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[ADVANTUS -TM- FAMILY OF FUNDS]
PROSPECTUS DATED JANUARY 31, 1997
ADVANTUS ENTERPRISE FUND, INC.
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400 Robert Street North - St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 - 1-800-443-3677
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Advantus Enterprise Fund, Inc. ("Enterprise Fund" or the "Fund") is an
open-end diversified management investment company, commonly called a mutual
fund. The Fund currently offers its shares in three classes: Class A, Class B
and Class C. Each class is sold pursuant to different sales arrangements and
bears different expenses.
The Fund's investment objective is to seek the long-term accumulation of
capital. In pursuit of this objective, the Enterprise Fund will follow a policy
of investing primarily in common and preferred stocks issued by small companies,
defined in terms of either market capitalization or gross revenues (for a
definition of "small companies" see "Investment Objectives, Policies and
Risks"). Investments in small companies usually involve greater investment risks
than fixed income securities or corporate equity securities generally. Dividend
income will be incidental to the investment objective for this Fund.
There is risk in all investments. There can be no assurance that the Fund
will achieve its objective.
SHARES OF THE FUND MAY BE SOLD THROUGH BANKS OR OTHER FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS. THE FUND'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND SUCH SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED
BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY
OTHER AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISK, INCLUDING
POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL, DUE TO FLUCTUATIONS IN THE FUND'S NET ASSET VALUE.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information which a prospective
investor should know about the Fund before investing and it should be retained
for future reference. A "Statement of Additional Information" dated January 31,
1997, which provides a further discussion of certain areas in this Prospectus
and other matters which may be of interest to some investors, has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by
reference. For a free copy, write or call the Fund at the address or telephone
number shown above.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY........................... 3
FEES AND EXPENSES............................ 5
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS......................... 6
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RISKS.... 7
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER........................... 11
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND....................... 11
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES...................... 13
SALES CHARGES................................ 15
SPECIAL PURCHASE PLANS....................... 18
EXCHANGE AND TELEPHONE TRANSFER OF FUND
SHARES....................................... 18
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES.................... 19
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS....................... 20
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE...................... 21
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS ... 21
TAXES........................................ 21
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE....................... 22
GENERAL INFORMATION.......................... 23
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS............. 24
CUSTODIAN.................................... 24
</TABLE>
No dealer, sales representative or other person has been authorized to give
any information or to make any representations other than those contained in
this Prospectus (and/or in the Statement of Additional Information referred to
on the cover page of this Prospectus), and if given or made, such information or
representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund or
MIMLIC Sales. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer or solicitation by
anyone in any state in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized, or in
which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or
to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
2
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PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
Advantus Enterprise Fund, Inc. ("Enterprise Fund or the
"Fund") is an open-end diversified investment company, commonly called a mutual
fund. The Fund offers investors the choice between three classes of shares which
offer different sales charges and bear different expenses. These alternatives
permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that the investor
believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time
the investor expects to hold the shares and other circumstances. The Fund is a
member of a family of mutual funds known as the "Advantus Funds." The Advantus
Funds consist of the Fund and nine other mutual funds, all of which share the
same investment adviser. Except for Advantus Money Market Fund, Inc., all of the
Advantus Funds offer more than one class of shares (the "Advantus Load Funds").
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INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE A summary of the investment objective of the Fund, together with a
brief description of the types of securities in which the Fund will invest in
pursuit of its investment objective, can be found on the cover page of this
Prospectus. See also "Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks."
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INVESTMENT
ADVISER Advantus Capital Management, Inc. ("Advantus Capital") acts as
investment adviser to the Fund and receives an annual fee equal to a stated
percentage of average daily net assets of the Fund. Advantus Capital is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of MIMLIC Asset Management Company ("MIMLIC
Management"). MIMLIC Management is a subsidiary of The Minnesota Mutual Life
Insurance Company ("Minnesota Mutual"). See "Management of the Fund."
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HOW TO PURCHASE
FUND SHARES MIMLIC Sales Corporation ("MIMLIC Sales"), a subsidiary of MIMLIC
Management, acts as the principal underwriter (distributor) of the shares of the
Fund. Shares of the Fund may be purchased from MIMLIC Sales, and from certain
other broker-dealers, at the price per share next determined after receipt of a
purchase order in proper form. The minimum initial purchase is $250. Additional
investments can be made at any time for $25 or more. Shares of the Fund are sold
in three classes which are subject to different sales charges. Broker-dealers
and sales personnel of MIMLIC Sales may receive different compensation depending
on which class of shares they sell.
CLASS A SHARES. An investor who purchases Class A shares pays a sales charge
at the time of purchase. (Purchase orders for $1,000,000 or more will be
accepted for Class A shares only and are not subject to a sales charge at the
time of purchase.) Class A shares are not subject to any charges when they are
redeemed. The initial sales charge may be reduced or waived for certain
purchases. Class A shares are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee payable at an annual
rate of .30% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A
shares. See "Sales Charges--Class A Shares."
CLASS B SHARES. Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge, but
are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of up to 5% if redeemed within
six years of purchase. Class B shares are also subject to a higher Rule 12b-1
fee than Class A shares. The Rule 12b-1 fee for Class B shares will be paid at
an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
Class B shares. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares at
net asset value approximately twenty-eight to eighty-four months after purchase,
depending on the amount purchased. Class B shares provide an investor the
benefit of putting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the
investment is made, but until conversion will have a higher expense ratio and
pay lower dividends than Class A shares due to the higher Rule 12b-1 fee. See
"Sales Charges--Class B Shares."
CLASS C SHARES. Class C shares are sold without either an initial sales
charge or a contingent deferred sales charge. Class C shares are also subject to
a higher Rule 12b-1 fee, paid at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average
daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. Class C shares will
automatically convert to Class A shares at net asset value approximately forty
to ninety-six months after purchase, depending on the amount purchased. Class C
shares also provide an investor the benefit of putting all of the investor's
dollars to work from the time the investment is made. Although not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge, Class C shares must be held longer than Class
B shares before they convert automatically to Class A shares, and are subject to
the higher Rule 12b-1 fee during the longer holding period. In addition, like
Class B
3
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shares, Class C shares will have a higher expense ratio and pay lower dividends
than Class A shares, due to the higher Rule 12b-1 fee, prior to conversion. See
"Sales Charges--Class C Shares."
CHOOSING A CLASS. The decision as to which class of shares provides a more
suitable investment for an investor may depend on a number of factors, including
the amount and intended length of the investment. Investors making investments
that qualify for a waiver of initial sales charges should purchase Class A
shares. Other investors might consider Class B or Class C shares because all of
the purchase price is invested immediately. Investors who expect to hold shares
for relatively shorter periods of time may prefer Class C shares because such
shares may be redeemed at any time without payment of a contingent deferred
sales charge. Investors who expect to hold shares longer, however, may choose
Class B shares because such shares convert to Class A shares sooner than do
Class C shares and thus pay the higher Rule 12b-1 fee for a shorter period.
Orders for Class B or Class C shares for $1,000,000 or more will be treated as
orders for Class A shares or declined.
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HOW TO REDEEM
FUND SHARES Shareholders may redeem (sell) shares of the Fund at the per share
net asset value next determined following receipt by the Fund (at the mailing
address listed on the cover page) of a written redemption request. Class A and
Class C shares of the Fund are redeemable at net asset value without charge.
Class B shares of the Fund are also redeemable at net asset value but are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of up to 5% if redeemed within six
years of purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, as well
as the period during which it applies, varies with the amount purchased. Shares
of the Fund may also be redeemed by telephone, if this option has been selected.
See "Redemption of Fund Shares."
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INCOME AND
TAXES Net investment income is the amount of dividends and interest earned on
the Fund's securities less operating expenses. It is distributed to shareholders
quarterly. Capital gains may be realized on the sale of the Fund's securities.
Capital gains, when available, are generally distributed once a year during
December. See "Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions."
As a regulated investment company, the Fund is not taxed on the net investment
income and capital gains it distributes to its shareholders. For income tax
purposes, shareholders must report any net investment income and capital gains
distribution reported to them as income. Shareholders of the Fund receive an
annual statement detailing federal tax information. See "Taxes."
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RISK
FACTORS In addition to the other information set forth in this Prospectus,
prospective investors in the Fund should consider the following factors:
- - The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in
securities which are considered illiquid.
- - Equity securities, such as those purchased by the
Fund, are more volatile and present greater risk than some other forms of
investment.
- - Investments in securities of small companies, such
as those made by Enterprise Fund, involve greater risks than equity securities
generally and are subject to greater short-term price volatility.
- - The Fund has the right to purchase securities in
foreign countries. Investors should consider carefully the substantial risks
involved in investing in securities issued by companies of foreign nations,
which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. The
Fund may also be affected either unfavorably or favorably by fluctuations in
the relative rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations, by
exchange control regulations and by indigenous economic and political
developments.
- - The Fund may purchase and sell certain types of
options contracts. The use of options contracts involves additional potential
risks, in addition to the risks associated with the underlying securities on
which such options are written, including the risk that the prices of such
underlying securities will not move as anticipated.
For discussions of risks associated with specific investments and risks
associated with investing in the Fund see "Investment Objectives, Policies and
Risks."
4
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The purpose of this table is to assist the investor in
FEES AND understanding the various costs and expenses that an
EXPENSES investor in the Fund will bear directly or indirectly.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
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SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
MAXIMUM SALES LOAD IMPOSED ON PURCHASES
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF OFFER PRICE) 5.00% 0.00% 0.00%
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MAXIMUM DEFERRED SALES LOAD
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS) 0.00% 5.00% 0.00%
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SALES LOAD IMPOSED ON REINVESTED DIVIDENDS 0 0 0
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REDEMPTION FEES+ 0 0 0
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EXCHANGE FEES:
-ON FIRST FOUR EXCHANGES EACH YEAR 0 0 0
-ON EACH ADDITIONAL EXCHANGE $7.50 $7.50 $7.50
+REDEMPTION PROCEEDS SENT BY WIRE ARE SUBJECT TO A WIRE CHARGE
OF $5.00, WHICH WILL BE ADDED TO THE AMOUNT REDEEMED.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES 0.80% 0.80% 0.80%
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RULE 12b-1 FEES (AFTER EXPENSES WAIVED)* 0.10%** 1.00% 1.00%
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OTHER EXPENSES 0.41% 0.40% 0.39%
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TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AFTER EXPENSES WAIVED)*** 1.31% 2.20% 2.19%
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</TABLE>
*A LONG-TERM SHAREHOLDER MAY PAY FEE WHICH EXCEEDS, AS A PERCENTAGE OF
DISTRIBUTION FEES, WHICH ARE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE
CONSIDERED TO BE ASSET-BASED SALES TO CLASS A SHARES, .10%. IT IS MIMLIC
CHARGES, WHICH EXCEED THE ECONOMIC SALES' PRESENT INTENTION TO WAIVE
EQUIVALENT OF THE MAXIMUM FRONT-END DISTRIBUTION FEES AT SUCH LEVEL
SALES CHARGE PERMITTED BY THE DURING THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES (ENDING SEPTEMBER 30), BUT IT
DEALERS, INC. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CEASE SUCH
**THE FUND HAS ADOPTED A PLAN OF WAIVER, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AT ANY
DISTRIBUTION, PURSUANT TO RULE 12B-1 TIME.
UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF ***MIMLIC SALES VOLUNTARILY WAIVED
1940, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE PAYMENT 12B-1 FEES FOR CLASS A OF ENTERPRISE
TO MIMLIC SALES OF A DISTRIBUTION FEE FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
EQUAL TO AN ANNUAL RATE OF .30% OF 1996. IF CLASS A HAD BEEN CHARGED FOR
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE THESE EXPENSES, THE RATIO OF EXPENSES
TO CLASS A SHARES OF THE FUND. MIMLIC TO AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS WOULD
SALES IS CURRENTLY WAIVING THAT HAVE BEEN 1.51%.
PORTION OF DISTRIBUTION
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SHAREHOLDER EXPENSE
EXAMPLE You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment assuming
(1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR REDEEMED CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
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1 $ 63 $ 72 $ 22
3 89 104 69
5 118 133 118
10 200 220* 230**
</TABLE>
An investor would pay the following expenses on the same investment in Class B
shares, assuming no redemption:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR REDEEMED CLASS B
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------
1 $ 22
3 69
5 118
10 220*
</TABLE>
*REFLECTS CONVERSION OF CLASS B SHARES TO CLASS A SHARES (WHICH PAY LOWER
ONGOING EXPENSES) APPROXIMATELY SEVEN YEARS AFTER PURCHASE.
**REFLECTS CONVERSION OF CLASS C SHARES TO CLASS A SHARES (WHICH PAY LOWER
ONGOING EXPENSES) APPROXIMATELY EIGHT YEARS AFTER PURCHASE.
THE EXAMPLES CONTAINED IN THE TABLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION
OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE
SHOWN.
5
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FINANCIAL The following financial highlights table shows certain per
HIGHLIGHTS share data and selected important financial information for
- ----------- evaluating the Fund's results. This information has been
audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent auditors, and
should be read in conjunction with the audited financial
statements contained in the Fund's Annual Report to
Shareholders.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B
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PERIOD FROM PERIOD FROM
SEPTEMBER 16, SEPTEMBER 16,
YEAR ENDED 1994 (A) TO YEAR ENDED 1994 (A) TO
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1995(J) 1994 1996 1995(J) 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
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NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 14.08 $ 11.03 $ 11.12 $ 13.94 $11.02 $11.12
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INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) (.05) (.04) -- (.12) (.09) (.01)
NET GAINS OR LOSSES ON SECURITIES
(BOTH REALIZED AND UNREALIZED) 2.34 3.11 (.09) 2.25 3.03 (.09)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 2.29 3.07 (.09) 2.13 2.94 (.10)
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LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
DIVIDENDS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME -- -- -- -- -- --
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM CAPITAL GAINS (.43) (.02) -- (.43) (.02) --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (.43) (.02) -- (.43) (.02) --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 15.94 $ 14.08 $ 11.03 $ 15.64 $13.94 $11.02
--------- --------- ------------- --------- ------------- -------------
TOTAL RETURN(b) 16.7% 27.9% (.8)%(c) 15.7% 26.7% (.9)%(c)
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NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD (IN THOUSANDS) $38,722 $30,454 $12,964 $4,871 $1,720 $96
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIO OF EXPENSES TO AVERAGE DAILY NET
ASSETS(e) 1.31% 1.34% .05%(g) 2.20% 2.24% .09%(g)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIO OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) TO
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS(e) (.38)% (.48)% (.02)%(g) (1.25)% (1.45)% (.06)%(g)
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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE
(EXCLUDING SHORT-TERM SECURITIES) 80.2% 48.8% 5.0% 80.2% 48.8% 5.0%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE COMMISSION RATE ON COMMON STOCK
TRANSACTIONS(i) $ .1150 N/A N/A $ .1150 N/A N/A
<CAPTION>
CLASS C
-----------------------------
PERIOD FROM
MARCH 1,
YEAR ENDED 1995 (H) TO
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 13.94 $11.58
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) (.09) (.06)
NET GAINS OR LOSSES ON SECURITIES
(BOTH REALIZED AND UNREALIZED) 2.21 2.42
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 2.12 2.36
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
DIVIDENDS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME -- --
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM CAPITAL GAINS (.43) --
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (.43) --
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 15.63 $13.94
------------- -------------
TOTAL RETURN(b) 15.6% 20.4%(d)
- ----------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD (IN THOUSANDS) $807 $71
- ----------------------------------------
RATIO OF EXPENSES TO AVERAGE DAILY NET
ASSETS(e) 2.19% 2.24%(f)
- ----------------------------------------
RATIO OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) TO
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS(e) (1.22)% (1.57)%(f)
- ----------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE
(EXCLUDING SHORT-TERM SECURITIES) 80.2% 48.8%
- ----------------------------------------
AVERAGE COMMISSION RATE ON COMMON STOCK
TRANSACTIONS(i) $ .1150 N/A
</TABLE>
(A) THE INCEPTION OF THE FUND WAS EXPENSES TO AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
JUNE 20, 1994. HOWEVER, OPERATIONS OF WOULD HAVE BEEN 1.51%, 1.75% AND .06%
CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES DID NOT FOR CLASS A SHARES, RESPECTIVELY,
COMMENCE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 16, 1994 2.20% AND 2.39% AND .10% FOR CLASS B
WHEN THE SHARES OF THE FUND BECAME SHARES, RESPECTIVELY, AND 2.19% AND
EFFECTIVELY REGISTERED UNDER THE 2.32% FOR CLASS C SHARES. THE RATIO
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. FINANCIAL OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) TO
HIGHLIGHTS ARE NOT PRESENTED FOR THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE
PERIOD FROM JUNE 20, 1994 TO BEEN (.58)%, (.89)% AND (.03)% FOR
SEPTEMBER 15, 1994 AS THE FUND'S CLASS A SHARES, RESPECTIVELY,
CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES WERE NOT (1.25)%, (1.60)% AND (.07)% FOR CLASS
REGISTERED DURING THIS PERIOD. B SHARES, RESPECTIVELY AND (1.22)%
(B) TOTAL RETURN FIGURES ARE BASED AND (1.65)% FOR CLASS C SHARES,
ON A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE RESPECTIVELY.
PERIOD AND ASSUMES REINVESTMENT OF (F) ADJUSTED TO AN ANNUAL BASIS.
DISTRIBUTIONS AT NET ASSET VALUE. (G) RATIOS PRESENTED FOR THE PERIOD
TOTAL RETURN FIGURES DO NOT REFLECT FROM SEPTEMBER 16, 1994 TO SEPTEMBER
THE IMPACT OF FRONT- END OR 30, 1994 ARE NOT ANNUALIZED AS THEY
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES. ARE NOT INDICATIVE OF ANTICIPATED
(C) TOTAL RETURN IS PRESENTED FOR ANNUAL RESULTS.
THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 16, 1994, (H) COMMENCEMENT OF THE FUND'S CLASS
COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS, TO C SHARES.
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994. (I) BEGINNING IN FISCAL 1996, THE
(D) TOTAL RETURN IS PRESENTED FOR FUND IS REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE AN
THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 1, 1995, AVERAGE BROKERAGE COMMISSION RATE.
COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS, TO THE RATE IS CALCULATED BY DIVIDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995. THE TOTAL BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS PAID
(E) THE FUND'S DISTRIBUTOR AND ON APPLICABLE PURCHASES AND SALES OF
ADVISER VOLUNTARILY WAIVED OR COMMON STOCKS FOR THE PERIOD BY THE
ABSORBED $68,785, $83,999 AND $1,430 TOTAL NUMBER OF RELATED SHARES
IN EXPENSES FOR THE YEARS ENDED PURCHASED AND SOLD.
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995 AND THE (J) EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 1995, THE FUND
PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994, ENTERED INTO A NEW INVESTMENT
RESPECTIVELY. IF THE FUND HAD BEEN ADVISORY AGREEMENT WITH ADVANTUS
CHARGED FOR THESE EXPENSES, THE RATIO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. PRIOR TO
OF MARCH 1, 1995, THE FUND HAD AN
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT WITH
MIMLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
6
<PAGE>
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INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES,
POLICIES AND RISKS
Enterprise Fund seeks the long-term accumulation of
capital. In pursuit of this objective, the Enterprise Fund will follow a policy
of investing primarily in common and preferred stocks issued by small companies,
defined in terms of either market capitalization or gross revenues. Investments
in small companies usually involve greater investment risks than fixed income
securities or corporate equity securities generally. Dividend income will be
incidental to the investment objective for this Fund. This investment objective
may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares
of the Fund. The Fund's other investment policies, except "fundamental"
investment restrictions (see below), may be changed at any time without
shareholder approval, although shareholders will be notified of those changes.
- --------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT
POLICIES Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Enterprise Fund's
total assets will be invested in small companies. Such companies may encompass
well-known and established companies as well as newer and relatively unknown
companies. Small companies will typically have, at the time of purchase, a
market capitalization of less than $1.5 billion or annual gross revenues of less
than $1.5 billion.
Market capitalization is the term which refers to the total market value of a
company's outstanding shares of common stock. Application of the market
capitalization or gross revenue tests will be made only at the time that the
Fund's initial position in the company is taken. Thus, for purposes of the 65%
test, any company deemed to be a small company at the time of the Fund's initial
position therein will be treated as a small company, regardless of subsequent
developments, so long as the Fund maintains a position in the company.
Small companies may be in a relatively early stage of development or may
produce goods and services which have favorable prospects for growth due to
increasing demand or developing markets. Frequently, such companies have a small
management group and single product or product-line expertise that may result in
an enhanced entrepreneurial spirit and greater focus which allow such firms to
be successful. Management believes that such companies may develop into
significant business enterprises and that an investment in such companies offers
a greater opportunity for capital appreciation than an investment in larger more
established entities. However, small companies frequently retain a large part of
their earnings for research, development and investment in capital assets, so
that the prospects for immediate dividend income are limited.
While historically securities issued by smaller capitalization companies have
produced better market results than the securities of larger issuers, there is
no assurance that they will continue to do so or that the Fund will invest
specifically in those companies which produce those results. Because of the
risks involved, the Enterprise Fund is not intended as a complete investment
program. See "Risks Of Investing In The Fund," below, for further information
about risks associated with investments in small companies.
From time to time, the Fund will also invest a portion of its assets in stocks
with larger market capitalization whose long-term appreciation potential is
believed by Advantus Capital to be well above average.
The Fund will typically maintain a fully invested position, but when economic
conditions or general levels of common stock prices are such that investments of
other types may be advantageous on the basis of combined considerations of risk,
income and appreciation, the Fund may temporarily take a defensive position by
investing a substantial portion of its assets in bonds, notes or other evidences
of indebtedness, including United States Government securities and corporate
debt securities (provided that such debt securities are rated BBB or Baa or
higher by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Services,
Inc. ("Moody's"), respectively), or may hold its assets in cash. Those
investments may, or may not, be convertible into stock. (See "Debt Securities
and Down-Graded Instruments" and Appendix A in the Statement of Additional
Information for further discussion of debt securities and a description of the
ratings used by S&P and Moody's, respectively.) The Fund may also temporarily
hold its assets in cash or money market instruments pending investment in
accordance with its policies.
OPTIONS. Enterprise Fund may write covered call options which are traded on
national securities exchanges with respect to common stocks in its portfolio
("covered options") in an attempt to earn
7
<PAGE>
additional current income on its portfolio or to guard against an expected
decline in the price of a security. By writing a covered call option, the Fund
gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy the underlying security at
the price specified in the option. The Fund realizes income from the sale of the
option, but foregoes the opportunity to profit during the option period from an
increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise
price. The Fund does not write call options in an aggregate amount greater than
15% of its net assets. See "Investment Restrictions", below. Enterprise Fund
purchases call options only to close out a position, and will neither write nor
purchase put options. The use of options contracts involves additional risk of
loss to the Fund, including the risk that the Fund may incur a loss because the
prices of the underlying securities do not move as anticipated. See the
Statement of Additional Information for a more detailed discussion of options
and the risks associated therewith.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. For the purpose of realizing additional
income, the Enterprise Fund may make secured loans of portfolio securities
amounting to not more than 20% of its total assets. Securities loans are made to
broker-dealers or financial institutions pursuant to agreements requiring that
the loans be continuously secured by collateral at least equal at all times to
the value of the securities lent. The collateral received will consist of cash,
letters of credit or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities. While the securities are being lent, the Fund
will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the
issuer on the securities, as well as interest on the investment of the
collateral or a fee from the borrower. Although the Fund does not expect to pay
commissions or other front-end fees (including finders fees) in connection with
loans of securities (but may in some cases do so), a portion of the additional
income realized will be shared with the Fund's custodian for arranging and
administering such loans. The Fund has a right to call each loan and obtain the
securities on five business days' notice. The Fund will not have the right to
vote securities while they are being lent, but it will call a loan in
anticipation of any important vote. The risks in lending portfolio securities,
as with other extensions of secured credit, consist of possible delay in
receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the securities or possible
loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Loans
will only be made to firms deemed by the Fund's investment adviser to be of good
standing and to have sufficient financial responsibility, and will not be made
unless, in the judgment of the Fund's investment adviser, the consideration to
be earned from such loans would justify the risk. The creditworthiness of
entities to which the Fund makes loans of portfolio securities is monitored by
the Fund's investment adviser throughout the term of each loan.
WARRANTS. The Fund may invest in warrants; however, not more than 5% of its
net assets (at the time of purchase) will be invested in warrants other than
warrants acquired in units or attached to other securities. Of such 5% not more
than 2% of the Fund assets at the time of purchase may be invested in warrants
that are not listed on the New York or American Stock Exchanges. Warrants are
instruments that allow investors to purchase underlying shares at a specified
price (exercise price) at a given future date. Warrants are pure speculation in
that they have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with
respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The prices of warrants do
not necessarily move parallel to the prices of the underlying securities.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES AND RULE 144A PAPER. The Fund is permitted to invest up
to 10% of its net assets in securities or other assets which are illiquid. An
investment is generally deemed to be "illiquid" if it cannot be disposed of
within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount
at which the investment company is valuing the investment. "Restricted
securities" are securities which were originally sold in private placements and
which have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933
Act"). Such securities generally have been considered illiquid by the staff of
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), since such securities may be
resold only subject to statutory restrictions and delays or if registered under
the 1933 Act.
The SEC has acknowledged, however, that a market exists for certain restricted
securities (for example, securities qualifying for resale to certain "qualified
institutional buyers" pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act). Additionally,
Advantus Capital and the Fund believe that a similar market exists for
commercial paper issued pursuant to the private placement exemption of Section
4(2) of the 1933 Act. The Fund may invest without limitation in these forms of
restricted securities if
8
<PAGE>
such securities are deemed by Advantus Capital to be liquid in accordance with
standards established by the Fund's Board of Directors. Under these guidelines,
Advantus Capital must consider (a) the frequency of trades and quotes for the
security, (b) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and
the number of other potential purchasers, (c) dealer undertakings to make a
market in the security, and (d) the nature of the security and the nature of the
marketplace trades (for example, the time needed to dispose of the security, the
method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer). At the present time,
it is not possible to predict with accuracy how the markets for certain
restricted securities will develop. Investing in such restricted securities
could have the effect of increasing the level of the Fund's illiquidity to the
extent that qualified purchasers of the securities become, for a time,
uninterested in purchasing these securities.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. Enterprise Fund may also invest up to 10% of the market
value of the Fund's total assets in securities of foreign issuers which are not
publicly traded in the United States. (Securities of foreign issuers which are
publicly traded in the United States, usually in the form of sponsored American
Depositary Receipts, are not subject to this 10% limitation.) Investing in
securities of foreign issuers may result in greater risk than that incurred in
investing in securities of domestic issuers. There is the possibility of
expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation, taxation of income
earned in foreign nations or other taxes imposed with respect to investments in
foreign nations; foreign exchange controls (which may include suspension of the
ability to transfer currency from a given country), default in foreign
government securities, political or social instability or diplomatic
developments which could affect investments in securities of issuers in those
nations. In addition, in many countries there is less publicly available
information about issuers than is available in reports about companies in the
United States. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and auditing practices
and requirements may not be comparable to those applicable to United States
companies. Further, the Fund may encounter difficulties or be unable to pursue
legal remedies and obtain judgments in foreign courts. Commission rates in
foreign countries, which are sometimes fixed rather than subject to negotiation
as in the United States, are likely to be higher. Further, the settlement period
of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer than in domestic
markets. In many foreign countries there is less government supervision and
regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges, brokers and
listed companies than in the United States. The foreign securities markets of
many of the countries in which the Fund may invest may also be smaller, less
liquid, and subject to greater price volatility than those in the United States.
Also, some countries may withhold portions of interest, dividends and gains at
the source. The Fund may also be unfavorably affected by fluctuations in the
relative rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations (i.e.,
when the currency being exchanged has decreased in value relative to the
currency being purchased). There are further risk considerations, including
possible losses through the holding of securities in domestic and foreign
custodial banks and depositories.
