<PAGE> 1
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about December 31,
1997
Securities Act Registration No. 33-37435
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-6195
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ ]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ______ [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 [ X ]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ]
Amendment No. 15 [ X ]
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
STRONG INCOME FUNDS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
100 Heritage Reserve 53051
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (Zip Code)
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (414) 359-3400
Thomas P. Lemke
Strong Capital Management, Inc.
100 Heritage Reserve
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box).
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ X ] on December 31, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date
for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
<PAGE> 2
STRONG INCOME FUNDS, INC.
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
This Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement of Strong
Income Funds, Inc., which is currently comprised of two Funds, relates only to
Strong Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund, which is filing its four to six month
financial statements through this Amendment. This Post-Effective Amendment
does not relate to, amend, supersede, or otherwise affect the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information contained in Post-Effective Amendment No.
11 and 13.
Strong Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund
(Pursuant to Rule 481 showing the location in the Prospectus and the
Statement of Additional Information of the responses to the Items of Parts A
and B of Form N-1A.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption or Subheading in Prospectus or
Item No. on Form N-1A Statement of Additional Information
--------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C>
PART A - Information Required in Prospectus
1. Cover Page Cover Page
2. Synopsis Expenses
3. Condensed Financial Information Financial Highlights
4. General Description of Registrant Investment Objective and Policies; Fundamentals of
Fixed Income Investing; Implementation of Policies
and Risks; About the Fund - Organization
5. Management of the Fund About the Fund - Management
5A. Management's Discussion of Fund Performance Inapplicable
6. Capital Stock and Other Securities About the Fund - Organization, - Distributions and
Taxes; Shareholder Manual - Shareholder Services
7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered Shareholder Manual - How to Buy Shares,
- Determining Your Share Price, - Shareholder
Services
8. Redemption or Repurchase Shareholder Manual - How to Sell Shares,
- Determining Your Share Price, - Shareholder
Services
9. Pending Legal Proceedings Inapplicable
PART B - Information Required in Statement of Additional
Information
10. Cover Page Cover page
11. Table of Contents Table of Contents
12. General Information and History *
13. Investment Objectives and Policies Investment Restrictions; Investment Policies and
Techniques
14. Management of the Fund Directors and Officers of the Fund
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption or Subheading in Prospectus or
Item No. on Form N-1A Statement of Additional Information
--------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C>
15. Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities Principal Shareholders; Directors and Officers of
the Fund; Investment Advisor and Distributor
16. Investment Advisory and Other Services Investment Advisor and Distributor; About the Fund
- Management (in Prospectus); Custodian; Transfer
Agent and Dividend-Disbursing Agent; Independent
Accountants; Legal Counsel
17. Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
18. Capital Stock and Other Securities Included in Prospectus under the heading About the
Fund - Organization and in the Statement of
Additional Information under the heading
Shareholder Meetings
19. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Securities Being Included in Prospectus under the headings:
Offered Shareholder Manual - How to Buy Shares,
- Determining Your Share Price, - How to Sell
Shares, - Shareholder Services; and in the
Statement of Additional Information under the
headings: Additional Shareholder Information; and
Determination of Net Asset Value
20. Tax Status Included in Prospectus under the heading About the
Fund - Distributions and Taxes; and in the
Statement of Additional Information under the
heading Taxes
21. Underwriters Investment Advisor and Distributor
22. Calculation of Performance Data Performance Information
23. Financial Statements Financial Statements
</TABLE>
* Complete answer to Item is contained in the Fund's Prospectus.
<PAGE> 4
Please file this Prospectus Supplement with your records.
STRONG SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD BOND FUND
Supplement to Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information dated
June 30, 1997
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following Financial Highlights for the Strong Short-Term High Yield
Bond Fund are based upon the audited period from June 30, 1997 (inception)
through October 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA(a)
- --------------------------
<S> <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
- ---------------------------------
Net Investment Income 0.25
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments 0.24
-------
Total from Investment Operations 0.49
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
- ------------------
From Net Investment Income (0.25)
From Net Realized Gains -
-------
Total Distributions (0.25)
-------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 10.24
=======
Total Return +4.9%*
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------
Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions) $ 45
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets 1.0%**
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
Waivers and Absorptions 1.0%**
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 7.7%**
Portfolio Turnover Rate 96.2%*
</TABLE>
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund
outstanding for the entire period.
* Total return and portfolio turnover rate are not annualized.
** Calculated on an annualized basis.
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is December 31, 1997.
<PAGE> 5
PART A
PROSPECTUS
STRONG SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD BOND FUND
Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 13
to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 33-37435), which was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about June 27, 1997 (Edgar
Reference 0000950124-97-003555).
<PAGE> 6
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
STRONG SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD BOND FUND
P.O. Box 2936
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
Telephone: (414) 359-1400
Toll-Free: (800) 368-3863
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus and
should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of Strong Short-Term High
Yield Bond Fund (the "Fund"), which is a series of Strong Income Funds, Inc.,
dated June 30, 1997. Requests for copies of the Prospectus should be made by
calling one of the numbers listed above.
This Statement of Additional Information is dated June 30, 1997,
as supplemented December 31, 1997.
<PAGE> 7
STRONG SHORT-TERM HIGH YIELD BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Borrowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Convertible Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Depositary Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Derivative Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Foreign Investment Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Foreign Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Illiquid Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lending of Portfolio Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Loan Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Maturity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mortgage Dollar Rolls and Reverse Repurchase Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Municipal Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Repurchase Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Short Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Temporary Defensive Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Warrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
When-Issued Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Zero-Coupon, Step-Coupon and Pay-in-Kind Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND DISTRIBUTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
CUSTODIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
FUND ORGANIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
LEGAL COUNSEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a-1
</TABLE>
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Statement of Additional
Information and the Prospectus dated June 30, 1997, and, if given or made, such
information or representations may not be relied upon as having been authorized
by the Fund.
This Statement of Additional Information does not constitute an offer to sell
securities.
<PAGE> 8
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek total return by
investing for a high level of current income with a moderate degree of
share-price fluctuation. The Fund's investment objectives and policies are
described in detail in the Prospectus under the caption "Investment Objective
and Policies." The following are the Fund's fundamental investment limitations
which cannot be changed without shareholder approval.
The Fund:
1. May not with respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the
securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a
result, (i) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested
in the securities of that issuer, or (ii) the Fund would hold more
than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
2. May (i) borrow money from banks and (ii) make other investments or
engage in other transactions permissible under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") which may involve a borrowing, provided
that the combination of (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the
value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less
the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings), except that the Fund
may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets (not including
the amount borrowed) from a bank for temporary or emergency purposes
(but not for leverage or the purchase of investments). The Fund may
also borrow money from the other Strong Funds or other persons to the
extent permitted by applicable law.
3. May not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940
Act.
4. May not act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except
to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within
the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the
purchase and sale of portfolio securities.
5. May not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a
result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall
not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures
contracts, or other derivative instruments, or from investing in
securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).
6. May not make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of the Fund's
total assets would be lent to other persons, except through (i)
purchases of debt securities or other debt instruments, or (ii)
engaging in repurchase agreements.
7. May not purchase the securities of any issuer if, as a result, more
than 25% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of issuers, the principal business activities of which are
in the same industry. With respect to the Money Market Funds only,
this limitation shall not limit the Funds' purchases of obligations
issued by domestic banks.
8. May not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not
prohibit the Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other
instruments backed by real estate or of issuers engaged in real estate
activities).
9. May, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment policy or
restriction, invest all of its assets in the securities of a single
open-end management investment company with substantially the same
fundamental investment objective, policies, and restrictions as the
Fund.
- 3 -
<PAGE> 9
The following are the Fund's non-fundamental operating policies which
may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without shareholder
approval.
The Fund may not:
1. Sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short,
or unless it covers such short sale as required by the current rules
and positions of the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff,
and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, options
on futures contracts, or other derivative instruments are not deemed
to constitute selling securities short.
2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions;
and provided that margin deposits in connection with futures
contracts, options on futures contracts, or other derivative
instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
3. Invest in illiquid securities if, as a result of such investment, more
than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities,
or such other amounts as may be permitted under the 1940 Act.
4. Purchase securities of other investment companies except in compliance
with the 1940 Act and applicable state law.
5. Invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end
investment management company with substantially the same fundamental
investment objective, restrictions and policies as the Fund.
6. Engage in futures or options on futures transactions which are
impermissible pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act
and, in accordance with Rule 4.5, will use futures or options on
futures transactions solely for bona fide hedging transactions (within
the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act), provided, however, that
the Fund may, in addition to bona fide hedging transactions, use
futures and options on futures transactions if the aggregate initial
margin and premiums required to establish such positions, less the
amount by which any such options positions are in the money (within
the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act), do not exceed 5% of the
Fund's net assets.
7. Borrow money except (i) from banks or (ii) through reverse repurchase
agreements or mortgage dollar rolls, and will not purchase securities
when bank borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.
8. Make any loans other than loans of portfolio securities, except
through (i) purchases of debt securities or other debt instruments, or
(ii) engaging in repurchase agreements.
Except for the fundamental investment limitations listed above and the
Fund's investment objective, the other investment policies described in the
Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information are not fundamental and
may be changed with approval of the Fund's Board of Directors. Unless noted
otherwise, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment,
a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in the
Fund's assets (i.e., due to cash inflows or redemptions) or in market value of
the investment or the Fund's assets will not constitute a violation of that
restriction.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's
investment objectives, policies and techniques that are described in detail in
the Prospectus under the captions "Investment Objective and Policies" and
"Implementation of Policies and Risks."
- 4 -
<PAGE> 10
BORROWING
The Fund may borrow money from banks and make other investments or
engage in other transactions permissible under the 1940 Act which may be
considered a borrowing (such as mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase
agreements) as discussed under "Investment Restrictions." However, the Fund may
not purchase securities when bank borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total
assets. Presently, the Fund only intends to borrow from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes.
The Fund has established a line-of-credit (LOC) with certain banks by
which it may borrow funds for temporary or emergency purposes. A borrowing is
presumed to be for temporary or emergency purposes if it is repaid by the Fund
within sixty days and is not extended or renewed. The Fund intends to use the
LOC to meet large or unexpected redemptions that would otherwise force the Fund
to liquidate securities under circumstances which are unfavorable to the Fund's
remaining shareholders. The Fund pays a commitment fee to the banks for the
LOC.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in convertible securities, which are bonds,
debentures, notes, preferred stocks, or other securities that may be converted
into or exchanged for a specified amount of common stock of the same or a
different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or
formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest
normally paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until
the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged.
Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they
generally (i) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than
comparable non-convertible securities, (ii) are less subject to fluctuation in
value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics,
and (iii) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of
the underlying common stock increases. Most convertible securities currently
are issued by U.S. companies, although a substantial Eurodollar convertible
securities market has developed, and the markets for convertible securities
denominated in local currencies are increasing.
The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment
value" (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other
securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion
privilege) and its "conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value,
if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a
convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with
investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as
interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors
also may have an effect on the convertible security's investment value. The
conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of
the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the
investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally
by its investment value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the
convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of
the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the
price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its
conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over
its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right
to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of
the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing
instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for
redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the
security, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third
party.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
The Fund may invest in foreign securities by purchasing depositary
receipts, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and European
Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), or other securities convertible into securities
of foreign issuers. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the
same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Generally,
ADRs, in registered form, are denominated in U.S. dollars and are designed for
use in the U.S. securities markets, while EDRs, in bearer form, may be
denominated in other currencies and are designed for use in the European
securities markets. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities. EDRs are European
receipts evidencing a similar arrangement. For purposes of the Fund's
investment policies, ADRs and EDRs are deemed to have the same classification
as the underlying securities they represent, except that ADRs and
- 5 -
<PAGE> 11
EDRs shall be treated as indirect foreign investments. Thus, an ADR or EDR
representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock. ADR
and EDR depositary receipts do not eliminate all of the risks associated with
directly investing in the securities of foreign issuers.
ADR facilities may be established as either "unsponsored" or
"sponsored." While ADRs issued under these two types of facilities are in some
respects similar, there are distinctions between them relating to the rights
and obligations of ADR holders and the practices of market participants.
A depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without
participation by (or even necessarily the acquiescence of) the issuer of the
deposited securities, although typically the depositary requests a letter of
non-objection from such issuer prior to the establishment of the facility.
Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all the costs of such facilities.
The depositary usually charges fees upon the deposit and withdrawal of the
deposited securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars, the
disposition of non-cash distributions, and the performance of other services.
The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to
pass through voting rights to ADR holders in respect of the deposited
securities. In addition, an unsponsored facility is generally not obligated to
distribute communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities
or to disclose material information about such issuer in the U.S. and thus
there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of
the depositary receipts.
Sponsored ADR facilities are created in generally the same manner as
unsponsored facilities, except that the issuer of the deposited securities
enters into a deposit agreement with the depositary. The deposit agreement
sets out the rights and responsibilities of the issuer, the depositary, and the
ADR holders. With sponsored facilities, the issuer of the deposited securities
generally will bear some of the costs relating to the facility (such as
dividend payment fees of the depositary), although ADR holders continue to bear
certain other costs (such as deposit and withdrawal fees). Under the terms of
most sponsored arrangements, depositories agree to distribute notices of
shareholder meetings and voting instructions, and to provide shareholder
communications and other information to the ADR holders at the request of the
issuer of the deposited securities.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
IN GENERAL. The Fund may use derivative instruments for any lawful
purpose consistent with the Fund's investment objective such as hedging or
managing risk. Derivative instruments are commonly defined to include
securities or contracts whose values depend on (or "derive" from) the value of
one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, or commodities.
These "other assets" are commonly referred to as "underlying assets."
A derivative instrument generally consists of, is based upon, or
exhibits characteristics similar to options or forward contracts. Options and
forward contracts are considered to be the basic "building blocks" of
derivatives. For example, forward-based derivatives include forward contracts,
swap contracts, as well as exchange-traded futures. Option-based derivatives
include privately negotiated, over-the-counter (OTC) options (including caps,
floors, collars, and options on forward and swap contracts) and exchange-traded
options on futures. Diverse types of derivatives may be created by combining
options or forward contracts in different ways, and by applying these
structures to a wide range of underlying assets.
An option is a contract in which the "holder" (the buyer) pays a
certain amount (the "premium") to the "writer" (the seller) to obtain the
right, but not the obligation, to buy from the writer (in a "call") or sell to
the writer (in a "put") a specific asset at an agreed upon price at or before a
certain time. The holder pays the premium at inception and has no further
financial obligation. The holder of an option-based derivative generally will
benefit from favorable movements in the price of the underlying asset but is
not exposed to corresponding losses due to adverse movements in the value of
the underlying asset. The writer of an option-based derivative generally will
receive fees or premiums but generally is exposed to losses due to changes in
the value of the underlying asset.
A forward is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the "long"
position) and a seller (holding the "short" position) for an asset with
delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price
at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The
seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed
upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The change in value of a
forward-based derivative generally is roughly proportional to the change in
value of the underlying asset.
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HEDGING. The Fund may use derivative instruments to protect against
possible adverse changes in the market value of securities held in, or are
anticipated to be held in, the Fund's portfolio. Derivatives may also be used
by the Fund to "lock-in" the Fund's realized but unrecognized gains in the value
of its portfolio securities. Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce the
risk of loss by wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of
unfavorable price movements in the investments being hedged. However, hedging
strategies can also reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive
effect of favorable price movements in the hedged investments.
MANAGING RISK. The Fund may also use derivative instruments to manage
the risks of the Fund's portfolio. Risk management strategies include, but are
not limited to, facilitating the sale of portfolio securities, managing the
effective maturity or duration of debt obligations in the Fund's portfolio,
establishing a position in the derivatives markets as a substitute for buying or
selling certain securities, or creating or altering exposure to certain asset
classes, such as equity, debt, and foreign securities. The use of derivative
instruments may provide a less expensive, more expedient or more specifically
focused way for the Fund to invest than "traditional" securities (i.e., stocks
or bonds) would.
EXCHANGE OR OTC DERIVATIVES. Derivative instruments may be
exchange-traded or traded in OTC transactions between private parties.
Exchange-traded derivatives are standardized options and futures contracts
traded in an auction on the floor of a regulated exchange. Exchange contracts
are generally very liquid. The exchange clearinghouse is the counterparty of
every contract. Thus, each holder of an exchange contract bears the credit
risk of the clearinghouse (and has the benefit of its financial strength)
rather than that of a particular counterparty. Over-the-counter transactions
are subject to additional risks, such as the credit risk of the counterparty to
the instrument and are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives since they
often can only be closed out with the other party to the transaction.
RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. The use of derivative instruments
involves risks and special considerations as described below. Risks pertaining
to particular derivative instruments are described in the sections that follow.
(1) MARKET RISK. The primary risk of derivatives is the same as the
risk of the underlying assets, namely that the value of the underlying asset
may go up or down. Adverse movements in the value of an underlying asset can
expose the Fund to losses. Derivative instruments may include elements of
leverage and, accordingly, the fluctuation of the value of the derivative
instrument in relation to the underlying asset may be magnified. The successful
use of derivative instruments depends upon a variety of factors, particularly
Strong Capital Management, Inc.'s (the "Advisor'") ability to predict movements
of the securities, currencies, and commodity markets, which requires different
skills than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. There
can be no assurance that any particular strategy adopted will succeed. The
Advisor's decision to engage in a derivative instrument will reflect the
Advisor's judgment that the derivative transaction will provide value to the
Fund and its shareholders and is consistent with the Fund's objectives,
investment limitations, and operating policies. In making such a judgment, the
Advisor will analyze the benefits and risks of the derivative transaction and
weigh them in the context of the Fund's entire portfolio and investment
objective.
(2) CREDIT RISK. The Fund will be subject to the risk that a loss may
be sustained by the Fund as a result of the failure of a counterparty to comply
with the terms of a derivative instrument. The counterparty risk for
exchange-traded derivative instruments is generally less than for
privately-negotiated or OTC derivative instruments, since generally a clearing
agency, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded instrument,
provides a guarantee of performance. For privately-negotiated instruments,
there is no similar clearing agency guarantee. In all transactions, the Fund
will bear the risk that the counterparty will default, and this could result in
a loss of the expected benefit of the derivative transaction and possibly other
losses to the Fund. The Fund will enter into transactions in derivative
instruments only with counterparties that the Advisor reasonably believes are
capable of performing under the contract.
(3) CORRELATION RISK. When a derivative transaction is used to
completely hedge another position, changes in the market value of the combined
position (the derivative instrument plus the position being hedged) result from
an imperfect correlation between the price movements of the two instruments.
With a perfect hedge, the value of the combined position remains unchanged for
any change in the price of the underlying asset. With an imperfect hedge, the
values of the derivative instrument and its hedge are not perfectly correlated.
Correlation risk is the risk that there might be imperfect correlation, or even
no correlation, between price movements of an instrument and price movements of
investments being hedged. For example, if the value of a derivative instruments
used in a short hedge (such as writing a call option, buying a put option, or
selling a futures contract) increased by less than the decline in value of the
hedged investments, the hedge would not be
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perfectly correlated. Such a lack of correlation might occur due to factors
unrelated to the value of the investments being hedged, such as speculative or
other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded. The
effectiveness of hedges using instruments on indices will depend, in part, on
the degree of correlation between price movements in the index and price
movements in the investments being hedged.
(4) LIQUIDITY RISK. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity risk.
Liquidity risk is the risk that a derivative instrument cannot be sold, closed
out, or replaced quickly at or very close to its fundamental value. Generally,
exchange contracts are very liquid because the exchange clearinghouse is the
counterparty of every contract. OTC transactions are less liquid than
exchange-traded derivatives since they often can only be closed out with the
other party to the transaction. The Fund might be required by applicable
regulatory requirement to maintain assets as "cover," maintain segregated
accounts, and/or make margin payments when it takes positions in derivative
instruments involving obligations to third parties (i.e., instruments other than
purchased options). If the Fund was unable to close out its positions in such
instruments, it might be required to continue to maintain such assets or
accounts or make such payments until the position expired, matured, or was
closed out. The requirements might impair the Fund's ability to sell a
portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be
favorable to do so, or require that the Fund sell a portfolio security at a
disadvantageous time. The Fund's ability to sell or close out a position in an
instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid
secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and
willingness of the counterparty to enter into a transaction closing out the
position. Therefore, there is no assurance that any derivatives position can
be sold or closed out at a time and price that is favorable to the Fund.
