N-CSR 1 dncsr.htm STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.

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OMB Number:

  3235-0570

Expires:

  Nov. 30, 2005

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hours per response:

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

 

Investment Company Act file number: 811-3793

 

Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc., on behalf

of Strong Advisor Select Fund,

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund,

Strong Endeavor Fund and Strong Opportunity Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

P.O. Box 2936 Milwaukee, WI   53201
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

John W. Widmer, Strong Capital Management, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936 Milwaukee, WI 53201

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (414) 359-3400

 

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

 

 

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2004

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. (S) 3507.


Item 1.     Reports to Shareholders

 

ANNUAL REPORT    |    December 31, 2004

 

Strong

 

Advisor Equity

 


 

Funds

 

LOGO

 

Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

 

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

 

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

 

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

 

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

 

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

 

Strong Advisor Select Fund

 

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

 

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

 

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

   

LOGO

 

 


ANNUAL REPORT    |    December 31, 2004

 

Strong

Advisor Equity

Funds

 

On May 26, 2004, Strong Financial Corporation (“SFC”) announced that it reached a definitive agreement with Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”) for Wells Fargo to acquire certain assets of SFC and certain of its affiliates, including the Advisor. On December 10, 2004, and on December 22, 2004, shareholders of the Strong Funds met and approved 1) the reorganization of each Strong Fund into a Wells Fargo Advantage Fund (“Reorganization”), and 2) interim investment advisory agreements between the Strong Funds and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and certain sub-advisors (“Interim Agreements”). The Interim Agreements became effective January 1, 2005. The Reorganization of the Funds is expected to occur on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Table of Contents

 

Investment Reviews     

Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

   2

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

   6

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

   10

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

   14

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

   18

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

   22

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

   26

Strong Advisor Select Fund

   30

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

   34

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

   38

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

   42

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

   46

Your Fund’s Expenses

   50
Financial Information     

Schedules of Investments in Securities

    

Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

   52

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

   54

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

   55

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

   61

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

   63

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

   64

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

   65

Strong Advisor Select Fund

   66

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

   67

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

   68

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

   70

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

   70

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   72

Statements of Operations

   80

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   86
Financial Highlights    93
Notes to Financial Statements    114
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    138
Results of Shareholders Meetings    139
Directors and Officers    144


LOGO

 

Market Update From Dick Weiss

 

January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2004

 

It’s indisputable: When it comes to the stock market, resolution brings results.

 

We saw this clearly at the tail end of 2004. The market as a whole had wandered aimlessly for the first 10 months of the year, spooked by uncertainty over the outcome of a contentious U.S. Presidential Election and our continuing involvement in Iraq. With George W. Bush’s reelection in November, the market surged, driven by the knowledge that there would be no change of administration in Washington and the U.S. commitment to democratize Iraq would continue.

 

One issue that currently weighs on the markets is inflation. There was tremendous inflation at the raw material level in both 2003 and 2004, but it has not shown up in any marked degree in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The most obvious example occurred in the energy sector, where oil rose well above $50 per barrel. Historically, that sort of spike in oil prices would have dramatically (and negatively) impacted the average American’s financial affairs. This time, however, it did not.

 

Why? Because rather than pass on those increasing raw material costs to customers, most companies chose to take the hit themselves, largely because demand seemed soft. It seems to me that the tricky question is whether companies will continue to absorb higher prices for raw materials (thus depressing profit margins) or, rather, pass those costs along to the public.

 

In any event, it’s clear that there’s a lot more inflation in the system than is reflected in the CPI. Hence, it’s become a matter of how that inflation will be managed — and by whom.

 

It’s also worth noting that there are deflationary pressures afoot in the world’s economy today. China, absorbing millions of new workers into its labor pool, is exporting cheap goods around the globe. The United States is the destination for a disproportionate share of that production, and the Chinese are financing our purchases. For the moment, that practice has helped to prop up the U.S. dollar. In the long run, it has unsettling implications.

 

As we look at 2005, there are a lot of moving parts out there — inflation, deflation, Iraq, China, the ups-and-downs of the U.S. dollar, and the mind-boggling developments in technology with their transformative effects on both our corporate and personal lives. Rapidly aging populations in Europe and China will cause seismic demographic shifts that we believe will have a long-term, dramatic effect on the world economy and markets.

 

Thanks for your continued investment.

 

LOGO

 

Richard T. Weiss

 

Strong Financial Corporation


Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

 

Continuing the previous year’s bull market, the U.S. stock market posted another positive year in 2004. The Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund’s Class Z shares gained 9.96% for the 12 months ending December 31, 2004. This result trailed that of the Fund’s broad-based benchmark, the Russell Midcap Index, which returned 20.22% during the same period.

 

A growing economy and higher rates

 

Strong consumer spending continued to carry the economy during 2004, while corporate spending gradually strengthened. The Federal Reserve continued to raise interest rates gradually during the period — exemplifying its confidence in the economy’s underlying strength. The Fed initiated five separate quarter-percentage-point rate hikes between June 30 and the end of the year.

 

We positioned the Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund with an expectation for higher rates and an aggressive economic recovery in 2004. The market rose only modestly for the first two-thirds of the year, as uncertainty surrounded the outcome of the U.S. presidential election and energy costs continued to rise. However, in the year’s fourth quarter, after the election ended in decisive fashion and energy prices began declining, the stock market rallied and ended the year on a very positive note.

 

Choosing stocks for the portfolio

 

The Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund uses a private market methodology to build its portfolio of securities. In other words, our investment process leads us to evaluate companies’ competitive strengths, assets, and financial position. We synthesize this information to gauge the value an independent buyer would pay for the entire company, and then we look for stocks to buy that are trading at a discount to that value.

 

This process attracted us to the Internet sector, especially in companies helping to rejuvenate the advertising business. We believed that Internet advertising companies would benefit from the rising economy as well as take market share from traditional advertising businesses.

 

DoubleClick was an investment based on this thesis. After the Internet “bubble” burst several years ago, the stock represented a compelling opportunity for value investors attracted to its reasonable price. After the company changed its business model several times in 2003, we concluded that DoubleClick’s acquisitions would complement positive trends we forecasted for Internet stocks in 2004.

 

Morningstar® Style Box *

 

LOGO

 

Despite a favorable operating environment in 2004, DoubleClick faced challenges in integrating several of its acquisitions. Also, the company’s core ad-serving technology could not withstand pricing pressure from its competition. In the last quarter of 2004, the company announced intentions to explore strategic opportunities to increase shareholder value. Against this backdrop, DoubleClick was a disappointing performer for the Fund during the period. More helpful for performance was the Fund’s overweight position in energy stocks, which generally enjoyed very strong results. In 2004 we saw record-high energy prices, caused principally by a combination of a strengthening global economy and tightening crude oil and natural gas supplies. As energy companies increased their production to take advantage of the higher prices, the number of drilling rigs worldwide increased significantly.

 

One energy stock we owned during the period was Noble Corporation, which has one of the world’s most diverse fleets of offshore rigs. As drilling activity increased, the utilization rates of the rigs also increased, allowing Noble Corporation to receive higher day rates. Energy analysts expect that the financial leverage from the increased drilling activity may be fully realized in 2005, for which earnings estimates are more than 80% above 2004 levels. This anticipated future financial strength caused Noble Corporation’s stock price to appreciate nearly 40% during 2004.

 

What lies ahead?

 

Our outlook for 2005 depends on several factors, including the pressure of inflation, the dollar’s resilience to large trade and fiscal deficits, and the need for more rapid economic growth from countries outside of the United States. Consumer spending is starting to drop off slightly, but we expect that increased corporate spending and lower fuel costs should support the continued economic recovery.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Common Stock Fund, the successor to the Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

We appreciate your trust in our investment expertise and are committed to providing you with positive long-term performance. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and profitable 2005.

 

LOGO

 

Richard T. Weiss

 

Portfolio Co-Manager

 

LOGO

 

Ann M. Miletti

 

Portfolio Co-Manager

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

2


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet    

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

3


Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 12-29-89 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the Russell Midcap® Index and the Lipper Mid-Cap Core Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class Z shares only; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures.

 

Definitions:

 

** The Russell Midcap® Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, which represent approximately 26% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000 Index. The Lipper Mid-Cap Core Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Mid-Cap Core Funds Category. Source of the Russell Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Noble Corporation

   2.5 %

Burlington Resources, Inc.

   2.3 %

Cablevision Systems New York Group Class A

   2.2 %

Apache Corporation

   2.1 %

Mentor Graphics Corporation

   1.8 %

Lonza Group AG

   1.8 %

Smith International, Inc.

   1.8 %

Pactiv Corporation

   1.8 %

City National Corporation

   1.7 %

EOG Resources, Inc.

   1.7 %
    

Top Ten    19.7 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

4


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   3.37 %

5-year

   2.14 %

10-year

   12.44 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-89)

   14.45 %

 

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   9.67 %

5-year

   3.36 %

10-year

   13.11 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-89)

   14.90 %

 

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   3.89 %

5-year

   2.32 %

10-year

   12.66 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-89)

   14.62 %

 

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   7.84 %

5-year

   2.68 %

10-year

   12.48 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-89)

   14.30 %

 

Class Z1,3


      

1-year

   9.96 %

5-year

   3.64 %

10-year

   13.47 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-89)

   15.28 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns reflect the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C. The performance of the Class A, B, and C shares is based on the performance of the Fund’s Class Z shares (formerly Retail Class shares) prior to 11-30-00. The performance of the Class A shares is restated to reflect the load and the different expenses of the Class A shares, as applicable. The performance of the Class B shares is restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class B shares, as applicable. The performance of the Class C shares is restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class C shares, as applicable.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

From time to time, the Fund’s performance was significantly enhanced through investments in initial public offerings (IPOs). In addition, the effect of IPOs purchased when the Fund’s asset base was small may have been magnified. Given these circumstances, you should not expect that such enhanced returns can be consistently achieved. Please consider this before investing.

 

General:

 

3 The Class Z shares are closed to new accounts, though the Fund may continue to offer its shares to certain company-sponsored retirement plans, institutional investors meeting specific eligibility requirements, and other limited groups as described in the prospectus.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   6.1 %

Media — Cable TV

   6.1 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   5.3 %

Insurance — Property/Casualty/Title

   4.1 %

Oil & Gas — Drilling

   4.0 %

Medical/Dental — Services

   2.7 %

Retail — Department Stores

   2.6 %

Computer — IT Services

   2.4 %

Medical — Biomedical/Biotechnology

   2.4 %

Medical — Products

   2.4 %
    

Top Ten    38.1 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk and small- and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

5


Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

Recording its second consecutive year of positive double-digit returns, the Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund Class Z shares recorded a gain of 18.41% during 2004. Though the fund performed well, it fell short of the 20.22% return registered by the broad-based Russell Midcap Index.

 

During 2004, mid-cap value stocks outperformed mid-cap growth stocks by a wide margin, continuing a pattern we have seen for four of the last five years. This worked against our ability to beat the Russell Midcap Index, which includes both growth and value stocks. Other sources of weakness compared with the benchmark included Fund holdings in generic drug, homebuilding, and biotechnology stocks.

 

Positive contributors to the Fund’s performance came most noticeably from the consumer discretionary sector, including names such as Starbucks, Harman International, and Station Casinos. Energy was another area of strength for the Fund, led by outstanding performance from Ultra Petroleum, a fast-growing exploration and production company. Other standout positive contributors were Puerto Rican bank, Doral Financial, and technology leaders Apple Computer and Marvell Technology.

 

Capitalizing on strong, sustainable growth

 

We believe earnings and revenue growth are critical factors in determining stock price movements. Thus, our research process is centered around finding companies with the prospects for robust and sustainable growth in earnings and revenue. To find that growth, we use thorough, hands-on research, emphasizing the potential profitability of a company’s business model and management’s track record in successfully executing its strategy. We then combine that company-specific analysis with our assessment of macroeconomic, secular, and technical trends to form a decision about whether to invest in a particular stock.

 

For example, several months ago, we purchased shares of Ultra Petroleum because we believed it had tremendous potential profitability — extremely high production growth combined with the industry’s lowest cost structure. Our conclusion was that Ultra Petroleum’s high production growth rate was likely to continue for several more years, driven by the strength of its drilling prospects and management’s solid track record. Finally, an investment in Ultra Petroleum made sense given the team’s positive overall outlook for crude oil and natural gas prices. Ultra Petroleum was up 95% in 2004 and was one of the Fund’s largest holdings as of December 31, 2004.

 

Morningstar® Style Box*

 

LOGO

 

The importance of effective selling criteria

 

Deciding when to sell a stock is just as important as deciding when to buy. Our selling criteria are essentially the opposite of our buying criteria. We may sell a stock when we see a deterioration in its fundamental qualities that causes us to become suspicious about the company’s prospective growth profile or the potential profitability of its business model. Examples of events that can trigger this suspicion are questionable earnings reports, new competitive threats, changes in the economy, or changes in management personnel.