An ADR is sponsored if the original issuing company has selected a single U.S.
bank to serve as its U.S. depositary and transfer agent. This relationship
requires a deposit agreement which defines the rights and duties of both the
issuer and depositary. Companies that sponsor ADRs must also provide their ADR
investors with English translations of company information made public in their
own domiciled country. Sponsored ADR investors also generally have the same
voting rights as ordinary shareholders, barring any unusual circumstances. ADRs
which meet these requirements can be listed on U.S. stock exchanges. Unsponsored
ADRs are created at the initiative of a broker or bank reacting to demand for a
specific foreign stock. The broker or bank purchases the underlying shares and
deposits them in a depositary. Unsponsored shares issued after 1983 are not
eligible for U.S. stock exchange listings. Furthermore, they do not generally
include voting rights.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Enterprise Fund may also enter into repurchase
agreements. Repurchase agreements are agreements by which the Fund purchases a
security and obtains a simultaneous commitment from the seller (a member bank of
the Federal Reserve System or, if permitted by law or regulation and if the
Board of Directors of the Fund has evaluated its creditworthiness through
adoption of standards of review or otherwise, a securities dealer) to repurchase
the security at an agreed upon
9
<PAGE>
price and date. The creditworthiness of entities with whom the Fund enters into
repurchase agreements is monitored by the Fund's investment adviser throughout
the term of the repurchase agreement. The resale price is in excess of the
purchase price and reflects an agreed upon market rate unrelated to the coupon
rate on the purchased security. Such transactions afford the Fund the
opportunity to earn a return on temporarily available cash. The Fund's
custodian, or a duly appointed subcustodian, holds the securities underlying any
repurchase agreement in a segregated account or such securities may be part of
the Federal Reserve Book Entry System. The market value of the collateral
underlying the repurchase agreement is determined on each business day. If at
any time the market value of the collateral falls below the repurchase price of
the repurchase agreement (including any accrued interest), the Fund promptly
receives additional collateral, so that the total collateral is in an amount at
least equal to the repurchase price plus accrued interest. While the underlying
security may be a bill, certificate of indebtedness, note or bond issued by an
agency, authority or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, the obligation of
the seller is not guaranteed by the U.S. Government. In the event of a
bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund
could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses,
including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during
the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto; (b) possible
subnormal levels of income and lack of access to income during this period; and
(c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. Enterprise Fund has certain investment restrictions,
set forth in their entirety in the Statement of Additional Information, some of
which are fundamental policies and may not be changed without the approval of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund will
not: (i) purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in the securities of issuers conducting their principal
business activities in a single industry; (ii) borrow money, except from banks
and only as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not
in excess of 5% of its net assets; (iii) make loans, except by purchase of
bonds, debentures, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, corporate notes
and similar evidences of indebtedness, which are part of an issue to the public
or to financial institutions, and except certain loans of portfolio securities
to broker-dealers and financial institutions, determined by the Fund to have
sufficient financial responsibility, (see "Loans of Portfolio Securities"
above); (iv) write put or call options, except covered call options which are
traded on national securities exchanges with respect to common stocks in its
portfolio in an aggregate amount not greater than 15% of its net assets; or
purchase options, except call options in order to close out a position; or (v)
invest more than a total of 10% of the Fund's net assets in illiquid securities,
which include repurchase agreements with a maturity of over seven days, or more
than 5% of its net assets in securities of businesses (including predecessors)
less than three years old (this restriction is not fundamental).
- --------------------------------------------
RISKS OF INVESTING
IN THE FUND The price of the Fund's shares is not guaranteed. There is risk in
all investment and, depending on the performance of the Fund's investments, the
value of an investment in the Fund may decrease as well as increase.
Equity securities, in which the Fund will be primarily invested, are more
volatile than debt securities and involve greater investment risk. The Fund is
dependent on Advantus Capital's judgment as to general economic and market
policies and trends in investment yields, as well as its judgment as to the
composition of the portfolio.
Investments in small companies, such as those made by Enterprise Fund, involve
greater risks than equity securities generally due to their small size and the
fact that they may have limited product lines, less access to the financial
market for additional corporate financings or less management depth. In
addition, many of the securities of these firms trade less frequently and in
lower volumes than do securities issued by larger firms. The result is that the
short-term volatility of the prices of those securities is greater than the
prices of larger, more established companies which are more widely held in the
market. The securities of small companies may also be more sensitive to market
changes generally than the securities of large companies.
Some of the investment policies which the Fund may employ, such as investing
in options, repurchase agreements, and illiquid and foreign securities, involve
special risks not associated with more traditional investment instruments and
policies. Loans of portfolio securities, for example, involve
10
<PAGE>
risks of possible delay in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of
the loaned securities, or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower fail financially. The use of options may, in the case of a sale of a
covered call option, result in a loss to the Fund as a result of the foregone
increase in value of the underlying security if the price of such security does
not move as anticipated, or in the case of a purchase of a call option, as a
result of having to pay more than anticipated to purchase such option to close
out a position. Illiquid securities include certain types of restricted
securities, which may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or in a
public offering for which a registration statement is in effect under the
Securities Act of 1933. Because of such restrictions, the Fund may not be able
to dispose of a block of restricted securities for a substantial period of time
or at prices as favorable as those prevailing in the open market should like
securities of an unrestricted class of the same issuer be freely traded. The
Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration of such restricted
securities. See "Investment Policies," above, and the Statement of Additional
Information for risks associated with specific investments.
- --------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
Portfolio turnover is the ratio of the lesser of annual
purchases or sales of portfolio securities to the average
monthly value of portfolio securities, not including short-term securities. A
100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if the lesser of the
value of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a particular year were
equal to the average monthly value of the portfolio securities owned during such
year.
Enterprise Fund makes changes in its portfolio securities which are considered
advisable in light of market conditions. Frequent changes may result in higher
brokerage and other costs for the Fund. Portfolio turnover rates may vary
greatly from year to year and within a particular year and may also be affected
by cash requirements for redemptions of Fund shares. Enterprise Fund does not
emphasize short-term trading profits and usually expects to have annual turnover
rates not exceeding 100%.
Higher portfolio turnover rates (100% or more) may also result in greater tax
consequences for investors. A fund with a higher rate of portfolio turnover may
realize substantial additional capital gains, both long-term and short-term,
which gains would then result in additional taxable distributions to
shareholders. See "Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions" and "Taxes."
See "Financial Highlights" above, and the Statement of Additional Information,
for more information about the Fund's portfolio turnover policies and rates.
- --------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT
OF THE FUND
Under Minnesota law, the Board of Directors of the Fund has
overall responsibility for managing the Fund in good faith, in a manner
reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Fund, and with the care
an ordinary prudent person in like position would exercise in similar
circumstances. However, this management may be delegated.
The Fund's investment adviser is Advantus Capital. Advantus Capital commenced
its business in June 1994, and provides investment advisory services to each of
the other Advantus Funds, one other mutual fund (MIMLIC Cash Fund, Inc.) and
various private accounts. Advantus Capital is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
MIMLIC Management which, prior to March 1, 1995, served as investment adviser to
the Fund. The same portfolio manager and other personnel who previously provided
investment advisory services to the Fund through MIMLIC Management continue to
provide the same services through Advantus Capital. MIMLIC Management commenced
its current business in January, 1984, and provides investment advisory services
to one other mutual fund (MIMLIC Series Fund, Inc.) and various private
accounts. The personnel of Advantus Capital and MIMLIC Management have also had
experience in managing investments for The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance
Company ("Minnesota Mutual") and its separate accounts. MIMLIC Management is a
subsidiary of Minnesota Mutual, which was organized in 1880, and has assets of
more than $9.8 billion. The address of the Fund, Advantus Capital, MIMLIC
Management, MIMLIC Sales and Minnesota Mutual is 400 Robert Street North, St.
Paul, Minnesota 55101.
Advantus Capital selects and reviews the Fund's investments, and provides
executive and other personnel for the management of the Fund. The Fund's Board
of Directors supervises the affairs of the Fund as conducted by Advantus
Capital.
11
<PAGE>
The name and title of the portfolio manager employed by Advantus Capital who
is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio,
the length of time employed in that position, and his other business experience
during the past five years are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO MANAGER PRIMARY PORTFOLIO BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING
AND TITLE MANAGER SINCE PAST FIVE YEARS
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAMES P. TATERA INCEPTION SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANTUS CAPITAL; VICE PRESIDENT OF
SENIOR VICE MIMLIC MANAGEMENT; SECOND VICE PRESIDENT OF MINNESOTA MUTUAL
PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF EQUITY
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
</TABLE>
The Fund pays Advantus Capital an advisory fee equal on an annual basis to .8%
of the Fund's average daily net assets. For this fee, Advantus Capital acts as
investment adviser and manager for the Fund and pays the Fund's transfer agent,
dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent expenses. The Fund has engaged
Minnesota Mutual to act as its transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and
redemption agent. While the advisory fee paid by the Fund is higher than those
paid by most mutual funds, it is partially offset by Advantus Capital's payment
of certain expenses, such as the transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and
redemption agent expenses, which expenses are not customarily paid for by a
mutual fund's investment adviser. In addition, separate from the investment
advisory agreement, the Fund has entered into an agreement with Minnesota Mutual
under which Minnesota Mutual provides accounting, legal and other administrative
services to the Fund. During the year ended September 30, 1996, the Fund paid
Minnesota Mutual $41,200 for such services.
Under the Advisory Agreement with Advantus Capital, Advantus Capital furnishes
the Fund office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and
personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund, and pays the salaries and
fees of all officers and directors of the Fund who are affiliated with Advantus
Capital. MIMLIC Sales, the underwriter of the Fund's shares, bears all
promotional expenses in connection with the distribution of the Fund's shares,
including paying for prospectuses and statements of additional information for
new shareholders, shareholder reports for new shareholders and the costs of
sales literature. The Fund pays all other expenses not so expressly assumed.
For the year ended September 30, 1996, the expenses paid by the Fund (after
the voluntary absorption of certain expenses by the Fund's investment adviser
and the voluntary waiver of certain Class A Rule 12b-1 fees by MIMLIC Sales), as
a percentage of average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and
Class C shares, were 1.31%, 2.20% and 2.19%, respectively. If the Fund had been
charged for the expenses voluntarily absorbed and waived its annual operating
expenses, as a percentage of average net assets, would have been 1.51% for Class
A shares. Advantus Capital and MIMLIC Sales reserve the option to reduce further
the level of expenses which each will voluntarily absorb or waive for the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------
THE UNDERWRITER AND
PLANS OF DISTRIBUTION The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement with
MIMLIC Sales pursuant to which MIMLIC Sales acts as the underwriter of the
Fund's shares. In addition, the Fund has adopted separate Plans of Distribution
applicable to Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares relating to the
payment of certain distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund, pursuant to its Plans of Distribution,
pays fees to MIMLIC Sales equal, on an annual basis, to a percentage of the
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, Class B shares
and Class C shares, respectively, as set forth in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RULE 12B-1 FEE AS PERCENTAGE OF
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
<S> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------
.30% 1.00% 1.00%
</TABLE>
Such fees are used for distribution-related services for all three classes and
for servicing of shareholder accounts in connection with Class B and Class C
shares.
12
<PAGE>
All of the Rule 12b-1 fee payable by the Fund and attributable to Class A
shares, and a portion of the fee payable with respect to Class B and Class C
shares equal to .75% of the average daily net assets attributable to such Class
B and Class C shares, respectively, constitute distribution fees designed to
compensate MIMLIC Sales for advertising, marketing and distributing the Class A,
Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. The distribution fees may be used by
MIMLIC Sales for the purpose of financing any activity which is primarily
intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund. For example, such
distribution fee may be used by MIMLIC Sales: (a) to compensate (in addition to
the sales load) broker-dealers, including MIMLIC Sales and its registered
representatives, banks, and other financial institutions for their sale of Fund
shares; and (b) to pay other advertising and promotional expenses in connection
with the distribution of the Fund's shares. These advertising and promotional
expenses include, by way of example but not by way of limitation, costs of
prospectuses for other than current shareholders; preparation and distribution
of sales literature; advertising of any type; expenses of branch offices
provided jointly by MIMLIC Sales and any affiliate thereof; and compensation
paid to and expenses incurred by officers, employees or representatives of
MIMLIC Sales or of other broker-dealers, banks, or financial institutions.
A portion of the Rule 12b-1 fee payable with respect to Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund, equal to .25% of the average daily net assets attributable
to such Class B and Class C shares, respectively, constitutes a shareholder
servicing fee designed to compensate MIMLIC Sales for the provision of certain
services to the holders of Class B and Class C shares. The services provided may
include personal services provided to shareholders, such as answering
shareholder inquiries regarding the Fund and providing reports and other
information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
MIMLIC Sales may also use the shareholder servicing portion of the Rule 12b-1
fee to make payments to qualifying broker-dealers and financial institutions
that provide such shareholder services.
MIMLIC Sales may also provide compensation to certain institutions such as
banks ("Service Organizations") which have purchased shares of the Fund for the
accounts of their clients, or which have made the Fund's shares available for
purchase by their clients, and/or which provide continuing service to such
clients. The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws, among other things,
prohibit certain banks from engaging in the business of underwriting securities.
In such circumstances, MIMLIC Sales, if so requested, will engage such banks as
Service Organizations only to perform administrative and shareholder servicing
functions, but at the same fees and other terms applicable to dealers. If a bank
were prohibited from acting as a Service Organization, its shareholder clients
would be permitted to remain shareholders of the Fund and alternative means for
continuing servicing of such shareholders would be sought. In such event changes
in the operation of the Fund might occur and a shareholder serviced by such bank
might no longer be able to avail itself of any automatic investment or other
services then being provided by the bank. It is not expected that shareholders
would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a result of any of these
occurrences.
- --------------------------------------------
PURCHASE OF
FUND SHARES
The Fund's shares may be purchased at the public offering
price from MIMLIC Sales (the underwriter of the Fund's shares), and from certain
other broker-dealers. MIMLIC Sales reserves the right to reject any purchase
order.
Certificates representing shares purchased are not currently issued. However,
shareholders will receive written confirmation of their purchases. Shareholders
will have the same rights of ownership with respect to such shares as if
certificates had been issued. SHAREHOLDERS WHO HOLD PREVIOUSLY ISSUED
CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING ANY OF THEIR SHARES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO REDEEM SUCH
CERTIFICATED SHARES BY TELEPHONE.
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS. The Fund offers investors the choice among
three classes of shares which offer different sales charges and bear different
expenses. These alternatives permit an investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares that the investor believes is most beneficial given the amount
of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and
other circumstances. For a detailed discussion of these alternative purchase
arrangements see "Sales Charges" below, or for a summary of these alternative
purchase arrangements see "Prospectus Summary."
The decision as to which class of shares provides a more suitable investment
for an investor may
13
<PAGE>
depend on a number of factors, including the amount and intended length of the
investment. Investors making investments that qualify for a waiver of initial
sales charges should purchase Class A shares. Other investors should consider
Class B or Class C shares because all of the purchase price is invested
immediately. Investors who expect to hold shares for relatively shorter periods
of time may prefer Class C shares because such shares may be redeemed at any
time without payment of a contingent deferred sales charge. Investors who expect
to hold shares longer, however, may choose Class B shares because such shares
convert to Class A shares sooner than do Class C shares and thus pay the higher
Rule 12b-1 fee for a shorter period.
Purchase orders for $1,000,000 or more will be accepted for Class A shares
only and are not subject to a sales charge at the time of purchase. Orders for
Class B or Class C shares for $1,000,000 or more will be treated as orders for
Class A shares or declined.
PURCHASE BY CHECK. New investors may purchase shares of the Fund by
completing an account application and sending it, together with a check payable
to the Fund, to MIMLIC Sales, at P.O. Box 64809, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-0809.
A purchase is effected, at the price next determined, on the business day on
which a purchase order and properly drawn check are received by MIMLIC Sales.
PURCHASE BY WIRE. Shares may also be purchased by Federal Reserve or bank
wire. This method will result in a more rapid investment in shares of the Fund.
Before wiring any funds, contact MIMLIC Sales at (800) 443-3677 for
instructions. Promptly after making an initial purchase by wire, an investor
should complete an account application and mail it to MIMLIC Sales.
Subsequent purchases may be made in the same manner. Wire purchases normally
take two or more hours to complete, and to be accepted the same day must be
received by 3:00 p.m. (Central Time). Banks may charge a fee for transmitting
funds by wire.
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS. A minimum initial investment of $250 is required, and
the minimum subsequent investment is $25.
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE. The public offering price of the Fund will be the net
asset value per share of the Fund next determined after an order is received by
MIMLIC Sales and becomes effective, plus the applicable sales charge, if any.
The net asset value per share of each class is determined by dividing the value
of the securities, cash and other assets (including dividends accrued but not
collected) of the Fund attributable to such class less all liabilities
(including accrued expenses but excluding capital and surplus) attributable to
such class, by the total number of shares of such class outstanding.
The net asset value of the shares of the Fund is determined as of the primary
closing time for business on the New York Stock Exchange (as of the date of this
Prospectus the primary close of trading is 3:00 p.m. (Central Time), but this
time may be changed) on each day, Monday through Friday, except (i) days on
which changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities will not
materially affect the current net asset value of Fund shares, (ii) days during
which no Fund shares are tendered for redemption and no order to purchase or
sell Fund shares is received by the Fund and (iii) customary national business
holidays on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed for trading (as of the
date hereof, New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day).
Securities, including put and call options, which are traded over-the-counter
and on a national exchange will be valued according to the broadest and most
representative market. A security which is only listed or traded on an exchange,
or for which an exchange is the most representative market, is valued at its
last sale price (prior to the time as of which assets are valued) on the
exchange where it is principally traded. Lacking any sales on the exchange where
it is principally traded on the day of valuation, prior to the time as of which
assets are valued, the security generally is valued at the last bid price on
that exchange. All other securities for which over-the-counter market quotations
are readily available are valued on the basis of the last current bid price.
When market quotations are not readily available, such securities are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. Other assets
also are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors. However, debt securities may be valued on the basis of valuations
furnished by a pricing service which utilizes electronic data processing
techniques to determine valuations for normal institutional-size trading units
of debt securities, without regard to sale or bid prices, when such valuations
are believed to more accurately reflect the fair market value of such
securities. Short-term investments in debt securities are valued daily at
market.
14
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------
SALES
CHARGES
The sales charges applicable to purchases of the Fund's shares,
and also the Rule 12b-1 fees paid by the Fund which are
attributable to such shares, will vary depending on the class of shares
purchased, as described below. An investor should carefully consider which sales
charge alternative is most beneficial in the investor's circumstances.
- --------------------------------------------
CLASS A
SHARES The public offering price of Class A shares of the Fund is the net asset
value of the Fund's shares plus the applicable front end sales charge ("FESC"),
which will vary with the size of the purchase. MIMLIC Sales receives all
applicable sales charges. The Fund receives the net asset value. The current
sales charges are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES CHARGE AS A AMOUNT PAID TO
PERCENTAGE OF: BROKER-DEALERS AS
NET A PERCENTAGE OF
OFFERING AMOUNT OFFERING PRICE:
VALUE OF TOTAL INVESTMENT PRICE INVESTED STANDARD AFFILIATED*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS THAN $50,000 5.0% 5.26% 4.50% 5.0%
$50,000 BUT LESS THAN $100,000 4.5 4.71 4.05 4.5
$100,000 BUT LESS THAN $250,000 3.5 3.63 3.15 3.5
$250,000 BUT LESS THAN $500,000 2.5 2.56 2.25 2.5
$500,000 BUT LESS THAN $1,000,000 1.5 1.52 1.35 1.5
$1,000,000 AND OVER 0 0 .9** .9**
</TABLE>
*AN AFFILIATED BROKER-DEALER IS ONE OWNED BY A GENERAL AGENT OF MINNESOTA
MUTUAL.
**THESE PAYMENTS ARE PAID BY MIMLIC SALES OR ONE OF ITS AFFILIATES, AT ITS
OWN EXPENSE, AND NOT BY THE FUND OR ITS SHAREHOLDERS.
Note that the sales charge depends on the total value of your investment (net
asset value of shares currently owned plus the cost of any new investment) in
the Fund, and not on the amount of a single investment. For example, if you
already own shares with a net asset value of $40,000 and you decide to invest in
additional Class A shares having a public offering price of $10,000, you will
pay a sales charge equal to 4.5% of your entire additional $10,000 investment,
since the total value of your investment is now $50,000.
RULE 12B-1 FEES. Class A shares are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee payable at an
annual rate of .30% of average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to
Class A shares. For additional information about this fee, see "Management of
the Fund--The Underwriter and Plans of Distribution," above.
WAIVER OF SALES CHARGES FOR CLASS A SHARES. Officers, directors, full-time and
part-time employees, sales representatives, and retirees of the Fund, Advantus
Capital, MIMLIC Management, MIMLIC Sales, Minnesota Mutual or any of Minnesota
Mutual's other affiliated companies, any trust, pension or benefit plan for such
persons, the spouses, siblings, direct ancestors or direct descendents of such
persons, Minnesota Mutual and its affiliates themselves, advisory clients of
Advantus Capital or MIMLIC Management, employees of sales representatives
employed in offices maintained by such sales representatives, certain accounts
as to which a bank or broker-dealer charges an account management fee, provided
the bank or broker-dealer has an agreement with MIMLIC Sales, and certain
accounts sold by registered investment advisers who charge clients a fee for
their services are allowed to buy Class A shares of the Fund without paying the
FESC.
- --------------------------------------------
CLASS B
SHARES Class B shares of the Fund are sold without an initial sales charge so
that the Fund receives the full amount of the investor's purchase. However, a
contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of up to 5% will be imposed if shares
are redeemed within six years of purchase. For additional information, see
"Redemption of Fund Shares." Class B shares will automatically convert to Class
A shares of the Fund on the fifteenth day of the month (or, if different, the
last business day prior to such date) following the expiration of a specified
holding period. In addition, Class B shares are subject to higher Rule 12b-1
fees as described below. The amount of the CDSC will depend on the number of
years since the purchase was made, the amount of shares originally purchased and
the dollar amount being redeemed. The amount of the applicable CDSC and the
holding period prior to conversion are determined in accordance with the
following table:
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES CONVERT
TO
CLASS A IN THE
CDSC APPLICABLE IN YEAR MONTH AFTER
SHARES PURCHASED IN AN AMOUNT 1 2 3 4 5 6 EXPIRATION OF
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS THAN $50,000 5.0% 4.5% 3.5% 2.5% 1.5% 1.5% 84 MONTHS
$50,000 BUT LESS THAN $100,000 4.5 3.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 0 76 MONTHS
$100,000 BUT LESS THAN $250,000 3.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 0 0 60 MONTHS
$250,000 BUT LESS THAN $500,000 2.5 1.5 1.5 0 0 0 44 MONTHS
$500,000 BUT LESS THAN $1,000,000 1.5 1.5 0 0 0 0 28 MONTHS
</TABLE>
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to MIMLIC Sales and are used to defray
expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sale of Class B shares, such as the payment of compensation
to selected broker-dealers, and for selling Class B shares. The combination of
the CDSC and the Rule 12b-1 fee enables the Fund to sell the Class B shares
without deduction of a sales charge at the time of purchase. Although Class B
shares are sold without an initial sales charge, MIMLIC Sales pays a sales
commission to broker-dealers, and to registered representatives of MIMLIC Sales,
who sell Class B shares. The amount of this commission may differ from the
amount of the commission paid in connection with sales of Class A shares. The
higher Rule 12b-1 fee will cause Class B shares to have a higher expense ratio
and to pay lower dividends than Class A shares. MIMLIC Sales pays other
broker-dealers for the sale of Class B shares in accordance with the following
schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT PAID TO
BROKER-DEALER AS
A PERCENTAGE OF
OFFERING PRICE
SHARES PURCHASED IN AN AMOUNT STANDARD AFFILIATED*
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS THAN $50,000 3.75% 4.17%
$50,000 BUT LESS THAN $100,000 3.38 3.75
$100,000 BUT LESS THAN $250,000 2.63 2.92
$250,000 BUT LESS THAN $500,000 1.88 2.08
$500,000 BUT LESS THAN $1,000,000 1.13 1.25
</TABLE>
*AN AFFILIATED BROKER-DEALER IS ONE OWNED BY A GENERAL AGENT OF MINNESOTA
MUTUAL.
RULE 12B-1 FEES. Class B shares are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee payable at an
annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to
Class B shares. For additional information about this fee, see "Management of
the Fund--The Underwriter and Plans of Distribution," above.
CONVERSION FEATURE. On the fifteenth day of the month (or, if different, the
last business day prior to such date) after the expiration of the applicable
holding period described in the table above, Class B shares will automatically
convert to Class A shares and will no longer be subject to a higher Rule 12b-1
fee. Such conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset values of
the two classes. Class A shares issued upon such conversion will not be subject
to any FESC or CDSC. Class B shares acquired by exchange from Class B shares of
another Advantus Load Fund will convert into Class A shares based on the time of
the initial purchase. Purchased Class B shares ("Purchased B Shares") will
convert after the specified number of months following the purchase date. All
Class B shares in a shareholder's account that were acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions ("Reinvestment B Shares") will be
held in a separate sub-account. Each time any Purchased B Shares convert to
Class A shares, a PRO RATA portion (based on the ratio that the total converting
Purchased B Shares bears to the shareholder's total converting and
non-converting Purchased B Shares immediately prior to the conversion) of the
Reinvestment B Shares then in the sub-account will also convert to Class A
shares.
The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares is subject to the
continuing availability of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an
opinion of counsel that payment of different dividends by each of the classes of
shares does not result in the Fund's dividends or distributions constituting
"preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and that such conversions do not constitute taxable events for Federal tax
purposes. There can be no assurance that such ruling or opinion will be
available, and the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares will not occur
if such ruling or opinion is not available. In such event, Class B shares would
continue to be subject to higher expenses than Class A shares for an indefinite
period.
- --------------------------------------------
CLASS C
SHARES Class C shares of the Fund are sold without an initial sales charge so
that the Fund receives the full amount of the investor's purchase.
16
<PAGE>
Unlike Class B shares, however, no CDSC is imposed when Class C shares are
redeemed. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares of the
Fund on the fifteenth day of the month (or, if different, the last business day
prior to such date) following the expiration of a specified holding period. In
addition, Class C shares are subject to higher Rule 12b-1 fees (as described
below), and are subject to such higher fees for a longer period than are Class B
shares because of a longer holding period prior to conversion. The applicable
holding period prior to conversion is determined in accordance with the
following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES CONVERT
TO
CLASS A IN THE
MONTH AFTER
SHARES PURCHASED IN AN AMOUNT EXPIRATION OF
<S> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------
LESS THAN $50,000 96 MONTHS
$50,000 BUT LESS THAN $100,000 88 MONTHS
$100,000 BUT LESS THAN $250,000 72 MONTHS
$250,000 BUT LESS THAN $500,000 56 MONTHS
$500,000 BUT LESS THAN $1,000,000 40 MONTHS
</TABLE>
The longer period during which the Rule 12b-1 fee is charged enables the Fund
to sell the Class C shares without deduction of a sales charge at the time of
purchase and without imposing a CDSC at redemption. MIMLIC Sales does not pay a
sales commission to broker-dealers, or to registered representatives of MIMLIC
Sales, who sell Class C shares. The higher Rule 12b-1 fee will cause Class C
shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than Class A
shares.
RULE 12B-1 FEES. Class C shares are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee payable at an
annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to
Class C shares. For additional information about this fee, see "Management of
the Fund--The Underwriter and Plans of Distribution," above.
CONVERSION FEATURE. On the fifteenth day of the month (or, if different, the
last business day prior to such date) after the expiration of the applicable
holding period described in the table above, Class C shares will automatically
convert to Class A shares and will no longer be subject to a higher Rule 12b-1
fee. Such conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset values of
the two classes. Class A shares issued upon such conversion will not be subject
to any FESC or CDSC. Class C shares acquired by exchange from Class C shares of
another Advantus Load Fund will convert into Class A shares based on the time of
the initial purchase. Purchased Class C shares ("Purchased C Shares") will
convert after the specified number of months following the purchase date. All
Class C shares in a shareholder's account that were acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions ("Reinvestment C Shares") will be
held in a separate sub-account. Each time any Purchased C Shares convert to
Class A shares, a PRO RATA portion (based on the ratio that the total converting
Purchased C Shares bears to the shareholder's total converting and
non-converting Purchased C Shares immediately prior to the conversion) of the
Reinvestment C Shares then in the sub-account will also convert to Class A
shares.
The conversion of Class C shares to Class A shares is subject to the
continuing availability of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an
opinion of counsel that payment of different dividends by each of the classes of
shares does not result in the Fund's dividends or distributions constituting
"preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and that such conversions do not constitute taxable events for Federal tax
purposes. There can be no assurance that such ruling or opinion will be
available, and the conversion of Class C shares to Class A shares will not occur
if such ruling or opinion is not available. In such event, Class C shares would
continue to be subject to higher expenses than Class A shares for an indefinite
period.
- --------------------------------------------
OTHER PAYMENTS
TO BROKER-DEALERS The commissions paid to broker-dealers in connection with the
sale of Class A and Class B shares are as described above. A broker-dealer
receiving more than 90% of the sales charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter"
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Broker-dealers selling Class A and
Class C shares will receive Rule 12b-1 distribution fees which equal, on an
annual basis, .25% and .75%, respectively, of the net asset values attributable
to such shares. Rule 12b-1 service fees will also be paid to broker-dealers
selling Class B and Class C shares in amounts equal, on an annual basis, to .25%
and .25%, respectively, of the net asset values attributable to such shares.