(5) LEGAL RISK. Legal risk is the risk of loss caused by the legal
unenforcibility of a party's obligations under the derivative. While a party
seeking price certainty agrees to surrender the potential upside in exchange
for downside protection, the party taking the risk is looking for a positive
payoff. Despite this voluntary assumption of risk, a counterparty that has
lost money in a derivative transaction may try to avoid payment by exploiting
various legal uncertainties about certain derivative products.
(6) SYSTEMIC OR "INTERCONNECTION" RISK. Interconnection risk is the
risk that a disruption in the financial markets will cause difficulties for all
market participants. In other words, a disruption in one market will spill over
into other markets, perhaps creating a chain reaction. Much of the OTC
derivatives market takes place among the OTC dealers themselves, thus creating a
large interconnected web of financial obligations. This interconnectedness
raises the possibility that a default by one large dealer could create losses at
other dealers and destabilize the entire market for OTC derivative instruments.
GENERAL LIMITATIONS. The use of derivative instruments is subject to
applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"),
the several options and futures exchanges upon which they may be traded, the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), and various state regulatory
authorities. In addition, the Fund's ability to use derivative instruments may
be limited by certain tax considerations. For a discussion of the federal
income tax treatment of the Fund's derivative instruments, see "Taxes -
Derivative Instruments."
The Fund has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the
definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with the CFTC and the National
Futures Association, which regulate trading in the futures markets. In
accordance with Rule 4.5 of the regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act
(the "CEA"), the notice of eligibility for the Fund includes representations
that the Fund will use futures contracts and related options solely for bona
fide hedging purposes within the meaning of CFTC regulations, provided that the
Fund may hold other positions in futures contracts and related options that do
not qualify as a bona fide hedging position if the aggregate initial margin
deposits and premiums required to establish these positions, less the amount by
which any such futures contracts and related options positions are "in the
money," do not exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets. Adherence to these
guidelines does not limit the Fund's risk to 5% of the Fund's assets.
The SEC has identified certain trading practices involving derivative
instruments that involve the potential for leveraging the Fund's assets in a
manner that raises issues under the 1940 Act. In order to limit the potential
for the leveraging of the Fund's assets, as defined under the 1940 Act, the SEC
has stated that the Fund may use coverage or the segregation of the Fund's
assets. To the extent required by SEC guidelines, the Fund will not enter into
any such transactions unless it owns either: (i) an offsetting ("covered")
position in securities, options, futures, or derivative instruments; or (ii)
cash or liquid securities positions with a value sufficient at all times to
cover its potential obligations to the extent that the position is not
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<PAGE> 14
"covered". The Fund will also set aside cash and/or appropriate liquid assets
in a segregated custodial account if required to do so by the SEC and CFTC
regulations. Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account cannot be
sold while the derivative position is open, unless they are replaced with
similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a large portion of the Fund's
assets to segregated accounts could impede portfolio management or the Fund's
ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
In some cases the Fund may be required to maintain or limit exposure to
a specified percentage of its assets to a particular asset class. In such
cases, when the Fund uses a derivative instrument to increase or decrease
exposure to an asset class and is required by applicable SEC guidelines to set
aside liquid assets in a segregated account to secure its obligations under the
derivative instruments, the Advisor may, where reasonable in light of the
circumstances, measure compliance with the applicable percentage by reference to
the nature of the economic exposure created through the use of the derivative
instrument and not by reference to the nature of the exposure arising from the
liquid assets set aside in the segregated account (unless another interpretation
is specified by applicable regulatory requirements).
OPTIONS. The Fund may use options for any lawful purpose consistent
with the Fund's investment objective such as hedging or managing risk. An
option is a contract in which the "holder" (the buyer) pays a certain amount
(the "premium") to the "writer" (the seller) to obtain the right, but not the
obligation, to buy from the writer (in a "call") or sell to the writer (in a
"put") a specific asset at an agreed upon price (the "strike price" or "exercise
price") at or before a certain time (the "expiration date"). The holder pays
the premium at inception and has no further financial obligation. The holder of
an option will benefit from favorable movements in the price of the underlying
asset but is not exposed to corresponding losses due to adverse movements in the
value of the underlying asset. The writer of an option will receive fees or
premiums but is exposed to losses due to changes in the value of the underlying
asset. The Fund may buy or write (sell) put and call options on assets, such as
securities, currencies, commodities, and indices of debt and equity securities
("underlying assets") and enter into closing transactions with respect to such
options to terminate an existing position. Options used by the Funds may
include European, American, and Bermuda style options. If an option is
exercisable only at maturity, it is a "European" option; if it is also
exercisable prior to maturity, it is an "American" option. If it is exercisable
only at certain times, it is a "Bermuda" option.
The Fund may purchase (buy) and write (sell) put and call options
underlying assets and enter into closing transactions with respect to such
options to terminate an existing position. The purchase of call options serves
as a long hedge, and the purchase of put options serves as a short hedge.
Writing put or call options can enable the Fund to enhance income by reason of
the premiums paid by the purchaser of such options. Writing call options serves
as a limited short hedge because declines in the value of the hedged investment
would be offset to the extent of the premium received for writing the option.
However, if the security appreciates to a price higher than the exercise price
of the call option, it can be expected that the option will be exercised and the
Fund will be obligated to sell the security at less than its market value or
will be obligated to purchase the security at a price greater than that at which
the security must be sold under the option. All or a portion of any assets used
as cover for OTC options written by the Fund would be considered illiquid to the
extent described under "Investment Policies and Techniques -- Illiquid
Securities." Writing put options serves as a limited long hedge because
increases in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of
the premium received for writing the option. However, if the security
depreciates to a price lower than the exercise price of the put option, it can
be expected that the put option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated
to purchase the security at more than its market value.
The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the
historical price volatility of the underlying investment, the current market
value of the underlying investment, the time remaining until expiration, the
relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the underlying
investment, and general market conditions.
The Fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an
option by entering into a closing transaction. For example, the Fund may
terminate its obligation under a call or put option that it had written by
purchasing an identical call or put option; this is known as a closing purchase
transaction. Conversely, the Fund may terminate a position in a put or call
option it had purchased by writing an identical put or call option; this is
known as a closing sale transaction. Closing transactions permit the Fund to
realize the profit or limit the loss on an option position prior to its exercise
or expiration.
The Fund may purchase or write both exchange-traded and OTC options.
Exchange-traded options are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with
the exchange on which the option is listed that, in effect, guarantees
completion of every exchange-traded option transaction. In contrast, OTC
options are contracts between the Fund and the other party to the
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<PAGE> 15
transaction ("counter party") (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no
clearing organization guarantee. Thus, when the Fund purchases or writes an
OTC option, it relies on the counter party to make or take delivery of the
underlying investment upon exercise of the option. Failure by the counter
party to do so would result in the loss of any premium paid by the Fund as well
as the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in
exchange-listed options depends on the existence of a liquid market. The Fund
intends to purchase or write only those exchange-traded options for which there
appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance
that such a market will exist at any particular time. Closing transactions can
be made for OTC options only by negotiating directly with the counter party, or
by a transaction in the secondary market if any such market exists. Although
the Fund will enter into OTC options only with counter parties that are expected
to be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there is no
assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out an OTC option at a
favorable price prior to expiration. In the event of insolvency of the counter
party, the Fund might be unable to close out an OTC option position at any time
prior to its expiration. If the Fund was unable to effect a closing transaction
for an option it had purchased, it would have to exercise the option to realize
any profit.
The Fund may engage in options transactions on indices in much the same
manner as the options on securities discussed above, except the index options
may serve as a hedge against overall fluctuations in the securities market in
general.
The writing and purchasing of options is a highly specialized activity
that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated
with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Imperfect correlation between
the options and securities markets may detract from the effectiveness of
attempted hedging.
SPREAD TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may use spread transactions for any
lawful purpose consistent with the Fund's investment objective such as hedging
or managing risk. The Fund may purchase covered spread options from securities
dealers. Such covered spread options are not presently exchange-listed or
exchange-traded. The purchase of a spread option gives the Fund the right to
put, or sell, a security that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield
spread in relationship to another security that the Fund does not own, but which
is used as a benchmark. The risk to the Fund in purchasing covered spread
options is the cost of the premium paid for the spread option and any
transaction costs. In addition, there is no assurance that closing transactions
will be available. The purchase of spread options will be used to protect the
Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads, i.e., the
yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities. Such protection
is only provided during the life of the spread option.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may use futures contracts for any lawful
purpose consistent with the Fund's investment objective such as hedging or
managing risk. The Fund may enter into futures contracts, including interest
rate, index, and currency futures. The Fund may also purchase put and call
options, and write covered put and call options, on futures in which it is
allowed to invest. The purchase of futures or call options thereon can serve as
a long hedge, and the sale of futures or the purchase of put options thereon can
serve as a short hedge. Writing covered call options on futures contracts can
serve as a limited short hedge, and writing covered put options on futures
contracts can serve as a limited long hedge, using a strategy similar to that
used for writing covered options in securities. The Fund's hedging may include
purchases of futures as an offset against the effect of expected increases in
currency exchange rates and securities prices and sales of futures as an offset
against the effect of expected declines in currency exchange rates and
securities prices. The Fund may also write put options on futures contracts
while at the same time purchasing call options on the same futures contracts in
order to create synthetically a long futures contract position. Such options
would have the same strike prices and expiration dates. The Fund will engage in
this strategy only when the Advisor believes it is more advantageous to the Fund
than is purchasing the futures contract.
To the extent required by regulatory authorities, the Fund only enters
into futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges and are
standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument. Futures
exchanges and trading are regulated under the CEA by the CFTC. Although
techniques other than sales and purchases of futures contracts could be used to
reduce the Fund's exposure to market, currency, or interest rate fluctuations,
the Fund may be able to hedge its exposure more effectively and perhaps at a
lower cost through using futures contracts.
An interest rate futures contract provides for the future sale by one
party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific
financial instrument (e.g., debt security) or currency for a specified price at
a designated date, time, and place. An index futures contract is an agreement
pursuant to which the parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of
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<PAGE> 16
cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the
last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index futures
contract was originally written. Transaction costs are incurred when a futures
contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. A futures
contract may be satisfied by delivery or purchase, as the case may be, of the
instrument, the currency or by payment of the change in the cash value of the
index. More commonly, futures contracts are closed out prior to delivery by
entering into an offsetting transaction in a matching futures contract.
Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain
specified securities, no physical delivery of those securities is made. If the
offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund
realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the
offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund
realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The transaction
costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance,
however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction
with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the
Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will
continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures
contract.
No price is paid by the Fund upon entering into a futures contract.
Instead, at the inception of a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit
in a segregated account with its custodian, in the name of the futures broker
through whom the transaction was effected, "initial margin" consisting of cash
and/or other appropriate liquid assets in an amount generally equal to 10% or
less of the contract value. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call
or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange
rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures
contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a
performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to the Fund at the
termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been
satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, the
Fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial margin
payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the
future by regulatory action.
Subsequent "variation margin" payments are made to and from the futures
broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as
"marking to market." Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather
represents a daily settlement of the Fund's obligations to or from a futures
broker. When the Fund purchases an option on a future, the premium paid plus
transaction costs is all that is at risk. In contrast, when the Fund purchases
or sells a futures contract or writes a call or put option thereon, it is
subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event
of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily
variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when
such sales are disadvantageous. Purchasers and sellers of futures positions and
options on futures can enter into offsetting closing transactions by selling or
purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument held or
written. Positions in futures and options on futures may be closed only on an
exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market. The Fund intends
to enter into futures transactions only on exchanges or boards of trade where
there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no
assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at a
particular time.
Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily
limits on the amount that the price of a future or option on a futures contract
can vary from the previous day's settlement price; once that limit is reached,
no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits
do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for
several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing
liquidation of unfavorable positions.
If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures or option on a futures
contract position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the
imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would
continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In
addition, except in the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to be
required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to
maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash
or securities in a segregated account.
Certain characteristics of the futures market might increase the risk
that movements in the prices of futures contracts or options on futures
contracts might not correlate perfectly with movements in the prices of the
investments being hedged. For example, all participants in the futures and
options on futures contracts markets are subject to daily variation margin calls
and might be compelled to liquidate futures or options on futures contracts
positions whose prices are moving unfavorably to avoid being subject to further
calls. These liquidations could increase price volatility of the instruments and
distort the normal price relationship between the futures or options and the
investments being hedged. Also, because initial margin deposit requirements in
the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities
markets, there might be
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increased participation by speculators in the future markets. This
participation also might cause temporary price distortions. In addition,
activities of large traders in both the futures and securities markets
involving arbitrage, "program trading" and other investment strategies might
result in temporary price distortions.
FOREIGN CURRENCIES. The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency on
a spot basis, and may use currency-related derivatives instruments such as
options on foreign currencies, futures on foreign currencies, options on futures
on foreign currencies and forward currency contracts (i.e., an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency at a specified future date, which may be
any fixed number of days from the contract date agreed upon by the parties, at a
price set at the time the contract is entered into). The Fund may use these
instruments for hedging or any other lawful purpose consistent with their
respective investment objectives, including transaction hedging, anticipatory
hedging, cross hedging, proxy hedging, and position hedging. The Fund's use of
currency-related derivative instruments will be directly related to the Fund's
current or anticipated portfolio securities, and the Fund may engage in
transactions in currency-related derivative instruments as a means to protect
against some or all of the effects of adverse changes in foreign currency
exchange rates on their portfolio investments. In general, if the currency in
which a portfolio investment is denominated appreciates against the U.S. dollar,
the dollar value of the security will increase. Conversely, a decline in the
exchange rate of the currency would adversely affect the value of the portfolio
investment expressed in U.S. dollars.
For example, the Fund might use currency-related derivative instruments
to "lock in" a U.S. dollar price for a portfolio investment, thereby enabling
the Fund to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse
change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign
currency during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold
and the date on which payment is made or received. The Fund also might use
currency-related derivative instruments when the Advisor believes that one
currency may experience a substantial movement against another currency,
including the U.S. dollar, and it may use currency-related derivative
instruments to sell or buy the amount of the former foreign currency,
approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities
denominated in such foreign currency. Alternatively, where appropriate, the
Fund may use currency-related derivative instruments to hedge all or part of its
foreign currency exposure through the use of a basket of currencies or a proxy
currency where such currency or currencies act as an effective proxy for other
currencies. The use of this basket hedging technique may be more efficient and
economical than using separate currency-related derivative instruments for each
currency exposure held by the Fund. Furthermore, currency-related derivative
instruments may be used for short hedges - for example, the Fund may sell a
forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds
from the anticipated sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency.
In addition, the Fund may use a currency-related derivative instrument
to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one foreign country to
another foreign country where the Advisor believes that the foreign currency
exposure purchased will appreciate relative to the U.S. dollar and thus better
protect the Fund against the expected decline in the foreign currency exposure
sold. For example, if the Fund owns securities denominated in a foreign
currency and the Advisor believes that currency will decline, it might enter
into a forward contract to sell an appropriate amount of the first foreign
currency, with payment to be made in a second foreign currency that the Advisor
believes would better protect the Fund against the decline in the first security
than would a U.S. dollar exposure. Hedging transactions that use two foreign
currencies are sometimes referred to as "cross hedges." The effective use of
currency-related derivative instruments by the Fund in a cross hedge is
dependent upon a correlation between price movements of the two currency
instruments and the underlying security involved, and the use of two currencies
magnifies the risk that movements in the price of one instrument may not
correlate or may correlate unfavorably with the foreign currency being hedged.
Such a lack of correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of
the currency instruments used or investments being hedged, such as speculative
or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded.
The Fund also might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a
particular currency when no hedging instruments on that currency are available
or such hedging instruments are more expensive than certain other hedging
instruments. In such cases, the Fund may hedge against price movements in that
currency by entering into transactions using currency-related derivative
instruments on another foreign currency or a basket of currencies, the values of
which the Advisor believes will have a high degree of positive correlation to
the value of the currency being hedged. The risk that movements in the price of
the hedging instrument will not correlate perfectly with movements in the price
of the currency being hedged is magnified when this strategy is used.
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<PAGE> 18
The use of currency-related derivative instruments by the Fund involves
a number of risks. The value of currency-related derivative instruments depends
on the value of the underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because
foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve
substantially larger amounts than those involved in the use of such derivative
instruments, the Fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot
market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the
underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round
lots (generally consisting of transactions of greater than $1 million).
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign
currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through
dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation
information generally is representative of very large transactions in the
interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates
might be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a
global, round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options or futures
markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open,
significant price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets
that cannot be reflected in the markets for the derivative instruments until
they re-open.
Settlement of transactions in currency-related derivative instruments
might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying
currency. Thus, the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the
underlying foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign regulations
regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and
might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such
delivery assessed in the issuing country.
When the Fund engages in a transaction in a currency-related derivative
instrument, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the
underlying currency at the maturity of the contract or otherwise complete the
contract. In other words, the Fund will be subject to the risk that a loss may
be sustained by the Fund as a result of the failure of the counterparty to
comply with the terms of the transaction. The counterparty risk for
exchange-traded instruments is generally less than for privately-negotiated or
OTC currency instruments, since generally a clearing agency, which is the
issuer or counterparty to each instrument, provides a guarantee of performance.
For privately-negotiated instruments, there is no similar clearing agency
guarantee. In all transactions, the Fund will bear the risk that the
counterparty will default, and this could result in a loss of the expected
benefit of the transaction and possibly other losses to the Fund. The Fund
will enter into transactions in currency-related derivative instruments only
with counterparties that the Advisor reasonably believes are capable of
performing under the contract.
Purchasers and sellers of currency-related derivative instruments may
enter into offsetting closing transactions by selling or purchasing,
respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold.
Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, with
the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency
contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can
be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward
currency contract (or any other currency-related derivative instrument) at a
time and price favorable to the Fund. In addition, in the event of insolvency
of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency
contract at any time prior to maturity. In the case of an exchange-traded
instrument, the Fund will be able to close the position out only on an exchange
which provides a market for the instruments. The ability to establish and close
out positions on an exchange is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market,
and there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any instrument
at any specific time. In the case of a privately-negotiated instrument, the
Fund will be able to realize the value of the instrument only by entering into a
closing transaction with the issuer or finding a third party buyer for the
instrument. While the Fund will enter into privately-negotiated transactions
only with entities who are expected to be capable of entering into a closing
transaction, there can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to
enter into such closing transactions.
The precise matching of currency-related derivative instrument amounts
and the value of the portfolio securities involved generally will not be
possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency,
will change after the currency-related derivative instrument position has been
established. Thus, the Fund might need to purchase or sell foreign currencies
in the spot (cash) market. The projection of short-term currency market
movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term
hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
Permissible foreign currency options will include options traded
primarily in the OTC market. Although options on foreign currencies are traded
primarily in the OTC market, the Fund will normally purchase or sell OTC options
on foreign
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<PAGE> 19
currency only when the Advisor reasonably believes a liquid secondary market
will exist for a particular option at any specific time.
There will be a cost to the Fund of engaging in transactions in
currency-related derivative instruments that will vary with factors such as the
contract or currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market
conditions then prevailing. The Fund using these instruments may have to pay a
fee or commission or, in cases where the instruments are entered into on a
principal basis, foreign exchange dealers or other counterparties will realize a
profit based on the difference ("spread") between the prices at which they are
buying and selling various currencies. Thus, for example, a dealer may offer to
sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of
exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
When required by the SEC guidelines, the Fund will set aside permissible
liquid assets in segregated accounts or otherwise cover their respective
potential obligations under currency-related derivatives instruments. To the
extent the Fund's assets are so set aside, they cannot be sold while the
corresponding currency position is open, unless they are replaced with similar
assets. As a result, if a large portion of the Fund's assets are so set aside,
this could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption
requests or other current obligations.
