
the Class, except that shares of the Class are not subject to, and may not vote
on matters affecting, the Distribution Plans under Rule 12b-1 relating to Class
A, Class B and Class C Shares of the Fund.

         The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company ("LNLIC") is expected to
make the initial investment in the Fund. As a result, LNLIC could own up to 100%
of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Subject to certain limited exceptions,
there are no limitations on LNLIC's ability to redeem its shares of the Fund and
it may elect to do so at any time.

                                      -22-

<PAGE>

OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

Foreign Securities and ADRs
         The Fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in foreign securities. The
Fund may also invest without limitation in sponsored and unsponsored American
Depositary receipts ("ADRs") that are actively traded in the United States. ADRs
are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which evidence
ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. "Sponsored"
ADRs are issued jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a
depository, and "unsponsored" ADRs are issued without the participation of the
issuer of the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all
the costs of such facilities and the depository of an unsponsored ADR facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting
rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities.
Therefore, there may not be a correlation between information concerning the
issuer of the security and the market value of an unsponsored ADR.

         Foreign markets may be more volatile than U.S. markets and investments
in foreign securities involve sovereign risks in addition to the normal risks
associated with U.S. securities. These risks include political risks, foreign
taxes, exchange controls and currency fluctuations. For example, foreign
portfolio investments may fluctuate in value due to changes in currency rates
(i.e., the value of foreign investments would increase with a fall in the value
of the dollar) and control regulations apart from market fluctuations. The Fund
may also experience delays in foreign securities settlement.

         The Fund will, from time to time, conduct foreign currency exchange
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign currency exchange market or through entering into contracts to purchase
or sell foreign currencies at a future date (i.e., a "forward foreign currency"
contract or "forward" contract). Investors should be aware that there are costs
and risks associated with such currency transactions.

Rule 144A Securities
         The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including securities
eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A ("Rule 144A
Securities") under the Securities Act of 1933. Rule 144A permits many privately
placed and legally restricted securities to be freely traded among certain
institutional buyers such as the Fund. The Fund may invest no more than 15% of
the value of its net assets in illiquid securities.

         While maintaining oversight, the Board of Directors has delegated to
the Manager the day-to-day function of determining whether or not individual
Rule 144A Securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund's 15% limitation on
investments in illiquid assets. The Board has instructed the Manager to consider
the following factors in determining the liquidity of a Rule 144A Security: (i)
the frequency of trades and trading volume for the security; (ii) whether at
least three dealers are willing to purchase or sell the security and the number
of potential purchasers; (iii) whether at least two dealers are making a market
in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and the nature of the
marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer).

         If the Manager determines that a Rule 144A Security which was
previously determined to be liquid is no longer liquid and, as a result, the
Fund's holdings of illiquid securities exceed the Fund's 15% limit on investment
in such securities, the Manager will determine what action to take to ensure
that the Fund continues to adhere to such limitation.


                                      -23-

<PAGE>

Repurchase Agreements
         The Fund may also use repurchase agreements that are at least 102%
collateralized by U.S. government securities. Repurchase agreements help the
Fund to invest cash on a temporary basis. The Fund may invest cash balances in
joint repurchase agreements with other Delaware Investments funds. Under a
repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires ownership and possession of a security,
and the seller agrees to buy the security back at a specified time and higher
price. If the seller is unable to repurchase the security, the Fund could
experience delays in liquidating the securities. To minimize this possibility,
the Fund considers the creditworthiness of banks and dealers when entering into
repurchase agreements.

Portfolio Loan Transactions
         The Fund may loan up to 25% of its assets to qualified broker/dealers
or institutional investors for their use relating to short sales or other
security transactions.

         The major risk to which the Fund would be exposed on a loan transaction
is the risk that the borrower would go bankrupt at a time when the value of the
security goes up. Therefore, the Fund will only enter into loan arrangements
after a review of all pertinent facts by the Manager, subject to overall
supervision by the Board of Directors, including the creditworthiness of the
borrowing broker, dealer or institution and then only if the consideration to be
received from such loans would justify the risk. Creditworthiness will be
monitored on an ongoing basis by the Manager.

Borrowing
         The Fund is permitted under certain circumstances to borrow money.
Investment securities will normally not be purchased while the Fund has an
outstanding borrowing.

       

Call Options
         Writing Covered Call Options
         A covered call option obligates the Fund to sell one of its securities
for an agreed price up to an agreed date. When the Fund writes a call, it
receives a premium and agrees to sell the callable securities to a purchaser of
a corresponding call during the call period (usually not more than nine months)
at a fixed exercise price regardless of market price changes during the call
period. The advantage is that the Fund receives premium income for the limited
purpose of offsetting the costs of purchasing put options or offsetting any
capital loss or decline in market value of the security. However, if the
Manager's forecast is wrong, the Fund may not fully participate in the market
appreciation if the security's price rises.



                                      -24-

<PAGE>


         Writing a Call Option on Stock Indices
         Writing a call option on stock indices is similar to the writing of a
call option on an individual stock. Stock indices used will include, but not be
limited to, the S&P 100 and the S&P Over-The-Counter ("OTC") 250.

Put Options
         Purchasing a Put Option
         A put option gives the Fund the right to sell one of its securities for
an agreed price up to an agreed date. The advantage is that the Fund can be
protected should the market value of the security decline. However, the Fund
must pay a premium for this right which would be lost if the option is not
exercised.
   
         Purchasing a Put Option on Stock Indices
         Purchasing a protective put option on stock indices is similar to the
purchase of protective puts on an individual stock. Indices used will include,
but not be limited to, the S&P 100 and the S&P OTC 250.
    
Closing Transactions
         Closing transactions essentially let the Fund offset a put option or
covered call option before its exercise or expiration. If the Fund cannot effect
a closing transaction, it may have to hold a security it would otherwise sell or
deliver a security it might want to hold.

         Part B sets forth other more specific investment restrictions.



                                      -25-

<PAGE>

APPENDIX A -- RATINGS

Bonds
         Excerpts from Moody's description of its bond ratings: Aaa--judged to
be the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk;
Aa--judged to be of high quality by all standards; A--possess favorable
attributes and are considered "upper medium" grade obligations; Baa--considered
as medium grade obligations. Interest payments and principal security appear
adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may
be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time; Ba--judged to
have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured.
Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class; B--generally lack
characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal
payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period
of time may be small; Caa--are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default
or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest; Ca--represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such
issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings; C--the lowest
rated class of bonds and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely
poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

         Excerpts from S&P's description of its bond ratings: AAA--highest grade
obligations. They possess the ultimate degree of protection as to principal and
interest; AA--also qualify as high grade obligations, and in the majority of
instances differ from AAA issues only in a small degree; A--strong ability to
pay interest and repay principal although more susceptible to changes in
circumstances; BBB--regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal; BB, B, CCC, CC--regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by
large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions; C--reserved
for income bonds on which no interest is being paid; D- -in default, and payment
of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears.


                                      -26-

<PAGE>

   
         The Delaware Investments includes         -----------------------------
funds with a wide range of investment                                           
objectives. Stock funds, income funds,                                          
national and state-specific tax- exempt            SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND    
funds, money market funds, global and                                           
international funds and closed-end funds           -----------------------------
give investors the ability to create a                                          
portfolio that fits their personal                                              
financial goals. For more information,             A CLASS                      
contact your financial adviser or call             B CLASS                      
Delaware Investments at 800-523-1918.              C CLASS                      
                                                   -----------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER                                                              
Delaware Management Company                                                     
One Commerce Square                                                             
Philadelphia, PA  19103                                                         
    
                                                                                
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR                                                            
Delaware Distributors, L.P.                                                     
1818 Market Street                                                              
Philadelphia, PA 19103                                                          
                                                                                
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING,                                                          
DIVIDEND DISBURSING,                                                            
ACCOUNTING SERVICES                                                             
AND TRANSFER AGENT                                 P R O S P E C T U S          
Delaware Service Company, Inc.                                                  
1818 Market Street                                 -----------------------------
Philadelphia, PA 19103                                                          
                                                                                
   
LEGAL COUNSEL                                      DECEMBER 28, 1998            
Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, LLP                                           
One Commerce Square                                                             
Philadelphia, PA 19103                                                          
    
                                                                                
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS                                                            
Ernst & Young LLP                                                               
Two Commerce Square                                                             
Philadelphia, PA 19103                                                          
                                                                                
CUSTODIAN                                                                       
The Chase Manhattan Bank                                                        
4 Chase Metrotech Center                                                        
Brooklyn, NY 11245                                                              
                                                        DELAWARE(SM)       
                                                        INVESTMENTS
                                                        -----------
                                                              


<PAGE>



   
SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND                                            PROSPECTUS
                                                              DECEMBER 18, 1998
A CLASS SHARES
B CLASS SHARES
C CLASS SHARES
    

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

                   1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

             For Prospectus and Performance: Nationwide 800-523-1918

              Information on Existing Accounts: (SHAREHOLDERS ONLY)
                             Nationwide 800-523-1918

                     Dealer Services: (BROKER/DEALERS ONLY)
                             Nationwide 800-362-7500

       Representatives of Financial Institutions: Nationwide 800-659-2265


         This Prospectus describes the Small Cap Contrarian Fund series (the
"Fund") of Delaware Group Equity Funds V, Inc. ("Equity Funds V, Inc."), a
professionally-managed mutual fund of the series type. The Fund intends to
achieve its investment objective of providing long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in common stocks
believed to be undervalued.

         The Fund offers Small Cap Contrarian Fund A Class ("Class A Shares"),
Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class ("Class B Shares") and Small Cap Contrarian
Fund C Class ("Class C Shares") (individually, a "Class" and collectively, the
"Classes").

   
         This Prospectus relates only to the Classes listed above and sets forth
information that you should read and consider before you invest. Please retain
it for future reference. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("Part
B" of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s registration statement), dated December 18, 1998,
as it may be amended from time to time, contains additional information about
the Fund and has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
Part B is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is available,
without charge, by writing to Delaware Distributors, L.P. at the above address
or by calling the above numbers. The Fund's financial statements appear in its
Annual Report, which will accompany any response to requests for Part B. In
addition, the SEC maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains Part
B, material we incorporated by reference, and other information regarding
registrants that electronically file with the SEC.
    

         The Fund also offers Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class,
which is available for purchase only by certain investors. A prospectus for
Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class can be obtained by writing to
Delaware Distributors, L.P. at the above address or by calling the above number.


                                       -1-

<PAGE>


TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                <C>            <C>                                <C>  

                                     Page                                           Page
                                     ----                                           ----
Cover Page                                 How to Buy Shares
Synopsis                                   Redemption and Exchange
Summary of Expenses                        Dividends and Distributions
Investment Objective and Policies          Taxes
         Suitability                       Calculation of Offering Price and
         Investment Strategy                        Net Asset Value Per Share
         Risk Factors                      Management of the Fund
The Delaware Difference                    Other Investment Policies
         Plans and Services                         and Risk Considerations
Classes of Shares                          Appendix A - Ratings
   
</TABLE>

    

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER WHEN MAKING INVESTMENTS. MUTUAL FUNDS
CAN BE A VALUABLE PART OF YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN; HOWEVER, SHARES OF THE FUND ARE
NOT FDIC OR NCUSIF INSURED, ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK OR ANY CREDIT UNION,
ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR ANY CREDIT UNION, AND INVOLVE INVESTMENT
RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED. SHARES OF
THE FUND ARE NOT BANK OR CREDIT UNION DEPOSITS.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>





SYNOPSIS

Investment Objective
         The investment objective of the Fund is to provide long-term capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing primarily in
common stocks believed to be undervalued. Under normal market conditions, at
least 65% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in small cap companies.
Small cap companies are generally defined as those companies currently having a
market capitalization of less than $1.5 billion. For further details, see
Investment Objective and Policies and Other Investment Policies and Risk
Considerations.

Risk Factors and Special Considerations
         The Fund may enter into options for hedging purposes to counterbalance
portfolio volatility. While the Fund does not engage in options for speculative
purposes, there are risks that result from use of these instruments by the Fund,
and the investor should review the descriptions of these risks in this
Prospectus. See Investment Strategy under Investment Objective and Policies and
Other Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.

Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent
         Delaware Management Company (the "Manager") furnishes investment
management services to the Fund, subject to the supervision and direction of
Equity Funds V, Inc.'s Board of Directors. The Manager also provides investment
management services to certain of the other funds offered by Delaware
Investments. Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the "Distributor") is the national
distributor for the Fund and for all of the other mutual funds offered by
Delaware Investments. Delaware Service Company, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") is
the shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing, accounting services and transfer
agent for the Fund and for all of the other funds offered by Delaware
Investments. See Summary of Expenses and Management of the Fund for further
information regarding the Manager and the fees payable under the Fund's
Investment Management Agreement.

   
Sales Charges
         The price of Class A Shares includes a maximum front-end sales charge
of 5.75% of the offering price. The sales charge is reduced on certain
transactions of at least $50,000 but under $1,000,000. For purchases of
$1,000,000 or more, the front-end sales charge is eliminated; if a dealer's
commission is paid in connection with those purchases, a limited contingent
deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1% will be imposed if shares are redeemed
during the first year after the purchase and 0.50% will be imposed if shares are
redeemed during the second year after the purchase. See Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset
Value under Redemption and Exchange. Class A Shares are subject to annual 12b-1
Plan expenses for the life of the investment.

         The price of Class B Shares is equal to the net asset value per share.
Class B Shares are subject to a CDSC of: (i) 5% if shares are redeemed within
one year of purchase; (ii) 4% if shares are redeemed during the second year of
purchase; (iii) 3% if shares are redeemed during the third or fourth year
following purchase; (iv) 2% if shares are redeemed during the fifth year
following purchase; (v) 1% if shares are redeemed during the sixth year
following purchase; and (vi) 0% thereafter. Class B Shares are subject to annual
12b-1 Plan expenses for approximately eight years after purchase.
    


                                       -3-

<PAGE>





         The price of Class C Shares is equal to the net asset value per share.
Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC of 1% if shares are redeemed within 12
months of purchase. Class C Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses for
the life of the investment.

         See Classes of Shares and Distribution (12b-1) and Service under
Management of the Fund.

Purchase Amounts
         Generally, the minimum initial investment in any Class is $1,000.
Subsequent investments must generally be at least $100.

   
         Each purchase of Class B Shares is subject to a maximum purchase
limitation of $250,000. For Class C Shares, each purchase must be in an amount
that is less than $1,000,000. An investor may exceed these maximum purchase
limitations for Class B Shares and Class C Shares by making cumulative purchases
over a period of time. An investor should keep in mind, however, that reduced
front-end sales charges apply to investments of $50,000 or more in Class A
Shares, and that Class A Shares are subject to lower annual 12b-1 Plan expenses
than Class B and Class C Shares and generally are not subject to a CDSC. The
minimum and maximum purchase amounts for retirement plans may vary. See How to
Buy Shares.
    

Redemption and Exchange
         Class A Shares of the Fund may be redeemed or exchanged at the net
asset value calculated after receipt of the redemption or exchange request.
Neither the Fund nor the Distributor assesses a charge for redemptions or
exchanges of Class A Shares, except for certain redemptions of shares purchased
at net asset value, which may be subject to a CDSC if a dealer's commission was
paid in connection with such purchases. See Front-End Sales Charge Alternative -
Class A Shares under Classes of Shares.

         Class B Shares and Class C Shares may be redeemed or exchanged at the
net asset value calculated after receipt of the redemption or exchange request
subject, in the case of redemptions, to any applicable CDSC. Neither the Fund
nor the Distributor assesses any charges other than the CDSC for redemptions or
exchanges of Class B or Class C Shares. There are certain limitations on an
investor's ability to exchange shares between the various classes of shares that
are offered. See Redemption and Exchange.

Open-End Investment Company
         Equity Funds V, Inc., which was organized as a Maryland corporation on
January 16, 1987, is an open-end management investment company. The Fund's
portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"). See Shares under Management of the Fund.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>





SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

         A general comparison of the sales arrangements and other expenses
applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                              Small Cap Contrarian Fund
Shareholder Transaction Expenses                          Class A Shares            Class B Shares           Class C Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>                      <C>                        <C>
   
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)                            5.75%                     None                     None

Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested
Dividends (as a percentage of offering price)
                                                               None                      None                     None
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, as applicable)                            None(1)                   5.00%(1)                 1.00%(1)

Redemption Fees........................................        None(2)                   None(2)                  None(2)




            Annual Operating Expenses                                               Small Cap Contrarian Fund
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)               Class A Shares            Class B Shares          Class C Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Management Fees (after voluntary waivers)                      0.10%(4)                  0.10%(4)                 0.10%(4)

12b-1 Expenses (including service fees)
(after voluntary waivers)..............................        0.00%(3)(4)               0.00%(3)(4)              0.00%(3)(4)

Other Operating Expenses
(after voluntary payments).............................        0.65%(4)                  0.65%(4)                 0.65%(4)
                                                               -----                     -----                    -----

Total Operating Expenses
(after voluntary waivers and payments)                         0.75%(4)                  0.75%(4)                 0.75%(4)
    
                                                               =====                     =====                    =====
</TABLE>


                                       -5-

<PAGE>





   
(1)  Class A purchases of $1 million or more may be made at net asset value.
     However, if in connection with any such purchase a dealer commission is
     paid to the financial adviser through whom such purchase is effected, a
     limited CDSC ("Limited CDSC") of 1% will be imposed on certain redemptions
     made during the first year after the purchase and 0.50% will be imposed on
     certain redemptions made during the second year after purchase. Additional
     Class A purchase options involving the imposition of a CDSC may be
     permitted as described in the Prospectus from time to time. Class B Shares
     are subject to a CDSC of: (i) 5% if shares are redeemed within one year of
     purchase; (ii) 4% if shares are redeemed during the second year of
     purchase; (iii) 3% if shares are redeemed during the third or fourth year
     following purchase; (iv) 2% if shares are redeemed during the fifth year
     following purchase; (v) 1% if shares are redeemed during the sixth year
     following purchase; and (vi) 0% thereafter. Class C Shares are subject to a
     CDSC of 1% if the shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. See
     Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares
     Purchased at Net Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange and Deferred
     Sales Charge Alternative - Class B Shares and Level Sales Charge
     Alternative - Class C Shares under Classes of Shares.
(2)  First Union National Bank currently charges $7.50 per redemption for
     redemptions payable by wire.
(3)  Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares are subject to separate
     12b-1 Plans. Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic
     equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted by rules of the
     National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"). The
     Distributor has elected voluntarily to waive its right to receive 12b-1
     Plan fees (including service fees) from the commencement of the public
     offering of the Classes through May 31, 1999. In the absence of those
     waivers, 12b-1 Plan expenses would equal 0.30% (no more than 0.25% as set
     by the Board) for Class A Shares and 1.00% for each of the Class B and
     Class C Shares. See Distribution (12b-1) and Service under Management of
     the Fund.
(4)  Because the Fund is new, "Total Operating Expenses" and "Other Operating
     Expenses" for each Class are based on estimated amounts the Fund expects to
     pay during the initial fiscal year. As noted above, the Distributor has
     elected voluntarily to waive 12b-1 Plan expenses through June 30, 1999.
     Also, the Manager has elected voluntarily to waive that portion, if any, of
     the annual management fees payable by the Fund and to pay certain expenses
     of the Fund to the extent necessary to ensure that Total Operating Expenses
     (exclusive of 12b-1 Plan fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions and
     extraordinary expenses) do not exceed, on an annualized basis, 0.75% of the
     average daily net assets of the Fund. The Manager's voluntary fee waivers
     and expense payments began at the commencement of the public offering of
     the Fund and will extend through May 31, 1999. Absent the Manager's
     voluntary fee waivers and expense payments, (and the Distributor's
     voluntary waiver of the 12b-1 Plan fees for each class) it is estimated
     that during the current fiscal year, the Total Operating Expenses, as a
     percentage of average daily net assets, would be 1.65%, 2.40% and 2.40%,
     respectively, for Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares of the
     Fund, reflecting "Management Fees" of 0.75% in all cases.


         Investors utilizing the Asset Planner asset allocation service also
typically incur an annual maintenance fee of $35 per Strategy. However,
effective November 1, 1996, the annual maintenance fee is being waived until
further notice. Investors who utilize the Asset Planner for an Individual
Retirement Account ("IRA") will pay an annual IRA fee of $15 per Social Security
number. See Asset Planner in Part B.
    

         For expense information about Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional
Class, see the separate prospectus relating to that class.


                                       -6-

<PAGE>





         The following example illustrates the expenses that an investor would
pay on a $1,000 investment over various time periods, assuming (1) a 5% annual
rate of return, (2) redemption and no redemption at the end of each time period
and (3) for Class B Shares and Class C Shares, payment of a CDSC at the time of
redemption, if applicable. The following example also reflects the voluntary
waiver of the management fee and payment of expenses by the Manager and the
waiver of the 12b-1 Plan fees by the Distributor, as discussed in this
Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      Assuming Redemption                              Assuming No Redemption

                                   1 year                 3 years                   1 year                    3 years
                                   ------                 -------                   ------                    -------
<S>                                <C>                    <C>                       <C>                       <C>
Class A Shares                     $65(1)                 $80                       $65                       $80
Class B Shares(2)                  $58                    $54                       $8                        $24
Class C Shares                     $18                    $24                       $8                        $24
</TABLE>

(1)      Generally, no redemption charge is assessed upon redemption of Class A
         Shares. Under certain circumstances, however, a Limited CDSC or other
         CDSC, which has not been reflected in this calculation, may be imposed
         on certain redemptions. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for
         Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value
         under Redemption and Exchange.
(2)      At the end of approximately eight years after purchase, Class B Shares
         of the Fund will be automatically converted into Class A Shares of the
         Fund. The example above does not assume conversion of Class B Shares
         since it reflects figures for only one and three years. See Automatic
         Conversion of Class B Shares under Classes of Shares for a description
         of the automatic conversion feature.


This example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses or performance. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those
shown.

         The purpose of the above tables is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in any of the
Classes will bear directly or indirectly.



                                       -7-

<PAGE>





INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

         The investment objective of the Fund is to provide long-term capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing primarily in
common stocks believed to be undervalued. Under normal market conditions, at
least 65% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in small cap companies.
Small cap companies are generally defined as those companies currently having a
market capitalization of less than $1.5 billion.

SUITABILITY
         The Fund may be suitable for investors interested in long-term capital
appreciation. Providing current income is not an objective of the Fund. Any
income produced is expected to be minimal. Investors should not consider a
purchase of Fund shares as equivalent to a complete investment program. The
Delaware Investments includes a family of funds, generally available through
registered investment dealers, which may be used together to create a more
complete investment program.

         Ownership of Fund shares reduces the bookkeeping and administrative
inconvenience that would be involved with direct purchases of the Fund's
portfolio securities.

         Net asset value may fluctuate at times in response to market conditions
and, as a result, the Fund is not appropriate for a short-term investor.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY
         While management believes that the Fund's investment objective may best
be attained by investing in common stocks, the Fund may also invest in other
securities including, but not limited to, convertible securities, warrants,
preferred stocks, bonds and foreign securities. Fixed-income securities are
expected to receive minimal emphasis.

         The Fund will purchase securities which the Manager believes represent
companies that are undervalued in relation to their asset value or long-term
earnings power. Securities of companies may be undervalued due to one or more of
the following circumstances: market declines, economic conditions, investor
overreaction to unfavorable news regarding a particular company, industry or the
stock markets in general.

   
         The Fund intends to utilize a proprietary model to help identify those
companies that may be attractive candidates for investment. Important factors to
be considered will be the Price to Cash flow (P/CF), price to Sales (P/S), and
Price to Earnings (P/E) ratios as well as earnings estimate revisions and the
level of institutional ownership of any company.
    

         In selecting securities for the Fund, the Manager will consider the
financial strength of the company, the nature of its management and any
developments affecting the security, the company or the industry. The Small Cap
Contrarian Fund will be a diversified portfolio with investments in companies
representing many different sectors and industries of the equity markets.
Although the Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets at the time
of purchase in the securities of issuers conducting their principal business in
a single industry, it is likely that the Fund will be more concentrated in
certain industries at any given point in time due to their market
characteristics. As a result, the Manager expects that the Fund may have higher
volatility than a representative index of small cap value stocks. The Fund's
holdings typically will be selected for their appreciation potential

                                       -8-

<PAGE>





due to expected improvement in their financial results, or due to the
recognition that results have already improved and are likely to be sustainable.

         The Fund may invest without regard to a minimum grade level where there
are favorable changes in a company's earnings or growth potential or where
general economic conditions and/or the interest rate environment provide an
opportunity for appreciation in these securities. Investment characteristics and
certain risks associated with the types of securities in which the Fund will
generally invest are described in this Prospectus. See Risk Factors for more
specific information and risks associated with foreign and lower rated
securities. The strategies employed are dependent upon the judgment of the
Manager.

   
         While not a fundamental policy, under normal market conditions the Fund
intends to invest 65% of its net assets in securities issued by small cap
companies at the time of purchase, those currently having a market
capitalization generally of less than $1.5 billion. As a general matter, small
cap companies may have more limited product lines, markets and financial
resources than large cap companies. In addition, securities of small cap
companies, generally, may trade less frequently (and with a lesser volume), may
be more volatile and may be somewhat less liquid than securities issued by
larger capitalization companies.
    

         Other securities considered by the Manager would include those of
companies where current or anticipated favorable changes such as a new product
or service, technological breakthrough, management change, projected takeovers,
changes in capitalization or redefinition of future corporate operations provide
an opportunity for capital appreciation. The Manager will also consider
securities where trading patterns suggest that significant positions are being
accumulated by officers of the company, outside investors or the company itself.
The Manager feels it may uncover situations where those who have a vested
interest in the company feel the securities are undervalued and have
appreciation potential.

         In investing for capital appreciation, the Fund may hold securities for
any period of time. The degree of portfolio activity will affect brokerage costs
of the Fund and may affect taxes payable by the Fund's shareholders. See
Portfolio Trading Practices under Management of the Fund.

         Should the market warrant a temporary, defensive approach, the Fund may
also invest in fixed-income obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, as well as money market
instruments, and corporate bonds rated A or above by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"). (Appendix A to this
Prospectus describes these ratings.)

         If the Manager believes that market conditions warrant, the Fund may
employ options strategies. The Fund may write covered call options on individual
issues as well as write call options on stock indices. A call option is
"covered" if, during the term of the option, the Fund owns or has the right to
obtain at no added cost the security underlying the call option, owns a call
option on the underlying securities with an exercise price no higher than the
exercise price on the call option written or, subject to any regulatory
restrictions, has segregated an amount of cash or liquid high grade debt
obligations at least equal to the current price of the underlying securities.
The Fund may also purchase put options on individual issues and on stock
indices. The Manager will employ these techniques in an attempt to protect
appreciation attained, to offset capital losses and/or to take advantage of the
liquidity available in the options markets. The ability to hedge effectively
using options on stock indices will depend, in part, on the correlation between
the composition of the index and the Fund's portfolio as well as the price
movement of individual securities. The Fund does not currently intend to write
or purchase options on stock indices.

                                       -9-

<PAGE>





         While there is no limit on the amount of the Fund's assets which may be
invested in covered call options, the Fund will not invest more than 2% of its
net assets in put options. The Fund will only use exchange-traded options.

RISK FACTORS
         Investors should be willing to accept the risks associated with
investments in out of favor securities. Investing in a company temporarily out
of favor may involve the risk that the anticipated favorable change may not
occur and, as a result, that security may decline in value or not appreciate as
expected. Although the Fund will constantly strive to attain the investment
objective of capital appreciation, there can be no assurance that it will be
attained.

         The Fund may also purchase, at times, lower-rated or unrated
securities, including corporate bonds and convertible securities without regard
to credit quality, which may be considered speculative and may increase the
portfolio's credit risk. Although the Fund will ordinarily place minor emphasis
on fixed-income securities and will not typically purchase bonds or other
securities rated below Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P (i.e., high-yield, high-risk
securities, also known as "junk bonds"), it may do so if the Manager believes
that capital appreciation is likely. While the Fund is authorized to invest up
to 25% of its net assets in securities rated below BBB, it does not presently
intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in securities of this type.
Investing in such lower rated securities may involve certain risks not typically
associated with higher rated securities. Such securities are considered very
speculative and may possibly be in default or have interest payments in arrears.
See High-Yield, High-Risk Securities in Part B for additional information on the
risks associated with such securities. See Appendix A to this Prospectus for
more rating information.

         For additional information about the Fund's investment policies and
certain risks associated with investments in certain types of securities, see
Other Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.



                                      -10-

<PAGE>





THE DELAWARE DIFFERENCE

PLANS AND SERVICES
         The Delaware Difference is our commitment to provide you with superior
information and quality service on your investments in the Delaware Investments
of funds.

SHAREHOLDER PHONE DIRECTORY

Shareholder Service Center and Investor Information Center
         800-523-1918
               Information on Existing Regular Investment Accounts and
               Retirement Plan Accounts; Wire Investments; Wire Liquidations;
               Telephone Liquidations and Telephone Exchanges; Fund Information;
               Literature; Price; Yield and Performance Figures

Delaphone
         800-362-FUND
         (800-362-3863)

Performance Information
         During business hours, you can call the Investor Information Center for
current performance information.

Shareholder Services
         During business hours, you can call the Delaware Investments'
Shareholder Service Center. Our representatives can answer any questions about
your account, the Fund, various service features and other funds offered by
Delaware Investments.

   
Automated Shareholder Services
         You can purchase, redeem or exchange shares through Delaphone, Delaware
Investments' automated telephone system, or through Delaware Investments' Web
site, www.delawarefunds.com. For more information about how to sign up for these
services, call the Shareholder Service Center.
    

Dividend Payments
         Dividends, capital gains and other distributions are automatically
reinvested in your account. You may also elect to have the dividends earned in
one fund automatically invested in another Delaware Investments fund with a
different investment objective subject to certain exceptions and limitations.

         For more information, see Additional Methods of Adding to Your
Investment - Dividend Reinvestment Plan under How to Buy Shares or call the
Shareholder Service Center.

Statements and Confirmations
         You will receive quarterly statements of your account summarizing all
transactions during the period. A confirmation statement will be sent following
all transactions, other than those involving a reinvestment of dividends. You
should examine statements and confirmations immediately and promptly report any
discrepancy by calling the Shareholder Service Center.


                                      -11-

<PAGE>





Duplicate Confirmations
         If your financial adviser or investment dealer is noted on your
investment application, we will send a duplicate confirmation to him or her.
This makes it easier for your adviser to help you manage your investments.

Retirement Planning
         An investment in the Fund may be a suitable investment option for
tax-deferred retirement plans. Delaware Investments offers a full spectrum of
qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, including the popular 401(k)
deferred compensation plan, IRA, and the new Roth IRA. Just call Delaware
Investments at 1- 800-523-1918 for more information.

Right of Accumulation
         With respect to Class A Shares, the Right of Accumulation feature
allows you to combine the value of your current holdings of Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares of the Fund with the dollar amount of new
purchases of Class A Shares of the Fund to qualify for a reduced front-end sales
charge on such purchases of Class A Shares. Under the Combined Purchases
Privilege, you may also include certain shares that you own in other funds
offered by Delaware Investments. See Classes of Shares.

Letter of Intention
         The Letter of Intention feature permits you to obtain a reduced
front-end sales charge on purchases of Class A Shares by aggregating certain of
your purchases of Delaware Investments fund shares over a 13-month period. See
Classes of Shares and Part B.

12-Month Reinvestment Privilege
         The 12-Month Reinvestment Privilege permits you to reinvest proceeds
from a redemption of Class A Shares, within one year of the date of the
redemption, without paying a front-end sales charge. See Part B.

Exchange Privilege
         The Exchange Privilege permits shareholders to exchange all or part of
their shares into shares of other funds offered by Delaware Investments, subject
to certain exceptions and limitations. For additional information on exchanges,
see Investing by Exchange under How to Buy Shares and Redemption and Exchange.

Wealth Builder Option
         You may elect to invest in the Fund through regular liquidations of
shares in your accounts in other funds offered by Delaware Investments.
Investments under this feature are exchanges and are therefore subject to the
same conditions and limitations as other exchanges of Fund shares. See
Additional Methods of Adding to Your Investment - Wealth Builder Option and
Investing by Exchange under How to Buy Shares, and Redemption and Exchange.

Financial Information about the Fund
         Each fiscal year, you will receive an audited annual report and an
unaudited semi-annual report. These reports provide detailed information about
the Fund's investments and performance. Equity Funds V, Inc.'s fiscal year ends
on November 30.


                                      -12-

<PAGE>





CLASSES OF SHARES

Alternative Purchase Arrangements
         Shares may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined net
asset value per share, subject to a sales charge which may be imposed, at the
election of the purchaser, at the time of the purchase for Class A Shares
("front-end sales charge alternative"), or on a contingent deferred basis for
Class B Shares ("deferred sales charge alternative") or Class C Shares ("level
sales charge alternative").

   
         Class A Shares. An investor who elects the front-end sales charge
alternative acquires Class A Shares, which incur a sales charge when they are
purchased, but generally are not subject to any sales charge when they are
redeemed. Absent any applicable fee waiver, Class A Shares are subject to annual
12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a maximum of 0.30% (no more than 0.25% as currently
set by the Board) of average daily net assets of such shares. Certain purchases
of Class A Shares qualify for reduced front-end sales charges. See Front-End
Sales Charge Alternative - Class A Shares, below. See also Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset
Value under Redemption and Exchange and Distribution (12b-1) and Service under
Management of the Fund.
    

         Class B Shares. An investor who elects the deferred sales charge
alternative acquires Class B Shares, which do not incur a front-end sales charge
when they are purchased, but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
if they are redeemed within six years of purchase. Absent any applicable fee
waiver, Class B Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a
maximum of 1% (0.25% of which are service fees to be paid to the Distributor,
dealers or others for providing personal service and/or maintaining shareholder
accounts) of average daily net assets of such shares for approximately eight
years after purchase. Class B Shares permit all of the investor's dollars to
work from the time the investment is made. If no waiver of 12b-1 fees is in
effect, the higher 12b-1 Plan expenses paid by Class B Shares will cause such
shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than Class A
Shares. At the end of approximately eight years after purchase, the Class B
Shares automatically will be converted into Class A Shares and, thereafter, for
the remainder of the life of the investment, the annual 12b-1 Plan fee of up to
0.30% (no more than 0.25% as currently set by the Board) for the Class A Shares
will apply. See Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares, below.

         Class C Shares. An investor who elects the level sales charge
alternative acquires Class C Shares, which do not incur a front-end sales charge
when they are purchased, but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
if they are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Absent any applicable fee
waiver, Class C Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a
maximum of 1% (0.25% of which are service fees to be paid to the Distributor,
dealers or others for providing personal service and/or maintaining shareholder
accounts) of average daily net assets of such shares for the life of the
investment. If no waiver of 12b-1 fees is in effect, the higher 12b-1 Plan
expenses paid by Class C Shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense
ratio and to pay lower dividends than Class A Shares. Unlike Class B Shares,
Class C Shares do not convert to another class.

         The alternative purchase arrangements described above permit investors
to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most suitable given the amount
of their purchase, the length of time they expect to hold their shares and other
relevant circumstances. Investors should determine whether, given their
particular circumstances, it is more advantageous to purchase Class A Shares and
incur a front-end sales charge, purchase Class B Shares and have the entire
initial purchase amount invested in the Fund with their investment being

                                      -13-

<PAGE>





subject to a CDSC if they redeem shares within six years of purchase, or
purchase Class C Shares and have the entire initial purchase amount invested in
the Fund with their investment being subject to a CDSC if they redeem shares
within 12 months of purchase. In addition, investors should consider the level
of annual 12b-1 Plan expenses applicable to each Class. If no waiver of 12b-1
fees is in effect, the higher 12b-1 Plan expenses on Class B Shares and Class C
Shares will be offset to the extent a return is realized on the additional money
initially invested upon the purchase of such shares. However, there can be no
assurance as to the return, if any, that will be realized on such additional
money. In addition, the effect of any return earned on such additional money
will diminish over time. In comparing Class B Shares to Class C Shares,
investors should also consider the duration of the annual 12b-1 Plan expenses to
which each of the Classes is subject and the desirability of an automatic
conversion feature, which is available only for Class B Shares.

         For the distribution and related services provided to, and the expenses
borne on behalf of, the Fund, absent any applicable fee waiver, the Distributor
and others will be paid, in the case of Class A Shares, from the proceeds of the
front-end sales charge and 12b-1 Plan fees and, in the case of Class B Shares
and Class C Shares, from the proceeds of the 12b-1 Plan fees and, if applicable,
the CDSC incurred upon redemption. Financial advisers may receive different
compensation for selling Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the respective
12b-1 Plans and the CDSCs applicable to Class B Shares and Class C Shares are
the same as those of the 12b-1 Plan and the front-end sales charge applicable to
Class A Shares in that such fees and charges are used to finance the
distribution of the respective Classes. See Distribution (12b-1) and Service
under Management of the Fund.

         Dividends, if any, paid on Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C
Shares will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time, on the same day
and will be in the same amount, except that, when assessed, the additional
amount of 12b-1 Plan expenses relating to Class B Shares and Class C Shares will
be borne exclusively by such shares. See Calculation of Offering Price and Net
Asset Value Per Share.

         The NASD has adopted certain rules relating to investment company sales
charges. Equity Funds V, Inc. and the Distributor intend to operate in
compliance with these rules.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>





   
Front-End Sales Charge Alternative - Class A Shares
         Class A Shares may be purchased at the offering price, which reflects a
maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%. See Calculation of Offering Price and
Net Asset Value Per Share.

         Purchases of $50,000 or more carry a reduced front-end sales charge as
shown in the following table.
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   
                                             Small Cap Contrarian Fund A Class
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Dealer's
                                                                                                  Commission***
                                                     Front-end Sales Charge as % of                  as % of
Amount of Purchase                                 Offering                    Amount                Offering
                                                     Price                   Invested**               Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                   <C>                       <C>                    <C>  
Less than $50,000                                     5.75%                     6.12%                 5.00%
$50,000 but under $100,000                            4.75                      4.94                  4.00
$100,000 but under $250,000                           3.75                      3.88                  3.00
$250,000 but under $500,000                           2.50                      2.59                  2.00
$500,000 but under $1,000,000*                        2.00                      2.00                  1.60
    
</TABLE>



  *  There is no front-end sales charge on purchases of Class A Shares of $1
     million or more but, under certain limited circumstances, a 1% Limited CDSC
     may apply upon redemption of such shares made during the first year after
     the purchase and 0.50% may apply upon redemption of such shares made during
     the second year after the purchase.

 **  Based on an initial net asset value per share of $8.50 for Class A Shares.

***  Financial institutions or their affiliated brokers may receive an agency
     transaction fee in the percentages set forth above.