In addition, MIMLIC Sales or Minnesota Mutual will pay to "affiliated"
broker-dealers (i.e., broker-dealers owned by general agents of Minnesota
Mutual), based uniformly on the sale of all classes of Fund shares by such
broker-dealers, credits which allow such broker-dealers' registered
representatives who are responsible for such broker-
17
<PAGE>
dealers' sales of Fund shares to attend conventions and other meetings sponsored
by Minnesota Mutual or its affiliates for the purpose of promoting the sale of
the insurance and/or investment products offered by Minnesota Mutual and its
affiliates. Such credits may cover the registered representatives'
transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, registration fees and the like.
Affiliated broker-dealers earning such credits will be allowed to elect to
receive from MIMLIC Sales or Minnesota Mutual, in lieu of such credits, cash in
an amount equal to the cost of providing such credits.
- --------------------------------------------
SPECIAL
PURCHASE
PLANS
The following are alternative purchase plans applicable to the
Fund, all of which offer the possibility of a reduced sales
charge:
- - Letter of Intent. (See instructions on application.)
- - Combined purchases with spouse, children, and/or
single trust estates--all accounts, whether invested in Class A shares, Class
B shares or Class C shares, or any combination, are combined to determine
sales charge. It is the obligation of each investor desiring this discount in
sales charge to notify MIMLIC Sales, through his or her dealer or otherwise,
that he or she is entitled to the discount.
- - Group Purchases--individuals who are members
of a qualified group (which must meet criteria established by MIMLIC Sales)
may purchase shares at the reduced sales charge applicable to the group taken
as a whole.
- - Combined investments in all Advantus Load
Funds--all accounts, whether invested in Class A shares, Class B shares or
Class C shares, or any combination, are combined to determine sales charge.
- - Systematic Investment Plan--voluntary periodic
purchases enable an investor to lower his or her average cost per share
through the principle of "dollar cost averaging."
The Fund also offers an Automatic Investment Plan, which allows an investor to
automatically invest a specified amount in the Fund each month. For more
information on any of these plans, contact MIMLIC Sales or a MIMLIC Sales
representative.
- --------------------------------------------
EXCHANGE AND
TELEPHONE TRANSFER
OF FUND SHARES
A shareholder can exchange some or all of his or
her Class A, Class B and Class C shares in the Fund, including shares acquired
by reinvestment of dividends, for shares of the same class of any of the other
Advantus Load Funds (provided that the shareholder has an already open account
in such other Advantus Load Fund), and can thereafter re-exchange such exchanged
shares back for shares of the same class of the Fund, provided that the minimum
amount which may be transferred is $250. The exchange will be made on the basis
of the relative net asset values without the imposition of any additional sales
load. When Class B shares acquired through the exchange are redeemed, the
shareholder will be treated as if no exchange took place for the purpose of
determining the CDSC period and applying the CDSC.
Class A, Class B and Class C shares may also be exchanged for shares of
Advantus Money Market Fund, Inc. ("Money Market Fund") at net asset values. No
CDSC will be imposed at the time of any such exchange of Class B shares;
however, the Money Market Fund shares acquired in any such exchange will remain
subject to the CDSC otherwise applicable to such Class B shares as of the date
of exchange, and the period during which such shares of Money Market Fund are
held will not be included in the calculation of the CDSC due at redemption of
such Money Market Fund shares or any reacquired Class B shares, except as
follows. MIMLIC Sales is currently waiving the entire Rule 12b-1 fee due from
Money Market Fund. In the event MIMLIC Sales begins to receive any portion of
such fee, either (i) the time period during which shares of Money Market Fund
acquired in exchange for Class B shares are held will be included in the
calculation of the CDSC due at redemption, or (ii) such time period will not be
included but the amount of the CDSC will be reduced by the amount of any Rule
12b-1 payments made by Money Market Fund with respect to those shares.
Shares of Money Market Fund acquired in an exchange for Class A, Class B or
Class C shares from any of the Advantus Load Funds may also be re-exchanged at
relative net asset values for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively,
of the Fund. Class C shares re-acquired in this manner will have a remaining
holding period prior to conversion equal
18
<PAGE>
to the remaining holding period applicable to the prior Class C shares at the
time of the initial exchange. Shares of Money Market Fund not acquired in an
exchange from any of the Advantus Load Funds may be exchanged at relative net
asset values for either Class A, Class B or Class C shares of the Fund, subject
to the sales charge applicable to the class selected.
The exchange privilege is available only in states where such exchanges may
legally be made (at the present time the Fund believes this privilege is
available in all states). An exchange may be made by written request or by a
pre-authorized telephone call (see "Telephone Transactions"). Up to four
exchanges each calendar year may be made without charge. A $7.50 service charge
will be imposed on each subsequent exchange and/or telephone transfer. No
service charge is imposed in connection with systematic exchange plans. However,
the Fund reserves the right to restrict the frequency of--or otherwise modify,
condition, terminate, or impose additional charges upon--the exchange and/or
telephone transfer privileges, upon 60 days' prior notice to shareholders.
Telephone transfers and other exchanges can only be made between Advantus Fund
accounts having identical registrations. An exchange is considered to be a sale
of shares for federal income tax purposes on which an investor may realize a
long- or short-term capital gain or loss. See "Taxes" for a discussion of the
effect of redeeming shares within 90 days after acquiring them and subsequently
acquiring new shares in any mutual fund at a reduced sales charge.
- --------------------------------------------
SYSTEMATIC EXCHANGE
PLAN Shareholders of the Fund may elect to have shares of the Fund
systematically exchanged for shares of any of the other Advantus Funds (provided
that such Advantus Fund accounts must have identical registrations) on a monthly
basis. The minimum amount which may be exchanged on such a systematic basis is
$25. The terms and conditions otherwise applicable to exchanges generally, as
described above, also apply to such systematic exchange plans.
- --------------------------------------------
REDEMPTION OF
FUND SHARES
Registered holders of shares of the Fund may redeem their
shares at the per share net asset value next determined following receipt by the
Fund (at its mailing address listed on the cover page) of a written redemption
request signed by all shareholders exactly as the account is registered (and a
properly endorsed stock certificate if one has been issued). Class A and Class C
shares may be redeemed without charge. A contingent deferred sales charge may be
applicable upon redemption of Class B shares (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge," below). Both share certificates and stock powers, if any, tendered in
redemption must be endorsed and executed exactly as the Fund shares are
registered. If the redemption proceeds are less than $25,000 and are to be paid
to the registered holder and sent to the address of record for that account, or
if the written redemption request is from pre-authorized trustees of plans,
trusts and other tax-exempt organizations and the redemption proceeds are less
than $25,000, no signature guarantee is required. However, if the redemption
proceeds are $25,000 or more or are to be paid to someone other than the
registered holder, or are to be mailed to an address other than the registered
shareholder's address, or the shares are to be transferred, or the request does
not come from such a plan trustee, the owner's signature must be guaranteed by
an eligible guarantor institution, including (1) national or state banks,
savings associations, savings and loan associations, trust companies, savings
banks, industrial loan companies and credit unions; (2) national securities
exchanges, registered securities associations and clearing agencies; (3)
securities broker-dealers which are members of a national securities exchange or
a clearing agency or which have minimum net capital of $100,000; or (4)
institutions that participate in the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program
("STAMP") or other recognized signature medallion program. A signature guarantee
is also required in connection with any redemption if, within the 30-day period
prior to receipt of the redemption request, instructions have been received to
change the shareholder's address of record. The Fund reserves the right to
require signature guarantees on all redemptions. Any certificates should be sent
to the Fund by certified mail. Payment will be made as soon as possible, but not
later than seven days after receipt of a properly executed written redemption
request (and any certificates). The amount received by the shareholder may be
more or less than the shares' original cost.
If stock certificates have not been issued, and if no signature guarantee is
required, shareholders may
19
<PAGE>
also submit their signed written redemption request to the Fund by facsimile
(FAX) transmission. The Fund's FAX number is 1-612-223-4100.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE. The CDSC applicable upon redemption of
Class B shares will be calculated on an amount equal to the lesser of the net
asset value of the shares at the time of purchase or their net asset value at
the time of redemption. No charge will be imposed on increases in net asset
value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no charge will be assessed
on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions
or on shares held for longer than the applicable CDSC period. See "Sales
Charges-- Class B Shares," above.
In determining whether a CDSC is payable with respect to any redemption, the
calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest rate
being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that shares that are not subject to
the CDSC are redeemed first, shares subject to the lowest level of CDSC are
redeemed next, and so forth. If a shareholder owns Class A or Class C shares in
addition to Class B shares, then absent a shareholder choice to the contrary,
Class C shares will first be redeemed in full, and Class B shares not subject to
a CDSC will next be redeemed in full, prior to any redemption of Class A shares.
Class A shares will also be redeemed in full, absent a shareholder choice to the
contrary, prior to any redemption of Class B shares which are subject to a CDSC.
The CDSC does not apply to: (1) redemption of Class B shares in connection
with the automatic conversion to Class A shares; (2) redemption of shares when a
Fund exercises its right to liquidate accounts which are less than the minimum
account size; and (3) redemptions in the event of the death or disability of the
shareholder within the meaning of Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The CDSC will also not apply to certain exchanges. See "Exchange and Telephone
Transfer of Fund Shares," above.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION. The Fund's shareholders may elect this option by
completing the appropriate portion of the application, and may redeem shares by
calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-800-443-3677 (see "Telephone
Transactions"). The maximum amount which may be redeemed by telephone is
$25,000. The proceeds will be sent by check to the address of record for the
account. If the amount is $1,000 or more, and if the shareholder has designated
a bank account, the proceeds may be wired to the shareholder's designated bank
account, and the prevailing wire charge (currently $5.00) will be added to the
amount redeemed from the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to modify, terminate
or impose charges upon the telephone redemption privilege.
Delay in Payment of Redemption Proceeds. Payment of redemption proceeds will
ordinarily be made as soon as possible and within the periods of time described
above. However, an exception to this is that if redemption is requested after a
purchase by non-guaranteed funds (such as a personal check), the Fund will delay
mailing the redemption check or wiring proceeds until it has reasonable
assurance that the purchase check has cleared (good payment has been collected).
This delay may be up to 14 days from the purchase date.
The Fund has the right to redeem the shares in inactive accounts which, due to
redemptions and not to decreases in market value of the shares in the account,
have a total current value of less than $150. Before redeeming an account, the
Fund will mail to the shareholder a written notice of its intention to redeem,
which will give the investor an opportunity to make an additional investment. If
no additional investment is received by the Fund within 60 days of the date the
notice was mailed, the shareholder's account will be redeemed.
- --------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE
TRANSACTIONS
Shareholders of the Fund are permitted to exchange or
redeem the Fund's shares by telephone. See "Exchange and Telephone Transfer of
Fund Shares" and "Redemption of Fund Shares" for further details. The privilege
to initiate such transactions by telephone is not made available automatically
but must be elected by a shareholder on the account application.
Shareholders may initiate telephone transactions by telephoning the Fund's
transfer agent, toll free, at 1-800-443-3677, Monday through Friday, from 8:00
a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Central Time). Telephone transaction requests received after
3:00 p.m. (Central Time) will be treated as received the next business day.
Telephone exchanges may be made only between Advantus Fund accounts having
identical registrations. The maximum amount which may be redeemed by telephone
is $25,000. During periods of marked economic or market changes, shareholders
may experience difficulty in
20
<PAGE>
implementing a telephone exchange or redemption due to a heavy volume of
telephone calls. In such a circumstance, shareholders should consider submitting
a written request while continuing to attempt a telephone exchange or
redemption. The Fund reserves the right to modify, terminate or impose changes
upon the telephone exchange and redemption privileges upon 60 days prior notice
to shareholders.
The Fund and its transfer agent, Minnesota Mutual, will not be liable for
following instructions communicated by telephone which they reasonably believe
to be genuine; provided, however, that the Fund and Minnesota Mutual will employ
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine, and that if they do not, they may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The procedures for processing telephone
transactions include tape recording of telephone instructions, asking
shareholders for their account number and a personal identifying number, and
providing written confirmation of such transactions.
- --------------------------------------------
REINSTATEMENT
PRIVILEGE
Shareholders who redeem shares in the Fund have a one-time
privilege to apply their redemption proceeds (at no sales charge) to the
purchase of shares of any of the Advantus Load Funds by notifying MIMLIC Sales
within 90 days after their redemption. All shares issued as a result of the
reinstatement privilege applicable to redemptions of Class A and Class B shares
will be issued only as Class A shares. Any CDSC incurred in connection with the
prior redemption (within 90 days) of Class B shares will not be refunded or
re-credited to the shareholder's account. Shareholders who redeem Class C shares
and exercise their reinstatement privilege will be issued only Class C shares,
which shares will have a remaining holding period prior to conversion equal to
the remaining holding period applicable to the prior Class C shares at
redemption. See "Taxes" for a discussion of the effect of redeeming shares
within 90 days after acquiring them and subsequently acquiring new shares in any
mutual fund at a reduced sales charge.
- --------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND
CAPITAL GAINS
DISTRIBUTIONS
The policy of the Fund is to pay dividends from net
investment income quarterly. Any net realized capital
gains are generally distributed once a year, during December. Distributions paid
by the Fund, if any, with respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares will be
calculated in the same manner, at the same time, on the same day and will be in
the same amount, except that the higher Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to Class B
and Class C shares will be borne exclusively by such shares. The per share
distributions on Class B and Class C shares will be lower than the per share
distributions on Class A shares as a result of the higher Rule 12b-1 fees
applicable to Class B and Class C shares.
Any dividend payments or net capital gains distributions made by the Fund are
in the form of additional shares of the same class of the Fund rather than in
cash, unless a shareholder specifically requests the Fund in writing that the
payment be made in cash. The distribution of these shares is made at net asset
value on the payment date of the dividend, without any sales or other charges to
the shareholder. The taxable status of income dividends and/or net capital gains
distributions is not affected by whether they are reinvested or paid in cash.
Authorization to pay dividends in cash may be made on the application form, or
at any time by letter.
Upon written request to the Fund, a shareholder may also elect to have
dividends from the Fund invested without sales charge in shares of Money Market
Fund or shares of the same class of another of the Advantus Load Funds (provided
that such Advantus Fund accounts must have identical registrations) at the net
asset value of such other Advantus Fund on the payable date for the dividends
being distributed. To use this privilege of investing dividends from the Fund in
shares of another of the Advantus Funds, shareholders must maintain a minimum
account value of $250 in both the Fund and the Advantus Fund in which dividends
are reinvested.
- --------------------------------------------
TAXES
The following is a general summary of certain federal tax
considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. No attempt is made to
present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the
21
<PAGE>
Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here is not intended as a
substitute for careful tax planning.
During the year ended September 30, 1996 the Fund fulfilled, and intends to
continue to fulfill, the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), as a regulated investment company. If so
qualified, the Fund will not be liable for federal income taxes to the extent it
distributes its taxable income to its shareholders.
Distributions of investment company taxable income from the Fund generally
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, regardless of whether such
distributions are paid in cash or are invested in additional shares of the
Fund's stock. A distribution of net capital gain (a "capital gain
distribution"), whether paid in cash or reinvested in shares, is taxable to
shareholders as long-term or net capital gain, regardless of the length of time
a shareholder has held his or her shares or whether such gain was realized by
the Fund before the shareholder acquired such shares and was reflected in the
price paid for the shares. However, if a shareholder holds for less than six
months a share with respect to which a long-term capital gain distribution has
been made, any loss on the sale of such share will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent that the shareholder previously recognized long-term
capital gain. Long-term capital gains of individuals are taxed at a maximum rate
of 28%, while the highest marginal regular tax rate on ordinary income for
individuals is 39.6%.
Some or all of the dividend distributions from the Fund will qualify for the
70% dividend received deduction for corporations.
Prior to purchasing shares of the Fund, prospective shareholders (except for
tax qualified retirement plans) should consider the impact of dividends or
capital gains distributions which are expected to be announced, or have been
announced but not paid. Any such dividends or capital gains distributions paid
shortly after a purchase of shares by an investor prior to the record date will
have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value by the amount of the
dividends or distributions. All or a portion of such dividends or distributions,
although in effect a return of capital, is subject to taxation.
If shares of the Fund are sold or otherwise disposed of more than twelve
months from the date of acquisition, the Fund shareholder will realize a
long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the purchase
price and the sale price of the shares disposed of, if, as is usually the case,
the Fund shares are a capital asset in the hands of the Fund shareholder.
The Code provides that a shareholder who pays a sales charge in acquiring
shares of a mutual fund, redeems those shares within 90 days after acquiring
them, and subsequently acquires new shares in any mutual fund for a reduced
sales charge or no sales charge (pursuant to a reinvestment right acquired with
the first shares), may not take into account the sales charge imposed on the
first acquisition, to the extent of the reduction in the sales charge on the
second acquisition, for purposes of computing gain or loss on disposition of the
first acquired shares. The amount of sales charge disregarded under this rule
will, however, be treated as incurred in connection with the acquisition of the
second acquired shares.
Before investing in the Fund, an investor should consult a tax adviser
concerning the consequences of any local and state tax laws, and of any
retirement plan offering tax benefits.
Shareholders of the Fund receive an annual statement detailing federal tax
information. Distributions by the Fund, including the amount of any redemption,
are reported to shareholders in such annual statement and to the Internal
Revenue Service to the extent required by the Code.
The Fund is required by federal law to withhold 31% of reportable payments
(including dividends, capital gain distributions, and redemptions) paid to
certain accounts whose owners have not complied with IRS regulations. In order
to avoid this backup withholding requirement, each shareholder will be asked to
certify on the shareholder's account application that the social security or
taxpayer identification number provided is correct and that the shareholder is
not subject to backup withholding for previous underreporting to the IRS.
- --------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT
PERFORMANCE
Advertisements and other sales literature for the Fund may
refer to "yield," "average annual total return" and "cumulative total return."
Performance quotations are computed separately for Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund. All quotations of yield, average annual total return and
cumulative total return are based upon historical information and are not
intended to indicate future performance. The investment return on and
22
<PAGE>
principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that an
investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original
cost.
The advertised yield of the Fund will be based
upon a 30-day period stated in the advertisement. Yield is calculated by
dividing the net investment income per share (as defined under Securities and
Exchange Commission rules and regulations) earned during the period by the
maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period. The result is
then "annualized" using a formula that provides for semi-annual compounding of
income.
Both average annual total return and cumulative total return are based on a
hypothetical $1,000 payment to the Fund at the beginning of the advertised
period. Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average annual
compounded rate of return over the period that would equate the initial
investment to the ending redeemable value. Cumulative total return is the
percentage change between the public offering price of one Fund share at the
beginning of a period and the net asset value of that share at the end of the
period with dividend and capital gain distributions treated as reinvested. In
calculating both average annual total return and cumulative total return, the
maximum initial or deferred sales charge is deducted from the hypothetical
investment and all dividends and distributions during the period are assumed to
be reinvested. Such average annual total return and cumulative total return
figures may also be accompanied by average annual total return and cumulative
total return figures, for the same or other periods, which do not reflect the
deduction of any sales charges.
- --------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURNS The table below shows the average annual total returns for Class
A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund for the periods indicated. Such
figures reflect the deduction of the Fund's maximum 5% sales load applicable to
Class A shares, the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to Class B
shares, the voluntary absorption of certain expenses of the Fund by the Fund's
investment adviser described under "Management of the Fund" and waiver of
certain Class A 12b-1 fees by the Fund's Distributor. (See also, "Calculation of
Performance Data" in the Statement of Additional Information.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL
RETURN FOR THE
PERIODS SHOWN ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
SINCE
1 YEAR 5 YEARS INCEPTION
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SHARES (1) 10.8% N/A 18.2%
CLASS B SHARES (1) 10.7 N/A 18.6
CLASS C SHARES (2) 15.6 N/A 23.1
</TABLE>
(1) INCEPTION WAS SEPTEMBER 16, 1994.
(2) INCEPTION WAS MARCH 1, 1995.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RANKINGS AND
RATINGS The Fund may from time to time also advertise rankings or other ratings
of the Fund as determined by Morningstar, Inc., Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc., INVESTORS DAILY, Wiesenberger Financial Services, FORTUNE MAGAZINE, or
other mutual fund rating firms.
Shareholders of the Fund may also telephone MIMLIC Sales at (800) 443-3677 for
current quotations of yield, average annual total return and cumulative total
return.
For additional information regarding the calculation of yield, average annual
total return and cumulative total return see the Statement of Additional
Information.
- --------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION Further information about the performance of the Fund is contained
in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders, which may be obtained without
charge by writing or calling the Fund at the address or telephone number shown
on the cover of this Prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------
GENERAL
INFORMATION
The Fund was incorporated in January 1994 as a Minnesota
corporation. The Fund's name was changed, by vote of its shareholders, to its
current name in February 1995. The Fund's authorized capital stock is of three
classes (Class A, Class B and Class C), common shares, with a par value of $.01
per share. All shares of the Fund are nonassessable, fully transferable and have
one vote and equal rights to share in dividends and assets of the Fund. The
shares of the Fund possess no preemptive or conversion rights. Cumulative voting
is not
23
<PAGE>
authorized for the Fund. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the
shares of the Fund voting for the election of directors of the Fund can elect
100% of the directors if they choose to do so, and in such event the holders of
the remaining shares of the Fund will be unable to elect any directors.
On September 30, 1996, Minnesota Mutual and its subsidiaries owned shares in
each class of shares of the Fund as set forth in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
OWNED BY
SHARES MINNESOTA MUTUAL
OUTSTANDING AND SUBSIDIARIES
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,428,973 311,533 51,600 2,041,512 7,744 889
</TABLE>
Due to its ownership of more than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Fund,
Minnesota Mutual may be said to control the Fund. Minnesota Mutual, Advantus
Capital, MIMLIC Management and MIMLIC Sales are all organized as Minnesota
corporations.
The Fund does not hold annual or periodically scheduled regular meetings of
shareholders. Regular and special shareholder meetings are held only at such
times and with such frequency as required by law. Minnesota corporation law does
not require an annual meeting; instead, it provides for the Board of Directors
to convene shareholder meetings when it deems appropriate. In addition, if a
regular meeting of shareholders has not been held during the immediately
preceding fifteen months, a shareholder or shareholders holding 3% or more of
the voting shares of the Fund may demand a regular meeting of shareholders of
the Fund by written notice of demand given to the chief executive officer or the
chief financial officer of the Fund. Within 30 days after receipt of the demand
by one of those officers, the Board of Directors shall cause a regular meeting
of shareholders to be called and held no later than 90 days after receipt of the
demand, all at the expense of the Fund. Additionally, the Investment Company Act
of 1940 requires shareholder votes for all amendments to fundamental investment
policies and restrictions and for all investment advisory contracts and
amendments thereto.
The Fund sends to its shareholders a six-month unaudited and annual audited
financial report of the Fund, which includes a list of investment securities
held by the Fund. Shareholder inquiries should be directed to a registered
representative of the shareholder's broker-dealer, or to the Underwriter or the
Fund at the telephone number or mailing address listed on the cover of this
Prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------
COUNSEL AND
INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS
The firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 220 South Sixth Street,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, is the general counsel for the
Fund. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, 4200 Norwest Center, 90 South Seventh Street,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, are the independent auditors for the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------
CUSTODIAN
First Trust National Association, 180 East Fifth Street, St.
Paul, Minnesota 55101, acts as custodian of the securities held by the Fund.
24
<PAGE>
ADVANTUS ENTERPRISE FUND, INC.
FUND INFORMATION:
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Advantus Capital Management, Inc.
400 Robert Street North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 292-5923
UNDERWRITER
MIMLIC Sales Corporation
P.O. Box 64809
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-0809
(612) 228-4833
(800) 443-3677
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND
DISBURSING AGENT
The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company
P.O. Box 64132
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0132
(800) 443-3677
CUSTODIAN
First Trust National Association
180 East Fifth Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
GENERAL COUNSEL
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
[ADVANTUS -TM- FAMILY OF FUNDS]
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADVANTUS HORIZON FUND, INC.
ADVANTUS SPECTRUM FUND, INC.
ADVANTUS MORTGAGE SECURITIES FUND, INC.
ADVANTUS MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
ADVANTUS BOND FUND, INC.
ADVANTUS CORNERSTONE FUND, INC.
ADVANTUS ENTERPRISE FUND, INC.
ADVANTUS INTERNATIONAL BALANCED FUND, INC.
January 31, 1997
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. This
Statement of Additional Information relates to the separate Prospectuses dated
January 31, 1997 and should be read in conjunction therewith. A copy of each
Prospectus may be obtained from MIMLIC Sales Corporation, P.O. Box 64809, St.
Paul, Minnesota 55101-0809 (telephone (800) 443-3677).
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MUST BE ACCOMPANIED OR PRECEDED BY A
COPY OF THE CURRENT PROSPECTUS AND ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR EACH OF
THE ADVANTUS FUNDS NAMED ABOVE.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Horizon Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Spectrum Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Mortgage Securities Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Money Market Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Bond Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Cornerstone Fund and Enterprise Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
International Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Additional Investment Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
All Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
DIRECTOR LIABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Control and Management of Advantus Capital and MIMLIC Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Investment Advisory Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
International Fund Sub-Adviser -- Templeton Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
International Fund Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement -- Templeton Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Distribution Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Payment of Certain Distribution Expenses of the Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
MONEY MARKET FUND AMORTIZED COST METHOD OF PORTFOLIO VALUATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
CAPITAL STOCK AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
HOW TO BUY SHARES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
NET ASSET VALUE AND PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
REDUCED SALES CHARGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Right of Accumulation-Cumulative Purchase Discount. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Letter of Intent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Combining Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Purchases of Class A shares by Certain Persons Affiliated with the Fund, Advantus Capital MIMLIC
Management, Templeton Counsel, MIMLIC Sales, Minnesota Mutual, or Any of Minnesota Mutual's Other
Affiliated Companies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Open Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Systematic Investment Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Group Systematic Investment Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Automatic Investment Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Group Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Retirement Plans Offering Tax Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Systematic Withdrawal Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Exchange and Telephone Transfer Privilege . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
REDEMPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Reinstatement Privilege . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX STATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
APPENDIX A - MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Underlying Mortgages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Liquidity and Marketability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Average Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Yield Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
APPENDIX B - BOND AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Bond Ratings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Commercial Paper Ratings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
APPENDIX C - FUTURES CONTRACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Use of Futures Contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Description of Futures Contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Risks in Futures Contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
Example of Futures Contract Sale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
Example of Futures Contract Purchase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Tax Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY
Advantus Horizon Fund, Inc. ("Horizon Fund"), Advantus Spectrum Fund,
Inc. ("Spectrum Fund"), Advantus Mortgage Securities Fund, Inc. ("Mortgage
Securities Fund"), Advantus Money Market Fund, Inc. ("Money Market Fund"),
Advantus Bond Fund, Inc. ("Bond Fund"), Advantus Cornerstone Fund, Inc.
("Cornerstone Fund"), Advantus Enterprise Fund, Inc. ("Enterprise Fund") and
Advantus International Balanced Fund, Inc. ("International Fund"),
collectively referred to as the "Advantus Funds" or the "Funds," are open-end
diversified investment companies, commonly called mutual funds. Each of the
Advantus Funds, excluding Money Market Fund, offers more than one class of
shares (the "Advantus Load Funds"). The Advantus Load Funds currently offer
three classes of shares (Class A, Class B and Class C). Each class is sold
pursuant to different sales arrangements and bears different expenses. The
Funds are incorporated as Minnesota corporations. Horizon Fund, Spectrum
Fund, Mortgage Securities Fund and Money Market Fund were incorporated in
October 1984. Bond Fund was incorporated in January 1987, and Cornerstone
Fund, Enterprise Fund and International Fund were incorporated in January
1994.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The investment objective and policies of each of the Funds are
summarized on the front page of each Fund's Prospectus and are set forth in
detail in the text of each Fund's Prospectus under "Investment Objectives,
Policies and Risks."
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS
Mortgage Securities Fund, Spectrum Fund and Bond Fund may each
purchase securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell
securities on a "forward commitment" basis. When such transactions are
negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed
at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the
securities takes place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs
within two months after the transaction, but delayed settlements beyond two
months may be negotiated. During the period between a commitment to purchase
by the Fund and settlement, no payment is made for the securities purchased
by the Fund and, thus, no interest accrues to the Fund from the transaction.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments enables
the Fund to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices.