 

In July of 2004, following its latest quarterly earnings report, we began selling shares of eResearch Technology, which provides software and consulting services to help companies streamline the Food and Drug Administration approval process. For the first time in several quarters, eResearch failed to post earnings that were higher than analysts’ estimates. Also, the growth in backlog of orders, a leading indicator of future growth, slowed dramatically. Our instincts to get more cautious proved accurate. In the following weeks and months, eResearch management guided analysts’ forecasts lower for the remainder of 2004 and for 2005. After falling as low as $10.70 in October, the stock finished the year at $15.85, down sharply from our initial sales in the mid $20s.

 

Looking ahead

 

As we begin 2005, our outlook for the next several months remains positive, as we expect the economy to benefit from continued low interest rates and inflation. This environment should allow for solid growth in corporate profits, which is typically beneficial to stock prices. We plan to continue to seek out the fastest-growing companies we can identify that we believe fit within the framework of our investment process.

 

Effective February 18, 2005, Jerome “Cam” Philpott, CFA, and Stuart Roberts of Wells Capital Management Incorporated will become the Portfolio Co-Managers of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Mid Cap Growth Fund on or about April 11, 2005.

 

It has been my pleasure being the Fund’s Portfolio Manager over the last year and a half. Thank you for your investment in the Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund.

 

LOGO

 

Brandon Nelson

 

Portfolio Manager

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

6


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

7


Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 12-31-96 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the Russell Midcap® Index and the Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class Z shares only; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures.

 

Definitions:

 

** The Russell Midcap® Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, which represent approximately 26% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000 Index. The Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the Russell Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Ultra Petroleum Corporation

   3.6 %

Doral Financial Corporation

   3.3 %

Starbucks Corporation

   3.1 %

Apple Computer, Inc.

   2.8 %

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.

   2.7 %

Station Casinos, Inc.

   2.5 %

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A

   2.4 %

Sierra Health Services, Inc.

   2.4 %

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

   2.1 %

Alliance Data Systems Corporation

   2.0 %
    

Top Ten    26.9 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

8


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   11.58 %

5-year

   -10.00 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-96)

   4.87 %

 

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   18.43 %

5-year

   -8.93 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-96)

   5.65 %

 

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   12.71 %

5-year

   -10.12 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-96)

   5.07 %

 

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   16.71 %

5-year

   -9.51 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-96)

   5.07 %

 

Class Z1,3


      

1-year

   18.41 %

5-year

   -8.93 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-96)

   5.79 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns reflect the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C. The performance of the Class A, B, and C shares is based on the performance of the Fund’s Class Z shares (formerly Retail Class shares) prior to 11-30-00. The performance of the Class A shares is restated to reflect the load and the different expenses of the Class A shares, as applicable. The performance of the Class B shares is restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class B shares, as applicable. The performance of the Class C shares is restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class C shares, as applicable.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

From time to time, the Fund’s performance was significantly enhanced through investments in initial public offerings (IPOs). In addition, the effect of IPOs purchased when the Fund’s asset base was small may have been magnified. Given these circumstances, you should not expect that such enhanced returns can be consistently achieved. Please consider this before investing.

 

General:

 

3 The Class Z shares are closed to new accounts, though the Fund may continue to offer its shares to certain company-sponsored retirement plans, institutional investors meeting specific eligibility requirements, and other limited groups as described in the prospectus.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   8.4 %

Medical — Health Maintenance Organizations

   6.8 %

Financial Services — Miscellaneous

   5.6 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   4.3 %

Leisure — Gaming/Equipment

   3.5 %

Leisure — Hotels & Motels

   3.4 %

Computer — IT Services

   3.3 %

Finance — Mortgage & Related Services

   3.3 %

Retail — Restaurants

   3.1 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Services

   3.1 %
    

Top Ten    44.8 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: small- and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

9


Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

 

The U.S. equity markets fluctuated for much of 2004 before turning in a strong rally in the fourth quarter. Despite rising interest rates, investors were cheered in part by an incumbent winning the U.S. presidential race and crude oil prices easing from their all-time highs. For the 12 months ending December 31, 2004, the Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund’s Class Z shares returned 20.09% versus the 18.33% return of its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index.

 

Small-capitalization value stocks outperformed their large-and mid-cap counterparts during the period. In fact, small-cap value was one of the top-performing asset classes in 2004. What’s more, the Russell 2000 Index, which includes both value and growth stocks from the small-cap sector, reached record highs during the year and has outperformed the S&P 500 Index, which is dominated by large-cap stocks, for six years in a row.

 

The small-cap value asset class contains many stocks that are underfollowed, undervalued, and underloved. Our team employs a qualitative and quantitative screening process, followed by fundamental research, which allows only companies that meet our high standards to become holdings in the Fund.

 

Industrials, materials, and energy aided performance

 

The industrials and materials sectors added value to the Fund. Within industrials, stocks in construction and engineering, along with commercial services and supplies, performed well and were among the top contributors for the period. Meanwhile, chemical names aided performance in the materials sector. PolyOne Corporation, a specialty polymer manufacturer, was a strong performer from sales of its resin products. On the other hand, despite a solid rally in metals and mining stocks in the third quarter, the Fund experienced a pullback in many of these names during the fourth quarter. However, we continued to have conviction in these stocks, as we believed they could add significant value to the Fund over the long term.

 

The energy sector — in which the Fund remained overweighted compared to the benchmark during the period — also contributed to performance. Several energy equipment and services names, as well as oil and gas securities, were top contributors to performance. Range Resources was a top performer for the energy sector as the oil services and natural gas firm reported higher than expected natural gas reserves. Range Resources is an independent oil and gas company operating in the Southwest, Gulf Coast and Appalachian regions of the United States. In addition, Global Industries, an offshore oil pipeline services firm, was a strong contributor. Global has the largest fleet of service vessels available in the Gulf of Mexico. Many of our energy holdings have been long-term positions for the Fund. While some of these stocks lost ground near the end of the year as energy prices retreated from their October highs, we believed the valuations of the Fund’s energy holdings remained attractive. Investors’ concerns about energy supplies, coupled with international political unrest and high global demand, led us to maintain a positive outlook for this sector throughout 2004.

 

Morningstar® Style Box *

 

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Late in the year, the Fund’s consumer discretionary stocks began moving up, with commercial services and retailers leading performance. The Fund owned well known, yet underfollowed, stocks such as American Eagle Outfitters, Stamps.com, and Circuit City Stores, all of which contributed to performance.

 

Technology and financials disappointed

 

The technology sector slightly detracted from the Fund’s performance for the year. Some technology names rebounded near year end after a difficult third quarter. Software and computer stocks, in particular, produced solid returns and helped performance compared with the benchmark. However, some semiconductor stocks were hit hard at the end of the fourth quarter, namely Cirrus Logic, a multimedia chipmaker for the consumer entertainment industry (DVDs, televisions, digital home theater systems), as well as solutions for automotive and industrial applications. We believed that many technology holdings became overvalued during the year, and therefore we were selective in this area, as we have been for several years.

 

The Fund also underperformed the benchmark in the financials sector. We remained cautious about this area, especially the banking industry, in which the Fund was significantly underweighted compared to the benchmark. Given the rising interest-rate environment, we believed traditional banks might experience downward pressure on their profit margins. We continued to look for companies with the ability to increase revenue growth while possessing underlying fundamentals that met our stringent criteria. Select names within the insurance industry illustrated this point. Versus the benchmark, the Fund maintains a lower concentration of real estate securities, specifically REITs. Due to this underweighting, the Fund underperformed in this area for the year.

 

Looking ahead

 

Despite significant outperformance by the small-cap value asset class during the past six years, we believe many opportunities still exist. While valuations in some groups such as technology and financials appear overextended, we remain alert for pullbacks that could present opportunities for adding to positions in which we have conviction. Meanwhile, our outlook on energy remains constructive, and we continue to maintain larger investments in the sector based on our belief that certain industries in it offer the potential for strong and sustainable earnings growth.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Small Cap Value Fund, the successor to the Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund.

 

LOGO

 

I. Charles Rinaldi

 

Portfolio Manager

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

10


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

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Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet    
    Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

11


Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 12-31-97 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the Russell 2000® Index and the Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class Z shares only; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures.

 

Definitions:

 

** The Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 8% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index. The Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Category. Source of the Russell Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Range Resources Corporation

   4.2 %

Chicago Bridge & Iron Company NV

   3.0 %

Forest Oil Corporation

   2.7 %

Glamis Gold, Ltd.

   2.6 %

Global Industries, Ltd.

   2.2 %

United States Steel Corporation

   2.0 %

Apex Silver Mines, Ltd.

   1.9 %

UNOVA, Inc.

   1.8 %

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

   1.6 %

Beverly Enterprises, Inc.

   1.6 %
    

Top Ten    23.6 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

12


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   13.00 %

5-year

   18.47 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-97)

   17.83 %

 

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   19.89 %

5-year

   19.88 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-97)

   18.83 %

 

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   13.95 %

5-year

   18.88 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-97)

   18.83 %

 

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   18.00 %

5-year

   19.13 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-97)

   18.15 %

 

Class Z1,3


      

1-year

   20.09 %

5-year

   20.10 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-97)

   19.08 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns reflect the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C. The performance of the Class A, B, and C shares is based on the performance of the Fund’s Class Z shares (formerly Retail Class shares) prior to 11-30-00. The performance of the Class A shares is restated to reflect the load and the different expenses of the Class A shares, as applicable. The performance of the Class B shares is restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class B shares, as applicable. The performance of the Class C shares is restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class C shares, as applicable.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

From time to time, the Fund’s performance was significantly enhanced through investments in initial public offerings (IPOs). In addition, the effect of IPOs purchased when the Fund’s asset base was small may have been magnified. Given these circumstances, you should not expect that such enhanced returns can be consistently achieved. Please consider this before investing.

 

General:

 

3 The Class Z shares are closed to new accounts, though the Fund may continue to offer its shares to certain company-sponsored retirement plans, institutional investors meeting specific eligibility requirements, and other limited groups as described in the prospectus.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   12.2 %

Oil & Gas — Field Services

   8.9 %

Metal Ores — Gold/Silver

   8.8 %

Steel — Producers

   5.6 %

Oil & Gas — Drilling

   3.7 %

Building — Heavy Construction

   3.0 %

Insurance — Property/Casualty/Title

   2.8 %

Commercial Services — Security/Safety

   2.7 %

Commercial Services — Staffing

   2.4 %

Medical — Nursing Homes

   2.4 %
    

Top Ten    52.5 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: value-style investing risk and small-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

13


Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

 

The Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund outperformed its broad-based index, the S&P 500 Index for the year ended December 31, 2004. The Fund’s Class Z shares returned 14.11%, while the S&P 500 Index returned 10.87%.

 

The first half of 2004 delivered high-energy prices, robust economic data, and solid corporate profits. However, the third quarter was sluggish due to fears that the economy had hit a soft spot. Employment numbers, which were weak in the early stages of the third quarter, turned positive in the final month, which encouraged investors. After the presidential elections in November, we observed a powerful rally in share prices, a resurgence of positive economic data, and a decline in energy prices. The persistence of these positive indicators supported a consensus that a market rally could be sustainable, amid growing concerns over a weaker U.S. dollar, rising interest rates, and a prolonged rebuilding effort in Iraq.

 

Finding “the right company at the right price”

 

Our disciplined investment process focuses on finding the right company at the right price at the right time. We spend virtually all of our time and effort on bottom-up, fundamental stock research. Individual stock selection, not sector allocation, drives the Fund’s performance. During the period, stock selection was particularly strong in financials, utilities, and information technology. The strength of stocks this year, particularly in the fourth quarter, was driven by the optimism of not only shareholders but also corporate managers. Merger-and-acquisition activity heated up significantly, and the Fund owned a number of stocks involved in this trend. Bank One, Charter One Financial, Cox Communications, Provident Financial Group, Public Service Enterprise Group, and SOLA International all received takeover bids, directly benefiting our performance.

 

The Fund’s sector weightings are the direct result of our individual company selections, rather than top-down, macroeconomic considerations. That said, the portfolio benefited this year from having a significant presence in energy, industrial, and utility sectors. As the year progressed, we shifted some energy exposure from exploration and production (E&P) to oil services — for example, Cooper Cameron — amid the euphoric sentiment created by industry consolidation in the E&P group. Moreover, as industrials moved to all-time highs during the year, we moved to an underweighting, compared to the benchmark, in this sector. Within utilities, where we also took profits but remained largely invested throughout the year, electric utility holdings such as First Energy and TXU were standout performers.