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


         The Fund must be notified when a sale takes place which would qualify
         for the reduced front-end sales charge on the basis of previous or
         current purchases. The reduced front-end sales charge will be granted
         upon confirmation of the shareholder's holdings by the Fund. Such
         reduced front-end sales charges are not retroactive.

         From time to time, upon written notice to all of its dealers, the
         Distributor may hold special promotions for specified periods during
         which the Distributor may reallow to dealers up to the full amount of
         the front-end sales charge shown above. In addition, certain dealers
         who enter into an agreement to provide extra training and information
         on Delaware Investments products and services and who increase sales
         of Delaware Investments funds may receive an additional commission of
         up to 0.15% of the offering price. Dealers who receive 90% or more of
         the sales charge may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities
         Act of 1933.

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


         For initial purchases of Class A Shares of $1 million or more, a
dealer's commission may be paid by the Distributor to financial advisers through
whom such purchases are made in accordance with the following schedule:



                                      -15-

<PAGE>







                                                          Dealer's Commission
                                                          (as a percentage of
Amount of Purchase                                         amount purchased)
- ------------------                                         -----------------

Up to $5 million                                                 1.00%
Next $20 million up to $25 million                               0.50
Amount over $25 million                                          0.25

         Such Class A Shares are subject to a Limited CDSC of 1% if shares are
redeemed during the first year after purchase and 0.50% if shares are redeemed
during the second year after purchase.

         For accounts with assets over $1 million, the dealer commission resets
annually to the highest incremental commission rate on the anniversary of the
first purchase. In determining a financial adviser's eligibility for the
dealer's commission, purchases of Class A Shares of other Delaware Investments
funds as to which a Limited CDSC applies may be aggregated with those of the
Class A Shares of the Fund. Financial advisers also may be eligible for a
dealer's commission in connection with certain purchases made under a Letter of
Intention or pursuant to an investor's Right of Accumulation. Financial advisers
should contact the Distributor concerning the applicability and calculation of
the dealer's commission in the case of combined purchases.

   
         An exchange from other Delaware Investments funds will not qualify for
payment of the dealer's commission, unless a dealer's commission or similar
payment has not been previously paid on the assets being exchanged. The schedule
and program for payment of the dealer's commission are subject to change or
termination at any time by the Distributor at its discretion.

         Redemptions of Class A Shares purchased at net asset value may result
in the imposition of a Limited CDSC if the dealer's commission described above
was paid in connection with the purchase of those shares. See Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net
Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange.

Combined Purchases Privilege
         By combining your holdings of Class A Shares with your holdings of
Class B Shares and/or Class C Shares of the Fund and shares of the other funds
offered by Delaware Investments, except those noted below, you can reduce the
front-end sales charges on any additional purchases of Class A Shares. Shares of
Delaware Group Premium Fund, Inc. beneficially owned in connection with
ownership of variable insurance products may be combined with other Delaware
Investments fund holdings. In addition, assets held by investment advisory
clients of the Manager or its affiliates in any stable value account may be
combined with other Delaware Investments fund holdings. Shares of other funds
that do not carry a front-end sales charge or CDSC may not be included unless
they were acquired through an exchange from a Delaware Investments fund that
does carry a front-end sales charge or CDSC.

         This privilege permits you to combine your purchases and holdings with
those of your spouse, your children under 21 and any trust, fiduciary or
retirement account for the benefit of such family members.
    


                                      -16-

<PAGE>





   
         This privilege also permits you to use these combinations under a
Letter of Intention. A Letter of Intention allows you to make purchases over a
13-month period and qualify the entire purchase for a reduction in front-end
sales charges on Class A Shares.

         Combined purchases of $1,000,000 or more, including certain purchases
made at net asset value pursuant to a Right of Accumulation or under a Letter of
Intention, may result in the payment of a dealer's commission and the
applicability of a Limited CDSC. Investors should consult their financial
advisers or the Shareholder Service Center about the operation of these
features. See Front-End Sales Charge Alternative Class A Shares, above.

Allied Plans
         Class A Shares are available for purchase by participants in certain
401(k) Defined Contribution Plans ("Allied Plans") which are made available
under a joint venture agreement between the Distributor and another institution
through which mutual funds are marketed and which allow investments in Class A
Shares of designated Delaware Investments funds ("eligible Delaware Investments
fund shares"), as well as shares of designated classes of non-Delaware
Investments funds ("eligible non-Delaware Investments fund shares"). Class B
Shares and Class C Shares are not eligible for purchase by Allied Plans.

         With respect to purchases made in connection with an Allied Plan, the
value of eligible Delaware Investments and eligible non-Delaware Investments
fund shares held by the Allied Plan may be combined with the dollar amount of
new purchases by that Allied Plan to obtain a reduced front-end sales charge on
additional purchases of eligible Delaware Investments fund shares.

         Participants in Allied Plans may exchange all or part of their eligible
Delaware Investments fund shares for other eligible Delaware Investments fund
shares or for eligible non-Delaware Investments fund shares at net asset value
without payment of a front-end sales charge. However, exchanges of eligible fund
shares, both Delaware Investments and non-Delaware Investments, which were not
subject to a front-end sales charge, will be subject to the applicable sales
charge if exchanged for eligible Delaware Investments fund shares to which a
sales charge applies. No sales charge will apply if the eligible fund shares
were previously acquired through the exchange of eligible shares on which a
sales charge was already paid or through the reinvestment of dividends.
See Investing by Exchange.

         A dealer's commission may be payable on purchases of eligible Delaware
Investments fund shares under an Allied Plan. In determining a financial
adviser's eligibility for a dealer's commission on net asset value purchases of
eligible Delaware Investments fund shares in connection with Allied Plans, all
participant holdings in the Allied Plan will be aggregated.

         The Limited CDSC is applicable to redemptions of net asset value
purchases from an Allied Plan on which a dealer's commission has been paid.
Waivers of the Limited CDSC, as described under Waiver of Limited Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge - Class A Shares under Redemption and Exchange, apply to
redemptions by participants in Allied Plans except in the case of exchanges
between eligible Delaware Investments and non-Delaware Investments fund shares.
When eligible Delaware Investments fund shares are exchanged into eligible
non-Delaware Investments fund shares, the Limited CDSC will be imposed at the
time of the exchange, unless the joint venture agreement specifies that the
amount of the Limited CDSC will be paid by the financial adviser or selling
dealer. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A
Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange.
    


                                      -17-

<PAGE>





   
Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset Value
         Class A Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value under
the Delaware Investments Dividend Reinvestment Plan and, under certain
circumstances, the Exchange Privilege and the 12-Month Reinvestment Privilege.
See The Delaware Difference and Redemption and Exchange for additional
information.

         Purchases of Class A Shares may be made at net asset value by current
and former officers, directors and employees (and members of their families) of
the Manager, any affiliate, any of the funds offered by Delaware Investments,
certain of their agents and registered representatives and employees of
authorized investment dealers and by employee benefit plans for such entities.
Individual purchases, including those in retirement accounts, must be for
accounts in the name of the individual or a qualifying family member.

         Purchases of Class A Shares may also be made by clients of registered
representatives of an authorized investment dealer at net asset value within 12
months after the registered representative changes employment, if the purchase
is funded by proceeds from an investment where a front-end sales charge,
contingent deferred sales charge or other sales charge has been assessed.
Purchases of Class A Shares may also be made at net asset value by bank
employees who provide services in connection with agreements between the bank
and unaffiliated brokers or dealers concerning sales of shares of Delaware
Investments funds. Officers, directors and key employees of institutional
clients of the Manager or any of its affiliates may purchase Class A Shares at
net asset value. Moreover, purchases may be effected at net asset value for the
benefit of the clients of brokers, dealers and registered investment advisers
affiliated with a broker or dealer, if such broker, dealer or investment adviser
has entered into an agreement with the Distributor providing specifically for
the purchase of Class A Shares in connection with special investment products,
such as wrap accounts or similar fee based programs. Investors may be charged a
fee when effecting transactions in Class A through a broker or agent that offers
these special investment products.

         Purchases of Class A Shares at net asset value may also be made by the
following: financial institutions investing for the account of their trust
customers if they are not eligible to purchase shares of the Institutional Class
of the Fund; any group retirement plan (excluding defined benefit pension
plans), or such plans of the same employer, for which plan participant records
are maintained on the Retirement Financial Services, Inc. (formerly named
Delaware Investment & Retirement Services, Inc.) ("RFSI") proprietary record
keeping system that (i) has in excess of $500,000 of plan assets invested in
Class A Shares of Delaware Investments funds and any stable value account
available to investment advisory clients of the Manager or its affiliates, or
(ii) is sponsored by an employer that has at any point after May 1, 1997 had
more than 100 employees while such plan has held Class A Shares of a Delaware
Investments fund and such employer has properly represented to RFSI in writing
that it has the requisite number of employees and has received written
confirmation back from RFSI. See Group Investment Plans for information
regarding the applicability of the Limited CDSC.

         Investments in Class A Shares made by plan level and/or participant
retirement accounts that are for the purpose of repaying a loan taken from such
accounts will be made at net asset value. Loan repayments made to a Delaware
Investments account in connection with loans originated from accounts previously
maintained by another investment firm will also be invested at net asset value.

         Investors in Delaware Investments Unit Investment Trusts may reinvest
monthly dividend checks and/or repayment of invested capital into Class A Shares
of any of the funds offered by Delaware Investments at net asset value.
    

                                      -18-

<PAGE>





   
         The Fund must be notified in advance that an investment qualifies for
purchase at net asset value.

Group Investment Plans
         Group Investment Plans (e.g., SEP/IRA, SAR/SEP, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE
401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans and 401(k) Defined
Contribution Plans and 403(b)(7) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans) may
benefit from the reduced front-end sales charges available on Class A Shares
based on total plan assets. If a company has more than one plan investing in the
Delaware Investments funds, then the total amount invested in all plans will be
aggregated to determine the applicable front-end sales charge reduction on each
purchase, both initial and subsequent, if, at the time of each such purchase,
the company notifies the Fund that it qualifies for the reduction. Employees
participating in such Group Investment Plans may also combine the investments
held in their plan account to determine the front-end sales charge applicable to
purchases in non-retirement Delaware Investments investment accounts if, at the
time of each such purchase, they notify the Fund that they are eligible to
combine purchase amounts held in their plan account.

         The Limited CDSC is applicable to any redemptions of net asset value
purchases made on behalf of any group retirement plan on which a dealer's
commission has been paid only if such redemption is made pursuant to a
withdrawal of the entire plan from Delaware Investments funds. See Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net
Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange.

         For additional information on retirement plans, including plan forms,
applications, minimum investments and any applicable account maintenance fees,
contact your investment dealer or the Distributor.

Deferred Sales Charge Alternative - Class B Shares
         Class B Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a front-end
sales charge and, as a result, the full amount of the investor's purchase
payment will be invested in Fund shares. The Distributor currently compensates
dealers or brokers for selling Class B Shares at the time of purchase from its
own assets in an amount equal to no more than 5% of the dollar amount purchased.
In addition, from time to time, upon written notice to all of its dealers, the
Distributor may hold special promotions for specified periods during which the
Distributor may pay additional compensation to dealers or brokers for selling
Class B Shares at the time of purchase. As discussed below, however, absent any
applicable fee waiver, Class B Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses
of up to a maximum of 1% for approximately eight years after purchase and, if
redeemed within six years of purchase, a CDSC.
    

         Proceeds from the CDSC and the annual 12b-1 Plan fees, if any, are paid
to the Distributor and others for providing distribution and related services,
and bearing related expenses, in connection with the sale of Class B Shares.
These payments support the compensation paid to dealers or brokers for selling
Class B Shares. Payments to the Distributor and others under the Class B 12b-1
Plan may be in an amount equal to no more than 1% annually. The combination of
the CDSC and the proceeds of the 12b-1 Plan fees makes it possible for the Fund
to sell Class B Shares without deducting a front-end sales charge at the time of
purchase.

         Holders of Class B Shares who exercise the exchange privilege described
below will continue to be subject to the CDSC schedule for the Class B Shares
described in this Prospectus, even after the exchange. Such CDSC schedule may be
higher than the CDSC schedule for the Class B Shares acquired as a result of the
exchange. See Redemption and Exchange.



                                      -19-

<PAGE>





Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares
         Class B Shares, other than shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividends, held for eight years after purchase are eligible for automatic
conversion into Class A Shares. Conversions of Class B Shares into Class A
Shares will occur only four times in any calendar year, on the last business day
of the second full week of March, June, September and December (each, a
"Conversion Date"). If the eighth anniversary after a purchase of Class B Shares
falls on a Conversion Date, an investor's Class B Shares will be converted on
that date. If the eighth anniversary occurs between Conversion Dates, an
investor's Class B Shares will be converted on the next Conversion Date after
such anniversary. Consequently, if a shareholder's eighth anniversary falls on
the day after a Conversion Date, that shareholder will have to hold Class B
Shares for as long as three additional months after the eighth anniversary of
purchase before the shares will automatically convert into Class A Shares.

         Class B Shares of a fund acquired through a reinvestment of dividends
will convert to the corresponding Class A Shares of that fund (or, in the case
of Delaware Group Cash Reserve, Inc., the Delaware Cash Reserve Consultant
Class) pro-rata with Class B Shares of that fund not acquired through dividend
reinvestment.

         All such automatic conversions of Class B Shares will constitute
tax-free exchanges for federal income tax purposes. See Taxes.

Level Sales Charge Alternative - Class C Shares
         Class C Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a front-end
sales charge and, as a result, the full amount of the investor's purchase
payment will be invested in Fund shares. The Distributor currently compensates
dealers or brokers for selling Class C Shares at the time of purchase from its
own assets in an amount equal to no more than 1% of the dollar amount purchased.
As discussed below, absent any applicable fee waiver, Class C Shares are subject
to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses and, if redeemed within 12 months of purchase, a
CDSC.

         Proceeds from the CDSC and the annual 12b-1 Plan fees, if any, are paid
to the Distributor and others for providing distribution and related services,
and bearing related expenses, in connection with the sale of Class C Shares.
These payments support the compensation paid to dealers or brokers for selling
Class C Shares. Payments to the Distributor and others under the Class C 12b-1
Plan may be in an amount equal to no more than 1% annually.

         Holders of Class C Shares who exercise the exchange privilege described
below will continue to be subject to the CDSC schedule for the Class C Shares as
described in this Prospectus. See Redemption and Exchange.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares and Class C Shares
         Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase may be subject to
a CDSC at the rates set forth below and Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months
of purchase may be subject to a CDSC of 1%. CDSCs are charged as a percentage of
the dollar amount subject to the CDSC. The charge will be assessed on an amount
equal to the lesser of the net asset value at the time of purchase of the shares
being redeemed or the net asset value of those shares at the time of redemption.
No CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price, nor will a CDSC be assessed on redemptions of shares acquired
through reinvestments of dividends or capital gains distributions. For purposes
of this formula, the "net asset value at the time of purchase" will be the net
asset value at purchase of the Class B Shares or the Class C Shares of the Fund,
even if those shares are later exchanged for shares of another Delaware
Investments fund. In the event of

                                      -20-

<PAGE>





an exchange of the shares, the "net asset value of such shares at the time of
redemption" will be the net asset value of the shares that were acquired in the
exchange.

         The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC for the Class B
Shares of the Fund:



                                                         Contingent Deferred
                                                         Sales Charge (as a
                                                            Percentage of
                                                            Dollar Amount
Year After Purchase Made                                 Subject to Charge)
- ------------------------                                 ------------------

         0-1                                                     5%
         2                                                       4%
         3-4                                                     3%
         5                                                       2%
         6                                                       1%
         7 and thereafter                                        None

During the seventh year after purchase and, thereafter, until converted
automatically into Class A Shares, Class B Shares will still be subject to the
annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to 1% of average daily net assets of those
shares, absent any applicable fee waiver. See Automatic Conversion of Class B
Shares, above. Investors are reminded that the Class A Shares into which the
Class B Shares will convert are subject to ongoing annual 12b- 1 Plan expenses
of up to a maximum of 0.30% of average daily net assets of such shares.

         In determining whether a CDSC applies to a redemption of Class B
Shares, it will be assumed that shares held for more than six years are redeemed
first, followed by shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or
distributions, and finally by shares held longest during the six-year period.
With respect to Class C Shares, it will be assumed that shares held for more
than 12 months are redeemed first followed by shares acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends or distributions, and finally by shares held for 12
months or less.

         All investments made during a calendar month, regardless of what day of
the month the investment occurred, will age one month on the last day of that
month and each subsequent month.

         The CDSC is waived on certain redemptions of Class B Shares and Class C
Shares. See Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares and
Class C Shares under Redemption and Exchange.

Other Payments to Dealers -- Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
         From time to time at the discretion of the Distributor, all registered
broker/dealers whose aggregate sales of the Classes exceed certain limits, as
set by the Distributor, may receive from the Distributor an additional payment
of up to 0.25% of the dollar amount of such sales. The Distributor may also
provide additional promotional incentives or payments to dealers that sell
shares of the Delaware Investments funds. In some instances, these incentives or
payments may be offered only to certain dealers who maintain, have sold or may
sell certain amounts of shares.

         Subject to pending amendments to the NASD's Conduct Rules, in
connection with the promotion of Delaware Investments fund shares, the
Distributor may, from time to time, pay to participate in 


                                      -21-
<PAGE>

dealer-sponsored seminars and conferences, reimburse dealers for expenses
incurred in connection with preapproved seminars, conferences and advertising
and may, from time to time, pay or allow additional promotional incentives to
dealers, which shall include non-cash concessions, such as certain luxury
merchandise or a trip to or attendance at a business or investment seminar at a
luxury resort, as part of preapproved sales contests. Payment of non-cash
compensation to dealers is currently under review by the NASD and the Securities
and Exchange Commission. It is likely that the NASD's Conduct Rules will be
amended such that the ability of the Distributor to pay non-cash compensation as
described above will be restricted in some fashion. The Distributor intends to
comply with the NASD's Conduct Rules as they may be amended.

Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class
         In addition to offering Class A, Class B and Class C Shares, the Fund
also offers Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class, which is described in
a separate prospectus and is available for purchase only by certain investors.
Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class shares generally are distributed
directly by the Distributor and do not have a front-end sales charge, a CDSC or
a Limited CDSC, and are not subject to 12b-1 Plan distribution expenses. To
obtain the prospectus that describes Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional
Class, contact the Distributor by writing to the address or by calling the
telephone number listed on the back cover of this Prospectus.



                                      -22-
<PAGE>





HOW TO BUY SHARES

Purchase Amounts
         Generally, the minimum initial purchase is $1,000 for Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares. Subsequent purchases of shares of any Class
generally must be $100 or more. For purchases under a Uniform Gifts to Minors
Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act or through an Automatic Investing Plan,
there is a minimum initial purchase of $250 and a minimum subsequent purchase of
$25. Minimum purchase requirements do not apply to retirement plans other than
IRAs, for which there is a minimum initial purchase of $250, and a minimum
subsequent purchase of $25, regardless of which Class is selected.

   
         There is a maximum purchase limitation of $250,000 on each purchase of
Class B Shares. For Class C Shares, each purchase must be in an amount that is
less than $1,000,000. An investor may exceed these maximum purchase limitations
by making cumulative purchases over a period of time. In doing so, an investor
should keep in mind that reduced front-end sales charges are available on
investments of $50,000 or more in Class A Shares, and that Class A Shares (i)
are subject to lower annual 12b-1 Plan expenses than Class B Shares and Class C
Shares and (ii) generally are not subject to a CDSC. For retirement plans, the
maximum purchase limitations apply only to the initial purchase of Class B
Shares or Class C Shares by the plan.
    

Investing through Your Investment Dealer
         You can make a purchase of shares of the Fund through most investment
dealers who, as part of the service they provide, must transmit orders promptly.
They may charge for this service. If you want a dealer but do not have one, the
Delaware Investments can refer you to one.

Investing by Mail
1. Initial Purchases--An Investment Application or, in the case of a retirement
plan account, an appropriate retirement plan application, must be completed,
signed and sent with a check, payable to Small Cap Contrarian Fund A Class,
Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class or Small Cap Contrarian Fund C Class, to
Delaware Investments at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

2. Subsequent Purchases--Additional purchases may be made at any time by mailing
a check payable to the specific Class selected. Your check should be identified
with your name(s) and account number. An investment slip (similar to a deposit
slip) is provided at the bottom of transaction confirmations and dividend
statements that you will receive from Equity Funds V, Inc. Use of this
investment slip can help expedite processing of your check when making
additional purchases. Your investment may be delayed if you send additional
purchases by certified mail.

   
Investing by Wire
         You may purchase shares by requesting your bank to transmit funds by
wire to First Union National Bank, ABA #031201467, account number 2014128934013
(include your name(s) and your account number for the Class in which you are
investing).
    

1. Initial Purchases--Before you invest, telephone the Shareholder Service
Center to get an account number. If you do not call first, processing of your
investment may be delayed. In addition, you must promptly send your Investment
Application or, in the case of a retirement plan account, an appropriate
retirement plan application, to the specific Fund and Class selected, to
Delaware Investments at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.


                                      -23-
<PAGE>





2. Subsequent Purchases--You may make additional investments anytime by wiring
funds to First Union National Bank as described above. You should advise the
Shareholder Service Center by telephone of each wire you send.

         If you want to wire investments to a retirement plan account, call the
Shareholder Service Center for special wiring instructions.

Investing by Exchange
         If you have an investment in another mutual fund offered by Delaware
Investments, you may write and authorize an exchange of part or all of your
investment into shares of the Fund. If you wish to open an account by exchange,
call the Shareholder Service Center for more information. All exchanges are
subject to the eligibility and minimum purchase requirements set forth in each
fund's prospectus. See Redemption and Exchange for more complete information
concerning your exchange privilege.

         Holders of Class A Shares may exchange all or part of their shares for
certain of the shares of other funds offered by Delaware Investments, including
other Class A Shares, but may not exchange their Class A Shares for Class B
Shares or Class C Shares of the Fund or of any other Delaware Investments fund.
Holders of Class B Shares of the Fund are permitted to exchange all or part of
their Class B Shares only into Class B Shares of other Delaware Investments
funds. Similarly, holders of Class C Shares of the Fund are permitted to
exchange all or part of their Class C Shares only into Class C Shares of other
Delaware Investments funds. Class B Shares of the Fund and Class C Shares of the
Fund acquired by exchange will continue to carry the CDSC and, in the case of
Class B Shares, the automatic conversion schedule of the fund from which the
exchange is made. The holding period of the Class B Shares of the Fund acquired
by exchange will be added to that of the shares that were exchanged for purposes
of determining the time of the automatic conversion into Class A Shares of the
Fund.

         Permissible exchanges into Class A Shares of the Fund will be made
without a front-end sales charge, except for exchanges of shares that were not
previously subject to a front-end sales charge (unless such shares were acquired
through the reinvestment of dividends). Permissible exchanges into Class B
Shares or Class C Shares of the Fund will be made without the imposition of a
CDSC by the fund from which the exchange is being made at the time of the
exchange.

         See Allied Plans under Classes of Shares for information on exchanges
by participants in an Allied Plan.

Additional Methods of Adding to Your Investment
         Call the Shareholder Service Center for more information if you wish to
use the following services:

1.       Automatic Investing Plan
         The Automatic Investing Plan enables you to make regular monthly
investments without writing or mailing checks. You may authorize Equity Funds V,
Inc. to transfer a designated amount monthly from your checking account to your
Fund account. Many shareholders use this as an automatic savings plan.
Shareholders should allow a reasonable amount of time for initial purchases and
changes to these plans to become effective.


                                      -24-

<PAGE>





         This option is not available to participants in the following plans:
SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plans.

2.       Direct Deposit
         You may have your employer or bank make regular investments directly to
your account for you (for example: payroll deduction, pay by phone, annuity
payments). The Fund also accepts preauthorized recurring government and private
payments by Electronic Fund Transfer, which avoids mail time and check clearing
holds on payments such as social security, federal salaries, Railroad Retirement
benefits, etc.

                                    *     *     *

         Should investments through an automatic investing plan or by direct
deposit be reclaimed or returned for some reason, Equity Funds V, Inc. has the
right to liquidate your shares to reimburse the government or transmitting bank.
If there are insufficient funds in your account, you are obligated to reimburse
the Fund.

3.       Wealth Builder Option
         You can use our Wealth Builder Option to invest in the Fund through
regular liquidations of shares in your accounts in other funds offered by
Delaware Investments. You may also elect to invest in other mutual funds offered
by Delaware Investments through the Wealth Builder Option through regular
liquidations of shares in your Fund account.

         Under this automatic exchange program, you can authorize regular
monthly amounts (minimum of $100 per fund) to be liquidated from your account in
one or more funds offered by Delaware Investments and invested automatically
into any other account in a Delaware Investments mutual fund that you may
specify. If in connection with the election of the Wealth Builder Option, you
wish to open a new account to receive the automatic investment, such new account
must meet the minimum initial purchase requirements described in the prospectus
of the fund that you select. Investments under this option are exchanges and are
therefore subject to the same conditions and limitations as other exchanges
noted above. You can terminate your participation in Wealth Builder at any time
by giving written notice to the fund from which the exchanges are made. See
Redemption and Exchange.

         This option is not available to participants in the following plans:
SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plans.

4.       Dividend Reinvestment Plan
         You can elect to have your distributions (capital gains and/or dividend
income) paid to you by check or reinvested in your account. Or, you may invest
your distributions in certain other funds offered by Delaware Investments,
subject to the exceptions noted below as well as the eligibility and minimum
purchase requirements set forth in each fund's prospectus.

         Reinvestments of distributions into Class A Shares of the Fund or of
other Delaware Investments funds are made without a front-end sales charge.
Reinvestments of distributions into Class B Shares of the Fund or of other
Delaware Investments funds or into Class C Shares of the Fund or of other
Delaware Investments funds are also made without any sales charge and will not
be subject to a CDSC if later redeemed. See Automatic



                                      -25-
<PAGE>




Conversion of Class B Shares under Classes of Shares for information concerning
the automatic conversion of Class B Shares acquired by reinvesting dividends.

         Holders of Class A Shares of the Fund may not reinvest their
distributions into Class B Shares or Class C Shares of any fund offered by
Delaware Investments, including the Fund. Holders of Class B Shares of the Fund
may reinvest their distributions only into Class B Shares of the Delaware
Investments funds which offer that class of shares. Similarly, holders of Class
C Shares of the Fund may reinvest their distributions only into Class C Shares
of the Delaware Investments funds which offer that class of shares. For more
information about reinvestments, call the Shareholder Service Center.

         Capital gains and/or dividend distributions for participants in the
following retirement plans are automatically reinvested into the same Delaware
Investments fund in which their investments are held: SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE
IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans, 401(k)
Defined Contribution Plans or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation Plans.

Purchase Price and Effective Date
         The offering price and net asset value of Class A, Class B and Class C
Shares are determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (ordinarily, 4 p.m., Eastern time) on days when the Exchange is open.

         The effective date of a purchase is the date the order is received by
the Fund, its agent or designee. The effective date of a direct purchase is the
day your wire, electronic transfer or check is received, unless it is received
after the time the offering price or net asset value of shares is determined, as
noted above. Purchase orders received after such time will be effective the next
business day.

The Conditions of Your Purchase
         The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order. If a purchase
is canceled because your check is returned unpaid, you are responsible for any
loss incurred. The Fund can redeem shares from your account(s) to reimburse
itself for any loss, and you may be restricted from making future purchases in
any of the funds offered by Delaware Investments. The Fund reserves the right to
reject purchase orders paid by third-party checks or checks that are not drawn
on a domestic branch of a United States financial institution. If a check drawn
on a foreign financial institution is accepted, you may be subject to additional
bank charges for clearance and currency conversion.

         The Fund also reserves the right, following shareholder notification,
to charge a service fee on non- retirement accounts that, as a result of a
redemption, have remained below the minimum stated account balance for a period
of three or more consecutive months. Holders of such accounts may be notified of
their insufficient account balance and advised that they have until the end of
the current calendar quarter to raise their balance to the stated minimum. If
the account has not reached the minimum balance requirement by that time, the
Fund will charge a $9 fee for that quarter and each subsequent calendar quarter
until the account is brought up to the minimum balance. The service fee will be
deducted from the account during the first week of each calendar quarter for the
previous quarter, and will be used to help defray the cost of maintaining
low-balance accounts. No fees will be charged without proper notice, and no CDSC
will apply to such assessments.




                                      -26-
<PAGE>




         The Fund also reserves the right, upon 60 days' written notice, to
involuntarily redeem accounts that remain under the minimum initial purchase
amount as a result of redemptions. An investor making the minimum initial
investment may be subject to involuntary redemption without the imposition of a
CDSC or Limited CDSC if he or she redeems any portion of his or her account.




                                      -27-
<PAGE>




REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE

         You can redeem or exchange your shares in a number of different ways.
The exchange service is useful if your investment requirements change and you
want an easy way to invest in other equity funds, tax- advantaged funds, bond
funds or money market funds. This service is also useful if you are anticipating
a major expenditure and want to move a portion of your investment into a fund
that has the checkwriting feature. Exchanges are subject to the requirements of
each fund and all exchanges of shares constitute taxable events. See Taxes.
Further, in order for an exchange to be processed, shares of the fund being
acquired must be registered in the state where the acquiring shareholder
resides. You may want to consult your financial adviser or investment dealer to
discuss which funds offered by Delaware Investments will best meet your changing
objectives, and the consequences of any exchange transaction. You may also call
the Delaware Investments directly for fund information.

         All exchanges involve a purchase of shares of the fund into which the
exchange is made. As with any purchase, an investor should obtain and carefully
read that fund's prospectus before buying shares in an exchange. The prospectus
contains more complete information about the fund, including charges and
expenses.

         Your shares will be redeemed or exchanged at a price based on the net
asset value next determined after the Fund receives your request in good order,
subject, in the case of a redemption, to any applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC.
For example, redemption or exchange requests received in good order after the
time the offering price and net asset value of shares are determined, as noted
above, will be processed on the next business day. See Purchase Price and
Effective Date under How to Buy Shares. A shareholder submitting a redemption
request may indicate that he or she wishes to receive redemption proceeds of a
specific dollar amount. In the case of such a request, and in the case of
certain redemptions from retirement plan accounts, the Fund will redeem the
number of shares necessary to deduct the applicable CDSC in the case of Class B
and Class C Shares, or, if applicable, the Limited CDSC in the case of Class A
Shares and tender to the shareholder the requested amount, assuming the
shareholder holds enough shares in his or her account for the redemption to be
processed in this manner. Otherwise, the amount tendered to the shareholder upon
redemption will be reduced by the amount of the applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC.
Redemption proceeds will be distributed promptly, as described below, but not
later than seven days after receipt of a redemption request.

         Except as noted below, for a redemption request to be in "good order,"
you must provide your account number, account registration, and the total number
of shares or dollar amount of the transaction. For exchange requests, you must
also provide the name of the fund in which you want to invest the proceeds.
Exchange instructions and redemption requests must be signed by the record
owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered. You may request a redemption or
an exchange by calling the Shareholder Service Center at 800-523-1918. The Fund
may suspend, terminate, or amend the terms of the exchange privilege upon 60
days' written notice to shareholders.

         The Fund will process written and telephone redemption requests to the
extent that the purchase orders for the shares being redeemed have already
settled. The Fund will honor redemption requests as to shares for which a check
was tendered as payment, but the Fund will not mail or wire the proceeds until
it is reasonably satisfied that the check has cleared, which may take up to 15
days from the purchase date. You can avoid this potential delay if you purchase
shares by wiring Federal Funds. The Fund reserves the right to reject a written
or telephone redemption request or delay payment of redemption proceeds if there
has been a recent change to the shareholder's address of record.


                                      -28-
<PAGE>





         There is no front-end sales charge or fee for exchanges made between
shares of funds which both carry a front-end sales charge. Any applicable
front-end sales charge will apply to exchanges from shares of funds not subject
to a front-end sales charge, except for exchanges involving assets that were
previously invested in a fund with a front-end sales charge and/or exchanges
involving the reinvestment of dividends.

         Holders of Class B Shares or Class C Shares that exchange their shares
("Original Shares") for shares of other funds offered by Delaware Investments
(in each case, "New Shares") in a permitted exchange, will not be subject to a
CDSC that might otherwise be due upon redemption of the Original Shares.
However, such shareholders will continue to be subject to the CDSC and, in the
case of Class B Shares, the automatic conversion schedule of the Original Shares
as described in this Prospectus and any CDSC assessed upon redemption will be
charged by the fund from which the Original Shares were exchanged. In an
exchange of Class B Shares from the Fund, the Fund's CDSC schedule may be higher
than the CDSC schedule relating to the New Shares acquired as a result of the
exchange. For purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a
disposition of the New Shares, the period of time that an investor held the
Original Shares is added to the period of time that an investor held the New
Shares. With respect to Class B Shares, the automatic conversion schedule of the
Original Shares may be longer than that of the New Shares. Consequently, an
investment in New Shares by exchange may subject an investor, absent any
applicable fee waiver, to the higher 12b-1 fees applicable to Class B Shares of
the Fund for a longer period of time than if the investment in New Shares were
made directly.

         Various redemption and exchange methods are outlined below. Except for
the CDSC applicable to certain redemptions of Class B and Class C Shares and the
Limited CDSC applicable to certain redemptions of Class A Shares purchased at
net asset value, there is no fee charged by the Fund or the Distributor for
redeeming or exchanging your shares, but such fees could be charged in the
future. You may have your investment dealer arrange to have your shares redeemed
or exchanged. Your investment dealer may charge for this service.

         All authorizations given by shareholders, including selection of any of
the features described below, shall continue in effect until such time as a
written revocation or modification has been received by the Fund or its agent.

Written Redemption
         You can write to the Fund at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
to redeem some or all of your shares. The request must be signed by all owners
of the account or your investment dealer of record. For redemptions of more than
$50,000, or when the proceeds are not sent to the shareholder(s) at the address
of record, the Fund requires a signature by all owners of the account and a
signature guarantee for each owner. A signature guarantee can be obtained from a
commercial bank, a trust company or a member of a Securities Transfer
Association Medallion Program ("STAMP"). A signature guarantee cannot be
provided by a notary public. A signature guarantee is designed to protect the
shareholders, the Fund and its agents from fraud. The Fund reserves the right to
reject a signature guarantee supplied by an eligible institution based on its
creditworthiness. The Fund may require further documentation from corporations,
executors, retirement plans, administrators, trustees or guardians.

         Payment is normally mailed the next business day after receipt of your
redemption request. If your Class A Shares are in certificate form, the
certificate(s) must accompany your request and also be in good order.


                                      -29-
<PAGE>




Certificates are issued for Class A Shares only if a shareholder submits a
specific request. Certificates are not issued for Class B Shares or Class C
Shares.

Written Exchange
         You may also write to the Fund (at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
19103) to request an exchange of any or all of your shares into another mutual
fund offered by Delaware Investments, subject to the same conditions and
limitations as other exchanges noted above.

Telephone Redemption and Exchange
         To get the added convenience of the telephone redemption and exchange
methods, you must have the Transfer Agent hold your shares (without charge) for
you. If you choose to have your Class A Shares in certificate form, you may
redeem or exchange only by written request and you must return your
certificate(s).

         The Telephone Redemption--Check to Your Address of Record service and
the Telephone Exchange service, both of which are described below, are
automatically provided unless you notify the Fund in writing that you do not
wish to have such services available with respect to your account. The Fund
reserves the right to modify, terminate or suspend these procedures upon 60
days' written notice to shareholders. It may be difficult to reach the Fund by
telephone during periods when market or economic conditions lead to an unusually
large volume of telephone requests.

         Neither the Fund nor its Transfer Agent is responsible for any
shareholder loss incurred in acting upon written or telephone instructions for
redemption or exchange of Fund shares which are reasonably believed to be
genuine. With respect to such telephone transactions, the Fund will follow
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine (including verification of a form of personal identification) as, if it
does not, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Instructions received by telephone are
generally tape recorded, and a written confirmation will be provided for all
purchase, exchange and redemption transactions initiated by telephone. By
exchanging shares by telephone, you are acknowledging prior receipt of a
prospectus for the fund into which your shares are being exchanged.

Telephone Redemption--Check to Your Address of Record
         The Telephone Redemption feature is a quick and easy method to redeem
shares. You or your investment dealer of record can have redemption proceeds of
$50,000 or less mailed to you at your address of record. Checks will be payable
to the shareholder(s) of record. Payment is normally mailed the next business
day after receipt of the redemption request. This service is only available to
individual, joint and individual fiduciary-type accounts.

Telephone Redemption--Proceeds to Your Bank
         Redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more can be transferred to your
predesignated bank account by wire or by check. You should authorize this
service when you open your account. If you change your predesignated bank
account, you must complete an Authorization Form and have your signature
guaranteed. For your protection, your authorization must be on file. If you
request a wire, your funds will normally be sent the next business day. First
Union National Bank's fee (currently $7.50) will be deducted from your
redemption proceeds. If you ask for a check, it will normally be mailed the next
business day after receipt of your redemption request to your predesignated bank
account. There are no separate fees for this redemption method,


                                      -30-
<PAGE>




but the mail time may delay getting funds into your bank account. Simply call
the Shareholder Service Center prior to the time the offering price and net
asset value are determined, as noted above.

Telephone Exchange
         The Telephone Exchange feature is a convenient and efficient way to
adjust your investment holdings as your liquidity requirements and investment
objectives change. You or your investment dealer of record can exchange your
shares into other funds offered by Delaware Investments under the same
registration, subject to the same conditions and limitations as other exchanges
noted above. As with the written exchange service, telephone exchanges are
subject to the requirements of each fund, as described above. Telephone
exchanges may be subject to limitations as to amounts or frequency.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares
Purchased at Net Asset Value
         For purchases of $1,000,000 or more, a Limited CDSC will be imposed on
certain redemptions of Class A Shares (or shares into which such Class A Shares
are exchanged) according to the following schedule: (1) 1% if shares are
redeemed during the first year after the purchase; and (2) 0.50% if shares are
redeemed during the second year after the purchase, if such purchases were made
at net asset value and triggered the payment by the Distributor of the dealer's
commission previously described. See Classes of Shares.

         The Limited CDSC will be paid to the Distributor and will be assessed
on an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the net asset value at the time of
purchase of the Class A Shares being redeemed; or (2) the net asset value of
such Class A Shares at the time of redemption. For purposes of this formula, the
"net asset value at the time of purchase" will be the net asset value at
purchase of the Class A Shares even if those shares are later exchanged for
shares of another Delaware Investments fund and, in the event of an exchange of
Class A Shares, the "net asset value of such shares at the time of redemption"
will be the net asset value of the shares acquired in the exchange.

         Redemptions of such Class A Shares held for more than two years will
not be subjected to the Limited CDSC and an exchange of such Class A Shares into
another Delaware Investments fund will not trigger the imposition of the Limited
CDSC at the time of such exchange. The period a shareholder owns shares into
which Class A Shares are exchanged will count towards satisfying the two year
holding period. The Limited CDSC is assessed if such two year period is not
satisfied irrespective of whether the redemption triggering its payment is of
Class A Shares of the Fund or Class A Shares acquired in the exchange.