The Advisor's decision to engage in a transaction in a particular
currency-related derivative instrument will reflect the Advisor's judgment that
the transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders and is
consistent with the Fund's objectives and policies. In making such a judgment,
the Advisor will analyze the benefits and risks of the transaction and weigh
them in the context of the Fund's entire portfolio and objectives. The
effectiveness of any transaction in a currency-related derivative instrument is
dependent on a variety of factors, including the Advisor's skill in analyzing
and predicting currency values and upon a correlation between price movements of
the currency instrument and the underlying security. There might be imperfect
correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of an instrument
and price movements of investments being hedged. Such a lack of correlation
might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being
hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these
instruments are traded. In addition, the Fund's use of currency-related
derivative instruments is always subject to the risk that the currency in
question could be devalued by the foreign government. In such a case, any long
currency positions would decline in value and could adversely affect any hedging
position maintained by the Fund.
The Fund's dealing in currency-related derivative instruments will
generally be limited to the transactions described above. However, the Fund
reserves the right to use currency-related derivatives instruments for different
purposes and under different circumstances. Of course, the Fund is not required
to use currency-related derivatives instruments and will not do so unless deemed
appropriate by the Advisor. It also should be realized that use of these
instruments does not eliminate, or protect against, price movements in the
Fund's securities that are attributable to other (i.e., non-currency related)
causes. Moreover, while the use of currency-related derivatives instruments may
reduce the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of a hedged currency, at
the same time the use of these instruments tends to limit any potential gain
which may result from an increase in the value of that currency.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into interest rate, securities
index, commodity, or security and currency exchange rate swap agreements for any
lawful purpose consistent with the Fund's investment objective, such as for the
purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular desired return or
spread at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an
instrument that yielded that desired return or spread. The Fund also may enter
into swaps in order to protect against an increase in the price of, or the
currency exchange rate applicable to, securities that the Fund anticipates
purchasing at a later date. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered
into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks
to several years. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to
exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on
particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be
exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a
"notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular
dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign
currency, or in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index. Swap
agreements may include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium,
one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates
exceed a specified rate, or "cap;" interest rate floors, under which, in return
for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that
interest rates fall below a specified level, or "floor;" and interest rate
collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor, or vice versa,
in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given
minimum or maximum levels.
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<PAGE> 20
The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is the agreed upon basis for
calculating the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to
exchange. Under most swap agreements entered into by the Fund, the obligations
of the parties would be exchanged on a "net basis." Consequently, the Fund's
obligation (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to
the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative
values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount").
The Fund's obligation under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset
against amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to
a swap counterparty will be covered by the maintenance of a segregated account
consisting of cash, or liquid high grade debt obligations.
Whether the Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in
furthering its investment objective will depend, in part, on the Advisor's
ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to
produce greater returns than other investments. Swap agreements may be
considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the
amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the
default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. Certain restrictions
imposed on the Fund by the Internal Revenue Code may limit the Fund's ability to
use swap agreements. The swaps market is largely unregulated.
The Fund will enter swap agreements only with counterparties that the
Advisor reasonably believes are capable of performing under the swap
agreements. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction,
the Fund will have to rely on its contractual remedies (which may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws) pursuant to the agreements related to
the transaction.
ADDITIONAL DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND STRATEGIES. In addition to the
derivative instruments and strategies described above and in the Fund's
Prospectus, the Advisor expects to discover additional derivative instruments
and other hedging or risk management techniques. The Advisor may utilize these
new derivative instruments and techniques to the extent that they are consistent
with a Fund's investment objective and permitted by the Fund's investment
limitations, operating policies, and applicable regulatory authorities.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES
The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in foreign investment
companies. Some of the countries in which the Fund invests may not permit direct
investment by outside investors. Investments in such countries may only be
permitted through foreign government-approved or -authorized investment
vehicles, which may include other investment companies. In addition, it may be
less expensive and more expedient for the Fund to invest in a foreign investment
company in a country which permits direct foreign investment. Investing through
such vehicles may involve frequent or layered fees or expenses and may also be
subject to limitation under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may
invest up to 10% of its assets in shares of other investment companies and up to
5% of its assets in any one investment company as long as the investment does
not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of the acquired investment
company. The Fund does not intend to invest in such investment companies
unless, in the judgment of the Advisor, the potential benefits of such
investments justify the payment of any associated fees and expenses.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Investing in foreign securities involves a series of risks not present
in investing in U.S. securities. Many of the foreign securities held by the
Fund will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC"), nor will the foreign issuers be subject to SEC reporting requirements.
Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning foreign
issuers of securities held by the Fund than is available concerning U.S.
companies. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less
stringent in emerging market countries than in the U.S. and other major
markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of
emerging markets and the activities of investors in such markets, and
enforcement of existing regulations may be extremely limited. Foreign
companies, and in particular, companies in smaller and emerging capital markets
are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards, or to other regulatory requirements comparable to those
applicable to U.S. companies. The Fund's net investment income and capital
gains from its foreign investment activities may be subject to non-U.S.
withholding taxes.
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<PAGE> 21
The costs attributable to foreign investing that the Fund must bear
frequently are higher than those attributable to domestic investing; this is
particularly true with respect to emerging capital markets. For example, the
cost of maintaining custody of foreign securities exceeds custodian costs for
domestic securities, and transaction and settlement costs of foreign investing
also frequently are higher than those attributable to domestic investing. Costs
associated with the exchange of currencies also make foreign investing more
expensive than domestic investing. Investment income on certain foreign
securities in which the Funds may invest may be subject to foreign withholding
or other government taxes that could reduce the return of these securities. Tax
treaties between the United States and foreign countries, however, may reduce or
eliminate the amount of foreign tax to which the Fund would be subject.
Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures,
and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have failed to
keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to
conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary
periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon.
The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement
problems could cause the Fund to miss investment opportunities. Inability to
dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems could result either
in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in the value of such portfolio
security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could
result in possible liability to the purchaser.
HIGH-YIELD (HIGH-RISK) SECURITIES
IN GENERAL. The Fund may invest without limitation in non-investment
grade debt obligations. Non-investment grade debt obligations (hereinafter
referred to as "lower-quality securities") include (i) bonds rated as low as C
by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Ratings Group
("S&P"), or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch"), or CCC by Duff & Phelps,
Inc. ("D&P"); (ii) commercial paper rated as low as C by S&P, Not Prime by
Moody's, or Fitch 4 by Fitch; and (iii) unrated debt obligations of comparable
quality. Lower-quality securities, while generally offering higher yields than
investment grade securities with similar maturities, involve greater risks,
including the possibility of default or bankruptcy. They are regarded as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. The special risk considerations in connection with
investments in these securities are discussed below. Refer to the Appendix for
a discussion of securities ratings.
EFFECT OF INTEREST RATES AND ECONOMIC CHANGES. The lower-quality and
comparable unrated security market is relatively new and its growth has
paralleled a long economic expansion. As a result, it is not clear how this
market may withstand a prolonged recession or economic downturn. Such
conditions could severely disrupt the market for and adversely affect the value
of such securities.
All interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when
interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The market
values of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities tend to reflect
individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher rated
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities also tend to be
more sensitive to economic conditions than are higher-rated securities. As a
result, they generally involve more credit risks than securities in the
higher-rated categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower-quality and comparable
unrated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient
revenues to meet their payment obligations. The issuer's ability to service its
debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate
developments, the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business
forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to
default by an issuer of these securities is significantly greater than issuers
of higher-rated securities because such securities are generally unsecured and
are often subordinated to other creditors. Further, if the issuer of a
lower-quality or comparable unrated security defaulted, the Fund might incur
additional expenses to seek recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and
changes would also generally result in increased volatility in the market prices
of these securities and thus in the Fund's net asset value.
As previously stated, the value of a lower-quality or comparable unrated
security will decrease in a rising interest rate market and accordingly, so will
the Fund's net asset value. If the Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions
in such a market, it may be forced to liquidate a portion of its portfolio
securities without regard to their investment merits. Due to the limited
liquidity of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities (discussed below),
the Fund may be forced to liquidate
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<PAGE> 22
these securities at a substantial discount. Any such liquidation would force
the Fund to sell the more liquid portion of its portfolio.
PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS. Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities
typically contain redemption, call or prepayment provisions which permit the
issuer of such securities containing such provisions to, at its discretion,
redeem the securities. During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of
these securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance
them with debt securities with a lower interest rate. To the extent an issuer
is able to refinance the securities, or otherwise redeem them, the Fund may have
to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which would result in
a lower return for the Fund.
CREDIT RATINGS. Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are
designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated
securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of
lower-quality securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of
an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely
changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the
issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit
ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
Investments in lower-quality and comparable unrated obligations will be more
dependent on the Advisor's credit analysis than would be the case with
investments in investment-grade debt obligations. The Advisor employs its own
credit research and analysis, which includes a study of existing debt, capital
structure, ability to service debt and to pay dividends, the issuer's
sensitivity to economic conditions, its operating history and the current trend
of earnings. The Advisor continually monitors the investments in the Fund's
portfolio and carefully evaluates whether to dispose of or to retain
lower-quality and comparable unrated securities whose credit ratings or credit
quality may have changed.
LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of
certain lower-quality and comparable unrated securities because there may be a
thin trading market for such securities. Because not all dealers maintain
markets in all lower-quality and comparable unrated securities, there is no
established retail secondary market for many of these securities. The Fund
anticipates that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of
dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market
does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for
higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an
adverse impact on the market price of the security. As a result, the Fund's
asset value and ability to dispose of particular securities, when necessary to
meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, may
be impacted. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may
also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations
for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio. Market quotations are generally
available on many lower-quality and comparable unrated issues only from a
limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such
dealers or prices for actual sales. During periods of thin trading, the spread
between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly. In addition,
adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of lower-quality and comparable
unrated securities, especially in a thinly traded market.
LEGISLATION. Legislation may be adopted, from time to time designed to
limit the use of certain lower-quality and comparable unrated securities by
certain issuers. It is anticipated that if additional legislation is enacted or
proposed, it could have a material affect on the value of these securities and
the existence of a secondary trading market for the securities.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that are
not readily marketable). However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid securities
if, as a result, they would comprise more than 15% of the value of the Fund's
net assets (or such other amounts as may be permitted under the 1940 Act).
However, as a matter of internal policy, the Advisor intends to limit the Fund's
investments in illiquid securities to 10% of its net assets.
The Board of Directors of the Fund, or its delegate, has the ultimate
authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities
laws, which securities are illiquid for purposes of this limitation. Certain
securities exempt from registration or issued in transactions exempt from
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), such as securities that may be resold to institutional investors under
Rule 144A under the Securities Act and Section 4(2) commercial paper, may be
considered liquid under guidelines adopted by the Fund's Board of Directors.
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<PAGE> 23
The Board of Directors of the Fund has delegated to the Advisor the
day-to-day determination of the liquidity of a security, although it has
retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations. The
Board of Directors has directed the Advisor to look to such factors as (i) the
frequency of trades or quotes for a security, (ii) the number of dealers willing
to purchase or sell the security and number of potential buyers, (iii) the
willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the security, (iv) the
nature of the security and nature of the marketplace trades, such as the time
needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the
mechanics of transfer, (v) the likelihood that the security's marketability will
be maintained throughout the anticipated holding period, and (vi) any other
relevant factors. The Advisor may determine 4(2) commercial paper to be liquid
if (i) the 4(2) commercial paper is not traded flat or in default as to
principal and interest, (ii) the 4(2) commercial paper is rated in one of the
two highest rating categories by at least two nationally rated statistical
rating organizations ("NRSRO"), or if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that
NRSRO, or is determined by the Advisor to be of equivalent quality, and (iii)
the Advisor considers the trading market for the specific security taking into
account all relevant factors. A foreign security may be considered liquid by
the Advisor (despite its restricted nature under the Securities Act) if the
security can be freely traded in a foreign securities market and all the facts
and circumstances support a finding of liquidity.
Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated
transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration
statement is in effect under the Securities Act. Where registration is
required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration
expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision
to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an
effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market
conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than
prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities will be priced in
accordance with pricing procedures adopted by the Board of Directors of the
Fund. If through the appreciation of restricted securities or the depreciation
of unrestricted securities, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15%
of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid securities, including
restricted securities which are not readily marketable (except for 144A
Securities and 4(2) commercial paper deemed to be liquid by the Advisor), the
Fund will take such steps as is deemed advisable, if any, to protect liquidity.
The Fund may sell over-the-counter ("OTC") options and, in connection
therewith, segregate assets or cover its obligations with respect to OTC options
written by the Fund. The assets used as cover for OTC options written by the
Fund will be considered illiquid unless the OTC options are sold to qualified
dealers who agree that the Fund may repurchase any OTC option it writes at a
maximum price to be calculated by a formula set forth in the option agreement.
The cover for an OTC option written subject to this procedure would be
considered illiquid only to the extent that the maximum repurchase price under
the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Fund is authorized to lend up to 33 1/3% of the total value of its
portfolio securities to broker-dealers or institutional investors that the
Advisor deems qualified, but only when the borrower maintains with the Fund's
custodian bank collateral either in cash or money market instruments in an
amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued
interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted accordingly.
Although the Fund is authorized to lend, the Fund does not presently intend to
engage in lending. In determining whether to lend securities to a particular
broker-dealer or institutional investor, the Advisor will consider, and during
the period of the loan will monitor, all relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower. The Fund will retain authority
to terminate any loans at any time. The Fund may pay reasonable administrative
and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of
the interest earned on the cash or money market instruments held as collateral
to the borrower or placing broker. The Fund will receive reasonable interest on
the loan or a flat fee from the borrower and amounts equivalent to any
dividends, interest or other distributions on the securities loaned. The Fund
will retain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights,
such as voting and subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or
other distributions, when retaining such rights is considered to be in a Fund's
interest.
LOAN INTERESTS
The Fund may acquire a loan interest (a "Loan Interest"). A Loan
Interest is typically originated, negotiated, and structured by a U.S. or
foreign commercial bank, insurance company, finance company, or other financial
institution (the "Agent") for a lending syndicate of financial institutions. The
Agent typically administers and enforces the loan on behalf of the other lenders
in the syndicate. In addition, an institution, typically but not always the
Agent (the "Collateral Bank"), holds
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<PAGE> 24
collateral (if any) on behalf of the lenders. These Loan Interests may take
the form of participation interests in, assignments of or novations of a loan
during its secondary distribution, or direct interests during a primary
distribution. Such Loan Interests may be acquired from U.S. or foreign banks,
insurance companies, finance companies, or other financial institutions who
have made loans or are members of a lending syndicate or from other holders of
Loan Interests. The Fund may also acquire Loan Interests under which the Fund
derives its rights directly from the borrower. Such Loan Interests are
separately enforceable by the Fund against the borrower and all payments of
interest and principal are typically made directly to the Fund from the
borrower. In the event that the Fund and other lenders become entitled to take
possession of shared collateral, it is anticipated that such collateral would
be held in the custody of a Collateral Bank for their mutual benefit. The Fund
may not act as an Agent, a Collateral Bank, a guarantor or sole negotiator or
structurer with respect to a loan.
The Advisor will analyze and evaluate the financial condition of the
borrower in connection with the acquisition of any Loan Interest. The Advisor
also analyzes and evaluates the financial condition of the Agent and, in the
case of Loan Interests in which the Fund does not have privity with the
borrower, those institutions from or through whom the Fund derives its rights in
a loan (the "Intermediate Participants").
In a typical loan the Agent administers the terms of the loan
agreement. In such cases, the Agent is normally responsible for the collection
of principal and interest payments from the borrower and the apportionment of
these payments to the credit of all institutions which are parties to the loan
agreement. The Fund will generally rely upon the Agent or an Intermediate
Participant to receive and forward to the Fund its portion of the principal and
interest payments on the loan. Furthermore, unless under the terms of a
participation agreement the Fund has direct recourse against the borrower, the
Fund will rely on the Agent and the other members of the lending syndicate to
use appropriate credit remedies against the borrower. The Agent is typically
responsible for monitoring compliance with covenants contained in the loan
agreement based upon reports prepared by the borrower. The seller of the Loan
Interest usually does, but is often not obligated to, notify holders of Loan
Interests of any failures of compliance. The Agent may monitor the value of
the collateral and, if the value of the collateral declines, may accelerate the
loan, may give the borrower an opportunity to provide additional collateral or
may seek other protection for the benefit of the participants in the loan. The
Agent is compensated by the borrower for providing these services under a loan
agreement, and such compensation may include special fees paid upon structuring
and funding the loan and other fees paid on a continuing basis. With respect
to Loan Interests for which the Agent does not perform such administrative and
enforcement functions, the Fund will perform such tasks on its own behalf,
although a Collateral Bank will typically hold any collateral on behalf of the
Fund and the other lenders pursuant to the applicable loan agreement.
A financial institution's appointment as Agent may usually be terminated
in the event that it fails to observe the requisite standard of care or becomes
insolvent, enters Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") receivership,
or, if not FDIC insured, enters into bankruptcy proceedings. A successor Agent
would generally be appointed to replace the terminated Agent, and assets held by
the Agent under the loan agreement should remain available to holders of Loan
Interests. However, if assets held by the Agent for the benefit of the Fund
were determined to be subject to the claims of the Agent's general creditors,
the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan
interest, or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. In situations
involving Intermediate Participants similar risks may arise.
Purchasers of Loan Interests depend primarily upon the creditworthiness
of the borrower for payment of principal and interest. If the Fund does not
receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the
Fund's share price and yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully
secured offer the Fund more protections than an unsecured loan in the event of
non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance
that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the
borrower's obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Indebtedness
of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater
risks, and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or
restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small
fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of developing countries will
also involve a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment
of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay principal
when due.
MATURITY
The Fund's average portfolio maturity represents an average based on the
actual stated maturity dates of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio,
except that (i) variable-rate securities are deemed to mature at the next
interest-rate adjustment date, (ii) debt securities with put features are
deemed to mature at the next put-exercise date, (iii) the maturity of
mortgage-
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<PAGE> 25
backed securities is determined on an "expected life" basis as determined
by the Advisor, and (iv) securities being hedged with futures contracts
may be deemed to have a longer maturity, in the case of purchases of
futures contracts, and a shorter maturity, in the case of sales of futures
contracts, than they would otherwise be deemed to have. In addition, a
security that is subject to redemption at the option of the issuer on a
particular date (the "call date"), which is prior to the security's stated
maturity, may be deemed to mature on the call date rather than on its stated
maturity date. The call date of a security will be used to calculate average
portfolio maturity when the Advisor reasonably anticipates, based upon
information available to it, that the issuer will exercise its right to redeem
the security. The average portfolio maturity of the Fund is dollar-weighted
based upon the market value of the Fund's securities at the time of the
calculation.
MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations
in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property,
and include single- and multi-class pass-through securities and collateralized
mortgage obligations. Such securities may be issued or guaranteed by U.S.
government agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Government National
Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage Association, or by
private issuers, generally originators and investors in mortgage loans,
including savings associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, investment
bankers, and special purpose entities (collectively, "private lenders").
Mortgage-backed securities issued by private lenders may be supported by pools
of mortgage loans or other mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed,
directly or indirectly, by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or
instrumentalities, or they may be issued without any governmental guarantee of
the underlying mortgage assets but with some form of non-governmental credit
enhancement.
Asset-backed securities have structural characteristics similar to
mortgage-backed securities. Asset-backed debt obligations represent direct or
indirect participation in, or secured by and payable from, assets such as motor
vehicle installment sales contracts, other installment loan contracts, home
equity loans, leases of various types of property, and receivables from credit
card or other revolving credit arrangements. The credit quality of most
asset-backed securities depends primarily on the credit quality of the assets
underlying such securities, how well the entity issuing the security is
insulated from the credit risk of the originator or any other affiliated
entities, and the amount and quality of any credit enhancement of the
securities. Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed
debt obligations may be supported by non-governmental credit enhancements
including letters of credit, reserve funds, overcollateralization, and
guarantees by third parties. The market for privately issued asset-backed debt
obligations is smaller and less liquid than the market for government sponsored
mortgage-backed securities.