 

Morningstar® Style Box *

 

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Investments in insurance

 

Our stance on financial stocks, which was to sell bank stocks into strength and to buy insurance stocks into weakness, has been relatively unchanged for several years and served us well during 2004. Financials have been consistent market performers over this period, never falling out of favor. In fact, financials delivered record earnings and traded at record high prices. One of the primary reasons that value indices have performed so much better than growth indices over the last five years has been the strength in financials. Overall, we significantly reduced financials into 2004’s strength. Within financials, we continued to overweight insurance compared to the benchmark, with names like Loews and SAFECO aiding performance.

 

The Fund benefited from having fewer investments in the very weak technology sector. Despite the sector’s weakness, we were able to take advantage of some specific opportunities and were rewarded for this selectivity through the performance of software giant Microsoft and semiconductor maker Texas Instruments.

 

Our consumer discretionary stocks proved to be drags on performance. Lack of exposure to faster-growing industries such as Internet and catalog retailing detracted from performance. We continued to believe our larger holdings in this sector, Clear Channel Communications and Reader’s Digest Association, represented exceptional value and added to both during the year.

 

As in 2003, the year saw considerable weakness in the U.S. dollar, a condition that is typically more beneficial for larger companies, as they are more likely to be exporters and can therefore benefit from stronger currencies abroad. Despite this, small caps outperformed again in 2004. After six years of underperformance, we believe it is reasonable for investors in large-cap stocks to expect them to play “catch-up” in 2005 and beyond.

 

Focusing on out-of-favor stocks

 

We will continue to keep our heads down and our eyes open, seeking out companies with solid assets, manageable debt levels, and credible management teams. We will work to buy the stocks of these companies at attractive prices — which often come when they are temporarily out of favor with investors. Discipline and patience, along with a strong focus on risk management, continue to be hallmarks of our management style.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage U.S. Value Fund, the successor to the Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund.

 

LOGO

 

Robert J. Costomiris

 

Portfolio Manager

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

14


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet    
    Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

15


Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 12-29-95 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Value Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class Z shares only; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Large-Cap Value Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Large-Cap Value Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Exxon Mobil Corporation

   5.3 %

General Electric Company

   3.5 %

Comcast Corporation Class A

   3.2 %

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

   2.6 %

ImClone Systems, Inc.

   2.6 %

Del Monte Foods Company

   2.4 %

Kraft Foods, Inc. Class A

   2.2 %

The Kroger Company

   2.2 %

Clear Channel Communications, Inc.

   2.1 %

Cooper Cameron Corporation

   2.0 %
    

Top Ten    28.1 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

16


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   7.50 %

5-year

   0.18 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   10.01 %

 

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   14.08 %

5-year

   1.38 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   10.74 %

 

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   8.20 %

5-year

   0.28 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   10.10 %

 

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   12.15 %

5-year

   0.67 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   10.00 %

 

Class K1,2


      

1-year

   14.53 %

5-year

   1.81 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   11.18 %

 

Class Z1,3


      

1-year

   14.11 %

5-year

   1.40 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   10.93 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns reflect the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C. The performance of the Class A, B, and C shares is based on the performance of the Fund’s Class Z shares (formerly Retail Class shares) prior to 11-30-00. The performance of the Class A shares is restated to reflect the load and the different expenses of the Class A shares, as applicable. The performance of the Class B shares is restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class B shares, as applicable. The performance of the Class C shares is restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class C shares, as applicable. The performance of Class K shares prior to 12-31-01, is based on the Fund’s Class Z shares’ performance.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

General:

 

3 The Class Z shares are closed to new accounts, though the Fund may continue to offer its shares to certain company-sponsored retirement plans, institutional investors meeting specific eligibility requirements, and other limited groups as described in the prospectus.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Oil & Gas — International Integrated

   8.2 %

Diversified Operations

   6.4 %

Food — Miscellaneous Preparation

   6.0 %

Medical — Biomedical/Biotechnology

   5.3 %

Utility — Electric Power

   5.0 %

Media — Radio/TV

   4.6 %

Telecommunications — Services

   4.6 %

Banks — Money Center

   4.4 %

Media — Cable TV

   3.4 %

Medical — Ethical Drugs

   3.2 %
    

Top Ten    51.1 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to value-style investing risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on this and other risks.

 

17


Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

 

The U.S. stock market delivered a second consecutive year of gains to investors in 2004. The economy grew in fits and starts, making equity returns volatile, with much of the year’s gain being produced in the fourth quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund’s Class A shares returned 8.79% (15.38% when excluding the initial sales charge), compared to its broad-based benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which advanced 10.87%. The Fund performed well against its benchmark, as it focused on companies with the strongest fundamentals and avoided many of the period’s highly publicized disappointments.

 

The year tested investors, as gains in the equity market were limited for much of the year by uncertainty about the presidential election, uneven job growth, increasing energy prices, rising short-term interest rates, a declining dollar, and continued turmoil in Iraq. Despite these trends, the economy continued to expand, and many companies experienced healthy profit growth that supported higher stock prices.

 

Investigative approach to investing

 

Throughout the year we executed on our intensive research process of “surrounding the company” in order to generate competitive returns for our shareholders. We attempt to delve deeply into each company through financial statement analysis, conversations with management and channel checks of suppliers, customers and competitors. By utilizing this encompassing model, we are often able to identify companies that have the potential to produce a great deal of value relative to the required investment. Moreover, the process tends to provide us with comprehensive knowledge regarding each of the Fund’s holdings.

 

Equally important is the fact that our team encourages an environment open to dissent. Within this environment, portfolio managers and analysts constantly challenge each individual investment. Every question presented requires the investment to further justify its position within the Fund. This is a well-established and respected practice of all team members that should continue to assist us in assessing the risk and reward of every investment.

 

Holdings that outperformed

 

Due to the concerns about oil supply relative to growing demand, companies that produce energy and those that make equipment to recover energy performed well. One of these was Canadian Natural Resources, a premier exploration and production company with substantial potential for production growth from its Horizon oil sands project, located in Alberta, Canada. Horizon is expected to come on line in 2008 and has been estimated to be capable of producing up to six billion barrels of oil over about 40 years. In addition to its Alberta operations, the company has holdings in the North Sea and West Africa.

 

Morningstar® Style Box *

 

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Another top performer for the year was Yahoo!. One of the key drivers for this online media company was an increase in online advertising. During the period, online media represented almost 15% of total media consumption by consumers and continued to gain market share. However, only 3% to 5% of total advertising dollars were spent online. If recent trends persist, this gap could start to close next year. Yahoo!’s competitive advantages are its breadth of offerings to advertisers, its global reach, and its breadth of product offerings on wireline and wireless devices.

 

Despite solid fundamental results, the Fund’s holding in Teva Pharmaceuticals underperformed in 2004 due to investors’ concern regarding future competition in both the branded and generic pharmaceutical businesses. We believe this negative sentiment will prove misguided and we continue to hold the stock. In 2005, we hope to see confirmation of our positive fundamental outlook for the generic industry, numerous new product launches for Teva, and stable market share trends for Teva’s largest branded product, Copaxone.

 

Outlook for 2005

 

As we enter 2005, we are optimistic that the economy will continue to strengthen, driven by accelerating enterprise, capital spending, and a resultant growth in earnings. The market remains constructive, climbing a “wall of worry” reflecting investors’ concerns about the health of the consumer, fading fiscal stimulus, record budget and trade deficits, a falling dollar, and uncertain employment growth.

 

Companies today have record levels of free cash flow but thus far have been reluctant to invest in large-scale projects. Consequently, we have seen a huge build-up in liquidity, with corporate debt levels at fifty-year lows. Historically rising corporate profits and cash flows have led to accelerating capital investment. For this reason, we believe that most of the capital spending cycle and inventory build-up is yet to come.

 

In addition, we will pay close attention to the levels of job creation, long-term interest rates and the resulting impact on the U.S. dollar. As always, we will continue to carefully select holdings for the Fund, emphasizing companies possessing unique and strong fundamentals.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Endeavor Large Cap Fund, the successor to the Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your continued investment in the Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us.

 

LOGO

 

Thomas J. Pence

 

Portfolio Manager

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

18


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

19


Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 9-28-01 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class A shares only and reflects the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structures and sales charges.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the S&P 500 Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Yahoo! Inc.

   5.1 %

Sprint Corporation

   4.6 %

WellPoint, Inc.

   4.1 %

EMC Corporation

   3.8 %

General Electric Company

   3.7 %

Dell, Inc.

   3.5 %

Phelps Dodge Corporation

   2.9 %

Oracle Systems Corporation

   2.7 %

Texas Instruments, Inc.

   2.6 %

Halliburton Company

   2.6 %
    

Top Ten    35.6 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

20


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   8.79 %

3-year

   1.14 %

Since Fund Inception (9-28-01)

   3.61 %

 

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   15.38 %

3-year

   3.17 %

Since Fund Inception (9-28-01)

   5.51 %

 

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   9.44 %

3-year

   1.30 %

Since Fund Inception (9-28-01)

   4.06 %

 

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   13.44 %

3-year

   2.58 %

Since Fund Inception (9-28-01)

   4.90 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns include the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Medical — Products

   6.9 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   6.6 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   5.3 %

Internet — Content

   5.1 %

Diversified Operations

   5.1 %

Telecommunications — Services

   4.6 %

Medical — Health Maintenance Organizations

   4.1 %

Computer — Manufacturers

   3.9 %

Computer — Data Storage

   3.8 %

Metal Ores — Miscellaneous

   2.9 %
    

Top Ten

   48.3 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to growth-style investing risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on this and other risks.

 

 

21


Strong Advisor Focus Fund

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Strong Advisor Focus Fund’s Class A shares delivered a very strong return of 11.16% in 2004 (18.03% when excluding the initial sales charge). This bested the S&P 500 Index, the Fund’s broad-based benchmark, which returned 10.87% including reinvested dividends.

 

Four broad trends dominated 2004. First, the economy experienced continued robust corporate earnings growth. Second, long-term interest rates surprised most market prognosticators by finishing the year lower than where they started. Third, political uncertainty was alleviated by the clean George W. Bush victory, unmarred by any terrorist events or procedural troubles. This, we believe, gave the market the spark of confidence needed to ignite the subsequent fourth-quarter rally. The fourth trend in evidence during 2004 was another year of dominance by value stocks over growth stocks. The Fund performed well in this “value” environment by concentrating on finding and investing in the stocks of companies that exemplified the theme of dominant business models generating dynamic market share growth.

 

Searching for “share-gainers”

 

Our investment process emphasizes security selection as the main determinant of our portfolio construction. We focus our research on what we call “share-gainers” — that is, those companies that have developed business models that allow them not only to grow faster than the underlying economy but to do so in a sustainable fashion. Moreover, the Fund was populated with industry leaders, regardless of their size, as these companies often have sustainable advantages over their competition. A key driver of the Fund’s returns was our analysts’ ability to identify companies with growth prospects that were underestimated by the market. To be clear, it is not only the rate of growth that is important, but also how long we expect that growth to last.

 

One other factor that helped contribute to the Fund’s returns was our sell discipline. If we begin to suspect that a security’s underlying fundamentals are not performing in line with or better than our expectations, we generally trim or sell the position. Strong growth stocks often receive premium valuations, but that premium can collapse if the market suddenly becomes skeptical about the company’s future prospects.

 

Morningstar® Style Box*

 

LOGO

 

Google outperforms

 

Internet search engine provider Google was an addition to the Fund in 2004 that exemplified our process. Our fundamental research identified Google as an attractive investment opportunity. We recognized that Google was not only benefiting from increased usage of the Internet, but also from the movement of advertisers’ dollars away from traditional media to the Internet. Moreover, the returns its business model generated were some of the best we found in any sector of the economy.

 

Outlook for 2005

 

In the latter half of the year, the yield curve flattened considerably, as the Fed kept raising short-term interest rates, while long-term rates stayed about where they were. To us, this signaled the bond market’s perception that economic growth may slow in the coming months. If the economy does in fact decelerate, it would make finding rapidly growing companies more difficult. Nevertheless, we are confident that our focus on share-gainers can help us find good growth opportunities in a wide variety of economic environments.

 

Effective January 1, 2005, John S. Dale, CFA, and Gary E. Nussbaum, CFA, of Peregrine Capital Management, Inc., became the Portfolio Co-Managers of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Large Company Growth Fund on or about April 11, 2005.

 

It has been my pleasure in being the Fund’s Portfolio Manager over the last year and a half. Thank you for your investment in the Strong Advisor Focus Fund.

 

LOGO

 

Thomas C. Ognar

 

Portfolio Manager

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

22


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

23


Strong Advisor Focus Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 11-30-00 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class A shares only and reflects the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures and sales charges.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

eBay, Inc.

   7.4 %

Dell, Inc.

   6.7 %

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.

   6.7 %

First Marblehead Corporation

   6.1 %

Digital River, Inc.

   4.8 %

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

   4.4 %

PETsMART, Inc.

   4.4 %

Hughes Supply, Inc.

   4.1 %

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

   3.7 %

Kinetic Concepts, Inc.