         In determining whether a Limited CDSC is payable, it will be assumed
that shares not subject to the Limited CDSC are the first redeemed followed by
other shares held for the longest period of time. The Limited CDSC will not be
imposed upon shares representing reinvested dividends or capital gains
distributions, or upon amounts representing share appreciation. All investments
made during a calendar month, regardless of what day of the month the investment
occurred, will age one month on the last day of that month and each subsequent
month.

Waiver of Limited Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class A Shares
         The Limited CDSC for Class A Shares on which a dealer's commission has
been paid will be waived in the following instances: (i) redemptions that result
from the Fund's right to liquidate a shareholder's account if the aggregate net
asset value of the shares held in the account is less than the then-effective
minimum account size; (ii) distributions to participants from a retirement plan
qualified under section 401(a) or 401(k) of the


                                      -31-
<PAGE>




Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or due to death of a
participant in such a plan; (iii) redemptions pursuant to the direction of a
participant or beneficiary of a retirement plan qualified under section 401(a)
or 401(k) of the Code with respect to that retirement plan; (iv) periodic
distributions from an IRA, SIMPLE IRA or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation
Plan or due to death, disability, or attainment of age 59 1/2 and IRA
distributions qualifying under Section 72(t) of the Code; (v) returns of excess
contributions to an IRA; (vi) distributions by other employee benefit plans to
pay benefits; and (vii) redemptions by the classes of shareholders who are
permitted to purchase shares at net asset value, regardless of the size of the
purchase (see Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset Value under Classes of Shares).

Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B and Class C Shares
         The CDSC is waived on certain redemptions of Class B Shares in
connection with the following redemptions: (i) redemptions that result from the
Fund's right to liquidate a shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset
value of the shares held in the account is less than the then-effective minimum
account size; (ii) returns of excess contributions to an IRA, SIMPLE IRA,
SEP/IRA or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation Plan; (iii) periodic
distributions from an IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, 403(b)(7) or 457
Deferred Compensation Plan due to death, disability or attainment of age 59 1/2
and IRA distributions qualifying under Section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue
Code; and (iv) distributions from an account if the redemption results from the
death of all registered owners of the account (in the case of accounts
established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors or Uniform Transfers to Minors
Acts or trust accounts, the waiver applies upon the death of all beneficial
owners) or a total and permanent disability (as defined in Section 72 of the
Code) of all registered owners occurring after the purchase of the shares being
redeemed.

         The CDSC on Class C Shares is waived in connection with the following
redemptions: (i) redemptions that result from the Fund's right to liquidate a
shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset value of the shares held in the
account is less than the then-effective minimum account size; (ii) returns of
excess contributions to an IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan, Profit Sharing Plan, Money Purchase Pension Plan or 401(k)
Defined Contribution Plan; (iii) periodic distributions from a 403(b)(7) or 457
Deferred Compensation Plan upon attainment of age 59 1/2, Profit Sharing Plan,
Money Purchase Pension Plan or 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan upon attainment
of age 70 1/2, and IRA distributions qualifying under Section 72(t) of the Code;
(iv) distributions from a 403(b)(7) Deferred Compensation Plan, 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan, Profit Sharing Plan or 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan,
under hardship provisions of the plan; (v) distributions from a 403(b)(7)
Deferred Compensation Plan, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, Profit Sharing Plan,
Money Purchase Pension Plan or a 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan upon
attainment of normal retirement age under the plan or upon separation from
service; (vi) periodic distributions from an IRA or SIMPLE IRA on or after
attainment of age 59 1/2; and (vii) distributions from an account if the
redemption results from the death of all registered owners of the account (in
the case of accounts established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors or Uniform
Transfers to Minors Acts or trust accounts, the waiver applies upon the death of
all beneficial owners) or a total and permanent disability (as defined in
Section 72 of the Code) of all registered owners occurring after the purchase of
the shares being redeemed.



                                      -32-
<PAGE>




DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

         The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net capital
gains and net investment income earned during the year. Such payments, if any,
will generally be made once a year during the first quarter following the end of
the Fund's fiscal year.

         Each class of the Fund will share proportionately in the investment
income and expenses of the Fund, except that, absent any applicable fee waiver,
the per share dividends from net investment income on Class A Shares, Class B
Shares and Class C Shares will vary due to the expenses under the 12b-1 Plan
applicable to each Class. Generally, when a 12b-1 Plan fee waiver is not in
effect, the dividends per share on Class B Shares and Class C Shares can be
expected to be lower than the dividends per share on Class A Shares because the
expenses under the 12b-1 Plans relating to Class B and Class C Shares will be
higher than the expenses under the 12b-1 Plan relating to Class A Shares. See
Distribution (12b-1) and Service under Management of the Fund.

         Both dividends and distributions, if any, are automatically reinvested
in your account at net asset value.




                                      -33-
<PAGE>




TAXES

         The tax discussion set forth below is included for general information
only. Investors should consult their own tax advisers concerning the federal,
state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.

   
         On August 5, 1997, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Act") was
signed into law. This new law makes sweeping changes in the Code. Because many
of these changes are complex, and only indirectly affect the Fund and its
distributions to you, they are discussed in Part B. Changes in the treatment of
capital gains, however, are discussed in this section.
    

         The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund will not be subject to federal
income tax, or to any excise tax, to the extent its earnings are distributed as
provided in the Code and by satisfying certain other requirements relating to
the sources of its income and diversification of its assets.

         The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net capital gains, if any. Dividends from net investment income or
net short-term capital gains will be taxable to those investors who are subject
to income taxes as ordinary income, whether received in cash or in additional
shares. For corporate investors, dividends from net investment income will
generally qualify in part for the corporate dividends-received deduction. The
portion of dividends paid by the Fund that so qualifies will be designated each
year in a notice from the Fund to the Fund's shareholders.

         Distributions paid by the Fund from long-term capital gains, whether
received in cash or in additional shares, are taxable to those investors who are
subject to income taxes as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of
time an investor has owned shares in the Fund. The Fund does not seek to realize
any particular amount of capital gains during a year; rather, realized gains are
a by-product of Fund management activities. Consequently, capital gains
distributions may be expected to vary considerably from year to year. Also, for
those investors subject to tax, if purchases of shares in the Fund are made
shortly before the record date for a dividend or capital gains distribution, a
portion of the investment will be returned as a taxable distribution.

The Treatment of Capital Gain Distributions under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 
1997
         The 1997 Act creates a category of long-term capital gain for
individuals that will be taxed at new lower tax rates. For investors who are in
the 28% or higher federal income tax brackets, these gains will be taxed at a
maximum rate of 20%. For investors who are in the 15% federal income tax
bracket, these gains will be taxed at a maximum rate of 10%. Capital gain
distributions will qualify for these new maximum tax rates, depending on when
the Fund's securities were sold and how long they were held by the Fund before
they were sold. The holding periods for which the new rates apply were revised
by the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. Investors
who want more information on holding periods and other qualifying rules relating
to these new rates should review the expanded discussion in Part B, or should
contact their own tax advisers.

         Equity Funds V, Inc. will advise you in its annual information
reporting at calendar year end of the amount of its capital gain distributions
which will qualify for these maximum federal tax rates.



                                      -34-
<PAGE>





         Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid,
dividends which are declared in October, November, or December to shareholders
of record on a specified date in one of those months, but which, for operational
reasons, may not be paid to the shareholder until the following January, will be
treated for tax purposes as if paid by the Fund and received by the shareholder
on December 31 of the year declared.

         The sale of shares of the Fund is a taxable event and may result in a
capital gain or loss to shareholders subject to tax. Capital gain or loss may be
realized from an ordinary redemption of shares or an exchange of shares between
the Fund and any other Delaware Investments fund. Any loss incurred on a sale or
exchange of Fund shares that had been held for six months or less will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of capital gain dividends
received with respect to such shares. All or a portion of the sales charge
incurred in acquiring the Fund's shares will be excluded from the federal tax
basis of any of such shares sold or exchanged within 90 days of their purchase
(for purposes of determining gain or loss upon sale of such shares) if the sale
proceeds are reinvested in the Fund or in another Delaware Investments fund and
a sales charge that would otherwise apply to the reinvestment is reduced or
eliminated. Any portion of such sales charge excluded from the tax basis of the
shares sold will be added to the tax basis of the shares acquired in the
reinvestment.

         The automatic conversion of Class B Shares into Class A Shares at the
end of approximately eight years after purchase will be tax-free for federal tax
purposes. See Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares under Classes of Shares.

         In addition to the federal taxes described above, shareholders may or
may not be subject to various state and local taxes. For example, distributions
of interest income and capital gains realized from certain types of U.S.
government securities may be exempt from state personal income taxes. Because
investors' state and local taxes may be different than the federal taxes
described above, investors should consult their own tax advisers.

         Each year, Equity Funds V, Inc. will mail to you information on the tax
status of the Fund's dividends and distributions. Shareholders will also receive
each year information as to the portion of dividend income, if any, that is
derived from U.S. government securities that are exempt from state income tax.
Of course, shareholders who are not subject to tax on their income would not be
required to pay tax on amounts distributed to them by the Fund.

         Equity Funds V, Inc. is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends,
capital gains distributions, and redemptions paid to shareholders who have not
complied with IRS taxpayer identification regulations. You may avoid this
withholding requirement by certifying on your Investment Application your proper
Taxpayer Identification Number and by certifying that you are not subject to
backup withholding.

         See Accounting and Tax Issues and Distributions and Taxes in Part B for
additional information on tax matters relating to the Fund and its shareholders.



                                      -35-
<PAGE>




CALCULATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

         The net asset value ("NAV") per share is computed by adding the value
of all securities and other assets in the portfolio, deducting any liabilities
(expenses and fees are accrued daily) and dividing by the number of shares
outstanding. Portfolio securities for which market quotations are available are
priced at market value. Foreign securities expressed in foreign currency values
will be converted into U.S. dollar values at the mean between the currencies'
bid and offered quotations. Short-term investments having a maturity of less
than 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. All
other securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith and
in a method approved by Equity Funds V, Inc.'s Board of Directors.

         Class A Shares are purchased at the offering price per share, while
Class B Shares and Class C Shares are purchased at the NAV per share. The
offering price per share of Class A Shares consists of the NAV per share next
computed after the order is received, plus any applicable front-end sales
charges.

         The offering price and NAV are computed as of the close of regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (ordinarily, 4 p.m., Eastern time) on
days when the Exchange is open.

         The net asset values of all outstanding shares of each class of the
Fund will be computed on a pro-rata basis for each outstanding share based on
the proportionate participation in the Fund represented by the value of shares
of that class. All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund will be borne
on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding share of a class, based on each class'
percentage in the Fund represented by the value of shares of such classes,
except that Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class will not incur any of
the expenses under Equity Funds V, Inc.'s 12b-1 Plans and the Class A, Class B
and Class C Shares alone will bear the 12b-1 Plan expenses, if any, payable
under their respective 12b-1 Plans. Due to the specific distribution expenses
and other costs that will be allocable to each class, the NAV of each class of
the Fund will vary.



                                      -36-
<PAGE>




MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Directors
         The business and affairs of Equity Funds V, Inc. are managed under the
direction of its Board of Directors. Part B contains additional information
regarding Equity Funds V, Inc.'s directors and officers.

Investment Manager
         The Manager furnishes investment management services to the Fund.

   
         The Manager and its predecessors have been managing the funds in the
Delaware Investments family since 1938. On September 30, 1998, the Manager and
its affiliates within the Delaware Investments, including Delaware International
Advisers Ltd., were managing in the aggregate more than $40 billion in assets in
the various institutional or separately managed (approximately $23,666,360,000)
and investment company (approximately $17,194,990,000) accounts.

         The Manager is a series of Delaware Management Business Trust. The
Manager changed its form of organization from a corporation to a business trust
on March 1, 1998. The Manager is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. ("DMH"). On April 3, 1995, a merger between
DMH and a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation ("Lincoln
National") was completed. DMH and the Manager are now indirect, wholly owned
subsidiaries, and subject to the ultimate control, of Lincoln National. Lincoln
National, with headquarters currently located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a
diversified organization with operations in many aspects of the financial
services industry, including insurance and investment management.
    

         The Manager manages the Fund's portfolio and makes investment
decisions. The Manager also administers Equity Funds V, Inc.'s affairs and pays
the salaries of all the directors, officers and employees of Equity Funds V,
Inc. who are affiliated with the Manager. For these services, the Manager is
paid an annual fee equal to on an annual basis: 0.75% on the first $500 million
of average daily net assets; 0.70% on the next $500 million; 0.65% on the next
$1.5 billion; and 0.60% on the average daily net assets in excess of $2.5
billion. The Fund's fee is higher than that paid by many other funds and may be
higher or lower than that paid by funds with comparable investment objectives.
The directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. annually review fees paid to the Manager.

   
         As noted below, the Distributor has temporarily elected to voluntarily
waive its right to receive 12b-1 fees from the Fund. The Manager has also
elected voluntarily to waive that portion, if any, of the annual management fees
payable by the Fund and to pay expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to
ensure that the Total Operating Expenses (exclusive of taxes, interest,
brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses and 12b-1 expenses) of the Fund
do not exceed 0.75% through May 31, 1999.

         Christopher S. Beck, Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager of the
Fund and Andrea Giles, Assistant Vice President/Portfolio Manager of the Fund,
have primary responsibility for making day-to-day investment decisions for the
Fund. Mr. Beck began his career in the investment business with Wilmington Trust
in 1981. Later, he became Director of Research at Cypress Capital Management in
Wilmington and Chief Investment Officer of the University of Delaware Endowment
Fund. Prior to joining the Delaware Investments in May, 1997, he managed the
Small Cap Fund for two years at Pitcairn Trust Company. He holds a BS from the
University of Delaware, an MBA from Lehigh University and is a CFA
charterholder. Andrea Giles holds 
    


                                      -37-
<PAGE>




   
a BSAD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA in Finance from
Columbia University. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 1996, she was an
account officer in the Leveraged Capital Group with Citibank.

         In making investment decisions for the Fund, Mr. Beck and Ms. Giles
regularly consults with Richard G. Unruh, Jr. and Christopher Driver. A graduate
of Brown University, Mr. Unruh received his MBA from the University of
Pennsylvania's Wharton School and joined Delaware Investments in 1982 after 19
years of investment management experience with Kidder, Peabody Co. Inc. Mr.
Unruh was named an Executive Vice President of Equity Funds V, Inc. in 1994. He
is also a member of the Board of Delaware Management Company, Inc. and was named
an Executive Vice President of Delaware Management Company, Inc. in 1994.
Christopher Driver, Research Analyst for the Fund, holds a BS in Finance from
the University of Delaware. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 1998, he
was a Research Analyst in the Equity Value group at Blackrock, Inc. Prior to
Blackrock, he was a partner at Cashman Farrell & Associates. Mr. Driver is a CFA
charterholder.
    

Portfolio Trading Practices
         The Fund normally will not invest for short-term trading purposes.
However, the Fund may sell securities without regard to the length of time they
have been held. The degree of portfolio activity will affect brokerage costs of
the Fund and may affect taxes payable by the Fund's shareholders to the extent
that net capital gains are realized.

         The Fund uses its best efforts to obtain the best available price and
most favorable execution for portfolio transactions. Orders may be placed with
brokers or dealers who provide brokerage and research services to the Manager or
its advisory clients. These services may be used by the Manager in servicing any
of its accounts. Subject to best price and execution, the Fund may consider a
broker/dealer's sales of shares of funds in the Delaware Investments in placing
portfolio orders and may place orders with broker/dealers that have agreed to
defray certain expenses of such funds, such as custodian fees.

Performance Information
         From time to time, the Fund may quote total return performance of the
Classes in advertising and other types of literature.

         Total return will be based on a hypothetical $1,000 investment,
reflecting the reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value and: (i) in
the case of Class A Shares, the impact of the maximum front-end sales charge at
the beginning of each specified period; and (ii) in the case of Class B Shares
and Class C Shares, the deduction of any applicable CDSC at the end of the
relevant period. Each presentation will include the average annual total return
for one-, five- and ten-year or life-of-fund periods, as relevant. The Fund may
also advertise aggregate and average total return information concerning a Class
over additional periods of time. In addition, the Fund may present total return
information that does not reflect the deduction of the maximum front-end sales
charge or any applicable CDSC. In this case, such total return information would
be more favorable than total return information that includes the deductions of
the maximum front-end sales charge or any applicable CDSC.

         Because securities prices fluctuate, investment results of the Classes
will fluctuate over time. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.



                                      -38-
<PAGE>




   
Distribution (12b-1) and Service
         The Distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P., serves as the national
distributor of the Fund's shares under a Distribution Agreement with Equity
Funds V, Inc. dated December 18, 1998.
    

         Equity Funds V, Inc. has adopted a separate distribution plan under
Rule 12b-1 for each of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
(the "Plans"). Each Plan permits the Fund to pay the Distributor from the assets
of the respective Classes a monthly fee for the Distributor's services and
expenses in distributing and promoting sales of shares.

   
         These expenses include, among other things, preparing and distributing
advertisements, sales literature, and prospectuses and reports used for sales
purposes, compensating sales and marketing personnel, holding special promotions
for specified periods of time, and paying distribution and maintenance fees to
brokers, dealers and others. In connection with the promotion of shares of the
Classes, the Distributor may, from time to time, pay to participate in
dealer-sponsored seminars and conferences, and reimburse dealers for expenses
incurred in connection with preapproved seminars, conferences and advertising.
The Distributor may pay or allow additional promotional incentives to dealers as
part of preapproved sales contests and/or to dealers who provide extra training
and information concerning a Class and increase sales of the Class. In addition,
the Fund may make payments from the 12b-1 Plan fees of its respective Classes
directly to others, such as banks, who aid in the distribution of Class shares
or provide services in respect of a Class, pursuant to service agreements with
Equity Funds V, Inc. The Distributor has voluntarily elected to waive its right
to receive the 12b-1 fees (including service fees) from the commencement of the
public offering of the Classes through May 31, 1999.
    

         The 12b-1 Plan expenses relating to each of the Class B Shares and
Class C Shares are also used to pay the Distributor for advancing the commission
costs to dealers with respect to the initial sale of such shares.

         Absent any applicable fee waiver, the aggregate fees paid by the Fund
from the assets of the respective Classes to the Distributor and others under
the Plans may not exceed (i) 0.30% of the Class A Shares' average daily net
assets in any year, and (ii) 1% (0.25% of which are service fees to be paid by
the Fund to the Distributor, dealers and others, for providing personal service
and/or maintaining shareholder accounts) of each of the Class B Shares' and
Class C Shares' average daily net assets in any year. The Fund's Class A, Class
B and Class C Shares will not incur any distribution expenses beyond these
limits, which may not be increased without shareholder approval.

         Although the maximum fee payable under the Plan relating to Class A
Shares is 0.30% of average daily net assets, the Board of Directors has
currently set the annual fee for the Class at 0.25% of the average daily net
assets. The Board of Directors may increase the fee to the full 0.30% on all
Class A Shares' assets at any time.

         While payments, if any, pursuant to the Plans may not exceed 0.30%
annually with respect to Class A Shares, and 1% annually with respect to each of
the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares, the Plans do not limit fees to
amounts actually expended by the Distributor. It is therefore possible that the
Distributor may realize a profit in any particular year. However, the
Distributor currently expects that its distribution expenses will likely equal
or exceed payments to it under the Plans. The Distributor may, however, incur
such additional expenses and make additional payments to dealers from its own
resources to promote the distribution of shares of the Classes. The monthly fees
paid to the Distributor under the Plans are subject to the review and approval
of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s unaffiliated directors, who may reduce the fees or
terminate the Plans at any time.



                                      -39-
<PAGE>




         The Plans do not apply to Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class
of shares. Those shares are not included in calculating the Plans' fees, and the
Plans are not used to assist in the distribution and marketing of Small Cap
Contrarian Fund Institutional Class.

         The Transfer Agent, Delaware Service Company, Inc., serves as the
shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing and transfer agent for the Fund
pursuant to an amended and restated agreement dated December 18, 1998. The
Transfer Agent also provides accounting services to the Fund pursuant to the
terms of a separate Fund Accounting Agreement.

         The directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. annually review fees paid to the
Distributor and the Transfer Agent. The Distributor and the Transfer Agent are
also indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of DMH.

                                      * * *
         As with other mutual funds, financial and business organizations and
individuals around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected if the
computer systems used by its service providers do not properly process and
calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000. This is
commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem." Equity Funds V, Inc. is taking steps
to obtain satisfactory assurances that the Fund's major service providers are
taking steps reasonably designed to address the Year 2000 Problem with respect
to the computer systems that such service providers use. There can be no
assurances that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on
the business of the Fund.

         Several European countries are participating in the European Economic
and Monetary Union, which will establish a common European currency for
participating countries. This currency will commonly be known as the "Euro." It
is anticipated that each such participating country will replace its existing
currency with the Euro on January 1, 1999. Additional European countries may
elect to participate after that date. If the Fund is invested in securities of
participating countries it could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by its major service providers are not properly prepared to handle the
implementation of this single currency or the adoption of the Euro by additional
countries in the future. Equity Funds V, Inc. is taking steps to obtain
satisfactory assurances that the major service providers of the Fund are taking
steps reasonably designed to address these matters with respect to the computer
systems that such service providers use. There can be no assurances that these
steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the business of the
Fund.

Expenses
         The Fund is responsible for all of its own expenses other than those
borne by the Manager under the Investment Management Agreement and those borne
by the Distributor under the Distribution Agreement.

Shares
         Equity Funds V, Inc. is an open-end management investment company. The
Fund's portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by the 1940 Act. Commonly
known as a mutual fund, Equity Funds V, Inc. was organized as a Maryland
corporation on January 16, 1987. In addition to the Fund, Equity Funds V, Inc.
presently offers three other series of shares, the Small Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap
Value Fund and Retirement Income Fund series.

         Fund shares have a par value of $.01, equal voting rights, except as
noted below, and are equal in all other respects.



                                      -40-
<PAGE>




         Equity Funds V, Inc. shares have noncumulative voting rights which
means that the holders of more than 50% of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s shares voting
for the election of directors can elect 100% of the directors if they choose to
do so. Under Maryland law, Equity Funds V, Inc. is not required, and does not
intend, to hold annual meetings of shareholders unless, under certain
circumstances, it is required to do so under the 1940 Act.

         In addition to Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares, the
Fund also offers Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class shares. Shares of
each class represent proportionate interests in the assets of the Fund and have
the same voting and other rights and preferences as the other classes of the
Fund, except that shares of Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class are
not subject to, and may not vote on matters affecting, the Distribution Plans
under Rule 12b-1 relating to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares. Similarly, as
a general matter, the shareholders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C
Shares may vote only on matters affecting the 12b-1 Plan that relates to the
class of shares that they hold. However, Class B Shares may vote on any proposal
to increase materially the fees to be paid by the Fund under the 12b-1 Plan
relating to Class A Shares.

         The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company ("LNLIC") is expected to
make the initial investment in the Fund. This could result in LNLIC owning up to
100% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Subject to certain limited
exceptions, there are no limitations on LNLIC's ability to redeem its shares of
the Fund and it may elect to do so at any time.




                                      -41-
<PAGE>





OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

Foreign Securities and ADRs
         The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in foreign securities. The
Fund may also invest without limitation in sponsored and unsponsored American
Depositary receipts ("ADRs") that are actively traded in the United States. ADRs
are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which evidence
ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. "Sponsored"
ADRs are issued jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a
depository, and "unsponsored" ADRs are issued without the participation of the
issuer of the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all
the costs of such facilities and the depository of an unsponsored ADR facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting
rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities.
Therefore, there may not be a correlation between information concerning the
issuer of the security and the market value of an unsponsored ADR.

         Foreign markets may be more volatile than U.S. markets, and investments
in foreign securities involve sovereign risks in addition to the normal risks
associated with U.S. securities. These risks include political risks, foreign
taxes, exchange controls and currency fluctuations. For example, foreign
portfolio investments may fluctuate in value due to changes in currency rates
(i.e., the value of foreign investments would increase with a fall in the value
of the dollar, and decrease with a rise in the value of the dollar) and control
regulations apart from market fluctuations. The Fund may also experience delays
in foreign securities settlement.

         The Fund will, from time to time, conduct foreign currency exchange
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign currency exchange market or through entering into contracts to purchase
or sell foreign currencies at a future date (i.e., a "forward foreign currency"
contract or "forward" contract). Investors should be aware that there are costs
and risks associated with such currency transactions.

Rule 144A Securities
         The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including securities
eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A ("Rule 144A
Securities") under the Securities Act of 1933. Rule 144A permits many privately
placed and legally restricted securities to be freely traded among certain
institutional buyers such as the Fund. The Fund may invest no more than 15% of
the value of its net assets in illiquid securities.

         While maintaining oversight, the Board of Directors has delegated to
the Manager the day-to-day function of determining whether or not individual
Rule 144A Securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund's 15% limitation on
investments in illiquid assets. The Board has instructed the Manager to consider
the following factors in determining the liquidity of a Rule 144A Security: (i)
the frequency of trades and trading volume for the security; (ii) whether at
least three dealers are willing to purchase or sell the security and the number
of potential purchasers; (iii) whether at least two dealers are making a market
in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and the nature of the
marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer).

         If the Manager determines that a Rule 144A Security which was
previously determined to be liquid is no longer liquid and, as a result, the
Fund's holdings of illiquid securities exceed the Fund's 15% limit on investment
in such securities, the Manager will determine what action to take to ensure
that the Fund continues to adhere to such limitation.


                                      -42-
<PAGE>





Repurchase Agreements
         The Fund may also use repurchase agreements that are at least 102%
collateralized by U.S. government securities. Repurchase agreements help the
Fund to invest cash on a temporary basis. The Fund may invest cash balances in
joint repurchase agreements with other Delaware Investments funds. Under a
repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires ownership and possession of a security,
and the seller agrees to buy the security back at a specified time and higher
price. If the seller is unable to repurchase the security, the Fund could
experience delays in liquidating the securities. To minimize this possibility,
the Fund considers the creditworthiness of banks and dealers when entering into
repurchase agreements.

Portfolio Loan Transactions
         The Fund may loan up to 25% of its assets to qualified broker/dealers
or institutional investors for their use relating to short sales or other
security transactions.

         The major risk to which the Fund would be exposed on a loan transaction
is the risk that the borrower would go bankrupt at a time when the value of the
security goes up. Therefore, the Fund will only enter into loan arrangements
after a review of all pertinent facts by the Manager, subject to overall
supervision by the Board of Directors, including the creditworthiness of the
borrowing broker, dealer or institution and then only if the consideration to be
received from such loans would justify the risk. Creditworthiness will be
monitored on an ongoing basis by the Manager.

Borrowing
         The Fund is permitted under certain circumstances to borrow money.
Investment securities will normally not be purchased while the Fund has an
outstanding borrowing.

   

    
Call Options

Writing Covered Call Options
         A covered call option obligates the Fund to sell one of its securities
for an agreed price up to an agreed date. When the Fund writes a call, it
receives a premium and agrees to sell the callable securities to a purchaser of
a corresponding call during the call period (usually not more than nine months)
at a fixed exercise price regardless of market price changes during the call
period. The advantage is that the Fund receives premium income for the limited
purpose of offsetting the costs of purchasing put options or offsetting any
capital loss or decline in market value of the security. However, if the
Manager's forecast is wrong, the Fund may not fully participate in the market
appreciation if the security's price rises.

Writing a Call Option on Stock Indices
         Writing a call option on stock indices is similar to the writing of a
call option on an individual stock. Stock indices used will include, but not be
limited to, the S&P 100 and the S&P Over-The-Counter ("OTC") 250.



                                      -43-
<PAGE>

Put Options

Purchasing a Put Option
         A put option gives the Fund the right to sell one of its securities for
an agreed price up to an agreed date. The advantage is that the Fund can be
protected should the market value of the security decline. However, the Fund
must pay a premium for this right which would be lost if the option is not
exercised.

Purchasing a Put Option on Stock Indices
         Purchasing a protective put option on stock indices is similar to the
purchase of protective puts on an individual stock. Indices used will include,
but not be limited to, the S&P 100 and the S&P OTC 250.

Closing Transactions
         Closing transactions essentially let the Fund offset a put option or
covered call option prior to its exercise or expiration. If the Fund cannot
effect a closing transaction, it may have to hold a security it would otherwise
sell or deliver a security it might want to hold.

         Part B sets forth other more specific investment restrictions.



                                      -44-
<PAGE>




APPENDIX A -- RATINGS

Bonds
         Excerpts from Moody's description of its bond ratings: Aaa--judged to
be the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk;
Aa--judged to be of high quality by all standards; A--possess favorable
attributes and are considered "upper medium" grade obligations; Baa--considered
as medium grade obligations. Interest payments and principal security appear
adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may
be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time; Ba--judged to
have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured.
Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class; B--generally lack
characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal
payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period
of time may be small; Caa--are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default
or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest; Ca--represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such
issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings; C--the lowest
rated class of bonds and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely
poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

         Excerpts from S&P's description of its bond ratings: AAA--highest grade
obligations. They possess the ultimate degree of protection as to principal and
interest; AA--also qualify as high grade obligations, and in the majority of
instances differ from AAA issues only in a small degree; A--strong ability to
pay interest and repay principal although more susceptible to changes in
circumstances; BBB--regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal; BB, B, CCC, CC--regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by
large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions; C--reserved
for income bonds on which no interest is being paid; D- -in default, and payment
of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears.




                                      -45-


<PAGE>






   
                                              ----------------------------------
For more information contact Delaware 
Investments at 800-510-4015.                  SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
    

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

                                              INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
                                              ----------------------------------




INVESTMENT MANAGER
Delaware Management Company
One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA  19103

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR                          P R O S P E C T U S               
Delaware Distributors, L.P.                                                    
1818 Market Street                            ----------------------------------
Philadelphia, PA 19103                                                         
                                                                               
   
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING,                        DECEMBER 28, 1998                 
DIVIDEND DISBURSING,                         
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
AND TRANSFER AGENT
Delaware Service Company, Inc.
1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
    

LEGAL COUNSEL
Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, LLP
One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 
Ernst & Young LLP 
Two Commerce Square 
Philadelphia, PA 19103

CUSTODIAN                                        DELAWARE(SM) 
The Chase Manhattan Bank                         INVESTMENTS
4 Chase Metrotech Center                         -----------
Brooklyn, NY 11245


<PAGE>

   
                                                                      PROSPECTUS
                                                               DECEMBER 28, 1998
    

                     SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND INSTITUTIONAL


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

                   1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

   
    For more information about Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class
                   call Delaware Investments at 800-510-4015.
    


         This Prospectus describes the Small Cap Contrarian Fund series (the
"Fund") of Delaware Group Equity Funds V, Inc. ("Equity Funds V, Inc."), a
professionally-managed mutual fund of the series type. The Fund's investment
objective is long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its
objective by investing primarily in common stocks believed to be undervalued.

         The Fund offers Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class (the
"Class") of shares.

   
         This Prospectus relates only to the Class and sets forth information
that you should read and consider before you invest. Please retain it for future
reference. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("Part B" of Equity
Funds V, Inc.'s registration statement), dated December 28, 1998, as it may be
amended from time to time, contains additional information about the Fund and
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Part B is
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is available, without charge,
by writing to Delaware Distributors, L.P. at the above address or by calling the
above number. The Fund's financial statements appear in its Annual Report, which
will accompany any response to requests for Part B. 
In addition, the SEC maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains
Part B, material we incorporated by reference, and other information regarding
registrants that electronically file with the SEC.
    

         The Fund also offers Small Cap Contrarian Fund A Class, Small Cap
Contrarian Fund B Class and Small Cap Contrarian Fund C Class. Shares of these
classes are subject to sales charges and other expenses, which may affect their
performance. A prospectus for these classes can be obtained by writing to
Delaware Distributors, L.P. at the above address or by calling 800-523-1918.



                                       -1-

<PAGE>






TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Page                                            Page
<S>                                     <C>       <C>                                <C>
Cover Page                                         How to Buy Shares
Synopsis                                           Redemption and Exchange
Summary of Expenses                                Dividends and Distributions
Investment Objective and Policies                  Taxes
         Suitability                               Calculation of Offering Price and
         Investment Strategy                                Net Asset Value Per Share
         Risk Factors                              Management of the Fund
The Delaware Difference                            Other Investment Policies and
         Plans and Services                                 Risk Considerations
Classes of Shares                                  Appendix A - Ratings

</TABLE>


THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER WHEN MAKING INVESTMENTS. MUTUAL FUNDS
CAN BE A VALUABLE PART OF YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN; HOWEVER, SHARES OF THE FUND ARE
NOT FDIC OR NCUSIF INSURED, ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK OR ANY CREDIT UNION,
ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR ANY CREDIT UNION, AND INVOLVE INVESTMENT
RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED. SHARES OF
THE FUND ARE NOT BANK OR CREDIT UNION DEPOSITS.



                                       -2-

<PAGE>





SYNOPSIS

Investment Objective
         The investment objective of the Fund is to provide long-term capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing primarily in
common stocks believed to be undervalued. Under normal market conditions, at
least 65% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in small cap companies.
Small cap companies are generally defined as those companies currently having a
market capitalization of less than $1.5 billion. For further details, see
Investment Objective and Policies and Other Investment Policies and Risk
Considerations.

Risk Factors and Special Considerations
         The Fund may enter into options for hedging purposes to counterbalance
portfolio volatility. While the Fund does not engage in options for speculative
purposes, there are risks that result from use of these instruments by the Fund,
and the investor should review the descriptions of these risks in this
Prospectus. See Investment Strategy under Investment Objective and Policies and
Other Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.

Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent
         Delaware Management Company (the "Manager") furnishes investment
management services to the Fund, subject to the supervision and direction of
Equity Funds V, Inc.'s Board of Directors. The Manager also provides investment
management services to certain of the other funds offered by Delaware
Investments. Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the "Distributor") is the national
distributor for the Fund and for all of the other mutual funds offered by
Delaware Investments. Delaware Service Company, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") is
the shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing, accounting services and transfer
agent for the Fund and for all of the other funds offered by Delaware
Investments. See Summary of Expenses and Management of the Fund for further
information regarding the Manager and the fees payable under the Fund's
Investment Management Agreement.

Purchase Price
         Shares of the Class offered by this Prospectus are available at net
asset value, without a front-end or contingent deferred sales charge and are not
subject to distribution fees under a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan.
See Classes of Shares.

Redemption and Exchange
         Shares of the Class are redeemed or exchanged at the net asset value
calculated after receipt of the redemption or exchange request. See Redemption
and Exchange.

Open-End Investment Company
         Equity Funds V, Inc., which was organized as a Maryland corporation on
January 16, 1987, is an open-end management investment company. The Fund's
portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"). See Shares under Management of the Fund.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>





SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Shareholder Transaction Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                       <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)................................................................         None

Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
(as a percentage of offering price)................................................................         None

Exchange Fees......................................................................................         None(1)



                            Annual Operating Expenses
                  (as a percentage of average daily net assets)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fees (after voluntary waivers)(2).......................................................         0.10%

12b-1 Fees.........................................................................................         None

Other Operating Expenses (after voluntary payments)(2).............................................         0.65%
                                                                                                            -----

            Total Operating Expenses (after voluntary waivers and payments)(2).....................         0.75%
                                                                                                            =====

</TABLE>
(1)  Exchanges are subject to the requirements of each fund and a front-end
     sales charge may apply.

   
(2)  Because the Fund is new, "Total Operating Expenses" and "Other Operating
     Expenses" are based on estimated amounts the Fund expects to pay during the
     initial fiscal year. The Manager has elected voluntarily to waive that
     portion, if any, of the annual management fees payable by the Fund and to
     pay certain expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to ensure that
     Total Operating Expenses (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage
     commissions and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed, on an annualized
     basis, 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Manager's
     voluntary fee waivers and expense payments began at the commencement of the
     public offering of the Fund and will extend through May 31, 1999. Absent
     the Manager's voluntary fee waivers and expense payments, it is estimated
     that during the current fiscal year, the Total Operating Expenses, as a
     percentage of average daily net assets, would be 1.40% for the Class.
    


         For expense information about Small Cap Contrarian Fund Class A Shares,
Small Cap Contrarian Fund Class B Shares and Small Cap Contrarian Fund Class C
Shares, see the separate prospectus relating to those classes.

         The following example illustrates the expenses that an investor would
pay on a $1,000 investment over various time periods, assuming (1) a 5% annual
rate of return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period. The Fund
charges no redemption fees. The following example also reflects the voluntary
waiver of the management fee and payment of expenses by the Manager, as
discussed in this Prospectus.



                                       -4-

<PAGE>






   
                          1 year                          3 years
                          ------                          -------
                            $8                              $24
    

This example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses or performance. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those
shown.

         The purpose of the above tables is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Class will
bear directly or indirectly.



                                       -5-

<PAGE>





INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

         The investment objective of the Fund is to provide long-term capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing primarily in
common stocks believed to be undervalued. Under normal market conditions, at
least 65% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in small cap companies.
Small cap companies are generally defined as those companies currently having a
market capitalization of less than $1.5 billion.

SUITABILITY
         The Fund may be suitable for investors interested in long-term capital
appreciation. Providing current income is not an objective of the Fund. Any
income produced is expected to be minimal. Investors should not consider a
purchase of Fund shares as equivalent to a complete investment program. Delaware
Investments includes a family of funds, generally available through registered
investment dealers, which may be used together to create a more complete
investment program.

         Ownership of Fund shares reduces the bookkeeping and administrative
inconvenience that would be involved with direct purchases of the Fund's
portfolio securities.

         Net asset value may fluctuate at times in response to market conditions
and, as a result, the Fund is not appropriate for a short-term investor.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY
         While management believes that the Fund's investment objective may best
be attained by investing in common stocks, the Fund may also invest in other
securities including, but not limited to, convertible securities, warrants,
preferred stocks, bonds and foreign securities. Fixed-income securities are
expected to receive minimal emphasis.

         The Fund will purchase securities which the Manager believes represent
companies that are undervalued in relation to their asset value or long-term
earnings power. Securities of companies may be undervalued due to one or more of
the following circumstances: market declines, economic conditions, investor
overreaction to unfavorable news regarding a particular company, industry or the
stock markets in general.

   
         The Fund intends to utilize a proprietary model to help identify those
companies that may be attractive candidates for investment. Important factors to
be considered will be the Price to Cash flow (P/CF), price to Sales (P/S), and
Price to Earnings (P/E) ratios as well as earnings estimate revisions and the
level of institutional ownership of any company.
    