The rate of principal payment on mortgage- and asset-backed securities
generally depends on the rate of principal payments received on the underlying
assets which in turn may be affected by a variety of economic and other
factors. As a result, the yield on any mortgage- and asset-backed security is
difficult to predict with precision and actual yield to maturity may be more or
less than the anticipated yield to maturity. The yield characteristics of
mortgage- and asset-backed securities differ from those of traditional debt
securities. Among the principal differences are that interest and principal
payments are made more frequently on mortgage-and asset-backed securities,
usually monthly, and that principal may be prepaid at any time because the
underlying mortgage loans or other assets generally may be prepaid at any time.
As a result, if the Fund purchases these securities at a premium, a prepayment
rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a
prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of
increasing the yield to maturity. Conversely, if the Fund purchases these
securities at a discount, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will
increase yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than
expected will reduce yield to maturity. Amounts available for reinvestment by
the Fund are likely to be greater during a period of declining interest rates
and, as a result, are likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than
during a period of rising interest rates. Accelerated prepayments on
securities purchased by the Fund at a premium also impose a risk of loss of
principal because the premium may not have been fully amortized at the time the
principal is prepaid in full. The market for privately issued mortgage - and
asset-backed securities is smaller and less liquid than the market for
government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities.
While many mortgage- and asset-backed securities are issued with only one
class of security, many are issued in more than one class, each with different
payment terms. Multiple class mortgage- and asset-backed securities are issued
for two main reasons. First, multiple classes may be used as a method of
providing credit support. This is accomplished typically through creation of
one or more classes whose right to payments on the security is made subordinate
to the right to such payments of the remaining class or classes. Second,
multiple classes may permit the issuance of securities with payment terms,
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interest rates, or other characteristics differing both from those of each
other and from those of the underlying assets. Examples include so-called
"strips" (mortgage - and asset-backed securities entitling the holder to
disproportionate interests with respect to the allocation of interest and
principal of the assets backing the security), and securities with class or
classes having characteristics which mimic the characteristics of non-mortgage-
or asset-backed securities, such as floating interest rates (i.e., interest
rates which adjust as a specified benchmark changes) or scheduled amortization
of principal.
The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage- or asset-backed securities,
which receive differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from
the underlying assets. The market value of such securities generally is more
sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates than is the case with
traditional mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and in some cases such market
value may be extremely volatile. With respect to certain stripped securities,
such as interest only and principal only classes, a rate of prepayment that is
faster or slower than anticipated may result in the Fund failing to recover all
or a portion of its investment, even though the securities are rated investment
grade.
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities backed by assets, other than as
described above, or in which the payment streams on the underlying assets are
allocated in a manner different than those described above may be issued in the
future. The Fund may invest in such securities if such investment is otherwise
consistent with its investment objectives and policies and with the investment
restrictions of the Fund.
MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements to facilitate
portfolio liquidity, a practice common in the mutual fund industry, or for
arbitrage transactions discussed below. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the
Fund would sell a security and enter into an agreement to repurchase the
security at a specified future date and price. The Fund generally retains the
right to interest and principal payments on the security. Since the Fund
receives cash upon entering into a reverse repurchase agreement, it may be
considered a borrowing. (See "Borrowing".) When required by guidelines of the
SEC, the Fund will set aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account
to secure its obligations to repurchase the security.
The Fund may also enter into mortgage dollar rolls, in which the Fund
would sell mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and
simultaneously contract to purchase substantially similar securities on a
specified future date. While the Fund would forego principal and interest paid
on the mortgage-backed securities during the roll period, the Fund would be
compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower
price for the future purchase as well as by any interest earned on the proceeds
of the initial sale. The Fund also could be compensated through the receipt of
fee income equivalent to a lower forward price. At the time the Fund would
enter into a mortgage dollar roll, it would set aside permissible liquid assets
in a segregated account to secure its obligation for the forward commitment to
buy mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage dollar roll transactions may be
considered a borrowing by the Fund. (See "Borrowing".)
The mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements entered into
by the Fund may be used as arbitrage transactions in which the Fund will
maintain an offsetting position in investment grade debt obligations or
repurchase agreements that mature on or before the settlement date on the
related mortgage dollar roll or reverse repurchase agreements. Since the Fund
will receive interest on the securities or repurchase agreements in which it
invests the transaction proceeds, such transactions may involve leverage.
However, since such securities or repurchase agreements will be high quality and
will mature on or before the settlement date of the mortgage dollar roll or
reverse repurchase agreement, the Advisor believes that such arbitrage
transactions do not present the risks to the Fund that is associated with other
types of leverage.
Municipal Obligations
General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full
faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of interest and principal.
Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a project or
facility or from the proceeds of a specified revenue source. Industrial
development bonds are generally revenue bonds secured by payments from and the
credit of private users. Municipal notes are issued to meet the short-term
funding requirements of state, regional, and local governments. Municipal notes
include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation
notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, construction loan notes, short-term
discount notes, tax-exempt commercial paper, demand notes, and similar
instruments. Municipal obligations include obligations, the interest on which
is exempt from federal income tax,
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<PAGE> 27
that may become available in the future as long as the Board of Directors of
the Fund determines that an investment in any such type of obligation is
consistent with the Fund's investment objective.
Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment
purchase, or a conditional sales contract. They are issued by state and local
governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment, and facilities, such as
state and municipal vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment, and
other capital assets. The Fund may purchase these obligations directly, or it
may purchase participation interests in such obligations. Municipal leases are
generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds.
State constitutions and statutes set forth requirements that states or
municipalities must meet in order to issue municipal obligations. Municipal
leases may contain a covenant by the state or municipality to budget for,
appropriate, and make payments due under the obligation. Certain municipal
leases may, however, contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the
issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years
unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year. Accordingly,
such obligations are subject to "non-appropriation" risk. While municipal
leases are secured by the underlying capital asset, it may be difficult to
dispose of any such asset in the event of non-appropriation or other default.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks or
non-bank dealers. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a security at one
price, and at the time of sale, the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation
at a mutually agreed upon time and price (usually within seven days). The
repurchase agreement, thereby, determines the yield during the purchaser's
holding period, while the seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the
value of the underlying security. The Advisor will monitor, on an ongoing
basis, the value of the underlying securities to ensure that the value always
equals or exceeds the repurchase price plus accrued interest. Repurchase
agreements could involve certain risks in the event of a default or insolvency
of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays or restrictions
upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities. Although no
definitive creditworthiness criteria are used, the Advisor reviews the
creditworthiness of the banks and non-bank dealers with which the Fund enters
into repurchase agreements to evaluate those risks. The Fund may, under certain
circumstances, deem repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government
securities to be investments in U.S. government securities.
SHORT SALES
The Fund may sell securities short against the box to hedge unrealized
gains on portfolio securities or if it covers such short sale with liquid assets
as required by the current rules and positions of the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff. Selling securities short against the box involves
selling a security that the Fund owns or has the right to acquire, for delivery
at a specified date in the future. If the Fund sells securities short against
the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity to
profit on such securities if the price rises.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION
When the Advisor determines that market conditions warrant a temporary
defensive position, the Fund may invest without limitation in cash and
short-term fixed income securities, including U.S. government securities,
commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates of deposit, and time
deposits.
VARIABLE- OR FLOATING-RATE SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in securities which offer a variable- or
floating-rate of interest. Variable-rate securities provide for automatic
establishment of a new interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily, monthly,
semi-annually, etc.). Floating-rate securities generally provide for automatic
adjustment of the interest rate whenever some specified interest rate index
changes. The interest rate on variable- or floating-rate securities is
ordinarily determined by reference to or is a percentage of a bank's prime rate,
the 90-day U.S. Treasury bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or
bank certificates of deposit, an index of short-term interest rates, or some
other objective measure.
Variable- or floating-rate securities frequently include a demand
feature entitling the holder to sell the securities to the issuer at par. In
many cases, the demand feature can be exercised at any time on 7 days notice; in
other cases, the demand
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<PAGE> 28
feature is exercisable at any time on 30 days notice or on similar notice at
intervals of not more than one year. Some securities which do not have
variable or floating interest rates may be accompanied by puts producing
similar results and price characteristics. When considering the maturity of
any instrument which may be sold or put to the issuer or a third party, the
Fund may consider that instrument's maturity to be shorter than its stated
maturity.
Variable-rate demand notes include master demand notes which are
obligations that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts, which may change
daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as
lender, and the borrower. The interest rates on these notes fluctuate from time
to time. The issuer of such obligations normally has a corresponding right,
after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding principal
amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days'
notice to the holders of such obligations. The interest rate on a floating-rate
demand obligation is based on a known lending rate, such as a bank's prime rate,
and is adjusted automatically each time such rate is adjusted. The interest
rate on a variable-rate demand obligation is adjusted automatically at specified
intervals. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or
other credit support arrangements provided by banks. Because these obligations
are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not
contemplated that such instruments will generally be traded. There generally is
not an established secondary market for these obligations, although they are
redeemable at face value. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured
by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the Fund's right to
redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest
on demand. Such obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating agencies
and, if not so rated, the Fund may invest in them only if the Advisor
determines that at the time of investment the obligations are of comparable
quality to the other obligations in which the Fund may invest. The Advisor, on
behalf of the Fund, will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of
the issuers of the floating- and variable-rate demand obligations in the Fund's
portfolio.
The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its net assets in variable-
and floating-rate demand obligations that are not readily marketable (a
variable- or floating-rate demand obligation that may be disposed of on not more
than seven days notice will be deemed readily marketable and will not be subject
to this limitation). (See "Illiquid Securities" and "Investment Restrictions.")
In addition, each variable- or floating-rate obligation must meet the credit
quality requirements applicable to all the Fund's investments at the time of
purchase. When determining whether such an obligation meets the Fund's credit
quality requirements, the Fund may look to the credit quality of the financial
guarantor providing a letter of credit or other credit support arrangement.
In determining the Fund's weighted average portfolio maturity, the Fund
will consider a floating or variable rate security to have a maturity equal to
its stated maturity (or redemption date if it has been called for redemption),
except that it may consider (i) variable rate securities to have a maturity
equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment in the interest rate,
unless subject to a demand feature, (ii) variable rate securities subject to a
demand feature to have a remaining maturity equal to the longer of (a) the next
readjustment in the interest rate or (b) the period remaining until the
principal can be recovered through demand, and (iii) floating rate securities
subject to a demand feature to have a maturity equal to the period remaining
until the principal can be recovered through demand. Variable and floating rate
securities generally are subject to less principal fluctuation than securities
without these attributes since the securities usually trade at amortized cost
following the readjustment in the interest rate.
WARRANTS
The Fund may acquire warrants. Warrants are securities giving the
holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy the stock of an issuer at a
given price (generally higher than the value of the stock at the time of
issuance) during a specified period or perpetually. Warrants may be acquired
separately or in connection with the acquisition of securities. Warrants do not
carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the
securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent
any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants may be considered
to have more speculative characteristics than certain other types of
investments. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change
with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value
if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
The Fund may from time to time purchase securities on a "when-issued"
basis. The price of debt obligations purchased on a when-issued basis, which may
be expressed in yield terms, generally is fixed at the time the commitment to
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<PAGE> 29
purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a
later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within 45 days of the
purchase although in some cases settlement may take longer. During the period
between the purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund to the
issuer and no interest on the debt obligations accrues to the Fund. Forward
commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased
declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of
decline in value of the Fund's other assets. While when-issued securities may
be sold prior to the settlement date, the Fund intends to purchase such
securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them unless a sale appears
desirable for investment reasons. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to
purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and
reflect the value of the security in determining its net asset value. The Fund
does not believe that its net asset values will be adversely affected by
purchases of securities on a when-issued basis.
To the extent required by the SEC, the Fund will maintain cash and
marketable securities equal in value to commitments for when-issued securities.
Such segregated securities either will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or
before the settlement date. When the time comes to pay for when-issued
securities, the Fund will meet its obligations from then-available cash flow,
sale of the securities held in the separate account, described above, sale of
other securities or, although it would not normally expect to do so, from the
sale of the when-issued securities themselves (which may have a market value
greater or less than the Fund's payment obligation).
ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind
securities. These securities are debt securities that do not make regular cash
interest payments. Zero-coupon and step-coupon securities are sold at a deep
discount to their face value. Pay-in-kind securities pay interest through the
issuance of additional securities. Because such securities do not pay current
cash income, the price of these securities can be volatile when interest rates
fluctuate. While these securities do not pay current cash income, federal
income tax law requires the holders of zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind
securities to include in income each year the portion of the original issue
discount (or deemed discount) and other non-cash income on such securities
accruing that year. In order to continue to qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under the Internal Revenue Code and avoid a certain excise tax, the
Fund may be required to distribute a portion of such discount and income and may
be required to dispose of other portfolio securities, which may occur in periods
of adverse market prices, in order to generate cash to meet these distribution
requirements.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE FUND
Directors and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during the last five years, and other
information are shown below. Each director who is deemed an "interested
person," as defined in the 1940 Act, is indicated by an asterisk (*). Each
officer and director holds the same position with 26 registered open-end
management investment companies consisting of 46 mutual funds (the "Strong
Funds"). The Strong Funds, in the aggregate, pays each Director who is not a
director, officer, or employee of the Advisor, or any affiliated company (a
"disinterested director") an annual fee of $50,000, plus $100 per Board meeting
for each Strong Fund. In addition, each disinterested director is reimbursed by
the Strong Funds for travel and other expenses incurred in connection with
attendance at such meetings. Other officers and directors of the Strong Funds
receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Strong Funds.
*RICHARD S. STRONG (DOB 5/12/42), Chairman of the Board and Director of the
Fund.
Prior to August 1985, Mr. Strong was Chief Executive Officer of the
Advisor, which he founded in 1974. Since August 1985, Mr. Strong has been a
Security Analyst and Portfolio Manager of the Advisor. In October 1991, Mr.
Strong also became the Chairman of the Advisor. Mr. Strong is a Director of the
Advisor. Mr. Strong has been in the investment management business since 1967.
Mr. Strong has served the Fund as a Director and Chairman of the Board since
June 1997.
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<PAGE> 30
MARVIN E. NEVINS (DOB 7/9/18), Director of the Fund.
Private Investor. From 1945 to 1980, Mr. Nevins was Chairman of
Wisconsin Centrifugal Inc., a foundry. From July 1983 to December 1986, he was
Chairman of General Casting Corp., Waukesha, Wisconsin, a foundry. Mr. Nevins
is a former Chairman of the Wisconsin Association of Manufacturers & Commerce.
He was also a regent of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a member of the
Board of Trustees of the Medical College of Wisconsin. Mr. Nevins has served
the Fund as a Director since June 1997.
WILLIE D. DAVIS (DOB 7/24/34), Director of the Fund.
Mr. Davis has been Director of Alliance Bank since 1980, Sara Lee
Corporation (a food/consumer products company) since 1983, KMart Corporation (a
discount consumer products company) since 1985, YMCA Metropolitan - Los Angeles
since 1985, Dow Chemical Company since 1988, MGM Grand, Inc. (an
entertainment/hotel company) since 1990, WICOR, Inc. (a utility company) since
1990, Johnson Controls, Inc. (an industrial company) since 1992, L.A. Gear (a
footwear/sportswear company) since 1992, and Rally's Hamburger, Inc. since
1994. Mr. Davis has been a trustee of the University of Chicago since 1980,
Marquette University since 1988, and Occidental College since 1990. Since
1977, Mr. Davis has been President and Chief Executive Officer of All Pro
Broadcasting, Inc. Mr. Davis was a Director of the Fireman's Fund (an
insurance company) from 1975 until 1990. Mr. Davis has served the Fund as a
Director since June 1997.
STANLEY KRITZIK (DOB 1/9/30), Director of the Fund.
Mr. Kritzik has been a Partner of Metropolitan Associates since 1962, a
Director of Aurora Health Care since 1987, and Health Network Ventures, Inc.
since 1992. Mr. Kritzik has served the Fund as a Director since June 1997.
WILLIAM F. VOGT (DOB 7/19/47), Director of the Fund.
Mr. Vogt has been the President of Vogt Management Consulting, Inc.
since 1990. From 1982 until 1990, he served as Executive Director of University
Physicians of the University of Colorado. Mr. Vogt is the Past President of the
Medical Group Management Association and a Fellow of the American College of
Medical Practice Executives. He has served the Fund as a Director since June
1997.
LAWRENCE A. TOTSKY (DOB 5/6/59), C.P.A., Vice President of the Fund.
Mr. Totsky has been Senior Vice President of the Advisor since September
1994. Mr. Totsky served as Vice President of the Advisor from December 1992 to
September 1994. Mr. Totsky acted as the Advisor's Manager of Shareholder
Accounting and Compliance from June 1987 to June 1991 when he was named Director
of Mutual Fund Administration. Mr. Totsky has served the Fund as a Vice
President since June 1997.
THOMAS P. LEMKE (DOB 7/30/54), Vice President of the Fund.
Mr. Lemke has been Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel
of the Advisor since September 1994. For two years prior to joining the
Advisor, Mr. Lemke acted as Resident Counsel for Funds Management at J.P. Morgan
& Co., Inc. From February 1989 until April 1992, Mr. Lemke acted as Associate
General Counsel to Sanford C. Bernstein Co., Inc. For two years prior to that,
Mr. Lemke was Of Counsel at the Washington, D.C. law firm of Tew Jorden &
Schulte, a successor of Finley, Kumble & Wagner. From August 1979 until
December 1986, Mr. Lemke worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission, most
notably as the Chief Counsel to the Division of Investment Management (November
1984 - December 1986), and as Special Counsel to the Office of Insurance
Products, Division of Investment Management (April 1982 - October 1984). Mr.
Lemke has served the Fund as a Vice President since June 1997.
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<PAGE> 31
STEPHEN J. SHENKENBERG (DOB 6/14/58), Vice President and Secretary of the Fund.
Mr. Shenkenberg has been Deputy General Counsel to the Advisor since
November 1996. From December 1992 until November 1996, Mr. Shenkenberg acted as
Associate Counsel to the Advisor. From June 1987 until December 1992, Mr.
Shenkenberg was an attorney for Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., a Milwaukee law firm. Mr.
Shenkenberg has served the Fund as a Vice President and as Secretary since June
1997.
JOHN S. WEITZER (DOB 10/31/67), Vice President of the Fund.
Mr. Weitzer has been an Associate Counsel to the Advisor since July
1993. Mr. Weitzer has served the Fund as a Vice President since June 1997.
JOHN A. FLANAGAN (DOB 6/5/46), Treasurer of the Fund.
Mr. Flanagan has been Senior Vice President of the Advisor since April
1997. For three years prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Flanagan was a Partner
with Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (an international professional services firm).
From November 1992 to April 1994, Mr. Flanagan was an independent consultant.
From October 1970 to November 1992, Mr. Flanagan was with Ernst & Young (an
international professional services firm), most notably as Partner in charge of
the Investment Company Practice of that firm's Boston office from 1982 to 1992.
Mr. Flanagan has served as the Treasurer of the Fund since June 1997.
Except for Messrs. Nevins, Davis, Kritzik and Vogt, the address of all
of the above persons is P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201. Mr. Nevins'
address is 6075 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, Florida 34108. Mr. Davis'
address is 161 North La Brea, Inglewood, California 90301. Mr. Kritzik's
address is 1123 North Astor Street, P.O. Box 92547, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53202-0547. Mr. Vogt's address is 2830 East Third Avenue, Denver, Colorado
80206.
As of June 29, 1997, the officers and directors of the Fund did not own
any of the Fund's shares.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
As of June 29, 1997, no one owned of record and beneficially any shares
of the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND DISTRIBUTOR
The Advisor to the Fund is Strong Capital Management, Inc. Mr. Richard
S. Strong controls the Advisor. Mr. Strong is the Chairman and a director of
the Advisor, Mr. Totsky is a Senior Vice President of the Advisor, Mr. Lemke is
a Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Advisor, Mr.