For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, the
Fund might sell securities in its portfolio on a forward commitment basis to
limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates
and rising prices, the Fund might sell a security in its portfolio and
purchase the same or a similar security on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis, thereby fixing the purchase price to be paid on the
settlement date at an amount below that to which the Fund anticipates the
market price of such security to rise and, in the meantime, obtaining the
benefit of investing the proceeds of the sale of its portfolio security at
currently higher cash yields. Of course, the success of this strategy
depends upon the ability of the Fund's investment adviser to correctly
anticipate increases and decreases in interest rates and prices of
securities. If the adviser anticipates a rise in interest rates
-1-
<PAGE>
and a decline in prices and, accordingly, the Fund sells securities on a
forward commitment basis in order to hedge against falling prices, but in
fact interest rates decline and prices rise, the Fund will have lost the
opportunity to profit from the price increase. If the adviser anticipates a
decline in interest rates and a rise in prices, and, accordingly, the Fund
sells a security in its portfolio and purchases the same or a similar
security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis in order to enjoy
currently high cash yields, but in fact interest rates increase and prices
fall, the Fund will have lost the opportunity to profit from investment of
the proceeds of the sale of the security at the increased interest rates.
The likely effect of this hedging strategy, whether the Fund's investment
adviser is correct or incorrect in its prediction of interest rate and price
movements, is to reduce the chances of large capital gains or losses and
thereby reduce the likelihood of wide variations in the Fund's net asset
value.
When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior to
the settlement date, but the Fund enters into when-issued and forward
commitments only with the intention of actually receiving or delivering the
securities, as the case may be. The Fund may hold a when-issued security or
forward commitment until the settlement date, even if the Fund will incur a
loss upon settlement. To facilitate transactions in when-issued securities
and forward commitments, the Fund's custodian bank maintains, in a separate
account of the Fund, liquid assets, such as cash, short-term securities and
other appropriate high grade debt obligations, having a value equal to, or
greater than, any commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis and, with respect to forward commitments to sell
portfolio securities of the Fund, the portfolio securities themselves. If
the Fund, however, chooses to dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued
security prior to its acquisition or dispose of its right to deliver or
receive against a forward commitment, it can incur a gain or loss. (At the
time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase or sell a security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, it records the transaction and
reflects the value of the security purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds to
be received, in determining its net asset value.) No when-issued or forward
commitments with respect to debt securities will be made if, as a result,
more than 20% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be committed to
such transactions.
INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS
Mortgage Securities Fund and Bond Fund may each also enter into
contracts for the future delivery of fixed income securities commonly
referred to as "interest rate futures contracts." These futures contracts
will be used only as a hedge against anticipated interest rate changes. The
Fund will sell futures contracts to protect against expected increases in
interest rates and purchase futures contracts to offset the impact of
interest rate declines. The Fund will not enter into an interest rate
futures contracts if immediately thereafter (a) more than 5% of the value of
the Fund's total assets will be committed to initial margin or (b) the sum of
the then aggregate futures market prices of financial instruments required to
be delivered upon open futures contract sales and the aggregate purchase
prices under open futures contract purchases would exceed 30% of the value of
the Fund's total assets. In addition, when purchasing interest rate futures
contracts, the Fund will deposit and maintain in a separate account with its
custodian cash or cash equivalents in an amount equal to the market value of
such futures contracts, less any margin deposited on the Fund's long
position, to cover the Fund's obligation.
-2-
<PAGE>
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"), a Federal
agency, regulates trading activity on the exchanges pursuant to the Commodity
Exchange Act, as amended. The CFTC requires the registration of "commodity
pool operators," defined as any person engaged in a business which is of the
nature of an investment trust, syndicate, or similar form or enterprise, and
who, in connection therewith, solicits, accepts, or receives from others,
funds, securities, or property for the purpose of trading in any commodity
for future delivery on or subject to the rules of any contract market. The
CFTC has adopted certain regulations which exclude from the definition of
"commodity pool operator" an investment company, like the Fund, registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, and any principal or employee thereof, which investment company
files a notice of eligibility with the CFTC and the National Futures
Association containing certain information about the investment company and
representing that it (i) will use commodity futures or commodity options
contracts solely for bona fide hedging purposes, (ii) will not enter into
commodity futures and commodity options contracts for which the aggregate
initial margin and premiums exceed 5% of the fair market value of its assets,
after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any
such contracts it has entered into, (iii) will not be, and has not been,
marketing participations to the public as or in a commodity pool or otherwise
as or in a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures or commodity options
markets, (iv) will disclose in writing to each prospective participant the
purpose of and the limitations on the scope of the commodity futures and
commodity options trading in which the entity intends to engage, and (v) will
submit to such special calls as the CFTC may make to require the qualifying
entity to demonstrate compliance with these representations. The "bona fide
hedging" transactions and positions authorized by these regulations mean
transactions or positions in a contract for future delivery on any contract
market, where such transactions or positions normally represent a substitute
for transactions to be made or positions to be taken at a later time in a
physical marketing channel, and where they are economically appropriate to
the reduction of risks in the conduct and management of a commercial
enterprise, and where they arising from (i) the potential change in the value
of assets which a person owns, produces, manufactures, processes or
merchandises or anticipates owning, producing, manufacturing, processing or
merchandising, (ii) the potential change in the value of liabilities a person
owes or anticipates incurring, or (iii) the potential change in the value of
services which a person provides, purchases or anticipates providing or
purchasing; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, no transactions or
positions shall be classified as bona fide hedging unless their purpose is to
offset price risk incidental to commercial cash or spot operations and such
positions are established and liquidated in an orderly manner in accordance
with sound commercial practices and unless certain statements are filed with
the CFTC with respect to such transactions or positions. The Fund intends to
meet these requirements, or such other requirements as the CFTC or its staff
may from time to time issue, in order to render registration of the Fund and
any of its principals and employees as a commodity pool operator unnecessary.
The Fund will incur certain risks in employing interest rate futures
contracts to protect against cash market price volatility. One risk is the
prospect that futures prices will correlate imperfectly with the behavior of
cash prices. Another risk is that the Fund's investment adviser would be
incorrect in its expectation as to the extent of various investment rate
movements or the time span within which the movements take place.
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For a detailed discussion of futures contracts and the risks of
investing therein, see Appendix C to this Statement of Additional Information.
OPTIONS - HORIZON FUND, CORNERSTONE FUND AND ENTERPRISE FUND
The Fund may write covered call options which are traded on national
securities exchanges with respect to common stocks in its portfolio ("covered
options") in an attempt to earn additional current income on its portfolio or
to guard against an expected decline in the price of a security. When the
Fund writes a covered call option, it gives the purchaser of the option the
right to buy the underlying security at the price specified in the option
(the "exercise price") at any time during the option period. If the option
expires unexercised, the Fund realizes income, typically in the form of
short-term capital gain, to the extent of the amount received for the option
(the "premium"). If the option is exercised, a decision over which the Fund
has no control, the Fund must sell the underlying security to the option
holder at the exercise price. By writing a covered option, the Fund
foregoes, in exchange for the premium less the commission ("net premium"),
the opportunity to profit during the option period from an increase in the
market value of the underlying security above the exercise price. The Fund
does not write call options in an aggregate amount greater than 15% of its
net assets.
The Fund purchases call options only to close out a position. When an
option is written on securities in the Fund's portfolio and it appears that
the purchaser of that option is likely to exercise the option and purchase
the underlying security, it may be considered appropriate to avoid
liquidating the Fund's position, or the Fund may wish to extinguish a call
option sold by it so as to be free to sell the underlying security. In such
instances the Fund may purchase a call option on the same security with the
same exercise price and expiration date which had been previously written.
Such a purchase would have the effect of closing out the option which the
Fund has written. The Fund realizes a short-term capital gain if the amount
paid to purchase the call option is less than the premium received for
writing a similar option. Generally, the Fund realizes a short-term loss if
the amount paid to purchase the call option is greater than the premium
received for writing the option. If the underlying security has
substantially risen in value, it may be difficult or expensive to purchase
the call option for the closing transaction.
OPTIONS - MORTGAGE SECURITIES FUND
Mortgage Securities Fund may purchase put and call options written by
others covering the types of securities in which the Fund may invest. The
Fund may not write put or call options. The Fund utilizes put and call
options to provide protection against adverse price or yield effects from
anticipated changes in prevailing interest rates.
A put option gives the buyer of such option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to deliver a specified amount of a security to the writer
of the option on or before a fixed date at a predetermined price. A call
option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the
right to call upon the writer to deliver a specified amount of a security on
or before a fixed date at a predetermined price. The Fund will not purchase a
put or call option if, as a result, the aggregate cost of all outstanding
options purchased and held by the Fund plus all other illiquid assets held by
the Fund would exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's net assets. If an
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option is permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium
would be lost by the Fund.
In buying a call, the Fund would be in a position to realize a gain
if, during the option period, the price of the security increased by an
amount in excess of the premium paid. It would realize a loss if the price
of the security declined or remained the same or did not increase during the
period by more than the amount of the premium. By buying a put, the Fund
would be in a position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the
price of the security declines in an amount in excess of the premium paid.
It would realize a loss if the price of the security increased or remained
the same or did not decrease during that period by more than the amount of
the premium.
The Fund generally purchases options in negotiated transactions with
the writers of the options. The Fund purchases options only from investment
dealers and other financial institutions (such as commercial banks or savings
and loan institutions) deemed creditworthy by its investment adviser. The
Fund may dispose of an option by entering into a closing sale transaction
with the writer of the option. A closing sale transaction terminates the
obligation of the writer of the option and does not result in the ownership
of an option. The Fund realizes a profit or loss from a closing sale
transaction if the premium received from the transaction is more than or less
than the cost of the option. Options purchased by the Fund in negotiated
transactions are illiquid and there is no assurance that the Fund will be
able to effect a closing sale transaction at a time when its investment
adviser believes it would be advantageous to do so.
OPTIONS - SPECTRUM FUND AND BOND FUND
The Fund may write (sell) "covered" call options and purchase
"covered" put options. The Fund will not purchase call options except to
close out call options previously written by the Fund, nor will it write put
options except to close out put options previously purchased by the Fund.
The effect of writing covered call options and purchasing covered put options
will be to reduce the effect of price fluctuations of the securities owned by
the Fund (and involved in the options) on the Fund's net asset value per
share. Another effect may be the generation of additional revenues in the
form of premiums received for writing covered call options.
Spectrum Fund does not write covered call or purchase covered put
options if, as a result, the aggregate market value of all portfolio
securities covering such options exceeds an aggregate amount greater than 15%
of the market value of its net assets. Bond Fund will not write a covered
call option or purchase a put option if, as a result, the aggregate market
value of all portfolio securities covering call options or subject to put
options exceeds 25% of the market value of the Fund's net assets. In
addition, Bond Fund will purchase covered put options (and purchase call
options to close out call options previously written by the Fund) only to the
extent that the aggregate premiums paid for all such options held do not
exceed 2% of net assets.
A call option gives the holder (buyer) the "right to purchase" a
security at a specified price (the exercise price) at any time until a
certain date (the expiration date). So long as the obligation of the writer
of a call option continues, he may be assigned an exercise notice by the
broker-dealer through whom such option was sold, requiring him to deliver the
underlying security
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against payment of the exercise price. This obligation terminates upon the
expiration of the call option, or such earlier time at which the writer
effects a closing purchase transaction by repurchasing the option which he
previously sold. To secure his obligation to deliver the underlying security
in the case of a call option, a writer is required to deposit in escrow the
underlying security or other assets in accordance with the rules of the
Exchanges and of the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC"), an institution
created to interpose itself between buyers and sellers of options. A put
option gives the holder (buyer) the "right to sell" a security at a specified
price (the exercise price) at any time until a certain date (the expiration
date).
The Fund will only write "covered" call and purchase "covered" put
options. This means that the Fund will only write a call option or purchase
a put option on a security which the Fund already owns. Each Fund will only
write covered call options and purchase covered put options in
exchange-traded standard contracts issued by the OCC, or write covered call
options and purchase covered put options in the over-the-counter ("OTC")
market in negotiated transactions entered into directly with investment
dealers meeting the creditworthiness criteria (described below) of the Fund's
investment adviser. Exchange-traded options are third-party contracts and
standardized strike prices and expiration dates, and are purchased from a
clearing corporation such as the OCC. Technically, the OCC assumes the other
side of every purchase and sale transaction on an Exchange and, by doing so,
guarantees the transaction. In contrast, OTC options are two-party contracts
with price and terms negotiated between buyer and seller. The Fund relies on
the dealer from whom it purchases an OTC option to perform if the option is
exercised, and will therefore only negotiate an OTC option with a dealer
subject to the following criteria: (i) the broker-dealer or its predecessor
must have been in business at least 15 years; (ii) the broker-dealer must
have, in the judgment of the Fund's investment adviser, a reputation for
sound management and ethical business practices; (iii) the broker-dealer must
be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (iv) the
broker-dealer must have at least $50 million in "Excess Capital." ("Excess
Capital" is that portion of a firm's permanent capital which is in excess of
the minimum capital required under the Uniform Net Capital Rule of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.) Broker-dealer subsidiaries of companies
having at least $1 billion in net worth shall also be considered
creditworthy, in the event of a lack of publicly available financial
information. To the extent the Fund invests in OTC options for which there
is no secondary market it will be investing in securities which are illiquid
and therefore subject to the Fund's 10% limitation on aggregate investment in
restricted or other illiquid securities (see "Investment Restrictions").
The writing of covered call options is a conservative investment
technique believed to involve relatively little risk (in contrast to the
writing of naked or uncovered options) but capable of enhancing total return.
When writing a covered call option, the Fund, in return for the premium,
gives up the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the underlying
security above the exercise price, but conversely retains the risk of loss
should the price of the security decline. If a call option which the Fund
has written expires, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the
premium; however, such gain may be offset by a decline in the market value of
the underlying security during the option period. If the call option is
exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the
underlying security. The Fund will purchase put options involving portfolio
securities only when the Fund's investment adviser believes that a temporary
defensive position is desirable in light of market conditions, but does not
desire to sell the
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portfolio security. Therefore, the purchase of put options will be utilized
to protect the Fund's holdings in an underlying security against a
substantial decline in market value. Such protection is, of course, only
provided during the life of the put option when the Fund, as the holder of
the put option, is able to sell the underlying security at the put exercise
price regardless of any decline in the underlying security's market price.
By using put options in this manner, the Fund will reduce any profit it might
otherwise have realized in its underlying security by the premium paid for
the put option and by transaction costs.
The Fund will purchase a call option only to close out a covered call
option it has written (a "closing purchase transaction"), and will write a
put option only to close out a put option it has purchased (a "closing sale
transaction"). Such closing transactions will be effected in order to
realize a profit on an outstanding call or put option, to prevent an
underlying security from being called or put, or, to permit the sale of the
underlying security. Furthermore, effecting a closing transaction will
permit the Fund to write another call option, or purchase another put option,
on the underlying security with either a different exercise price or
expiration date or both. If the Fund desires to sell a particular security
from its portfolio on which it has written a call option, or purchased a put
option, it will seek to effect a closing transaction prior to, or
concurrently with, the sale of the security. There is, of course, no
assurance that the Fund will be able to effect such closing transactions at a
favorable price. If the Fund cannot enter into such a transaction, it may be
required to hold a security that it might otherwise have sold, in which case
it would continue to be at market risk on the security. This could result in
higher transaction costs, including brokerage commissions. The Fund will pay
brokerage commissions in connection with the writing or purchase of options
to close out previously written options. Such brokerage commissions are
normally higher than those applicable to purchases and sales of portfolio
securities.
WARRANTS WITH CASH EXTRACTIONS
The International Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in warrants,
including warrants used in conjunction with the cash extraction method.
Warrants are instruments that allow investors to purchase underlying shares
at a specified price (exercise price) at a given future date. The market
price of a warrant is determined by market participants by the addition of
two distinct components: (1) the price of the underlying shares less the
warrant's exercise price, and (2) the warrant's premium that is attributed to
volatility and leveraging power. If an investor wishes to replicate an
underlying share, the investor can use the warrant with cash extraction
method by purchasing warrants and holding cash. The cash component would be
determined by subtracting the market price of the warrant from the underlying
share price.
For example, ASSUME one share for company "Alpha" has a current share
price of $40 and issued warrants can be converted one for one share at an
exercise price of $31 exercisable two years from today. Also ASSUME that the
market price of the warrant is $10 ($40 - $31 + $1) because investors are
willing to pay a premium ($1) for previously stated reasons. If an investor
wanted to replicate an underlying share by engaging in a warrant with cash
extraction strategy, the amount of cash the investor would need to hold for
every warrant would be $30 ($40 - $10 = $30). A warrant with cash extraction
is, thus, simply a synthetically created quasi-convertible bond.
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If an underlying share issues no or a low dividend and has an
associated warrant with a market price that is low relative to its share
price, a warrant with cash extraction may provide attractive cash yields and
minimize capital loss risk, provided the underlying share is also considered
a worthy investment. For example, ASSUME Alpha's share is an attractive
investment opportunity and its share pays no dividend. Given the information
regarding Alpha provided above, also ASSUME that short-term cash currently
yields 5% per year and that the investor plans to hold the investment at
least two years, barring significant near-term capital appreciation. If the
share price were to fall below $30, the warrant with cash extraction strategy
would yield a lower loss than the underlying share because an investor cannot
lose more than the purchase cost of the warrant (capital risk minimized).
The cash component for this strategy would yield $3.08 after two years
(compound interest). The total value of the underlying investment would be
$43.08 versus $40.00 for the non-yielding underlying share (attractive
yield). Finally, it is important to note that this strategy will not be
pursued if it is not economically more attractive than underlying shares.
DEBT SECURITIES AND DOWN-GRADED INSTRUMENTS
Each of Horizon Fund, Spectrum Fund, Mortgage Securities Fund, Bond Fund,
Enterprise Fund, Cornerstone Fund and International Fund may invest in non-
convertible debt securities rated BBB or Baa or higher by S&P or Moody's,
respectively as described in each Fund's Prospectus. Cornerstone Fund may also
invest in debt securities convertible into common stock which are rated lower
than BBB or Baa but which are rated at least B- by S&P or B3 by Moody's. (See
the Cornerstone Fund Prospectus for information regarding these securities and
the Fund's policy regarding them.)
The market value of debt securities generally varies in response to changes
in interest rates and the financial condition of each issuer. During periods of
declining interest rates, the value of debt securities generally increases.
Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of such
securities generally declines. These changes in market value will be reflected
in each Fund's net asset value.
These Funds may, however, acquire debt securities which, after acquisition,
are down-graded by the rating agencies to a rating which, in the case of non-
convertible debt, is lower than BBB or Baa by S&P's or Moody's, respectively, or
which, in the case of convertible debt held by Cornerstone Fund, is lower than
B- or B3 by S&P or Moody's respectively. In such an event it is such Funds'
general policy to dispose of such down-graded securities except when, in the
judgment of the Funds' investment adviser, it is to the Funds' advantage to
continue to hold such securities. In no event, however, will any such Fund hold
more than 5% of its net assets, in the aggregate, in non-convertible securities
rated lower than BBB or Baa or, in the case of Cornerstone Fund, in convertible
securities rated lower than B- or B3.
Low rated (i.e., below BBB) and unrated debt securities generally involve
greater volatility of price and risk of principal and income, including the
possibility of default by, or bankruptcy of, the issuers of the securities. In
addition, the markets in which low rated and unrated debt securities are traded
are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The
existence of limited markets for particular securities may diminish the Funds'
ability to sell the securities at fair value either to meet redemption requests
or to respond to changes in the economy or in the financial markets and could
adversely affect and cause fluctuations in the daily net asset value of the
Funds' shares.
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Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of low rated debt
securities, especially in a thinly traded market. Analysis of the
creditworthiness of issuers of low rated debt securities may be more complex
than for issuers of higher rated securities, and the ability of the Funds to
achieve its investment objective may, to the extent of investment in low
rated debt securities, be more dependent upon such creditworthiness analysis
than would be the case if the Funds were investing in higher rated securities.
Low rated debt securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived
adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade
securities. The prices of low rated debt securities have been found to be
less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher rated investments, but
more sensitive to adverse economic downturns or individual corporate
developments. A projection of an economic downturn or of a period of rising
interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in low rated debt
securities prices because the advent of a recession could lessen the ability
of a highly leveraged company to make principal and interest payments on its
debt securities. If the issuer of low rated debt securities defaults, the
Funds may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. The low rated bond
market is relatively new, and many of the outstanding low rated bonds have
not endured a major business recession.
INVESTMENTS IN RUSSIA
The International Fund may invest in securities of Russian companies, which
involves risks and special considerations not typically associated with
investing in United States securities markets. Since the breakup of the Soviet
Union at the end of 1991, Russia has experienced dramatic political and social
change. The political system in Russia is emerging from a long history of
extensive state involvement in economic affairs. The country is undergoing a
rapid transition from a centrally-controlled command system to a market-
oriented, democratic model. The Fund may be affected unfavorably by political
or diplomatic developments, social instability, changes in government policies,
taxation and interest rates, currency repatriation restrictions and other
political and economic developments in the law or regulations in Russia and, in
particular, the risks of expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of
assets and changes in legislation relating to foreign ownership.
The planned economy of the former Soviet Union was run with qualitatively
different objectives and assumptions from those prevalent in a market system and
Russian businesses do not have any recent history of operating within a market-
oriented economy. In general, relative to companies operating in Western
economies, companies in Russian are characterized by a lack of: (i) management
with experience of operating in a market economy; (ii) modern technology; and,
(iii) a sufficient capital base with which to develop and expand their
operations. It is unclear what will be the future effect on Russian companies,
if any, of Russia's continued attempts to move toward a more market-oriented
economy. Russia's economy has experienced severe economic recession, if not
depression, since 1990 during which time the economy has been characterized by
high rates of inflation, high rates of unemployment, declining gross domestic
product, deficit government spending, and a devaluing currency. The economic
reform program has involved major disruptions and dislocations in various
sectors of the economy, and those problems have been exacerbated by growing
liquidity problems. Further, Russia presently receives significant financial
assistance from a number of countries through various programs. To the extent
these programs are reduced or eliminated in the future, Russian economic
development may be adversely impacted.
The Russian securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and
significantly more volatile than the securities markets in the United States.
In addition, there is little historical data on these securities markets because
they are of recent origin. A substantial proportion of securities transactions
in Russia are privately negotiated outside of stock exchanges and
over-the-counter markets. A limited number of issuers represent a
disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading volume.
Although evolving rapidly, even the largest of Russia's stock exchanges are not
well developed compared to Western stock exchanges. The actual volume of
exchange-based trading in Russia is low and active on-market trading generally
occurs only in the shares of a few private companies. Most secondary market
trading of equity securities occurs through over-the-counter trading facilitated
by a growing number of licensed brokers. Shares are traded on the over-the-
counter market primarily by the management of enterprises, investment funds,
short-term speculators and foreign investors. The securities of Russian
companies are mostly traded over-the-counter and, despite the large number of
stock exchanges, there is still no organized public market for such securities.
This may increase the difficulty of valuing the Fund's investments. No
established secondary markets may exist for many of the securities in which the
Fund may invest. Reduced secondary market liquidity may have an adverse effect
on market price and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular instruments when
necessary to meet its liquidity requirements or in response to specific economic
events such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. Reduced
secondary market liquidity for securities may also make it more difficult for
the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its
portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Market quotations are generally
available on many emerging country securities only from a limited number of
dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of those dealers or prices
for actual sales.
Because of the recent formation of the securities markets as well as the
underdeveloped state of the banking and telecommunications systems, settlement,
clearing and registration transactions are subject to significant risks not
normally associated with investments in the United States and other more
developed markets. Ownership of shares (except where shares are held through
depositories that meet the requirements of the 1940 Act) is defined according to
entries in the company's share register and normally evidenced by extracts from
the register or in certain limited cases by formal share certificates. However,
there is not a central registration system and these services are carried out by
the companies themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. These
registrars are not necessarily subject to effective state supervision and its
possible for the Fund to lose its registration through fraud, negligence and
even mere oversight. The laws and regulations in Russia affecting Western
investment business continue to evolve in an unpredictable manner. Russian laws
and regulations, particularly those involving taxation, foreign investment and
trade, title to property or securities, and transfer of title, applicable to the
Fund's activities are relatively new and can change quickly and unpredictably in
a manner far more volatile than in the United States or other developed market
economies. Although basic commercial laws are in place, they are often unclear
or contradictory and subject to varying interpretation, and may at any time be
amended, modified, repealed or replaced in a manner adverse to the interest of
the Fund. There is still lacking a cohesive body of law and precedents normally
encountered in business environments. Foreign investment in Russian companies
is, in certain cases, legally restricted. Sometimes these restrictions are
contained in constitutional documents of an enterprise which are not publicly
available. Russian foreign investment legislation currently guarantees the
right of foreign investors to transfer abroad income received on investments
such as profits, dividends and interest payments. This right is subject to
settlement of all applicable taxes and duties. However, more recent legislation
governing currency regulation and control guarantees the right to export
interest, dividends and other income on investments, but does not expressly
permit the repatriation of capital from the realization of investments. Current
practice is to recognize the right to repatriation of capital. Authorities
currently do not attempt to restrict repatriation beyond the extent of the
earlier law. No guarantee can be made, however, that amounts representing
realization of capital of income will be capable of being remitted. If, for any
reason, the Fund were unable to distribute an amount equal to substantially all
of its investment company taxable income (as defined for U.S. tax purposes)
within applicable time periods, the Fund would not qualify for the favorable
U.S. federal income tax treatment afforded to regulated investment companies,
or, even if it did so qualify, it might become liable for income and excise
taxes on undistributed income.
Russian courts lack experience in commercial dispute resolution and many of
the procedural remedies for enforcement and protection of legal rights typically
found in Western jurisdictions are not available in Russia. There remains
uncertainty as to the extent to which local parties and entities, including
Russian state authorities, will recognize the contractual and other rights of
the parties with which they deal. Accordingly, there will be difficulty and
uncertainty in the Fund's ability to protect and enforce its rights against
Russian state and private entities. There is also no assurance that the Russian
courts will recognize or acknowledge that the Fund has acquired title to any
property or securities in which the Fund invests, or that the Fund is the owner
of any property or security held in the name of a nominee which has acquired
such property or security on behalf of the Fund, because there is at present in
Russia no reliable system or legal framework regarding the registration of
titles. There can be no assurance that this difficulty in protecting and
enforcing rights in Russia will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund
and its operations. Difficulties are likely to be encountered enforcing
judgments of foreign courts within Russia or of Russian courts in foreign
jurisdictions due to the limited number of countries which have signed treaties
for mutual recognition of court judgments with Russia.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each of the Funds is "diversified" as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940. This means that at least 75% of the value of the Fund's
total assets is represented by cash and cash items, government securities,
securities of other investment companies, and securities of other issuers,
which for purposes of this calculation, are limited in respect of any one
issuer to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the Fund's total assets
and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
Each Fund is also subject to certain "fundamental" investment
restrictions, which may not be changed without the vote of a "majority" of
the Fund's outstanding shares. As used in the Prospectus and this Statement
of Additional Information, "majority" means the lesser of (i) 67% of a Fund's
outstanding shares present at a meeting of the holders if more than 50% of
the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or (ii) more than
50% of a Fund's outstanding shares. An investment restriction which is not
fundamental may be changed by vote of the Board of Directors without further
shareholder approval. Except as otherwise noted, each of the investment
restrictions below is fundamental.
HORIZON FUND
Horizon Fund will NOT:
(1) Purchase any security (other than securities issued
or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in securities of a single issuer, except
that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be
invested without regard to this limitation;
[NOTE: SEE "ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS" BELOW.]
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(2) Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% of the
Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers
conducting their principal business activities in a single industry;
(3) Purchase securities on margin (but it may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales or securities); or make short sales except short sales
against the box where it owns the securities sold or, by virtue of
ownership of other securities, it has the right to obtain, without
payment of further consideration, securities equivalent in kind and
amount to those sold;
(4) Acquire more than 10% of any class of securities of an issuer
(taking all preferred stock issues of an issuer as a single class and
all debt issues of an issuer as a single class) or acquire more than
10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer;
(5) Borrow money, except from banks and only as a temporary measure
for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not in excess of 5% of
its net assets;
(6) Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any manner transfer, as
security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund;
(7) Invest more than a total of 5% of its total assets in
securities of businesses (including predecessors) less than three
years old or equity securities which are not readily marketable;
(8) Purchase or retain securities of any company if officers and
directors of the Fund or of its investment adviser who individually
own more than 1/2 of 1% of the shares or securities of that company,
together own more than 5%;
(9) Make loans, except by purchase of bonds, debentures, commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, corporate notes and similar evidences
of indebtedness, which are a part of an issue to the public or to
financial institutions, and except loans of portfolio securities to
broker-dealers and financial institutions, determined by the Fund to
have sufficient financial responsibility, if such loans are secured
at all times by cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, in an amount
at all times equal to at least 100% of the market value of the
portfolio securities loaned and if, immediately after making such
loan, the total amount of portfolio securities loaned does not exceed
20% of the market value of the Fund's total assets;
(10) Buy or sell oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights or
royalty contracts, real estate or interests in real estate which are
not readily marketable, commodities or commodity contracts. (This
does not prevent the Fund from purchasing securities of companies
investing in the foregoing.);
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(11) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the
extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter, under the federal
securities laws, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities;
(12) Make investments for the purpose of exercising control
or management;
(13) Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in
any trading account in securities;
(14) Write put or call options, except covered call options
which are traded on national securities exchanges with respect to
common stocks in its portfolio, in an aggregate amount not greater
than 15% of its net assets; or purchase options, except call options in
order to close out a position;
(15) Invest in the securities of other investment companies
with an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets,
except securities acquired as a result of a merger, consolidation or
acquisition of assets;
(16) Purchase or sell any securities other than Fund shares
from or to its investment adviser or any officer or director of the
Fund or its investment adviser; or
(17) Invest more than a total of 10% of the Fund's net assets in
securities restricted as to disposition under federal securities laws
or otherwise or other illiquid assets (which include repurchase
agreements with a maturity of over seven days).