   3.6 %
    

Top Ten

   51.9 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

24


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   11.16 %

3-year

   0.24 %

Since Fund Inception (11-30-00)

   -9.46 %

 

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   18.03 %

3-year

   2.22 %

Since Fund Inception (11-30-00)

   -8.14 %

 

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   12.89 %

3-year

   0.55 %

Since Fund Inception (11-30-00)

   -9.27 %

 

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   16.89 %

3-year

   1.85 %

Since Fund Inception (11-30-00)

   -8.62 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns include the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Retail — Miscellaneous

   11.0 %

Medical — Products

   10.1 %

Internet — E*Commerce

   7.5 %

Computer — Manufacturers

   6.7 %

Financial Services — Miscellaneous

   6.1 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   5.4 %

Internet — Network Security/Solutions

   4.8 %

Medical — Biomedical/Biotechnology

   4.4 %

Retail/Wholesale — Building Products

   4.1 %

Commercial Services — Schools

   3.7 %
    

Top Ten    63.8 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk, nondiversified portfolio risk, and small- and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

25


Strong Advisor International Core Fund

 

The Strong Advisor International Core Fund’s Class A shares rose 12.51% during the year ending December 31, 2004 (19.38% when excluding the initial sales charge). This return trailed the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe Australasia, and Far East (MSCI EAFE) Index, which returned 20.25% during the same period.

 

The Fund’s performance was helped by positive stock selection. By contrast, sector allocation, especially investments in consumer staples, detracted from results. However, the main reason the Fund lagged the MSCI EAFE was a lack of sufficient exposure to certain foreign currencies. Especially during the fourth quarter of 2004, many currencies experienced significant appreciation against the U.S. dollar. The Fund was generally invested in countries whose currencies did not see the strongest relative performance. For example, currencies in Canada, Brazil, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico — all markets we overweighted compared to the benchmark — rose an average of 3.7% during the year’s final three months. By contrast, the euro, yen, and British pound gained over 7.0% against the dollar. Our underweighting in Europe, including the U.K., and in Japan hurt relative performance when investment gains were translated back to dollars.

 

Strong fourth quarter for global equities

 

Major global stock markets found themselves stuck in trading ranges for most of the first three quarters of the year. During this period of investor malaise, high-quality, large-capitalization stocks came back into favor. This trend helped the Fund’s performance because our investment style has always favored companies with stable earnings growth, strong balance sheets and sound management practices — the very qualities being rewarded by the market.

 

In the fourth quarter, however, global investors once again became more risk tolerant. In their view, the fall in oil prices and the apparent success of China’s efforts to stabilize its economy were beneficial to global growth. Investors also believed that the re-election of President Bush would generate more initiatives to stimulate the U.S. economy. As in 2003, global investors favored emerging markets and lower-quality, small-capitalization stocks.

 

Stock selection helped

 

Positive security selection provided the strongest contribution to the Fund’s performance. Stock picks in the materials and energy sectors were particularly helpful. We have emphasized these two sectors for two years now because we believed that commodity prices would increase, based on tight supplies and growing demand, especially from China. Commodity prices did indeed increase during 2004, and portfolio holdings benefiting from this trend included BHP Billiton, an Australian mining and oil company; Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, a Brazilian iron ore miner; Encana, a Canadian energy company; and ENI, an Italian energy company. As valuations rose throughout the year, we believed that these sectors became less compelling, so we took profits in large holdings and reduced our larger positions.

 

Morningstar® Style Box*

 

LOGO

 

By contrast, results were dragged down by the lackluster performance of global consumer staples stocks. For example, European stocks in this sector, such as French beauty products maker L’Oreal and Swiss food company Nestlé, were hurt by weakness in the U.S. dollar, increasingly tough earnings comparisons, and compressed profit margins related to higher raw material costs.

 

Results from our investments in Asia were mixed. The Fund benefited from strong stock selection in Hong Kong as real estate prices continued to rebound. For example, Swire Pacific, with interests in office real state and aviation, saw its share price increase along with expectations for the local economy. Performance from Japanese holdings was more subdued. The Fund benefited from exporters Hitachi and Komatsu as well as retailer Daimaru, which gained along with Japan’s economy. However, the Fund’s smaller holdings in Japanese financial stocks, which rebounded sharply during the year’s fourth quarter, detracted from results.

 

Risks and opportunities

 

International investors face a number of risks in the year ahead, including the potential for more geopolitical instability, further U.S. dollar depreciation leading to faster Federal Reserve rate hikes, and disappointing European economic growth causing a slowdown in earnings. On the other hand, an unexpected drop in oil prices would be very beneficial to the economy. Also, if the Bush administration’s fiscal policies can stimulate the U.S. economy, our trading partners may benefit as well. A healthy economy in China would have a similar effect on its own trading partners, especially in Asia.

 

We are looking for an increasingly risk-averse investment environment in 2005, which may favor high-quality, large-cap stocks. However, after two consecutive years of strong returns, it is reasonable to expect that global markets may lack clear near-term direction.

 

Effective January 1, 2005, Mark Beale and Richard D. Lewis of New Star Institutional Managers Limited became the Portfolio Co-Managers of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage International Core Fund on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Advisor International Core Fund.

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

26


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

27


Strong Advisor International Core Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 9-28-01 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia, and Far East (“MSCI EAFE”) Index and the Lipper International Multi-Cap Core Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class A shares only and reflects the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structures and sales charges.

 

Definitions:

 

** The MSCI EAFE® Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The Lipper International Multi-Cap Core Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper International Multi-Cap Core Funds Category. These funds invest assets in securities with primary trading markets outside of the United States. Source of the MSCI EAFE Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

  It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Countries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Japan

   20.0 %

United Kingdom

   17.9 %

France

   10.8 %

Switzerland

   6.9 %

Germany

   6.5 %

Netherlands

   4.8 %

Singapore

   3.7 %

Italy

   3.5 %

Brazil

   2.9 %

Hong Kong

   2.9 %
    

Top Ten

   79.9 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

28


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2,3


      

1-year

   12.51 %

3-year

   7.86 %

Since Fund Inception (9-28-01)

   8.56 %

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   19.38 %

3-year

   10.02 %

Since Fund Inception (9-28-01)

   10.55 %

Class B1,2,3


      

1-year

   14.32 %

3-year

   8.93 %

Since Fund Inception (9-28-01)

   9.77 %

Class C1,2,3


      

1-year

   18.44 %

3-year

   10.03 %

Since Fund Inception (9-28-01)

   10.53 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns include the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C.
3 The Fund’s Class A, B, and C shares have a redemption fee of 1.00% against shares that are held 30 calendar days or fewer after purchase. Performance data does not reflect the deduction of this fee, which, if reflected, would reduce the performance. Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Oil & Gas — International Integrated

   8.4 %

Banks — Money Center

   7.8 %

Banks — Foreign

   7.2 %

Diversified Operations

   5.6 %

Medical — Ethical Drugs

   4.0 %

Medical — Products

   3.6 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Services

   3.1 %

Metal Ores — Miscellaneous

   3.0 %

Finance — Index Tracking Fund

   2.8 %

Electronics — Miscellaneous Components

   2.8 %
    

Top Ten

   48.3 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investments in foreign companies often present more risk because of currency exchange fluctuation, government regulations, and the potential for political and economic instability. These risks are generally intensified in emerging markets. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

29


Strong Advisor Select Fund

 

In 2004, the Fund continued to focus on companies with the strongest fundamentals and avoided many of the highly publicized disappointments during the period. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Strong Advisor Select Fund’s Class A shares rose by 10.09% (16.80% when excluding the initial sales charge), compared to its broad-based benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which advanced 10.87%. As the economy grew in fits and starts, equity returns were volatile, with much of the year’s gain being produced in the fourth quarter.

 

Putting our comprehensive analysis to work

 

Throughout the year we executed on our intensive research process of “surrounding the company” in order to generate competitive returns for the Fund’s shareholders. We attempt to delve deeply into each company through financial statement analysis, conversations with management and, lastly, investigations of suppliers, customers, and competitors. By utilizing this encompassing model, we are often able to identify companies that produce a great deal of value relative to the required investment. Moreover, the process tends to provide us with comprehensive knowledge regarding each of the Fund’s holdings and specifically, we can gain a better understanding of where the growth is being generated.

 

Equally important to our methodology is the fact that our team operates in an environment open to dissent. Within this environment, portfolio managers and analysts constantly challenge each individual investment. Every question presented requires the investment’s position in the portfolio to be further justified. This practice is well established and respected among all team members, and it should continue to play a vital role in helping us assess the risk and reward of every investment the Fund owns.

 

Two contributors to performance

 

Our extensive research also enables us to analyze interesting and non-traditional growth opportunities in the market, such as those recently provided by the energy sector. Due to the concerns about oil supply relative to growing demand, companies that produce energy and those that make equipment to recover energy performed well. One of these was Canadian Natural Resources, a premier exploration and production company with substantial potential for production growth from its Horizon oil sands project, located in Alberta, Canada. Horizon is expected to come online in 2008 and has been estimated to be capable of producing up to six billion barrels of oil over about 40 years. In addition to its Alberta operations, Canadian Natural Resources has energy holdings in the North Sea and West Africa.

 

Morningstar® Style Box*

 

LOGO

 

Another top performer for the year was Sprint Corporation. In 2004, the diversified telecommunications company, aided particularly by strength in its wireless business, reduced debt levels, streamlined operations and worked to create packaged bundles of communications services for customers.

 

What’s more, in December Sprint announced a merger with Nextel Communications. In our opinion, the merger created a favorable position for Sprint by reducing the number of competitors in the industry. Moreover, the union looked to be a very complementary one. If approved by the regulatory agencies, the merger would allow Sprint not only to tap into Nextel’s vast base of corporate customers, but also to gain access to the proprietary Direct Connect functionality of Nextel’s phones. Lastly, Sprint announced plans, in regards to the merger, to potentially sell its wireline business in an effort to streamline operations.

 

Looking ahead to 2005

 

As we enter 2005, we believe the key question is not whether the economy will grow but rather to what degree. We are optimistic that the economy will continue to strengthen, driven by accelerating enterprise capital spending and a resultant growth in earnings.

 

The market remains constructive, climbing a “wall of worry” reflecting investors’ concerns about the health of the consumer, fading fiscal stimulus, record budget and trade deficits, rising interest rates, a falling dollar, and uncertain employment growth. Companies today have record levels of free cash flow but thus far have seemed reluctant to invest in large-scale projects. Consequently, we have seen a huge build-up in liquidity, with corporate debt levels at fifty-year lows. Historically, rising corporate profits and cash flows have led to accelerating capital investment. For this reason, we believe that most of the capital spending cycle and inventory build-up is yet to come.

 

In addition, we will pay close attention to the levels of job creation, long-term interest rates and the resulting impact on the U.S. dollar. As always, we will continue to carefully select holdings for the fund, attempting to emphasize companies possessing unique and strong fundamentals.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Endeavor Select Fund, the successor to the Strong Advisor Select Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your continued investment in the Strong Advisor Select Fund. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us.

 

LOGO

Thomas J. Pence

Portfolio Co-Manager

 

LOGO

Erik J. Voss

Portfolio Co-Manager

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

30


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

31


Strong Advisor Select Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 12-29-00 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with a similar investment in the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class A shares only and reflects the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures and sales charges.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

  It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Yahoo! Inc.

   5.8 %

Marvel Enterprises, Inc.

   4.8 %

Sprint Corporation

   4.6 %

WellPoint, Inc.

   4.5 %

EMC Corporation

   4.3 %

Phelps Dodge Corporation

   3.9 %

General Electric Company

   3.7 %

Dell, Inc.

   3.4 %

Harman International Industries, Inc.

   3.3 %

Oracle Systems Corporation

   3.3 %
    

Top Ten

   41.6 %
    

 


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

32


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   10.09 %

3-year

   4.88 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-00)

   -2.01 %

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   16.80 %

3-year

   6.98 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-00)

   -0.55 %

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   10.82 %

3-year

   4.93 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-00)

   -1.82 %

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   14.82 %

3-year

   6.17 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-00)

   -1.29 %

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns include the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C.

 

     Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Internet — Content

   5.7 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   5.7 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   5.6 %

Medical — Products

   5.5 %

Diversified Operations

   5.1 %

Leisure — Toys/Games/Hobby

   4.8 %

Telecommunications — Services

   4.6 %

Medical — Health Maintenance Organizations

   4.5 %

Computer — Data Storage

   4.3 %

Metal Ores — Miscellaneous

   3.9 %
    

Top Ten

   49.7 %
    

 


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk, nondiversified-portfolio risk, and small- and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

33


Strong Advisor Technology Fund

 

It was a challenging year for the Strong Advisor Technology Fund. The Fund’s Class A shares returned -10.03% (-4.58% when excluding the initial sales charge) during 2004. By contrast, the Fund’s broad-based benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, returned 10.87% during the same period.