Flanagan is a Senior Vice President of the Advisor, Mr. Shenkenberg is Vice
President, Assistant Secretary, and Deputy General Counsel of the Advisor, and
Mr. Weitzer is Associate Counsel of the Advisor. A brief description of the
Fund's investment advisory agreement ("Advisory Agreement") is set forth in the
Prospectus under "About the Fund - Management."
The Advisory Agreement for the Fund is dated June 29, 1997, and will
remain in effect for a period of two years. The Advisory Agreement was approved
by the Fund's initial shareholder on its first day of operations. The Advisory
Agreement is required to be approved annually by either the Board of Directors
of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities
(as defined in the 1940 Act). In either case, each annual renewal must be
approved by the vote of a majority of the Fund's directors who are not parties
to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each
Advisory Agreement is terminable, without penalty, on 60 days' written notice by
the Board of Directors of the Fund, by vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities, or by the Advisor. In addition, an Advisory
Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
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<PAGE> 32
Under the terms of each Advisory Agreement, the Advisor manages the
Fund's investments subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors.
The Advisor is responsible for investment decisions and supplies investment
research and portfolio management. At its expense, the Advisor provides office
space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing
the investments of the Fund. The Advisor places all orders for the purchase and
sale of the Fund's portfolio securities at the Fund's expense.
Except for expenses assumed by the Advisor, as set forth above, or by
the Distributor as described below with respect to the distribution of the
Fund's shares, the Fund is responsible for all its other expenses, including,
without limitation, interest charges, taxes, brokerage commissions, and similar
expenses; expenses of issue, sale, repurchase, or redemption of shares; expenses
of registering or qualifying shares for sale; expenses for printing and
distribution costs of Prospectuses and quarterly financial statements mailed to
existing shareholders; and charges of custodians, transfer agents (including the
printing and mailing of reports and notices to shareholders), registrars,
auditing and legal services, clerical services related to recordkeeping and
shareholder relations, printing stock certificates; and fees for directors who
are not "interested persons" of the Advisor.
As compensation for its services, the Fund pays to the Advisor a monthly
management fee at the annual rate of .625% of the average daily net asset value
of the Fund. (See "Shareholder Manual - Determining Your Share Price" in the
Prospectus.) From time to time, the Advisor may voluntarily waive all or a
portion of its management fee for the Fund.
The Advisory Agreement requires the Advisor to reimburse the Fund in the
event that the expenses and charges payable by the Fund in any fiscal year,
including the management fee but excluding taxes, interest, brokerage
commissions, and similar fees and to the extent permitted extraordinary
expenses, exceed two percent (2%) of the average net asset value of the Fund for
such year, as determined by valuations made as of the close of each business day
of the year. Reimbursement of expenses in excess of the applicable limitation
will be made on a monthly basis and will be paid to the Fund by reduction of the
Advisor's fee, subject to later adjustment, month by month, for the remainder of
the Fund's fiscal year. The Advisor may from time to time voluntarily absorb
expenses for the Fund in addition to the reimbursement of expenses in excess of
application limitations.
On July 12, 1994, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
filed an administrative action (the "Order") against the Advisor, Mr. Strong,
and another employee of the Advisor in connection with conduct that occurred
between 1987 and early 1990. In re Strong/Corneliuson Capital Management, Inc.,
et al. Admin. Proc. File No. 3-8411. The proceeding was settled by consent
without admitting or denying the allegations in the Order. The Order found that
the Advisor and Mr. Strong aided and abetted violations of Section 17(a) of the
1940 Act by effecting trades between mutual funds, and between mutual funds and
Harbour Investments Ltd. ("Harbour"), without complying with the exemptive
provisions of SEC Rule 17a-7 or otherwise obtaining an exemption. It further
found that the Advisor violated, and Mr. Strong aided and abetted violations of,
the disclosure provisions of the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of
1940 by misrepresenting the Advisor's policy on personal trading and by failing
to disclose trading by Harbour, an entity in which principals of the Advisor
owned between 18 and 25 percent of the voting stock. As part of the settlement,
the respondents agreed to a censure and a cease and desist order and the Advisor
agreed to various undertakings, including adoption of certain procedures and a
limitation for six months on accepting certain types of new advisory clients.
On June 6, 1996, the Department of Labor (the "DOL") filed an action
against the Advisor for equitable relief alleging violations of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") in connection with cross trades
that occurred between 1987 and late 1989 involving certain pension accounts
managed by the Advisor. Contemporaneous with this filing, the Advisor, without
admitting or denying the DOL's allegations, agreed to the entry of a consent
judgment resolving all matters relating to the allegations. Reich v. Strong
Capital Management, Inc., (U.S.D.C. E.D. WI) (the "Consent Judgment"). Under
the terms of the Consent Judgment, the Advisor agreed to reimburse the affected
accounts a total of $5.9 million. The settlement did not have any material
impact on the Advisor's financial position or operations.
The Fund and the Advisor have adopted a Code of Ethics (the "Code")
which governs the personal trading activities of all "Access Persons" of the
Advisor. Access Persons include every director and officer of the Advisor and
the investment companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund, as well as
certain employees of the Advisor who have access to information relating to the
purchase or sale of securities by the Advisor on behalf of accounts managed by
it. The Code is based upon the principal that such Access Persons have a
fiduciary duty to place the interests of the Fund and the Advisor's other
clients ahead of their own.
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The Code requires Access Persons (other than Access Persons who are
independent directors of the investment companies managed by the Advisor,
including the Fund) to, among other things, preclear their securities
transactions (with limited exceptions, such as transactions in shares of mutual
funds, direct obligations of the U.S. government, and certain options on
broad-based securities market indexes) and to execute such transactions through
the Advisor's trading department. The Code, which applies to all Access Persons
(other than Access Persons who are independent directors of the investment
companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund), includes a ban on
acquiring any securities in an initial public offering, other than a new
offering of a registered open-end investment company, and a prohibition from
profiting on short-term trading in securities. In addition, no Access Person
may purchase or sell any security which is contemporaneously being purchased or
sold, or to the knowledge of the Access Person, is being considered for purchase
or sale, by the Advisor on behalf of any mutual fund or other account managed by
it. Finally, the Code provides for trading "black out" periods of seven
calendar days during which time Access Persons who are portfolio managers may
not trade in securities which have been purchased or sold by any mutual fund or
other account managed by the portfolio manager.
From time to time the Advisor votes the shares owned by the Fund
according to its Statement of General Proxy Voting Policy ("Proxy Voting
Policy"). The general principal of the Proxy Voting Policy is to vote any
beneficial interest in an equity security prudently and solely in the best
long-term economic interest of the Fund and its beneficiaries considering all
relevant factors and without undue influence from individuals or groups who may
have an economic interest in the outcome of a proxy vote. Shareholders may
obtain a copy of the Proxy Voting Policy upon request from the Advisor.
The Advisor provides investment advisory services for multiple clients
and may give advice and take action, with respect to any client, that may differ
from the advice given, or the timing or nature of action taken, with respect to
any one account. However, the Advisor will allocate over a period of time, to
the extent practical, investment opportunities to each account on a fair and
equitable basis relative to other similarly-situated client accounts. The
Advisor, its principals and associates (to the extent not prohibited by the
Code), and other clients of the Advisor may have, acquire, increase, decrease,
or dispose of securities or interests therein for an account that are or may be
deemed to be inconsistent with the actions taken by such persons.
Under a Distribution Agreement with the Fund dated June 29, 1997, Strong
Funds Distributors, Inc. ("Distributor"), a subsidiary of the Advisor, acts as
underwriter of the Fund's shares. Mr. Strong is the Chairman and Director of
the Distributor, Mr. Lemke is a Vice President of the Distributor, and Mr.
Shenkenberg is a Vice President and Secretary of the Distributor. The
Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor will use its best efforts
to distribute the Fund's shares. Since the Fund is a "no-load" fund, no sales
commissions are charged on the purchase of Fund shares. Each Distribution
Agreement further provides that the Distributor will bear the additional costs
of printing Prospectuses and shareholder reports which are used for selling
purposes, as well as advertising and any other costs attributable to the
distribution of the Fund's shares. The Distributor is an indirect subsidiary of
the Advisor and controlled by the Advisor and Richard S. Strong. The
Distribution Agreement is subject to the same termination and renewal provisions
as are described above with respect to the Advisory Agreement.
From time to time, the Distributor may hold in-house sales incentive
programs for its associated persons under which these persons may receive
non-cash compensation awards in connection with the sale and distribution of the
Fund's shares. These awards may include items such as, but not limited to,
gifts, merchandise, gift certificates, and payment of travel expenses, meals and
lodging. As required by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or
NASD's proposed rule amendments in this area, any in-house sales incentive
program will be multi-product oriented, i.e., any incentive will be based on an
associated person's gross production of all securities within a product type and
will not be based on the sales of shares of any specifically designated mutual
fund.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for
the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's portfolio business and the
negotiation of the commissions to be paid on such transactions. It is the
policy of the Advisor to seek the best execution at the best security price
available with respect to each transaction, in light of the overall quality of
brokerage and research services provided to the Advisor or the Fund. In
over-the-counter transactions, orders are placed directly with a principal
market maker unless it is believed that a better price and execution can be
obtained using a broker. The best price to the Fund means the best net price
without regard to the mix between purchase or sale price and commissions, if
any. In
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selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Advisor considers
a variety of factors, including best price and execution, the full range of
brokerage services provided by the broker, as well as its capital strength and
stability, and the quality of the research and research services provided by
the broker. Brokerage will not be allocated based on the sale of any shares of
the Strong Funds.
The Advisor has adopted procedures that provide generally for the
Advisor to seek to bunch orders for the purchase or sale of the same security
for the Fund, other mutual funds managed by the Advisor, and other advisory
clients (collectively, the "client accounts"). The Advisor will bunch orders
when it deems it to be appropriate and in the best interests of the client
accounts. When a bunched order is filled in its entirety, each participating
client account will participate at the average share price for the bunched order
on the same business day, and transaction costs shall be shared pro rata based
on each client's participation in the bunched order. When a bunched order is
only partially filled, the securities purchased will be allocated on a pro rata
basis to each client account participating in the bunched order based upon the
initial amount requested for the account, subject to certain exceptions, and
each participating account will participate at the average share price for the
bunched order on the same business day.
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 28(e)")
permits an investment advisor, under certain circumstances, to cause an account
to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of
the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for
effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of the brokerage and
research services provided by the broker or dealer. Brokerage and research
services include (a) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the
advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the
availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (b)
furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of
accounts; and (c) effecting securities transactions and performing functions
incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody).
In carrying out the provisions of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor
may cause the Fund to pay a broker, which provides brokerage and research
services to the Advisor, a commission for effecting a securities transaction in
excess of the amount another broker would have charged for effecting the
transaction. The Advisor believes it is important to its investment
decision-making process to have access to independent research. The Advisory
Agreement provides that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund
unless (a) the Advisor determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in
relation to the services in terms of the particular transaction or in terms of
the Advisor's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which
it exercises investment discretion; (b) such payment is made in compliance with
the provisions of Section 28(e), other applicable state and federal laws, and
the Advisory Agreement; and (c) in the opinion of the Advisor, the total
commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to
the Fund over the long term. The investment management fees paid by the Fund
under the Advisory Agreement is not reduced as a result of the Advisor's receipt
of research services.
Generally, research services provided by brokers may include information
on the economy, industries, groups of securities, individual companies,
statistical information, accounting and tax law interpretations, political
developments, legal developments affecting portfolio securities, technical
market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk measurement
analysis, performance analysis, and analysis of corporate responsibility issues.
Such research services are received primarily in the form of written reports,
telephone contacts, and personal meetings with security analysts. In addition,
such research services may be provided in the form of access to various
computer-generated data, computer hardware and software, and meetings arranged
with corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians, and
government representatives. In some cases, research services are generated by
third parties but are provided to the Advisor by or through brokers. Such
brokers may pay for all or a portion of computer hardware and software costs
relating to the pricing of securities.
Where the Advisor itself receives both administrative benefits and
research and brokerage services from the services provided by brokers, it makes
a good faith allocation between the administrative benefits and the research and
brokerage services, and will pay for any administrative benefits with cash. In
making good faith allocations of costs between administrative benefits and
research and brokerage services, a conflict of interest may exist by reason of
the Advisor's allocation of the costs of such benefits and services between
those that primarily benefit the Advisor and those that primarily benefit the
Fund and other advisory clients.
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From time to time, the Advisor may purchase new issues of securities for
the Fund in a fixed price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a
member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling the securities to
the Fund and other advisory clients, provide the Advisor with research. The
National Association of Securities Dealers has adopted rules expressly
permitting these types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally,
the seller will provide research "credits" in these situations at a rate that is
higher than that which is available for typical secondary market transactions.
These arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).
Each year, the Advisor considers the amount and nature of research and
research services provided by brokers, as well as the extent to which such
services are relied upon, and attempts to allocate a portion of the brokerage
business of the Fund and other advisory clients on the basis of that
consideration. In addition, brokers may suggest a level of business they would
like to receive in order to continue to provide such services. The actual
brokerage business received by a broker may be more or less than the suggested
allocations, depending upon the Advisor's evaluation of all applicable
considerations.
The Advisor has informal arrangements with various brokers whereby, in
consideration for providing research services and subject to Section 28(e), the
Advisor allocates brokerage to those firms, provided that their brokerage and
research services were satisfactory to the Advisor and their execution
capabilities were compatible with the Advisor's policy of seeking best execution
at the best security price available, as discussed above. In no case will the
Advisor make binding commitments as to the level of brokerage commissions it
will allocate to a broker, nor will it commit to pay cash if any informal
targets are not met. The Advisor anticipates it will continue to enter into
such brokerage arrangements.
The Advisor may direct the purchase of securities on behalf of the Fund
and other advisory clients in secondary market transactions, in public offerings
directly from an underwriter, or in privately negotiated transactions with an
issuer. When the Advisor believes the circumstances so warrant, securities
purchased in public offerings may be resold shortly after acquisition in the
immediate aftermarket for the security in order to take advantage of price
appreciation from the public offering price or for other reasons. Short-term
trading of securities acquired in public offerings, or otherwise, may result in
higher portfolio turnover and associated brokerage expenses.
The Advisor places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts,
including other mutual funds managed by the Advisor. Research services
furnished by firms through which the Fund effects its securities transactions
may be used by the Advisor in servicing all of its accounts; not all of such
services may be used by the Advisor in connection with the Fund. In the opinion
of the Advisor, it is not possible to measure separately the benefits from
research services to each of the accounts (including the Fund) managed by the
Advisor. Because the volume and nature of the trading activities of the accounts
are not uniform, the amount of commissions in excess of those charged by another
broker paid by each account for brokerage and research services will vary.
However, in the opinion of the Advisor, such costs to the Fund will not be
disproportionate to the benefits received by the Fund on a continuing basis.
The Advisor seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever
concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund and
another advisory account. In some cases, this procedure could have an adverse
effect on the price or the amount of securities available to the Fund. In
making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the main
factors considered by the Advisor are the respective investment objectives, the
relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the
availability of cash for investment, the size of investment commitments
generally held, and the opinions of the persons responsible for recommending the
investment.
Where consistent with a client's investment objectives, investment
restrictions, and risk tolerance, the Advisor may purchase securities sold in
underwritten public offerings for client accounts, commonly referred to as
"deal" securities. The Advisor has adopted deal allocation procedures (the
"procedures"), summarized below, that reflect the Advisor's overriding policy
that deal securities must be allocated among participating client accounts in a
fair and equitable manner and that deal securities may not be allocated in a
manner that unfairly discriminates in favor of certain clients or types of
clients.
The procedures provide that, in determining which client accounts a
portfolio manager team will seek to have purchase deal securities, the team will
consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the nature, size,
and expected allocation to the Advisor of deal securities; the size of the
account(s); the accounts' investment objectives and restrictions; the risk
tolerance of the client; the client's tolerance for possibly higher portfolio
turnover; the amount of commissions generated by the account during the past
year; and the number of other deals the client has participated in during the
past year.
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Where more than one of the Advisor portfolio manager team seeks to have
client accounts participate in a deal and the amount of deal securities
allocated to the Advisor by the underwriting syndicate is less than the
aggregate amount ordered by the Advisor (a "reduced allocation"), the deal
securities will be allocated among the portfolio manager teams based on all
relevant factors. The primary factor shall be assets under management, although
other factors that may be considered in the allocation decision include, but are
not limited to, the nature, size, and expected Advisor allocation of the deal;
the amount of brokerage commissions or other amounts generated by the respective
participating portfolio manager teams; and which portfolio manager team is
primarily responsible for the Advisor receiving securities in the deal. Based
on the relevant factors, the Advisor has established general allocation
percentages for its portfolio manager teams, and these percentages are reviewed
on a regular basis to determine whether asset growth or other factors make it
appropriate to use different general allocation percentages for reduced
allocations.
When a portfolio manager team receives a reduced allocation of deal
securities, the portfolio manager team will allocate the reduced allocation
among client accounts in accordance with the allocation percentages set forth in
the team's initial allocation instructions for the deal securities, except where
this would result in a de minimis allocation to any client account. On a
regular basis, the Advisor reviews the allocation of deal securities to ensure
that they have been allocated in a fair and equitable manner that does not
unfairly discriminate in favor of certain clients or types of clients.
CUSTODIAN
As custodian of the Fund's assets, Firstar Trust Company, P.O. Box 701,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, has custody of all securities and cash of the Fund,
delivers and receives payment for securities sold, receives and pays for
securities purchased, collects income from investments, and performs other
duties, all as directed by the officers of the Fund. The custodian and, if
applicable, the sub-custodian are in no way responsible for any of the
investment policies or decisions of the Fund.
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT
The Advisor acts as transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent for the
Fund. The Advisor is compensated based on an annual fee per open account of
$31.50, plus out-of-pocket expenses, such as postage and printing expenses in
connection with shareholder communications. The Advisor also receives an annual
fee per closed account of $4.20 from the Fund. The fees received and the
services provided as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent are in
addition to those received and provided by the Advisor under the Advisory
Agreement. In addition, the Advisor provides certain printing and mailing
services for the Fund, such as printing and mailing of shareholder account
statements, checks, and tax forms.
From time to time, the Fund, directly or indirectly through arrangements
with the Advisor, and/or the Advisor may pay amounts to third parties that
provide transfer agent and other administrative services relating to the Fund to
persons who beneficially own interests in the Fund, such as participants in
401(k) plans. These services may include, among other things, sub-accounting
services, transfer agent type activities, answering inquiries relating to the
Fund, transmitting, on behalf of the Fund, proxy statements, annual reports,
updated Prospectuses, other communications regarding the Fund, and related
services as the Fund or beneficial owners may reasonably request. In such
cases, the Fund will not pay fees based on the number of beneficial owners at a
rate that is greater than the rate the Fund is currently paying the Advisor for
providing these services to Fund shareholders.
TAXES
GENERAL
The Fund intends to qualify annually for treatment as a regulated
investment company ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Tax
Code"). This qualification does not involve governmental supervision of the
Fund's management practices or policies. The following federal tax discussion
is intended to provide you with an overview of the impact of federal income tax
provisions on the Fund or its shareholders. These tax provisions are subject to
change by legislative or administrative action at the federal, state or local
level, and any changes may be applied retroactively. Any such action that
limits or restricts the Fund's current ability to pass-through earnings without
taxation at the Fund level, or otherwise
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materially changes the Fund's tax treatment, could adversely affect the value
of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. Because the Fund's taxes are a
complex matter, you should consult your tax adviser for more detailed
information concerning the taxation of the Fund and the federal, state and
local tax consequences to shareholders of an investment in the Fund.
In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the Tax Code, the Fund
must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income (consisting generally of taxable net
investment income, net short-term capital gain, and net gains from certain
foreign currency transactions if applicable) ("Distribution Requirement") plus
its net interest income excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of the
Tax Code and must meet several additional requirements. These requirements
include the following: (1) the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income
each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities
loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign
currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures, or forward
contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in securities
("Income Requirement"); (2) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable
year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash
and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other
securities, with these other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer,
to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and
that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting
securities; and (3) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, not
more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in securities
(other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any
one issuer. From time to time the Advisor may find it necessary to make certain
types of investments for the purpose of ensuring that the Fund continues to
qualify for treatment as RICs under the Tax Code.