         In selecting securities for the Fund, the Manager will consider the
financial strength of the company, the nature of its management and any
developments affecting the security, the company or the industry. The Small Cap
Contrarian Fund will be a diversified portfolio with investments in companies
representing many different sectors and industries of the equity markets.
Although the Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets at the time
of purchase in the securities of issuers conducting their principal business in
a single industry, it is likely that the Fund will be more concentrated in
certain industries at any given point in time due to their market
characteristics. As a result, the Manager expects that the Fund may have higher
volatility than a representative index of small cap value stocks. The Fund's
holdings typically will be selected for their appreciation potential due to
expected improvement in their financial results, or due to the recognition that
results have already improved and are likely to be sustainable.

                                       -6-

<PAGE>





   
         The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities without regard to credit
quality where there are favorable changes in a company's earnings or growth
potential or where general economic conditions and/or the interest rate
environment provide an opportunity for appreciation in these securities.
Investment characteristics and certain risks associated with the types of
securities in which the Fund will generally invest are described in this
Prospectus. See Risk Factors for more specific information and risks associated
with foreign and lower- rated securities. The strategies employed are dependent
upon the judgment of the Manager.

         While not a fundamental policy, under normal market conditions the Fund
intends to invest 65% of its net assets in securities issued by small cap
companies, generally defined as those currently having a market capitalization
at the time of purchase generally of less than $1.5 billion. As a general
matter, small cap companies may have more limited product lines, markets and
financial resources than large cap companies. In addition, securities of small
cap companies, generally, may trade less frequently (and with a lesser volume),
may be more volatile and may be somewhat less liquid than securities issued by
larger capitalization companies.

         Other securities considered by the Manager would include those of
companies where current or anticipated favorable changes provide an opportunity
for capital appreciation, such as a new product or service, technological
breakthrough, management change, projected takeovers, changes in capitalization
or redefinition of future corporate operations provide an opportunity for
capital appreciation. The Manager will also consider securities where trading
patterns suggest that significant positions are being accumulated by officers of
the company, outside investors or the company itself. The Manager feels it may
uncover situations where those who have a vested interest in the company feel
the securities are undervalued and have appreciation potential.
    

         In investing for capital appreciation, the Fund may hold securities for
any period of time. The degree of portfolio activity will affect brokerage costs
of the Fund and may affect taxes payable by the Fund's shareholders. See
Portfolio Trading Practices under Management of the Fund.

         Should the market warrant a temporary, defensive approach, the Fund may
also invest in fixed-income obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, as well as money market
instruments, and corporate bonds rated A or above by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"). (Appendix A to this
Prospectus describes these ratings.)

   
         If the Manager believes that market conditions warrant, the Fund may
employ options strategies. The Fund may write covered call options on individual
issues as well as write call options on stock indices. A call option is
"covered" if, during the term of the option, the Fund owns or has the right to
obtain at no added cost the security underlying the call option, owns a call
option on the underlying securities with an exercise price no higher than the
exercise price on the call option written or, subject to any regulatory
restrictions, has segregated an amount of cash or liquid high grade debt
obligations at least equal to the current price of the underlying securities.
The Fund may also purchase put options on individual issues and on stock
indices. The Manager will employ these techniques in an attempt to protect
appreciation attained, to offset capital losses and/or to take advantage of the
liquidity available in the options markets. The ability to hedge effectively
using options on stock indices will depend, in part, on the correlation between
the composition of the index and the Fund's portfolio as well as the price
movement of individual securities. Except as discussed above, the Fund does not
currently intend to write or purchase options on stock indices.
    
                                       -7-

<PAGE>


         While there is no limit on the amount of the Fund's assets which may be
invested in covered call options, the Fund will not invest more than 2% of its
net assets in put options. The Fund will only use exchange-traded options.

RISK FACTORS
         Investors should be willing to accept the risks associated with
investments in out of favor securities. Investing in a company temporarily out
of favor may involve the risk that the anticipated favorable change may not
occur and, as a result, that security may decline in value or not appreciate as
expected. Although the Fund will constantly strive to attain the investment
objective of capital appreciation, there can be no assurance that it will be
attained.

         The Fund may also purchase, at times, lower-rated or unrated
securities, including corporate bonds and convertible securities without regard
to credit quality, which may be considered speculative and may increase the
portfolio's credit risk. Although the Fund will ordinarily place minor emphasis
on fixed-income securities and will not typically purchase bonds or other
securities rated below Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P (i.e., high-yield, high-risk
securities, also known as "junk bonds"), it may do so if the Manager believes
that capital appreciation is likely. While the Fund is authorized to invest up
to 25% of its net assets in securities rated below BBB, it does not presently
intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in securities of this type.
Investing in such lower rated securities may involve certain risks not typically
associated with higher rated securities. Such securities are considered very
speculative and may possibly be in default or have interest payments in arrears.
See High-Yield, High-Risk Securities in Part B for additional information on the
risks associated with such securities. See Appendix A to this Prospectus for
more rating information.

         For additional information about the Fund's investment policies and
certain risks associated with investments in certain types of securities, see
Other Investment Policies and Risk Considerations.


                                       -8-

<PAGE>





CLASSES OF SHARES

         The Distributor serves as the national distributor for the Fund. Shares
of the Class may be purchased directly by contacting the Fund or its agent or
through authorized investment dealers. All purchases of shares of the Class are
at net asset value. There is no front-end or contingent deferred sales charge.

         Investment instructions given on behalf of participants in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan are made in accordance with directions
provided by the employer. Employees considering purchasing shares of the Class
as part of their retirement program should contact their employer for details.

   
         Shares of the Class are available for purchase only by: (a) retirement
plans introduced by persons not associated with brokers or dealers that are
primarily engaged in the retail securities business and rollover individual
retirement accounts from such plans; (b) tax-exempt employee benefit plans of
the Manager or its affiliates and securities dealer firms with a selling
agreement with the Distributor; (c) institutional advisory accounts of the
Manager or its affiliates, and those having client relationships with Delaware
Investment Advisers (an affiliate of the Manager) or its affiliates, and their
corporate sponsors, as well as subsidiaries and related employee benefit plans
and rollover individual retirement accounts from such institutional advisory
accounts; (d) a bank, trust company and similar financial institution investing
for its own account or for the account of its trust customers for whom such
financial institution is exercising investment discretion in purchasing shares
of the Class, except where the investment is part of a program that requires
payment to the financial institution of a Rule 12b-1 fee; and (e) registered
investment advisers investing on behalf of clients that consist solely of
institutions and high net-worth individuals having at least $1,000,000 entrusted
to the adviser for investment purposes, but only if the adviser is not
affiliated or associated with a broker or dealer and derives compensation for
its services exclusively from its clients for such advisory services.
    

Small Cap Contrarian Fund A Class, Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class and Small
Cap Contrarian Fund C Class
         In addition to offering Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class
of shares, the Fund also offers Small Cap Contrarian Fund A Class, Small Cap
Contrarian Fund B Class and Small Cap Contrarian Fund C Class, which are
described in a separate prospectus. Shares of Small Cap Contrarian Fund A Class,
Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class and Small Cap Contrarian Fund C Class may be
purchased through authorized investment dealers or directly by contacting the
Fund or the Distributor. Class A, Class B and Class C Shares may have different
sales charges and other expenses which may affect performance. To obtain a
prospectus relating to such classes, contact the Distributor by writing to the
address or by calling the phone numbers listed on the cover of this Prospectus.


                                       -9-

<PAGE>





HOW TO BUY SHARES

         The Fund makes it easy to invest by mail, by wire, by exchange and by
arrangement with your investment dealer. In all instances, investors must
qualify to purchase shares of the Class.

Investing Directly by Mail
1. Initial Purchases--An Investment Application or, in the case of a retirement
plan account, an appropriate retirement plan application, must be completed,
signed and sent with a check payable to Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional
Class, to Delaware Investments at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

2. Subsequent Purchases--Additional purchases may be made at any time by mailing
a check payable to Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class. Your check
should be identified with your name(s) and account number.

   
Investing Directly by Wire
         You may purchase shares by requesting your bank to transmit funds by
wire to First Union National Bank ABA #031201467, account number 2014128934013
(include your name(s) and your account number for the Fund).

1. Initial Purchases--Before you invest, telephone the Client Services
Department at 800-510-4015 to get an account number. If you do not call first,
it may delay processing your investment. In addition, you must promptly send
your Investment Application or, in the case of a retirement plan account, an
appropriate retirement plan application, to Small Cap Contrarian Fund
Institutional Class, to Delaware Investments at 1818 Market Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19103.

2. Subsequent Purchases--You may make additional investments anytime by wiring
funds to First Union National Bank as described above. You must advise your
Client Services Representative by telephone at 800- 510-4015 prior to sending
your wire.

Investing by Exchange
         If you have an investment in another mutual fund offered by Delaware
Investments and you qualify to purchase shares of the Class, you may write and
authorize an exchange of part or all of your investment into the Fund. However,
shares of Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class and Small Cap Contrarian Fund C
Class and Class B Shares and Class C Shares of the other Delaware Investments
funds may not be exchanged into the Class. If you wish to open an account by
exchange, call your Client Services Representative at 800-510-4015 for more
information. See Redemption and Exchange for more complete information
concerning your exchange privilege.
    

Investing through Your Investment Dealer
         You can make a purchase of Fund shares through most investment dealers
who, as part of the service they provide, must transmit orders promptly to the
Fund. They may charge for this service.

Purchase Price and Effective Date
         The purchase price (net asset value) of the Class is determined as of
the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (ordinarily, 4 p.m.,
Eastern time) on days when the Exchange is open.


                                      -10-

<PAGE>





         The effective date of a purchase made through an investment dealer is
the date the order is received by the Fund, its agent or designee. The effective
date of a direct purchase is the day your wire, electronic transfer or check is
received, unless it is received after the time the share price is determined, as
noted above. Purchase orders received after such time will be effective the next
business day.

The Conditions of Your Purchase
         The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order. If a purchase
is canceled because your check is returned unpaid, you are responsible for any
loss incurred. The Fund can redeem shares from your account(s) to reimburse
itself for any loss, and you may be restricted from making future purchases in
any of the funds offered by Delaware Investments. The Fund reserves the right to
reject purchases by third-party checks or checks that are not drawn on a
domestic branch of a United States financial institution. If a check drawn on a
foreign financial institution is accepted, you may be subject to additional bank
charges for clearance and currency conversion.

         The Fund also reserves the right, upon 60 days' written notice, to
involuntarily redeem accounts that remain under $250 as a result of redemptions.


                                      -11-

<PAGE>





REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE

         Redemption and exchange requests made on behalf of participants in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan are made in accordance with directions
provided by the employer. Employees should therefore contact their employer for
details.

   
         Your shares will be redeemed or exchanged based on the net asset value
next determined after the Fund receives your request in good order. For example,
redemption and exchange requests received in good order after the time the net
asset value of shares is determined, as noted above, will be processed on the
next business day. See Purchase Price and Effective Date under How to Buy
Shares. Except as otherwise noted below, for a redemption request to be in "good
order," you must provide your account number, account registration, and the
total number of shares or dollar amount of the transaction. With regard to
exchanges, you must also provide the name of the fund in which you want to
invest the proceeds. Exchange instructions and redemption requests must be
signed by the record owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered. You may
request a redemption or an exchange by calling the Fund at 800-510-4015.
Redemption proceeds will be distributed promptly, as described below, but not
later than seven days after receipt of a redemption request.
    

         All exchanges involve a purchase of shares of the fund into which the
exchange is made. As with any purchase, an investor should obtain and carefully
read that fund's prospectus before buying shares in an exchange. The prospectus
contains more complete information about the fund, including charges and
expenses.

         The Fund will process written and telephone redemption requests to the
extent that the purchase orders for the shares being redeemed have already
settled. The Fund will honor redemption requests as to shares for which a check
was tendered as payment, but the Fund will not mail or wire the proceeds until
it is reasonably satisfied that the check has cleared, which may take up to 15
days from the purchase date. You can avoid this potential delay if you purchase
shares by wiring Federal Funds. The Fund reserves the right to reject a written
or telephone redemption request or delay payment of redemption proceeds if there
has been a recent change to the shareholder's address of record.

         Shares of the Class may be exchanged into any other Delaware
Investments mutual fund, provided: (1) the investment satisfies the eligibility
and other requirements set forth in the prospectus of the fund being acquired,
including the payment of any applicable front-end sales charge; and (2) the
shares of the fund being acquired are in a state where that fund is registered.
If exchanges are made into other shares that are eligible for purchase only by
those permitted to purchase shares of the Class, such exchange will be exchanged
at net asset value. Shares of the Class may not be exchanged into the Class B
Shares or Class C Shares of the funds offered by Delaware Investments. The Fund
may suspend, terminate or amend the terms of the exchange privilege upon 60
days' written notice to shareholders.

         Various redemption and exchange methods are outlined below. No fee is
charged by the Fund or the Distributor for redeeming or exchanging your shares
although, in the case of an exchange, a sales charge may apply. You may also
have your investment dealer arrange to have your shares redeemed or exchanged.
Your investment dealer may charge for this service.

         All authorizations given by shareholders, including selection of any of
the features described below, shall continue in effect until such time as a
written revocation or modification has been received by the Fund or its agent.


                                      -12-

<PAGE>





Written Redemption and Exchange
         You can write to the Fund at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
to redeem some or all of your shares or to request an exchange of any or all
your shares into another mutual fund offered by Delaware Investments, subject to
the same conditions and limitations as other exchanges noted above. The request
must be signed by all owners of the account or your investment dealer of record.

         For redemptions of more than $50,000, or when the proceeds are not sent
to the shareholder(s) at the address of record, the Fund requires a signature by
all owners of the account and may require a signature guarantee. A signature
guarantee can be obtained from a commercial bank, a trust company or a member of
a Securities Transfer Association Medallion Program ("STAMP"). A signature
guarantee cannot be provided by a notary public. A signature guarantee is
designed to protect the shareholders, the Fund and its agents from fraud. The
Fund reserves the right to reject a signature guarantee supplied by an eligible
institution based on its creditworthiness. The Fund may require further
documentation from corporations, executors, retirement plans, administrators,
trustees or guardians.

         Payment is normally mailed the next business day after receipt of your
redemption request. Certificates are issued for shares only if you submit a
specific request. If your shares are in certificate form, the certificate(s)
must accompany your request and also be in good order.

         You also may submit your written request for redemption or exchange by
facsimile transmission at the following number: 215-255-8864.

Telephone Redemption and Exchange
         To get the added convenience of the telephone redemption and exchange
methods, you must have the Transfer Agent hold your shares (without charge) for
you. If you choose to have your shares in certificate form, you may redeem or
exchange only by written request and you must return your certificate(s).

         The Telephone Redemption--Check to Your Address of Record service and
the Telephone Exchange service, both of which are described below, are
automatically provided unless you notify the Fund in writing that you do not
wish to have such services available with respect to your account. The Fund
reserves the right to modify, terminate or suspend these procedures upon 60
days' written notice to shareholders. It may be difficult to reach the Fund by
telephone during periods when market or economic conditions lead to an unusually
large volume of telephone requests.

         Neither the Fund nor its Transfer Agent is responsible for any
shareholder loss incurred in acting upon written or telephone instructions for
redemption or exchange of Fund shares which are reasonably believed to be
genuine. With respect to such telephone transactions, the Fund will follow
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine (including verification of a form of personal identification) as, if it
does not, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. A written confirmation will be provided
for all purchase, exchange and redemption transactions initiated by telephone.
By exchanging shares by telephone, you are acknowledging prior receipt of a
prospectus for the fund into which your shares are being exchanged.




                                      -13-

<PAGE>





Telephone Redemption-Check to Your Address of Record
         You or your investment dealer of record can have redemption proceeds of
$50,000 or less mailed to you at your address of record. Checks will be payable
to the shareholder(s) of record. Payment is normally mailed the next business
day after receipt of the redemption request.

Telephone Redemption-Proceeds to Your Bank
         Redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more can be transferred to your
predesignated bank account by wire or by check. You should authorize this
service when you open your account. If you change your predesignated bank
account, you must submit a written authorization and you may need to have your
signature guaranteed. For your protection, your authorization must be on file.
If you request a wire, your funds will normally be sent the next business day.
If you ask for a check, it will normally be mailed the next business day after
receipt of your redemption request to your predesignated bank account. There are
no fees for this redemption method, but the mail time may delay getting funds
into your bank account. Simply call your Client Services Representative prior to
the time the net asset value is determined, as noted above.

Telephone Exchange
         You or your investment dealer of record can exchange shares into any
fund offered by Delaware Investments under the same registration. As with the
written exchange service, telephone exchanges are subject to the same conditions
and limitations as other exchanges noted above. Telephone exchanges may be
subject to limitations as to amounts or frequency.

                                      -14-

<PAGE>





DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

         The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net capital
gains and net investment income earned during the year. Such payments, if any,
will be made once a year during the first quarter of the next fiscal year.

         Each class of the Fund will share proportionately in the investment
income and expenses of the Fund, except that the Class will not incur any
distribution fee under the 12b-1 Plans which apply to Small Cap Contrarian Fund
A Class, Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class and Small Cap Contrarian Fund C
Class.

         Both dividends and distributions, if any, are automatically reinvested
in your account at net asset value.

                                      -15-

<PAGE>





TAXES

         The tax discussion set forth below is included for general information
only. Investors should consult their own tax advisers concerning the federal,
state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.

   
         On August 5, 1997, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Act") was
signed into law. This new law makes sweeping changes in the Internal Revenue
Code (the "Code"). Because many of these changes are complex, and only
indirectly affect the Fund and its distributions to you, they are discussed in
Part B. Changes in the treatment of capital gains, however, are discussed in
this section.
    

         The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund will not be subject to federal
income tax, or to any excise tax, to the extent its earnings are distributed as
provided in the Code and by satisfying certain other requirements relating to
the sources of its income and diversification of its assets.

         The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net capital gains, if any. Dividends from net investment income or
net short-term capital gains will be taxable to those investors who are subject
to income taxes as ordinary income, even though received in additional shares.
For corporate investors, dividends from net investment income will generally
qualify in part for the corporate dividends-received deduction. The portion of
dividends paid by the Fund that so qualifies will be designated each year in a
notice from Equity Funds V, Inc. to the Fund's shareholders.

         Distributions paid by the Fund from long-term capital gains, received
in additional shares, are taxable to those investors who are subject to income
taxes as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time an investor
has owned shares in the Fund. The Fund does not seek to realize any particular
amount of capital gains during a year; rather, realized gains are a by-product
of Fund management activities. Consequently, capital gains distributions may be
expected to vary considerably from year to year. Also, for those investors
subject to tax, if purchases of shares in the Fund are made shortly before the
record date for a dividend or capital gains distribution, a portion of the
investment will be returned as a taxable distribution.

The Treatment of Capital Gain Distributions under the Taxpayer Relief Act of
1997
         The 1997 Act creates a category of long-term capital gain for
individuals that will be taxed at new lower tax rates. For investors who are in
the 28% or higher federal income tax brackets, these gains will be taxed at a
maximum rate of 20%. For investors who are in the 15% federal income tax
bracket, these gains will be taxed at a maximum rate of 10%. Capital gain
distributions will qualify for these new maximum tax rates, depending on when
the Fund's securities were sold and how long they were held by the Fund before
they were sold. The holding periods for which the new rates apply were revised
by the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. Investors
who want more information on holding periods and other qualifying rules relating
to these new rates should review the expanded discussion in Part B, or should
contact their own tax advisers.

         Equity Funds V, Inc. will advise you in its annual information
reporting at calendar year end of the amount of its capital gain distributions
which will qualify for these maximum federal tax rates.



                                      -16-

<PAGE>





         Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid,
dividends which are declared in October, November, or December to shareholders
of record on a specified date in one of those months, but which, for operational
reasons, may not be paid to the shareholder until the following January, will be
treated for tax purposes as if paid by the Fund and received by the shareholder
on December 31 of the year declared.

         The sale of shares of the Fund is a taxable event and may result in a
capital gain or loss to shareholders subject to tax. Capital gain or loss may be
realized from an ordinary redemption of shares or an exchange of shares between
the Fund and any other Delaware Investments fund. Any loss incurred on a sale or
exchange of Fund shares that had been held for six months or less will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of capital gain dividends
received with respect to such shares.

         In addition to the federal taxes described above, shareholders may or
may not be subject to various state and local taxes. For example, distributions
of interest income and capital gains realized from certain types of U.S.
government securities may be exempt from state personal income taxes. Because
investors' state and local taxes may be different than the federal taxes
described above, investors should consult their own tax advisers.

         Each year, Equity Funds V, Inc. will mail to you information on the tax
status of the Fund's dividends and distributions. Shareholders will also receive
each year information as to the portion of dividend income, if any, that is
derived from U.S. government securities that are exempt from state income tax.
Of course, shareholders who are not subject to tax on their income would not be
required to pay tax on amounts distributed to them by the Fund.

         Equity Funds V, Inc. is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends,
capital gains distributions, and redemptions paid to shareholders who have not
complied with IRS taxpayer identification regulations. You may avoid this
withholding requirement by certifying on your Investment Application your proper
Taxpayer Identification Number and by certifying that you are not subject to
backup withholding.

         See Accounting and Tax Issues and Distributions and Taxes in Part B for
additional information on tax matters relating to the Fund and its shareholders.

                                      -17-

<PAGE>





CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

         The purchase and redemption price of the Class is the net asset value
("NAV") per share of Class shares next computed after the order is received. The
NAV is computed as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (ordinarily, 4 p.m., Eastern time) on days when the Exchange is open.

         The NAV per share is computed by adding the value of all securities and
other assets in the portfolio, deducting any liabilities (expenses and fees are
accrued daily) and dividing by the number of shares outstanding. Portfolio
securities for which market quotations are available are priced at market value.
Foreign securities expressed in foreign currency values will be converted into
U.S. dollar values at the mean between the currencies' bid and offered
quotations. Short-term investments having a maturity of less than 60 days are
valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. All other securities
are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith and in a method
approved by the Fund's Board of Directors.

         The net asset values of all outstanding shares of each class of the
Fund will be computed on a pro-rata basis for each outstanding share based on
the proportionate participation in the Fund represented by the value of shares
of that class. All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund will be borne
on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding share of a class, based on each class'
percentage in the Fund represented by the value of shares of such classes,
except that the Class will not incur any of the expenses under the Fund's 12b-1
Plans and Small Cap Contrarian Fund A, B and C Classes alone will bear the 12b-1
Plan fees payable under their respective Plans. Due to the specific distribution
expenses and other costs that will be allocable to each class, the net asset
value of and dividends paid to each class of the Fund will vary.

                                      -18-

<PAGE>





MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Directors
         The business and affairs of Equity Funds V, Inc. are managed under the
direction of its Board of Directors. Part B contains additional information
regarding Equity Funds V, Inc.'s directors and officers.

Investment Manager
         The Manager furnishes investment management services to the Fund.

   
         The Manager and its predecessors have been managing the funds in
Delaware Investments family since 1938. On September 30, 1998, the Manager and
its affiliates within Delaware Investments, including Delaware International
Advisers Ltd., were managing in the aggregate more than $40 billion in assets in
the various institutional or separately managed (approximately $23,666,360,000)
and investment company (approximately $17,194,990,000) accounts.
    

         The Manager is a series of Delaware Management Business Trust. The
Manager changed its form of organization from a corporation to a business trust
on March 1, 1998. The Manager is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. ("DMH"). On April 3, 1995, a merger between
DMH and a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation ("Lincoln
National") was completed. DMH and the Manager are now indirect, wholly owned
subsidiaries, and subject to the ultimate control, of Lincoln National. Lincoln
National, with headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a diversified
organization with operations in many aspects of the financial services industry,
including insurance and investment management.

         The Manager manages the Fund's portfolio and makes investment decisions
for the Fund which are implemented by the Fund's Trading Department. The Manager
also administers Equity Funds V, Inc.'s affairs and pays the salaries of all the
directors, officers and employees of Equity Funds V, Inc. who are affiliated
with the Manager. For these services, the Manager is paid an annual fee equal to
on an annual basis: 0.75% on the first $500 million of average daily net assets;
0.70% on the next $500 million; 0.65% on the next $1.5 billion; and 0.60% on the
average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion. The Fund's fee is higher
than that paid by many other funds. The fee may be higher or lower than that
paid by funds with comparable investment objectives. The directors of Equity
Funds V, Inc. annually review fees paid to the Manager.

   
         The Manager has elected voluntarily to waive that portion, if any, of
the annual management fees payable by the Fund and to pay expenses of the Fund
to the extent necessary to ensure that the Total Operating Expenses (exclusive
of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses) of the
Fund do not exceed 0.75% through May 31, 1999.

         Christopher S. Beck, Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager of the
Fund and Andrea Giles, Assistant Vice President/Portfolio Manager of the Fund,
have primary responsibility for making day-to-day investment decisions for the
Fund. Mr. Beck began his career in the investment business with Wilmington Trust
in 1981. Later, he became Director of Research at Cypress Capital Management in
Wilmington and Chief Investment Officer of the University of Delaware Endowment
Fund. Prior to joining the Delaware Investments in May, 1997, he managed the
Small Cap Fund for two years at Pitcairn Trust Company. He holds a BS from the
University of Delaware, an MBA from Lehigh University and is a CFA
charterholder. Andrea Giles holds a BSAD from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology and an MBA in Finance from Columbia University.
    

                                      -19-

<PAGE>





   
Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 1996, she was an account officer in the
Leveraged Capital Group with Citibank.

         In making investment decisions for the Fund, Mr. Beck and Ms. Giles
regularly consults with Richard G. Unruh, Jr. and Christopher Driver. A graduate
of Brown University, Mr. Unruh received his MBA from the University of
Pennsylvania's Wharton School and joined Delaware Investments in 1982 after 19
years of investment management experience with Kidder, Peabody Co. Inc. Mr.
Unruh was named an Executive Vice President of Equity Funds V, Inc. in 1994. He
is also a member of the Board of Delaware Management Company, Inc. and was named
an Executive Vice President of Delaware Management Company, Inc. in 1994.
Christopher Driver, Research Analyst for the Fund, holds a BS in Finance from
the University of Delaware. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 1998, he
was a Research Analyst in the Equity Value group at Blackrock, Inc. Prior to
Blackrock, he was a partner at Cashman Farrell & Associates. Mr. Driver is a CFA
charterholder.
    

Portfolio Trading Practices
         The Fund normally will not invest for short-term trading purposes.
However, the Fund may sell securities without regard to the length of time they
have been held. The degree of portfolio activity will affect brokerage costs of
the Fund and may affect taxes payable by the Fund's shareholders to the extent
that net capital gains are realized.

         The Fund uses its best efforts to obtain the best available price and
most favorable execution for portfolio transactions. Orders may be placed with
brokers or dealers who provide brokerage and research services to the Manager or
its advisory clients. These services may be used by the Manager in servicing any
of its accounts. Subject to best price and execution, the Fund may consider a
broker/dealer's sales of shares of funds in the Delaware Investments in placing
portfolio orders and may place orders with broker/dealers that have agreed to
defray certain expenses of such funds, such as custodian fees.

Performance Information
         From time to time, the Fund may quote total return performance for the
Class in advertising and other types of literature.

         Total return will be based on a hypothetical $1,000 investment,
reflecting the reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value. Each
presentation will include the average annual total return for one-, five- and
ten-year or life-of-fund periods, as relevant. The Fund may also advertise
aggregate and average total return information concerning the Class over
additional periods of time.

         Because securities prices fluctuate, investment results of the Class
will fluctuate over time and past performance should not be considered a
guarantee of future results.

Statements and Confirmations
         You will receive quarterly statements of your account summarizing all
transactions during the period. A confirmation statement will be sent following
all transactions other than those involving a reinvestment of

dividends. You should examine statements and confirmations immediately and
promptly report any discrepancy by calling your Client Services Representative.


                                      -20-

<PAGE>





Financial Information about the Fund
         Each fiscal year, you will receive an audited annual report and an
unaudited semi-annual report. These reports provide detailed information about
the Fund's investments and performance. Equity Funds V, Inc.'s fiscal year ends
on November 30.

   
Distribution and Service
         The Distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P., serves as the national
distributor for the Fund's shares under a Distribution Agreement with Equity
Funds V, Inc. dated December 28, 1998. The Distributor bears all of the costs of
promotion and distribution.
    

         The Transfer Agent, Delaware Service Company, Inc., serves as the
shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing and transfer agent for the Fund
pursuant to an amended and restated agreement dated as of December 28, 1998. The
Transfer Agent also provides accounting services to the Fund pursuant to the
terms of a separate Fund Accounting Agreement. Certain recordkeeping and other
shareholder services that otherwise would be performed by the Transfer Agent may
be performed by certain other entities and the Transfer Agent may elect to enter
into an agreement to pay such other entities for those services. In addition,
participant account maintenance fees may be assessed for certain recordkeeping
services provided as part of retirement plan and administration service
packages. These fees are based on the number of participants in the plan and the
various services selected. Fees will be quoted upon request and are subject to
change.

         The directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. annually review service fees paid
to the Distributor and the Transfer Agent. The Distributor and the Transfer
Agent are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of DMH.

                                      * * *

         As with other mutual funds, financial and business organizations and
individuals around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected if the
computer systems used by its service providers do not properly process and
calculate dated-related information from and after January 1, 2000. This is
commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem." Equity Funds V, Inc. is taking steps
to obtain satisfactory assurances that the Fund's major service providers are
taking steps reasonably designed to address the Year 2000 Problem with respect
to the computer systems that such service providers use. There can be no
assurances that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on
the business of the Fund.

         Several European countries are participating in the European Economic
and Monetary Union, which will establish a common European currency for
participating countries. This currency will commonly be known as the "Euro." It
is anticipated that each such participating country will replace its existing
currency with the Euro on January 1, 1999. Additional European countries may
elect to participate after that date. If the Fund is invested in securities of
participating countries it could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by its major service providers are not properly prepared to handle the
implementation of this single currency or the adoption of the Euro by additional
countries in the future. Equity Funds V, Inc. is taking steps to obtain
satisfactory assurances that the major service providers of the Fund are taking
steps reasonably

designed to address these matters with respect to the computer systems that such
service providers use. There can be no assurances that these steps will be
sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the business of the Fund.



                                      -21-

<PAGE>





Expenses
         The Fund is responsible for all of its own expenses other than those
borne by the Manager under the Investment Management Agreement and those borne
by the Distributor under the Distribution Agreement.

Shares
         Equity Funds V, Inc. is an open-end management investment company. The
Fund's portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by the 1940 Act. Commonly
known as a mutual fund, Equity Funds V, Inc. was organized as a Maryland
corporation on January 16, 1987. In addition to the Fund, Equity Funds V, Inc.
presently offers three other series of shares, the Small Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap
Value Fund and Retirement Income Fund.

         Fund shares have a par value of $.01, equal voting rights, except as
noted below, and are equal in all other respects. Equity Funds V, Inc.'s shares
have noncumulative voting rights which means that the holders of more than 50%
of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s shares voting for the election of directors can elect
100% of the directors if they choose to do so. Under Maryland law, Equity Funds
V, Inc. is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual meetings of
shareholders unless, under certain circumstances, it is required to do so under
the 1940 Act.

         In addition to the Class, the Fund also offers Small Cap Contrarian
Fund A Class, Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class and Small Cap Contrarian Fund C
Class. Shares of each class represent proportionate interests in the assets of
the Fund and have the same voting and other rights and preferences as the Class,
except that shares of the Class are not subject to, and may not vote on matters
affecting, the Distribution Plans under Rule 12b-1 relating to Small Cap
Contrarian Fund A Class, Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class and Small Cap
Contrarian Fund C Class.

         The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company ("LNLIC") is expected to
make the initial investment in the Fund. As a result, LNLIC could own up to 100%
of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Subject to certain limited exceptions,
there are no limitations on LNLIC's ability to redeem its shares of the Fund and
it may elect to do so at any time.

                                      -22-

<PAGE>





OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

Foreign Securities and ADRs
         The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in foreign securities. The
Fund may also invest without limitation in sponsored and unsponsored American
Depositary receipts ("ADRs") that are actively traded in the United States. ADRs
are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which evidence
ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. "Sponsored"
ADRs are issued jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a
depository, and "unsponsored" ADRs are issued without the participation of the
issuer of the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all
the costs of such facilities and the depository of an unsponsored ADR facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting
rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities.
Therefore, there may not be a correlation between information concerning the
issuer of the security and the market value of an unsponsored ADR.

         Foreign markets may be more volatile than U.S. markets, and investments
in foreign securities involve sovereign risks in addition to the normal risks
associated with U.S. securities. These risks include political risks, foreign
taxes, exchange controls and currency fluctuations. For example, foreign
portfolio investments may fluctuate in value due to changes in currency rates
(i.e., the value of foreign investments would increase with a fall in the value
of the dollar, and decrease with a rise in the value of the dollar) and control
regulations apart from market fluctuations. The Fund may also experience delays
in foreign securities settlement.

         The Fund will, from time to time, conduct foreign currency exchange
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign currency exchange market or through entering into contracts to purchase
or sell foreign currencies at a future date (i.e., a "forward foreign currency"
contract or "forward" contract). Investors should be aware that there are costs
and risks associated with such currency transactions.

Rule 144A Securities
         The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including securities
eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A ("Rule 144A
Securities") under the Securities Act of 1933. Rule 144A permits many privately
placed and legally restricted securities to be freely traded among certain
institutional buyers such as the Fund. The Fund may invest no more than 15% of
the value of its net assets in illiquid securities.

         While maintaining oversight, the Board of Directors has delegated to
the Manager the day-to-day function of determining whether or not individual
Rule 144A Securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund's 15% limitation on
investments in illiquid assets. The Board has instructed the Manager to consider
the following factors in determining the liquidity of a Rule 144A Security: (i)
the frequency of trades and trading volume for the security; (ii) whether at
least three dealers are willing to purchase or sell the security and the number
of potential purchasers; (iii) whether at least two dealers are making a market
in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and the nature of the
marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer).

         If the Manager determines that a Rule 144A Security which was
previously determined to be liquid is no longer liquid and, as a result, the
Fund's holdings of illiquid securities exceed the Fund's 15% limit on investment
in such securities, the Manager will determine what action to take to ensure
that the Fund continues to adhere to such limitation.


                                      -23-

<PAGE>





Repurchase Agreements
         The Fund may also use repurchase agreements that are at least 102%
collateralized by U.S. government securities. Repurchase agreements help the
Fund to invest cash on a temporary basis. The Fund may invest cash balances in
joint repurchase agreements with other Delaware Investments funds. Under a
repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires ownership and possession of a security,
and the seller agrees to buy the security back at a specified time and higher
price. If the seller is unable to repurchase the security, the Fund could
experience delays in liquidating the securities. To minimize this possibility,
the Fund considers the creditworthiness of banks and dealers when entering into
repurchase agreements.

Portfolio Loan Transactions
         The Fund may loan up to 25% of its assets to qualified broker/dealers
or institutional investors for their use relating to short sales or other
security transactions.

         The major risk to which the Fund would be exposed on a loan transaction
is the risk that the borrower would go bankrupt at a time when the value of the
security goes up. Therefore, the Fund will only enter into loan arrangements
after a review of all pertinent facts by the Manager, subject to overall
supervision by the Board of Directors, including the creditworthiness of the
borrowing broker, dealer or institution and then only if the consideration to be
received from such loans would justify the risk. Creditworthiness will be
monitored on an ongoing basis by the Manager.

Borrowing
         The Fund is permitted under certain circumstances to borrow money.
Investment securities will normally not be purchased while the Fund has an
outstanding borrowing.

   

    


Call Options

Writing Covered Call Options
         A covered call option obligates the Fund to sell one of its securities
for an agreed price up to an agreed date. When the Fund writes a call, it
receives a premium and agrees to sell the callable securities to a purchaser of
a corresponding call during the call period (usually not more than nine months)
at a fixed exercise price regardless of market price changes during the call
period. The advantage is that the Fund receives premium income for the limited
purpose of offsetting the costs of purchasing put options or offsetting any
capital loss or decline in market value of the security. However, if the
Manager's forecast is wrong, the Fund may not fully participate in the market
appreciation if the security's price rises.




                                      -24-

<PAGE>





Writing a Call Option on Stock Indices
         Writing a call option on stock indices is similar to the writing of a
call option on an individual stock. Stock indices used will include, but not be
limited to, the S&P 100 and the S&P Over-The-Counter ("OTC") 250.

Put Options

Purchasing a Put Option
         A put option gives the Fund the right to sell one of its securities for
an agreed price up to an agreed date. The advantage is that the Fund can be
protected should the market value of the security decline. However, the Fund
must pay a premium for this right which would be lost if the option is not
exercised.

         Purchasing a Put Option on Stock Indices
         Purchasing a protective put option on stock indices is similar to the
purchase of protective puts on an individual stock. Indices used will include,
but not be limited to, the S&P 100 and the S&P OTC 250.

Closing Transactions
         Closing transactions essentially let the Fund offset a put option or
covered call option prior to its exercise or expiration. If the Fund cannot
effect a closing transaction, it may have to hold a security it would otherwise
sell or deliver a security it might want to hold.

         Part B sets forth other more specific investment restrictions.



                                      -25-

<PAGE>





APPENDIX A -- RATINGS

Bonds
         Excerpts from Moody's description of its bond ratings: Aaa--judged to
be the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk;
Aa--judged to be of high quality by all standards; A--possess favorable
attributes and are considered "upper medium" grade obligations; Baa--considered
as medium grade obligations. Interest payments and principal security appear
adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may
be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time; Ba--judged to
have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured.
Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class; B--generally lack
characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal
payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period
of time may be small; Caa--are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default
or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest; Ca--represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such
issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings; C--the lowest
rated class of bonds and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely
poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

         Excerpts from S&P's description of its bond ratings: AAA--highest grade
obligations. They possess the ultimate degree of protection as to principal and
interest; AA--also qualify as high grade obligations, and in the majority of
instances differ from AAA issues only in a small degree; A--strong ability to
pay interest and repay principal although more susceptible to changes in
circumstances; BBB--regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal; BB, B, CCC, CC--regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by
large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions; C--reserved
for income bonds on which no interest is being paid; D- -in default, and payment
of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears.




                                      -26-

<PAGE>

         The Delaware Investments includes funds with a wide range of investment
objectives. Stock funds, income funds, national and state-specific tax-exempt
funds, money market funds, global and international funds and closed-end funds
give investors the ability to create a portfolio that fits their personal
financial goals. For more information, shareholders of the Fund Classes should
contact their financial adviser or call Delaware Investments at 800-523-4640 and
shareholders of the Institutional Class should contact Delaware Investments at
800-828-5052.