 

The Fund’s significant underperformance can be attributable to the poor performance of the semiconductor sector, in which we were overweighted compared to the benchmark, as well as weakness in the individual software held in the portfolio. In addition, the Fund’s performance suffered from its riskier profile relative to the benchmark, characterized especially by its larger weighting in small and mid-cap technology stocks.

 

The portfolio’s largest detractor from performance during the past 12 months was LSI Logic Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of complex high-performance, integrated circuits and storage systems. The next largest detractor was Magma Design Automation, a maker of electronic design automation software for engineers who design semiconductors. The stock fell after Magma announced that its third-quarter earnings per share would be worse than analysts expected because of disappointing growth in new customer orders.

 

Tough environment for tech

 

The overall market climate started the year with a strong tone, but soon moved into what was essentially a sideways trading pattern that persisted through the end of August. Concerns about the continued conflict in Iraq, the uncertainty surrounding a presidential election, higher than expected inflation rates (especially with respect to oil prices), and a sentiment that world economic growth may be slowing all weighed on the equity markets.

 

Technology stocks, which are cyclical in nature, typically perform best when macroeconomic political factors are positive, so the change in market temperament was especially difficult for stocks in the sector to weather. However, the technology sector began to realize stronger performance beginning in August, but becoming especially pronounced in late October and early November, as oil prices appeared to retreat as it became clear that the U.S. presidential election would not end in a contested fashion, as in 2000.

 

Morningstar® Style Box *

 

LOGO

 

Our approach to selecting stocks

 

Our management strategy remained consistent during the period. We sought to maintain a balance among the various subsectors that make up the technology universe: semiconductors and related equipment, software, computer hardware and storage, business services, and biotechnology. We sought to identify the companies within each subsector that we believed had the best fundamental qualities and were positioned to outperform. To this end, we looked for companies with above-average growth prospects, strong intellectual property, excellent management teams, and achievable financing plans.

 

Although we did not seek to keep a balanced representation of all major subsectors, our bottom-up, stock selection process, rather than a rigid, top-down asset allocation program, primarily drove the portfolio’s makeup.

 

In choosing stocks for the portfolio, we employed a relative valuation technique. The key element of this strategy was to look at a stock’s PEG (Price/Earnings to Growth) ratio. This figure represents the relationship of a company’s price-earnings ratio — a key measure that indicates how expensive a stock is relative to the earnings the company generates — to its projected five-year compound annual growth rate. We were interested in finding companies with favorable PEG ratios — that is, those that were positioned to deliver attractive levels of growth and that offered reasonable valuations.

 

Among the stocks selected for the portfolio using these approaches was the Fund’s strongest contributor to performance during the period, Mine Safety Appliances Company, which makes and sells safety and health equipment. Health care imaging company, CTI Molecular, also helped performance. The stock rose more than 28% in a single day in mid-November after the company reported stronger-than-expected earnings and anticipated an increase in first-quarter sales.

 

New Manager and Fund Reorganization

 

Effective January 1, 2005, Huachen Chen, CFA, and Walter C. Price, Jr., CFA, of RCM Capital Management LLC became the Portfolio Co-Managers of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Specialized Technology Fund on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Advisor Technology Fund.

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

     Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

34


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

35


Strong Advisor Technology Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 11-30-00 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Science and Technology Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class A shares only and reflects the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures and sales charges.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Science and Technology Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Science and Technology Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Avid Technology, Inc.

   4.1 %

Linear Technology Corporation

   3.5 %

Microsoft Corporation

   3.4 %

Mine Safety Appliances Company

   3.4 %

Dell, Inc.

   3.3 %

TTM Technologies, Inc.

   3.2 %

America Movil ADR Series L

   3.1 %

Lucent Technologies, Inc.

   3.0 %

KLA-Tencor Corporation

   3.0 %

Ariba, Inc.

   3.0 %
    

Top Ten

   33.0 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

36


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   -10.03 %

3-year

   -2.54 %

Since Fund Inception (11-30-00)

   -9.36 %

 

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   -4.58 %

3-year

   -0.60 %

Since Fund Inception (11-30-00)

   -8.04 %

 

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   -9.51 %

3-year

   -2.03 %

Since Fund Inception (11-30-00)

   -9.00 %

 

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   -5.66 %

3-year

   -0.71 %

Since Fund Inception (11-30-00)

   -8.45 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns include the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   16.2 %

Computer Software — Desktop

   5.6 %

Computer Software — Education/Entertainment

   4.8 %

Telecommunications — Equipment

   4.6 %

Computer — IT Services

   4.5 %

Electronics — Miscellaneous Components

   4.4 %

Computer Software — Enterprise

   4.3 %

Leisure — Movies & Related

   4.1 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   3.7 %

Medical — Systems/Equipment

   3.4 %
    

Top Ten

   55.6 %
    

 


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk, concentrated-portfolio risk, technology risk, and small- and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

37


Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

After a very strong year for the Fund in 2003, 2004 was more difficult. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Class A shares returned -5.22% (0.54% when excluding the initial sales charge), well behind its broad-based benchmark, the Russell Midcap Index, which returned 20.22% for the same period. The Fund’s underperformance occurred primarily in the year’s first and third quarters. During the second and fourth quarters, the Fund’s performance was more closely in line with the benchmark.

 

Factors affecting performance

 

There were two primary factors driving the Fund’s underperformance. First, small- and mid-cap growth stocks dramatically underperformed their respective value counterparts. There was a general contraction of stock valuations that took place in January and February, as weak economic data caused many investors to question the strength of the recovery and thus to lose confidence in stocks’ growth prospects. Then, in the second quarter, the economy began to pick up steam. In response, the Federal Reserve Board signaled that it was ready to raise short-term interest rates to help keep the economy from overheating and to help keep inflation in check. Higher interest rates have traditionally hurt the fastest-growing companies — the type we favor for this portfolio — the most.

 

The third quarter brought more uncertainty about the sustainability of the U.S. economic recovery. For one thing, the Fed kept upward pressure on interest rates with hikes of one-quarter of a percentage point in August and September following the June increase. Moreover, the price of crude oil continued to push higher, stoking fears that the high cost of energy would siphon disposable cash from other areas of the economy. In response, growth stocks significantly underperformed the broader market during the third quarter. In fact, according to a Merrill Lynch study of growth versus value strategies, during the first three quarters of 2004, the fastest-growing companies had the worst performance.

 

In the fourth quarter, the broader market turned in a strong rally in which mid- and small-cap growth stocks fully participated. Although the Fund posted a double-digit gain for the quarter, it nevertheless underperformed for the year.

 

The other reason for the Fund’s underperformance was unfavorable stock selection. One company that provided tremendous returns in 2003, Odyssey HealthCare, unexpectedly lowered its guidance on fourth-quarter earnings, hurting not only its own share price but also those of other companies in the hospice services industry. As one of the Fund’s largest holdings, Odyssey HealthCare negatively effected the performance of the Fund, and we sold the stock.

 

Morningstar® Style Box*

 

LOGO

 

Positioned for a stronger economy

 

Throughout 2004, we did not make any substantial changes to the Fund’s overall positioning from 2003. The portfolio remained poised to benefit from an improving business environment and increasing consumer confidence. Although the potential for further interest-rate hikes remains, we believe this trend presents limited risk to the companies in the portfolio. This is because we look for companies with little debt, and we have also significantly underweighted stocks from the financial sector compared to the benchmark, which could face the most volatility from rising rates. In the short term, it is true that some stocks may fluctuate in value due to interest-rate concerns. In the longer term, however, we believe profit growth ultimately drives stock performance and that this Fund’s portfolio of high-quality, fast-growing companies should be able to do well in this environment.

 

Our outlook

 

The Federal Reserve increased short-term interest rates five times in 2004 and appears ready to keep raising rates in the new year to keep inflation in check. Nevertheless, we think the worst of the resulting volatility is behind us. Normally, small-cap growth stocks appreciate in value after several Federal Reserve rates hikes, and we saw some evidence of that in the fourth quarter. Easing energy prices also represent a potentially positive influence on stock prices. Moreover, we expect to see strong corporate earnings in upcoming quarters. Given that many stocks are still at what we consider reasonable valuations, we believe such earnings improvements could help drive the prices of small- and mid-cap growth stocks higher in 2005.

 

Effective January 1, 2005, Jerome “Cam” Philpott, CFA, and Stuart Roberts of Wells Capital Management Incorporated became the Portfolio Co-Managers of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Small Cap Fund on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund.

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

38


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

39


Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 3-28-02 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the Russell Midcap® Index and the Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class A shares only and reflects the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures and sales charges.

 

Definitions:

 

** The Russell Midcap® Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, which represent approximately 26% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000 Index. The Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the Russell Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Landstar Systems, Inc.

   4.3 %

Alamosa Holdings, Inc.

   4.0 %

Joy Global, Inc.

   3.3 %

Penn Virginia Corporation

   3.1 %

Trimble Navigation, Ltd.

   3.0 %

A.S.V., Inc.

   2.6 %

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A

   2.5 %

Getty Images, Inc.

   2.5 %

Terex Corporation

   2.4 %

Investors Financial Services Corporation

   2.4 %
    

Top Ten

   30.1 %
    

 


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

40


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   -5.22 %

Since Fund Inception (3-28-02)

   2.14 %

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   0.54 %

Since Fund Inception (3-28-02)

   4.36 %

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   -4.46 %

Since Fund Inception (3-28-02)

   2.96 %

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   -0.46 %

Since Fund Inception (3-28-02)

   4.36 %

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns include the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Machinery — Construction/Mining

   10.7 %

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   9.1 %

Transportation — Truck

   6.5 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Services

   5.7 %

Retail — Restaurants

   5.4 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   4.5 %

Medical — Systems/Equipment

   3.7 %

Internet — Network Security/Solutions

   3.0 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   3.0 %

Computer — IT Services

   2.5 %
    

Top Ten

   54.1 %
    

 


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk, and small- and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

41


Strong Advisor Utilities And Energy Fund

 

For the year ended December 31,2004, the Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund’s Class A shares returned 15.61% (22.68% when excluding the initial sales charge), easily outpacing the 10.87% return of its broad-based benchmark, the S&P 500 Index. Rising energy prices and an overall favorable interest-rate environment aided the Fund’s performance, with all four of its sectors posting positive returns.

 

Interest-rate environment remained favorable

 

In the second quarter, reacting in part to stronger-than-expected employment data, the yield of 10-year Treasury bonds rose from 3.84% to 4.58%, resulting in price setbacks for a number of utility and telecommunications stocks. Over the years, we have found that large sell-offs triggered by the perception of rising interest rates frequently provide a good opportunity to reposition the Fund in stocks we like at reasonable valuations. Consequently, we added to a number of electric utility positions as we saw opportunities created by the decline. Also helping the Fund weather this interest-rate storm was our decision to allocate more than half of its assets to cash and to sectors, such as energy and gas utilities, that are less sensitive to rising interest rates. During the otherwise weak second quarter, this strategy helped the Fund deliver a positive return.

 

In the first, third, and fourth quarters, the Fund benefited from a favorable environment for long-term interest rates, which tend to have a bigger impact on utility stocks than short-term rates. Long-term rates ended the year very close to their level at the beginning of the period, while short-term rates climbed due to five increases by the Federal Reserve Board. As a result, the target federal funds rate rose from 1% at the beginning of 2004 to 2.25% at the end of the year.

 

Overweighting energy helped performance

 

A significant portion of the Fund’s gains came during the second half of the year. To a large degree, this was due to the strength in energy prices — particularly crude oil, which climbed above $50 per barrel in October. Increasing demand for fuel in Asia, political instability in Venezuela and Nigeria, and the ongoing conflict in Iraq all contributed to the high price of oil. In fact, analysts estimated that during the period oil prices included a premium of approximately $10 that was attributable to the fear that terrorist activity might interrupt supply.

 

Morningstar® Style Box*

 

LOGO

 

These developments benefited the Fund because of its overweighting, compared to its benchmark, in energy and gas utilities. High commodity prices led to robust cash flows and earnings, resulting in dividend increases and stock repurchases for many of the Fund’s larger energy holdings. Against this backdrop, integrated energy holding ConocoPhillips was a significant contributor to performance, as was ONEOK, a core holding in the gas sector.

 

Although the Fund’s electric utility stocks — representing about 39% of its assets at period end — underperformed its energy holdings by a considerable degree, they still handily outperformed the benchmark. In this group our results were aided by TXU, a new position that took top honors as the Fund’s largest gainer. TXU, an independent utility based in Texas, is a company we have followed closely for a long time. It encountered a serious liquidity crisis in 2002 and spent much of 2003 repairing its balance sheet. In 2004, the company replaced its CEO with John Wilder, a veteran manager with experience in turnaround situations. We correctly anticipated that his leadership would have a positive impact on investors’ outlook for the company.