SPECTRUM FUND
Spectrum Fund will NOT:
(1) Purchase any security (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in securities of a single issuer, except that
up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to this limitation;
(2) Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% of
the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers
conducting their principal business activities in a single industry,
provided that (a) telephone, gas and electric public utilities are each
regarded as separate industries and (b) banking, savings and loan
associations, savings banks and finance companies as a group will not
be considered a single industry for the purpose of this limitation.
There is no limitation with respect to the concentration of investments
in securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities or certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances of United States banks and savings and loan associations;
[NOTE: SEE "ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS" BELOW.]
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(3) Purchase any security on margin (but it may obtain
such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of
purchases and sales of securities);
(4) Make short sales except short sales against the box
where it owns the securities sold or, by virtue of ownership of other
securities, it has the right to obtain, without payment of further
consideration, securities equivalent in kind and amount to those sold;
(5) Acquire more than 10% of any class of securities of
an issuer (taking all preferred stock issues of an issuer as a single
class and all debt issues of an issuer as a single class) or acquire
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer;
(6) Borrow money, except from banks and only as a
temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not in
excess of 5% of its net assets;
[NOTE: SEE "ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS" BELOW.]
(7) Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any manner
transfer, as security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund,
except that this limitation shall not apply to deposits made in
connection with the entering into and holding of interest rate
futures contracts;
(8) Invest more than a total of 5% of its total assets in
securities of businesses (including predecessors) less than three
years old or equity securities which are not readily marketable;
(9) Purchase or retain securities of any company if
officers and directors of the Fund or of its investment adviser who
individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the shares of securities of
that company, together own more than 5%;
(10) Make loans, except by purchase of qualified debt
obligations referred to in the Prospectus and except loans of
portfolio securities to broker-dealers and financial institutions,
determined by the Fund's investment adviser to have sufficient
financial responsibility, if such loans are secured at all times by
cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, in an amount at all
times equal to at least 100% of the market value of the portfolio
securities loaned and if, immediately after making such loans, the
total amount of portfolio securities loaned does not exceed 20% of
the market value of the Fund's total assets;
(11) Buy or sell oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights
or royalty contracts, real estate or interests in real estate which
are not readily marketable, commodities or commodity contracts. (This
does not prevent the Fund from purchasing securities of companies
investing in the foregoing.);
(12) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the
extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter, under the federal
securities laws, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities;
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(13) Make investments for the purpose of exercising
control or management;
(14) Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in
any trading account in securities;
(15) Write call or purchase put options, except covered
options which are traded on national securities exchanges with
respect to securities in its portfolio, in an amount not greater than
15% of its net assets, or purchase a call option or write a put
option, except to close out a position;
(16) Invest in the securities of other investment
companies with an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the Fund's total
assets, except securities acquired as a result of a merger,
consolidation or acquisition of assets; or
(17) Invest more than a total of 10% of the Fund's net
assets in securities restricted as to disposition under federal
securities laws or otherwise or other illiquid assets.
MORTGAGE SECURITIES FUND
Mortgage Securities Fund will NOT:
(1) Purchase any security (other than securities issued
or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in securities of a single issuer, except
that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be
invested without regard to this limitation;
(2) Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25%
of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of
issuers conducting their principal business activities in a single
industry, except that this limitation shall not apply to investment
in the mortgage and mortgage-finance industry (in which more than
25% of the value of the Fund's total assets will, except for
temporary defensive positions, be invested) or securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities;
[NOTE: SEE "ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS" BELOW.]
(3) Purchase securities on margin (but it may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales of securities); or make short sales except short sales
against the box where it owns the securities sold or, by virtue of
ownership of other securities, it has the right to obtain, without
payment of further consideration, securities equivalent in kind and
amount to those sold;
(4) Lend its portfolio securities;
(5) Borrow money except from banks and only as a
temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not in
excess of 5% of its net assets;
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<PAGE>
(6) Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any manner
transfer, as security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund,
except that this limitation shall not apply to deposits made in
connection with the entering into and holding of interest rate
futures contracts;
(7) Invest more than a total of 5% of its total assets in
securities of businesses (including predecessors) less than three
years old or equity securities which are not readily marketable;
(8) Purchase or retain securities of any company if
officers and directors of the Fund or of its investment adviser who
individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the shares or securities of
the company, together own more than 5%;
(9) Make loans, except by purchase of qualified debt
obligations referred to in the Prospectus under "Investment
Objectives and Policies;"
(10) Buy or sell (a) oil, gas or other mineral leases,
rights or royalty contracts; (b) real estate, except that it may
invest in mortgage-related securities and whole loans and purchase
and sell securities of companies which deal in real estate or
interests therein; or (c) commodities or commodity contracts, except
that it may invest in interest rate futures contracts.
(11) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the
extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter, under the federal
securities laws, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities;
(12) Make investments for the purpose of exercising
control or management;
(13) Invest in the securities of other investment
companies with an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the Fund's total
assets, except securities acquired as a result of a merger,
consolidation or acquisition of assets; or
(14) Invest more than a total of 10% of the Fund's net
assets in securities restricted as to disposition under federal
securities laws or otherwise or other illiquid assets (which include
put and call options).
MONEY MARKET FUND (Restriction number 15 is not "fundamental".)
Money Market Fund will NOT:
(1) Purchase any security (other than securities issued
or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in securities of a single issuer;
(2) Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25%
of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of
issuers conducting their principal business activities in a single
industry; provided that (a) telephone, gas, and electric public
utilities are each
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<PAGE>
regarded as separate industries and (b) United States banks,
savings and loan associations, savings banks and finance
companies are each regarded as separate industries for the
purpose of this limitation. There are no limitations with respect
to the concentration of investments in securities issued or guaranteed
by the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities,
or certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances of domestic
branches of United States banks;
[NOTE: SEE "ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS" BELOW.]
(3) Purchase securities on margin (but it may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales of securities); or make short sales except short sales
against the box where it owns the securities sold or, by virtue of
ownership of other securities, it has the right to obtain, without
payment of further consideration, securities equivalent in kind and
amount to those sold, and only to the extent that the Fund's short
positions will not at the time of any short sale aggregate in total
sale prices more than 10% of its total assets;
(4) Acquire more than 10% of any class of securities of
an issuer (taking all preferred stock issues of an issuer as a single
class and all debt issues of an issuer as a single class) or acquire
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer;
(5) Borrow money or enter into reverse repurchase
agreements in excess of 5% of its net assets and, with respect to
borrowing money, only from banks and only as a temporary measure for
extraordinary or emergency purposes;
(6) Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any manner
transfer, as security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund;
(7) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities
of businesses (including predecessors) less than three years old;
(8) Purchase or retain securities of any company if
officers and directors of the Fund or of its investment adviser who
individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the shares or securities of
that company, together own more than 5%;
(9) Make loans, except by purchase of bonds, debentures,
commercial paper, corporate notes and similar evidences of
indebtedness, which are a part of an issue to the public or to
financial institutions;
(10) Buy or sell oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights
or royalty contracts, real estate or interests in real estate which
are not readily marketable, commodities or commodity contracts. (This
does not prevent the Fund from purchasing securities of companies
investing in the foregoing.);
(11) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the
extent the Fund maybe deemed to be an underwriter in connection with
the disposition of portfolio securities;
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<PAGE>
(12) Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
management;
(13) Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any
trading account in securities;
(14) Write or purchase put or call options, or combinations thereof;
(15) Enter into repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days, purchase certificates of deposit of banks and savings and loan
associations which at the date of the investment have total assets (as
of the date of their most recent annual financial statements) of less
than $2 billion, purchase variable amount master demand notes, or invest
in any other illiquid assets, if such investments taken together exceed
10% of the Fund's net assets (This restriction is non-fundamental.); or
(16) Invest in the securities of other investment companies with
an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets, except
securities acquired as a result of a merger, consolidation or acquisition
of assets.
BOND FUND (Restriction number 16 is not "fundamental".)
Bond Fund will NOT:
(1) Purchase any security (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in securities of a single issuer, except that
up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to this limitation;
(2) Purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the
Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers
conducting their principal business activities in a single industry,
provided that (a) the electric, telephone, gas, gas transmission,
water, telegraph and satellite communications utilities are each
regarded as separate industries, and (b) banks, savings and loan
associations, savings banks, and finance companies are each regarded
as separate industries. There is no limitation with respect to the
concentration of investments in securities issued or guaranteed by
the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
(3) Purchase securities on margin (but it may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales or securities); or make short sales except short sales
against the box where it owns the securities sold or, by virtue of
ownership of other securities, it has the right to obtain, without
payment of further consideration, securities equivalent in kind and
amount to those sold;
(4) Acquire more than 10% of any class of securities of an issuer
(taking all preferred stock issues of an issuer as a single class and
all debt issues of an issuer as a single class) or acquire more than
10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer;
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<PAGE>
(5) Borrow money, except from banks and only as a temporary measure
for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of
redemption requests which might otherwise require the untimely
disposition of securities, and not in excess of 5% of its net assets;
or enter into reverse repurchase agreements;
(6) Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any manner transfer, as
security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund, except that this
limitation shall not apply to deposits made in connection with the
entering into and holding of interest rate futures contracts;
(7) Invest more than a total of 5% of its total assets in securities
of businesses (including predecessors) less than three years old or
equity securities which are not readily marketable;
(8) Purchase or retain securities of any company if officers and
directors of the Fund or of its investment adviser who individually own
more than 1/2 of 1% of the shares or securities of that company,
together own more than 5%;
(9) Make loans, except by purchase of qualified debt obligations
referred to in the Prospectus under "Investment Objectives and
Policies," and except loans of portfolio securities to broker-dealers
and financial institutions, determined by the Fund to have sufficient
financial responsibility, if such loans are secured at all times by
cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, in an amount at all
times equal to at least 100% of the market value of the portfolio
securities loaned and if, immediately after making such loan, the
total amount of portfolio securities loaned does not exceed 20% of
the market value of the Fund's total assets;
(10) Buy or sell oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights or
royalty contracts, real estate, or interests in real estate which are
not readily marketable, commodities or commodity contracts, except
that it may invest in interest rate futures contracts. (This does
not prevent the Fund from purchasing securities of companies investing
in the foregoing.);
(11) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent
the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter, under the federal
securities laws, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities;
(12) Make investments for the purpose of exercising control
or management;
(13) Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in
any trading account in securities (but this does not prohibit the
"bunching" of orders for the sale or purchase of the Fund's portfolio
securities with other accounts advised by Advantus Capital to reduce
brokerage commissions or otherwise to achieve best overall execution);
(14) Invest in the securities of other investment companies
with an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets,
except securities acquired as a result of a merger, consolidation
or acquisition of assets; or
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<PAGE>
(15) Invest more than a total of 10% of the Fund's net assets in
securities restricted as to disposition under federal securities laws
or otherwise or other illiquid assets (which include repurchase
agreements with a maturity of over seven days and OTC options for
which there is no secondary market); or
(16) Invest more than 10% of its net assets in securities of
foreign issuers which are not U.S. dollar-denominated and publicly
traded in the United States (This restriction is non-fundamental.).
CORNERSTONE FUND AND ENTERPRISE FUND (The investment restrictions numbered 1
through 7 below are fundamental. Restrictions numbered 8 through 14 are not
fundamental and may be changed by the Funds' Boards of Directors.)
Cornerstone Fund and Enterprise Fund will NOT:
(1) Purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the
Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers
conducting their principal business activities in a single industry;
(2) Purchase securities on margin (but it may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales or securities); or make short sales except short sales
against the box where it owns the securities sold or, by virtue of
ownership of other securities, it has the right to obtain, without
payment of further consideration, securities equivalent in kind and
amount to those sold;
(3) Borrow money, except from banks and only as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not in excess of
5% of its net assets;
(4) Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any manner transfer, as
security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund;
(5) Make loans, except by purchase of bonds, debentures, commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, corporate notes and similar evidences
of indebtedness, which are a part of an issue to the public or to
financial institutions, and except loans of portfolio securities to
broker-dealers and financial institutions, determined by the Fund to
have sufficient financial responsibility, if such loans are secured
at all times by cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, in an
amount at all times equal to at least 100% of the market value of the
portfolio securities loaned and if, immediately after making such loan,
the total amount of portfolio securities loaned does not exceed 20%
of the market value of the Fund's total assets;
(6) Buy or sell oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights
or royalty contracts, real estate, real estate limited partnership
interests, or interests in real estate which are not readily
marketable, commodities or commodity contracts. (This does not
prevent the Fund from purchasing securities of companies investing in
the foregoing.);
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<PAGE>
(7) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent the
Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter, under the federal securities
laws, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities;
(8) Purchase or retain securities of any company if officers and
directors of the Fund or of its investment adviser who individually
own more than 1/2 of 1% of the shares or securities of that company,
together own more than 5%;
(9) Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
management;
(10) Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any
trading account in securities;
(11) Write put or call options, except covered call options
which are traded on national securities exchanges with respect to
common stocks in its portfolio, in an aggregate amount not greater
than 15% of its net assets; or purchase options, except call options
in order to close out a position;
(12) Invest in the securities of other investment companies
with an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the Funds total assets,
except securities acquired as a result of a merger, consolidation
or acquisition of assets;
(13) Purchase or sell any securities other than Fund shares
from or to its investment adviser or any officer or director of the
Fund or its investment adviser; or
(14) Invest more than a total of 10% of the Fund's net assets in
securities or other assets, including repurchase agreements with a
maturity of over seven days, which are illiquid or securities of
businesses (including predecessors) less than three years old;
provided that investments in securities of businesses (including
predecessors) less than three years old will in no event exceed in
the aggregate more than 5% of the Fund's net assets.
INTERNATIONAL FUND (The investment restrictions numbered 1 through 7 below
are fundamental. Restrictions numbered 8 through 15 are not fundamental and
may be changed by the Fund's Board of Directors.)
International Fund will NOT:
(1) Purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the
Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers
conducting their principal business activities in a single industry;
(2) Purchase securities on margin (but it may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales or securities); or make short sales except short sales
against the box where it owns the securities sold or, by virtue of
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ownership of other securities, it has the right to obtain, without
payment of further consideration, securities equivalent in kind and
amount to those sold;
(3) Borrow money, except from banks and only as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not in excess
of 5% of its net assets;
(4) Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any manner transfer,
as security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund;
(5) Make loans, except by purchase of bonds, debentures,
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, corporate notes and
similar evidences of indebtedness, which are a part of an issue to
the public or to financial institutions, and except loans of
portfolio securities to broker-dealers and financial institutions,
determined by the Fund to have sufficient financial responsibility,
if such loans are secured at all times by cash or securities issued
or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities, in an amount at all times equal to at least 100%
of the market value of the portfolio securities loaned and if,
immediately after making such loan, the total amount of portfolio
securities loaned does not exceed 20% of the market value of the
Fund's total assets;
(6) Buy or sell oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights or
royalty contracts, real estate, real estate limited partnership
interests, or interests in real estate which are not readily
marketable, commodities or commodity contracts, except the Fund may
purchase and sell futures contracts on financial instruments and
indices, and options on such futures contracts. (This does not
prevent the Fund from purchasing securities of companies investing in
the foregoing.);
(7) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent
the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter, under the federal
securities laws, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities;
(8) Purchase or retain securities of any company if officers
and directors of the Fund or of its investment adviser who individually
own more than 1/2 of 1% of the shares or securities of that company,
together own more than 5%;
(9) Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
management;
(10) Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any
trading account in securities;
(11) Write put or call options, except covered call options
which are traded on national securities exchanges with respect to
common stocks in its portfolio, in an aggregate amount not greater
than 15% of its net assets; or purchase options, except call options
in order to close out a position;
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<PAGE>
(12) Invest in the securities of other investment companies
with an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the Fund's total assets,
except securities acquired as a result of a merger, consolidation or
acquisition of assets;
(13) Purchase or sell any securities other than Fund shares
from or to its investment adviser or any officer or director of the Fund
or its investment adviser;
(14) Invest more than a total of 10% of the Fund's net assets
in securities or other assets, including repurchase agreements with a
maturity of over seven days, which are illiquid or securities of
businesses (including predecessors) less than three years old; provided
that investments in securities of businesses (including predecessors)
less than three years old will in no event exceed in the aggregate more
than 5% of the Fund's net assets; or
(15) Invest more than 5% of its assets in warrants other than
warrants acquired in units or attached to other securities; provided,
that of such 5%, not more than 2% of the Fund's assets shall be invested
in warrants that are not exchange listed.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Certain of the Funds have agreed with the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission that, as a non-fundamental operating policy, the
following additional investment restrictions, which modify certain of the
fundamental investment restrictions described above, will be observed:
(1) Horizon Fund, Spectrum Fund, Mortgage Securities Fund and
Money Market Fund will not purchase any security if, as a result, "25%
or more" of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities
of issuers conducting their principal business activities in a single
industry (see investment restriction number 2 for each Fund).
(2) Spectrum Fund, in applying the limitation on investments
in securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities
in a single industry (see Spectrum Fund investment restriction number 2,
as modified by additional investment restriction number 1 above), will
also apply such limitation to certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances of United States banks and savings and loan associations.
(3) Spectrum Fund shall include reverse repurchase agreements
as a "borrowing" for purposes of applying the Fund's 5% of net assets
limitation on borrowing money (see Spectrum Fund investment restriction
number 6).
ALL FUNDS
With respect to each of the Funds, any investment policy set forth
under "Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks" in the Prospectus, or any
restriction set forth above which involves a maximum percentage of securities
or assets shall not be considered to be violated unless an
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excess over the percentage occurs immediately after an acquisition of
securities or utilization of assets and results therefrom, or unless the
Investment Company Act of 1940 provides otherwise.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio turnover is the ratio of the lesser of annual purchases or sales of
portfolio securities to the average monthly value of portfolio securities, not
including short-term securities. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur,
for example, if the lesser of the value of purchases or sales of portfolio
securities for a particular year were equal to the average monthly value of the
portfolio securities owned during such year.
Horizon Fund makes changes in its portfolio securities which are considered
advisable in light of market conditions. Frequent changes may result in higher
brokerage and other costs for the Fund. For the fiscal years ended September
30, 1996 and 1995, and the fiscal period ended September 30, 1994, the Fund's
portfolio turnover rates were 84.7%, 46.8% and 43.5%, respectively.
Spectrum Fund's objective and policies may cause the annual portfolio turnover
rate to be higher than the average turnover rate of other investment companies.
Accordingly, the Fund may have high brokerage and other costs. A portfolio
turnover rate that exceeds 100% is considered high and will result in higher
costs. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the fiscal
period ended September 30, 1994, the Fund's portfolio turnover rates were
140.5%, 125.5% and 124.5%, respectively.
Mortgage Securities Fund's investment activities may result in the Fund's
engaging in a considerable amount of trading of securities held for less than
one year. Accordingly, it can be expected that the Fund will have a higher
turnover rate, and thus a higher incidence of brokerage and other costs, than
might be expected from investment companies which invest substantially all of
their funds on a long-term basis. A portfolio turnover rate that exceeds
100% is considered high and will result in higher costs. For the fiscal
years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the fiscal period ended
September 30, 1994, the Fund's portfolio turnover rates were 125.2%, 203.7%
and 236.2% respectively.
Money Market Fund, consistent with its investment objective, attempts to
maximize yield through portfolio trading. This may involve selling portfolio
instruments and purchasing different instruments to take advantage of
disparities of yields in different segments of the high grade money market or
among particular instruments within the same segment of the market. As a
result, the Fund may have significant portfolio turnover. There usually are no
brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for such purchases since such securities
are purchased on a net basis. Since securities with maturities of less than one
year are excluded from required portfolio turnover rate calculations, the Fund's
portfolio turnover rate for reporting purposes is zero.
Bond Fund makes changes in its portfolio securities which are considered
advisable in light of market conditions. Portfolio turnover rates may vary
greatly from year to year and within a particular year and may also be
affected by cash requirements for redemptions of Fund shares. Rate of
portfolio turnover is not a limiting factor, however, and particular holdings
may be sold at any time, if, in the opinion of the Fund's investment adviser,
such a sale is advisable. A portfolio turnover rate that exceeds 100% is
considered high and will result in higher costs. For the fiscal years ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the fiscal period ended September 30, 1994
the Fund's portfolio turnover rates were 222.6%, 270.7% and 163.5%,
respectively. The substantial rate of portfolio turnover for the years ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995 was attributable to the fact that the Fund took
advantage of opportunities created in the corporate bond market as a result
of tightening spreads between corporate bonds and U.S. Treasury bonds. The
Fund was able to buy corporate bonds at very attractive prices when the
spreads were wide and sell those bonds at appreciated values when the spreads
narrowed.
Cornerstone Fund and Enterprise Fund each make changes in their portfolio
securities which are considered advisable in light of market conditions.
Frequent changes may result in higher brokerage and other costs for the Funds.
Portfolio turnover rates may vary greatly from year to year and within a
particular year and may also be affected by cash requirements for redemptions of
Fund shares. Neither Fund emphasizes short-term trading profits. For the
fiscal years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 and the fiscal period ended
September 30, 1994, Cornerstone Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 128.0%,
160.1% and 8.1%, respectively. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996
and 1995 and the fiscal period ended September 30, 1994, Enterprise Fund's
portfolio turnover rate was 80.2%, 48.8% and 5.0%, respectively. The apparent
increase in portfolio turnover rates from 1994 to 1995 is attributable to the
fact that the figures for 1994 represent only the 14 days from the Fund's date
of inception to the end of the fiscal period.
International Fund also makes changes in its portfolio securities which are
considered advisable in light of market conditions. The Fund does not emphasize
short-term trading profits. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996 and
1995 and the fiscal period ended September 30, 1994, International Fund's
portfolio turnover rate was 56.1%, 52.0% and 12.1%, respectively. The apparent
increase in portfolio turnover rates from 1994 to 1995 is attributable to the
fact that the figures for 1994 represent only the 14 days from the Fund's date
of inception to the end of the fiscal period.
-22-
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The names, addresses, principal occupations, and other affiliations of
directors and executive officers of each of the Funds are given below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with Principal Occupation and Other
Name and Address the Funds Affiliations (Past 5 Years)
- ---------------- ------------- ------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Paul H. Gooding* President Vice President and Treasurer of
Advantus Capital and Director Minnesota Mutual; President and
Management, Inc. Director of Advantus Capital;
400 Robert Street North President, Treasurer and Director
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 of MIMLIC Management
Frederick P. Feuerherm* Vice President, Second Vice President of Minnesota
The Minnesota Mutual Treasurer Mutual; Vice President and Assistant
Life Insurance Company and Director Secretary of MIMLIC Management
400 Robert Street North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Ralph D. Ebbott Director Retired, Vice President and Treasurer
409 Birchwood Avenue of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
White Bear Lake, Company (tape, adhesive, photographic,
Minnesota 55110 and electrical products) through June
1989
</TABLE>
-23-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Charles E. Arner Director Retired, Vice Chairman of The First
E-1218 First National National Bank of Saint Paul from
Bank Building November 1983 through June 1984;
332 Minnesota Street Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 of The First National Bank of Saint
Paul from October 1980 through
November 1983
Ellen S. Berscheid Director Regents' Professor of Psychology at
University of Minnesota the University of Minnesota
N309 Elliott Hall
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
Michael J. Radmer Secretary Partner with the law firm of
Dorsey & Whitney LLP Dorsey & Whitney LLP
220 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
</TABLE>
_________________________
* Denotes directors of the Funds who are "interested persons" (as defined under
the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Funds.
Legal fees and expenses are paid to the law firm of which Michael J.
Radmer is a partner. No compensation is paid by any of the Advantus Funds to
any of its officers or directors who is affiliated with Advantus Capital or
MIMLIC Management. Each director of the Funds who is not affiliated with
Advantus Capital or MIMLIC Management is also a director of the other four
investment companies of which Advantus Capital or MIMLIC Management is the
investment adviser (12 investment companies in total -- the "Fund Complex").
Such directors receive compensation in connection with all such investment
companies which, in the aggregate, is equal to $6,000 per year and $1,500 per
meeting attended (and reimbursement of travel expenses to attend directors'
meetings). The portion of such compensation borne by any Fund is a PRO RATA
portion based on the ratio that such Fund's total net assets bears to the
total net assets of the Fund Complex. During the fiscal year ended September
30, 1996, each Director not affiliated with Advantus Capital or MIMLIC
Management was compensated by the funds in accordance with the following
table:
-24-
<PAGE>
Total
Pension or Compensation
Retirement From Funds
Aggregate Benefits Estimated and Fund
Compensation Accrued as Annual Complex
from the Part of Fund Benefits Upon Paid to
Name of Director Funds(1) Expenses Retirement Directors
- ---------------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------
Charles E. Arner $1,557.66 n/a n/a $9,000
Ellen S. Berscheid $1,557.66 n/a n/a $9,000
Ralph D. Ebbott $1,557.66 n/a n/a $9,000
(1) During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, each Director not
affiliated with Advantus Capital or MIMLIC Management received $203.24 from
Horizon Fund, $318.45 from Spectrum Fund, $140.77 from Mortgage Securities
Fund, $213.48 from Money Market Fund, $98.29 from Bond Fund, $190.88 from
Enterprise Fund, $203.73 from Cornerstone Fund and $188.82 from
International Fund.
As of September 30, 1996, the directors and executive officers of the Funds
did not own any shares of the Funds, except for Frederick P. Feuerherm who
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Spectrum Fund, Paul H.
Gooding who owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each of Horizon
Fund, Money Market and Bond Fund, and Michael J. Radmer who owned less than
1% of the outstanding shares of Horizon Fund, and Spectrum Fund.
DIRECTOR LIABILITY
Under Minnesota law, the Board of Directors of each Fund owes certain
fiduciary duties to the Fund and to its shareholders. Minnesota law provides
that a director "shall discharge the duties of the position of director in
good faith, in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best
interest of the corporation, and with the care an ordinarily prudent person
in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances." Fiduciary
duties of a director of a Minnesota corporation include, therefore, both a
duty of "loyalty" (to act in good faith and act in a manner reasonably
believed to be in the best interests of the corporation) and a duty of "care"
(to act with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would
exercise under similar circumstances). Minnesota law also authorizes
corporations to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to
the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of the
fiduciary duty of "care." Minnesota law does not, however, permit a
corporation to eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any
breach of the directors' duty of "loyalty" to the corporation or its
shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for authorizing a
dividend, stock repurchase or redemption or other distribution in violation
of Minnesota law or for violation of certain provisions of Minnesota
securities laws, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived
an improper personal benefit. The Articles of Incorporation of each Fund
limit the liability of directors to the fullest extent permitted by Minnesota
statutes, except to the extent that such liability cannot be limited as
provided in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (which Act prohibits any
provisions which purport to limit the liability of directors arising from
such directors' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of their role as directors).
Minnesota law does not eliminate the duty of "care" imposed upon a
director. It only authorizes a corporation to eliminate monetary liability
for violations of that duty. Minnesota
-25-
<PAGE>
law, further, does not permit elimination or limitation of liability of
"officers" to the corporation for breach of their duties as officers
(including the liability of directors who serve as officers for breach of
their duties as officers). Minnesota law does not permit elimination or
limitation of the availability of equitable relief, such as injunctive or
rescissionary relief. Further, Minnesota law does not permit elimination or
limitation of a director's liability under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and it is uncertain whether and to what
extent the elimination of monetary liability would extend to violations of
duties imposed on directors by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the
rules and regulations adopted under such Act.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
GENERAL
Advantus Capital Management, Inc. ("Advantus Capital") has been the
investment adviser and manager of each of the Funds since March 1, 1995.
Prior to that date the Funds' investment adviser was MIMLIC Asset Management
Company ("MIMLIC Management"). Advantus Capital is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of MIMLIC Management. The same portfolio managers and other personnel who
previously provided investment advisory services to the Funds through MIMLIC
Management continue to provide the same services through Advantus Capital.
MIMLIC Sales acts as the Funds' underwriter. Both Advantus Capital and
MIMLIC Sales act as such pursuant to written agreements that will be
periodically considered for approval by the directors or shareholders of the
Fund. The address of both Advantus Capital and MIMLIC Sales is 400 Robert
Street North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101.
CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF ADVANTUS CAPITAL AND MIMLIC SALES
Advantus Capital was incorporated in Minnesota in June, 1994, and is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of MIMLIC Management. MIMLIC Management is a
subsidiary of The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company ("Minnesota
Mutual"), which was organized in 1880, and has assets of more than $9.8
billion. MIMLIC Sales is also a subsidiary of MIMLIC Management. Paul H.
Gooding, President and a Director of each of the Funds, is President and
director of Advantus Capital, and President, Treasurer, and a Director of
MIMLIC Management. Frederick P. Feuerherm, Vice President, Treasurer and a
Director of each of the Funds, is a Vice President and Assistant Secretary of
MIMLIC Management. James P. Tatera, Senior Vice President and Director of
Advantus Capital, is also Vice President of MIMLIC Management.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Advantus Capital acts as investment adviser and manager of the Funds
under Investment Advisory Agreements (the "Advisory Agreements") dated March
1, 1995 for each Fund, each of which Advisory Agreements was approved by
shareholders on February 14, 1995. The Advisory Agreements were last
approved by the Board of Directors of each Fund (including a majority of the
directors who are not parties to the contract, or interested persons of any
such party) on January 14, 1997. The Advisory Agreements will terminate
automatically in the event of their
-26-
<PAGE>
assignment. In addition, each Advisory Agreement is terminable at any time,
without penalty, by the Board of Directors of the respective Fund or by vote
of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities on not more than 60
days' written notice to Advantus Capital, and by Advantus Capital on 60 days'
written notice to the Fund. Unless sooner terminated, each Advisory
Agreement shall continue in effect for more than two years after its
execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually by either the Board of Directors of the respective Fund or by a vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, provided that in either
event such continuance is also approved by the vote of a majority of the
directors who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement, or interested
persons of such parties, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such approval.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreements each Fund pays Advantus Capital an
advisory fee equal on an annual basis to a percentage of that Fund's average
daily net assets as set forth in the following table:
Advisory Fee as Percentage
Fund of Average Net Assets
---- --------------------------
Horizon Fund .80%
Spectrum Fund .60%
Mortgage Securities Fund .575%
Money Market Fund .50%
Bond Fund .70%
Cornerstone Fund .80%
Enterprise Fund .80%
International Fund:
On the first $25 million in assets .95%
On the next $25 million in assets .80%
On the next $50 million in assets .75%
On all assets in excess of $100 million .65%
From the advisory fee received from International Fund, Advantus
Capital pays Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. a sub-advisory fee equal to
.70% on the first $25 million of International Fund's average daily net
assets, .55% on the next $25 million, .50% on the next $50 million, and .40%
on all average daily net assets in excess of $100 million.
Prior to March 1, 1995, the fees paid by the Funds for investment
advisory services were paid to MIMLIC Management rather than to Advantus
Capital. MIMLIC Management was compensated at the same rate as is Advantus
Capital under the current Advisory Agreements. The fees paid by the Funds
during the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the fiscal
period ended September 30, 1994 (before Advantus Capital's or MIMLIC
Management's absorption of certain expenses, described below) were as follows:
-27-
<PAGE>
Fund 1996 1995 1994
--- ---- ---- ----
Horizon Fund $319,371 $276,972 $222,869
Spectrum Fund 370,684 338,669 404,391
Mortgage Securities Fund 154,423 155,798 144,561
Money Market Fund 198,141 148,238 110,595
Bond Fund 130,555 104,228 90,854
Cornerstone Fund 330,954 150,365 18,833
Enterprise Fund 302,906 167,883 19,519
International Fund 327,858 241,970 29,922
For this fee, Advantus Capital acts as investment adviser and manager for
the Funds, and, except for Money Market Fund, pays the Funds' transfer agent,
dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent expenses. Money Market Fund
pays its own transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and redemption agent
expenses. All of the Funds have engaged Minnesota Mutual to act as their
transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and redemption agent. While the
advisory fees paid by Horizon Fund, Cornerstone Fund, Enterprise Fund and
International Fund are higher than those paid by most mutual funds, they are
partially offset by Advantus Capital's payment of certain expenses, such as
the transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent expenses,
which expenses are not customarily paid for by a mutual fund's investment
adviser. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, Money Market Fund
paid Minnesota Mutual $112,299 for transfer agent services. In addition,
separate from the investment advisory agreement, each of the Funds has
entered into an agreement with Minnesota Mutual under which Minnesota Mutual
provides accounting, legal and other administrative services to the Funds.
Minnesota Mutual currently provides such services to the Funds at a monthly
cost of $3,600 for Horizon Fund, Spectrum Fund, Mortgage Securities Fund,
Bond Fund, Enterprise Fund, Cornerstone Fund, $3,000 for Money Market Fund,
and $2,500 for International Fund. During the fiscal year ended September
30, 1996, each of the Funds paid Minnesota Mutual the following amounts for
such services:
Fund Amount
---- ------
Horizon Fund $41,200
Spectrum Fund 41,200
Mortgage Securities Fund 41,200
Money Market Fund 34,000
Bond Fund 41,200
Cornerstone Fund 41,200
Enterprise Fund 41,200
International Fund 28,200
Under the Advisory Agreements, Advantus Capital furnishes the Funds
office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for
servicing the investments of the Funds, and pays the salaries and fees of all
officers and directors of the Funds who are affiliated with Advantus Capital.
In addition, except to the extent that MIMLIC Sales receives Rule 12b-1
distribution fees (see "Payment of Certain Distribution Expenses of the
Funds" below), MIMLIC Sales bears all promotional expenses in connection with
the distribution of the Funds' shares, including paying for prospectuses and
statements of additional information for new shareholders, and shareholder
reports for new shareholders, and the costs of sales literature. The Funds
pay all other expenses not so expressly assumed.
-28-
<PAGE>
During the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the fiscal
period ended September 30, 1994 Advantus Capital or MIMLIC Management (which
was formerly the Funds' investment adviser) voluntarily absorbed certain
expenses of the Funds (which do not include certain Rule 12b-1 fees waived by
MIMLIC Sales) as set forth below:
Fund 1996 1995 1994
--- ---- ---- ----
Horizon Fund $ -0- $ 2,814 $ -0-
Spectrum Fund -0- -0- -0-
Mortgage Securities Fund 20,025 9,655 -0-
Money Market Fund 142,522 151,288 156,505
Bond Fund 88,798 100,487 82,132
Cornerstone Fund -0- 47,635 8,493
Enterprise Fund -0- 43,566 8,124
International Fund -0- 17,626 3,015
INTERNATIONAL FUND SUB-ADVISER -- TEMPLETON COUNSEL
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc., (hereinafter "Templeton Counsel"),
a Florida corporation with principal offices at 500 East Broward Boulevard,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394 has been retained under an investment
sub-advisory agreement to provide investment advice and, in general, to
conduct the management investment program of the International Fund, subject
to the general control of the Board of Directors of the Fund. Templeton
Counsel is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Templeton Worldwide, Inc.,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin").
Franklin is a large, diversified financial services organization.
Through its operating subsidiaries, Franklin provides a variety of investment
products and services to institutions and
-29-
<PAGE>
individuals throughout the United States and abroad. One of the
country's largest mutual fund organizations, Franklin's business includes the
provision of management, administrative and distribution services to the
Franklin/Templeton Group of Funds, which is distributed through a nationwide
network of banks, broker-dealers, financial planners and investment advisers.
Franklin is headquartered in San Mateo, California, and its common stock is
listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEN.
Certain clients of Templeton Counsel may have investment objectives
and policies similar to that of the International Fund. Templeton Counsel
may, from time to time make recommendations which result in the purchase or
sale of a particular security by its other clients simultaneously with Fund.
If transactions on behalf of more than one client during the same period
increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of
securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price. It is the
policy of Templeton Counsel to allocate advisory recommendations and the
placing of orders in a manner which is deemed equitable by Templeton Counsel
to the accounts involved, including the International Fund. When two or more
of the clients of Templeton Counsel (including the International Fund) are
purchasing the same security on a given day from the same broker-dealer, such
transactions may be averaged as to price.
INTERNATIONAL FUND INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT -- TEMPLETON COUNSEL
Templeton Counsel acts as an investment sub-adviser to the
International Fund under an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the "Templeton
Agreement") with Advantus Capital dated March 1, 1995, and approved by
shareholders of the Fund on February 14, 1995. The Templeton Agreement was
last approved for continuance by the Board of Directors of the Fund,
including a majority of the Directors who are not a party to the Templeton
Agreement or interested persons of any such party, on January 14, 1997. The
Templeton Agreement will terminate automatically upon the termination of the
Advisory Agreement and in the event of its assignment. In addition, the
Templeton Agreement is terminable at any time, without penalty, by the Board
of Directors of the Fund, by Advantus Capital or by a vote of the majority of
the International Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60 days' written
notice to Templeton Counsel and by Templeton Counsel on 60 days' written
notice to Advantus Capital. Unless sooner terminated, the Templeton
Agreement shall continue in effect from year to year if approved at least
annually by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the International Fund, provided that in
either event such continuance is also approved by the vote of a majority of
the directors who are not interested persons of any party to the Templeton
Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval.
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
The Board of Directors of each Fund, on January 14, 1997, including a
majority of the directors who are not parties to the contract, or interested
persons of any such party, last approved the respective Fund's Distribution
Agreement with MIMLIC Sales (the "Distribution Agreements"), each dated March 1,
1995, except in the case of International Fund, whose Distribution Agreement is
dated January 31, 1997. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996 and
1995, and the fiscal period ended September 30, 1994 the commissions received by
MIMLIC Sales under the Distribution Agreements, except in the case of Money
Market Fund (which does not provide for MIMLIC Sales to receive a commission),
with respect to shares of all classes under the Distribution Agreements were as
follow:
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<PAGE>
Fund 1996 1995 1994
Horizon Fund $247,322 $125,141 $150,713
Spectrum Fund 354,051 226,547 341,528
Mortgage Securities Fund 101,891 97,402 182,209
Bond Fund 137,919 61,826 103,025
Cornerstone Fund 271,957 62,839 276
Enterprise Fund 163,228 57,059 -0-
International Fund 158,726 150,769 -0-
During the same periods MIMLIC Sales retained from these commissions the
following amounts:
Fund 1996 1995 1994
Horizon Fund $40,283 $14,640 $17,868
Spectrum Fund 27,761 27,391 41,001
Mortgage Securities Fund 13,435 5,436 6,096
Bond Fund 13,413 5,966 6,546
Cornerstone Fund 21,374 5,200 28
Enterprise Fund 15,980 6,201 n/a
International Fund 24,740 16,080 n/a
The remainder of these commissions was paid to registered representatives of
MIMLIC Sales or to broker-dealers who have selling agreements with MIMLIC
Sales.
Each Distribution Agreement may be terminated by the respective Fund
or MIMLIC Sales at any time by the giving of 60 days' written notice, and
terminates automatically in the event of its assignment. Unless sooner
terminated, the Distribution Agreement for the respective Fund shall continue
in effect for more than two years after its execution only so long as such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by either the Board of
Directors of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities, provided that in either event such continuance is also approved
by the vote of a majority of the directors who are not parties to the
Distribution Agreement, or interested persons of such parties, cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Distribution Agreements require MIMLIC Sales to pay all
advertising and promotional expenses in connection with the distribution of
the Funds' shares including paying for Prospectuses and Statements of
Additional Information (if any) for new shareholders, shareholder reports for
new shareholders, and the costs of sales literature.
In the Distribution Agreements, MIMLIC Sales undertakes to indemnify
the Funds against all costs of litigation and other legal proceedings, and
against any liability incurred by or imposed upon the Funds in any way
arising out of or in connection with the sale or distribution of the
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<PAGE>
Funds' shares, except to the extent that such liability is the result of
information which was obtainable by MIMLIC Sales only from persons affiliated
with the Funds but not with MIMLIC Sales.
PAYMENT OF CERTAIN DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS
Money Market Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution, and each of the
other Funds has adopted separate Plans of Distribution applicable to Class A
shares, Class B shares and Class C shares, respectively, relating to the
payment of certain distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Money Market Fund, pursuant to its Plan of
Distribution, pays a fee to MIMLIC Sales which, on an annual basis, is equal
to .30% of the Fund's average daily net assets, and is to be used to pay
certain expenses incurred in the distribution and promotion of its shares.
Each of the other Funds, pursuant to its Plans of Distribution, also pays
fees to MIMLIC Sales which equal, on an annual basis, a percentage of the
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, Class B
shares and Class C shares, respectively, as set forth in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rule 12b-1 Fee as Percentage
of Average Daily Net Assets Attributable to
-------------------------------------------
Fund Class A Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares
- ---- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Horizon Fund .30% 1.00% 1.00%
Spectrum Fund .35% 1.00% 1.00%
Mortgage Securities Fund .30% 1.00% 1.00%
Bond Fund .30% 1.00% 1.00%
Cornerstone Fund .30% 1.00% 1.00%
Enterprise Fund .30% 1.00% 1.00%
International Fund .30% 1.00% 1.00%
</TABLE>
Such fees are also used for distribution-related services for all threee
classes and for servicing of shareholder accounts in connection with Class B
and C shares.
All of the Rule 12b-1 fees payable by Money Market Fund and all of the
Rule 12b-1 fees payable by the Advantus Load Funds and attributable to Class
A shares of such Funds, and a portion of the Rule 12b-1 fees payable with
respect to Class B and Class C shares equal to .75% of the average daily net
assets attributable to such Class B and Class C shares, constitute
distribution fees designed to compensate MIMLIC Sales for advertising,
marketing and distributing the shares of Money Market Fund and the Advantus
Load Funds.
The distribution fees may be used by MIMLIC Sales for the purpose of
financing any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale of
shares of the particular Fund. For example, such distribution fee may be
used by MIMLIC Sales: (a) to compensate broker-dealers, including MIMLIC
Sales and its registered representatives, for their sale of a Fund's shares,
including the implementation of the programs described below with respect to
broker-dealers, banks, and other financial institutions; and (b) to pay other
advertising and promotional expenses in connection with the distribution of a
Fund's shares. These advertising and promotional
-32-
<PAGE>
expenses include, by way of example but not by way of limitation, costs of
prospectuses for other than current shareholders; preparation and
distribution of sales literature; advertising of any type; expenses of branch
offices provided jointly by MIMLIC Sales and any affiliate thereof; and
compensation paid to and expenses incurred by officers, employees or
representatives of MIMLIC Sales or of other broker-dealers, banks, or
financial institutions.
A portion of the Rule 12b-1 fee payable with respect to Class B and
Class C shares of each of the Advantus Load Funds, equal to .25% of the
average daily net assets attributable to such Class B and Class C shares,
constitutes a shareholder servicing fee designed to compensate MIMLIC Sales
for the provision of certain services to the holders of Class B and Class C
shares.
Amounts expended by the Funds under the Plans are expected to be used
for the implementation by MIMLIC Sales of a dealer incentive program.
Pursuant to the program, MIMLIC Sales may provide compensation to investment
dealers for the provision of distribution assistance in connection with the
sale of the Funds' shares to such dealers' customers and for the provision of
administrative support services to customers who directly or beneficially own
shares of the Funds. The distribution assistance and administrative support
services rendered by dealers may include, but are not limited to, the
following: distributing sales literature; answering routine customer
inquiries concerning the Funds; assisting customers in changing dividend
options, account designation and addresses, and in enrolling into the
pre-authorized check plan or systematic withdrawal plan; assisting in the
establishment and maintenance of customer accounts and records and in the
processing of purchase and redemption transactions; investing dividends and
any capital gains distributions automatically in the Funds' shares and
providing such other information and services as the Funds or the customer
may reasonably request. Such fees for servicing customer accounts would be
in addition to the portion of the sales charge received or to be received by
dealers which sell shares of the Funds.
MIMLIC Sales may also provide compensation to certain institutions
such as banks ("Service Organizations") which have purchased shares of the
Funds for the accounts of their clients, or which have made the Funds' shares
available for purchase by their clients, and/or which provide continuing
service to such clients. The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws,
among other things, prohibit certain banks from engaging in the business of
underwriting securities. In such circumstances, MIMLIC Sales, if so
requested, will engage such banks as Service Organizations only to perform
administrative and shareholder servicing functions, but at the same fees and
other terms applicable to dealers. State law may, however, differ from the
interpretation of the Glass-Steagall Act expressed and banks and other
financial institutions may therefore be required to register as securities
dealers pursuant to state law. If a bank were prohibited from acting as a
Service Organization, its shareholder clients would be permitted to remain
shareholders of the Funds and alternative means for continuing servicing of
such shareholders would be sought. In such event changes in the operation of
the Funds might occur and a shareholder serviced by such bank might no longer
be able to avail itself of any automatic investment or other services then
being provided by the bank. It is not expected that shareholders would
suffer any adverse financial consequences as a result of any of these
occurrences.
In addition, the Plan contains, among other things, provisions
complying with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 discussed below. Rule 12b-1(b)
provides that any payments made by
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<PAGE>
an investment company in connection with the distribution of its shares may
only be made pursuant to a written plan describing all material aspects of
the proposed financing of distribution and also requires that all agreements
with any person relating to implementation of the plan must be in writing.
In addition, Rule 12b-1(b)(2) requires that such plan, together with any
related agreements, be approved by a vote of the board of directors and of
the directors who are not interested persons of the investment company and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the plan or
in any agreements related to the plan, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such plan or agreements. Rule 12b-1(b)(3) requires
that the plan or agreement provide, in substance: (1) that it shall continue
in effect for a period of more than one year from the date of its execution
or adoption only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually in the manner described in paragraph (b)(2) of Rule 12b-1; (2)
that any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or
payable by the investment company pursuant to the plan or any related
agreement shall provide to the investment company's board of directors, and
the directors shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the
amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made;
and (3) in the case of a plan, that it may be terminated at any time by vote
of a majority of the members of the board of directors of the investment
company who are not interested persons of the investment company and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the plan or in any
agreements related to the plan or by vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the investment company. Rule 12b-1(b)(4) requires that
such plans may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent
for distribution without shareholder approval and that all material
amendments of the plan must be approved in the manner described in
paragraph (b)(2) of Rule 12b-1. Rule 12b-1(c) provides that the investment
company may rely upon Rule 12b-1(b) only if selection and nomination of the
investment company's disinterested directors are committed to the discretion
of such disinterested directors. Rule 12b-1(e) provides that the investment
company may implement or continue a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1(b) only if
the directors who vote to approve such implementation or continuation
conclude, in the exercise of reasonable business judgment and in light of
their fiduciary duties under state law, and under Sections 36(a) and (b) of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, that there is a reasonable likelihood
that the plan will benefit the investment company and its shareholders. At
the Board of Directors meeting held January 14, 1997, the directors of the
Funds so concluded.
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, each of the Advantus
Load Funds made payments under its Plans of Distribution applicable to Class
A, Class B and Class C shares as follows (distribution fees waived by MIMLIC
Sales, if any, are shown in parentheses):
Class A Class B Class C
Horizon Fund $76,167 (28,836) 43,537 5,667
Spectrum Fund 195,074 n/a 54,073 6,379
Mortgage Securities Fund 55,737 (15,693) 23,440 7,020
Bond Fund 15,975 (31,952) 23,386 3,362
Cornerstone Fund 37,227 (74,454) 36,779 4,644
Enterprise Fund 34,392 (68,785) 30,941 3,767
International Fund 53,124 (53,123) n/a 8,761
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<PAGE>
Money Market Fund made no payments under its Plan of Distribution during the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1996. MIMLIC Sales waived distribution
fees from Money Market Fund in the amount of $119,211 during such period.
The Plans of Distribution could be construed as "compensation plans"
because MIMLIC Sales is paid a fixed fee and is given discretion concerning
what expenses are payable under the Plans. Under a compensation plan, the
fee to the distributor is not directly tied to distribution expenses actually
incurred by the distributor, thereby permitting the distributor to receive a
profit if amounts received exceed expenses. MIMLIC Sales may spend more or
less for the distribution and promotion of the Funds' shares than it receives
as distribution fees pursuant to the Plans. However, to the extent fees
received exceed expenses, including indirect expense such as overhead, MIMLIC
Sales could be said to have received a profit.
MONEY MARKET FUND AMORTIZED COST METHOD OF
PORTFOLIO VALUATION
Money Market Fund values its portfolio securities at amortized cost in
accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended. This method involves valuing an instrument at its cost and
thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or
premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on the
market value of the instrument and regardless of any unrealized capital gains
or losses. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result
in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or
lower than the price the Fund would receive if it sold the instrument.
During periods of declining interest rates, the daily yield on shares of the
Fund computed by dividing the annualized daily income of the Fund by the net
asset value computed as described above may tend to be higher than a like
computation made by the Fund with identical investments utilizing a method of
valuation based upon market prices and estimates of market prices for all of
its securities.
Pursuant to Rule 2a-7, the Board of Directors of the Fund has
determined, in good faith based upon a full consideration of all material
factors, that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders to
maintain a stable net asset value per share by virtue of the amortized cost
method of valuation. The Fund will continue to use this method only so long
as the Board of Directors believes that it fairly reflects the market-based
net asset value per share. In accordance with Rule 2a-7, the Board of
Directors has undertaken, as a particular responsibility within the overall
duty of care owed to the Fund's shareholders, to establish procedures
reasonably designed, taking into account current market conditions and the
Fund's investment objectives, to stabilize the Fund's net asset value per
share at a single value. These procedures include the periodic determination
of any deviation of current net asset value per share calculated using
available market quotations from the Fund's amortized cost price per share,
the periodic review by the Board of the amount of any such deviation and the
method used to calculate any such deviation, the maintenance of records of
such determinations and the Board's review thereof, the prompt consideration
by the Board if any such deviation exceeds 1/2 of 1%, and the taking of such
remedial action by the Board as it deems appropriate where it believes the
extent of any such deviation may result in material dilution or other unfair
results to investors or existing
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<PAGE>
shareholders. Such remedial action may include redemptions in kind, selling
portfolio instruments prior to realizing capital gains or losses, shortening
the average portfolio maturity, withholding dividends or utilizing a net
asset value per share as determined by using available market quotations.
The Fund will, in further compliance with Rule 2a-7, maintain a
dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity not exceeding 90 days and will
limit its portfolio investments to those United States dollar-denominated
instruments which the Board determines present minimal credit risks and which
are eligible securities. The Fund will limit its investments in the
securities of any one issuer to no more than 5% of the Fund's total assets
and it will limit investment in securities of less than the highest rated
category to 5% of the Fund's total assets. Investment in the securities of
any issuer of less than the highest rated category will be limited to the
greater of 1% of the Fund's total assets or one million dollars. In
addition, the Fund will reassess promptly any security which is in default or
downgraded from its rating category to determine whether that security then
presents minimal credit risks and whether continuing to hold the securities
is in the best interests of the Fund. In addition, the Fund will record,
maintain, and preserve a written copy of the above-described procedures and a
written record of the Board's considerations and actions taken in connection
with the discharge of its above-described responsibilities.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE
HORIZON FUND, SPECTRUM FUND, CORNERSTONE FUND AND ENTERPRISE FUND
In a number of security transactions, it is possible for Horizon Fund,
Spectrum Fund, Cornerstone Fund and Enterprise Fund to deal in the
over-the-counter security markets (including the so-called "third market"
which is the "over-the-counter" market for securities listed on the New York
Stock Exchange) without the payment of brokerage commissions but at net
prices including a spread or markup; these Funds trade in this manner
whenever the net price appears advantageous.
MORTGAGE SECURITIES FUND AND BOND FUND
Portfolio transactions of Mortgage Securities Fund and Bond Fund occur
primarily with issuers, underwriters or major dealers acting as principals.
Such transactions are normally on a net basis which do not involve payment of
brokerage commissions. The cost of securities purchased from an underwriter
usually includes a commission paid by the issuer to the underwriters;
transactions with dealers normally reflect the spread between bid and asked
prices. Premiums are paid with respect to options purchased by these two
Funds and brokerage commissions are payable with respect to transactions in
exchange-traded interest rate futures contracts.
MONEY MARKET FUND
Most transactions in portfolio securities of Money Market Fund are
purchases from issuers or dealers in money market instruments acting as
principal. There usually are no brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for
such purchases since securities are purchased on a net price
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<PAGE>
basis. Trading does, however, involve transaction costs. Transactions with
dealers serving as primary market makers reflect the spread between the bid
and asked prices of securities. Purchases of underwritten issues may be made
which reflect a fee paid to the underwriter.
INTERNATIONAL FUND
Templeton Counsel, as investment sub-adviser to the International
Fund, is primarily responsible for selecting and (where applicable)
negotiating commissions with the brokers who execute the transactions for the
Fund. Templeton Counsel, in managing the International Fund, follows the
same basic brokerage practices as those described below for Advantus Capital.
In addition, in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions, Templeton
Counsel takes into account its past experience as to brokers qualified to
achieve "best execution," including the ability to effect transactions at all
where a large block is involved, availability of the broker to stand ready to
execute possibly difficult transactions in the future, the financial strength
and stability of the broker, and whether the broker specializes in foreign
securities held by the International Fund. Purchases and sales of portfolio
securities within the United States other than on a securities exchange are
executed with primary market makers acting as principal, except where, in the
judgment of Templeton Counsel, better prices and execution may be obtained on
a commission basis or from other sources.
GENERALLY
Advantus Capital selects and (where applicable) negotiates commissions with
the brokers who execute the transactions for the Funds (except for International
Fund, as described above). During the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996 and
1995, and the fiscal period ended September 30, 1994 brokerage commissions paid
were:
Fund 1996 1995 1994
Horizon Fund $71,278 $40,274 $30,332
Spectrum Fund 69,801 63,194 60,362
Mortgage Securities Fund -0- -0- -0-
Money Market Fund -0- -0- -0-
Bond Fund -0- -0- -0-
Cornerstone Fund 165,563 146,804 18,326
Enterprise Fund 39,583 29,639 10,942
International Fund 34,467 42,199 33,746
The primary criteria for the selection of a broker is the ability of
the broker, in the opinion of Advantus Capital, to secure prompt execution of
the transactions on favorable terms, including the reasonableness of the
commission and considering the state of the market at the time. In selecting
a broker, Advantus Capital considers whether such broker provides brokerage
and research services (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934),
and generally the Funds pay higher than the lowest commission rates
available. Advantus Capital may direct Fund transactions to brokers who
furnish research services to Advantus Capital. Such research services
include advice, both directly and in writing, as to the value of securities,
the advisability
-37-
<PAGE>
of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of
securities or purchasers or sellers of securities, as well as analyses and
reports concerning issues, industries, securities, economic factors and
trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of accounts. By allocating
brokerage business in order to obtain research services for Advantus Capital,
the Funds enable Advantus Capital to supplement its own investment research
activities and allows Advantus Capital to obtain the views and information of
individuals and research staffs of many different securities research firms
prior to making investment decisions for the Funds. To the extent such
commissions are directed to these other brokers who furnish research services
to Advantus Capital, Advantus Capital receives a benefit, not capable of
evaluation in dollar amounts, without providing any direct monetary benefit
to the Funds from these commissions.
There is no formula for the allocation by Advantus Capital of the
Funds' brokerage business to any broker-dealer for brokerage and research
services. However, Advantus Capital will authorize a Fund to pay an amount
of commission for effecting a securities transaction in excess of the amount
of commission another broker would have charged only if Advantus Capital
determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such
broker viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or Advantus
Capital's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which
it exercises investment discretion. During the fiscal year ended September
30, 1996, Horizon Fund, Spectrum Fund, Cornerstone Fund, Enterprise Fund and
International Fund directed transactions to brokers because of research
services they provided, and paid commissions in connection with such
transactions, in the aggregate amounts set forth below:
Aggregate Transactions Commissions Paid On
Fund Directed for Research Directed Transactions
---- ---------------------- ---------------------
Horizon Fund $57,022,191 $ 71,278
Spectrum Fund 57,704,990 69,801
Cornerstone Fund 46,114,966 165,563
Enterprise Fund 93,879,798 39,583
International Fund 10,400,924 34,467
During the same period, Mortgage Securities Fund, Money Market Fund and Bond
Fund directed no transactions to brokers because of research services they
provided.
No brokerage is allocated for the sale of Fund shares. Advantus
Capital believes that most research services obtained by it generally benefit
one or more of the investment companies which it manages and also benefit
accounts which it manages. Normally research services obtained through
managed funds and managed accounts investing in common stocks would primarily
benefit such funds and accounts; similarly, services obtained from
transactions in fixed income securities would be of greater benefit to the
managed funds and managed accounts investing in debt securities.