INVESTMENT MANAGER
Delaware Management Company, Inc.
One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA  19103

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR                                                
Delaware Distributors, L.P.
1818 Market Street                                                  
Philadelphia, PA 19103
                                                                    
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING,
DIVIDEND DISBURSING,
ACCOUNTING SERVICES                                                 
AND TRANSFER AGENT
Delaware Service Company, Inc.
1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

LEGAL COUNSEL
Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, LLP
One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 
Ernst & Young LLP 
Two Commerce Square 
Philadelphia, PA 19103

CUSTODIAN                                                    
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 Chase Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11245                                      DELAWARE(SM)
                                                        INVESTMENTS
                                                        -----------


- -----------------------------------------------------------   
                                                              
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS V, INC.                           
                                                              
- -----------------------------------------------------------   
                                                              
SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND                                     
MID-CAP VALUE FUND                                            
- -----------------------------------------------------------   
                                                              
A CLASS                                                       
B CLASS                                                       
C CLASS                                                       
- -----------------------------------------------------------   
                                                              
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS                                           
- -----------------------------------------------------------   
                                                              
                                                              
                                                              
                                                              
PART B                                                        
                                                              
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION                           
- -----------------------------------------------------------   
                                                              
   
DECEMBER 28, 1998   
    

<PAGE>


   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     PART B--STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                               DECEMBER 28, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS V, INC.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SMALL CAP CONTRARIAN FUND
MID-CAP VALUE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA  19103
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information about Institutional  Classes:  800-828-5052

For Prospectus and Performance of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C
  Shares: Nationwide 800-523-4640

Information on Existing Accounts of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C 
  Shares: (SHAREHOLDERS ONLY) Nationwide 800-523-1918

Dealer Services:  (BROKER/DEALERS ONLY) Nationwide 800-362-7500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Cover Page                                                                     1
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Investment Policies and Portfolio Techniques                                   3
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Accounting and Tax Issues
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Performance Information
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Trading Practices and Brokerage
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Purchasing Shares
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Investment Plans
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Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value
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Redemption and Repurchase
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Distributions and Taxes
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Investment Management Agreements
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Officers and Directors
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Exchange Privilege
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General Information
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Financial Statements
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                                       -2-

<PAGE>



         Delaware Group Equity Funds V, Inc. ("Equity Funds V, Inc.") is a
professionally-managed mutual fund of the series type. This Statement of
Additional Information ("Part B" of the registration statement) describes the
Mid-Cap Value Fund series ("Mid-Cap Value Fund") and Small Cap Contrarian Fund
series ("Small Cap Contrarian Fund") (individually a "Fund", and collectively,
the "Funds") of the Equity Funds V, Inc.

   
         Each Fund offers three retail classes: Mid-Cap Value Fund A Class and
Small Cap Contrarian Fund A Class (the "Class A Shares"); Mid-Cap Value Fund B
Class and Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class (the "Class B Shares"); and Mid-Cap
Value Fund C Class and Small Cap Contrarian Fund C Class (the "Class C Shares").
Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares are collectively referred to
as the "Fund Classes." Each Fund also offers an institutional class: Mid-Cap
Value Fund Institutional Class and Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class
(the "Institutional Classes"). Each class is individually referred to as a
"Class" and collectively referred to as "Classes." A separate Statement of
Additional Information dated February 3, 1998, as supplemented, relates to
Equity Funds V, Inc.'s remaining two series: Small Cap Value Fund series and
Retirement Income Fund series.

         Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Institutional Class shares of a Fund
may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined net asset value per
share. Class A Shares may be purchased at the public offering price, which is
equal to the next determined net asset value per share, plus a front-end sales
charge. Class A Shares are subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%
and, absent any applicable fee waiver, annual Rule 12b-1 Plan ("12b-1 Plan")
expenses of up to 0.30%. Class B Shares are subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge ("CDSC") which may be imposed on redemptions made within six years
of purchase and, absent any applicable fee waiver, annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of
up to 1%, which are assessed against Class B Shares for approximately eight
years after purchase. See Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares under Classes
of Shares in the Fund Classes' Prospectuses. Class C Shares are subject to a
CDSC which may be imposed on redemptions made within 12 months of purchase and,
absent any applicable fee waiver, annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to 1%, which
are assessed against the Class C Shares for the life of the investment. Due to
voluntary waivers by Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the "Distributor"), the Funds
will not pay a 12b-1 fee with respect to any Class until May 31, 1998.

         This Part B supplements the information contained in the current
Prospectuses for the Fund Classes of Mid-Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Contrarian
Fund dated December 28, 1998, as they may be amended from time to time. Part B
should be read in conjunction with the respective Class' Prospectus. Part B is
not itself a prospectus but is, in its entirety, incorporated by reference into
each Class' Prospectus. A prospectus relating to the Fund Classes and a
prospectus relating to the Institutional Classes may be obtained by writing or
calling your investment dealer or by contacting the Fund's national distributor,
Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the "Distributor"), 1818 Market Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19103.
    






                                       -3-

<PAGE>




   
         Investment Restrictions--Each Fund has adopted the following
restrictions which cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a
"majority" of a Fund's outstanding shares, which is a vote by the holders of the
lesser of a) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present in person
or by proxy at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding
voting securities are present or represented by proxy or b) more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The percentage limitations contained
in the restrictions and policies set forth herein apply at the time of purchase
of securities.
    

Mid-Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Contrarian Fund shall not:

         1. Make investments that will result in the concentration (as that term
may be defined in the 1940 Act, any rule or other thereunder, or U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff interpretation thereof) of its investments
in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in the same industry, provided
that this restriction does not limit the Fund from investing in obligations
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities,
or in certificates of deposit.

         2. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except as the 1940 Act, any
rule or order thereunder, or SEC staff interpretation thereof, may permit.

         3. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except that the Fund may
engage in transactions involving the acquisition, disposition or resale of its
portfolio securities, under circumstances where it may be considered to be an
underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933.

         4. Purchase or sell real estate, unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction
does not prevent the Fund from investing in issuers which invest, deal or
otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests therein, or
investing in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein.

         5. Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result
of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this
restriction does not prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving
futures contracts and options thereon or investing in securities that are
secured by physical commodities.

         6. Make loans, provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund
from purchasing debt obligations, entering into repurchase agreements, loaning
its assets to broker/dealers or institutional investors and investing in loans,
including assignments and participation interests.

         In applying the Fund's fundamental policy concerning concentration that
is described above, it is a matter of non-fundamental policy that: (i) utility
companies will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas
transmission, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate
industry; (ii) financial service companies will be classified according to the
end users of their services, for example, automobile finance, bank finance and
diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry; and (iii) asset
backed securities will be classified according to the underlying assets securing
such securities.

         In addition to the fundamental policies and investment restrictions
described above, and the various general investment policies described in the
prospectus, the Fund will be subject to the following investment 

                                       -4-

<PAGE>

restrictions, which are considered non-fundamental and may be changed by the
Board of Directors without shareholder approval.

         1. The Fund is permitted to invest in other investment companies,
including open-end, closed-end or unregistered investment companies, either
within the percentage limits set forth in the 1940 Act, any rule or order
thereunder, or SEC staff interpretation thereof, or without regard to percentage
limits in connection with a merger, reorganization, consolidation or other
similar transaction. However, the Fund may not operate as a "fund of funds"
which invests primarily in the shares of other investment companies as permitted
by Section 12(d)(1)(F) or (G) of the 1940 Act, if its own shares are utilized as
investments by such a "fund of funds."

         2. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
securities which it cannot sell or dispose of in the ordinary course of business
within seven days at approximately the value at which the Fund has valued the
investment.

         In addition, from time to time, the Funds may also engage in the
following investment techniques:

Repurchase Agreements
         A repurchase agreement is a short-term investment by which the
purchaser acquires ownership of a debt security and the seller agrees to
repurchase the obligation at a future time and set price, thereby determining
the yield during the purchaser's holding period. Should an issuer of a
repurchase agreement fail to repurchase the underlying security, the loss to the
Funds, if any, would be the difference between the repurchase price and the
market value of the security. Each Fund will limit its investments in repurchase
agreements to those which the Manager, under the guidelines of the Board of
Directors, determines to present minimal credit risks and which are of high
quality. In addition, each Fund must have collateral of at least 102% of the
repurchase price, including the portion representing such Fund's yield under
such agreements which is monitored on a daily basis. While the Funds are
permitted to do so, they normally do not invest in repurchase agreements, except
to invest cash balances.

         The Delaware Investments funds have obtained an exemption from the
joint-transaction prohibitions of Section 17(d) of the 1940 Act to allow the
Delaware Investments funds jointly to invest cash balances. The Funds may invest
cash balances in a joint repurchase agreement in accordance with the terms of
the Order and subject generally to the conditions described below.

Portfolio Loan Transactions
         Each Fund may loan up to 25% of its assets to qualified broker/dealers
or institutional investors for their use relating to short sales or other
security transactions.

         It is the understanding of the Manager that the staff of the Securities
and Exchange Commission permits portfolio lending by registered investment
companies if certain conditions are met. These conditions are as follows: 1)
each transaction must have 100% collateral in the form of cash, short-term U.S.
government securities, or irrevocable letters of credit payable by banks
acceptable to a Fund from the borrower; 2) this collateral must be valued daily
and should the market value of the loaned securities increase, the borrower must
furnish additional collateral to the Fund; 3) the Fund must be able to terminate
the loan after notice, at any time; 4) the Fund must receive reasonable interest
on any loan, and any dividends, interest or other distributions on the lent
securities, and any increase in the market value of such securities; 5) the Fund
may pay reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and 6) the voting
rights on the lent securities may pass to the borrower; however, if the
directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. know that a material event will occur
affecting a loan, they must either 

                                       -5-

<PAGE>

terminate the loan in order to vote the proxy or enter into an alternative
arrangement with the borrower to enable the directors to vote the proxy.

         The major risk to which a Fund would be exposed on a loan transaction
is the risk that a borrower would go bankrupt at a time when the value of the
security goes up. Therefore, each Fund will only enter into loan arrangements
after a review of all pertinent facts by the Manager, under the supervision of
the Board of Directors, including the creditworthiness of the borrowing broker,
dealer or institution and then only if the consideration to be received from
such loans would justify the risk. Creditworthiness will be monitored on an
ongoing basis by the Manager.

Restricted Securities
         Each Fund may invest in restricted securities, including unregistered
securities eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A ("Rule
144A Securities") under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A Securities may be freely traded
among qualified institutional investors without registration under the 1933 Act.
All of the Funds' option activities will be engaged in a manner that is
consistent with the Securities and Exchange Commission's position concerning
segregation of assets with a Fund's custodian bank.

         Investing in Rule 144A Securities could have the effect of increasing
the level of a Fund's illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional
buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities. After
the purchase of a Rule 144A Security, however, the Board of Directors and the
Manager will continue to monitor the liquidity of that security to ensure that
each Fund has no more than 15% of their respective net assets invested in
illiquid securities.

Options
         The Funds may write call options and purchase put options on a covered
basis only, and will not engage in option writing strategies for speculative
purposes.

         A. Covered Call Writing--Each Fund may write covered call options from
time to time on such portion of its portfolio, without limit, as the Manager
determines is appropriate in seeking to obtain that Fund's investment objective.
A call option gives the purchaser of such option the right to buy, and the
writer, in this case a Fund, has the obligation to sell the underlying security
at the exercise price during the option period. The advantage to a Fund of
writing covered calls is that the Fund receives additional income, in the form
of a premium, which may offset any capital loss or decline in market value of
the security. However, if the security rises in value, a Fund may not fully
participate in the market appreciation.

         During the option period, a covered call option writer may be assigned
an exercise notice by the broker/dealer through whom such call option was sold
requiring the writer to deliver the underlying security against payment of the
exercise price. This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option
period or at such earlier time in which the writer effects a closing purchase
transaction. A closing purchase transaction cannot be effected with respect to
an option once the option writer has received an exercise notice for such
option.

         With respect to both options on actual portfolio securities owned by
the Funds and options on stock indices, the Funds may enter into closing
purchase transactions. A closing purchase transaction is one in which a Fund,
when obligated as a writer of an option, terminates its obligation by purchasing
an option of the same series as the option previously written.



                                       -6-

<PAGE>

         Closing purchase transactions will ordinarily be effected to realize a
profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from
being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to enable a Fund
to write another call option on the underlying security with either a different
exercise price or expiration date or both. A Fund may realize a net gain or loss
from a closing purchase transaction depending upon whether the net amount of the
original premium received on the call option is more or less than the cost of
effecting the closing purchase transaction. Any loss incurred in a closing
purchase transaction may be partially or entirely offset by the premium received
from a sale of a different call option on the same underlying security. Such a
loss may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation in the
market value of the underlying security. Conversely, a gain resulting from a
closing purchase transaction could be offset in whole or in part by a decline in
the market value of the underlying security.

         If a call option expires unexercised, a Fund will realize a short-term
capital gain in the amount of the premium on the option, less the commission
paid. Such a gain, however, may be offset by depreciation in the market value of
the underlying security during the option period. If a call option is exercised,
a Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security
equal to the difference between the cost of the underlying security, and the
proceeds of the sale of the security plus the amount of the premium on the
option, less the commission paid.

         The market value of a call option generally reflects the market price
of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value
include supply and demand, interest rates, the price volatility of the
underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.

         A Fund will write call options only on a covered basis, which means
that the Fund will own the underlying security subject to a call option at all
times during the option period or securities convertible or exchangeable into
the securities subject to the call option at no additional consideration or a
Fund owns a call option on the relevant securities with an exercise price no
higher than the exercise price on the call option written or subject to any
regulatory restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid high grade debt obligations
at least equal to the current underlying securities. Unless a closing purchase
transaction is effected, a Fund would be required to continue to hold a security
which it might otherwise wish to sell, or deliver a security it would want to
hold. Options written by a Fund will normally have expiration dates between one
and nine months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option may
be below, equal to or above the current market value of the underlying security
at the time the option is written.

         B. Purchasing Put Options--Each Fund may invest up to 2% of its total
assets in the purchase of put options. The Funds will, at all times during which
they hold a put option, own the security covered by such option.

         The Funds intend to purchase put options in order to protect against a
decline in the market value of the underlying security below the exercise price
less the premium paid for the option ("protective puts"). The ability to
purchase put options will allow the Funds to protect an unrealized gain in an
appreciated security in their portfolios without actually selling the security.
If the security does not drop in value, the Funds will lose the value of the
premium paid. Each Fund may sell a put option which it has previously purchased
prior to the sale of the securities underlying such option. Such sales will
result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the amount received on the
sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the
put option which is sold.




                                       -7-

<PAGE>

         The Funds may enter into closing sale transactions. A closing sale
transaction is one in which a Fund, when it is the holder of an outstanding
option, liquidates its position by selling an option of the same series as the
option previously purchased.

Options on Stock Indices
         A stock index assigns relative values to the common stocks included in
the index with the index fluctuating with changes in the market values of the
underlying common stock.

         Options on stock indices are similar to options on stocks but have
different delivery requirements. Stock options provide the right to take or make
delivery of the underlying stock at a specified price. A stock index option
gives the holder the right to receive a cash "exercise settlement amount" equal
to (i) the amount by which the fixed exercise price of the option exceeds (in
the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of
the underlying index on the date of exercise, multiplied by (ii) a fixed "index
multiplier." Receipt of this cash amount will depend upon the closing level of
the stock index upon which the option is based being greater than (in the case
of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option.
The amount of cash received will be equal to such difference between the closing
price of the index and exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a
specified multiple. The writer of the option is obligated, in return for the
premium received, to make delivery of this amount. Gain or loss to a Fund on
transactions in stock index options will depend on price movements in the stock
market generally (or in a particular industry or segment of the market) rather
than price movements of individual securities.

         As with stock options, the Funds may offset their positions in stock
index options prior to expiration by entering into closing transactions, on an
Exchange or they may let the options expire unexercised.

         A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stock
so included. Some stock index options are based on a broad market index such as
the Standard & Poor's 500 (R) Composite Stock Price Index ("S&P 500") or the New
York Stock Exchange Composite Index, or a narrower market index such as the
Standard & Poor's 100 ("S&P 100"). Indices are also based on an industry or
market segment such as the AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business
Equipment Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the following
Exchanges among others: The Chicago Board Options Exchange, New York Stock
Exchange and American Stock Exchange.

         The effectiveness of purchasing or writing stock index options as a
hedging technique will depend upon the extent to which price movements in a
Fund's portfolio correlate with price movements of the stock index selected.
Because the value of an index option depends upon movements in the level of the
index rather than the price of a particular stock, whether a Fund will realize a
gain or loss from the purchase or writing of options on an index depends upon
movements in the level of stock prices in the stock market generally or, in the
case of certain indices, in an industry or market segment, rather than movements
in the price of a particular stock. Since each Fund's portfolio will not
duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be exact.
Consequently, a Fund bears the risk that the prices of the securities being
hedged will not move in the same amount as the hedging instrument. It is also
possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index or other
securities underlying the hedging instrument and the hedged securities which
would result in a loss on both such securities and the hedging instrument.
Accordingly, successful use by the Funds of options on stock indices will be
subject to the Manager's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction
of the stock market generally or of a particular industry. This requires
different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the price of
individual stocks.



                                       -8-

<PAGE>


         Positions in stock index options may be closed out only on an Exchange
which provides a secondary market. There can be no assurance that a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular stock index option. Thus, it may
not be possible to close such an option. The inability to close options
positions could have an adverse impact on a Fund's ability to effectively hedge
its securities. Each Fund will enter into an option position only if there
appears to be a liquid secondary market for such options.

         The Funds will not engage in transactions in options on stock indices
for speculative purposes but only to protect appreciation attained, to offset
capital losses and to take advantage of the liquidity available in the option
markets.


                                       -9-

<PAGE>


Foreign Securities
         Each Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies but will not
invest more than 5% of its assets, at the time of purchase, in foreign
securities (other than securities of Canadian issuers registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or American Depositary Receipts, on which there
are no such limits).

         There has been in the past, and there may be again in the future, an
interest equalization tax levied by the United States in connection with the
purchase of foreign securities such as those purchased by the Funds. Payment of
such interest equalization tax, if imposed, would reduce a Fund's rate of return
on its investment. Dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to
withholding and other foreign taxes which may decrease the net return on such
investments as compared to dividends paid to the Funds by United States
corporations.

         Investors should recognize that investing in foreign corporations
involves certain considerations, including those set forth below, which are not
typically associated with investing in United States corporations. Foreign
corporations are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and
financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to United
States corporations. There may also be less supervision and regulation of
foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed corporations than exist in the
United States. The Funds may be affected either unfavorably or favorably by
fluctuations in the relative rates of exchange as between the currencies of
different nations and control regulations. Furthermore, there may be the
possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political, economic or
social instability or diplomatic developments which could affect assets of the
Funds held in foreign countries.

         The Funds will, from time to time, conduct foreign currency exchange
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign currency exchange market or through entering into contracts to purchase
or sell foreign currencies at a future date (i.e., a "forward foreign currency"
contract or "forward" contract). Investors should be aware that there are costs
and risks associated with such currency transactions. The Funds may enter into
forward contracts to "lock in" the price of a security it has agreed to purchase
or sell, in terms of U.S. dollars or other currencies in which the transaction
will be consummated. When the Manager believes that the currency of a particular
foreign country may suffer a decline against the U.S. dollar or against another
currency, a Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount
of U.S. dollars or other appropriate currency, the amount of foreign currency
approximating the value of some or all of that Fund's securities denominated in
such foreign currency. It is impossible to predict precisely the market value of
portfolio securities at the expiration of the forward contract. Accordingly, it
may be necessary for a Fund to purchase or sell additional foreign currency on
the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase or sale) if the market
value of the security is less than or greater than the amount of foreign
currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.

         The Funds may incur gains or losses from currency transactions. No type
of foreign currency transaction will eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the
Funds' foreign securities or will prevent loss if the prices of such securities
should decline.

         Each Fund's Custodian for its foreign securities is The Chase Manhattan
Bank, 4 Chase Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11245.

High-Yield, High Risk Securities
         Investing in so-called "high-yield" or "high risk" securities entails
certain risks, including the risk of loss of principal, which may be greater
than the risks involved in investment grade securities, and which should be
considered by investors contemplating an investment in the Funds. Such
securities are sometimes issued by companies whose earnings at the time of
issuance are less than the projected debt service on the high-yield securities.
The risks include the following:


                                      -10-

<PAGE>



         A. Youth and Volatility of the High-Yield Market--Although the market
for high-yield securities has been in existence for many years, including
periods of economic downturns, the high-yield market grew rapidly during the
long economic expansion which took place in the United States during the 1980s.
During that economic expansion, the use of high-yield debt securities to fund
highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and restructurings increased
dramatically. As a result, the high-yield market grew substantially during that
economic expansion. Although experts disagree on the impact recessionary periods
have had and will have on the high-yield market, some analysts believe a
protracted economic downturn would severely disrupt the market for high-yield
securities, would adversely affect the value of outstanding bonds and would
adversely affect the ability of high-yield issuers to repay principal and
interest. Those analysts cite volatility experienced in the high-yield market in
the past as evidence for their position. It is likely that protracted periods of
economic uncertainty would result in increased volatility in the market prices
of high-yield securities, an increase in the number of high-yield bond defaults
and corresponding volatility in a Fund's net asset value.

          The Funds will not ordinarily purchase securities rated below B by
Moody's and S&P. However, each Fund may do so if the Manager believes that
capital appreciation is likely. Each Fund will not invest more than 25% of its
assets in such securities

         B. Liquidity and Valuation--The secondary market for high-yield
securities is currently dominated by institutional investors, including mutual
funds and certain financial institutions. There is generally no established
retail secondary market for high-yield securities. As a result, the secondary
market for high-yield securities is more limited and less liquid than other
secondary securities markets. The high-yield secondary market is particularly
susceptible to liquidity problems when the institutions which dominate it
temporarily cease buying such securities for regulatory, financial or other
reasons, such as the savings and loan crisis. A less liquid secondary market may
have an adverse effect on a Fund's ability to dispose of particular issues, when
necessary, to meet a Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific
economic event, such as the deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer.
In addition, a less liquid secondary market makes it more difficult for a Fund
to obtain precise valuations of the high-yield securities in its portfolio.
During periods involving such liquidity problems, judgment plays a greater role
in valuing high-yield securities than is normally the case. The secondary market
for high-yield securities is also generally considered to be more likely to be
disrupted by adverse publicity and investor perceptions than the more
established secondary securities markets. Privately placed high-yield securities
are particularly susceptible to the liquidity and valuation risks outlined
above.

         C. Legislative and Regulatory Action and Proposals--There are a variety
of legislative actions which have been taken or which are considered from time
to time by the United States Congress which could adversely affect the market
for high-yield bonds. For example, Congressional legislation limited the
deductibility of interest paid on certain high-yield bonds used to finance
corporate acquisitions. Also, Congressional legislation has, with some
exceptions, generally prohibited federally-insured savings and loan institutions
from investing in high-yield securities. Regulatory actions have also affected
the high-yield market. For example, many insurance companies have restricted or
eliminated their purchases of high-yield bonds as a result of, among other
factors, actions taken by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
If similar legislative and regulatory actions are taken in the future, they
could result in further tightening of the secondary market for high-yield issues
and could reduce the number of new high-yield securities being issued.


                                      -11-

<PAGE>




ACCOUNTING AND TAX ISSUES

         When the Fund writes a call, or purchases a put option, an amount equal
to the premium received or paid by it is included in the section of the Fund's
assets and liabilities as an asset and as an equivalent liability.

         In writing a call, the amount of the liability is subsequently "marked
to market" to reflect the current market value of the option written. The
current market value of a written option is the last sale price on the principal
Exchange on which such option is traded or, in the absence of a sale, the mean
between the last bid and asked prices. If an option which the Fund has written
expires on its stipulated expiration date, the Fund reports a realized gain. If
the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option
which the Fund has written, the Fund realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of the
closing transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold)
without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying security, and
the liability related to such option is extinguished. Any such gain or loss is a
short-term capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. If a call
option which the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund realizes a capital gain
or loss (long-term or short-term, depending on the holding period of the
underlying security) from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds
from such sale are increased by the premium originally received.

         The premium paid by the Fund for the purchase of a put option is
recorded in the section of the Fund's assets and liabilities as an investment
and subsequently adjusted daily to the current market value of the option. For
example, if the current market value of the option exceeds the premium paid, the
excess would be unrealized appreciation and, conversely, if the premium exceeds
the current market value, such excess would be unrealized depreciation. The
current market value of a purchased option is the last sale price on the
principal Exchange on which such option is traded or, in the absence of a sale,
the mean between the last bid and asked prices. If an option which the Fund has
purchased expires on the stipulated expiration date, the Fund realizes a
short-term or long-term capital loss for federal income tax purposes in the
amount of the cost of the option. If the Fund sells the put option, it realizes
a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending on whether the
proceeds from the sale are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the
Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a capital gain or loss (long-term or
short-term, depending on the holding period of the underlying security) from the
sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be
decreased by the premium originally paid. However, since the purchase of a put
option is treated as a short sale for federal income tax purposes, the holding
period of the underlying security will be affected by such a purchase.

         Options on Certain Stock Indices--Accounting for options on certain
stock indices will be in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. The amount of any realized gain or loss on closing out such a
position will result in a realized capital gain or loss for tax purposes. Such
options held by the Fund at the end of each fiscal year will be required to be
marked to market for federal income tax purposes. Sixty percent of any net gain
or loss recognized on such deemed sales or on any actual sales will be treated
as long-term capital gain or loss, and the remainder will be treated as
short-term capital gain or loss.

         Other Tax Requirements--Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). As such, a Fund will not be subject to federal income tax,
or to any excise tax, to the extent its earnings are distributed as provided in
the Code and it satisfies other requirements relating to the sources of its
income and diversification of its assets.

         In order to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal
income tax purposes, each Fund must meet certain specific requirements,
including:

                                      -12-

<PAGE>



         (i) The Fund must maintain a diversified portfolio of securities,
wherein no security (other than U.S. government securities and securities of
other regulated investment companies) can exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets,
and, with respect to 50% of the Fund's total assets, no investment (other than
cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities and securities of other
regulated investment companies) can exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets;

   
         (ii) The Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from
the sale or disposition of stock and securities or foreign currencies, or other
income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities, or currencies; and

         (iii) The Fund must distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income for each of its
fiscal years.
    

         The Code requires the Funds to distribute at least 98% of its taxable
ordinary income earned during the calendar year and 98% of its capital gain net
income earned during the 12 month period ending November 30 (in addition to
amounts from the prior year that were neither distributed nor taxed to a Fund)
to you by December 31 of each year in order to avoid federal excise taxes. The
Funds intend as a matter of policy to declare and pay sufficient dividends in
December or January (which are treated by you as received in December) but does
not guarantee and can give no assurances that its distributions will be
sufficient to eliminate all such taxes.

         The straddle rules of Section 1092 may apply. Generally, the straddle
provisions require the deferral of losses to the extent of unrecognized gains
related to the offsetting positions in the straddle. Excess losses, if any, can
be recognized in the year of loss. Deferred losses will be carried forward and
recognized in the year that unrealized losses exceed unrealized gains.

         The 1997 Act has also added new provisions for dealing with
transactions that are generally called "Constructive Sale Transactions." Under
these rules, the Fund must recognize gain (but not loss) on any constructive
sale of an appreciated financial position in stock, a partnership interest or
certain debt instruments. The Fund will generally be treated as making a
constructive sale when it: 1) enters into a short sale on the same or
substantially identical property; 2) enters into an offsetting notional
principal contract; or 3) enters into a futures or forward contract to deliver
the same or substantially identical property. Other transactions (including
certain financial instruments called collars) will be treated as constructive
sales as provided in Treasury regulations to be published. There are also
certain exceptions that apply for transactions that are closed before the end of
the 30th day after the close of the taxable year.

         Investment in Foreign Currencies and Foreign Securities--The Funds are
authorized to invest certain limited amounts in foreign securities. Such
investments, if made, will have the following additional tax consequences to
each Fund:

         Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates which occur between the time a Fund accrues income
(including dividends), or accrues expenses which are denominated in a foreign
currency, and the time a Fund actually collects such income or pays such
expenses generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, on the
disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on the
disposition of certain options, futures, forward contracts, gain or loss
attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date
of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of its disposition are
also treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under
the Code

                                      -13-

<PAGE>



as "Section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of a
Fund's net investment company taxable income, which, in turn, will affect the
amount of income to be distributed to you by a Fund.

         If a Fund's Section 988 losses exceed a Fund's other investment company
taxable income during a taxable year, a Fund generally will not be able to make
ordinary dividend distributions to you for that year, or distributions made
before the losses were realized will be recharacterized as return of capital
distributions for federal income tax purposes, rather than as an ordinary
dividend or capital gain distribution. If a distribution is treated as a return
of capital, your tax basis in your Fund shares will be reduced by a like amount
(to the extent of such basis), and any excess of the distribution over your tax
basis in your Fund shares will be treated as capital gain to you.

         The 1997 Act generally requires that foreign income be translated into
U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the tax year in which the
transactions are conducted. Certain exceptions apply to taxes paid more than two
years after the taxable year to which they relate. This new law may require a
Fund to track and record adjustments to foreign taxes paid on foreign securities
in which it invests. Under a Fund's current reporting procedure, foreign
security transactions are recorded generally at the time of each transaction
using the foreign currency spot rate available for the date of each transaction.
Under the new law, a Fund will be required to record at fiscal year end (and at
calendar year end for excise tax purposes) an adjustment that reflects the
difference between the spot rates recorded for each transaction and the year-end
average exchange rate for all of a Fund's foreign securities transactions. There
is a possibility that the mutual fund industry will be given relief from this
new provision, in which case no year-end adjustments will be required.

   
         The Funds may be subject to foreign withholding taxes on income from
certain of its foreign securities. If more than 50% of the total assets of a
Fund at the end of its fiscal year are invested in securities of foreign
corporations, a Fund may elect to pass-through to you your pro rata share of
foreign taxes paid by a Fund. If this election is made, you will be: (i)
required to include in your gross income your pro rata share of foreign source
income (including any foreign taxes paid by a Fund); and (ii) entitled to either
deduct your share of such foreign taxes in computing your taxable income or to
claim a credit for such taxes against your U.S. income tax, subject to certain
limitations under the Code. You will be informed by a Fund at the end of each
calendar year regarding the availability of any such foreign tax credits and the
amount of foreign source income (including any foreign taxes paid by a Fund). If
a Fund elects to pass-through to you the foreign income taxes that it has paid,
you will be informed at the end of the calendar year of the amount of foreign
taxes paid and foreign source income that must be included on your federal
income tax return. If a Fund invests 50% or less of its total assets in
securities of foreign corporations, it will not be entitled to pass-through to
you your pro-rata shares of foreign taxes paid by a Fund. In this case, these
taxes will be taken as a deduction by a Fund, and the income reported to you
will be the net amount after these deductions. The 1997 Act also simplifies the
procedures by which investors in funds that invest in foreign securities can
claim tax credits on their individual income tax returns for the foreign taxes
paid by a Fund. These provisions will allow investors who pay foreign taxes of
$300 or less on a single return or $600 or less on a joint return during any
year (all of which must be reported on IRS Form 1099-DIV from a Fund to the
investor) to claim a tax credit against their U.S. federal income tax for the
amount of foreign taxes paid by a Fund. This process will allow you, if you
qualify, to bypass the burdensome and detailed reporting requirements on the
foreign tax credit schedule (Form 1116) and report your foreign taxes paid
directly on page 2 of Form 1040. This simplified procedure is available for
calendar year 1998.
    

         Investment in Passive Foreign Investment Company securities--The Funds
may invest in shares of foreign corporations which may be classified under the
Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign
corporation is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets
constitute investment-type

                                      -14-

<PAGE>



assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. If a Fund
receives an "excess distribution" with respect to PFIC stock, the Fund itself
may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of the distribution,
whether or not the corresponding income is distributed by a Fund to you. In
general, under the PFIC rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been
realized ratably over the period during which a Fund held the PFIC shares. A
Fund itself will be subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess
distribution that is so allocated to prior Fund taxable years, and an interest
factor will be added to the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior
taxable years. In this case, you would not be permitted to claim a credit on
your own tax return for the tax paid by a Fund. Certain distributions from a
PFIC as well as gain from the sale of PFIC shares are treated as excess
distributions. Excess distributions are characterized as ordinary income even
though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain distribution might have
been classified as capital gain. This may have the effect of increasing Fund
distributions to you that are treated as ordinary dividends rather than
long-term capital gain dividends.

         A Fund may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect
to PFIC shares. Under an election that currently is available in some
circumstances, a Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income
its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether
distributions are received from the PFIC during such period. If this election
were made, the special rules, discussed above, relating to the taxation of
excess distributions, would not apply. In addition, the 1997 Act provides for
another election that would involve marking-to-market the Fund's PFIC shares at
the end of each taxable year (and on certain other dates as prescribed in the
Code), with the result that unrealized gains would be treated as though they
were realized. The Fund would also be allowed an ordinary deduction for the
excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of its investment in the PFIC stock over
its fair market value at the end of the taxable year. This deduction would be
limited to the amount of any net mark-to-market gains previously included with
respect to that particular PFIC security. If a Fund were to make this second
PFIC election, tax at the Fund level under the PFIC rules would generally be
eliminated.

         The application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things, the
amount of tax payable by a Fund (if any), the amounts distributable to you by a
Fund, the time at which these distributions must be made, and whether these
distributions will be classified as ordinary income or capital gain
distributions to you.

         You should be aware that it is not always possible at the time shares
of a foreign corporation are acquired to ascertain that the foreign corporation
is a PFIC, and that there is always a possibility that a foreign corporation
will become a PFIC after a Fund acquires shares in that corporation. While a
Fund will generally seek to avoid investing in PFIC shares to avoid the tax
consequences detailed above, there are no guarantees that it will do so and it
reserves the right to make such investments as a matter of its fundamental
investment policy.

         Most foreign exchange gains are classified as ordinary income which
will be taxable to you as such when distributed. Similarly, you should be aware
that any foreign exchange losses realized by a Fund, including any losses
realized on the sale of foreign debt securities, are generally treated as
ordinary losses for federal income tax purposes. This treatment could increase
or reduce a Fund's income available for distribution to you, and may cause some
or all of a Fund's previously distributed income to be classified as a return of
capital.

                                      -15-

<PAGE>



PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

         From time to time, each Fund may state its Classes' total return and
yield in advertisements and other types of literature. Any statement of total
return performance data for a Class will be accompanied by information on the
average annual compounded total rate of return for that Class over, as relevant,
the most recent one-, five- and ten-year, or life-of-fund periods, as
applicable. Each Fund may also advertise aggregate and average total return
information of its Classes over additional periods of time. The net asset value
of a Class fluctuates so shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than
the original investment, and a Class' results should not be considered as
representative of future performance. In addition, each Fund may include
illustrations showing the power of compounding in advertisements and other
literature. Performance information for the Funds is not provided here because
these funds are new Funds with no operating history.

         The average annual total rate of return for each Class is based on a
hypothetical $1,000 investment that includes capital appreciation and
depreciation during the stated periods. The following formula will be used for
the actual computations:

                                                                n
                                                         P(1 + T) = ERV

Where:           P       =       a hypothetical initial purchase order of $1,000
                                 from which, in the case of only Class A Shares,
                                 the maximum front-end sales charge is deducted;

                 T       =       average annual total return;

                 n       =       number of years;

               ERV       =       redeemable value of the hypothetical $1,000
                                 purchase at the end of the period after the
                                 deduction of the applicable CDSC, if any, with
                                 respect to Class B Shares and Class C Shares.

         In presenting performance information for Class A Shares, the Limited
CDSC or other CDSC, applicable to only certain redemptions of those shares, will
not be deducted from any computation of total return. See the Prospectus for the
Fund Classes for a description of the Limited CDSC or other CDSC and the limited
instances in which it applies. All references to a CDSC in this Performance
Information section will apply to Class B Shares or Class C Shares.

         Aggregate or cumulative total return is calculated in a similar manner,
except that the results are not annualized. Each calculation assumes the maximum
front-end sales charge, if any, is deducted from the initial $1,000 investment
at the time it is made with respect to Class A Shares, and that all
distributions are reinvested at net asset value, and, with respect to Class B
Shares and Class C Shares, reflects the deduction of the CDSC that would be
applicable upon complete redemption of such shares. In addition, each Fund may
present total return information that does not reflect the deduction of the
maximum front-end sales charge or any applicable CDSC.

         Each Fund may also state total return performance for its Classes in
the form of an average annual return. This average annual return figure will be
computed by taking the sum of a Class' annual returns, then dividing that figure
by the number of years in the overall period indicated. The computation will
reflect the impact of the maximum front-end sales charge or CDSC, if any, paid
on the illustrated investment amount against the first 

                                      -16-

<PAGE>



year's return. From time to time, each Fund may quote actual total return
performance for its Classes in advertising and other types of literature
compared to indices or averages of alternative financial products available to
prospective investors. For example, the performance comparisons may include the
average return of various bank instruments, some of which may carry certain
return guarantees offered by leading banks and thrifts as monitored by Bank Rate
Monitor, and those of generally-accepted corporate bond and government security
price indices of various durations prepared by Lehman Brothers and Salomon
Brothers, Inc. These indices are not managed for any investment goal.

           Total return performance for a Class will be computed by adding all
reinvested income and realized securities profits distributions plus the change
in net asset value during a specific period and dividing by the offering price
at the beginning of the period. It will also reflect, as applicable, the maximum
front-end sales charge or CDSC paid with respect to the illustrated investment
amount, but not any income taxes payable by shareholders on the reinvested
distributions included in the calculation. Because securities prices fluctuate,
past performance should not be considered as a representation of the results
which may be realized from an investment in a Fund in the future.

           From time to time, each Fund may also quote its Classes' actual total
return performance, dividend results and other performance information in
advertising and other types of literature. This information may be compared to
that of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and to stock, bond
and other relevant indices or to rankings prepared by independent services or
other financial or industry publications that monitor the performance of mutual
funds. For example, the performance of a Fund (or Fund Class) may be compared to
data prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar, Inc., the S&P
500 Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average the Morgan Stanley Capital
International (MSCI), Europe, Australia and Far East (EAFE) Index, the MSCI
Emerging Markets Free Index, or the Salomon Brothers World Government Bond
Index.

         Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. maintains statistical performance
databases, as reported by a diverse universe of independently-managed mutual
funds. Morningstar, Inc. is a mutual fund rating service that rates mutual funds
on the basis of risk-adjusted performance. Ranking that compare a Fund's
performance to another fund in appropriate categories over specific time periods
also may be quoted in advertising and other types of literature. The S&P 500
Stock Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average are industry-accepted unmanaged
indices of generally-conservative securities used for measuring general market
performance. The Russell 2000 Index TR is a total return weighted index which is
comprised of 2,000 of the smallest stocks (on the basis of capitalization) in
the Russell 3000 Index and is calculated on a monthly basis. The NASDAQ
Composite Index is a market capitalization price only index that tracks the
performance of domestic common stocks traded on the regular NASDAQ market as
well as National Market System traded foreign common stocks and American
Depository Receipts. Similarly, the MSCI EAFE Index, the MSCI Emerging Markets
Free Index, and the Salomon Brothers World Government Bond Index are
industry-accepted unmanaged indices of equity securities in developed countries
and global debt securities, respectively, used for measuring general market
performance. The total return performance reported for these indices will
reflect the reinvestment of all distributions on a quarterly basis and market
price fluctuations. The indices do not take into account any sales charges or
other fees. A direct investment in an unmanaged index is not possible. In
seeking its investment objective, Small Cap Contrarian Fund's portfolio
primarily includes common stocks considered by the Manager to be more aggressive
than those tracked by these indices. Comparative information on the Consumer
Price Index may also be included in advertisements or other literature. The
Consumer Price Index, as prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the
most commonly used measure of inflation. It indicates the cost fluctuations of a
representative group of consumer goods. It does not represent a return from an
investment.