 

Looking ahead

 

Although energy prices trended lower for most of the fourth quarter, we believe they could be in the process of finding a new, higher equilibrium level than we saw in past years. Consequently, we believe the pattern of dividend increases on the part of companies representing major positions in the Fund that we saw in 2004 could continue in 2005. However, given the healthy gains in energy stocks and the recent softness in oil and gas prices, we will be increasingly sensitive to valuations in that sector going forward.

 

Additionally, the potential for tax legislation in 2005, that would make permanent the current 15% tax on dividends, adds to the attractiveness of stocks that pay dividends or might increase their dividend payments. We will continue to keep our eye on dividends and dividend policy, as we believe doing so will help us to identify capable, shareholder-friendly managements and financially strong companies with the ability to deliver robust cash flows and dynamic earnings growth.

 

Effective January 1, 2005, Gary J. Dunn and David L. Roberts of Wells Capital Management Incorporated became the Portfolio Co-Managers of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Equity Income Fund on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund.

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

42


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

43


Strong Advisor Utilities And Energy Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 7-31-02 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Utility Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class A shares only and reflects the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures and sales charges.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Utility Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Utility Funds Category. The funds invest primarily in utility shares. Source of the S&P 500 Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Constellation Energy Group, Inc.

   8.3 %

ONEOK, Inc.

   7.0 %

Exelon Corporation

   5.9 %

TXU Corporation

   5.6 %

Schlumberger, Ltd.

   5.2 %

Wisconsin Energy Corporation

   4.3 %

Southern Union Company

   4.3 %

PPL Corporation

   4.1 %

BP PLC Sponsored ADR

   3.9 %

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

   3.9 %
    

Top Ten

   52.5 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

44


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2


      

1-year

   15.61 %

Since Fund Inception (7-31-02)

   9.87 %

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   22.68 %

Since Fund Inception (7-31-02)

   12.59 %

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   17.13 %

Since Fund Inception (7-31-02)

   10.62 %

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   21.07 %

Since Fund Inception (7-31-02)

   11.99 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns include the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 5.00% in year 1 and eliminated after year 6 for Class B, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% and eliminated after 12 months for Class C.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Utility — Electric Power

   39.0 %

Utility — Gas Distribution

   21.6 %

Oil & Gas — International Integrated

   11.9 %

Oil & Gas — Field Services

   5.2 %

Oil & Gas — Drilling

   4.1 %

Telecommunications — Services

   3.3 %

Telecommunications — Services Foreign

   3.1 %

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   2.2 %

Diversified Operations

   2.1 %

Chemicals — Specialty

   1.2 %
    

Top Ten

   93.7 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: value-style investing risk, concentrated-portfolio risk, energy-company risk, public-utilities-sector risk, and small- and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

45


Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

 

The Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund Class A shares rose 4.32% during the year ending December 31, 2004 (10.69% when excluding the initial sales charge). This result lagged the Fund’s broad-based benchmark the S&P 500 Index, which gained 10.87% during the same period.

 

The Fund’s performance was helped by stock selection in the health care sector. In addition, the Fund benefited from stock selection in the financial sector.

 

The Fund’s investment process

 

We followed a consistent management strategy throughout the past 12 months. Our investment process was “bottom up,” meaning that we evaluated candidates for inclusion in the portfolio on an individual basis. In other words, our focus was on adding value through stock selection, as opposed to making indirect sector bets.

 

In choosing stocks, we followed a three-step process. First, we sought to purchase companies with improving fundamentals and earnings quality, which we defined as the proportion of earnings that are based on cash flow and not on management’s estimations and forecasts. Second, we looked for companies whose management strategy was to attempt to maximize the long-term value of the business, which we defined as the present value of the company’s future net cash flows. Finally, we wished to purchase stocks at a discount to what we believed was their fair value. To arrive at this value, we used multiple valuation tools, including both absolute and relative value metrics. After constructing the portfolio using this approach, we applied a series of risk measures to better understand how the portfolio was constructed and seek ways to reduce risk for the Fund’s shareholders.

 

What worked, what didn’t

 

Applying this stock selection process, the Fund owned a position in Aetna, a health and related benefits company. Following years of declining membership, the company’s operational turnaround began to take hold, leading membership to rise. As a result of solid pricing and growth in membership, Aetna realized higher earnings, profit margins and cash flow. In addition, the entire health care industry saw its prospects improve stemming from reduced regulatory risk and an increased likelihood of Medicare privatization. Against this backdrop, Aetna’s shares enjoyed strong performance throughout the period, especially during the strong stock market rally of the fourth quarter.

 

Morningstar® Style Box*

 

LOGO

 

Tyson Foods, however, was a portfolio holding that did not work out as well. Tyson, the world’s largest producer of meats and the largest chicken-products producer in the U.S., faced higher-than-expected expenses as a result of rising costs for chicken feed. At the same time, demand for chicken, which was strong in the summertime, decreased. The lower demand caused high inventories and put pressure on prices, cutting into Tyson’s earnings. These factors combined to lower the company’s earnings in the year’s third quarter and reduce investors’ future expectations.

 

Questions lie ahead

 

A number of questions remain unanswered for the year ahead: What will happen to crude oil prices? How quickly will the Federal Reserve Board continue to raise interest rates? Will the U.S. dollar continue its decline against the euro, yen and other world currencies? How will the war on terrorism proceed, and will violence in the Middle East persist? Although we can’t predict the answers to these questions, we are confident that these will be significant factors in how the market responds in 2005.

 

New Manager and Fund Reorganization

 

Effective January 1, 2005, David A. Katz, CFA, of Matrix Asset Advisors, Inc., became the sole Portfolio Manager of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Large Company Core Fund, the successor to the Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

We thank you for your investment in the Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund.

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

46


Fund Highlights

 

Sector Weightings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

 

47


Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

 

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment

From 11-3-97 to 12-31-04

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Class A shares only and reflects the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures and sales charges.

 

  To equalize time periods, the indices’ performances were prorated for the month of November 1997.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Category. Source of the S&P 500 Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

  It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

   3.8 %

CIT Group, Inc.

   3.5 %

Becton, Dickinson & Company

   3.2 %

Sherwin Williams Company

   3.2 %

Archer Daniels Midland Company

   3.1 %

Wachovia Corporation

   3.1 %

NIKE, Inc. Class B

   3.0 %

Burlington Resources, Inc.

   3.0 %

Eaton Corporation

   3.0 %

Prudential Financial, Inc.

   2.9 %
    

Top Ten

   31.8 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

48


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Class A1,2,3


      

1-year

   4.32 %

5-year

   -0.71 %

Since Fund Inception (11-3-97)

   4.69 %

 

Class A, excluding sales load


      

1-year

   10.69 %

5-year

   0.48 %

Since Fund Inception (11-3-97)

   5.50 %

 

Class B1,2


      

1-year

   4.67 %

5-year

   -0.85 %

Since Fund Inception (11-3-97)

   4.57 %

 

Class C1,2


      

1-year

   8.57 %

5-year

   -0.46 %

Since Fund Inception (11-3-97)

   4.56 %

 

Class K1,2


      

1-year

   11.32 %

5-year

   0.79 %

Since Fund Inception (11-3-97)

   5.79 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 Average annual total returns for Class A shares include the effect of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%, which was first charged on 9-17-99 and are based on the performance of the Rockhaven Fund’s Class A shares (the predecessor Fund) prior to 9-16-02. Average annual total returns for Class B shares include the effect of the applicable contingent deferred sales charge, which is 5.00% in year 1 and is eliminated after year 6, and are based on the performance of the Rockhaven Fund’s Class A shares from inception through 9-15-02, restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class B shares, as applicable, and the historical performance of the Fund’s Class A shares from 9-16-02 to 9-30-02. Average annual total returns for Class C shares include the effect of the applicable contingent deferred sales charge, which is 1.00%, and is eliminated after 12 months and are based on the performance of the Rockhaven Fund’s Class A shares from inception through 9-15-02, restated to reflect the contingent deferred sales charge and the different expenses of the Class C shares, as applicable, and the historical performance of the Fund’s Class A shares from 9-16-02 to 9-30-02. The performance of the Class K shares is based on the performance of the Rockhaven Fund’s Class A shares from inception through 9-15-02, and the historical performance of the Fund’s Class A shares from 9-16-02 to 9-30-02, and does not reflect the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.75%, which was charged from 9-17-99 through 9-30-02.
3 The Fund’s Class A shares have a redemption fee of 1.00% against shares that are held 360 calendar days or fewer after purchase. Performance data does not reflect the deduction of this fee, which, if reflected, would reduce the performance.

 

  Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

Medical — Health Maintenance Organizations

   6.2 %

Finance — Consumer/Commercial Loans

   6.0 %

Banks — Super Regional

   5.4 %

Oil & Gas — International Integrated

   5.3 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   4.8 %

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   4.5 %

Medical/Dental — Supplies

   3.2 %

Building — Paint & Allied Products

   3.2 %

Food — Flour & Grain

   3.1 %

Apparel — Shoes & Related Manufacturing

   3.0 %
    

Top Ten

   44.7 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on this and other risks.

 

49


YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES

  December 31, 2004

 

About Your Fund’s Expenses

 

Example

 

As a shareholder of a mutual fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses.

 

This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The columns under the heading entitled “Actual” help you to estimate the actual expenses you paid over the period. The “Actual — Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the “Actual — Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. To estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), then multiply the result by the number in the column under the heading entitled “Actual — Expenses Paid During Period”.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The columns under the heading entitled “Hypothetical” provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the last column of the table (Hypothetical — Expenses Paid During Period) is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs could have been higher.

 

Actual Returns vs. Hypothetical Returns

 

Six Months Ended December 31, 2004

 

                     Actual

  

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)


     Class

  

Fund’s

Annualized
Expense
Ratio1,2


   

Beginning
Account Value

7-01-04


  

Ending
Account Value

12-31-04


   Expenses
Paid During
Period3


   Ending
Account Value
12-31-04


   Expenses
Paid During
Period3


Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

   A
B
C
Z
   1.56
2.29
2.33
1.30
%
%
%
%
  $
$
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
$
1,073.70
1,070.10
1,069.60
1,075.30
   $
$
$
$
8.13
11.92
12.12
6.78
   $
$
$
$
1,017.29
1,013.62
1,013.42
1,018.60
   $
$
$
$
7.91
11.59
11.79
6.60

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

   A
B
C
Z
   1.77
2.32
2.25
1.84
%
%
%
%
  $
$
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
$
1,123.90
1,121.40
1,121.40
1,124.40
   $
$
$
$
9.45
12.37
12.00
9.83
   $
$
$
$
1,016.24
1,013.47
1,013.83
1,015.89
   $
$
$
$
8.97
11.74
11.39
9.32

 

(Continued on next page)

 

50


Actual Returns vs. Hypothetical Returns

 

Six Months Ended December 31, 2004

 

                     Actual

  

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)


     Class

  

Fund’s

Annualized
Expense
Ratio1,2


   

Beginning
Account Value

7-01-04


  

Ending
Account Value

12-31-04


   Expenses
Paid During
Period3


  

Ending
Account Value

12-31-04


   Expenses
Paid During
Period3


Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

   A
B
C
Z
   1.54
2.27
2.29
1.35
%
%
%
%
  $
$
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
$
1,132.20
1,127.80
1,128.00
1,132.80
   $
$
$
$
8.25
12.14
12.25
7.24
   $
$
$
$
1,017.39
1,013.72
1,013.62
1,018.35
   $
$
$
$
7.81
11.49
11.59
6.85

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

   A
B
C
K
Z
   1.36
2.10
2.20
0.93
1.33
%
%
%
%
%
  $
$
$
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
$
$
1,091.40
1,086.90
1,086.60
1,093.60
1,091.20
   $
$
$
$
$
7.15
11.02
11.54
4.89
6.99
   $
$
$
$
$
1,018.30
1,014.58
1,014.08
1,020.46
1,018.45
   $
$
$
$
$
6.90
10.63
11.14
4.72
6.75

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

   A
B
C
   1.64
2.41
2.44
%
%
%
  $
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
1,093.00
1,088.70
1,088.70
   $
$
$
8.63
12.65
12.81
   $
$
$
1,016.89
1,013.02
1,012.87
   $
$
$
8.31
12.19
12.35

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

   A
B
C
   2.49
2.42
2.46
%
%
%
  $
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
1,084.40
1,084.60
1,084.60
   $
$
$
13.05
12.68
12.89
   $
$
$
1,012.62
1,012.97
1,012.77
   $
$
$
12.60
12.25
12.45

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

   A
B
C
   0.00
0.00
0.00
%
%
%
  $
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
1,135.70
1,136.00
1,135.20
   $
$
$
—  
—  
—  
   $
$
$
1,025.14
1,025.14
1,025.14
   $
$
$
—  
—  
—  

Strong Advisor Select Fund

   A
B
C
   1.56
2.35
2.37
%
%
%
  $
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
1,067.20
1,062.10
1,062.10
   $
$
$
8.11
12.18
12.28
   $
$
$
1,017.29
1,013.32
1,013.22
   $
$
$
7.91
11.89
11.99

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

   A
B
C
   2.37
2.42
2.35
%
%
%
  $
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
1,030.50
1,031.00
1,031.10
   $
$
$
12.10
12.35
12.00
   $
$
$
1,013.22
1,012.97
1,013.32
   $
$
$
11.99
12.25
11.89

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

   A
B
C
   2.42
2.42
2.39
%
%
%
  $
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
1,013.50
1,013.50
1,013.50
   $
$
$
12.25
12.25
12.10
   $
$
$
1,012.97
1,012.97
1,013.12
   $
$
$
12.25
12.25
12.09

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

   A
B
C
   2.11
2.82
2.85
%
%
%
  $
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
1,167.80
1,164.50
1,163.20
   $
$
$
11.50
15.34
15.50
   $
$
$
1,014.53
1,010.96
1,010.81
   $
$
$
10.68
14.25
14.41

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

   A
B
C
K
   1.43
2.39
2.45
0.91
%
%
%
%
  $
$
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
$
1,077.00
1,071.60
1,070.60
1,080.20
   $
$
$
$
7.47
12.45
12.75
4.76
   $
$
$
$
1,017.95
1,013.12
1,012.82
1,020.56
   $
$
$
$
7.25
12.09
12.40
4.62

1 Based on the Fund’s most recent six-month period; may differ from expense ratios based on one-year data in the Financial Highlights.
2 These ratios do not include the effect of directed brokerage credits and/or custody earnings credits, if any.
3 Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184 days, and divided by 366.