If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or
less, the loss will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends
received on those shares. Any portion of such a loss that is not disallowed
will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the extent
of any capital gain distributions received on those shares.
The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax ("Excise Tax")
to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year
substantially all of its ordinary taxable income for that year and capital gain
net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus
certain other amounts.
FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS
Interest and dividends received by the Fund may be subject to income,
withholding, or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions
that would reduce the yield on its securities. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes,
however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in
respect of investments by foreign investors.
The Fund maintains its accounts and calculates its income in U.S.
dollars. In general, gain or loss (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies
and forward currency contracts, (2) from the disposition of
foreign-currency-denominated debt securities that are attributable to
fluctuations in exchange rates between the date the securities are acquired and
their disposition date, and (3) attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates
between the time the Fund accrues interest or other receivables or expenses or
other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund
actually collects those receivables or pays those liabilities, will be treated
as ordinary income or loss. A foreign-currency-denominated debt security
acquired by the Fund may bear interest at a high normal rate that takes into
account expected decreases in the value of the principal amount of the security
due to anticipated currency devaluations; in that case, the Fund would be
required to include the interest in income as it accrues but generally would
realize a currency loss with respect to the principal only when the principal
was received (through disposition or upon maturity).
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The use of derivatives strategies, such as purchasing and selling
(writing) options and futures and entering into forward currency contracts, if
applicable, involves complex rules that will determine for income tax purposes
the character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund
realizes in connection therewith. Gains from the disposition of foreign
currencies, if any (except certain gains therefrom that may be excluded by
future regulations), and income from transactions in options, futures and
forward currency contracts, if applicable, derived by the Fund with respect to
its business of investing in securities or foreign currencies, if applicable,
will qualify as permissible income under the Income Requirement.
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For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is required to recognize as
income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on options,
futures or forward currency contracts, if any, that are subject to section 1256
of the Tax Code ("Section 1256 Contracts") and are held by the Fund as of the
end of the year, as well as gains and losses on Section 1256 Contracts actually
realized during the year. Except for Section 1256 Contracts that are part of a
"mixed straddle" and with respect to which the Fund makes a certain election,
any gain or loss recognized with respect to Section 1256 Contracts is considered
to be 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or
loss, without regard to the holding period of the Section 1256 Contract.
ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON, AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES
The Fund may acquire zero-coupon, step-coupon, or other securities
issued with original issue discount. As a holder of those securities, the Fund
must include in its income the original issue discount that accrues on the
securities during the taxable year, even if the Fund receives no corresponding
payment on the securities during the year. Similarly, the Fund must include in
its income securities it receives as "interest" on pay-in-kind securities.
Because the Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment
company taxable income, including any original issue discount and other non-cash
income, to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the
Excise Tax, it may be required in a particular year to distribute as a dividend
an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually receives.
Those distributions may be made from the proceeds on sales of portfolio
securities, if necessary. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses from
those sales, which would increase or decrease its investment company taxable
income or net capital gain, or both. In addition, any such gains may be
realized on the disposition of securities held for less than three months.
Because of the 30% Limitation, any such gains would reduce the Fund's ability to
sell other securities, or certain options, or futures, or forward currency
contracts, held for less that three months that it might wish to sell in the
ordinary course of its portfolio management.
The foregoing federal tax discussion as well as the tax discussion
contained within the Prospectus under "About the Fund - Distributions and Taxes"
is intended to provide you with an overview of the impact of federal income tax
provisions on the Fund or its shareholders. These tax provisions are subject to
change by legislative or administrative action at the federal, state, or local
level, and any changes may be applied retroactively. Any such action that
limits or restricts the Fund's current ability to pass-through earnings without
taxation at the Fund level, or otherwise materially changes the Fund's tax
treatment, could adversely affect the value of a shareholder's investment in the
Fund. Because the Fund's taxes are a complex matter, you should consult your
tax adviser for more detailed information concerning the taxation of the Fund
and the federal, state, and local tax consequences to shareholders of an
investment in the Fund.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
As set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Shareholder Manual -
Determining Your Share Price," the net asset value of the Fund will be
determined as of the close of trading on each day the New York Stock Exchange
(the "NYSE") is open for trading. The New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading Monday through Friday except New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and
Christmas Day. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a
Saturday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday, and
when any such holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading
on the succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist, such as the
ending of a monthly or yearly accounting period.
ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES
The Fund employs reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. The Fund may not be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Such procedures include but are not
limited to requiring a form of personal identification prior to acting on
instructions received by telephone, providing written confirmations of such
transactions to the address of record, and tape recording telephone
instructions.
REDEMPTION-IN-KIND
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<PAGE> 39
The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act,
which obligates the Fund to redeem shares in cash, with respect to any one
shareholder during any 90-day period, up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the
assets of the Fund. If the Advisor determines that existing conditions make
cash payments undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part
in securities or other financial assets, valued for this purpose as they are
valued in computing the NAV for the Fund's shares (a "redemption-in-kind").
Shareholders receiving securities or other financial assets in a
redemption-in-kind may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur
any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences. If you expect to
make a redemption in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's assets
during any 90-day period and would like to avoid any possibility of being paid
with securities in-kind, you may do so by providing Strong Funds with an
unconditional instruction to redeem at least 15 calendar days prior to the date
on which the redemption transaction is to occur, specifying the dollar amount or
number of shares to be redeemed and the date of the transaction (please call
1-800-368-3863). This will provide the Fund with sufficient time to raise the
cash in an orderly manner to pay the redemption and thereby minimize the effect
of the redemption on the interests of the Fund's remaining shareholders.
Redemption checks in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's assets
during any 90-day period may not be honored by the Fund if the Advisor
determines that existing conditions make cash payments undesirable.
RETIREMENT PLANS
Individual Retirement Account (IRA): Everyone under age 70 1/2 with earned
income may contribute to a tax-deferred IRA. The Strong Funds offer a prototype
plan for you to establish your own IRA. You are allowed to contribute up to the
lesser of $2,000 or 100% of your earned income each year to your IRA (or up to
$4,000 between your IRA and your non-working spouses' IRA). Under certain
circumstances, your contribution will be deductible.
Direct Rollover IRA: To avoid the mandatory 20% federal withholding tax on
distributions, you must transfer the qualified retirement or Code section
403(b) plan distribution directly into an IRA. The distribution must be
eligible for rollover. The amount of your Direct Rollover IRA contribution
will not be included in your taxable income for the year.
Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP-IRA): A SEP-IRA plan allows an employer
to make deductible contributions to separate IRA accounts established for each
eligible employee.
Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SAR SEP-IRA): A SAR SEP-IRA
plan is a type of SEP-IRA plan in which an employer may allow employees to
defer part of their salaries and contribute to an IRA account. These deferrals
help lower the employees' taxable income. Please note that you may no longer
open new SAR SEP-IRA plans (since December 31, 1996). However, employers with
SAR SEP-IRA plans that were established prior to January 31, 1997 may still
open accounts for new employees.
Simplified Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE-IRA): A SIMPLE-IRA plan
is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a percentage
of their compensation, up to $6,000, on a pre-tax basis, to a SIMPLE-IRA
account. The employer is required to make annual contributions to eligible
employees' accounts. All contributions grow tax-deferred.
Defined Contribution Plan: A defined contribution plan allows self-employed
individuals, partners, or a corporation to provide retirement benefits for
themselves and their employees. Plan types include: profit-sharing plans,
money purchase pension plans, and paired plans (a combination of a
profit-sharing plan and a money purchase plan).
401(k) Plan: A 401(k) plan is a type of profit-sharing plan that allows
employees to have part of their salary contributed on a pre-tax basis to a
retirement plan which will earn tax-deferred income. A 401(k) plan is funded by
employee contributions, employer contributions, or a combination of both.
403(b)(7) Plan: A tax-sheltered custodial account designed to qualify under
section 403(b)(7) of the Code is available for use by employees of certain
educational, non-profit, hospital, and charitable organizations.
RIGHT OF SET-OFF
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<PAGE> 40
To the extent not prohibited by law, the Fund, any other Strong Fund,
and the Advisor each has the right to set-off against a shareholder's account
balance with a Strong Fund, and redeem from such account, any debt the
shareholder may owe any of these entities. This right applies even if the
account is not identically registered.
- 35 -
<PAGE> 41
FUND ORGANIZATION
The Fund is a series of common stock of Strong Income Funds, Inc.
(formerly known as Strong U.S. Treasury Money Fund, Inc.), a Wisconsin
corporation (the "Corporation"). The Corporation was incorporated on February
24, 1989 and is authorized to issue an indefinite number of shares of common
stock and series and classes of series of shares of common stock, with a par
value of .00001 per share. The shares in any one portfolio may, in turn, be
offered in separate classes, each with differing preferences, limitations or
relative rights. However, the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation provides
that if additional classes of shares are issued by the Fund, such new classes of
shares may not affect the preferences, limitations or relative rights of the
Fund's outstanding shares. In addition, the Corporation's Board of Directors is
authorized to allocate assets, liabilities, income and expenses to each series
and class. Classes within a series may have different expense arrangements than
other classes of the same series and, accordingly, the net asset value of shares
within a series may differ. Finally, all holders of shares of the Corporation
may vote on each matter presented to shareholders for action except with respect
to any matter which affects only one or more series or class, in which case only
the shares of the affected series or class are entitled to vote. Fractional
shares have the same rights proportionately as do full shares. The Corporation
currently has two series of common stock outstanding, each with an indefinite
number of authorized shares. If the Corporation issues additional series, the
assets belonging to each series of shares will be held separately by the
custodian, and in effect each series will be a separate fund.
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
The Wisconsin Business Corporation Law permits registered investment
companies, such as the Corporation, to operate without an annual meeting of
shareholders under specified circumstances if an annual meeting is not required
by the 1940 Act. The Corporation has adopted the appropriate provisions in
their Bylaws and may, at their discretion, not hold an annual meeting in any
year in which the election of directors is not required to be acted on by
shareholders under the 1940 Act.
The Corporation's Bylaws allow for a director to be removed by its
shareholders with or without cause, only at a meeting called for the purpose of
removing the director. Upon the written request of the holders of shares
entitled to not less than ten percent (10%) of all the votes entitled to be cast
at such meeting, the Secretary of the Corporation shall promptly call a special
meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal
of any director. The Secretary of the Corporation shall inform such shareholders
of the reasonable estimated costs of preparing and mailing the notice of the
meeting, and upon payment to the Corporation of such costs, the Corporation
shall give not less than ten nor more than sixty days notice of the special
meeting.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
As described in the "About the Fund - Performance Information" section
of the Fund's Prospectus, the Fund's historical performance or return may be
shown in the form of "yield." In addition, the Funds' performance may be shown
in the form of "average annual total return," "total return," and "cumulative
total return." From time to time, the advisor agrees to waive or reduce its
management fee and to absorb certain operating expenses for the Fund.
YIELD
The Fund's yield is computed in accordance with a standardized method
prescribed by rules of the SEC. Under that method, the current yield quotation
for the Fund is based on a one month or 30-day period. The yield is computed by
dividing the net investment income per share earned during the 30-day or one
month period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
period, according to the following formula:
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<PAGE> 42
YIELD = 2[(a-b + 1)6 - 1]
---
cd
Where: a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during
the period that were entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of
the period.
DISTRIBUTION RATE
The distribution rate is computed, according to a non-standardized
formula, by dividing the total amount of actual distributions per share paid by
the Fund over a twelve month period by the Fund's net asset value on the last
day of the period. The distribution rate differs from the Fund's yield because
the distribution rate includes distributions to shareholders from sources other
than dividends and interest, such as short-term capital gains. Therefore, the
Fund's distribution rate may be substantially different than its yield. Both
the Fund's yield and distribution rate will fluctuate.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
The average annual total return of the Fund is computed by finding the
average annual compounded rates of return over these periods that would equate
the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value, according to the
following formula:
P (1 + T)n = ERV
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $10,000.
T = average annual total return.
n = number of years.
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $10,000
payment made at the beginning of the stated periods at
the end of the stated periods.
TOTAL RETURN
Calculation of the Fund's total return is not subject to a standardized
formula. Total return performance for a specific period is calculated by first
taking an investment (assumed below to be $10,000) ("initial investment") in the
Fund's shares on the first day of the period and computing the "ending value" of
that investment at the end of the period. The total return percentage is then
determined by subtracting the initial investment from the ending value and
dividing the remainder by the initial investment and expressing the result as a
percentage. The calculation assumes that all income and capital gains dividends
paid by the Fund have been reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment
dates during the period. Total return may also be shown as the increased dollar
value of the hypothetical investment over the period. Total return figures for
various periods are set forth in the table below.
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Calculation of the Fund's cumulative total return is not subject to a
standardized formula and represents the simple change in value of our investment
over a stated period and may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount.
Total returns and cumulative total returns may be broken down into their
components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes in share
price) in order to illustrate the relationship between these factors and their
contributions to total return.
The Fund's performance figures are based upon historical results and do
not represent future results. The Fund's shares are sold at net asset value per
share. The Fund's returns and net asset value will fluctuate and shares are
redeemable at the then current net asset value of the Fund, which may be more or
less than original cost. Factors affecting the Fund's performance include
general market conditions, operating expenses and investment management. Any
additional fees charged by a dealer or other financial services firm would
reduce the returns described in this section.
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<PAGE> 43
COMPARISONS
(1) U.S. TREASURY BILLS, NOTES, OR BONDS
Investors may want to compare the performance of the Fund to that of
U.S. Treasury bills, notes or bonds, which are issued by the U.S. government.
Treasury obligations are issued in selected denominations. Rates of Treasury
obligations are fixed at the time of issuance and payment of principal and
interest is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Treasury.
The market value of such instruments will generally fluctuate inversely with
interest rates prior to maturity and will equal par value at maturity.
Generally, the values of obligations with shorter maturities will fluctuate less
than those with longer maturities.
(2) CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
Investors may want to compare the Fund's performance to that of
certificates of deposit offered by banks and other depositary institutions.
Certificates of deposit may offer fixed or variable interest rates and principal
is guaranteed and may be insured. Withdrawal of the deposits prior to maturity
normally will be subject to a penalty. Rates offered by banks and other
depositary institutions are subject to change at any time specified by the
issuing institution.
(3) MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Investors may also want to compare performance of the Fund to that of
money market funds. Money market fund yields will fluctuate and shares are not
insured, but share values usually remain stable.
(4) LIPPER ANALYTICAL SERVICES, INC. ("LIPPER") AND OTHER INDEPENDENT
RANKING ORGANIZATIONS
From time to time, in marketing and other fund literature, the Fund's
performance may be compared to the performance of other mutual funds in general
or to the performance of particular types of mutual funds, with similar
investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations. Among these
organizations, Lipper, a widely used independent research firm which ranks
mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives, and assets, may be
cited. Lipper performance figures are based on changes in net asset value, with
all income and capital gain dividends reinvested. Such calculations do not
include the effect of any sales charges imposed by other funds. The Fund will
be compared to Lipper's appropriate fund category, that is, by fund objective
and portfolio holdings. The Fund's performance may also be compared to the
average performance of its Lipper category.
(5) MORNINGSTAR, INC.
The Fund's performance may also be compared to the performance of other
mutual funds by Morningstar, Inc. which rates funds on the basis of historical
risk and total return. Morningstar's ratings range from five stars (highest) to
one star (lowest) and represent Morningstar's assessment of the historical risk
level and total return of a fund as a weighted average for 3, 5, and 10 year
periods. Ratings are not absolute and do not represent future results.
(6) INDEPENDENT SOURCES
Evaluations of Fund performance made by independent sources may also be
used in advertisements concerning the Fund, including reprints of, or selections
from, editorials or articles about the Fund, especially those with similar
objectives. Sources for Fund performance information and articles about the
Fund may include publications such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's, Smart Money,
Morningstar, Inc., Financial World, Business Week, U.S. News and World Report,
The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and a variety of investment newsletters.
(7) VARIOUS BANK PRODUCTS
The Fund's performance also may be compared on a before or after-tax
basis to various bank products, including the average rate of bank and thrift
institution money market deposit accounts, Super N.O.W. accounts and
certificates of deposit of various maturities as reported in the Bank Rate
Monitor, National Index of 100 leading banks, and thrift institutions as
published by the Bank Rate Monitor, Miami Beach, Florida. The rates published
by the Bank Rate Monitor National Index are averages of the personal account
rates offered on the Wednesday prior to the date of publication by 100 large
banks and thrifts in the top ten Consolidated Standard Metropolitan Statistical
Areas. The rates provided for the bank accounts assume no compounding and are
for the lowest minimum deposit required to open an account. Higher rates may be
available for larger deposits.
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<PAGE> 44
With respect to money market deposit accounts and Super N.O.W.
accounts, account minimums range upward from $2,000 in each institution and
compounding methods vary. Super N.O.W. accounts generally offer unlimited
check writing while money market deposit accounts generally restrict the number
of checks that may be written. If more than one rate is offered, the lowest
rate is used. Rates are determined by the financial institution and are
subject to change at any time specified by the institution. Generally, the
rates offered for these products take market conditions and competitive product
yields into consideration when set. Bank products represent a taxable
alternative income producing product. Bank and thrift institution deposit
accounts may be insured. Shareholder accounts in the Fund are not insured.
Bank passbook savings accounts compete with money market mutual fund products
with respect to certain liquidity features but may not offer all of the
features available from a money market mutual fund, such as check writing.
Bank passbook savings accounts normally offer a fixed rate of interest while
the yield of the Fund fluctuates. Bank checking accounts normally do not pay
interest but compete with money market mutual fund products with respect to
certain liquidity features (e.g., the ability to write checks against the
account). Bank certificates of deposit may offer fixed or variable rates for a
set term. (Normally, a variety of terms are available.) Withdrawal of these
deposits prior to maturity will normally be subject to a penalty. In contrast,
shares of the Fund are redeemable at the net asset value (normally, $1.00 per
share) next determined after a request is received, without charge.
(8) INDICES
The Fund may compare its performance to a wide variety of indices.
There are differences and similarities between the investments which the Fund
may purchase and the investments measured by indices.
(9) HISTORICAL ASSET CLASS RETURNS
From time to time, marketing materials may portray the historical
returns of various asset classes. Such presentations will typically compare the
average annual rates of return of inflation, U.S. Treasury bills, bonds, common
stocks, and small stocks. There are important differences between each of these
investments that should be considered in viewing any such comparison. The
market value of stocks will fluctuate with market conditions, and small-stock
prices generally will fluctuate more than large-stock prices. Stocks are
generally more volatile than bonds. In return for this volatility, stocks have
generally performed better than bonds or cash over time. Bond prices generally
will fluctuate inversely with interest rates and other market conditions, and
the prices of bonds with longer maturities generally will fluctuate more than
those of shorter-maturity bonds. Interest rates for bonds may be fixed at the
time of issuance, and payment of principal and interest may be guaranteed by the
issuer and, in the case of U.S. Treasury obligations, backed by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. Treasury.
(10) STRONG FAMILY OF FUNDS
The Strong Family of Funds offers a comprehensive range of conservative
to aggressive investment options. All of the members of the Strong Family and
their investment objectives are listed below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND NAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Strong Money Market Fund Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Heritage Money Fund Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Municipal Money Market Federally tax-exempt current income, a stable share-price, and daily
Fund liquidity.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Municipal Advantage Fund Federally tax-exempt current income with a very low degree of
share-price fluctuation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Advantage Fund Current income with a very low degree of share-price fluctuation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt
Fund current income with a low degree of share-price fluctuation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Short-Term Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a low
degree of share-price fluctuation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Short-Term Global Bond Total return by investing for a high level of income with a low degree
Fund of share-price fluctuation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Short-Term High Yield Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a
Bond Fund moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Government Securities Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a
Fund moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- 39 -
<PAGE> 45
<TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Strong Municipal Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt
current income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Corporate Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a
moderate degree of share-price fluctuation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt
Fund current income.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong High-Yield Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income and capital
growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong International Bond Fund High total return by investing for both income and capital appreciation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Asset Allocation Fund High total return consistent with reasonable risk over the long term.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Equity Income Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong American Utilities Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Blue Chip 100 Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Total Return Fund High total return by investing for capital growth and income.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Growth and Income Fund High total return by investing for capital growth and income.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Index 500 Fund To approximate as closely as practicable (before fees and expenses) the
capitalization-weighted total rate of return of that portion of the U.S.
market for publicly traded common stocks composed of the larger
capitalized companies.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Schafer Value Fund Long-term capital appreciation principally through investment in common
stocks and other equity securities. Current income is a secondary
objective.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Value Fund Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Opportunity Fund Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Mid Cap Fund Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Common Stock Fund* Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Growth Fund Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Discovery Fund Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Small Cap Fund Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Growth 20 Fund Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong International Stock Fund Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Asia Pacific Fund Capital growth.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Fund is closed to new investors, except the Fund may continue to offer
its shares through certain 401(k) plans and similar company-sponsored
retirement plans.