The same security may be suitable for one or more of the Funds and the
other funds or private accounts managed by Advantus Capital or its
affiliates. If and when two or more funds or
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<PAGE>
accounts simultaneously purchase or sell the same security, the transactions
will be allocated as to price and amount in accordance with arrangements
equitable to each fund or account. The simultaneous purchase or sale of the
same securities by one Fund and other Funds or accounts may have a
detrimental effect on that Fund, as this may affect the price paid or
received by the Fund or the size of the position obtainable by the Fund.
The Funds will not execute portfolio transactions through any
affiliate, unless such transactions, including the frequency thereof, the
receipt of commissions payable in connection therewith and the selection of
the affiliated broker-dealer effecting such transactions are not unfair or
unreasonable to the shareholders of the Funds. In the event any transactions
are executed on an agency basis, Advantus Capital will authorize the Funds to
pay an amount of commission for effecting a securities transaction in excess
of the amount of commission another broker-dealer would have charged only if
Advantus Capital determines in good faith that such amount of commission is
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular
transaction or the overall responsibilities of Advantus Capital with respect
to the Funds as to which it exercises investment discretion. If the Funds
execute any transactions on an agency basis, they will generally pay higher
than the lowest commission rates available.
In determining the commissions to be paid to an affiliated
broker-dealer, it is the policy of the Funds that such commissions will, in
the judgment of Advantus Capital, subject to review by the Fund's Board of
Directors, be both (a) at least as favorable as those which would be charged
by other qualified brokers in connection with comparable transactions
involving similar securities being purchased or sold on an exchange during a
comparable period of time, and (b) at least as favorable as commissions
contemporaneously charged by such affiliated broker-dealers on comparable
transactions for their most favored comparable unaffiliated customers. While
the Funds do not deem it practicable and in their best interest to solicit
competitive bids for commission rates on each transaction, consideration will
regularly be given to posted commission rates as well as to other information
concerning the level of commissions charged on comparable transactions by
other qualified brokers.
Information regarding the acquisition by the Funds during the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1996, of securities of the Funds' regular brokers or
dealers, or the parents of those broker or dealers that derive more than 15
percent of their gross revenue from securities-related activities, is
presented below:
-39-
<PAGE>
Approximate
Value of Securities
Owned at End of
Name of Issuer Fiscal Period
-------------- -------------------
Horizon Fund Norwest Corporation $ 463,931
Spectrum Fund Norwest Financial 713,915
Lehman Brothers 506,637
Ford Motor Credit 803,792
GMAC 763,169
Cornerstone Fund Ford Motor Credit 1,118,750
International Balanced Fund Deutsche Bank 764,416
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA
MONEY MARKET FUND
Money Market Fund may issue "current yield" and "effective yield"
quotations. "Current yields" are computed by determining the net change in
the value of a hypothetical account having a balance of one share at the
beginning of a recent seven calendar day period, and multiplying that change
by 365/7. "Effective yields" are computed by determining the net change in
the value of a hypothetical account having a balance of one share at the
beginning of a recent seven calendar day period, dividing that change by
seven, adding one to the quotient, raising the sum to the 365th power, and
subtracting one from the result. For purposes of the foregoing calculations,
the value of the hypothetical account includes accrued interest income plus
or minus amortized purchase discount or premium less accrued expenses, but
does not include realized gains and losses or unrealized appreciation and
depreciation. The Fund will also quote the average dollar-weighted portfolio
maturity for the corresponding seven-day period.
Although there can be no assurance that the net asset value of Money
Market Fund's shares will always be $1.00, Advantus Capital does not expect
that the net asset value of its shares will fluctuate since the Fund uses the
amortized cost method of valuation to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset
value. See "Money Market Fund Amortized Cost Method of Portfolio Valuation."
Principal is not, however, insured. Yield is a function of portfolio
quality and composition, maturity, and operating expenses. Yield information
is useful in reviewing the Fund's performance, but it may not provide a basis
for comparison with bank deposits or other investments, which pay a fixed
yield for a stated period of time, or other investment instruments, which may
use a different method of calculating yield.
For the seven calendar days ended September 30, 1996, Money Market
Fund's annualized current yield was 4.55% and its annualized effective yield
was 4.66%. The Fund's investment adviser was voluntarily absorbing certain
expenses of the Fund during that period. If the Fund had been charged these
expenses its current yield and effective yield for the same period would have
been 3.79% and 3.86%, respectively.
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<PAGE>
ADVANTUS LOAD FUNDS
Advertisements and other sales literature for the Advantus Load Funds
may refer to "yield," "average annual total return" and "cumulative total
return." Performance quotations are computed separately for each class of
shares of the Advantus Load Funds.
YIELD. Yield is computed by dividing the net investment income per
share (as defined under Securities and Exchange Commission rules and
regulations) earned during the computation period by the maximum offering
price per share on the last day of the period, according to the following
formula:
a-b
YIELD = 2[( ----- +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; and
d = the maximum offering price per share on the
last day of the period.
The yield on investments in each of these Funds for the 30 day period
ended September 30, 1996 was as set forth in the table below. The Funds'
investment adviser and distributor were voluntarily absorbing and waiving
certain expenses of certain of the Funds during that period. If such Funds
had been charged for these expenses the yield on investments for the same
period would have been lower, as also shown in the table below in parentheses.
Fund Yield
---- -----
Class A Class B Class C
------- ------- -------
Horizon Fund -.24 (-.29) -.97 (-.97) -.97 (-.97)
Spectrum Fund 2.61 (2.61) 2.11 (2.11) 2.11 (2.11)
Mortgage Securities Fund 5.89 (5.79) 5.46 (5.41) 5.47 (5.42)
Bond Fund 5.88 (5.45) 5.31 (5.07) 5.30 (5.07)
Cornerstone Fund 1.30 (1.10) .48 (.48) .49 (.49)
Enterprise Fund -.22 (-.42) -1.08 (-1.08) -1.08 (-1.08)
International Fund 2.21 (2.06) n/a n/a 1.50 (1.50)
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<PAGE>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN. Average annual total return is computed
by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the periods
indicated in the advertisement that would equate the initial amount invested
to the ending redeemable value, according to the following formula:
P(1+T)n = ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
T = average annual total return;
n = number of years; and
ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the
period of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made
at the beginning of such period.
The average annual total return on investments in each of the Advantus
Load Funds for the periods indicated ending September 30, 1996, were as set
forth in the table below. The Funds' investment adviser and distributor were
voluntarily absorbing and waiving certain expenses of certain of the Funds
during these periods. If such Funds had been charged for these expenses the
average annual total returns for the same periods would have been lower, as
also shown in the table below in parentheses.
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 5 Year
------ ------
FUND CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Horizon Fund(1) 11.4% (11.3%) 11.3% (11.3%) 16.3% (16.3%) 11.0% (10.9%) n/a n/a
Spectrum Fund(2) 8.0% (8.0%) 8.1% (8.1%) 12.9% (12.9%) 8.9% (8.9%) n/a n/a
Mortgage Securities Fund(1) -0.4% (-.6%) -0.9% (-1.0%) 4.1% (4.0%) 5.8% (5.6%) n/a n/a
Bond Fund(3) -1.2% (-1.9%) -1.9% (-2.3%) 3.1% (2.7%) 6.2% (5.4%) n/a n/a
Cornerstone Fund(4) 18.3% (18.1%) 18.4% (18.4%) 23.6% (23.6%) n/a n/a n/a n/a
Enterprise Fund(4) 10.8% (10.6%) 10.7% (10.7%) 15.6% (15.6%) n/a n/a n/a n/a
International Balanced Fund(5) 5.2% (5.1%) n/a n/a 9.9% (9.9%) n/a n/a n/a n/a
<CAPTION>
10 Year Since Inception
------- ---------------
FUND CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Horizon Fund 12.6% (12.4%) n/a n/a n/a n/a 18.1% (18.1%) 22.4% (22.4%)
Spectrum Fund n/a n/a n/a n/a 10.6% (9.9%) 13.0% (13.0%) 16.3% (16.3%)
Mortgage Securities Fund 7.5% (7.4%) n/a n/a n/a n/a 5.9% (5.8%) 7.6% (7.5%)
Bond Fund n/a n/a n/a n/a 7.4% (6.4%) 5.7% (5.1%) 7.8% (7.3%)
Cornerstone Fund n/a n/a n/a n/a 20.1% (19.6%) 20.6% (20.4%) 28.3% (28.1%)
Enterprise Fund n/a n/a n/a n/a 18.2% (17.9%) 18.6% (18.6%) 23.1% (23.1%)
International Balanced Fund n/a n/a n/a n/a 5.2% (5.0%) n/a n/a 12.9% (12.9%)
</TABLE>
- -----------------
(1) Class A Inception May 3, 1985.
Class B Inception August 19, 1994.
Class C Inception March 1, 1995.
(2) Class A Inception November 16, 1987.
Class B Inception August 19, 1994.
Class C Inception March 1, 1995.
(3) Class A Inception August 14, 1987.
Class B Inception August 19, 1994.
Class C Inception March 1, 1995.
(4) Class A and Class B Inception September 16, 1994.
Class C Inception March 1, 1995.
(5) Class A Inception September 16, 1994.
Class C Inception March 1, 1995.
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<PAGE>
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN. Cumulative total return figures are computed
by finding the cumulative compounded rate of return over the period indicated
in the advertisement that would equate the initial amount invested to the
ending redeemable value, according to the following formula:
ERV-P
CTR = ( ------- )100
P
Where: CTR = Cumulative total return
ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the period of a
hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of
such period; and
P = initial payment of $1,000.
The cumulative total return on investments in each of the Advantus
Load Funds for the period indicated ended September 30, 1996, was a set forth
in the table below. The Funds' investment adviser was voluntarily absorbing
certain expenses of certain of the Funds during these periods. If such Funds
had been charged for these expenses the cumulative total return for the same
periods would have been lower, as also shown in the table below in
parentheses.
Cumulative Total Return
-----------------------
Fund Class A Class B Class C
- ---- ------- ------- -------
Horizon Fund(1) 234.8% (227.3%) 42.3% (42.3%) 37.8% (37.8%)
Spectrum Fund(2) 145.3% (131.7%) 29.6% (29.6%) 27.2% (27.2%)
Mortgage Securities Fund(1) 152.3% (146.3%) 13.0% (12.9%) 12.3% (12.2%)
Bond Fund(3) 92.0% (75.5%) 12.5% (11.1%) 12.7% (11.8%)
Cornerstone Fund(4) 45.3% (44.2%) 46.5% (46.2%) 48.5% (48.3%)
Enterprise Fund(4) 40.6% (40.0%) 41.8% (41.6%) 39.2% (39.1%)
International Fund(4) 10.9% (10.5%) n/a n/a 21.2% (21.2%)
- -------------------
(1) Class A Inception May 3, 1985.
Class B Inception August 19, 1994.
Class C Inception March 1, 1995.
(2) Class A Inception November 16, 1987.
Class B Inception August 19, 1994.
Class C Inception March 1, 1995.
(3) Class A Inception August 14, 1987.
Class B Inception August 19, 1994.
Class C Inception March 1, 1995.
(4) Class A and Class B Inception September 16, 1994.
Class C Inception March 1, 1995.
The calculations for both average annual total return and cumulative
total return deduct the maximum sales charge from the initial hypothetical
$1,000 investment, assume all dividends and capital gain distributions are
reinvested at net asset value on the appropriate reinvestment dates
-44-
<PAGE>
as described in the Prospectus, and include all recurring fees, such as
investment advisory and management fees, charged as expenses to all
shareholder accounts.
Such average annual total return and cumulative total return figures
may also be accompanied by average annual total return and cumulative total
return figures, for the same or other periods, which do not reflect the
deduction of any sales charges.
CAPITAL STOCK AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES
Each Fund's shares of common stock, and each class thereof, have a par
value $.01 per share, and have equal rights to share in dividends and assets.
The shares possess no preemptive or conversion rights. Cumulative voting is
not authorized. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares
voting for the election of directors can elect 100% of the directors if they
choose to do so, and in such event the holders of the remaining shares will
be unable to elect any directors.
Each of the Funds has 10 billion authorized shares of common stock.
Each of the Advantus Load Funds has designated 2 billion authorized shares as
Class A shares, 2 billion authorized shares as Class B shares and 2 billion
authorized shares as Class C shares. The Funds have the following numbers of
shares outstanding:
Shares Outstanding at September 30, 1996
----------------------------------------
Fund Class A Class B Class C
---- ------- ------- -------
Horizon Fund 1,492,347 274,555 44,904
Spectrum Fund 3,789,331 508,117 87,506
Mortgage Securities Fund 2,316,394 329,660 111,298
Money Market Fund 43,952,661 n/a n/a
Bond Fund 1,647,992 352,313 66,320
Cornerstone Fund 3,212,050 475,384 77,366
Enterprise Fund 2,428,973 311,533 51,600
International Fund 3,535,447 n/a 158,872
As of September 30, 1996, no person held of record, to the knowledge of the
respective Funds, or owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any of the
Funds, except as set forth in the following table:
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<PAGE>
Number of
Name and Address of Shareholder Shares Percentage
- ------------------------------- ------ ----------
HORIZON FUND
Minnesota Mutual and affiliates* 99,098 5.5%
SPECTRUM FUND
Minnesota Mutual and affiliates* 34,769 .8%
MORTGAGE SECURITIES FUND
Minnesota Mutual and affiliates* 235,114 8.5%
MONEY MARKET FUND
Minnesota Mutual and affiliates* 12,127,229 27.6%
BOND FUND
Minnesota Mutual and affiliates* 379,452 18.4%
CORNERSTONE FUND
Minnesota Mutual and affiliates* 2,141,636 56.9%
ENTERPRISE FUND
Minnesota Mutual and affiliates* 2,050,145 73.4%
INTERNATIONAL FUND
Minnesota Mutual and affiliates* 2,500,486 67.7%
* 400 Robert Street North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
The procedures for purchasing shares of the Funds are summarized in
the Prospectus following the caption "Purchase of Fund Shares."
In addition to purchases of shares through insurance agents and
employees of Minnesota Mutual who are registered representatives of MIMLIC
Sales and who are licensed under applicable state and federal laws, shares
may also be purchased in writing as described in the Prospectus through firms
which are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and
which have selling agreements with MIMLIC Sales.
NET ASSET VALUE AND PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
The method for determining the public offering price and net asset value
per share is summarized in the Prospectus in the text following the headings
"Purchase of Fund Shares" and "Sales Charges."
Shares of Money Market Fund may be purchased at a price equal to their
net asset value, which will normally be constant at $1.00 per share. See
"Money Market Fund Amortized Cost Method of Valuation." There is no
assurance that Money Market Fund can maintain the $1.00 per share value. The
portfolio securities in which the Advantus Load Funds invest fluctuate in
value, and hence the net asset value per share of each Fund also fluctuates.
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On September 30, 1996, the net asset value and public offering price
per share for Class A, Class B and Class C shares of each of the Funds
(except Money Market Fund) were calculated as follows:
HORIZON FUND
CLASS A SHARES
Net Assets ($34,435,290) = Net Asset Value Per Share ($23.07)
- ------------------------------
Shares outstanding (1,492,347)
To obtain the maximum public offering price per share, the Fund's 5% sales
charge must be added to the net asset value obtained above:
$23.07 = Public Offering Price Per Share ($24.28)
------
.95
CLASS B SHARES
Net Assets ($6,219,403) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- ----------------------------
Shares outstanding (274,555) Offering Price Per Share ($22.65)
CLASS C SHARES
Net Assets ($1,017,786) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- -----------------------------
Shares outstanding (44,904) Offering Price Per Share ($22.67)
SPECTRUM FUND
CLASS A SHARES
Net Assets ($58,847,547) = Net Asset Value Per Share ($15.53)
- ------------------------------
Shares outstanding (3,789,331)
To obtain the maximum public offering price per share, the Fund's 5% sales
charge must be added to the net asset value obtained above:
$15.53 = Public Offering Price Per Share ($16.35)
------
.95
CLASS B SHARES
Net Assets ($7,860,433) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- ----------------------------
Shares outstanding (508,117) Offering Price Per Share ($15.47)
CLASS C SHARES
Net Assets ($1,350,599) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- ---------------------------
Shares Outstanding (87,506) Offering Price Per Share ($15.43)
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MORTGAGE SECURITIES FUND
CLASS A SHARES
Net Assets ($23,692,254) = Net Asset Value Per Share ($10.23)
- ------------------------------
Shares outstanding (2,316,394)
To obtain the maximum public offering price per share, the Fund's 5% sales
charge must be added to the net asset value obtained above:
$10.23 = Public Offering Price Per Share ($10.77)
------
.95
CLASS B SHARES
Net Assets ($3,374,944) = Net Asset Value and Public
- ----------------------------
Shares outstanding (329,660) Offering Price Per Share ($10.24)
CLASS C SHARES
Net Assets ($1,138,654) = Net Asset Value and Public
- ----------------------------
Shares outstanding (111,298) Offering Price Per Share ($10.23)
BOND FUND
CLASS A SHARES
NET ASSETS ($16,527,548) = Net Asset Value Per Share ($10.03)
- ------------------------------
Shares outstanding (1,647,992)
To obtain the maximum public offering price per share, the Fund's 5% sales
charge must be added to the net asset value obtained above:
$10.03 = Public Offering Price Per Share ($10.56)
------
.95
CLASS B SHARES
Net Assets ($3,531,907) = Net Asset Value and Public
- ----------------------------
Shares outstanding (352,313) Offering Price Per Share ($10.02)
CLASS C SHARES
Net Assets ($664,576) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- ---------------------------
Shares outstanding (66,320) Offering Price Per Share ($10.02)
CORNERSTONE FUND
CLASS A SHARES
Net Assets ($48,382,876) = Net Asset Value Per Share ($15.06)
- ------------------------------
Shares outstanding (3,212,050)
To obtain the maximum public offering price per share, the Fund's 5% sales
charge must be added to the net asset value obtained above:
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<PAGE>
$15.06 = Public Offering Price Per Share ($15.85)
------
.95
CLASS B SHARES
Net Assets ($7,094,860) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- ----------------------------
Shares outstanding (475,384) Offering Price Per Share ($14.92)
Class C Shares
Net Assets ($1,155,510) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- ---------------------------
Shares outstanding (77,366) Offering Price Per Share ($14.94)
ENTERPRISE FUND
CLASS A SHARES
Net Assets ($38,722,005) = Net Asset Value Per Share ($15.94)
- ------------------------------
Shares outstanding (2,428,973)
To obtain the maximum public offering price per share, the Fund's 5% sales
charge must be added to the net asset value obtained above:
$15.94 = Public Offering Price Per Share ($16.78)
------
.95
CLASS B SHARES
Net Assets ($4,871,486) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- ----------------------------
Shares outstanding (311,533) Offering Price Per Share ($15.64)
CLASS C SHARES
Net Assets ($806,721) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- ---------------------------
Shares outstanding (51,600) Offering Price Per Share ($15.63)
INTERNATIONAL FUND
CLASS A SHARES
Net Assets ($40,380,900) = Net Asset Value Per Share ($11.42)
- ------------------------------
Shares outstanding (3,535,447)
To obtain the maximum public offering price per share, the Fund's 5% sales
charge must be added to the net asset value obtained above:
$11.42 = Public Offering Price Per Share ($12.02)
------
.95
CLASS C SHARES
Net Assets ($1,810,902) = Net Asset Value AND Public
- ----------------------------
Shares outstanding (158,872) Offering Price Per Share ($11.40)
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
Special purchase plans are enumerated in the text of each Fund's Prospectus
immediately following the caption "Special Purchase Plans" and are fully
described below.
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RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION-CUMULATIVE PURCHASE DISCOUNT
The front end sales charge and contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to each purchase of Class A shares and Class B shares,
respectively, of the Advantus Load Funds is based on the next computed net
asset value of all Class A, Class B and Class C shares of such Funds held by
the shareholder (including dividends reinvested and capital gains
distributions accepted in shares), plus the cost of all Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of such Funds currently being purchased. It is the obligation
of each shareholder desiring this discount in sales charge to notify MIMLIC
Sales, through his or her dealer or otherwise, that he or she is entitled to
the discount.
LETTER OF INTENT
The applicable sales charge is based on total purchases over a
13-month period where there is an initial purchase equal to or exceeding
$250, accompanied by filing with MIMLIC Sales a signed "Letter of Intent"
form to purchase, and by in fact purchasing not less than $50,000 of shares
in one of the Funds (except Money Market Fund) within that time. The
13-month period is measured from the date the Letter of Intent is approved by
MIMLIC Sales, or at the purchaser's option, it may be made retroactive 90
days, in which case MIMLIC Sales will make appropriate adjustments on
purchases during the 90-day period.
In computing the total amount purchased for purposes of determining
the applicable sales charge, the net asset value of Class A, Class B and
Class C shares currently held in all Advantus Load Funds, on the date of the
first purchase under the Letter of Intent, may be used as a credit toward
Fund shares to be purchased under the Letter of Intent. Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of all the Advantus Load Funds may also be included in the
purchases during the 13-month period.
The Letter of Intent includes a provision for payment of additional
applicable sales charges at the end of the period in the event the investor
fails to purchase the amount indicated. In the case of Class A shares, this
is accomplished by holding 5% of the investor's initial purchase in escrow.
If the investor's purchases equal those specified in the Letter of Intent,
the escrow is released. If the purchases do not equal those specified in the
Letter of Intent, he or she may remit to MIMLIC Sales an amount equal to the
difference between the dollar amount of sales charges actually paid and the
amount of sales charges that would have been paid on the aggregate purchases
if the total of such purchases had been made at a single time. If the
purchaser does not remit this sum to MIMLIC Sales on a timely basis, MIMLIC
Sales will redeem the appropriate number of shares, and then release or
deliver any remaining shares in the escrow account. In the case of Class B
shares, if the investor fails to purchase shares in the amount indicated, the
contingent deferred sales charge applicable to purchased Class B shares will
be calculated without regard to the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent
is not a binding obligation on the part of the investor to purchase, or the
respective Fund to sell, the full amount indicated. Nevertheless, the Letter
of Intent should be read carefully before it is signed.
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<PAGE>
COMBINING PURCHASES
With respect to each of the Advantus Load Funds, purchases of Class A,
Class B and Class C shares for any other account of the investor, or such
person's spouse or minor children, or purchases on behalf of participants in
a tax-qualified retirement plan may be treated as purchases by a single
investor for purposes of determining the availability of a reduced sales
charge.
PURCHASES OF CLASS A SHARES BY CERTAIN PERSONS AFFILIATED WITH THE FUND,
ADVANTUS CAPITAL MIMLIC MANAGEMENT, TEMPLETON COUNSEL, MIMLIC SALES,
MINNESOTA MUTUAL, OR ANY OF MINNESOTA MUTUAL'S OTHER AFFILIATED COMPANIES
Directors and officers of Advantus Capital, MIMLIC Management,
Templeton Counsel (with respect to International Fund only), MIMLIC Sales,
the Funds, Minnesota Mutual, or any of Minnesota Mutual's other affiliated
companies, and their full-time and part-time employees, sales representatives
and retirees, any trust, pension, profit-sharing, or other benefit plan for
such persons, the spouses, siblings, direct ancestors or direct descendents
of such persons, Minnesota Mutual and its affiliates themselves, advisory
clients of Advantus Capital or MIMLIC Management, employees of sales
representatives employed in offices maintained by such sales representatives,
certain accounts as to which a bank or broker-dealer charges an account
management fee, provided the bank or broker-dealer has an agreement with
MIMLIC Sales, and certain accounts sold by registered investment advisers who
charge clients a fee for their services may purchase Class A shares of the
Advantus Load Funds at net asset value. These persons must give written
assurance that they have bought for investment purposes, and that the
securities will not be resold except through redemption or repurchase by, or
on behalf of, the respective Fund. These persons are not required to pay a
sales charge because of the reduced sales effort involved in their purchases.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
OPEN ACCOUNTS
A shareholder's investment is automatically credited to an open
account maintained for the shareholder by Minnesota Mutual. Stock
certificates are not currently issued. Following each transaction in the
account, a shareholder will receive a confirmation statement disclosing the
current balance of shares owned and the details of recent transactions in the
account. After the close of each year Minnesota Mutual sends to each
shareholder a statement providing federal tax information on dividends and
distributions paid to the shareholder during the year. This should be
retained as a permanent record. A fee may be charged for providing duplicate
information.
The open account system provides for full and fractional shares
expressed to four decimal places and, by making the issuance and delivery of
stock certificates unnecessary, eliminates problems of handling and
safekeeping, and the cost and inconvenience of replacing lost, stolen,
mutilated or destroyed certificates.
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<PAGE>
The costs of maintaining the open account system are paid by Advantus
Capital in the case of the Advantus Load Funds. The costs of maintaining the
open account system for Money Market Fund are paid by the Fund. No direct
charges are made to shareholders. Although the Funds have no present
intention of making such direct charges to shareholders, they reserve the
right to do so. Shareholders will receive prior notice before any such
charges are made.
SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
Each Fund provides a convenient, voluntary method of purchasing shares
in the Fund through its "Systematic Investment Plan".
The principal purposes of the Plan are to encourage thrift by enabling
you to make regular purchases in amounts less than normally required, and, in
the case of the Advantus Load Funds, to employ the principle of dollar cost
averaging, described below.
By acquiring Fund shares on a regular basis pursuant to a Systematic
Investment Plan, or investing regularly on any other systematic plan, the
investor takes advantage of the principle of Dollar Cost Averaging. Under
Dollar Cost Averaging, if a constant amount is invested at regular intervals
at varying price levels, the average cost of all the shares will be lower
than the average of the price levels. This is because the same fixed number
of dollars buys more shares when price levels are low and fewer shares when
price levels are high. It is essential that the investor consider his or her
financial ability to continue this investment program during times of market
decline as well as market rise. The principle of Dollar Cost Averaging will
not protect against loss in a declining market, as a loss will result if the
plan is discontinued when the market value is less than cost.
A Plan may be opened by indicating your intention to invest $25 or
more monthly for at least one year. You will receive a confirmation showing
the number of shares purchased, purchase price, and subsequent new balance of
shares accumulated.
An investor has no obligation to invest regularly or to continue the
Plan, which may be terminated by the investor at any time without penalty.
Under the Plan, any distributions of income and realized capital gains will
be reinvested in additional shares at net asset value unless a shareholder
instructs MIMLIC Sales in writing to pay them in cash. MIMLIC Sales reserves
the right to increase or decrease the amount required to open and continue a
Plan, and to terminate any Plan after one year if the value of the amount
invested is less than $250.
GROUP SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
This Plan provides employers and employees with a convenient means for
purchasing shares of each Fund under various types of employee benefit and
thrift plans, including payroll withholding and bonus incentive plans. The
Plan may be started with an initial cash investment of $50 per participant
for a group consisting of five or more participants. The shares purchased by
each participant under the Plan will be held in a separate account in which
all dividends and capital gains will be reinvested in additional shares of
the Fund at net asset value. To keep his or her account open, subsequent
payments totaling $25 per month must be made into each
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<PAGE>
participant's account. If the group is reduced to less than five
participants, the minimums set forth under "Systematic Investment Plan" shall
apply. The Plan may be terminated by MIMLIC Sales or the shareholder at any
time upon reasonable notice.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
Each Fund offers an Automatic Investment Plan, which allows you to
automatically invest a specified amount in the Fund each month.
Shares of the respective Fund may be purchased through pre-authorized
bank drafts. With the cooperation of your bank, you may authorize MIMLIC
Sales to make a withdrawal from your checking account on the 1st or 15th day
of each month in the amount you specify to purchase shares of the Fund at the
public offering price next determined after receipt of the proceeds from your
bank draft. A minimum initial investment of $25 is required, and the minimum
subsequent monthly investment under this plan is $25.
You may discontinue your Automatic Investment Plan at any time.
Further information about the plans is available from MIMLIC Sales or your
MIMLIC Sales representative.
GROUP PURCHASES
An individual who is a member of a qualified group may also purchase
shares of the Funds (except Money Market Fund) at the reduced sales charge
applicable to the group taken as a whole. The sales charge is calculated by
taking into account not only the dollar amount of the Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of the Funds being purchased by the individual member, but
also the aggregate dollar value of such Class A, Class B and Class C shares
previously purchased and currently held by other members of the group.
Members of a qualified group may not be eligible for a Letter of Intent.
A "qualified group" is one which (i) has been in existence for more
than six months, (ii) has a purpose other than acquiring Fund shares at a
discount, and (iii) satisfies uniform criteria which enable MIMLIC Sales to
realize economies of scale in distributing such shares. A qualified group
must have more than ten members, must be available to arrange for group
meetings between representatives of MIMLIC Sales, must agree to include sales
and other materials related to the Funds in its publications and mailings to
members at reduced or no cost to MIMLIC Sales, and must seek, upon request,
to arrange for payroll deduction or other bulk transmission of investments to
the Funds.