 

51


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR COMMON STOCK FUND

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 94.4%

           

Apparel - Shoes & Related Manufacturing 1.3%

           

Reebok International, Ltd.

   390,000    $ 17,160,000

Banks - Super Regional 2.3%

           

Fifth Third Bancorp

   345,000      16,311,600

Marshall & Ilsley Corporation

   315,000      13,923,000
         

            30,234,600

Banks - West/Southwest 1.7%

           

City National Corporation

   315,000      22,254,750

Building - Heavy Construction 1.5%

           

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. (b)

   420,000      20,071,800

Chemicals - Specialty 1.8%

           

Lonza Group AG (CHF) (h)

   425,000      23,787,332

Commercial Services - Leasing 1.4%

           

Ryder Systems, Inc.

   385,000      18,391,450

Computer - Data Storage 1.5%

           

Seagate Technology (b)(f)

   1,100,000      18,997,000

Computer - IT Services 2.4%

           

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. Class A (b)

   265,000      15,950,350

BearingPoint, Inc. (b)

   1,955,000      15,698,650
         

            31,649,000

Computer - Software Design 1.8%

           

Mentor Graphics Corporation (b)(f)

   1,565,000      23,928,850

Computer Software - Enterprise 2.2%

           

Business Objects SA Sponsored ADR (b)(f)

   420,000      10,642,800

Citrix Systems, Inc. (b)

   745,000      18,274,850
         

            28,917,650

Containers 1.8%

           

Pactiv Corporation (b)

   905,000      22,887,450

Cosmetics - Personal Care 1.6%

           

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

   485,000      20,777,400

Diversified Operations 1.6%

           

Carlisle Companies, Inc. (f)

   290,000      18,826,800

SPX Corporation

   60,000      2,403,600
         

            21,230,400

Electrical - Equipment 1.3%

           

EnerSys (b)(f)

   1,090,000      16,622,500

Electronics - Contract Manufacturing 1.2%

           

Solectron Corporation (b)

   3,000,000      15,990,000

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 1.5%

           

Amphenol Corporation Class A (b)

   540,000      19,839,600

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 5.3%

           

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (b)(f)

   740,000      16,294,800

Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. (b)

   1,110,000      18,048,600

SanDisk Corporation (b)

   670,000      16,729,900

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (b)(f)

   520,000      18,361,200
         

            69,434,500

Finance - Equity REIT 0.8%

           

Apartment Investment & Management Company Class A

   265,000    $ 10,213,100

Finance - Investment Brokers 1.2%

           

Merrill Lynch & Company, Inc.

   265,000      15,839,050

Finance - Publicly Traded Investment Funds- Equity (Non 40 Act) 1.4%

           

Biotech HOLDRs Trust (f)

   115,000      17,585,800

Insurance - Brokers 1.5%

           

Arthur J. Gallagher & Company

   615,000      19,987,500

Insurance - Diversified 1.2%

           

Genworth Financial, Inc. Class A (f)

   575,000      15,525,000

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 4.1%

           

MBIA, Inc.

   275,000      17,402,000

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd.

   370,000      19,269,600

The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc.

   440,000      16,310,800
         

            52,982,400

Internet - Content 0.7%

           

Ask Jeeves, Inc. (b)(f)

   330,000      8,827,500

Internet - E*Commerce 1.2%

           

IAC/InterActiveCorp (b)(f)

   555,000      15,329,100

Internet - Software 0.5%

           

DoubleClick, Inc. (b)

   850,000      6,613,000

Machinery - General Industrial 1.3%

           

Roper Industries, Inc.

   280,000      17,015,600

Media - Cable TV 6.1%

           

Cablevision Systems New York Group Class A (b)

   1,150,000      28,635,000

The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (b)

   1,000,000      16,740,000

News Corporation Class A

   1,000,000      18,660,000

Telewest Global, Inc. (b)

   850,000      14,943,000
         

            78,978,000

Media - Newspapers 1.1%

           

Dow Jones & Company, Inc. (f)

   340,000      14,640,400

Media - Periodicals 1.0%

           

Verenigde Nederlandse Uitgeversbedrijven NV (EUR) (h)

   455,000      13,410,930

Media - Radio/TV 1.6%

           

Liberty Media Corporation Class A (b)

   1,900,000      20,862,000

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 2.4%

           

Celgene Corporation (b)(f)

   495,000      13,132,350

Medimmune, Inc. (b)

   655,000      17,757,050
         

            30,889,400

Medical - Ethical Drugs 0.6%

           

Biovail Corporation International (b)

   500,000      8,265,000

Medical - Products 2.4%

           

Respironics, Inc. (b)

   180,000      9,784,800

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (f)

   795,000      20,948,250
         

            30,733,050

 

52


STRONG ADVISOR COMMON STOCK FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or

Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Medical/Dental - Services 2.7%

               

Omnicare, Inc. (f)

     505,000    $ 17,483,100  

Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc. (b)

     440,000      18,167,600  
           


              35,650,700  

Medical/Dental - Supplies 1.4%

               

Hillenbrand Industries, Inc.

     320,000      17,772,800  

Metal Ores - Gold/Silver 0.3%

               

Placer Dome, Inc.

     180,000      3,394,800  

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 1.5%

               

Alcoa, Inc.

     600,000      18,852,000  

Oil & Gas - Drilling 4.0%

               

Nabors Industries, Ltd. (b)

     385,000      19,746,650  

Noble Corporation (b)

     650,000      32,331,000  
           


              52,077,650  

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.8%

               

Smith International, Inc. (b)

     425,000      23,124,250  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 6.1%

               

Apache Corporation (e)

     550,000      27,813,500  

Burlington Resources, Inc. (e)

     680,000      29,580,000  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     310,000      22,121,600  
           


              79,515,100  

Pollution Control - Services 1.5%

               

Republic Services, Inc.

     565,000      18,950,100  

Retail - Clothing/Shoes 1.1%

               

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation (b)

     670,000      14,425,100  

Retail - Department Stores 2.6%

               

Kohl’s Corporation (b)

     320,000      15,734,400  

Saks, Inc. (f)

     1,280,000      18,572,800  
           


              34,307,200  

Retail - Leisure Product 1.3%

               

The Sports Authority, Inc. (b)(f)

     630,000      16,222,500  

Retail - Restaurants 1.3%

               

Outback Steakhouse, Inc.

     355,000      16,251,900  

Retail - Super/Mini Markets 1.5%

               

The Kroger Company (b)

     1,130,000      19,820,200  

Retail/Wholesale - Auto Parts 1.6%

               

Advanced Auto Parts, Inc. (b)

     470,000      20,529,600  

Telecommunications - Services 1.5%

               

Sprint Corporation

     790,000      19,631,500  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 1.3%

               

Nokia Corporation Sponsored ADR

     1,040,000      16,296,800  

Transportation - Airline 1.6%

               

Continental Airlines, Inc. Class B (b)(f)

     1,550,000      20,987,000  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $869,459,480)

            1,227,680,312  
           


Put Options Purchased 0.0%

               

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production

               

Apache Corporation:

               

Expires 1/21/05 at $50.00

     25,000    $ 146,250  

Expires 4/15/05 at $55.00

     25,000      23,125  

Burlington Resources, Inc.,

               

Expires 1/21/05 at $42.50

     70,000      43,750  
           


Total Put Options Purchased (Cost $392,150)

            213,125  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 9.7%

               

Collateral Received for Securities Lending 4.1%

               

Navigator Prime Portfolio

     53,056,922      53,056,922  

Repurchase Agreements (c) 5.6%

               

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $70,912,703); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 70,900,000      70,900,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $1,727,422); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     1,727,300      1,727,300  
           


              72,627,300  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $125,684,222)

            125,684,222  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $995,535,852) 104.1%

            1,353,577,659  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (4.1%)

            (53,446,748 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 1,300,130,911  
           


WRITTEN OPTIONS ACTIVITY

               
     Contracts

   Premiums

 

Options outstanding at beginning of year

     —      $ —    

Options written during the year

     1,200      252,144  

Options closed

     —        —    

Options expired

     —        —    

Options exercised

     —        —    
    

  


Options outstanding at end of year

     1,200      252,144  
    

  


WRITTEN CALL OPTIONS DETAIL

               
    

Contracts

(100 shares

per contract)


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Apache Corporation

               

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05. Premium received is $67,999.)

     250    $ (38,125 )

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05. Premium received is $74,248.)

     250      (43,125 )

Burlington Resources, Inc.

               

(Strike Price is $42.50. Expiration date is 1/21/05. Premium received is $109,897.)

     700      (119,000 )
    

  


       1,200    $ (200,250 )
    

  


 

53


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31 , 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR MID CAP GROWTH FUND

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 99.4%

           

Apparel - Clothing Manufacturing 1.9%

           

Coach, Inc. (b)

   23,000    $ 1,297,200

Banks - West/Southwest 0.4%

           

Placer Sierra Bancshares

   10,500      298,620

Building - Construction Products/Miscellaneous 0.4%

           

USG Corporation (b)

   6,000      241,620

Chemicals - Specialty 0.4%

           

Airgas, Inc.

   11,000      291,610

Computer - IT Services 3.3%

           

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A (b)

   39,000      1,650,870

Kanbay International, Inc. (b)

   8,100      253,530

Satyam Computer Services, Ltd. ADR

   14,000      337,820
         

            2,242,220

Computer - Local Networks 2.0%

           

Juniper Networks, Inc. (b)

   24,000      652,560

Polycom, Inc. (b)

   29,000      676,280
         

            1,328,840

Computer - Manufacturers 2.8%

           

Apple Computer, Inc. (b)

   29,000      1,867,600

Computer Software - Desktop 2.0%

           

Adobe Systems, Inc.

   11,000      690,140

Macromedia, Inc. (b)

   22,000      684,640
         

            1,374,780

Computer Software - Security 0.8%

           

VeriSign, Inc. (b)

   17,000      569,840

Diversified Operations 0.8%

           

Textron, Inc.

   7,000      516,600

Electronics - Military Systems 1.1%

           

L-3 Communications Corporation

   10,000      732,400

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 1.0%

           

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

   14,000      693,700

Electronics - Scientific Measuring 0.5%

           

PerkinElmer, Inc.

   15,600      350,844

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 4.3%

           

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b)

   51,000      1,808,970

Tessera Technologies, Inc. (b)

   11,000      409,310

Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (b)

   18,000      663,300
         

            2,881,580

Energy - Other 1.5%

           

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

   24,000      985,200

Finance - Consumer/Commercial Loans 1.4%

           

AmeriCredit Corporation (b)

   38,000      929,100

Finance - Investment Brokers 1.0%

           

Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc.

   3,000      686,100

Finance - Mortgage & Related Services 3.3%

           

Doral Financial Corporation

   45,000      2,216,250

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 5.6%

           

Alliance Data Systems Corporation (b)

   29,000    $ 1,376,920

Euronet Services, Inc. (b)

   16,000      416,320

First Marblehead Corporation (b)

   21,000      1,181,250

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Inc.

   31,500      795,375
         

            3,769,865

Household - Consumer Electronics 1.5%

           

Harman International Industries, Inc.