The Advisor also serves as Advisor or Subadvisor to several management
investment companies, some of which fund variable annuity separate accounts of
certain insurance companies.
The Fund may from time to time be compared to the other funds in the
Strong Family of Funds based on a risk/reward spectrum. In general, the amount
of risk associated with any investment product is commensurate with that
product's potential level of reward. The Strong Funds risk/reward continuum or
any Fund's position on the continuum may be described or diagrammed in marketing
materials. The Strong Funds risk/reward continuum positions the risk and reward
potential of each Strong Fund relative to the other Strong Funds, but is not
intended to position any Strong Fund relative to other mutual funds or
investment products. Marketing materials may also discuss the relationship
between risk and reward as it relates to an individual investor's portfolio.
Financial goals vary from person to person. You may choose one or more
of the Strong Funds to help you reach your financial goals. To help you better
understand the Strong Income Funds and determine which Fund or combination of
Funds best meets your personal investment objectives, they are described in the
same Prospectus.
(10) TYING TIME FRAMES TO YOUR GOALS
There are many issues to consider as you make your investment decisions,
including analyzing your risk tolerance, investing experience, and asset
allocations. You should start to organize your investments by learning to link
your many financial goals to specific time frames. Then you can begin to
identify the appropriate types of investments to help meet your
- 40 -
<PAGE> 46
goals. As a general rule of thumb, the longer your time horizon, the more
price fluctuation you will be able to tolerate in pursuit of higher returns.
For that reason, many people with longer-term goals select stocks or long-term
bonds, and many people with nearer-term goals match those up with for instance,
short-term bonds. The Advisor developed the following suggested holding
periods to help our investors set realistic expectations for both the risk and
reward potential of our funds. (See table below.) Of course, time is just one
element to consider when making your investment decision.
STRONG FUNDS SUGGESTED MINIMUM HOLDING PERIODS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDER 1 YEAR 1 TO 2 YEARS 4 TO 7 YEARS 5 OR MORE YEARS
- ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Money Market Fund Advantage Fund Government Securities Fund Asset Allocation Fund
Heritage Money Fund Municipal Advantage Fund Municipal Bond Fund American Utilities
Municipal Money Market Corporate Bond Fund Fund
Fund 2 TO 4 YEARS International Bond Fund Index 500 Fund
------------
Short-Term Bond Fund High-Yield Municipal Bond Total Return Fund
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund Opportunity Fund
Fund High-Yield Bond Fund Growth Fund
Short-Term Global Bond Common Stock Fund*
Fund Discovery Fund
Short-Term High Yield Bond International Stock
Fund Fund
Asia Pacific Fund
Value Fund
Small Cap Fund
Growth and Income
Fund
Equity Income Fund
Mid Cap Fund
Schafer Value Fund
Growth 20 Fund
Blue Chip 100 Fund
</TABLE>
* This Fund is closed to new investors, except the Fund may continue to offer
its shares through certain 401(k) plans and similar company-sponsored
retirement plans.
ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION
(1) DURATION
Duration is a calculation that seeks to measure the price sensitivity of
a bond or a bond fund to changes in interest rates. It measures bond price
sensitivity to interest rate changes by taking into account the time value of
cash flows generated over the bond's life. Future interest and principal
payments are discounted to reflect their present value and then are multiplied
by the number of years they will be received to produce a value that is
expressed in years. Since duration can also be computed for the Fund, you can
estimate the effect of interest rates on the Fund's share price. Simply
multiply the Fund's duration by an expected change in interest rates. For
example, the price of the Fund with a duration of two years would be expected to
fall approximately two percent if market interest rates rose by one percentage
point.
(2) PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS
- 41 -
<PAGE> 47
In order to present a more complete picture of the Fund's portfolio,
marketing materials may include various actual or estimated portfolio
characteristics, including but not limited to median market capitalizations,
earnings per share, alphas, betas, price/earnings ratios, returns on equity,
dividend yields, capitalization ranges, growth rates, price/book ratios, top
holdings, sector breakdowns, asset allocations, quality breakdowns, and
breakdowns by geographic region.
(3) MEASURES OF VOLATILITY AND RELATIVE PERFORMANCE
Occasionally statistics may be used to specify Fund volatility or risk.
The general premise is that greater volatility connotes greater risk undertaken
in achieving performance. Measures of volatility or risk are generally used to
compare the Fund's net asset value or performance relative to a market index.
One measure of volatility is beta. Beta is the volatility of a fund relative to
the total market as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index. A
beta of more than 1.00 indicates volatility greater than the market, and a beta
of less than 1.00 indicates volatility less than the market. Another measure of
volatility or risk is standard deviation. Standard deviation is a statistical
tool that measures the degree to which a fund's performance has varied from its
average performance during a particular time period.
Standard deviation is calculated using the following formula:
Standard deviation = the square root of E(xi - xm)2
---------
n-1
where E= "the sum of",
xi = each individual return during the time period,
xm = the average return over the time period, and
n = the number of individual returns during the time period.
Statistics may also be used to discuss the Fund's relative performance.
One such measure is alpha. Alpha measures the actual return of a fund compared
to the expected return of a fund given its risk (as measured by beta). The
expected return is based on how the market as a whole performed, and how the
particular fund has historically performed against the market. Specifically,
alpha is the actual return less the expected return. The expected return is
computed by multiplying the advance or decline in a market representation by the
fund's beta. A positive alpha quantifies the value that the fund manager has
added, and a negative alpha quantifies the value that the fund manager has lost.
Other measures of volatility and relative performance may be used as
appropriate. However, all such measures will fluctuate and do not represent
future results.
GENERAL INFORMATION
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
The Advisor is an independent, Midwestern-based investment advisor,
owned by professionals active in its management. Recognizing that investors are
the focus of its business, the Advisor strives for excellence both in investment
management and in the service provided to investors. This commitment affects
many aspects of the business, including professional staffing, product
development, investment management, and service delivery.
The increasing complexity of the capital markets requires specialized
skills and processes for each asset class and style. Therefore, the Advisor
believes that active management should produce greater returns than a passively
managed index. The Advisor has brought together a group of top-flight
investment professionals with diverse product expertise, and each concentrates
on their investment specialty. The Advisor believes that people are the firm's
most important asset. For this reason, continuity of professionals is critical
to the firm's long-term success.
INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT
Discussions of economic, social, and political conditions and their
impact on the Fund may be used in advertisements and sales materials. Such
factors that may impact the Fund include, but are not limited to, changes in
interest rates, political developments, the competitive environment, consumer
behavior, industry trends, technological advances, macroeconomic
- 42 -
<PAGE> 48
trends, and the supply and demand of various financial instruments. In
addition, marketing materials may cite the portfolio management's views or
interpretations of such factors.
EIGHT BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESSFUL MUTUAL FUND INVESTING
These common sense rules are followed by many successful investors. They
make sense for beginners, too. If you have a question on these principles, or
would like to discuss them with us, please contact us at 1-800-368-3863.
1. Have a plan - even a simple plan can help you take control of your
financial future. Review your plan once a year, or if your circumstances
change.
2. Start investing as soon as possible. Make time a valuable ally. Let it
put the power of compounding to work for you, while helping to reduce your
potential investment risk.
3. Diversify your portfolio. By investing in different asset classes -
stocks, bonds, and cash - you help protect against poor performance in one
type of investment while including investments most likely to help you
achieve your important goals.
4. Invest regularly. Investing is a process, not a one-time event. By
investing regularly over the long term, you reduce the impact of short-term
market gyrations, and you attend to your long-term plan before you're
tempted to spend those assets on short-term needs.
5. Maintain a long-term perspective. For most individuals, the best
discipline is staying invested as market conditions change. Reactive,
emotional investment decisions are all too often a source of regret - and
principal loss.
6. Consider stocks to help achieve major long-term goals. Over time,
stocks have provided the more powerful returns needed to help the value of
your investments stay well ahead of inflation.
7. Keep a comfortable amount of cash in your portfolio. To meet current
needs, including emergencies, use a money market fund or a bank account -
not your long-term investment assets.
8. Know what you're buying. Make sure you understand the potential risks
and rewards associated with each of your investments. Ask questions...
request information...make up your own mind. And choose a fund company that
helps you make informed investment decisions.
STRONG RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES
Strong Retirement Plan Services offers a full menu of high quality,
affordable retirement plan options, including traditional money purchase
pension and profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, simplified employee pension
plans, salary reduction plans, Keoghs, and 403(b) plans. Retirement plan
specialists are available to help companies determine which type of retirement
plan may be appropriate for their particular situation.
Markets:
The retirement plan services provided by the Advisor focus on four
distinct markets, based on the belief that a retirement plan should fit the
customer's needs, not the other way around.
1. Small company plans. Small company plans are designed for companies
with 1-50 plan participants. The objective is to incorporate the features
and benefits typically reserved for large companies, such as sophisticated
recordkeeping systems, outstanding service, and investment expertise, into
a small company plan without administrative hassles or undue expense.
Small company plan sponsors receive a comprehensive plan administration
manual as well as toll-free telephone support.
2. Large company plans. Large company plans are designed for companies
with between 51 and 1,000 plan participants. Each large company plan is
assigned a team of professionals consisting of an account manager, who is
typically an
- 43 -
<PAGE> 49
attorney, CPA, or holds a graduate degree in business, a conversion
specialist (if applicable), an accounting manager, a legal/technical
manager, and an education/communications educator.
3. Women-owned businesses.
4. Non-profit and educational organizations (the 403(b) market).
Turnkey approach:
The retirement plans offered by the Advisor are designed to be
streamlined and simple to administer. To this end, the Advisor has invested
heavily in the equipment, systems, and people necessary to adopt or convert a
plan, and to keep it running smoothly. The Advisor provides all aspects of the
plan, including plan design, administration, recordkeeping, and investment
management. To streamline plan design, the Advisor provides customizable
IRS-approved prototype documents. The Advisor's services also include annual
government reporting and testing as well as daily valuation of each
participant's account. This structure is intended to eliminate the confusion
and complication often associated with dealing with multiple vendors. It is
also designed to save plan sponsors time and expense.
The Advisor strives to provide one-stop retirement savings programs
that combine the advantages of proven investment management, flexible plan
design and a wide range of investment options. The open architecture design of
the plans allow for the use of the family of mutual funds managed by the
Advisor as well as a stable asset value option. Large company plans may
supplement these options with their company stock (if publicly traded) or funds
from other well-known mutual fund families.
Education:
Participant education and communication is key to the success of any
retirement program, and therefore is one of the most important services that
the Advisor provides. The Advisor's goal is twofold: to make sure that plan
participants fully understand their options and to educate them about the
lifelong investment process. To this end, the Advisor provides attractive,
readable print materials that are supplemented with audio and video tapes and
retirement education programs.
Service:
The Advisor's goal is to provide a world class level of service. One
aspect of that service is an experienced, knowledgeable team that provides
ongoing support for plan sponsors, both at adoption or conversion and
throughout the life of a plan. The Advisor is committed to delivering accurate
and timely information, evidenced by straightforward, complete, and
understandable reports, participant account statements and plan summaries.
The Advisor has designed both "high-tech" and "high-touch" systems,
providing an automated telephone system as well as personal contact.
Participants can access daily account information, conduct transactions, or
have questions answered in the way that is most comfortable for them.
STRONG FINANCIAL ADVISORS GROUP
The Strong Financial Advisors Group is dedicated to helping financial
advisors better serve their clients. Financial advisors receive regular
updates on the mutual funds managed by the Advisor, access to portfolio
managers through special conference calls, consolidated mailings of duplicate
confirmation statements, access to the Advisor's network of regional
representatives, and other specialized services. For more information on the
Strong Financial Advisors Group, call 1-800-368-1683.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Each portfolio manager works with a team of analysts, traders, and
administrative personnel. From time to time, marketing materials may discuss
various members of the team, including their education, investment experience,
and other credentials.
- 44 -
<PAGE> 50
The Advisor believes that actively managing the Fund's portfolio and
adjusting the average portfolio maturity according to the Advisor's interest
rate outlook is the best way to achieve the Fund's objectives. This policy is
based on a fundamental belief that economic and financial conditions create
favorable and unfavorable investment periods (or seasons) and that these
different seasons require different investment approaches. Through its active
management approach, the Advisor seeks to avoid or reduce any negative change
in the Fund's net asset value per share during the periods of falling bond
prices and provide consistently positive annual returns throughout the seasons
of investment.
- 45 -
<PAGE> 51
The Advisor's investment philosophy includes the following basic beliefs:
. Active management pursued by a team with a uniform discipline across
the fixed income spectrum can produce results that are superior to those
produced through passive management.
. Controlling risk by making only moderate deviations from the defined
benchmark is the cornerstone of successful fixed income investing.
. Successful fixed income management is best pursued on a top-down basis
utilizing fundamental techniques.
The investment process includes decisions made at four levels that are
consistent with the Advisor's viewpoint of the path of economic activity,
interest rates, and the supply of and demand for credit.
The goal is to derive equivalent amounts of excess performance and risk control
over the long run from each of the four levels of decision-making:
1. Duration. The Fund's portfolio duration is managed within a range relative
to its respective benchmark.
2. Yield Curve. Modest overweights and underweights along the yield curve are
made to benefit from changes in the yield curve's shape.
3. Sector/Quality. Sector weightings are generally maintained between zero
and two times those of the benchmark.
4. Security Selection. Quantitative analysis drives issue selection in the
Treasury and mortgage marketplace. Proactive credit research drives
corporate issue selection.
Risk control is pursued at three levels:
1. Portfolio structure. In structuring the portfolio, the Advisor
carefully considers such factors as position sizes, duration, benchmark
characteristics, and the use of illiquid securities.
2. Credit research. Proactive credit research is used to identify issues
which the Advisor believes will be candidates for credit upgrade. This
research includes visiting company management, establishing appropriate
values for credit ratings, and monitoring yield spread relationships.
3. Portfolio monitoring. Portfolio fundamentals are re-evaluated
continuously, and buy/sell targets are established and generally adhered
to.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., 780 North Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53202, acts as outside legal counsel for the Funds.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202, are the independent accountants for the Funds, providing audit
services and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation of
filings with the SEC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements for the fiscal period from June 30,
1997 to October 31, 1997 attached hereto contains the following information:
(a) Schedule of Investments in Securities.
(b) Statement of Operations.
(c) Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(d) Statement of Changes in Net Assets.
(e) Notes to Financial Statements.
(f) Financial Highlights.
(g) Report of Independent Accountants.
- 46 -
<PAGE> 52
APPENDIX
BOND RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S DEBT RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's corporate or municipal debt rating is a current
assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific
obligation. This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as
guarantors, insurers, or lessees.
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable. S&P does not perform
an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited
financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as
a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on
other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
1. Likelihood of default capacity and willingness of the
obligor as to the timely payment of interest and repayment
of principal in accordance with the terms of the
obligation.
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation.
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the
obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or
other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other
laws affecting creditors' rights.
INVESTMENT GRADE
AAA Debt rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA Debt rated 'AA' has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A Debt rated 'A' has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated
categories.
BBB Debt rated 'BBB' is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
SPECULATIVE GRADE
Debt rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC' and 'C' is regarded as having
predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. 'BB' indicates the least degree of speculation
and 'C' the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or
major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB Debt rated 'BB' has less near-term vulnerability to default than
other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could
lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
The 'BB' rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied 'BBB-' rating.
A-1
<PAGE> 53
B Debt rated 'B' has a greater vulnerability to default but currently
has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The 'B' rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied 'BB' or 'BB-' rating.
CCC Debt rated 'CCC' has a currently identifiable vulnerability to
default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In
the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not
likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The 'CCC'
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied 'B' or 'B-' rating.
CC Debt rated 'CC' typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC' rating.
C Debt rated 'C' typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC-' rating. The 'C' rating may
be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but
debt service payments are continued.
CI The rating 'CI' is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D Debt rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is
used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due,
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that
such payments will be made during such grade period. The 'D' rating also will
be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.
MOODY'S LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS
Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edged". Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the
future.
Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade
obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured).
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as
well.
Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well
safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may
be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
A-2
<PAGE> 54
Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. BOND RATINGS
Fitch investment grade bond and preferred stock ratings provide a guide
to investors in determining the credit risk associated with a particular
security. The ratings represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to
meet the obligations of a specific debt or preferred issue in a timely manner.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength and credit quality.
Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be
provided by insurance policies or financial guaranties unless otherwise
indicated.
Bonds and preferred stock carrying the same rating are of similar but
not necessarily identical credit quality since the rating categories do not
fully reflect small differences in the degrees of credit risk.
Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any
security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the
suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature
or taxability of payments made in respect of any security.
Fitch ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other
obligors, underwriters, their experts, and other sources Fitch believes to be
reliable. Fitch does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such
information. Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes in, or the unavailability of, information or for other reasons.
AAA Bonds and preferred stock considered to be investment
grade and of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an
exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and/or dividends
and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by
reasonably foreseeable events.
AA Bonds and preferred stock considered to be investment
grade and of very high credit quality. The obligor's ability
to pay interest and/or dividends and repay principal is very
strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated 'AAA'.
Because bonds and preferred stock rated in the 'AAA' and 'AA'
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short-term debt of the issuers is
generally rated 'F-1+'.
A Bonds and preferred stock considered to be investment
grade and of high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay
interest and/or dividends and repay principal is considered to
be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in
economic conditions and circumstances than debt or preferred
securities with higher ratings.
BBB Bonds and preferred stock considered to be investment
grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's
ability to pay interest or dividends and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic
conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have
adverse impact on these securities and, therefore, impair
timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds
or preferred will fall below investment grade is higher than
for securities with higher ratings.
Fitch speculative grade bond or preferred stock ratings provide a guide
to investors in determining the credit risk associated with a particular
security. The ratings ('BB' to 'C') represent Fitch's assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment
A-3
<PAGE> 55
of principal and interest or dividends in accordance with the terms of
obligation for issues not in default. For defaulted bonds or preferred stock,
the rating ('DDD' to 'D') is an assessment of the ultimate recovery value
through reorganization or liquidation.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer or possible recovery value in
bankruptcy, the current and prospective financial condition and operating
performance of the issuer and any guarantor, as well as the economic and
political environment that might affect the issuer's future financial strength.
Bonds or preferred stock that have the same rating are of similar but
not necessarily identical credit quality since the rating categories cannot
fully reflect the differences in the degrees of credit risk.
BB Bonds or preferred stock are considered speculative.
The obligor's ability to pay interest or dividends and repay
principal may be affected over time by adverse economic
changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be
identified, which could assist the obligor in satisfying its
debt service requirements.
B Bonds or preferred stock are considered highly
speculative. While bonds in this class are currently meeting
debt service requirements or paying dividends, the probability
of continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects
the obligor's limited margin of safety and the need for
reasonable business and economic activity throughout the life
of the issue.
CCC Bonds or preferred stock have certain identifiable
characteristics that, if not remedied, may lead to default.
The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC Bonds or preferred stock are minimally protected.
Default in payment of interest and/or principal seems probable
over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or
principal or suspension of preferred stock dividends is
imminent.