                                      -17-

<PAGE>



         Total return performance of each Class will be computed by adding all
reinvested income and realized securities profits distributions plus the change
in net asset value during a specific period and dividing by the offering price
at the beginning of the period. It will not reflect any income taxes payable by
shareholders on the reinvested distributions included in the calculation.
Because securities prices fluctuate, past performance should not be considered
as a representation of the results which may be realized from an investment in
the Fund in the future. Each Fund may also promote its Classes' yield and/or
total return performance and use comparative performance information computed by
and available from certain industry and general market research and
publications, such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue's Money
Market Report and Morningstar, Inc.

         In addition, the performance of multiple indices compiled and
maintained by statistical research firms, such as Morgan Stanley, Salomon
Brothers and Lehman Brothers, may be combined to create a blended performance
result for comparative purposes. Generally, the indices selected will be
representative of the types of securities in which the Funds may invest and the
assumptions that were used in calculating the blended performance will be
described.

         Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois ("Ibbotson") provides
historical returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common
stocks, small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds,
intermediate-term government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury bills,
the U.S. rate of inflation (based on the Consumer Price Index), and combinations
of various capital markets. The performance of these capital markets is based on
the returns of different indices. The Funds may use the performance of these
capital markets in order to demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment
scenarios. Performance comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical
investment in any of these capital markets. The risks associated with the
security types in any capital market may or may not correspond directly to those
of the Funds. The Funds may also compare performance to that of other
compilations or indices that may be developed and made available in the future.

         The Funds may include discussions or illustrations of the potential
investment goals of a prospective investor (including materials that describe
general principles of investing, such as asset allocation, diversification, risk
tolerance, and goal setting, questionnaires designed to help create a personal
financial profile, worksheets used to project savings needs based on assumed
rates of inflation and hypothetical rates of return and action plans offering
investment alternatives), investment management techniques, policies or
investment suitability of a Fund (such as value investing, market timing, dollar
cost averaging, asset allocation, constant ratio transfer, automatic account
rebalancing, the advantages and disadvantages of investing in tax-deferred and
taxable investments), economic and political conditions, the relationship
between sectors of the economy and the economy as a whole, the effects of
inflation and historical performance of various asset classes, including but not
limited to, stocks, bonds and Treasury bills. From time to time advertisements,
sales literature, communications to shareholders or other materials may
summarize the substance of information contained in shareholder reports
(including the investment composition of a Fund), as well as the views as to
current market, economic, trade and interest rate trends, legislative,
regulatory and monetary developments, investment strategies and related matters
believed to be of relevance to a Fund. In addition, selected indices may be used
to illustrate historic performance of selected asset classes. The Funds may also
include in advertisements, sales literature, communications to shareholders or
other materials, charts, graphs or drawings which illustrate the potential risks
and rewards of investment in various investment vehicles, including but not
limited to, stocks, bonds, treasury bills and shares of a Fund. In addition,
advertisements, sales literature, communications to shareholders or other
materials may include a discussion of certai attributes or benefits to be
derived by an investment in a Fund and/or other mutual funds, shareholder
profiles and hypothetical investor scenarios, timely information on financial
management, tax and retirement

                                      -18-

<PAGE>



planning (such as information on Roth IRAs and Educational IRAs) and investment
alternatives to certificates of deposit and other financial instruments. Such
sales literature, communications to shareholders or other materials may include
symbols, headlines or other material which highlight or summarize the
information discussed in more detail therein.

         Materials may refer to the CUSIP numbers of the Funds and may
illustrate how to find the listings of the Funds in newspapers and periodicals.
Materials may also include discussions of other Funds, products, and services.

         The Funds may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark
correlation in advertising. In addition, the Funds may compare these measures to
those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to compare the historical
share price fluctuations or total returns to those of a benchmark. Measures of
benchmark correlation indicate how valid a comparative benchmark may be.
Measures of volatility and correlation may be calculated using averages of
historical data. A Fund may advertise its current interest rate sensitivity,
duration, weighted average maturity or similar maturity characteristics.
Advertisements and sales materials relating to a Fund may include information
regarding the background and experience of its portfolio managers.

         Because every investor's goals and risk threshold are different, the
Distributor, as distributor for each Fund and other Delaware Investments mutual
funds, will provide general information about investment alternatives and
scenarios that will allow investors to assess their personal goals. This
information will include general material about investing as well as materials
reinforcing various industry-accepted principles of prudent and responsible
financial planning. One typical way of addressing these issues is to compare an
individual's goals and the length of time the individual has to attain these
goals to his or her risk threshold. In addition, the Distributor will provide
information that discusses the Manager's overriding investment philosophy and
how that philosophy impacts a Fund's, and other Delaware Investments funds',
investment disciplines employed in seeking their objectives. The Distributor may
also from time to time cite general or specific information about the
institutional clients of the Manager, including the number of such clients
serviced by the Manager.

Dollar-Cost Averaging
         For many people, deciding when to invest can be a difficult decision.
Security prices tend to move up and down over various market cycles and logic
says to invest when prices are low. However, even experts can't always pick the
highs and the lows. By using a strategy known as dollar-cost averaging, you
schedule your investments ahead of time. If you invest a set amount on a regular
basis, that money will always buy more shares when the price is low and fewer
when the price is high. You can choose to invest at any regular interval--for
example, monthly or quarterly--as long as you stick to your regular schedule.
Dollar-cost averaging looks simple and it is, but there are important things to
remember.

         Dollar-cost averaging works best over longer time periods, and it
doesn't guarantee a profit or protect against losses in declining markets. If
you need to sell your investment when prices are low, you may not realize a
profit no matter what investment strategy you utilize. That's why dollar-cost
averaging can make sense for long-term goals. Since the potential success of a
dollar-cost averaging program depends on continuous investing, even through
periods of fluctuating prices, you should consider your dollar-cost averaging
program a long-term commitment and invest an amount you can afford and probably
won't need to withdraw. You also should consider your financial ability to
continue to purchase shares during periods of high fund share prices. Delaware
Investments offers three services -- Automatic Investing Program, Direct Deposit
Program and the Wealth Builder Option -- that can help to keep your regular
investment program on track. See Investing by Electronic Fund Transfer - Direct
Deposit Purchase Plan and Automatic Investing Plan under Investment Plans and
Wealth

                                      -19-

<PAGE>



Builder Option under Investment Plans for a complete description of these
services, including restrictions or limitations.

         The example below illustrates how dollar-cost averaging can work. In a
fluctuating market, the average cost per share over a period of time will be
lower than the average price per share for the same time period.


                                                                      Number
                        Investment           Price Per              of Shares
                          Amount               Share                Purchased
Month 1                    $100                $10.00                   10
Month 2                    $100                $12.50                    8
Month 3                    $100                 $5.00                   10
Month 4                    $100                $10.00                   20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           $400                $37.50                   48

Total Amount Invested:  $400
Total Number of Shares Purchased:  48
Average Price Per Share:  $9.38 ($37.50/4)
Average Cost Per Share:  $8.33 ($400/48 shares)

         This example is for illustration purposes only. It is not intended to
represent the actual performance of any stock or bond fund offered by Delaware
Investments.

THE POWER OF COMPOUNDING
         When you opt to reinvest your current income for additional Fund
shares, your investment is given yet another opportunity to grow. It's called
the Power of Compounding. Each Fund may include illustrations showing the power
of compounding in advertisements and other types of literature.



                                      -20-

<PAGE>



TRADING PRACTICES AND BROKERAGE

         Each Fund selects brokers or dealers to execute transactions for the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities on the basis of its judgment of their
professional capability to provide the service. The primary consideration is to
have brokers or dealers execute transactions at best price and execution. Best
price and execution refers to many factors, including the price paid or received
for a security, the commission charged, the promptness and reliability of
execution, the confidentiality and placement accorded the order and other
factors affecting the overall benefit obtained by the account on the
transaction. A number of trades are made on a net basis where a Fund either buys
the securities directly from the dealer or sells them to the dealer. In these
instances, there is no direct commission charged but there is a spread (the
difference between the buy and sell price) which is the equivalent of a
commission. When a commission is paid, a Fund pays reasonably competitive
brokerage commission rates based upon the professional knowledge of its trading
department as to rates paid and charged for similar transactions throughout the
securities industry. In some instances, a Fund pays a minimal share transaction
cost when the transaction presents no difficulty.

         The Manager may allocate out of all commission business generated by
all of the funds and accounts under its management, brokerage business to
brokers or dealers who provide brokerage and research services. These services
include advice, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the
value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling
securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of
securities; furnishing of analyses and reports concerning issuers, securities or
industries; providing information on economic factors and trends; assisting in
determining portfolio strategy; providing computer software and hardware used in
security analyses; and providing portfolio performance evaluation and technical
market analyses. Such services are used by the Manager in connection with its
investment decision-making process with respect to one or more funds and
accounts managed by it, and may not be used, or used exclusively, with respect
to the fund or account generating the brokerage.

         As provided in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each Fund's
Investment Management Agreement, higher commissions are permitted to be paid to
broker/dealers who provide brokerage and research services than to
broker/dealers who do not provide such services if such higher commissions are
deemed reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services provided. Although transactions are directed to broker/dealers who
provide such brokerage and research services, the Funds believe that the
commissions paid to such broker/dealers are not, in general, higher than
commissions that would be paid to broker/dealers not providing such services and
that such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage
and research services provided. In some instances, services may be provided to
the Manager which constitute in some part brokerage and research services used
by the Manager in connection with its investment decision-making process and
constitute in some part services used by the Manager in connection with
administrative or other functions not related to its investment decision-making
process. In such cases, the Manager will make a good faith allocation of
brokerage and research services and will pay out of its own resources for
services used by the Manager in connection with administrative or other
functions not related to its investment decision-making process. In addition, so
long as no fund is disadvantaged, portfolio transactions which generate
commissions or their equivalent are allocated to broker/dealers who provide
daily portfolio pricing services to a Fund and to other Delaware Investments
funds. Subject to best price and execution, commissions allocated to brokers
providing such pricing services may or may not be generated by the funds
receiving the pricing service.

         The Manager may place a combined order for two or more accounts or
funds engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment,
joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in
best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated
in a manner deemed

                                      -21-

<PAGE>



equitable to each account or fund. When a combined order is executed in a series
of transactions at different prices, each account participating in the order may
be allocated an average price obtained from the executing broker. It is believed
that the ability of the accounts to participate in volume transactions will
generally be beneficial to the accounts and funds. Although it is recognized
that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the
price or volume of the security that a particular account or fund may obtain, it
is the opinion of the Manager and Equity Funds V, Inc.'s Board of Directors that
the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of
separate transactions.

         Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), and subject to seeking best price and
execution, the Funds may place orders with broker/dealers that have agreed to
defray certain expenses of the funds offered by Delaware Investments, such as
custodian fees, and may, at the request of the Distributor, give consideration
to sales of shares of such funds as a factor in the selection of brokers and
dealers to execute Fund portfolio transactions.

Portfolio Turnover
         Portfolio trading will be undertaken principally to accomplish each
Fund's objective in relation to anticipated movements in the general level of
interest rates. Each Fund is free to dispose of portfolio securities at any
time, subject to complying with the Code and the 1940 Act, when changes in
circumstances or conditions make such a move desirable in light of the
investment objective. A Fund will not attempt to achieve or be limited to a
predetermined rate of portfolio turnover, such a turnover always being
incidental to transactions undertaken with a view to achieving a Fund's
investment objective.

         Under certain market conditions, a Fund may experience high rates of
portfolio turnover which could exceed 100%. The portfolio turnover rate of a
Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio
securities for the particular fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of
the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the particular fiscal year,
exclusive of securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition are one year
or less.

         The degree of portfolio activity may affect brokerage costs of a Fund
and taxes payable by a Fund's shareholders. A turnover rate of 100% would occur,
for example, if all the investments in a Fund's portfolio at the beginning of
the year were replaced by the end of the year. Total brokerage costs generally
increase with higher portfolio turnover rates. In investing for capital
appreciation, the Funds may hold securities for any period of time. Portfolio
turnover will also be increased if a Fund writes a large number of call options
which are subsequently exercised. To the extent a Fund realizes gains on
securities held for less than six months, such gains are taxable to the
shareholder or to the Fund at ordinary income tax rates. The turnover rate also
may be affected by cash requirements from redemptions and repurchases of Fund
shares


                                      -22-

<PAGE>



PURCHASING SHARES

         The Distributor serves as the national distributor for each Fund's four
classes of shares - Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and the
Institutional Class, and has agreed to use its best efforts to sell shares of
each Fund. See the Prospectuses for information on how to invest. Shares of each
Fund are offered on a continuous basis and may be purchased through authorized
investment dealers or directly by contacting Equity Funds V, Inc. or the
Distributor.

         The minimum initial investment generally is $1,000 for Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares. Subsequent purchases generally must be at
least $100. The initial and subsequent investment minimums for Class A Shares
will be waived for purchases by officers, directors and employees of any
Delaware Investments fund, the Manager or any of the Manager's affiliates if the
purchases are made pursuant to a payroll deduction program. Shares purchased
pursuant to the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act
and shares purchased in connection with an Automatic Investing Plan are subject
to a minimum initial purchase of $250 and a minimum subsequent purchase of $25.
Accounts opened under the Delaware Investments Asset Planner service are subject
to a minimum initial investment of $2,000 per Asset Planner Strategy selected.
There are no minimum purchase requirements for the Institutional Classes, but
certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied.

         Each purchase of Class B Shares is subject to a maximum purchase
limitation of $250,000. For Class C Shares, each purchase must be in an amount
that is less than $1,000,000. See Investment Plans for purchase limitations
applicable to retirement plans. Equity Funds V, Inc. will reject any purchase
order for more than $250,000 of Class B Shares and $1,000,000 or more of Class C
Shares. An investor may exceed these limitations by making cumulative purchases
over a period of time. An investor should keep in mind, however, that reduced
front-end sales charges apply to investments of $100,000 or more in Class A
Shares, and that Class A Shares, absent any applicable fee waiver, are subject
to lower annual 12b-1 Plan expenses than Class B Shares and Class C Shares and
generally are not subject to a CDSC.

         Selling dealers are responsible for transmitting orders promptly.
Equity Funds V, Inc. reserves the right to reject any order for the purchase of
its shares of either Fund if in the opinion of management such rejection is in
such Fund's best interest.

         The NASD has adopted amendments to certain rules relating to investment
company sales charges. Equity Funds V, Inc. and the Distributor intend to
operate in compliance with these rules.

         Class A Shares are purchased at the offering price which reflects a
maximum front-end sales charge of 4.75%; however, lower front-end sales charges
apply for larger purchases. See the table below. Class A Shares, absent any
applicable fee waivers, are also subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses.

         Class B Shares are purchased at net asset value and are subject to a
CDSC of: (i) 4% if shares are redeemed within two years of purchase; (ii) 3% if
shares are redeemed during the third or fourth year following purchase; (iii) 2%
if shares are redeemed during the fifth year following purchase; and (iv) 1% if
shares are redeemed during the sixth year following purchase. Class B Shares are
also subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses which, absent any applicable fee
waiver, are higher than those to which Class A Shares are subject and are
assessed against the Class B Shares for approximately eight years after
purchase. Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares at the end
of approximately eight years after purchase and, thereafter, absent any
applicable fee waivers, will be subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a
maximum of 0.30%

                                      -23-

<PAGE>



(no more than 0.25% as set by the Board) of average daily net assets of such
shares. Unlike Class B Shares, Class C Shares do not convert to another class.
See Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares under Classes of Shares in the Fund
Classes' Prospectuses.

         Class C Shares are purchased at net asset value and are subject to a
CDSC of 1% if shares are redeemed within 12 months following purchase. Class C
Shares, absent any applicable fee waivers, are also subject to annual 12b-1 Plan
expenses for the life of the investment which are equal to those to which Class
B Shares are subject.

   
         The Distributor has voluntarily elected to waive the payment of 12b-1
Plan expenses by the Funds from the commencement of the public offering through
May 31, 1999. As a result, the Funds will not incur any 12b-1 expenses during
such period.
    

         Institutional Class shares are purchased at the net asset value per
share without the imposition of a front-end or contingent deferred sales charge,
or 12b-1 Plan expenses. See Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value and
Plans Under Rule 12b-1 for the Fund Classes in this Part B.

         Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Institutional Class
shares represent a proportionate interest in a Fund's assets and will receive a
proportionate interest in that Fund's income, before application, as to the
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares, of any expenses, if any, under that Fund's
12b-1 Plans.

         Certificates representing shares purchased are not ordinarily issued
unless, in the case of Class A Shares or Institutional Class shares, a
shareholder submits a specific request. Certificates are not issued in the case
of Class B Shares or Class C Shares or in the case of any retirement plan
account including self-directed IRAs. However, purchases not involving the
issuance of certificates are confirmed to the investor and credited to the
shareholder's account on the books maintained by Delaware Service Company, Inc.
(the "Transfer Agent"). The investor will have the same rights of ownership with
respect to such shares as if certificates had been issued. An investor that is
permitted to obtain a certificate may receive a certificate representing full
share denominations purchased by sending a letter signed by each owner of the
account to the Transfer Agent requesting the certificate. No charge is assessed
by Equity Funds V, Inc. for any certificate issued. A shareholder may be subject
to fees for replacement of a lost or stolen certificate under certain
conditions, including the cost of obtaining a bond covering the lost or stolen
certificate. Please contact the Funds for further information. Investors who
hold certificates representing any of their shares may only redeem those shares
by written request. The investor's certificate(s) must accompany such request.

Alternative Purchase Arrangements
         The alternative purchase arrangements of Class A, Class B and Class C
Shares permit investors to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most
suitable for their needs given the amount of their purchase, the length of time
they expect to hold their shares and other relevant circumstances. Investors
should determine whether, given their particular circumstances, it is more
advantageous to purchase Class A Shares and incur a front-end sales charge and,
absent any applicable fee waiver, annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a maximum
of 0.30% of the average daily net assets of Class A Shares, or to purchase
either Class B or Class C Shares and have the entire initial purchase amount
invested in a Fund with the investment thereafter subject to a CDSC and, absent
any applicable fee waiver, annual 12b-1 Plan expenses.

                                      -24-

<PAGE>



Class A Shares
         Purchases of $100,000 or more of Class A Shares at the offering price
carry reduced front-end sales charges and may include a series of purchases over
a 13-month period under a Letter of Intention signed by the purchaser. See
Front-End Sales Charge Alternative - Class A Shares in the Prospectuses for the
Fund Classes for a table illustrating reduced front-end sales charge. See also
Special Purchase Features - Class A Shares, below for more information on ways
in which investors can avail themselves of reduced front-end sales charges and
other purchase features.

         Certain dealers who enter into an agreement to provide extra training
and information on Delaware Investments products and services and who increase
sales of Delaware Investments funds may receive an additional commission of up
to 0.15% of the offering price in connection with sales of Class A Shares. Such
dealers must meet certain requirements in terms of organization and distribution
capabilities and their ability to increase sales. The Distributor should be
contacted for further information on these requirements as well as the basis and
circumstances upon which the additional commission will be paid. Participating
dealers may be deemed to have additional responsibilities under the securities
laws.

Dealer's Commission
         As described more fully in the Prospectus for the Fund Classes, for
initial purchases of Class A Shares of $1,000,000 or more, a dealer's commission
may be paid by the Distributor to financial advisers through whom such purchases
are effected. See Front-End Sales Charge Alternative - Class A Shares in the
Prospectuses for the Fund Classes for the applicable schedule and further
details.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares and Class C Shares
         Class B and Class C Shares are purchased without a front-end sales
charge. Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase may be subject to a
CDSC at the rates set forth above, and Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months
of purchase may be subject to a CDSC of 1%. CDSCs are charged as a percentage of
the dollar amount subject to the CDSC. The charge will be assessed on an amount
equal to the lesser of the net asset value at the time of purchase of the shares
being redeemed or the net asset value of those shares at the time of redemption.
No CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price, nor will a CDSC be assessed on redemptions of shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. See Waiver of
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B and Class C Shares under Redemption
and Exchange in the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes for a list of the
instances in which the CDSC is waived.

         During the seventh year after purchase and, thereafter, until converted
automatically into Class A Shares, Class B Shares, absent any applicable fee
waivers, will still be subject to the annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to 1% of
average daily net assets of those shares. At the end of approximately eight
years after purchase, the investor's Class B Shares will be automatically
converted into Class A Shares of the same Fund. See Automatic Conversion of
Class B Shares under Classes of Shares in the Fund Classes' Prospectuses. Such
conversion will constitute a tax-free exchange for federal income tax purposes.
See Taxes in the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes.

Plans Under Rule 12b-1 for the Fund Classes
         Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, Equity Funds V, Inc. has
adopted a separate plan for each of the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and
the Class C Shares of each Fund (the "Plans"). Each Plan permits a Fund to pay
for certain distribution, promotional and related expenses involved in the
marketing of only the class to which the Plan applies. The Plans do not apply to
the Institutional Classes of shares. Such shares are not included in calculating
the Plans' fees, and the Plans are not used to assist in the distribution and
marketing of

                                      -25-

<PAGE>



shares of the Institutional Classes. Shareholders of the Institutional Classes 
may not vote on matters affecting the Plans.

         The Plans permit a Fund, pursuant to its Distribution Agreement, to pay
out of the assets of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
monthly fees to the Distributor for its services and expenses in distributing
and promoting sales of shares of such classes. These expenses include, among
other things, preparing and distributing advertisements, sales literature and
prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, compensating sales and
marketing personnel, and paying distribution and maintenance fees to securities
brokers and dealers who enter into agreements with the Distributor. The Plan
expenses relating to Class B and Class C Shares are also used to pay the
Distributor for advancing the commission costs to dealers with respect to the
initial sale of such shares.

         In addition, absent any applicable fee waiver, each Fund may make
payments out of the assets of the Class A, Class B and Class C Shares directly
to other unaffiliated parties, such as banks, who either aid in the distribution
of shares of, or provide services to, such classes.

   
         The maximum aggregate fee payable by a Fund under its Plans, and a
Fund's Distribution Agreement, is on an annual basis, 0.30% of the Class A
Shares' average daily net assets for the year, and 1% (0.25% of which are
service fees to be paid to the Distributor, dealers and others for providing
personal service and/or maintaining shareholder accounts) of each of the Class B
Shares' and the Class C Shares' average daily net assets for the year. Equity
Funds V, Inc.'s Board of Directors may reduce these amounts at any time. The
Distributor has elected voluntarily to waive all payments under the 12b-1 Plan
for the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares of the Funds during
the commencement of each Fund through May 31, 1999.
    

         All of the distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor and
others, such as broker/dealers, in excess of the amount paid on behalf of Class
A, Class B and Class C Shares would be borne by such persons without any
reimbursement from such Fund Classes. Subject to seeking best price and
execution, a Fund may, from time to time, buy or sell portfolio securities from
or to firms which receive payments under its Plans.

         From time to time, the Distributor may pay additional amounts from its
own resources to dealers for aid in distribution or for aid in providing
administrative services to shareholders.

         The Plans and the Distribution Agreements, as amended, have been
approved by the Board of Directors of Equity Funds V, Inc., including a majority
of the directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of Equity Funds V, Inc. and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the Plans by vote cast in person at a meeting duly called for the purpose of
voting on the Plans and such Agreements. Continuation of the Plans and the
Distribution Agreements, as amended, must be approved annually by the Board of
Directors in the same manner as specified above.

         Each year, the directors must determine whether continuation of the
Plans is in the best interest of shareholders of, respectively, Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares and that there is a reasonable likelihood of
the Plan relating to a Fund Class providing a benefit to that Class. The Plans
and the Distribution Agreements, as amended, may be terminated with respect to a
class at any time without penalty by a majority of those directors who are not
"interested persons" or by a majority vote of the outstanding voting securities
of the relevant Fund Class. Any amendment materially increasing the maximum
percentage payable under the Plans must likewise be approved by a majority vote
of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant Fund Class, as well as by a
majority vote of those directors who are not "interested persons." With respect
to the Class A Share Plan, any material increase in the maximum percentage
payable thereunder must also be approved by a majority

                                      -26-

<PAGE>



of the outstanding voting securities of the Class B Shares. Also, any other
material amendment to the Plans must be approved by a majority vote of the
directors including a majority of the noninterested directors of Equity Funds V,
Inc. having no interest in the Plans. In addition, in order for the Plans to
remain effective, the selection and nomination of directors who are not
"interested persons" of Equity Funds V, Inc. must be effected by the directors
who themselves are not "interested persons" and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the Plans. Persons authorized to make payments under the
Plans must provide written reports at least quarterly to the Board of Directors
for their review.

Other Payments to Dealers - Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
         From time to time, at the discretion of the Distributor, all registered
broker/dealers whose aggregate sales of Fund Classes exceed certain limits as
set by the Distributor, may receive from the Distributor an additional payment
of up to 0.25% of the dollar amount of such sales. The Distributor may also
provide additional promotional incentives or payments to dealers that sell
shares of Delaware Investments funds. In some instances, these incentives or
payments may be offered only to certain dealers who maintain, have sold or may
sell certain amounts of shares. The Distributor may also pay a portion of the
expense of preapproved dealer advertisements promoting the sale of Delaware
Investments fund shares.

Special Purchase Features - Class A Shares

Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset Value
         Class A Shares may be purchased without a front-end sales charge under
the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and, under certain circumstances, the Exchange
Privilege and the 12-Month Reinvestment Privilege.

         Current and former officers, directors and employees of Equity Funds V,
Inc., any other fund offered by Delaware Investments, the Manager, the Manager's
affiliates, the Sub-Adviser, any of the Sub-Adviser's affiliates, legal counsel
to the funds, and registered representatives and employees of broker/dealers who
have entered into Dealer's Agreements with the Distributor may purchase Class A
Shares of the Funds and any such class of shares of any of the other funds in
the Delaware Investments, including any fund that may be created, at the net
asset value per share. Family members of such persons at their direction, and
any employee benefit plan established by any of the foregoing funds,
corporations, counsel or broker/dealers may also purchase Class A Shares at net
asset value. Class A Shares may also be purchased at net asset value by current
and former officers, directors and employees (and members of their families) of
the Dougherty Financial Group LLC.

         Purchases of Class A Shares may also be made by clients of registered
representatives of an authorized investment dealer at net asset value within 12
months after the registered representative changes employment, if the purchase
is funded by proceeds from an investment where a front-end sales charge,
contingent deferred sales charge or other sales charge has been assessed.
Purchases of Class A Shares may also be made at net asset value by bank
employees who provide services in connection with agreements between the bank
and unaffiliated brokers or dealers concerning sales of shares of Delaware
Investments funds. Officers, directors and key employees of institutional
clients of the Manager, the Sub-Adviser or any of their affiliates may purchase
Class A Shares at net asset value. Moreover, purchases may be effected at net
asset value for the benefit of the clients of brokers, dealers and registered
investment advisers affiliated with a broker or dealer, if such broker, dealer
or investment adviser has entered into an agreement with the Distributor
providing specifically for the purchase of Class A Shares in connection with
special investment products, such as wrap accounts or similar fee based
programs. Such purchasers are required to sign a letter stating that the
purchase is for investment only and that the securities may not be resold except
to the issuer. Such purchasers may also be required to sign or deliver such

                                      -27-

<PAGE>



other documents as Equity Funds V, Inc. may reasonably require to establish
eligibility for purchase at net asset value.

         Purchases of Class A Shares at net asset value may also be made by the
following: financial institutions investing for the account of their customers
when they are not eligible to purchase shares of the institutional class of a
Fund and any group retirement plan (excluding defined benefit pension plans), or
such plans of the same employer, for which plan participant records are
maintained on the Retirement Financial Services, Inc. proprietary record keeping
system that (i) has in excess of $500,000 of plan assets invested in Class A
Shares of Delaware Investments funds and in any stable value product available
through Delaware Investments, or (ii) is sponsored by an employer that has at
any point after May 1, 1997 more than 100 employees while such plan has held
Class A Shares of a Delaware Investments fund and such employer has properly
represented to Retirement Financial Services, Inc. in writing that it has the
requisite number of employees and has received written confirmation back from
Retirement Financial Services, Inc.

         Investors in Delaware-Voyageur Unit Investment Trusts may reinvest
monthly dividend checks and/or repayment of invested capital into Class A Shares
of any of the funds offered by Delaware Investments at net asset value.

         Investments in Class A Shares made by plan level and/or participant
retirement accounts that are for the purpose of repaying a loan taken from such
accounts will be made at net asset value. Loan repayments made to a Delaware
Investments account in connection with loans originated from accounts previously
maintained by another investment firm will also be invested at net asset value.

Letter of Intention
         The reduced front-end sales charges described above with respect to
Class A Shares are also applicable to the aggregate amount of purchases made
within a 13-month period pursuant to a written Letter of Intention provided by
the Distributor and signed by the purchaser, and not legally binding on the
signer or Equity Funds V, Inc., which provides for the holding in escrow by the
Transfer Agent, of 5% of the total amount of the Class A Shares intended to be
purchased until such purchase is completed within the 13-month period. A Letter
of Intention may be dated to include shares purchased up to 90 days prior to the
date the Letter is signed. The 13- month period begins on the date of the
earliest purchase. If the intended investment is not completed, except as noted
below, the purchaser will be asked to pay an amount equal to the difference
between the front-end sales charge on the Class A Shares purchased at the
reduced rate and the front-end sales charge otherwise applicable to the total
shares purchased. If such payment is not made within 20 days following the
expiration of the 13-month period, the Transfer Agent will surrender an
appropriate number of the escrowed shares for redemption in order to realize the
difference. Such purchasers may include the value (at offering price at the
level designated in their Letter of Intention) of all their shares of the Funds
and of any class of any of the other mutual funds offered by Delaware
Investments (except shares of any Delaware Investments fund which does not carry
a front-end sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC, other than shares of Delaware
Group Premium Fund, Inc. beneficially owned in connection with the ownership of
variable insurance products, unless they were acquired through an exchange from
a Delaware Investments fund which carried a front-end sales charge, CDSC or
Limited CDSC) previously purchased and still held as of the date of their Letter
of Intention toward the completion of such Letter. For purposes of satisfying an
investor's obligation under a Letter of Intention, Class B Shares and Class C
Shares of a Fund and the corresponding classes of shares of other Delaware
Investments funds which offer such shares may be aggregated with Class A Shares
of the Fund and the corresponding class of shares of the other Delaware
Investments funds.


                                      -28-

<PAGE>



         Employers offering a Delaware Investments retirement plan may also
complete a Letter of Intention to obtain a reduced front-end sales charge on
investments of Class A Shares made by the plan. The aggregate investment level
of the Letter of Intention will be determined and accepted by the Transfer Agent
at the point of plan establishment. The level and any reduction in front-end
sales charge will be based on actual plan participation and the projected
investments in Delaware Investments funds that are offered with a front-end
sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC for a 13-month period. The Transfer Agent
reserves the right to adjust the signed Letter of Intention based on this
acceptance criteria. The 13-month period will begin on the date this Letter of
Intention is accepted by the Transfer Agent. If actual investments exceed the
anticipated level and equal an amount that would qualify the plan for further
discounts, any front-end sales charges will be automatically adjusted. In the
event this Letter of Intention is not fulfilled within the 13-month period, the
plan level will be adjusted (without completing another Letter of Intention) and
the employer will be billed for the difference in front-end sales charges due,
based on the plan's assets under management at that time. Employers may also
include the value (at offering price at the level designated in their Letter of
Intention) of all their shares intended for purchase that are offered with a
front-end sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC of any class. Class B Shares and
Class C Shares of a Fund and other Delaware Investments funds which offer
corresponding classes of shares may also be aggregated for this purpose.

Combined Purchases Privilege
         In determining the availability of the reduced front-end sales charge
previously set forth with respect to Class A Shares, purchasers may combine the
total amount of any combination of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and/or Class C
Shares of the Funds, as well as shares of any other class of any of the other
Delaware Investments funds (except shares of any Delaware Investments fund which
does not carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC, other than shares
of Delaware Group Premium Fund, Inc. beneficially owned in connection with the
ownership of variable insurance products, unless they were acquired through an
exchange from a Delaware Investments fund which carried a front-end sales
charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC). In addition, assets held in any stable value
account by investment advisory clients of the Manager or its affiliates may be
combined with other Delaware Investments fund holdings.

         The privilege also extends to all purchases made at one time by an
individual; or an individual, his or her spouse and their children under 21; or
a trustee or other fiduciary of trust estates or fiduciary accounts for the
benefit of such family members (including certain employee benefit programs).

Right of Accumulation
         In determining the availability of the reduced front-end sales charge
with respect to Class A Shares, purchasers may also combine any subsequent
purchases of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares of a Fund, as
well as shares of any other class of any of the other Delaware Investments funds
which offer such classes (except shares of any Delaware Investments fund which
do not carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC, other than shares
of Delaware Group Premium Fund, Inc. beneficially owned in connection with the
ownership of variable insurance products, unless they were acquired through an
exchange from a Delaware Investments fund which carried a front-end sales
charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC). If, for example, any such purchaser has
previously purchased and still holds Class A Shares and/or shares of any other
of the classes described in the previous sentence with a value of $40,000 and
subsequently purchases $60,000 at offering price of additional shares of Class A
Shares, the charge applicable to the $60,000 purchase would currently be 3.75%.
For the purpose of this calculation, the shares presently held shall be valued
at the public offering price that would have been in effect were the shares
purchased simultaneously with the current purchase. Investors should refer to
the table of sales charges for Class A Shares to determine the applicability of
the Right of Accumulation to their particular circumstances.

                                      -29-

<PAGE>



12-Month Reinvestment Privilege
         Holders of Class A Shares of a Fund (and of the Institutional Classes
holding shares which were acquired through an exchange from one of the other
Delaware Investments mutual funds offered with a front-end sales charge) who
redeem such shares of a Fund have one year from the date of redemption to
reinvest all or part of their redemption proceeds in Class A Shares of that Fund
or in Class A Shares of any of the other Delaware Investments funds, subject to
applicable eligibility and minimum purchase requirements, in states where shares
of such other funds may be sold, at net asset value without the payment of a
front-end sales charge. This privilege does not extend to Class A Shares where
the redemption of the shares triggered the payment of a Limited CDSC. Persons
investing redemption proceeds from direct investments in Delaware Investments
mutual funds offered without a front-end sales charge will be required to pay
the applicable sales charge when purchasing Class A Shares. The reinvestment
privilege does not extend to a redemption of either Class B Shares or Class C
Shares.

         Any such reinvestment cannot exceed the redemption proceeds (plus any
amount necessary to purchase a full share). The reinvestment will be made at the
net asset value next determined after receipt of remittance. A redemption and
reinvestment could have income tax consequences. It is recommended that a tax
adviser be consulted with respect to such transactions. Any reinvestment
directed to a fund in which the investor does not then have an account will be
treated like all other initial purchases of a fund's shares. Consequently, an
investor should obtain and read carefully the prospectus for the fund in which
the investment is intended to be made before investing or sending money. The
prospectus contains more complete information about the fund, including charges
and expenses.

         Investors should consult their financial advisers or the Transfer
Agent, which also serves as the Funds' shareholder servicing agent, about the
applicability of the Limited CDSC (see Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for
Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value under
Redemption and Exchange in the Fund Classes' Prospectuses) in connection with
the features described above.

Group Investment Plans
         Group Investment Plans which are not eligible to purchase shares of the
Institutional Classes may also benefit from the reduced front-end sales charges
for investments in Class A Shares set forth in the Prospectuses for the Fund
Classes, based on total plan assets. See Front-End Sales Charge
Alternative--Class A Shares in the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes for the
applicable schedule and further details. If a company has more than one plan
investing in Delaware Investments funds, then the total amount invested in all
plans would be used in determining the applicable front-end sales charge
reduction upon each purchase, both initial and subsequent, upon notification to
the Fund in which the investment is being made at the time of each such
purchase. Employees participating in such Group Investment Plans may also
combine the investments made in their plan account when determining the
applicable front-end sales charge on purchases to non-retirement Delaware
Investments investment accounts if they so notify the Fund in connection with
each purchase. See Retirement Plans for the Fund Classes under Investment Plans
for information about Retirement Plans.

The Institutional Classes
         The Institutional Class of each Fund is available for purchase only by:
(a) retirement plans introduced by persons not associated with brokers or
dealers that are primarily engaged in the retail securities business and
rollover individual retirement accounts from such plans; (b) tax-exempt employee
benefit plans of the Manager or its affiliates and securities dealer firms with
a selling agreement with the Distributor; (c) institutional advisory accounts of
the Manager or its affiliates and those having client relationships with
Delaware Investment Advisers, a division of the Manager, or its affiliates and
their corporate sponsors, as well as subsidiaries and related employee benefit
plans and rollover individual retirement accounts from such institutional
advisory accounts; (d)

                                      -30-

<PAGE>




a bank, trust company and similar financial institution investing for its own
account or for the account of its trust customers for whom such financial
institution is exercising investment discretion in purchasing shares of the
Class, except where the investment is part of a program that requires payment to
the financial institution of a Rule 12b-1 fee; and (e) registered investment
advisers investing on behalf of clients that consist solely of institutions and
high net-worth individuals having at least $1,000,000 entrusted to the adviser
for investment purposes, but only if the adviser is not affiliated or associated
with a broker or dealer and derives compensation for its services exclusively
from its clients for such advisory services.

         Shares of the Institutional Classes are available for purchase at net
asset value, without the imposition of a front-end or contingent deferred sales
charge and are not subject to Rule 12b-1 expenses.


                                      -31-

<PAGE>



INVESTMENT PLANS

Reinvestment Plan/Open Account
         Unless otherwise designated by shareholders in writing, dividends from
net investment income and distributions, if any, will be automatically
reinvested in additional shares of the respective Fund in which an investor has
an account (based on the net asset value in effect on the reinvestment date) and
will be credited to the shareholder's account on that date. A confirmation of
each dividend payment from net investment income and of distributions from
realized securities profits, if any, will be mailed to shareholders in the first
quarter of the fiscal year.