RETIREMENT PLANS OFFERING TAX BENEFITS
The federal tax laws provide for a variety of retirement plans
offering tax benefits. These plans may be funded with shares of any of the
Funds. The plans include H.R. 10 (Keogh) plans for self-employed individuals
and partnerships, individual retirement accounts (IRA's), corporate pension
trust and profit sharing plans, including 401(k) plans, and retirement plans
for public school systems and certain tax exempt organizations, e.g. 403(b)
plans.
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<PAGE>
The initial investment in each Fund by such a plan must be at least
$250 for each participant in a plan, and subsequent investments must be at
least $25 per month for each participant. Income dividends and capital gain
distributions must be reinvested. Plan documents and further information can
be obtained from MIMLIC Sales.
An investor should consult a competent tax or other adviser as to the
suitability of Fund shares as a vehicle for funding a plan, in whole or in
part, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and as to the
eligibility requirements for a specific plan and its state as well as federal
tax aspects, including changes made by the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS
An investor owning shares in any one of the Funds having a value of
$5,000 or more at the current public offering price may establish a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan providing for periodic payments of a fixed or
variable amount. The Plan is particularly convenient and useful for trustees
in making periodic distributions to retired employees. Through this Plan a
trustee can arrange for the retirement benefit to be paid directly to the
employee by the respective Fund and to continue the tax-free accumulation of
income and capital gains prior to their distribution to the employee. An
investor may terminate the Plan at any time. A form for use in establishing
such a plan is available from MIMLIC Sales.
A shareholder under a Systematic Withdrawal Plan may elect to receive
payments monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually for a fixed amount of
not less than $50 or a variable amount based on (1) the market value of a
stated number of shares, (2) a specified percentage of the account's market
value or (3) a specified number of years for liquidating the account (e.g., a
20-year program of 240 monthly payments would be liquidated at a monthly rate
of 1/240, 1/239, 1/238, etc.). The initial payment under a variable payment
option may be $50 or more.
All shares under the Plan must be left on deposit. Income dividends
and capital gain distributions will be reinvested without a sales charge at
net asset value determined on the record date.
Since withdrawal payments represent proceeds from the liquidation of
shares, withdrawals may reduce and possibly exhaust the initial investment,
particularly in the event of a decline in net asset value. In addition,
withdrawal payments attributable to the redemption of Class B shares may be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Accordingly, the shareholder
should consider whether a Systematic Withdrawal Plan and the specified
amounts to be withdrawn are appropriate in the circumstances. The Funds and
MIMLIC Sales make no recommendations or representations in this regard. It
may be appropriate for the shareholder to consult a tax adviser before
establishing such a plan.
Under this Plan, any distributions of income and realized capital
gains must be reinvested in additional shares, and are reinvested at net
asset value. If a shareholder wishes to purchase additional shares of the
respective Fund under this Plan, except in the case of Money Market Fund,
other than by reinvestment of distributions, it should be understood that, in
the case of
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<PAGE>
Class A shares, he or she would be paying a sales commission on such
purchases, while liquidations effected under the Plan would be at net asset
value, and, in the case of Class B shares, he or she would be purchasing such
shares at net asset value while liquidations effected under the Plan would
involve the payment of a contingent deferred sales charge. Purchases of
additional shares concurrent with withdrawals are ordinarily disadvantageous
to the shareholder because of sales charges and tax liabilities. Additions
to a shareholder account in which an election has been made to receive
systematic withdrawals will be accepted only if each such addition is equal
to at least one year's scheduled withdrawals or $1,200, whichever is greater.
A shareholder may not have a "Systematic Withdrawal Plan" and a "Systematic
Investment Plan" in effect simultaneously as it is not, as explained above,
advantageous to do so.
EXCHANGE AND TELEPHONE TRANSFER PRIVILEGE
The exchange and telephone transfer privileges available in connection
with the Funds, the procedures for effecting such transactions and a
description of the applicable charges, are described in each Fund's
Prospectus in the text following the caption "Exchange and Telephone Transfer
of Fund Shares."
Telephone transfers and other exchanges may be made only between
already open Fund accounts having identical registrations.
REDEMPTIONS
The procedures for redemption of Fund shares, and the charges
applicable to redemptions of Class B shares, are summarized in the Prospectus
in the text following the caption "Redemption of Fund Shares."
Class B shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of up
to 5% if redeemed within six years of purchase. See "Sales Charges-Class B
Shares" and "Redemption of Fund Shares" in the Prospectus.
The obligation of each of the Funds to redeem its shares when called
upon to do so by the shareholder is mandatory with the following exceptions.
Each Fund will pay in cash all redemption requests by any shareholder
of record, limited in amount during any 90-day period to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund at the beginning of such
period. When redemption requests exceed such amount, however, the Fund
reserves the right to make part or all of the payment in the form of
securities or other assets of the Fund. An example of when this might be
done is in case of emergency, such as in those situations enumerated in the
following paragraph, or at any time a cash distribution would impair the
liquidity of the Fund to the detriment of the existing shareholders. Any
securities being so distributed would be valued in the same manner as the
portfolio of the Fund is valued. If the recipient sold such securities, he
or she probably would incur brokerage charges. The Fund has filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission a notification of election pursuant to
Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in order to make such
redemptions in kind.
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<PAGE>
Redemption of shares, or payment, may be suspended at times (a) when
the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than customary weekend or
holiday closings, (b) when trading on said Exchange is restricted, (c) when
an emergency exists, as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities
owned by it is not reasonably practicable, or it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or
during any other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission, by
order, so permits; provided that applicable rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions
prescribed in (b) or (c) exist.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
The Prospectus for each of the Advantus Load Funds describes redeeming
shareholders' reinstatement privileges in the text following the caption
"Reinstatement Privilege." Written notice from persons wishing to exercise
this reinstatement privilege must be received by MIMLIC Sales within 90 days
after the date of the redemption. The reinstatement or exchange will be made
at net asset value next determined after receipt of the notice and will be
limited to the amount of the redemption proceeds or to the nearest full share
if fractional shares are not purchased. All shares issued as a result of the
reinstatement privilege applicable to redemptions of Class A and Class B
shares will be issued only as Class A shares. Any CDSC incurred in
connection with the prior redemption (within 90 days) of Class B shares will
not be refunded or re-credited to the shareholder's account. Shareholders
who redeem Class C shares and exercise their reinstatement privilege will be
issued only Class C shares, which shares will have a remaining holding period
prior to conversion equal to the remaining holding period applicable to the
prior Class C shares at redemption.
See "Taxes" in the Prospectus for a discussion of the effect of
redeeming shares within 90 days after acquiring them and subsequently
acquiring new shares in any mutual fund at a reduced sales charge. Should an
investor utilize the reinstatement privilege following a redemption which
resulted in a loss, all or a portion of that loss might not be currently
deductible for Federal income tax purposes, for an investor which is not
tax-exempt. Exercising the reinstatement privilege would not alter any
capital gains taxes payable on a realized gain, for an investor which is not
tax-exempt. See discussion under "Taxes" in the Prospectus regarding the
taxation of capital gains.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX STATUS
GENERALLY
The tax status of the Funds and the distributions which they may make
are summarized in the text of the Prospectus following the caption "Taxes."
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, each Fund fulfilled, and
each Fund intends to continue to fulfill, the requirements of Subchapter M of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), as a regulated
investment company. If so qualified, the Funds will not be liable for
federal income taxes to the extent they distribute their taxable income to
their shareholders.
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INTERNATIONAL FUND, MORTGAGE SECURITIES FUND AND BOND FUND
Except for the transactions each of these funds have identified as
hedging transactions, each Fund is required for federal income tax purposes
to recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and
losses on forward currency contracts (in the case of International Fund) or
interest rate futures contracts (in the case of Mortgage Securities Fund and
Bond Fund) as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized
during the year. Except for transactions in forward currency contracts or
interest rate futures contracts that are classified as part of a "mixed
straddle," gain or loss recognized with respect to forward currency contracts
or interest rate futures 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 contract. In the case of a transaction classified as a
"mixed straddle," the recognition of losses may be deferred to a later
taxable year.
Sales of forward currency contracts or interest rate futures contracts
that are intended to hedge against a change in the value of securities or
currencies held by the Fund may affect the holding period of such securities
or currencies and, consequently, the nature of the gain or loss on such
securities or currencies upon disposition.
It is expected that any net gain realized from the closing out of
forward currency contracts or interest rate futures contracts will be
considered gain from the sale of securities or currencies and therefore be
qualifying income for purposes of the requirement under the Code that a
regulated investment company derive at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends interest, gains from the sale or disposition of securities, or
otherwise from the business of investing in securities. Moreover, in
connection with the Code requirement that a regulated investment company must
derive less than 30% of its gross income from gains on the sale or
disposition of stock, securities, or (in certain cases) future contracts,
forward contracts or foreign currencies held less than three months, the Fund
may be required to defer the closing out of forward currency contracts or
interest rate futures contracts beyond the time when it would otherwise be
advantageous to do so. It is expected that unrealized gains on forward
currency contracts or interest rate futures contracts, which have been open
for less than three months as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year and which
are recognized for tax purposes will not be considered gains on securities or
currencies held less than three months for purposes of the 30% test, as
discussed above.
Any realized gain or loss on closing out a forward currency contract
such as a forward commitment for the purchase or sale of foreign currency or
an interest rate futures contract will generally result in a recognized
capital gain or loss for tax purposes. Under Code Section 1256, forward
currency contracts or interest rate futures contracts held by the Fund at the
end of each fiscal year will be required to be "marked to market" for federal
income tax purposes, that is, deemed to have been sold at market value. Code
Section 988 may also apply to forward currency contracts.
Under Section 988, each foreign currency gain or loss is generally
computed separately and treated as ordinary income or loss. In the case of
overlap between Section 1256 and 988, special provisions determine the
character and timing of any income gain or loss. International Fund will
attempt to monitor Section 988 transactions to avoid an adverse tax impact.
Under the Code, International Fund's taxable income for each year will
be computed without regard to any net foreign currency loss attributable to
transactions after October 31, and any such net foreign currency loss will be
treated as arising on the first day of the following taxable year.
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ALL FUNDS
Each Fund is subject to a non-deductible excise tax equal to 4 percent
of the excess, if any, of the amount required to be distributed pursuant to
the Code for each calendar year over the amount actually distributed. In
order to avoid the imposition of this excise tax, the Fund generally must
declare dividends by the end of a calendar year representing 98 percent of
the Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year and 98 percent of its
capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term capital gains) for the
twelve-month period ending October 31 of the calendar year.
The foregoing relates only to federal taxation. Prospective
shareholders should consult their tax advisers as to the possible application
of state and local income tax laws to Fund distributions.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Funds' financial statements for the year ended September 30, 1996,
including the financial highlights for each of the respective periods
presented, appearing in the Fund's Annual Report to shareholders, and the
report thereon of the Funds' independent auditors, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
also appearing therein, are incorporated by reference in this Statement of
Additional Information. The Fund's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders is
enclosed with this Statement of Additional Information.
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APPENDIX A
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES
Mortgage-related securities represent an ownership interest in a pool
of residential mortgage loans. These securities are designed to provide
monthly payments of interest and principal to the investor. The mortgagor's
monthly payments to his lending institution are "passed-through" to investors
such as the Fund. Most insurers or services provide guarantees of payments,
regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment. The
guarantees made by issuers or servicers are backed by various forms of
credit, insurance and collateral.
UNDERLYING MORTGAGES
Pools consist of whole mortgage loans or participations in loans. The
majority of these loans are made to purchasers of 1-4 family homes. Some of
these loans are made to purchasers of mobile homes. The terms and
characteristics of the mortgage instruments are generally uniform within a
pool buy may vary among pools. For example, in addition to fixed-rate
fixed-term mortgages, the fund may purchase pools of variable rate mortgages,
growing equity mortgages, graduated payment mortgages and other types.
All servicers apply standards for qualification to local lending
institutions which originate mortgages for the pools. Servicers also
establish credit standards and underwriting criteria for individual mortgages
included in the pools. In addition, many mortgages included in pools are
insured through private mortgage insurance companies.
LIQUIDITY AND MARKETABILITY
Since the inception of the mortgage-related pass-through security in
1970, the market for these securities has expanded considerably. The size of
the primary issuance market and active participation in the secondary market
by securities dealers and many types of investors makes government and
government-related pass-through pools highly liquid. The recently introduced
private conventional pools of mortgages (pooled by commercial banks, savings
and loans institutions and others, with no relationship with government and
government-related entities) have also achieved broad market acceptance and
consequently an active secondary market has emerged. However, the market for
conventional pools is smaller and less liquid than the market for the
government and government-related mortgage pools. The Fund may purchase some
mortgage-related securities through private placements, in which case only a
limited secondary market exists, and the security is considered illiquid.
AVERAGE LIFE
The average life of pass-through pools varies with the maturities of
the underlying mortgage instruments. In addition, a pool's term may be
shortened by unscheduled or early payments of principal and interest on the
underlying mortgages. The occurrence of mortgage
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prepayments is affected by factors including the level of interest rates,
general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other
social and demographic conditions.
As prepayment rates of individual pools vary widely, it is not
possible to accurately predict the average life of a particular pool. For
pools of fixed-rate 30-year mortgages, common industry practice is to assume
that prepayments will result in a 12-year average life. Pools of mortgages
with other maturities or different characteristics will have varying
assumptions for average life. The assumed average life of pools of mortgages
having terms of less than 30 years is less than 12 years, but typically not
less than 5 years.
YIELD CALCULATIONS
Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted by investment
dealers and vendors based on the maturity of the underlying instruments and
the associated average life assumption. In periods of falling interest rates
the rate of prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual
average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities. Conversely, in
periods of rising rates and the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby
lengthening the actual average life of the pool. Historically, actual
average life has been consistent with the 12-year assumption referred to
above.
Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield to differ from the
assumed average life yield. Reinvestment of prepayments may occur at higher
or lower interest rates than the original investment, thus affecting the
yield of the Fund. The compounding effect from reinvestments of monthly
payments received by the Fund will increase the yield to shareholders
compared to bonds that pay interest semi-annually.
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APPENDIX B
BOND AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
BOND RATINGS
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. describes its five highest ratings for
corporate bonds and mortgage-related securities as follows:
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 edge." Interest payments are protected by a
large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While
the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as
can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong
position of such issues.
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 risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
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.
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered 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.
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.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. also applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2,
and 3, in each of these generic rating classifications. The modifier 1
indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating
category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3
indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
Standard & Poor's Corporation describes its five highest ratings for
corporate bonds and mortgage-related securities as follows:
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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 higher 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.
BB. Debt rated "BB" has less near-term vulnerability to
default than other speculative grade debt. However, it faces major
ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or
economic conditions that could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely
interest and principal payments.
Standard & Poor's Corporation applies indicators "+", no character,
and "-" to the above rating categories. The indicators show relative
standing within the major rating categories.
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Among the factors considered by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. in assigning the ratings are the following: (1)
evaluation of the management of the issuer, (2) economic evaluation of the
issuer's industry or industries and an appraisal of speculative-type risks
which may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation of the issuer's
products in relation to competition and customer acceptance; (4) liquidity;
(5) amount and quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings over a period
of ten years; (7) financial strength of a parent company and the
relationships which exist with the issuer; an (8) recognition by the
management of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of
public interest questions and preparations to meet such obligations.
The rating A-1 is the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's
Corporation to commercial paper which is considered by Standard & Poor's
Corporation to have the following characteristics:
Liquidity ratios of the issuer are adequate to meet cash
redemptions. Long-term senior debt is rated "A" or better. The
issuer has access to at least two additional channels of borrowing. Basic
earnings and cash flow have an upward trend with allowance made for
unusual circumstances. Typically, the issuer's industry is well
established and the
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issuer has a strong position within the industry. The reliability and
quality of management are unquestioned.
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APPENDIX C
FUTURES CONTRACTS
USE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS
Prices of debt securities may be established in both the cash market
and the futures market. In the cash market, debt securities are purchased
and sold with payment for the full purchase price being made in cash,
generally within five business days after the trade. In the futures market,
a contract is made to purchase or sell a debt security in the future for a
set price on a certain date. Historically, prices established in the futures
markets have tended to move generally and in the aggregate in concert with
cash market prices and have maintained fairly predictable relationships. The
Fund may use interest rate futures solely as a defense, or hedge, against
anticipated interest rate changes and not for speculation. As described
below, this would include the use of futures contract sales to protect
against expected increases in interest rates and futures contract purchases
to offset the impact of interest rate declines.
The Fund currently could accomplish a similar result to that which it
hopes to achieve through the use of futures contracts by selling debt
securities with long maturities and investing in debt securities with short
maturities when interest rates are expected to increase, or conversely,
selling short-term debt securities and investing in long-term debt securities
when interest rates are expected to decline. However, because of the
liquidity that is often available in the futures market, such protection is
more likely to be achieved, perhaps at a lower cost and without changing the
rate of interest being earned by the Fund, through using futures contracts.
DESCRIPTION OF FUTURES CONTRACTS
A futures contract sale creates an obligation by the Fund, as seller,
to deliver the specific type of financial instrument called for in the
contract at a specified future time for a specified price. A futures
contract purchase creates an obligation by the Fund, as purchaser, to take
delivery of the specific type of financial instrument at a specified future
time at a specified price. The specific securities delivered or taken,
respectively, at settlement date, would not be determined until at or near
that date. The determination would be in accordance with the rules of the
exchange on which the futures contract sale or purchase was made.
Although futures contracts by their terms call for actual delivery or
acceptance of securities, in most cases the contracts are closed out before
the settlement date without the making or taking of delivery of securities.
Closing out a futures contract sale is effected by the Fund entering into a
futures contract purchase for the same aggregate amount of the specific type
of financial instrument and the same delivery date. If the price in the sale
exceeds the price in the offsetting purchase, the Fund immediately is paid
the difference and thus realizes a gain. If the offsetting purchase price
exceeds the sale price, the Fund pays the difference and realizes a loss.
Similarly, the closing out of a futures contract purchase is effected by the
Fund's entering into a futures contract sale. If the offsetting sale price
exceeds the purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain, and if the purchase
price exceeds the offsetting sale price, the Fund realizes a loss. See
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"Risks of Futures Contracts", below, for a disclosure of the risks of being
unable to close out a position before the settlement date.
A public market now exists in futures contracts covering primarily the
following financial instruments: long-term United States Treasury Bonds;
Government National Mortgage Association modified pass-through
mortgage-backed securities (GNMA); three month United States Treasury Bills;
United States Treasury Notes; and bank certificates of deposit. It is
expected that other financial instruments will be subject to futures
contacts. There is a $100,000 minimum for futures contracts in United States
Treasury Bonds, GNMA pass-through securities, and United States Treasury
Notes, and a $1,000,000 minimum for contracts in United States Treasury Bills
and bank certificates of deposit. The Fund may invest in interest rate
futures contracts covering the financial instruments referred to above as
well as in new types of such contracts that become available in the future.
See "Example of Futures Contract Sale" and "Example of Futures Contract
Purchase" below.
Financial futures contracts are traded in an auction environment on
the floors of several exchanges--principally, the Chicago Board of Trade, the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the New York Futures Exchange. Each exchange
guarantees performance under contract provisions through a clearing
corporation, a nonprofit organization managed by the exchange membership.
The Fund will pay a commission on each contract, including offsetting
transactions. In addition, the Fund is required to maintain margin deposits
with brokerage firms through which it enters into futures contracts.
Currently, the initial margin deposit per contract is $1,500 for Treasury
Bills and commercial paper and $2,000 for Treasury Bonds and GNMAs. The Fund
will establish a custodial account with its bank custodian to hold initial
margin deposits. The account will be in the name of the futures commission
merchant through which the Fund entered into the futures contract. The
futures commission merchant will be able to gain access to the assets held in
this account only if he states that all conditions precedent to his right to
direct disposition have been satisfied. Margin balances will be adjusted
daily to reflect unrealized gains and losses on open contracts. The payments
to or withdrawals from this account are known as variation margin payments.
The Fund can withdraw amounts from this account in excess of the initial
margin payments, and it is the Fund's intention to promptly make withdrawals
of any such excess. If the margin account is depleted below the maintenance
level (a fixed percentage of the initial margin), the Fund will be required
to deposit an amount that will bring the margin account back up to its
initial margin level. If the Fund has an unrealized gain above the amount of
any net variation margin it has already received, the futures commission
merchant, as of the close of that trading day, may receive, on behalf of the
Fund, a variation margin payment from the clearing corporation in the amount
of the gain. By 10:30 A.M. the next day, the futures commission merchant
must notify the Fund of its entitlement to receive a variation margin payment
from the margin account, and the Fund will promptly demand payment of such
amount.
When purchasing interest rate futures contracts, the Fund will deposit
and maintain in a separate account with its custodian cash or cash
equivalents in an amount equal to the market value of such futures contracts,
less any margin deposited on the Fund's long position. These earmarked
assets will be used to cover the Fund's obligation and will not be used to
support any other transaction into which the Fund may enter.
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RISKS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS
One risk in employing futures contracts to protect against cash market
price volatility is the prospect that futures prices will correlate
imperfectly with the behavior of cash prices. The ordinary spreads between
prices in the cash and future markets, due to differences in the nature of
those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the
futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements.
Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may
close futures contracts through offsetting transactions which could distort
the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the
liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into
offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent
participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market
could be reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from the point of view
of speculators the deposit requirements in the futures market are less
onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore
increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause
temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of distortion, a correct
forecast of general interest trends by MIMLIC Management may still not result
in a successful transaction.
Another risk is that the Fund's investment adviser would be incorrect
in its expectation as to the extent of various interest rate movements or the
time span within which the movements take place. Closing out a futures
contract purchase at a loss because of higher interest rates will generally
have one of two consequences depending on whether, at the time of closing
out, the "yield curve" is normal (long-term rates exceeding short-term). If
the yield curve is normal, it is possible that the Fund will still be engaged
in a program of buying long-term securities, because the price of long-term
securities will likely have decreased. The closing out of the futures
contract purchase at a loss will reduce the benefit of the reduced price of
the securities purchased. If the yield curve is inverted, it is possible
that the Fund will retain its investments in short-term securities earmarked
for purchase of longer term securities. Thus, closing out of a loss will
reduce the benefit of the incremental income that the Fund will experience by
virtue of the high short-term rates.
A third risk in using interest rates futures contracts is the
possibility that the value of such futures contracts will not vary in direct
proportion to the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. Such deviations
may result in the failure of the closing of futures transactions to
completely offset decreases in the prices of debt securities in the Fund's
portfolio or increases in the prices of debt securities which the Fund may
wish to purchase.
In addition, although the Fund will only purchase and sell futures
contracts for which there is a public market, there can be no assurance that
the Fund will be able to close out its position by entering into an
offsetting transaction before the settlement date. In that event, the Fund
will be required to deliver or accept the underlying securities in accordance
with the terms of its commitment.
EXAMPLE OF FUTURES CONTRACT SALE
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The Fund would engage in a futures contract sale to maintain the
income advantage from continued holding of a long-term security while
endeavoring to avoid part or all of the loss in market value that would
otherwise accompany a decline in long-term securities prices. Assume that
the market value of a certain security in the Fund's portfolio tends to move
in concert with the futures market prices of long-term United States Treasury
bonds ("Treasury bonds"). The Fund wishes to fix the current market value of
this portfolio security until some point in the future. Assume the portfolio
security has a market value of $100, and the Fund believes that, because of
an anticipated rise in interest rates, the value will decline to $95. The
Fund might enter into futures contract sales of Treasury bonds for a price of
$98. If the market value of the portfolio security does indeed decline from
$100 to $95, the futures market price for the Treasury bonds might also
decline from $98 to $93.
In that case, the $5 loss in the market value of the portfolio
security would be offset by the $5 gain realized by closing out the futures
contract sale. Of course, the futures market price of Treasury bonds might
decline to more than $93 or to less than $93 because of the imperfect
correlation between cash and futures prices mentioned above.
The Fund could be wrong in its forecast of interest rates and the
futures market price could rise above $98. In this case, the market value of
the portfolio securities, including the portfolio security being protected,
would increase. The benefit of this increase would be reduced by the loss
realized on closing out the futures contract sale.
If interest rate levels did not change prior to settlement date, the
Fund, in the above example, would incur a loss of $2 if it delivered the
portfolio security on the settlement date (which loss might be reduced by an
offsetting transaction prior to the settlement date). In each transaction,
nominal transaction expenses would also be incurred.
EXAMPLE OF FUTURES CONTRACT PURCHASE
The Fund would engage in a futures contract purchase when it is not
fully invested in long-term securities but wishes to defer for a time the
purchase of long-term securities in light of the availability of advantageous
interim investments, e.g., short-term securities whose yields are greater
than those available on long-term securities. The Fund's basic motivation
would be to maintain for a time the income advantage from investing in the
short-term securities; the Fund would be endeavoring at the same time to
eliminate the effect of all or part of the increases in market price of the
long-term securities that the Fund may purchase.
For example, assume that the market price of a long-term security that
the Fund may purchase, currently yielding 10%, tends to move in concert with
futures market prices of Treasury bonds. The Fund wishes to fix the current
market price (and thus 10% yield) of the long-term security until the time
(four months away in this example) when it may purchase the security.
Assuming the long-term security has a market price of $100, and the
Fund believes that, because of an anticipated fall in interest rates, the
price will have risen to $105 (and the yield will have dropped to about
9-1/2%) in four months, the Fund might enter into futures contracts
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purchases of Treasury bonds for a price of $98. At the same time, the Fund
would assign a pool of investments in short-term securities that are either
maturing in four months or earmarked for sale in four months, for purchase of
the long-term security at an assumed market price of $100. Assume these
short-term securities are yielding 15%. If the market price of the long-term
bond does indeed rise from $100 to $105, the futures market price for
Treasury bonds might also rise from $98 to $103. In that case, the $5
increase in the price that the Fund pays for the long-term security would be
offset by the $5 gain realized by closing out the futures contract purchase.
The Fund could be wrong in its forecast of interest rates; long-term
interest rates might rise to above 10%, and the futures market price could
fall below $98. If short-term rates at the same time fall to 10% or below,
it is possible that the Fund would continue with its purchase program for
long-term securities. The market prices of available long-term securities
would have decreased. The benefit of this price decrease, and thus yield
increase, will be reduced by the loss realized on closing out the futures
contract purchase.
If, however, short-term rates remained above available long-term
rates, it is possible that the Fund would discontinue its purchase program
for long-term securities. The yields on short-term securities in the
portfolio, including those originally in the pool assigned to the particular
long-term security, would remain higher than yields on long-term bonds. The
benefit of this continued incremental income will be reduced by the loss
realized on closing out the futures contract purchase.
In each transaction, nominal transaction expenses would also be
incurred.
TAX TREATMENT
The amount of any gain or loss realized by the Fund on closing out a
futures contract may result in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes. Generally, futures contracts held by the Fund at the close of the
Fund's taxable year will be treated for federal income tax purposes as sold
for their fair market value on the last business day of such year. Forty
percent of any gain or loss resulting from such constructive sale will be
treated as short-term capital gain or loss and 60 percent of such gain or
loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss. The amount of any
capital gain or loss actually realized by the Fund in a subsequent sale or
other disposition of these futures contracts will be adjusted to reflect any
capital gain or loss taken into account by the Fund in a prior year as a
result of the constructive sale of the contract. Notwithstanding the rules
described above, with respect to futures contracts which are part of futures
contract sales, and in certain other situations, the Fund may make an
election which may have the effect of exempting all or a part of those
identified future contracts from being treated for federal income tax
purposes as sold on the last business day of the Fund's taxable year; all or
part of any gain or loss otherwise realized by the Fund on any closing
transaction may be deferred until all of the Fund's positions with respect to
the futures contract sales are closed; and, all or part of any gain or loss
may be treated as short-term capital gain or loss.
Under the Federal income tax provisions applicable to regulated
investment companies, at least 90% of the Fund's annual gross income must be
derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of
securities, and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities
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("qualifying income"). Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), the Fund may include gains from forward contracts in
determining qualifying income. In addition, in order that the Fund continue
to qualify as a regulated investment company for Federal income tax purposes,
less than 30% of its gross income for any year must be derived from gains
realized on the sale or other disposition of securities held by the Fund for
less than three months. For this purpose, the Fund will treat gains realized
on the closing out of futures contracts as gains derived from the sale of
securities. This treatment could, under certain circumstances, require the
Fund to defer the closing out of futures contracts until after three months
from the date the fund acquired the contracts, even if it would be more
advantageous to close out the contracts prior to that time. However, under
the Code, a special rule is provided with respect to certain hedging
transactions which has the effect of allowing the Fund to engage in such
short-term transactions in limited circumstances. Any gains realized by the
Fund as a result of the constructive sales of futures contacts held by the
Fund at the end of its taxable year, as described in the preceding
paragraph, will in all instances be treated as derived from the sale of
securities held for three months or more, regardless of the actual period for
which the Fund has held the futures contracts at the end of the year.
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