DDD, DD,
and D Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal
payments or preferred stock dividends are suspended. Such
securities are extremely speculative and should be valued on
the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or
reorganization of the obligor. 'DDD' represents the highest
potential for recovery of these securities, and 'D' represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
DUFF & PHELPS, INC. LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS
These ratings represent a summary opinion of the issuer's long-term
fundamental quality. Rating determination is based on qualitative and
quantitative factors which may vary according to the basic economic and
financial characteristics of each industry and each issuer. Important
considerations are vulnerability to economic cycles as well as risks related to
such factors as competition, government action, regulation, technological
obsolescence, demand shifts, cost structure, and management depth and
expertise. The projected viability of the obligor at the trough of the cycle
is a critical determination.
Each rating also takes into account the legal form of the security,
(e.g., first mortgage bonds, subordinated debt, preferred stock, etc.). The
extent of rating dispersion among the various classes of securities is
determined by several factors including relative weightings of the different
security classes in the capital structure, the overall credit strength of the
issuer, and the nature of covenant protection. Review of indenture
restrictions is important to the analysis of a company's operating and
financial constraints. From time to time, Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
places issuers or security classes on Rating Watch. The Rating Watch Status
results from a need to notify investors and the issuer that there are
conditions present leading us to re-evaluate the current rating(s). A listing
on Rating Watch, however, does not mean a rating change is inevitable. The
Rating Watch Status can either be resolved quickly or over a longer period of
time, depending on the reasons surrounding the placement on Rating Watch. The
"up" designation means a rating may be upgraded; the "down" designation means a
rating may be downgraded, and the uncertain designation means a rating may be
raised or lowered.
A - 4
<PAGE> 56
The Credit Rating Committee formally reviews all ratings once per
quarter (more frequently, if necessary). Ratings of 'BBB-' and higher fall
within the definition of investment grade securities, as defined by bank and
insurance supervisory authorities. Structured finance issues, including real
estate, asset-backed and mortgage-backed financings, use this same rating scale
with minor modification in the definitions. Thus, an investor can compare the
credit quality of investment alternatives across industries and structural
types. A "Cash Flow Rating" (as noted for specific ratings) addresses the
likelihood that aggregate principal and interest will equal or exceed the rated
amount under appropriate stress conditions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RATING SCALE DEFINITION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
AAA Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only slightly more
than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+ High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest, but may
AA vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
AA-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A+ Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors are more
A variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
A-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB+ Below-average protection factors but still considered sufficient for prudent
BBB investment. Considerable variability in risk during economic cycles.
BBB-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BB+ Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
BB Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according to
BB- industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move up or
down frequently within this category.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B+ Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not be met
B when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely according to
B- economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes. Potential
exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a higher
or lower rating grade.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCC Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists as to
timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends.
Protection factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable
economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DD Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and/or
interest payments.
DP Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
A - 5
<PAGE> 57
IBCA LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS
AAA - Obligations for which there is the lowest expectation of
investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
substantial, such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial
conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk substantially.
AA - Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of investment
risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is substantial.
Adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions may increase
investment risk, albeit not very significantly.
A - Obligations for which there is a low expectation of investment risk.
Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, although
adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions may lead to
increased investment risk.
BBB - Obligations for which there is currently a low expectation of
investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
adequate, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions
are more likely to lead to increased investment risk than for obligations in
other categories.
BB - Obligations for which there is a possibility of investment risk
developing. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest exists, but
is susceptible over time to adverse changes in business, economic or financial
conditions.
B - Obligations for which investment risk exists. Timely repayment of
principal and interest is not sufficiently protected against adverse changes in
business, economic or financial conditions.
CCC - Obligations for which there is a current perceived possibility of
default. Timely repayment of principal and interest is dependent on favorable
business, economic or financial conditions.
CC - Obligations which are highly speculative or which have a high risk
of default.
C - Obligations which are currently in default.
NOTES: "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating below AAA to denote
relative status within major rating categories. Ratings of BB and
below are assigned where it is considered that speculative
characteristics are present.
THOMSON BANKWATCH LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS
Long-Term Debt Ratings assigned by Thomson BankWatch also weigh heavily
government ownership and support. The quality of both the company's management
and franchise are of even greater importance in the Long-Term Debt Rating
decisions. Long-Term Debt Ratings look out over a cycle and are not adjusted
frequently for what we believe are short-term performance aberrations.
Long-Term Debt Ratings can be restricted to local currency debt -
ratings will be identified by the designation LC. In addition, Long-Term Debt
Ratings may include a plus (+) or minus (-) to indicate where within the
category the issue is placed. BankWatch Long-Term Debt Ratings are based on the
following scale:
Investment Grade
AAA (LC-AAA) - Indicates that the ability to repay principal and
interest on a timely basis is extremely high.
AA (LC-AA) - Indicates a very strong ability to repay principal and
interest on a timely basis, with limited incremental risk compared to issues
rated in the highest category.
A (LC-A) - Indicates the ability to repay principal and interest is
strong. Issues rated A could be more vulnerable to adverse developments (both
internal and external) than obligations with higher ratings.
A - 6
<PAGE> 58
BBB (LC-BBB) - The lowest investment-grade category; indicates an
acceptable capacity to repay principal and interest. BBB issues are more
vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations
with higher ratings.
Non-Investment Grade - may be speculative in the likelihood of timely repayment
of principal and interest
BB (LC-BB) - While not investment grade, the BB rating suggests that the
likelihood of default is considerably less than for lower-rated issues. However,
there are significant uncertainties that could affect the ability to adequately
service debt obligations.
B (LC-B) - Issues rated B show higher degree of uncertainty and
therefore greater likelihood of default than higher-rated issues. Adverse
developments could negatively affect the payment of interest and principal on a
timely basis.
CCC (LC-CCC) - Issues rated CCC clearly have a high likelihood of
default, with little capacity to address further adverse changes in financial
circumstances.
CC (LC-CC) - CC is applied to issues that are subordinate to other
obligations rated CCC and are afforded less protection in the event of
bankruptcy or reorganization.
D (LC-D) - Default.
SHORT-TERM RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of
the likelihood of timely payment of debt considered short-term in the relevant
market.
Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging from 'A-1' for the
highest quality obligations to 'D' for the lowest. These categories are as
follows:
A-1 This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated 'A-1'.
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B Issues rated 'B' are regarded as having only speculative capacity for
timely payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with doubtful
capacity for payment.
D Debt rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due, even
if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period.
STANDARD & POOR'S NOTE RATINGS
An S&P note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market-access
risks unique to notes. Notes maturing in three years or less will likely
receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely
receive a long-term debt rating.
A - 7
<PAGE> 59
The following criteria will be used in making the assessment:
. Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative
to other maturities, the more likely the issue is to be treated as a
note.
. Source of payment - the more the issue depends on the market for
its refinancing, the more likely it is to be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols and definitions are as follows:
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Issues determined
to possess very strong characteristics are given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
MOODY'S SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers
to repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original
maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.
Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be
investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: (i)
leading market positions in well-established industries, (ii) high rates of
return on funds employed, (iii) conservative capitalization structure with
moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection, (iv) broad margins in
earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation,
and (v) well established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above, but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and
investment notes.
The short-term rating places greater emphasis than a long-term rating on
the existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations in a
timely manner.
A - 8
<PAGE> 60
F-1+ Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned
this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment.
F-1 Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating
reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in
degree than issues rated 'F-1+'.
F-2 Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a
satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment but the
margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned 'F-1+'
and 'F-1' ratings.
F-3 Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting that the degree of assurance for
timely payment is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes
could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-S Weak Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for
timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse changes
in financial and economic conditions.
D Default. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or
imminent payment default.
LOC The symbol LOC indicates that the rating is based on a letter of
credit issued by a commercial bank.
DUFF & PHELPS, INC. SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS
Duff & Phelps' short-term ratings are consistent with the rating
criteria used by money market participants. The ratings apply to all
obligations with maturities of under one year, including commercial paper, the
uninsured portion of certificates of deposit, unsecured bank loans, master
notes, bankers acceptances, irrevocable letters of credit, and current
maturities of long-term debt. Asset-backed commercial paper is also rated
according to this scale.
Emphasis is placed on liquidity which is defined as not only cash from
operations, but also access to alternative sources of funds including trade
credit, bank lines, and the capital markets. An important consideration is the
level of an obligor's reliance on short-term funds on an ongoing basis.
The distinguishing feature of Duff & Phelps' short-term ratings is the
refinement of the traditional '1' category. The majority of short-term debt
issuers carry the highest rating, yet quality differences exist within that
tier. As a consequence, Duff & Phelps has incorporated gradations of '1+' (one
plus) and '1-' (one minus) to assist investors in recognizing those differences.
From time to time, Duff & Phelps places issuers or security classes on
Rating Watch. The Rating Watch status results from a need to notify investors
and the issuer that there are conditions present leading us to re-evaluate the
current rating(s). A listing on Rating Watch, however, does not mean a rating
change is inevitable.
The Rating Watch status can either be resolved quickly or over a longer
period of time, depending on the reasons surrounding the placement on Rating
Watch. The "up" designation means a rating may be upgraded; the "down"
designation means a rating may be downgraded, and the "uncertain" designation
means a rating may be raised or lowered.
Rating Scale: Definition
------------ ----------
High Grade
----------
D-1+ Highest certainty of timely payment. Short-Term
liquidity, including internal operating factors and/or
access to alternative sources of funds, is
outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free U.S.
Treasury short-term obligations.
A - 9
<PAGE> 61
D-1 Very high certainty of timely payment.
Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by good
fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are
minor.
D-1- High certainty of timely payment. Liquidity
factors are strong and supported by good fundamental
protection factors. Risk factors are very small.
Good Grade
----------
D-2 Good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity
factors and company fundamentals are sound. Although
ongoing funding needs may enlarge total financing
requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk
factors are small.
Satisfactory Grade
------------------
D-3 Satisfactory liquidity and other protection
factors qualify issues as to investment grade. Risk
factors are larger and subject to more variation.
Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.
Non-Investment Grade
--------------------
D-4 Speculative investment characteristics.
Liquidity is not sufficient to insure against
disruption in debt service. Operating factors and
market access may be subject to a high degree of
variation.
Default
-------
D-5 Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and/or
interest payments.
THOMSON BANKWATCH (TBW) SHORT-TERM RATINGS
The TBW Short-Term Ratings apply, unless otherwise noted, to specific
debt instruments of the rated entities with a maturity of one year or less. TBW
Short-Term Ratings are intended to assess the likelihood of an untimely or
incomplete payments of principal or interest.
TBW-1 The highest category; indicates a very high likelihood that
principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis.
TBW-2 The second highest category; while the degree of safety regarding
timely repayment of principal and interest is strong, the relative degree of
safety is not as high as for issues rated "TBW-1".
TBW-3 The lowest investment-grade category; indicates that while the
obligation is more susceptible to adverse developments (both internal and
external) than those with higher ratings, the capacity to service principal and
interest in a timely fashion is considered adequate.
TBW-4 The lowest rating category; this rating is regarded as
non-investment grade and therefore speculative.
IBCA SHORT-TERM RATINGS
IBCA Short-Term Ratings assess the borrowing characteristics of banks
and corporations, and the capacity for timely repayment of debt obligations.
The Short-Term Ratings relate to debt which has a maturity of less than one
year.
A1 Obligations supported by the highest capacity for timely
repayment. Where issues possess a particularly strong
credit feature, a rating of A1+ is assigned.
A2 Obligations supported by a good capacity for timely repayment.
A - 10
<PAGE> 62
A3 Obligations supported by a satisfactory capacity for timely
repayment.
B Obligations for which there is an uncertainty as to the capacity
to ensure timely repayment.
C Obligations for which there is a high risk of default or which are
currently in default.
A - 11
<PAGE> 63
STRONG INCOME FUNDS, INC.
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements:
(1) Strong High-Yield Bond Fund (all included or
incorporated by reference in Parts A & B) (Audited)
Schedule of Investments in Securities
Statement of Operations
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Notes to Financial Statements
Financial Highlights
Report of Independent Accountants
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report to
Shareholders of the Strong Income
Funds dated October 31, 1996, pursuant to Rule 411
under the Securities Act of 1933.
(File Nos. 33-37435 and 811-6195)
(2) Strong Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund (Audited)
Schedule of Investments in Securities
Statement of Operations
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Notes to Financial Statements
Financial Highlights
Report of Independent Accountants
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report to
Shareholders of the Strong Income
Funds dated October 31, 1997, pursuant to Rule 411
under the Securities Act of 1933.
(File Nos. 33-37435 and 811-6195)
(b) Exhibits
(1) Articles of Incorporation dated September 19, 1996(4)
(1.1) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated August
30, 1996(4)
(1.2) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated June
24, 1997(5)
(2) Bylaws dated October 20, 1995(1)
(3) Inapplicable
(4) Specimen Stock Certificate(1)
(5) Investment Advisory Agreement(1)
(6) Distribution Agreement(1)
(7) Inapplicable
(8) Custody Agreement with Firstar(3)
(8.1) Global Custody Agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman
& Co.(3)
(8.1.1) Amendment to Global Custody Agreement dated
August 26, 1996(4)
(9) Shareholder Servicing Agent Agreement(1)
(10) Inapplicable
<PAGE> 64
(11) Consent of Independent Accountants (Short-Term High
Yield Bond Fund)
(12) Inapplicable
(13) Stock Subscription Agreement (Short-Term High Yield
Bond Fund)(5)
(14.1) Prototype Defined Contribution Retirement
Plan - No. 1(2)
(14.1.1) Prototype Defined Contribution Retirement
Plan - No. 2(2)
(14.2) Individual Retirement Custodial Account(2)
(14.3) Section 403(b)(7) Retirement Plan(2)
(14.4) Simplified Employee Pension Plan Brochure(3)
(15) Inapplicable
(16) Computation of Performance Figures(4)
(17) Inapplicable
(18) Inapplicable
(19) Power of Attorney dated February 25, 1997(4)
(20) Letter of Representation (Short-Term High Yield
Bond Fund)
(21.1) Code of Ethics for Access Persons dated October
18, 1996(4)
(21.2) Code of Ethics for Non-Access Persons dated October
18, 1996(4)
- -------------------
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about
December 14, 1995.
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about April
24, 1996.
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about
June 26, 1996.
(4) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or
about February 26, 1997.
(5) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or
about June 27, 1997.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant
Registrant neither controls any person nor is under common control
with any other person.
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Record Holders
Title of Class as of November 30, 1997
-------------- -----------------------
<S> <C>
Common Stock, $.00001 par value
Strong High-Yield Bond Fund 13,835
Strong Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund 2,146
</TABLE>
Item 27. Indemnification
Officers and directors are insured under a joint errors and omissions
insurance policy underwritten by American International Group and Great
American Insurance Company in the aggregate amount of $80,000,000, subject to
certain deductions. Pursuant to the authority of the Wisconsin Business
Corporation Law ("WBCL"), Article VII of Registrant's Bylaws provides as
follows:
C-2
<PAGE> 65
ARTICLE VII. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
SECTION 7.01. Mandatory Indemnification. The Corporation shall
indemnify, to the full extent permitted by the WBCL, as in
effect from time to time, the persons described in Sections 180.0850
through 180.0859 (or any successor provisions) of the WBCL or other
provisions of the law of the State of Wisconsin relating to
indemnification of directors and officers, as in effect from time to
time. The indemnification afforded such persons by this section shall
not be exclusive of other rights to which they may be entitled as a
matter of law.
SECTION 7.02. Permissive Supplementary Benefits. The
Corporation may, but shall not be required to, supplement the
right of indemnification under Section 7.01 by (a) the purchase of
insurance on behalf of any one or more of such persons, whether or not
the Corporation would be obligated to indemnify such person under
Section 7.01; (b) individual or group indemnification agreements with
any one or more of such persons; and (c) advances for related expenses
of such a person.
SECTION 7.03. Amendment. This Article VII may be amended or
repealed only by a vote of the shareholders and not by a vote of the
Board of Directors.
SECTION 7.04. Investment Company Act. In no event shall the
Corporation indemnify any person hereunder in contravention of
any provision of the Investment Company Act.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor
The information contained under "About the Fund - Management" in the
Prospectus and under "Directors and Officers of the Fund" and "Investment
Advisor and Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information is hereby
incorporated by reference pursuant to Rule 411 under the Securities Act of
1933.
Item 29. Principal Underwriters
(a) Strong Funds Distributors, Inc., principal underwriter for
Registrant, also serves as principal underwriter for Strong Advantage Fund,
Inc.; Strong Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.; Strong Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.;
Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.; Strong
Corporate Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Discovery Fund, Inc.; Strong Equity Funds,
Inc.; Strong Government Securities Fund, Inc.; Strong Heritage Reserve Series,
Inc.; Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Institutional Funds,
Inc.; Strong International Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong International Stock Fund,
Inc.; Strong Money Market Fund, Inc.; Strong Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong
Municipal Funds, Inc.; Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.; Strong Opportunity Fund
II, Inc.; Strong Schafer Funds, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong
Short-Term Global Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.;
Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.; and Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
(b) The information contained under "About the Fund - Management" in
the Prospectus and under "Directors and Officers of the Fund" and "Investment
Advisor and Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information is hereby
incorporated by reference pursuant to Rule 411 under the Securities Act of
1933.
(c) Inapplicable
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
All accounts, books, or other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated
thereunder are in the physical possession of Registrant's Vice President,
Thomas P. Lemke, at Registrant's corporate offices, 100 Heritage Reserve,
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051.
C-3
<PAGE> 66
Item 31. Management Services
All management-related service contracts entered into by Registrant
are discussed in Parts A and B of this Registration Statement.
Item 32. Undertakings
(a) Inapplicable
(b) Inapplicable
(c) The Registrant undertakes to furnish to each person to whom a
prospectus is delivered, upon request and without charge, the latest annual
report to shareholders for Strong High-Yield Bond and Strong Short-Term High
Yield Bond Funds.
C-4
<PAGE> 67
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all the
requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the
Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933
and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the Village of Menomonee Falls, and State of Wisconsin on the
30th day of December, 1997.
STRONG INCOME FUNDS, INC.
(Registrant)
By /s/ Thomas P. Lemke
-----------------------------------
Thomas P. Lemke, Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A has
been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Title Date
---- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Vice President (Acting Principal
/s/ Thomas P. Lemke Executive Officer) December 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
Thomas P. Lemke
/s/ Richard S. Strong Chairman of the Board and a Director December 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
Richard S. Strong
Treasurer (Principal Financial and
/s/ John A. Flanagan Accounting Officer) December 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
John A. Flanagan
Director December 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
Marvin E. Nevins*
Director December 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
Willie D. Davis*
Director December 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
William F. Vogt*
Director December 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
Stanley Kritzik*
</TABLE>
* John S. Weitzer signs this document pursuant to powers of attorney filed
with Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A.
By: /s/ John S. Weitzer
------------------------
John S. Weitzer
<PAGE> 68
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EDGAR
Exhibit No. Exhibit Exhibit No.
----------- ------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
(11) Consent of Independent Accountants EX-99.B11
(20) Letter of Representation EX-99.B20
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.B10
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of
Strong Income Funds, Inc.
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 14
to the Registration Statement of Strong Income Funds, Inc. on Form N-1A of our
report dated December 9, 1997 on our audit of the financial statements and
financial highlights of Strong Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund (a series of
Strong Income Funds, Inc.), which report is included in the Annual Report to
Shareholders for the period ended October 31, 1997, which is also incorporated
by reference in the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to
our Firm under the caption "Independent Accountants" in the Statement of
Additional Information and in the "Financial Highlights" section of the
Prospectus.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
December 30, 1997
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.B20
GODFREY & KAHN, S.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
780 North Water Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Phone: (414) 273-3500 Fax: (414) 273-5198
December 23, 1997
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Re: Strong Income Funds, Inc.
Gentlemen:
We represent Strong Income Funds, Inc. (the "Company"), in conection
with its filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 (the "Post-Effective
Amendment") to the Company's Registration Statement (Registration Nos.
33-37435; 811-6195) on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act") and the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Post-Effective
Amendment is being filed pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act.
We have reviewed the Post-Effective Amendment and, in accordance with
Rule 485(b)(4) under the Securities Act, hereby represent that the
Post-Effective Amendment does not contain disclosures which would render it
ineligible to become effective pursuant to Rule 485(b).
Very truly yours,
GODFREY & KAHN, S.C.
/s/ Pamela M. Krill
Pamela M. Krill