         Under the Reinvestment Plan/Open Account, shareholders may purchase and
add full and fractional shares to their plan accounts at any time either through
their investment dealers or by sending a check or money order to specific Fund
and Class in which shares are being purchased. Such purchases, which must meet
the minimum subsequent purchase requirements set forth in the Prospectuses and
this Part B, are made for Class A Shares at the public offering price and, for
Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Institutional Classes shares at the net asset
value, at the end of the day of receipt. A reinvestment plan may be terminated
at any time. This plan does not assure a profit nor protect against depreciation
in a declining market.

Reinvestment of Dividends in Other Delaware Investments Funds
         Subject to applicable eligibility and minimum initial purchase
requirements and the limitations set forth below, holders of Class A, Class B
and Class C Shares may automatically reinvest dividends and/or distributions in
any Delaware Investments mutual funds, including the Funds, in states where
their shares may be sold. Such investments will be at net asset value at the
close of business on the reinvestment date without any front-end sales charge or
service fee. The shareholder must notify the Transfer Agent in writing and must
have established an account in the fund into which the dividends and/or
distributions are to be invested. Any reinvestment directed to a fund in which
the investor does not then have an account will be treated like all other
initial purchases of a fund's shares. Consequently, an investor should obtain
and read carefully the prospectus for the fund in which the investment is
intended to be made before investing or sending money. The prospectus contains
more complete information about the fund, including charges and expenses. See
also Additional Methods of Adding to Your Investment - Dividend Reinvestment
Plan under How to Buy Shares in the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes.

         Subject to the following limitations, dividends and/or distributions
from other funds offered by Delaware Investments may be invested in shares of
the Funds, provided an account has been established. Dividends from Class A
Shares may not be directed to Class B Shares or Class C Shares. Dividends from
Class B Shares may only be directed to other Class B Shares and dividends from
Class C Shares may only be directed to other Class C Shares.

         This option is not available to participants in the following plans:
SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans, 403(b)(7) Deferred
Compensation Plans or 457 Deferred Compensation Plans.

Investing by Electronic Fund Transfer
         Direct Deposit Purchase Plan--Investors may arrange for either Fund to
accept for investment in Class A, Class B or Class C Shares, through an agent
bank, preauthorized government or private recurring payments. This method of
investment assures the timely credit to the shareholder's account of payments
such as social security, veterans' pension or compensation benefits, federal
salaries, Railroad Retirement benefits, private payroll checks, dividends, and
disability or pension fund benefits. It also eliminates lost, stolen and delayed
checks.

                                      -32-

<PAGE>



         Automatic Investing Plan--Shareholders of Class A, Class B and Class C
Shares may make automatic investments by authorizing, in advance, monthly
payments directly from their checking account for deposit into their Fund
account. This type of investment will be handled in either of the following
ways. (1) If the shareholder's bank is a member of the National Automated
Clearing House Association ("NACHA"), the amount of the investment will be
electronically deducted from his or her account by Electronic Fund Transfer
("EFT"). The shareholder's checking account will reflect a debit each month at a
specified date although no check is required to initiate the transaction. (2) If
the shareholder's bank is not a member of NACHA, deductions will be made by
preauthorized checks, known as Depository Transfer Checks. Should the
shareholder's bank become a member of NACHA in the future, his or her
investments would be handled electronically through EFT.

         This option is not available to participants in the following plans:
SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans, 403(b)(7) Deferred
Compensation Plans or 457 Deferred Compensation Plans.

                                      * * *

         Initial investments under the Direct Deposit Purchase Plan and the
Automatic Investing Plan must be for $250 or more and subsequent investments
under such Plans must be for $25 or more. An investor wishing to take advantage
of either service must complete an authorization form. Either service can be
discontinued by the shareholder at any time without penalty by giving written
notice.

         Payments to a Fund from the federal government or its agencies on
behalf of a shareholder may be credited to the shareholder's account after such
payments should have been terminated by reason of death or otherwise. Any such
payments are subject to reclamation by the federal government or its agencies.
Similarly, under certain circumstances, investments from private sources may be
subject to reclamation by the transmitting bank. In the event of a reclamation,
a Fund may liquidate sufficient shares from a shareholder's account to reimburse
the government or the private source. In the event there are insufficient shares
in the shareholder's account, the shareholder is expected to reimburse the Fund.

Direct Deposit Purchases by Mail
         Shareholders may authorize a third party, such as a bank or employer,
to make investments directly to their Fund accounts. Either Fund will accept
these investments, such as bank-by-phone, annuity payments and payroll
allotments, by mail directly from the third party. Investors should contact
their employers or financial institutions who in turn should contact Equity
Funds V, Inc. for proper instructions.

Wealth Builder Option
         Shareholders can use the Wealth Builder Option to invest in the Fund
Classes through regular liquidations of shares in their accounts in other mutual
funds offered by Delaware Investments. Shareholders of the Fund Classes may
elect to invest in one or more of the other mutual funds offered by Delaware
Investments through the Wealth Builder Option. See Wealth Builder Option and
Redemption and Exchange in the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes.

         Under this automatic exchange program, shareholders can authorize
regular monthly investments (minimum of $100 per fund) to be liquidated from
their account and invested automatically into other Delaware Investments mutual
funds, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in the Fund Classes'
Prospectuses. The investment will be made on the 20th day of each month (or, if
the fund selected is not open that day, the next business day) at the public
offering price or net asset value, as applicable, of the fund selected on the
date of

                                      -33-

<PAGE>




investment. No investment will be made for any month if the value of the
shareholder's account is less than the amount specified for investment.

         Periodic investment through the Wealth Builder Option does not insure
profits or protect against losses in a declining market. The price of the fund
into which investments are made could fluctuate. Since this program involves
continuous investment regardless of such fluctuating value, investors selecting
this option should consider their financial ability to continue to participate
in the program through periods of low fund share prices. This program involves
automatic exchanges between two or more fund accounts and is treated as a
purchase of shares of the fund into which investments are made through the
program. See Exchange Privilege for a brief summary of the tax consequences of
exchanges. Shareholders can terminate their participation at any time by written
notice to the Fund from which exchanges are made.

         This option is not available to participants in the following plans:
SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans, 403(b)(7) Deferred
Compensation Plans or 457 Deferred Compensation Plans. This option also is not
available to shareholders of the Institutional Classes.

Asset Planner
         To invest in Delaware Investments funds using the Asset Planner asset
allocation service, you should complete a Delaware Investments Asset Planner
Account Registration Form, which is available only from a financial adviser or
investment dealer. Effective September 1, 1997, the Delaware Investments Asset
Planner Service is only available to financial advisers or investment dealers
who have previously used this service. The Asset Planner service offers a choice
of four predesigned asset allocation strategies (each with a different
risk/reward profile) in predetermined percentages in Delaware Investments funds.
With the help of a financial adviser, you may also design a customized asset
allocation strategy.

         The sales charge on an investment through the Asset Planner service is
determined by the individual sales charges of the underlying funds and their
percentage allocation in the selected Strategy. Exchanges from existing Delaware
Investments accounts into the Asset Planner service may be made at net asset
value under the circumstances described under How to Buy Shares--Investing by
Exchange in the Prospectus. Also see Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset Value
under Classes of Shares. The minimum initial investment per Strategy is $2,000;
subsequent investments must be at least $100. Individual fund minimums do not
apply to investments made using the Asset Planner service. Class A, Class B and
Class C Shares are available through the Asset Planner service. Generally, only
shares within the same class may be used within the same Strategy. However,
Class A Shares of the Fund and of other Delaware Investments may be used in the
same Strategy with consultant class shares that are offered by certain other
Delaware Investments funds.

         An annual maintenance fee, currently $35 per Strategy, is due at the
time of initial investment and by September 30 of each subsequent year. The fee,
payable to Delaware Service Company, Inc. to defray extra costs associated with
administering the Asset Planner service, will be deducted automatically from one
of the funds within your Asset Planner account if not paid by September 30.
However, effective November 1, 1996, the annual maintenance fee is waived until
further notice. Investors who utilize the Asset Planner for an IRA will continue
to pay an annual IRA fee of $15 per Social Security number.

         Investors will receive a customized quarterly Strategy Report
summarizing all Delaware Investments Asset Planner investment performance and
account activity during the prior period. Confirmation statements will be sent
following all transactions other than those involving a reinvestment of
distributions.

                                      -34-

<PAGE>



         Certain shareholder services are not available to investors using the
Asset Planner service, due to its special design. These include Delaphone,
Checkwriting, Wealth Builder Option and Letter of Intention. Systematic
Withdrawal Plans are available after the account has been open for two years.

Retirement Plans for the Fund Classes
         An investment in either Fund may be suitable for tax-deferred
retirement plans. Delaware Investments offers a full spectrum of qualified and
non-qualified retirement plans, including the 401(k) deferred compensation plan,
Individual Retirement Account ("IRA"), and the new Roth IRA.

         The CDSC may be waived on certain redemptions of Class B Shares and
Class C Shares. See Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B and
Class C Shares under Redemption and Exchange in the Prospectuses for the Fund
Classes for a list of the instances in which the CDSC is waived.

         Purchases of Class B Shares are subject to a maximum purchase
limitation of $250,000 for retirement plans. Purchases of Class C Shares must be
in an amount that is less than $1,000,000 for such plans. The maximum purchase
limitations apply only to the initial purchase of shares by the retirement plan.

         Minimum investment limitations generally applicable to other investors
do not apply to retirement plans, other than Individual Retirement Accounts for
which there is a minimum initial purchase of $250, and a minimum subsequent
purchase of $25, regardless of which class is selected. Retirement plans may be
subject to plan establishment fees, annual maintenance fees and/or other
administrative or trustee fees. Fees are based upon the number of participants
in the plan as well as the services selected. Additional information about fees
is included in retirement plan materials. Fees are quoted upon request. Annual
maintenance fees may be shared by Delaware Management Trust Company, the
Transfer Agent, other affiliates of the Manager and others that provide services
to such plans.

         Certain shareholder investment services available to non-retirement
plan shareholders may not be available to retirement plan shareholders. Certain
retirement plans may qualify to purchase shares of the Institutional Classes.
See The Institutional Classes, above. For additional information on any of the
plans and Delaware's retirement services, call the Shareholder Service Center
telephone number.

         It is advisable for an investor considering any one of the retirement
plans described below to consult with an attorney, accountant or a qualified
retirement plan consultant. For further details, including applications for any
of these plans, contact your investment dealer or the Distributor.

         Taxable distributions from the retirement plans may be subject to
withholding.

         Please contact your investment dealer or the Distributor for the
special application forms required for the plans.

Prototype Profit Sharing or Money Purchase Pension Plans
         Prototype Plans are available for self-employed individuals,
partnerships and corporations. These plans can be maintained as Section 401(k),
profit sharing or money purchase pension plans. Contributions may be invested
only in Class A and Class C Shares.


                                      -35-

<PAGE>



Individual Retirement Account ("IRA")
         A document is available for an individual who wants to establish an IRA
and make contributions which may be tax-deductible, even if the individual is
already participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Even if
contributions are not deductible for tax purposes, as indicated below, earnings
will be tax-deferred. In addition, an individual may make contributions on
behalf of a spouse who has no compensation for the year or, for years prior to
1997, elects to be treated as having no compensation for the year. Investments
in each of the Fund Classes are permissible.

         An individual can contribute up to $2,000 of his or her IRA each year.
Contributions may or may not be deductible depending upon the taxpayers adjusted
gross income and whether the taxpayer or his or her spouse is an active
participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Even if a taxpayer (or his
or her spouse) is an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement
plan, the full $2,000 deduction is still available if the taxpayer's adjusted
gross income is below $25,000 ($40,000 for taxpayers filing joint returns). A
partial deduction is allowed for married couples with incomes between $40,000
and $50,000, and for single individuals with incomes between $25,000 and
$35,000. No deductions are available for contributions to IRAs by taxpayers
whose adjusted gross income before IRA deductions exceeds $50,000 ($35,000 for
singles) and who are active participants in an employer-sponsored retirement
plan. Taxpayers who are not allowed deductions on IRA contributions still can
make nondeductible IRA contributions of as much as $2,000 for each working
spouse ($2,250 for one-income couples for years prior to 1997), and defer taxes
on interest or other earnings from the IRAs. Special rules apply for determining
the deductibility of contributions made by married individuals filing separate
returns.

         Effective for tax years beginning after 1996, one-income couples can
contribute up to $2,000 to each spouse's IRA provided the combined compensation
of both spouses is at least equal to the total contributions for both spouses.
If the working spouse is an active participant in an employer-sponsored
retirement plan and earns over $40,000, the maximum deduction limit is reduced
in the same way that the limit is reduced for contributions to a non-spousal
IRA.

         A company or association may establish a Group IRA for employees or
members who want to purchase shares of a Fund. Purchases of $1 million or more
of Class A Shares qualify for purchase at net asset value but may, under certain
circumstances, be subject to a Limited CDSC. See Purchasing Shares for
information on reduced front-end sales charges applicable to Class A Shares.

         Investments generally must be held in the IRA until age 59 1/2 in order
to avoid premature distribution penalties, but distributions generally must
commence no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the year in which
the participant reaches age 70 1/2. Individuals are entitled to revoke the
account, for any reason and without penalty, by mailing written notice of
revocation to Delaware Management Trust Company within seven days after the
receipt of the IRA Disclosure Statement or within seven days after the
establishment of the IRA, except, if the IRA is established more than seven days
after receipt of the IRA Disclosure Statement, the account may not be revoked.
Distributions from the account (except for the pro-rata portion of any
nondeductible contributions) are fully taxable as ordinary income in the year
received. Excess contributions removed after the tax filing deadline, plus
extensions, for the year in which the excess contributions were made are subject
to a 6% excise tax on the amount of excess. Premature distributions
(distributions made before age 59 1/2, except for death, disability and certain
other limited circumstances) will be subject to a 10% excise tax on the amount
prematurely distributed, in addition to the income tax resulting from the
distribution. See Alternative Purchase Arrangements - Class B Shares and Class C
Shares under Classes of Shares, Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Class B Shares
and Class C Shares under Classes of Shares, and Waiver of Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge -

                                      -36-

<PAGE>



Class B and Class C Shares under Redemption and Exchange in the Fund Classes'
Prospectuses concerning the applicability of a CDSC upon redemption.

         Effective January 1, 1997, the 10% premature distribution penalty will
not apply to distributions from an IRA that are used to pay medical expenses in
excess of 7.5% of adjusted gross income or to pay health insurance premiums by
an individual who has received unemployment compensation for 12 consecutive
weeks.

Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP/IRA")
         A SEP/IRA may be established by an employer who wishes to sponsor a
tax-sheltered retirement program by making contributions on behalf of all
eligible employees. Each of the Fund Classes is available for investment by a
SEP/IRA.

Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SAR/SEP")
         Although new SAR/SEP plans may not be established after December 31,
1996, existing plans may be maintained by employers having 25 or fewer
employees. An employer may elect to make additional contributions to such
existing plans.

Prototype 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan
         Section 401(k) of the Code permits employers to establish qualified
plans based on salary deferral contributions. Plan documents are available to
enable employers to establish a plan. An employer may also elect to make profit
sharing contributions and/or matching contributions with investments in only
Class A Shares and Class C Shares or certain other Delaware Investment funds.
Purchases under the plan may be combined for purposes of computing the reduced
front-end sales charge applicable to Class A Shares as set forth in the
Prospectuses for the Fund Classes. See Front-End Sales Charge Alternative--Class
A Shares in the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes for the applicable schedule
and further details.

Deferred Compensation Plan for Public Schools and Non-Profit Organizations 
("403(b)(7)")
         Section 403(b)(7) of the Code permits public school systems and certain
non-profit organizations to use mutual fund shares held in a custodial account
to fund deferred compensation arrangements for their employees. A custodial
account agreement is available for those employers who wish to purchase any of
the Fund Classes in conjunction with such an arrangement. Applicable front-end
sales charges with respect to Class A Shares for such purchases are set forth in
the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes. See Front-End Sales Charge
Alternative--Class A Shares in the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes for the
applicable schedule and further details.

Deferred Compensation Plan for State and Local Government Employees ("457")
         Section 457 of the Code permits state and local governments, their
agencies and certain other entities to establish a deferred compensation plan
for their employees who wish to participate. This enables employees to defer a
portion of their salaries and any federal (and possibly state) taxes thereon.
Such plans may invest in shares of any of the Fund Classes. Although investors
may use their own plan, there is available a Delaware Investments 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan. Interested investors should contact the Distributor or their
investment dealers to obtain further information. Applicable front-end sales
charges for such purchases of Class A Shares are set forth in the Prospectuses
for the Fund Classes. See Front-End Sales Charge Alternative--Class A Shares in
the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes for the applicable schedule and further
details.

SIMPLE IRA
         A SIMPLE IRA combines many of the features of an Individual Retirement
Account (IRA) and a 401(k) Plan but is easier to administer than a typical
401(k) Plan. It requires employers to make contributions on behalf

                                      -37-

<PAGE>




of their employees and also has a salary deferral feature that permits employees
to defer a portion of their salary into the plan on a pre-tax basis.

SIMPLE 401(k)
          A SIMPLE 401(k) is like a regular 401(k) except that plan sponsors are
limited to 100 employees and, in exchange for mandatory plan sponsor
contributions, discrimination testing is no longer required. Class B Shares are
not available for purchase by such plans.


                                      -38-

<PAGE>



DETERMINING OFFERING PRICE AND NET ASSET VALUE

         Orders for purchases of Class A Shares are effected at the offering
price next calculated by the Fund in which shares are being purchased after
receipt of the order by the Fund, its agent or certain other authorized persons.
See Distribution and Service under Investment Management Agreements. Orders for
purchases of Class B Shares, Class C Shares and the Institutional Classes are
effected at the net asset value per share next calculated after receipt of the
order by the Fund, its agent or certain other authorized persons. Selling
dealers are responsible for transmitting orders promptly.

         The offering price for Class A Shares consists of the net asset value
per share plus any applicable sales charges. Offering price and net asset value
are computed as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(ordinarily, 4 p.m., Eastern time) on days when the Exchange is open. The New
York Stock Exchange is scheduled to be open Monday through Friday throughout the
year except for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Presidents'
Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and
Christmas. When the New York Stock Exchange is closed, the Funds will generally
be closed, pricing calculations will not be made and purchase and redemption
orders will not be processed.

         An example showing how to calculate the net asset value per share and,
in the case of Class A Shares, the offering price per share, is included in each
Fund's financial statements which are incorporated by reference into this Part
B.

         Each Fund's net asset value per share is computed by adding the value
of all the securities and other assets in the Fund's portfolio, deducting any
liabilities of the Fund, and dividing by the number of Fund shares outstanding.
Expenses and fees are accrued daily. In determining a Fund's total net assets,
portfolio securities primarily listed or traded on a national or foreign
securities exchange, except for bonds, are valued at the last sale price on that
exchange. Exchange traded options are valued at the last reported sale price or,
if no sales are reported, at the mean between bid and asked prices. Non-exchange
traded options are valued at fair value using a mathematical model. Futures
contracts are valued at their daily quoted settlement price. For valuation
purposes, foreign currencies and foreign securities denominated in foreign
currency values will be converted into U.S. dollar values at the mean between
the bid and offered quotations of such currencies against U.S. dollars based on
rates in effect that day. Securities not traded on a particular day,
over-the-counter securities, and government and agency securities are valued at
the mean value between bid and asked prices. Money market instruments having a
maturity of less than 60 days are valued at amortized cost. Debt securities
(other than short-term obligations) are valued on the basis of valuations
provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair
value of such securities. Foreign securities and the prices of foreign
securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars
based on rates in effect as of 12 p.m., Eastern time. Use of a pricing service
has been approved by the Board of Directors. Prices provided by a pricing
service take into account appropriate factors such as institutional trading in
similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of
issue, trading characteristics and other market data. Subject to the foregoing,
securities for which market quotations are not readily available and other
assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith and in a method
approved by the Board of Directors.

         Each Class of a Fund will bear, pro-rata, all of the common expenses of
that Fund. The net asset values of all outstanding shares of each Class of a
Fund will be computed on a pro-rata basis for each outstanding share based on
the proportionate participation in that Fund represented by the value of shares
of that Class. All income earned and expenses incurred by a Fund will be borne
on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding share of a Class, based on each Class'
percentage in that Fund represented by the value of shares of such Classes,
except that the

                                      -39-

<PAGE>




Institutional Classes will not incur any of the expenses under Equity Funds V,
Inc.'s 12b-1 Plans and the Class A, Class B and Class C Shares alone will bear
any 12b-1 Plan expenses payable under their respective Plans. Due to the
specific distribution expenses and other costs that will be allocable to each
Class, the net asset value of each Class of a Fund will vary. For so long as the
current waivers of 12b-1 Plan expenses by the Distributor in connection with the
distribution of Class A, Class B and Class C Shares of the Funds remain
applicable no such variance shall arise.


                                      -40-

<PAGE>



REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE

         Any shareholder may require a Fund to redeem shares by sending a
written request, signed by the record owner or owners exactly as the shares are
registered, to the Fund at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. In
addition, certain expedited redemption methods described below are available
when stock certificates have not been issued. Certificates are issued for Class
A Shares and Institutional Class shares only if a shareholder specifically
requests them. Certificates are not issued for Class B Shares or Class C Shares.
If stock certificates have been issued for shares being redeemed, they must
accompany the written request. For redemptions of $50,000 or less paid to the
shareholder at the address of record, the request must be signed by all owners
of the shares or the investment dealer of record, but a signature guarantee is
not required. When the redemption is for more than $50,000, or if payment is
made to someone else or to another address, signatures of all record owners are
required and a signature guarantee may be required. Each signature guarantee
must be supplied by an eligible guarantor institution. Each Fund reserves the
right to reject a signature guarantee supplied by an eligible institution based
on its creditworthiness. The Funds may request further documentation from
corporations, retirement plans, executors, administrators, trustees or
guardians.

         In addition to redemption of Fund shares, the Distributor, acting as
agent of the Funds, offers to repurchase Fund shares from broker/dealers acting
on behalf of shareholders. The redemption or repurchase price, which may be more
or less than the shareholder's cost, is the net asset value per share next
determined after receipt of the request in good order by the respective Fund,
its agent or certain other authorized persons, subject to any applicable CDSC or
Limited CDSC. See Distribution and Service under Investment Management
Agreements. This is computed and effective at the time the offering price and
net asset value are determined. See Determining Offering Price and Net Asset
Value. The Funds and the Distributor end their business days at 5 p.m., Eastern
time. This offer is discretionary and may be completely withdrawn without
further notice by the Distributor.

         Orders for the repurchase of Fund shares which are submitted to the
Distributor prior to the close of its business day will be executed at the net
asset value per share computed that day (subject to the applicable CDSC or
Limited CDSC), if the repurchase order was received by the broker/dealer from
the shareholder prior to the time the offering price and net asset value are
determined on such day. The selling dealer has the responsibility of
transmitting orders to the Distributor promptly. Such repurchase is then settled
as an ordinary transaction with the broker/dealer (who may make a charge to the
shareholder for this service) delivering the shares repurchased.

         Certain redemptions of Class A Shares purchased at net asset value may
result in the imposition of a Limited CDSC. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value under
Redemption and Exchange in the Prospectuses for the Fund Classes. Class B Shares
are subject to a CDSC of: (i) 4% if shares are redeemed within two years of
purchase; (ii) 3% if shares are redeemed during the third or fourth year
following purchase; (iii) 2% if shares are redeemed during the fifth year
following purchase; and (iv) 1% if shares are redeemed during the sixth year
following purchase. Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC of 1% if shares are
redeemed within 12 months following purchase. See Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge - Class B Shares and Class C Shares under Classes of Shares in the
Prospectuses for the Fund Classes. Except for the applicable CDSC or Limited
CDSC, and with respect to the expedited payment by wire described below for
which, in the case of the Fund Classes, there is currently a $7.50 bank wiring
cost, neither the Funds nor the Distributor charges a fee for redemptions or
repurchases, but such fees could be charged at any time in the future.


                                      -41-

<PAGE>



         Payment for shares redeemed will ordinarily be mailed the next business
day, but in no case later than seven days, after receipt of a redemption request
in good order; provided, however, that each commitment to mail or wire
redemption proceeds by a certain time, as described below, is modified by the
qualifications described in the next paragraph.

         Each Fund will process written or telephone redemption requests to the
extent that the purchase orders for the shares being redeemed have already
settled. A Fund will honor redemption requests as to shares for which a check
was tendered as payment, but a Fund will not mail or wire the proceeds until it
is reasonably satisfied that the check has cleared. This potential delay can be
avoided by making investments by wiring Federal Funds.

         If a shareholder has been credited with a purchase by a check which is
subsequently returned unpaid for insufficient funds or for any other reason, the
Fund involved will automatically redeem from the shareholder's account the
shares purchased by the check plus any dividends earned thereon. Shareholders
may be responsible for any losses to a Fund or to the Distributor.

         In case of a suspension of the determination of the net asset value
because the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than weekends or
holidays, or trading thereon is restricted or an emergency exists as a result of
which disposal by a Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practical,
or it is not reasonably practical for a Fund fairly to value its assets, or in
the event that the Securities and Exchange Commission has provided for such
suspension for the protection of shareholders, a Fund may postpone payment or
suspend the right of redemption or repurchase. In such case, the shareholder may
withdraw the request for redemption or leave it standing as a request for
redemption at the net asset value next determined after the suspension has been
terminated.

         Payment for shares redeemed or repurchased may be made in either cash
or kind, or partly in cash and partly in kind. Any portfolio securities paid or
distributed in kind would be valued as described in Determining Offering Price
and Net Asset Value. Subsequent sale by an investor receiving a distribution in
kind could result in the payment of brokerage commissions. However, Equity Funds
V, Inc. has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to
which each Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of such Fund during any 90-day period for
any one shareholder.

         The value of a Fund's investments is subject to changing market prices.
Thus, a shareholder reselling shares to a Fund may sustain either a gain or
loss, depending upon the price paid and the price received for such shares.

Small Accounts
         Before a Fund involuntarily redeems shares from an account that, under
the circumstances noted in the relevant Prospectus, has remained below the
minimum amounts required by the Fund's Prospectuses and sends the proceeds to
the shareholder, the shareholder will be notified in writing that the value of
the shares in the account is less than the minimum required and will be allowed
60 days from the date of notice to make an additional investment to meet the
required minimum. See The Conditions of Your Purchase under How to Buy Shares in
the Prospectuses. Any redemption in an inactive account established with a
minimum investment may trigger mandatory redemption. No CDSC or Limited CDSC
will apply to the redemptions described in this paragraph. The Funds generally
require a minimum balance of $1,000 for accounts in all Classes.

                                      * * *

                                      -42-

<PAGE>



         Each Fund has made available certain redemption privileges, as
described below. The Funds reserve the right to suspend or terminate these
expedited payment procedures upon 60 days' written notice to shareholders.

Expedited Telephone Redemptions
         Shareholders of the Fund Classes or their investment dealers of record
wishing to redeem any amount of shares of $50,000 or less for which certificates
have not been issued may call the Shareholder Service Center at 800-523-1918 or,
in the case of shareholders of the Institutional Classes, their Client Services
Representative at 800-828-5052 prior to the time the offering price and net
asset value are determined, as noted above, and have the proceeds mailed to them
at the address of record. Checks payable to the shareholder(s) of record will
normally be mailed the next business day, but no later than seven days, after
the receipt of the redemption request. This option is only available to
individual, joint and individual fiduciary-type accounts.

         In addition, redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more can be transferred
to your predesignated bank account by wire or by check by calling the phone
numbers listed above. An authorization form must have been completed by the
shareholder and filed with the relevant Fund before the request is received.
Payment will be made by wire or check to the bank account designated on the
authorization form as follows:

         1. Payment by Wire: Request that Federal Funds be wired to the bank
account designated on the authorization form. Redemption proceeds will normally
be wired on the next business day following receipt of the redemption request.
There is a $7.50 wiring fee (subject to change) charged by First Union National
Bank which will be deducted from the withdrawal proceeds each time the
shareholder requests a redemption from Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class
C Shares. If the proceeds are wired to the shareholder's account at a bank which
is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, there could be a delay in the
crediting of the funds to the shareholder's bank account.

         2. Payment by Check: Request a check be mailed to the bank account
designated on the authorization form. Redemption proceeds will normally be
mailed the next business day, but no later than seven days, from the date of the
telephone request. This procedure will take longer than the Payment by Wire
option (1 above) because of the extra time necessary for the mailing and
clearing of the check after the bank receives it.

         Redemption Requirements: In order to change the name of the bank and
the account number it will be necessary to send a written request to the
relevant Fund and a signature guarantee may be required. Each signature
guarantee must be supplied by an eligible guarantor institution. The Funds
reserve the right to reject a signature guarantee supplied by an eligible
institution based on its creditworthiness.

         To reduce the shareholder's risk of attempted fraudulent use of the
telephone redemption procedure, payment will be made only to the bank account
designated on the authorization form.

         If expedited payment under these procedures could adversely affect a
Fund, such Fund may take up to seven days to pay the shareholder.

         Neither the Funds nor the Funds' Transfer Agent is responsible for any
shareholder loss incurred in acting upon written or telephone instructions for
redemption or exchange of Fund shares which are reasonably believed to be
genuine. With respect to such telephone transactions, each Fund will follow
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine (including verification of a form of personal identification) as, if it
does not, such Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Telephone instructions received by
shareholders of the Fund Classes are generally tape

                                      -43-

<PAGE>



recorded. A written confirmation will be provided for all purchase, exchange and
redemption transactions initiated by telephone.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans
         Shareholders of the Funds who own or purchase $5,000 or more of shares
at the offering price, or net asset value, as applicable, for which certificates
have not been issued may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan for monthly
withdrawals of $25 or more, or quarterly withdrawals of $75 or more, although
the Funds do not recommend any specific amount of withdrawal. This $5,000
minimum does not apply for the Funds' prototype retirement plans. Shares
purchased with the initial investment and through reinvestment of cash dividends
and realized securities profits distributions will be credited to the
shareholder's account and sufficient full and fractional shares will be redeemed
at the net asset value calculated on the third business day preceding the
mailing date.

         Checks are dated either the 1st or the 15th of the month, as selected
by the shareholder (unless such date falls on a holiday or a weekend), and are
normally mailed within two business days. Both ordinary income dividends and
realized securities profits distributions will be automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the Class at net asset value. This plan is not recommended
for all investors and should be started only after careful consideration of its
operation and effect upon the investor's savings and investment program. To the
extent that withdrawal payments from the plan exceed any dividends and/or
realized securities profits distributions paid on shares held under the plan,
the withdrawal payments will represent a return of capital, and the share
balance may in time be depleted, particularly in a declining market.

         The sale of shares for withdrawal payments constitutes a taxable event
and a shareholder may incur a capital gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes. This gain or loss may be long-term or short-term depending on the
holding period for the specific shares liquidated. Premature withdrawals from
retirement plans may have adverse tax consequences.

         Withdrawals under this plan made concurrently with the purchases of
additional shares may be disadvantageous to the shareholder. Purchases of Class
A Shares through a periodic investment program in a fund managed by the Manager
must be terminated before a Systematic Withdrawal Plan with respect to such
shares can take effect, except if the shareholder is a participant in one of our
retirement plans or is investing in Delaware Investments funds which do not
carry a sales charge. Redemptions of Class A Shares pursuant to a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan may be subject to a Limited CDSC if the purchase was made at net
asset value and a dealer's commission has been paid on that purchase.
Redemptions of Class B Shares or Class C Shares pursuant to a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan may be subject to a CDSC, unless the annual amount selected to
be withdrawn is less than 12% of the account balance on the date that the
Systematic Withdrawal Plan was established. See Waiver of Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge - Class B and Class C Shares and Waiver of Limited Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge - Class A Shares under Redemption and Exchange in the
Prospectus for the Fund Classes of Mid- Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Contrarian
Fund. Shareholders should consult their financial advisers to determine whether
a Systematic Withdrawal Plan would be suitable for them.



                                      -44-

<PAGE>



         An investor wishing to start a Systematic Withdrawal Plan must complete
an authorization form. If the recipient of Systematic Withdrawal Plan payments
is other than the registered shareholder, the shareholder's signature on this
authorization must be guaranteed. Each signature guarantee must be supplied by
an eligible guarantor institution. Each Fund reserves the right to reject a
signature guarantee supplied by an eligible institution based on its
creditworthiness. This plan may be terminated by the shareholder or the Transfer
Agent at any time by giving written notice.

         The Systematic Withdrawal Plan is not available for the Institutional 
Classes.


                                      -45-

<PAGE>



DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

         Each Fund has qualified, and intends to continue to qualify, as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. As such, a Fund
will not be subject to federal income tax on net investment income and net
realized capital gains which are distributed to shareholders.

         Each Class of shares of a Fund will share proportionately in the
investment income and expenses of that Fund, except that, absent any applicable
fee waiver, Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares alone will incur
distribution fees under their respective 12b-1 Plans.

         The Funds intend to pay out substantially all of their net investment
income and net realized capital gains. Such payments, if any, will be made once
a year during the first quarter of the following fiscal year. All dividends and
any capital gains distributions will be automatically credited to the
shareholder's account in additional shares of the same class of the Fund at net
asset value unless the shareholder requests in writing that such dividends
and/or distributions be paid in cash. Dividend payments of $1.00 or less will be
automatically reinvested, notwithstanding a shareholder's election to receive
dividends in cash. If such a shareholder's dividends increase to greater than
$1.00, the shareholder would have to file a new election in order to begin
receiving dividends in cash again.

         Any check in payment of dividends or other distributions which cannot
be delivered by the United States Post Office or which remains uncashed for a
period of more than one year may be reinvested in the shareholder's account at
the then-current net asset value and the dividend option may be changed from
cash to reinvest. Each Fund may deduct from a shareholder's account the costs of
the Fund's effort to locate a shareholder if a shareholder's mail is returned by
the United States Post Office or the Fund is otherwise unable to locate the
shareholder or verify the shareholder's mailing address. These costs may include
a percentage of the account when a search company charges a percentage fee in
exchange for their location services.

         Dividends from investment income and short-term capital gains
distributions are treated by shareholders as ordinary income for federal income
tax purposes. Distributions of long-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time an
investor has held such shares, and these gains are currently taxed at long-term
capital gain rates. The tax status of dividends and distributions paid to
shareholders will not be affected by whether they are paid in cash or in
additional shares. Persons not subject to tax will not be required to pay taxes
on distributions.

         Under the Taxpayer Relief act of 1997 (the "1997 Act"), the Fund is
required to track its sales of portfolio securities and to report its capital
gain distributions to you according to the following categories of holding
periods:

         "Pre-Act long-term capital gains": securities sold by a Fund before May
         7, 1997, that were held for more than 12 months. These gains will be
         taxable to individual investors at a maximum rate of 28%.

         "Mid-term capital gains" or "28 percent rate gain": securities sold by
         a Fund after July 28, 1997 that were held more than one year but not
         more than 18 months. These gains will be taxable to individual
         investors at a maximum rate of 28%.


                                      -46-

<PAGE>



         "1997 Act long-term capital gains" or "20 percent rate gain":
         securities sold by a Fund between May 7, 1997 and July 28, 1997 that
         were held for more than 12 months, and securities sold by the Fund
         after July 28, 1997 that were held for more than 18 months. These gains
         will be taxable to individual investors at a maximum rate of 20% for
         investors in the 28% or higher federal income tax brackets, and at a
         maximum rate of 10% for investors in the 15% federal income tax
         bracket.

         "Qualified 5-year gains": For individuals in the 15% bracket, qualified
         5-year gains are net gains on securities held for more than 5 years
         which are sold after December 31, 2000. For individual who are subject
         to tax at higher rate brackets, qualified 5-year gains are net gains on
         securities which are purchased after December 31, 2000 and are held for
         more than 5 years. Taxpayers subject to tax at a higher rate brackets
         may also make an election for shares held on January 1, 2001 to
         recognize gain on their shares in order to qualify such shares as
         qualified 5- year property. These gains will be taxable to individual
         investors at a maximum rate of 18% for investors in the 28% or higher
         federal income tax brackets, and at a maximum rate of 8% for investors
         in the 15% federal income tax bracket.

         A portion of each Fund's dividends may qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations provided in the federal income tax
law. The portion of dividends paid by each Fund that so qualifies will be
designated each year in a notice to that Fund's shareholders, and cannot exceed
the gross amount of dividends received by the Fund from domestic (U.S.)
corporations that would have qualified for the dividends-received deduction in
the hands of the Fund if the Fund was a regular corporation. The availability of
the dividends-received deduction is subject to certain holding period and debt
financing restrictions imposed under the Code on the corporation claiming the
deduction. Under the 1997 Act, the amount that a Fund may designate as eligible
for the dividends-received deduction will be reduced or eliminated if the shares
on which the dividends earned by the Fund were debt-financed or held by the Fund
for less than a 46-day period during a 90-day period beginning 45 days before
the ex-dividend date and ending 45 days after the ex-dividend date. Similarly,
if your Fund shares are debt-financed or held by you for less than a 46-day
period during a 90-day period beginning 45 days before the ex-dividend date and
ending 45 days after the ex-dividend date, then the dividends-received deduction
for Fund dividends on your shares may also be reduced or eliminated. Even if
designated as dividends eligible for the dividends-received deduction, all
dividends (including any deducted portion) must be included in your alternative
minimum taxable income calculation.

         Shareholders will be notified annually by Equity Funds V, Inc. as to 
the federal income tax status of dividends and distributions.

         Distributions may also be subject to state and local taxes;
shareholders are advised to consult with their tax advisers in this regard.
Shares of each Fund will be exempt from Pennsylvania county personal property
taxes.

         See also Other Tax Requirements under Accounting and Tax Issues in this
Part B.


                                      -47-

<PAGE>

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

         The Manager, located at One Commerce Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103,
furnishes investment management services to each Fund, subject to the
supervision and direction of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s Board of Directors.

         The Manager and its predecessors have been managing the funds offered
by Delaware Investments since 1938. On September 30, 1998, the Manager and its
affiliates within Delaware Investments, including Delaware International
Advisers Ltd., were supervising in the aggregate more than $40 billion in assets
in the various institutional or separately managed (approximately
$23,666,360,000) and investment company (approximately $17,194,990,000)
accounts.

   
         The Investment Management Agreements for Mid-Cap Value Fund and Small
Cap Contrarian Fund are dated December 24, 1998 and were approved by the initial
shareholder on December 24, 1998. Each Agreement has an initial term of two
years and may be renewed each year only so long as such renewal and continuance
are specifically approved at least annually by the Board of Directors or by vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, and only if the
terms of and the renewal thereof have been approved by the vote of a majority of
the directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. who are not parties thereto or interested
persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. Each Agreement is terminable without penalty on 60
days' notice by the directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. or by the Manager. Each
Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
    

         The compensation paid by each Fund for investment management services
equal to on an annual basis: 0.75% on the first $500 million of average daily
net assets; 0.70% on the next $500 million; 0.65% on the next $1.5 billion; and
0.60% on the average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion. This fee is
higher than that paid by many other funds; it may be higher or lower than that
paid by funds with comparable investment objectives. The directors of Equity
Funds V, Inc. annually review fees paid to the Manager. Under the general
supervision of the Board of Directors, the Manager makes all investment
decisions which are implemented by the Fund.

         The Manager pays the salaries of all directors, officers and employees
who are affiliated with both the Manager and Equity Funds V, Inc. Except for
those expenses borne by the Manager under the Investment Management Agreements
and the Distributor under the Distribution Agreements, each Fund is responsible
for all of its own expenses. Among others, these include each Fund's
proportionate share of rent and certain other administrative expenses; the
investment management fees; transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees and
costs; custodian expenses; federal and state securities registration fees; proxy
costs; and the costs of preparing prospectuses and reports sent to shareholders.

   
Distribution and Service
         The Distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P. (which formerly conducted
business as Delaware Distributors, Inc.), located at 1818 Market Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as the national distributor of the Funds' shares
under separate Distribution Agreements with Equity Funds V, dated December 28,
1998. The Distributor is an affiliate of the Manager and bears all of the costs
of promotion and distribution, except for payments by each Fund on behalf of
Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares under their respective 12b-1
Plans. Prior to January 3, 1995, Delaware Distributors, Inc. ("DDI") served as
the national distributor of Equity Funds V's shares. On that date, Delaware
Distributors, L.P., a newly formed limited partnership, succeeded to the
business of DDI. All officers and employees of DDI became officers and employees
of Delaware Distributors, L.P. DDI is the corporate general partner of Delaware
Distributors, L.P. and both DDI and
    

                                      -48-

<PAGE>



   
Delaware Distributors, L.P. are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Delaware
Management Holdings, Inc. The Distributor has elected voluntarily to waive
payments under the 12b-1 Plan for the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and the
Class C Shares of the Funds during the commencement of the public offering of
the Funds through May 31, 1999.

         The Transfer Agent, Delaware Service Company, Inc., another affiliate
of the Manager located at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as
each Funds' shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing and transfer agent
pursuant to an agreement dated December 28, 1998. The Transfer Agent also
provides accounting services to the Funds pursuant to the terms of a separate
Fund Accounting Agreement. The Transfer Agent is also an indirect, wholly owned
subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc.
    

         The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to accept on its behalf
purchase and redemption orders in addition to the Transfer Agent. Such brokers
are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and
redemption orders on the behalf of the Funds. For purposes of pricing, the Funds
will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an
authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts the
order.


                                      -49-

<PAGE>



OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

         The business and affairs of Equity Funds V, Inc. are managed under the 
direction of its Board of Directors.

         Certain officers and directors of Equity Funds V, Inc. hold identical
positions in each of the other Delaware Investments funds. Because the Funds are
newly created, no accounts hold 5% or more of a Class of shares of a Fund.

         DMH Corp., Delvoy, Inc., Delaware Management Company, Inc., Delaware
Distributors, L.P., Delaware Distributors, Inc., Delaware Service Company, Inc.,
Delaware Management Trust Company, Delaware International Holdings Ltd.,
Founders Holdings, Inc., Delaware International Advisers Ltd., Delaware Capital
Management, Inc. and Retirement Financial Services, Inc. are direct or indirect,
wholly owned subsidiaries of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. ("DMH"). On
April 3, 1995, a merger between DMH and a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln
National Corporation ("Lincoln National") was completed. DMH and the Manager are
now indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries, and subject to the ultimate control, of
Lincoln National. Lincoln National, with headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is
a diversified organization with operations in many aspects of the financial
services industry, including insurance and investment management.

         Directors and principal officers of Equity Funds V, Inc. are noted
below along with their ages and their business experience for the past five
years. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each officer and director is One
Commerce Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

   
* Jeffrey J. Nick (45)
         Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director and/or 
                  Trustee of Equity Funds V, Inc. and each of the other 33
                  investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
         President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Delaware Management 
                  Holdings, Inc. and Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc.
         President of Lincoln Funds Corporation.
         Director of Delaware International Advisers Ltd.
         From 1992 to 1996, Mr. Nick was Managing Director of Lincoln National 
                  UK plc and from 1989 to 1992, he was Senior Vice President 
                  responsible for corporate planning and development for Lincoln
                  National Corporation.

*Wayne A. Stork (61)
         Director and/or Trustee of Equity Funds V, Inc., each of the other 33
                  other investment companies in the Delaware Investments family,
                  Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and Delaware Capital
                  Management, Inc.
         Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, Director of DMH Corp., 
                  Delaware Distributors, Inc. and Founders Holdings, Inc.
         Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer 
                  and Director of Delaware Management Company, Inc.
         Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Delaware 
                  International Advisers Ltd. and Delaware International 
                  Holdings Ltd.
         President and Chief Executive Officer of Delvoy, Inc.
         Chairman of Delaware Distributors, L.P.
         Director of Delaware Service Company, Inc. and Retirement Financial 
                  Services, Inc.
         During the past five years, Mr. Stork has served in various executive 
                  capacities at different times within the Delaware 
                  organization.
    




- ----------------------
*Director affiliated with the Funds' investment manager and considered an
 "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act.


                                      -50-

<PAGE>



   
Richard G. Unruh, Jr. (59)
         Executive Vice President of Equity Funds V, Inc., each of the other 33 
                  investment companies in the Delaware Investments family,
                  Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and Delaware Capital
                  Management, Inc.
         Executive Vice President and Director of Delaware Management Company, 
                  Inc.
         Director of Delaware International Advisers Ltd.
         During the past five years, Mr. Unruh has served in various executive
                  capacities at different times within the Delaware 
                  organization.

Paul E. Suckow (51)
         Executive Vice President/Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income of
                  Equity Funds V, Inc., each of the other 33 investment 
                  companies in the Delaware Investments family, Delaware 
                  Management Company, Inc. and Delaware Management Holdings,
                  Inc.
         Executive Vice President and Director of Founders Holdings, Inc.
         Executive Vice President of Delaware Capital Management, Inc.
         Director of Founders CBO Corporation.
         Director of HYPPCO Finance Company Ltd.
         Before returning to the Delaware Investments in 1993, Mr. Suckow was
                  Executive Vice President and Director of Fixed Income for
                  Oppenheimer Management Corporation, New York, NY from 1985 to
                  1992. Prior to that, Mr. Suckow was a fixed-income portfolio
                  manager for the Delaware Investments.
    



- ----------------------
*Director affiliated with the Funds' investment manager and considered an
 "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act.


                                      -51-

<PAGE>



   
Walter P. Babich (71)
         Director and/or Trustee of Equity Funds V, Inc. and each of the other 
                  33 investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
         460 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA  19406.
         Board Chairman, Citadel Constructors, Inc.
         From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Babich was a partner of Irwin & Leighton and
                  from 1988 to 1991, he was a partner of I&L Investors.

Anthony D. Knerr (60)
         Director and/or Trustee of Equity Funds V, Inc. and each of the other 
                  33 investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
         500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY  10110.
         Founder and Managing Director, Anthony Knerr & Associates.
         From 1982 to 1988, Mr. Knerr was Executive Vice President/Finance and
                  Treasurer of Columbia University, New York. From 1987 to 
                  1989, he was also a lecturer in English at the University. In
                  addition, Mr. Knerr was Chairman of The Publishing Group, 
                  Inc., New York, from 1988 to 1990. Mr. Knerr founded 
                  The Publishing Group, Inc. in 1988.

Ann R. Leven (58)
         Director and/or Trustee of Equity Funds V, Inc. and each of the other
                  33 investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
         785 Park Avenue, New York, NY  10021.
         Treasurer, National Gallery of Art.
         From 1984 to 1990, Ms. Leven was Treasurer and Chief Fiscal Officer of
                  the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, and from 1975 to 
                  1992, she was Adjunct Professor of Columbia Business School.

W. Thacher Longstreth (78)
         Director and/or Trustee of Equity Funds V, Inc. and each of the other 
                  33 investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
         City Hall, Philadelphia, PA  19107.
         Philadelphia City Councilman.

Thomas F. Madison (62)
         Director and/or Trustee of Equity Funds V, Inc. and each of the other 
                  33 investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
         President and Chief Executive Officer, MLM Partners, Inc.
         200 South Fifth Street, Suite 2100, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.
         Mr. Madison has also been Chairman of the Board of Communications 
                  Holdings, Inc. since 1996. From February to September 1994, 
                  Mr. Madison served as Vice Chairman--Office of the CEO of
                  The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company and from 1988 to
                  1993, he was President of U.S. WEST Communications--Markets.
    


                                      -52-

<PAGE>



   
Charles E. Peck (73)
         Director and/or Trustee of Equity Funds V, Inc. and each of the other 
                  33 investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
         P.O. Box 1102, Columbia, MD  21044.
         Secretary/Treasurer, Enterprise Homes, Inc.
         From 1981 to 1990, Mr. Peck was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
                  The Ryland Group, Inc., Columbia, MD.

David K. Downes (58)
         Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial
                  Officer of Equity Funds V, Inc., each of the other 33
                  investment companies in the Delaware Investments family,
                  Delaware Management Holdings, Inc, Founders CBO Corporation,
                  Delaware Capital Management, Inc. and Delaware Distributors,
                  L.P.
         Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial 
                  Officer and Director of Delaware Management Company, Inc., DMH
                  Corp., Delaware Distributors, Inc., Founders Holdings, Inc. 
                  and Delvoy, Inc.
         President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and 
                  Director of Delaware Service Company, Inc.
         President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and 
                  Director of Delaware International Holdings Ltd.
         Chairman,Chief Executive Officer and Director of Delaware Management
                  Trust Company and Retirement Financial Services, Inc.
         Director of Delaware International Advisers Ltd.
         Vice President of Lincoln Funds Corporation
         Before joining the Delaware Investments family in 1992, Mr. Downes was
                  Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer and
                  Treasurer of Equitable Capital Management Corporation, New
                  York, from December 1985 through August 1992, Executive Vice
                  President from December 1985 through March 1992, and Vice
                  Chairman from March 1992 through August 1992.

George M. Chamberlain, Jr. (51)
         Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Equity Funds V,
                  Inc. and each of the other 33 investment companies in the 
                  Delaware Investments family
         Senior Vice President and Secretary of Delaware Distributors, L.P. and 
                  Delaware Management Holdings, Inc.
         Senior Vice President, Secretary and Director of DMH Corp., Delaware
                  Management Company, Inc., Delaware Distributors, Inc.,
                  Delaware Service Company, Inc., Founders Holdings, Inc.,
                  Retirement Financial Services, Inc., Delaware Capital
                  Management, Inc. and Delvoy, Inc.
         Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director of Delaware Management
                  Trust Company.
         Senior Vice President and Director of Delaware International Holdings 
                  Ltd.
         Director of Delaware International Advisers Ltd.
         Secretary of Lincoln Funds Corporation
         Attorney.
         During the past five years, Mr. Chamberlain has served in various
                  capacities at different times within the Delaware
                  organization.
    

                                      -53-

<PAGE>


   
Joseph H. Hastings (49)
         Senior Vice President/Corporate Controller of the Equity Funds V, Inc.,
                  each of the other 33 investment companies in the Delaware
                  Investments family and Founders Holdings, Inc.
         Senior Vice President/Corporate Controller and Treasurer of Delaware
                  Management Holdings, Inc., DMH Corp., Delaware Management
                  Company, Inc., Delaware Distributors, L.P., Delaware
                  Distributors, Inc., Delaware Service Company, Inc., Delaware
                  Capital Management, Inc.,
                  Delaware International Holdings Ltd. and Delvoy, Inc.
         Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer of Retirement Financial Services,
                  Inc.
         Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer of Delaware 
                  Management Trust Company.
         Senior Vice President/Assistant Treasurer of Founders CBO Corporation.
         Treasurer of Lincoln Funds Corporation
         1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA  19103.
         Before joining the Delaware Investments in 1992, Mr. Hastings was
                  Chief Financial Officer for Prudential Residential Services,
                  L.P., New York, NY from 1989 to 1992. Prior to that, Mr.
                  Hastings served as Controller and Treasurer for Fine Homes
                  International, L.P., Stamford, CT from 1987 to 1989.

Michael P. Bishof (36)
         Senior Vice President/Treasurer of Equity Funds V, Inc., each of the
                  other 33 investment companies in the Delaware Investments
                  family and Founders Holdings, Inc.
         Senior Vice President/Investment Accounting of Delaware Management 
                  Company, Inc. and Delaware Service Company, Inc.
         Senior Vice President and Treasurer/Manager of Investment Accounting of
                  Delaware Distributors, L.P.
         Senior Vice President and Manager of Investment Accounting of Delaware 
                  International Holdings Ltd.
         Assistant Treasurer of Founders CBO Corporation.
         Before joining the Delaware Investments in 1995, Mr. Bishof was a Vice
                  President for Bankers Trust, New York, NY from 1994 to 1995, a
                  Vice President for CS First Boston Investment Management, New
                  York, NY from 1993 to 1994 and an Assistant Vice President for
                  Equitable Capital Management Corporation, New York, NY from
                  1987 to 1993.

    
                                      -54-

<PAGE>



   
Christopher S. Beck (41)
         Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager of Equity Funds V, Inc. and 9 
                  other investment companies in the Delaware Investments family 
                  and of Delaware Management Company, Inc.
         Before joining the Delaware Investments in 1997, Mr. Beck managed the
                  small cap value fund for two years at Pitcairn Trust Company.
                  Prior to 1995, he was Director of Research at Cypress Capital
                  Management in Wilmington and Chief Investment Officer of the
                  University of Delaware Endowment Fund.
    




                                      -55-

<PAGE>


   
         The following is a compensation table listing for each director
entitled to receive compensation, the aggregate compensation received from
Equity Funds V, Inc. and the total compensation received from all investment
companies in the Delaware Investments family for which he or she serves as a
director or trustee for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1998 and an estimate
of annual benefits to be received upon retirement under the Delaware Group
Retirement Plan for Directors/Trustees as of November 30, 1998. Only the
independent directors of the Fund receive compensation from the Fund.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Pension or
                                                             Retirement
                                                              Benefits                                         Total
                                                               Accrued             Estimated                Compensation
                                        Aggregate            as Part of              Annual                 from all 33
                                      Compensation             Equity               Benefits            Delaware Investments
                                       from Equity          Funds V, Inc.             Upon                   Investment
Name                                  Funds V, Inc.           Expenses           Retirement(1)              Companies(2)

<S>                                       <C>                  <C>                  <C>                       <C>    
W. Thacher Longstreth                     $1481                 None                $38,500                   $60,423
Ann R. Leven                              $1607                 None                $38,500                   $66,585
Walter P. Babich                          $1586                 None                $38,500                   $65,424
Anthony D. Knerr                          $1586                 None                $38,500                   $65,424
Charles E. Peck                           $1481                 None                $38,500                   $60,423
Thomas F. Madison                         $1534                 None                $38,500                   $62,924
John H. Durham(3)                         $1035                 None                $31,000                   $30,394
</TABLE>

(1) Under the terms of the Delaware Group Retirement Plan for
    Directors/Trustees, each disinterested director/trustee who, at the time of
    his or her retirement from the Board, has attained the age of 70 and served
    on the Board for at least five continuous years, is entitled to receive
    payments from each investment company in the Delaware Investments family for
    which he or she serves as a director or trustee for a period equal to the
    lesser of the number of years that such person served as a director or
    trustee or the remainder of such person's life. The amount of such payments
    will be equal, on an annual basis, to the amount of the annual retainer that
    is paid to directors/trustees of each investment company at the time of such
    person's retirement. If an eligible director/trustee retired as of November
    30, 1998 he or she would be entitled to annual payments totaling the amount
    noted above, in the aggregate, from all of the investment companies in the
    Delaware Investments family for which he or she served as director or
    trustee, based on the number of investment companies in the Delaware
    Investments family as of that date.
(2) Each independent director/trustee (other than John H. Durham) currently
    receives a total annual retainer fee of $38,500 for serving as a director or
    trustee for all 34 investment companies in Delaware Investments, plus $3,145
    for each Board Meeting attended. John H. Durham currently receives a total
    annual retainer fee of $31,000 for serving as a director or trustee for 19
    investment companies in Delaware Investments, plus $1,757.50 for each Board
    Meeting attended. Ann R. Leven, Walter P. Babich, Anthony D. Knerr and
    Thomas F. Madison serve on the Fund's audit committee; Ms. Leven is the
    chairperson. Members of the audit committee currently receive additional
    annual compensation of $5,000 from all investment companies, in the
    aggregate, with the exception of the chairperson, who receives $6,000.
    


                                      -56-

<PAGE>



   
(3) John H. Durham joined the Board of Directors of the Global Funds, Inc. and
    18 other investment companies in Delaware Investments on April 16, 1998.
    

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE

         The exchange privileges available for shareholders of the Classes and
for shareholders of classes of other Delaware Investment funds are set forth in
the relevant prospectuses for such classes. The following supplements that
information. Each Fund may modify, terminate or suspend the exchange privilege
upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.

         All exchanges involve a purchase of shares of the fund into which the
exchange is made. As with any purchase, an investor should obtain and carefully
read that fund's prospectus before buying shares in an exchange. The prospectus
contains more complete information about the fund, including charges and
expenses. A shareholder requesting an exchange will be sent a current prospectus
and an authorization form for any of the other Delaware Investments mutual
funds. Exchange instructions must be signed by the record owner(s) exactly as
the shares are registered.

         An exchange constitutes, for tax purposes, the sale of one fund or
series and the purchase of another. The sale may involve either a capital gain
or loss to the shareholder for federal income tax purposes.

         In addition, investment advisers and dealers may make exchanges between
Delaware Investment funds on behalf of their clients by telephone or other
expedited means. This service may be discontinued or revised at any time by the
Transfer Agent. Such exchange requests may be rejected if it is determined that
a particular request or the total requests at any time could have an adverse
effect on any of the funds. Requests for expedited exchanges may be submitted
with a properly completed exchange authorization form, as described above.

Telephone Exchange Privilege
         Shareholders owning shares for which certificates have not been issued
or their investment dealers of record may exchange shares by telephone for
shares in other mutual funds offered by Delaware Investments. This service is
automatically provided unless the relevant Fund receives written notice from the
shareholder to the contrary.

         Shareholders or their investment dealers of record may contact the
Shareholder Service Center at 800- 523-1918 or, in the case of shareholders of
the Institutional Classes, their Client Services Representative at 800-
828-5052, to effect an exchange. The shareholder's current Fund account number
must be identified, as well as the registration of the account, the share or
dollar amount to be exchanged and the fund into which the exchange is to be
made. Requests received on any day after the time the offering price and net
asset value are determined will be processed the following day. See Determining
Offering Price and Net Asset Value. Any new account established through the
exchange will automatically carry the same registration, shareholder information
and dividend option as the account from which the shares were exchanged. The
exchange requirements of the fund into which the exchange is being made, such as
sales charges, eligibility and investment minimums, must be met. (See the
prospectus of the fund desired or inquire by calling the Transfer Agent or, as
relevant, your Client Services Representative.) Certain funds are not available
for retirement plans.

         The telephone exchange privilege is intended as a convenience to
shareholders and is not intended to be a vehicle to speculate on short-term
swings in the securities market through frequent transactions in and out of the
Delaware Investment funds. Telephone exchanges may be subject to limitations as
to amounts or frequency. The 

                                      -57-

<PAGE>


Transfer Agent and each Fund reserve the right to record exchange instructions
received by telephone and to reject exchange requests at any time in the future.

         As described in the Funds' Prospectuses, neither the Funds nor the
Transfer Agent is responsible for any shareholder loss incurred in acting upon
written or telephone instructions for redemption or exchange of Fund shares
which are reasonably believed to be genuine.

Right to Refuse Timing Accounts
         With regard to accounts that are administered by market timing services
("Timing Firms") to purchase or redeem shares based on changing economic and
market conditions ("Timing Accounts"), the Funds will refuse any new timing
arrangements, as well as any new purchases (as opposed to exchanges) in Delaware
Investments funds from Timing Firms. A Fund reserves the right to temporarily or
permanently terminate the exchange privilege or reject any specific purchase
order for any person whose transactions seem to follow a timing pattern which:
(i) makes an exchange request out of the Fund within two weeks of an earlier
exchange request out of the Fund, or (ii) makes more than two exchanges out of
the Fund per calendar quarter, or (iii) exchanges shares equal in value to at
least $5 million, or more than 1/4 of 1% of the Fund's net assets. Accounts
under common ownership or control, including accounts administered so as to
redeem or purchase shares based upon certain predetermined market indicators,
will be aggregated for purposes of the exchange limits.

Restrictions on Timed Exchanges
         Timing Accounts operating under existing timing agreements may only
execute exchanges between the following eight Delaware Investments funds: (1)
Decatur Income Fund, (2) Decatur Total Return Fund, (3) Delaware Fund, (4)
Limited-Term Government Fund, (5) Tax-Free USA Fund, (6) Delaware Cash Reserve,
(7) Delchester Fund and (8) Tax-Free Pennsylvania Fund. No other Delaware
Investments funds are available for timed exchanges. Assets redeemed or
exchanged out of Timing Accounts in Delaware Investments funds not listed above
may not be reinvested back into that Timing Account. Each Fund reserves the
right to apply these same restrictions to the account(s) of any person whose
transactions seem to follow a timing pattern (as described above).

         Each Fund also reserves the right to refuse the purchase side of an
exchange request by any Timing Account, person, or group if, in the Manager's
judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest effectively in accordance with its
investment objectives and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely
affected. A shareholder's purchase exchanges may be restricted or refused if a
Fund receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant portions
of the Fund's assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincide with a
"market timing" strategy may be disruptive to a Fund and therefore may be
refused.

         Except as noted above, only shareholders and their authorized brokers
of record will be permitted to make exchanges or redemptions.

                                      * * *

         Following is a summary of the investment objectives of the other
Delaware Investments funds:

         Delaware Fund seeks long-term growth by a balance of capital
appreciation, income and preservation of capital. It uses a dividend-oriented
valuation strategy to select securities issued by established companies that are
believed to demonstrate potential for income and capital growth. Devon Fund
seeks current income and capital 


                                      -58-

<PAGE>

appreciation by investing primarily in income-producing common stocks, with a
focus on common stocks the Manager believes have the potential for above average
dividend increases over time.

         Trend Fund seeks long-term growth by investing in common stocks issued
by emerging growth companies exhibiting strong capital appreciation potential.

         DelCap Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing in common
stocks and securities convertible into common stocks of companies that have a
demonstrated history of growth and have the potential to support continued
growth.

         Decatur Income Fund seeks the highest possible current income by
investing primarily in common stocks that provide the potential for income and
capital appreciation without undue risk to principal. Decatur Total Return Fund
seeks long-term growth by investing primarily in securities that provide the
potential for income and capital appreciation without undue risk to principal.
Blue Chip Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation. Current income
is a secondary objective. It seeks to achieve these objectives by investing
primarily in equity securities and any securities that are convertible into
equity securities. Social Awareness Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital
appreciation. It seeks to achieve this objective by investing primarily in
equity securities of medium- to large-sized companies expected to grow over time
that meet the Fund's "Social Criteria" strategy.

         Delchester Fund seeks as high a current income as possible by investing
principally in high yield, high risk corporate bonds, and also in U.S.
government securities and commercial paper. Strategic Income Fund seeks to
provide investors with high current income and total return by using a
multi-sector investment approach, investing principally in three sectors of the
fixed-income securities markets: high yield, higher risk securities, investment
grade fixed-income securities and foreign government and other foreign
fixed-income securities. High-Yield Opportunities Fund seeks to provide
investors with total return and, as a secondary objective, high current income.

         U.S. Government Fund seeks high current income by investing primarily
in long-term debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its 
agencies or instrumentalities.

   
         Limited-Term Government Fund seeks high, stable income by investing
primarily in a portfolio of short- and intermediate-term securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities and
instruments secured by such securities.
    

         Delaware Cash Reserve seeks the highest level of income consistent with
the preservation of capital and liquidity through investments in short-term
money market instruments, while maintaining a stable net asset value.

         REIT Fund seeks to achieve maximum long-term total return with capital
appreciation as a secondary objective. it seeks to achieve its objectives by
investing in securities of companies primarily engaged in the real estate
industry.

         Tax-Free USA Fund seeks high current income exempt from federal income
tax by investing in municipal bonds of geographically-diverse issuers. Tax-Free
Insured Fund invests in these same types of securities but with an emphasis on
municipal bonds protected by insurance guaranteeing principal and interest are
paid when due. Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund seeks a high level of current
interest income exempt from federal income tax, consistent with the preservation
of capital by investing primarily in municipal bonds.

                                      -59-

<PAGE>

         Tax-Free Money Fund seeks high current income, exempt from federal
income tax, by investing in short-term municipal obligations, while maintaining
a stable net asset value.

         Tax-Free New Jersey Fund seeks a high level of current interest income
exempt from federal income tax and New Jersey state and local taxes, consistent
with preservation of capital. Tax-Free Ohio Fund seeks a high level of current
interest income exempt from federal income tax and Ohio state and local taxes,
consistent with preservation of capital. Tax-Free Pennsylvania Fund seeks a high
level of current interest income exempt from federal income tax and Pennsylvania
state and local taxes, consistent with the preservation of capital.

         International Equity Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth without
undue risk to principal by investing primarily in international securities that
provide the potential for capital appreciation and income. Global Bond Fund
seeks to achieve current income consistent with the preservation of principal by
investing primarily in global fixed-income securities that may also provide the
potential for capital appreciation. Global Assets Fund seeks to achieve
long-term total return by investing in global securities which will provide
higher current income than a portfolio comprised exclusively of equity
securities, along with the potential for capital growth. Emerging Markets Fund
seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities
of issuers located or operating in emerging countries.

         U.S. Growth Fund seeks to maximize capital appreciation by investing in
companies of all sizes which have low dividend yields, strong balance sheets and
high expected earnings growth rates relative to their industry. Overseas Equity
Fund seeks to maximize total return (capital appreciation and income),
principally through investments in an internationally diversified portfolio of
equity securities. New Pacific Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing primarily in companies which are domiciled in or have their principal
business activities in the Pacific Basin.

   
         Delaware Group Premium Fund, Inc. offers 16 funds available exclusively
as funding vehicles for certain insurance company separate accounts. Decatur
Total Return Series seeks the highest possible total rate of return by selecting
issues that exhibit the potential for capital appreciation while providing
higher than average dividend income. Delchester Series seeks as high a current
income as possible by investing in rated and unrated corporate bonds, U.S.
government securities and commercial paper. Capital Reserves Series seeks a high
stable level of current income while minimizing fluctuations in principal by
investing in a diversified portfolio of short-and intermediate-term securities.
Cash Reserve Series seeks the highest level of income consistent with
preservation of capital and liquidity through investments in short-term money
market instruments. DelCap Series seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing its assets in a diversified portfolio of securities exhibiting the
potential for significant growth. Delaware Series seeks a balance of capital
appreciation, income and preservation of capital. It uses a dividend-oriented
valuation strategy to select securities issued by established companies that are
believed to demonstrate potential for income and capital growth. International
Equity Series seeks long-term growth without undue risk to principal by
investing primarily in equity securities of foreign issuers that provide the
potential for capital appreciation and income. Small Cap Value Series seeks
capital appreciation by investing primarily in small-cap common stocks whose
market values appear low relative to their underlying value or future earnings
and growth potential. Emphasis will also be placed on securities of companies
that may be temporarily out of favor or whose value is not yet recognized by the
market. Trend Series seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
in small-cap common stocks and convertible securities of emerging and other
growth-oriented companies. These securities will have been judged to be
responsive to changes in the market place and to have fundamental
characteristics to support growth. Income is not an objective. Global Bond
Series seeks to achieve current income consistent with the preservation of
principal by investing primarily in global fixed-income securities that may also
provide the potential for capital 
    

                                      -60-

<PAGE>


   
appreciation. Strategic Income Series seeks high current income and total return
by using a multi-sector investment approach, investing primarily in three
sectors of the fixed-income securities markets: high-yield, higher risk
securities; investment grade fixed-income securities; and foreign government and
other foreign fixed-income securities. Devon Series seeks current income and
capital appreciation by investing primarily in income-producing common stocks,
with a focus on common stocks that the investment manager believes have the
potential for above-average dividend increases over time. Emerging Markets
Series seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in
equity securities of issuers located or operating in emerging countries.
Convertible Securities Series seeks a high level of total return on its assets
through a combination of capital appreciation and current income by investing
primarily in convertible securities. Social Awareness Series seeks to achieve
long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of
medium to large-sized companies expected to grow over time that meet the Series'
"Social Criteria" strategy. REIT Series seeks to achieve maximum long-term total
return, with capital appreciation as a secondary objective, by investing in
securities of companies primarily engaged in the real estate industry.
    

         Delaware-Voyageur US Government Securities Fund seeks to provide a high
level of current income consistent with the prudent investment risk by investing
in U.S. Treasury bills, notes, bonds, and other obligations issued or
unconditionally guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury,
and repurchase agreements fully secured by such obligations.

         Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Arizona Insured Fund seeks to provide a high
level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the Arizona personal
income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware-Voyageur
Minnesota Insured Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt
from federal income tax and the Minnesota personal income tax, consistent with
the preservation of capital.

         Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Minnesota Intermediate Fund seeks to provide
a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the Minnesota
personal income tax, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund seeks to
reduce market risk by maintaining an average weighted maturity from five to ten
years.

         Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free California Insured Fund seeks to provide a
high level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the California
personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.
Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Florida Insured Fund seeks to provide a high level of
current income exempt from federal income tax, consistent with the preservation
of capital. The Fund will seek to select investments that will enable its shares
to be exempt from the Florida intangible personal property tax. Delaware-
Voyageur Tax-Free Florida Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income
exempt from federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. The
Fund will seek to select investments that will enable its shares to be exempt
from the Florida intangible personal property tax. Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free
Kansas Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal
income tax, the Kansas personal income tax and the Kansas Intangible personal
property tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware-Voyageur
Tax-Free Missouri Insured Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income
exempt from federal income tax and the Missouri personal income tax, consistent
with the preservation of capital. Delaware-Voyageur Tax- Free New Mexico Fund
seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax
and the New Mexico personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of
capital. Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Oregon Insured Fund seeks to provide a high
level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the Oregon personal
income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware-Voyageur
Tax-Free Utah Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from
federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.
Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Washington Insured 

                                      -61-

<PAGE>


Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income
tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.
   
    
         Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Arizona Fund seeks to provide a high level
of current income exempt from federal income tax and the Arizona personal income
tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free
California Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from
federal income tax and the California personal income tax, consistent with the
preservation of capital. Delaware- Voyageur Tax-Free Iowa Fund seeks to provide
a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the Iowa
personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.
Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Idaho Fund seeks to provide a high level of current
income exempt from federal income tax and the Idaho personal income tax,
consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware-Voyageur Minnesota High
Yield Municipal Bond Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt
from federal income tax and the Minnesota personal income tax primarily through
investment in medium and lower grade municipal obligations. National High Yield
Municipal Fund seeks to provide a high level of income exempt from federal
income tax, primarily through investment in medium and lower grade municipal
obligations. Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free New York Fund seeks to provide a high
level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the personal income
tax of the state of New York and the city of New York, consistent with the
preservation of capital. Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Wisconsin Fund seeks to
provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the
Wisconsin personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.

         Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Colorado Fund seeks to provide a high level
of current income exempt from federal income tax and the Colorado personal
income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.

         Aggressive Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation, which the
Fund attempts to achieve by investing primarily in equity securities believed to
have the potential for high earnings growth. Although the Fund, in seeking its
objective, may receive current income from dividends and interest, income is
only an incidental consideration in the selection of the Fund's investments.
Growth Stock Fund has an objective of long-term capital appreciation. The Fund
seeks to achieve its objective from equity securities diversified among
individual companies and industries. Tax-Efficient Equity Fund seeks to obtain
for taxable investors a high total return on an after-tax basis. The Fund will
attempt to achieve this objective by seeking to provide a high long-term
after-tax total return through managing its portfolio in a manner that will
defer the realization of accrued capital gains and minimize dividend income.

         Delaware-Voyageur Tax-Free Minnesota Fund seeks to provide a high level
of current income exempt from federal income tax and the Minnesota personal
income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware-Voyageur
Tax-Free North Dakota Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income
exempt from federal income tax and the North Dakota personal income tax,
consistent with the preservation of capital.

         For more complete information about any of the Delaware Investments
funds, including charges and expenses, you can obtain a prospectus from the
Distributor. Read it carefully before you invest or forward funds.

         Each of the summaries above is qualified in its entirety by the
information contained in each fund's prospectus(es).


                                      -62-

<PAGE>


(
GENERAL INFORMATION

         The Manager is the investment manager of the Funds. The Manager also
provides investment management services to certain of the other Delaware
Investments funds. The Manager, through a separate division, also manages
private investment accounts. While investment decisions of the Funds are made
independently from those of the other funds and accounts, investment decisions
for such other funds and accounts may be made at the same time as investment
decisions for the Funds.

         The Manager, or its affiliate Delaware International Advisers Ltd.,
also manages the investment options for Delaware Medallion(SM) III Variable
Annuity. Medallion is issued by Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity
Company (First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company in New York and
Hawaii). Delaware Medallion offers 15 different investment series ranging from
domestic equity funds, international equity and bond funds and domestic fixed
income funds. Each investment series available through Medallion utilizes an
investment strategy and discipline the same as or similar to one of the Delaware
Investments mutual funds available outside the annuity. See Delaware Group
Premium Fund, Inc., above.

         Access persons and advisory persons of the Delaware Investments funds,
as those terms are defined in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, who provide
services to the Manager, Delaware International Advisers Ltd. or their
affiliates, are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions subject
to the exceptions set forth in Rule 17j-1 and the following general restrictions
and procedures: (1) certain blackout periods apply to personal securities
transactions of those persons; (2) transactions must receive advance clearance
and must be completed on the same day as the clearance is received; (3) certain
persons are prohibited from investing in initial public offerings of securities
and other restrictions apply to investments in private placements of securities;
(4) opening positions may only be closed-out at a profit after a 60-day holding
period has elapsed; and (5) the Compliance Officer must be informed periodically
of all securities transactions and duplicate copies of brokerage confirmations
and account statements must be supplied to the Compliance Officer.

         The Distributor acts as national distributor for each Fund and for the
other Delaware Investments mutual funds.

         The Transfer Agent, an affiliate of the Manager, acts as shareholder
servicing, dividend disbursing and transfer agent for each Fund and for the
other Delaware Investments mutual funds. The Transfer Agent is paid a fee by
each Fund for providing these services consisting of an annual per account
charge of $5.50 plus transaction charges for particular services according to a
schedule. Compensation is fixed each year and approved by the Board of
Directors, including a majority of the unaffiliated directors. The Transfer
Agent also provides accounting services to each Fund. Those services include
performing all functions related to calculating each Fund's net asset value and
providing all financial reporting services, regulatory compliance testing and
other related accounting services. For its services, the Transfer Agent is paid
a fee based on total assets of all Delaware Investments funds for which it
provides such accounting services. Such fee is equal to 0.25% multiplied by the
total amount of assets in the complex for which the Transfer Agent furnishes
accounting services, where such aggregate complex assets are $10 billion or
less, and 0.20% of assets if such aggregate complex assets exceed $10 billion.
The fees are charged to each fund, including each Fund, on an aggregate pro-rata
basis. The asset-based fee payable to the Transfer Agent is subject to a minimum
fee calculated by determining the total number of investment portfolios and
associated classes.

         The Manager and its affiliates own the name "Delaware Group." Under
certain circumstances, including the termination of Equity Funds V, Inc.'s
advisory relationship with the Manager or its distribution relationship

                                      -63-

<PAGE>



with the Distributor, the Manager and its affiliates could cause Equity Funds V,
Inc. to delete the words "Delaware Group" from Equity Funds V, Inc.'s name.

         The Chase Manhattan Bank ("Chase"), 4 Chase Metrotech Center, Brooklyn,
NY 11245, is custodian of each Fund's securities and cash. As custodian for a
Fund, Chase maintains a separate account or accounts for the Fund; receives,
holds and releases portfolio securities on account of the Fund; receives and
disburses money on behalf of the Fund; and collects and receives income and
other payments and distributions on account of the Fund's portfolio securities.

Capitalization
         Equity Funds V, Inc. has a present authorized capitalization of one
billion four hundred million shares of capital stock with a $.01 par value per 
share. The Board of Directors has allocated shares to each Fund as follows:


Mid-Cap Value Fund
         Mid-Cap Value Fund A Class                                100 million
         Mid-Cap Value Fund B Class                                 25 million
         Mid-Cap Value Fund C Class                                 25 million
         Mid-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class                     50 million
Small Cap Contrarian Fund
         Small Cap Contrarian Fund A Class                         100 million
         Small Cap Contrarian Fund B Class                          25 million
         Small Cap Contrarian Fund C Class                          25 million
         Small Cap Contrarian Fund Institutional Class              50 million

         Each Class of each Fund represents a proportionate interest in the
assets of that Fund, and each has the same voting and other rights and
preferences as the other classes except that shares of an Institutional Class
may not vote on any matter affecting a Fund Classes' Plans under Rule 12b-1.
Similarly, as a general matter, shareholders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares
and Class C Shares may vote only on matters affecting the 12b-1 Plan that
relates to the class of shares that they hold. However, Class B Shares of each
Fund may vote on any proposal to increase materially the fees to be paid by a
Fund under the Rule 12b-1 Plan relating to Class A Shares. General expenses of a
Fund will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to the classes according to asset
size, except that expenses of the Rule 12b-1 Plans of that Fund's Class A, Class
B and Class C Shares will be allocated solely to those classes. While shares of
Equity Funds V, Inc. have equal voting rights on matters effecting both Funds,
each Fund would vote separately on any matter which it is directly affected by,
such as any change in its own investment objective and policy or action to
dissolve the Fund and as otherwise prescribed by the 1940 Act. Shares of each
Fund have a priority in that Fund's assets, and in gains on and income from the
portfolios of that Fund.

         Effective as of the close of business November 29, 1996, the name 
Delaware Group Value Fund, Inc. was changed to Delaware Group Equity Funds V, 
Inc. The Registration Statements of the Funds and Classes of Funds described in 
this Part B became effective on December 18, 1998.

         All shares have no preemptive rights, are fully transferable and, when
issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and, except as described above, have
equal voting rights.


                                      -64-

<PAGE>



Noncumulative Voting
         Equity Funds V, Inc. shares have noncumulative voting rights which
means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares of Equity Funds V, Inc.
voting for the election of directors can elect all the directors if they choose
to do so, and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be
able to elect any directors.

         This Part B does not include all of the information contained in the
Registration Statement which is on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                      -65-

<PAGE>


(EQ5-SCCF/MCVF-SAI/PART B)


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         Ernst & Young LLP serves as the independent auditors for Delaware Group
Equity Funds V, Inc. and, in its capacity as such, audits the annual financial
statements of the Funds. Since the Funds have recently commenced operations, no
operating history exists.


                                      -66-







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