   8,200      1,041,400

Internet - Content 2.7%

           

Ask Jeeves, Inc. (b)

   20,000      535,000

InfoSpace, Inc. (b)

   26,700      1,269,585
         

            1,804,585

Internet - E*Commerce 0.5%

           

Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. (b)

   13,500      335,475

Internet - Internet Service Provider 1.1%

           

j2 Global Communications, Inc. (b)

   21,000      724,500

Internet - Network Security/Solutions 1.4%

           

Digital River, Inc. (b)

   23,000      957,030

Leisure - Gaming/Equipment 3.5%

           

Boyd Gaming Corporation

   16,000      666,400

Station Casinos, Inc.

   31,000      1,695,080
         

            2,361,480

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 3.4%

           

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

   22,000      1,385,560

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

   16,000      934,400
         

            2,319,960

Machinery - Construction/Mining 1.8%

           

Joy Global, Inc.

   28,000      1,216,040

Machinery - General Industrial 2.5%

           

IDEX Corporation

   19,500      789,750

Pentair, Inc.

   21,000      914,760
         

            1,704,510

Media - Radio/TV 0.5%

           

Central European Media Enterprises, Ltd. Class A (b)

   9,000      350,838

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 1.4%

           

Biosite Diagnostics, Inc. (b)

   9,000      553,860

Sepracor, Inc. (b)

   7,000      415,590
         

            969,450

Medical - Drug/Diversified 1.8%

           

Bone Care International, Inc. (b)

   20,000      557,000

Conor Medsystems, Inc. (b)

   15,500      214,675

HealthExtras, Inc. (b)

   25,500      415,650
         

            1,187,325

Medical - Ethical Drugs 1.1%

           

Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   15,700      714,350

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 6.8%

           

Aetna, Inc.

   10,000      1,247,500

Centene Corporation (b)

   18,000      510,300

Molina Healthcare, Inc. (b)

   17,000      788,460

PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc. Class A (b)

   8,000      452,160

Sierra Health Services, Inc. (b)

   29,000      1,598,190
         

            4,596,610

Medical - Outpatient/Home Care 0.4%

           

Amedisys, Inc. (b)

   9,000      291,510

 

54


STRONG ADVISOR MD CAP GROWTH FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Medical - Systems/Equipment 0.8%

               

ArthroCare Corporation (b)

     17,000    $ 545,020  

Medical/Dental - Services 1.9%

               

Covance, Inc. (b)

     10,000      387,500  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

     9,000      859,950  
           


              1,247,450  

Medical/Dental - Supplies 1.1%

               

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (b)

     10,100      770,630  

Oil & Gas - Drilling 0.6%

               

Precision Drilling Corporation (b)

     6,300      395,640  

Oil & Gas - Field Services 1.3%

               

BJ Services Company

     19,000      884,260  

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.9%

               

Grant Prideco, Inc. (b)

     15,000      300,750  

Smith International, Inc. (b)

     18,100      984,821  
           


              1,285,571  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 8.4%

               

Bill Barrett Corporation (b)

     13,300      425,467  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     9,000      642,240  

InterOil Corporation (b)

     25,000      946,000  

Ultra Petroleum Corporation (b)

     50,000      2,406,500  

XTO Energy, Inc.

     35,000      1,238,300  
           


              5,658,507  

Real Estate Operations 1.5%

               

The St. Joe Company

     16,000      1,027,200  

Retail - Clothing/Shoe 2.2%

               

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

     14,000      659,400  

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (b)

     18,000      799,200  
           


              1,458,600  

Retail - Miscellaneous 1.1%

               

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. (b)

     9,000      355,320  

PETsMART, Inc.

     11,000      390,830  
           


              746,150  

Retail - Restaurants 3.1%

               

Starbucks Corporation (b)

     34,000      2,120,240  

Retail/Wholesale - Building Products 0.5%

               

Hughes Supply, Inc.

     11,000      355,850  

Retail/Wholesale - Computer/Cellular 0.4%

               

Navarre Corporation (b)

     16,000      281,600  

Steel - Specialty Alloys 0.7%

               

Oregon Steel Mills, Inc. (b)

     23,000      466,670  

Telecommunications - Equipment 2.0%

               

Dycom Industries, Inc. (b)

     44,000      1,342,880  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 2.0%

               

Research in Motion, Ltd. (b)

     13,000      1,071,460  

Trimble Navigation, Ltd. (b)

     8,700      287,448  
           


              1,358,908  

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 3.1%

               

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B (b)

     17,000      806,650  

Nextel Partners, Inc. Class A (b)

     46,000      898,840  

Western Wireless Corporation Class A (b)

     12,000      351,600  
           


              2,057,090  

Transportation - Truck 1.5%

               

Forward Air Corporation (b)

     22,268    $ 995,380  

Utility - Electric Power 0.4%

               

Ormat Technologies, Inc. (b)

     17,400      283,272  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $49,164,978)

            67,129,950  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 0.8%

               

Repurchase Agreements (c)

               

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $577,241); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 577,200      577,200  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $577,200)

            577,200  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $49,742,178) 100.2%

            67,707,150  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (0.2%)

            (154,374 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 67,552,776  
           


STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND  
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 92.8%

               

Aerospace - Defense Equipment 0.3%

               

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation (b)(d)

     1,008,153    $ 7,026,826  

Auto/Truck - Original Equipment 0.6%

               

Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. Class A (b)

     873,100      9,455,673  

Tower Automotive, Inc. (b)

     1,928,700      4,609,593  
           


              14,065,266  

Auto/Truck - Replacement Parts 0.4%

               

LKQ Corporation (b)

     462,030      9,272,942  

Banks - Southeast 0.7%

               

The Colonial BancGroup, Inc.

     370,100      7,857,223  

Hibernia Corporation Class A

     275,260      8,122,923  
           


              15,980,146  

Building - Air Conditioning & Heating Products 0.5%

               

York International Corporation (e)

     358,000      12,365,320  

Building - Cement/Concrete/Aggregate 0.2%

               

U.S. Concrete, Inc. (b)

     715,675      5,489,227  

Building - Construction Products/Miscellaneous 0.8%

               

Royal Group Technologies, Ltd. (b)

     1,833,600      19,197,792  

Building - Heavy Construction 3.0%

               

Chicago Bridge & Iron Company NV (e)

     1,686,300      67,452,000  

Building - Maintenance & Services 0.3%

               

ABM Industries, Inc. (e)

     397,810      7,844,813  

Building - Paint & Allied Products 0.6%

               

H.B. Fuller Company (e)

     477,800      13,622,078  

 

55


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Chemicals - Plastics 2.4%

           

Intertape Polymer Group, Inc. (b)(d)

   2,732,600    $ 24,893,986

Intertape Polymer Group, Inc.

           

(Acquired 9/05/03; Cost $680,073)

           

(CAD) (b)(g)(h)

   93,000      845,243

PolyOne Corporation (b)

   3,012,000      27,288,720
         

            53,027,949

Chemicals - Specialty 1.5%

           

OM Group, Inc. (b)

   1,039,100      33,687,622

Commercial Services - Advertising 1.3%

           

R.H. Donnelley Corporation (b)(e)

   477,800      28,214,090

Commercial Services - Consulting 0.0%

           

Navigant Consulting, Inc. (b)

   100      2,660

Commercial Services - Healthcare 0.6%

           

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

   606,050      12,630,082

Commercial Services - Miscellaneous 0.3%

           

Providence Service Corporation (b)

   275,669      5,780,779

Commercial Services - Security/Safety 2.7%

           

Armor Holdings, Inc. (b)(e)

   302,800      14,237,656

DHB Industries, Inc. (b)(e)

   162,500      3,094,000

The GEO Group, Inc. (b)(d)

   964,610      25,639,334

OSI Systems, Inc. (b)(e)

   768,850      17,460,584
         

            60,431,574

Commercial Services - Staffing 2.4%

           

CDI Corporation

   389,345      8,324,196

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (b)

   392,600      7,098,208

Kforce, Inc. (b)(d)

   1,904,860      21,143,946

MPS Group, Inc. (b)

   1,450,315      17,780,862
         

            54,347,212

Computer - Data Storage 0.1%

           

Iomega Corporation (b)

   226,210      1,253,203

Computer - Manufacturers 0.5%

           

Cray, Inc. (b)

   2,341,700      10,912,322

Computer Software - Enterprise 1.4%

           

JDA Software Group, Inc. (b)(e)

   1,213,000      16,521,060

Lightbridge, Inc. (b)(d)

   2,374,400      14,341,376

TIBCO Software, Inc. (b)(e)

   50,000      667,000
         

            31,529,436

Computer Software - Medical 1.4%

           

IDX Systems Corporation (b)(e)

   944,300      32,540,578

Containers 0.2%

           

Constar International, Inc. (b)

   577,700      4,459,844

Electrical - Equipment 0.4%

           

Encore Wire Corporation (b)

   596,600      7,952,678

Electronics - Contract Manufacturing 0.4%

           

Celestica, Inc. (b)

   570,200      8,045,522

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 0.5%

           

Coherent, Inc. (b)(e)

   386,100      11,752,884

Electronics - Parts Distributors 0.3%

           

Richardson Electronics, Ltd.

   671,800      7,127,798

Electronics - Scientific Measuring 0.4%

           

Newport Corporation (b)(e)

   571,600    $ 8,059,560

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 1.8%

           

Cirrus Logic, Inc. (b)

   2,277,400      12,548,474

Credence Systems Corporation (b)(e)

   951,025      8,701,879

STATS ChipPAC, Ltd. ADR (b)

   1,546,147      9,462,420

TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. (b)

   1,083,120      4,819,884

Zoran Corporation (b)

   365,600      4,233,648
         

            39,766,305

Energy - Other 0.1%

           

Headwaters, Inc. (b)(e)

   46,400      1,322,400

Finance - Consumer/Commercial Loans 0.1%

           

World Acceptance Corporation (b)

   106,446      2,928,330

Finance - Equity REIT 0.6%

           

American Financial Realty Trust

   598,100      9,677,258

Government Properties Trust, Inc.

   384,700      3,793,142
         

            13,470,400

Finance - Investment Brokers 0.0%

           

Labranche & Company, Inc. (b)

   14,700      131,712

Food - Miscellaneous Preparation 1.4%

           

Del Monte Foods Company (b)

   2,873,785      31,669,111

Insurance - Diversified 0.1%

           

PXRE Group, Ltd.

   116,100      2,926,881

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 2.8%

           

Argonaut Group, Inc. (b)

   424,385      8,967,255

Donegal Group, Inc. Class A

   257,800      5,911,354

Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd.

   410,810      14,049,702

Mercury General Corporation

   416,510      24,957,279

Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd.

   260,900      10,031,605
         

            63,917,195

Internet - E*Commerce 0.0%

           

Stamps.com, Inc. (b)

   48,475      767,844

Internet - Internet Service Provider 1.6%

           

EarthLink, Inc. (b)(e)

   2,632,200      30,322,944

Net2Phone, Inc. (b)

   1,957,395      6,655,143
         

            36,978,087

Leisure - Services 0.0%

           

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. (b)

   16,500      368,610

Pegasus Solutions, Inc. (b)

   1,000      12,600
         

            381,210

Machinery - General Industrial 2.2%

           

Robbins & Myers, Inc.

   363,500      8,662,205

UNOVA, Inc. (b)(e)

   1,629,500      41,210,055
         

            49,872,260

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 0.3%

           

CV Therapeutics, Inc. (b)(e)

   300,600      6,913,800

Medical - Generic Drugs 0.5%

           

Andrx Corporation (b)(e)

   546,100      11,921,363

Medical - Nursing Homes 2.4%

           

Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (b)

   3,854,700      35,270,505

Manor Care, Inc.

   525,600      18,622,008
         

            53,892,513

Medical - Outpatient/Home Care 0.7%

           

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (b)

   978,300      16,357,176

 

 

56


STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or

Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Medical - Products 1.4%

           

Allied Healthcare Products, Inc. (b)(d)

   1,044,879    $ 6,843,957

Discovery Partners International, Inc. (b)(d)

   1,936,800      9,199,800

OraSure Technologies, Inc. (b)

   2,185,750      14,688,240
         

            30,731,997

Medical - Systems/Equipment 0.8%

           

Applera Corporation-Applied Biosystems Group (e)

   851,900      17,813,229

Medical/Dental - Services 0.4%

           

Covalent Group, Inc. (b)

   259,133      660,789

Omnicare, Inc.

   218,000      7,547,160
         

            8,207,949

Metal Ores - Gold/Silver 8.8%

           

Apex Silver Mines, Ltd. (b)(d)

   2,477,000      42,554,860

Glamis Gold, Ltd. (b)(e)

   3,389,800      58,168,968

Goldcorp, Inc. (e)

   2,118,200      31,857,728

Harmony Gold Mining Company, Ltd. Sponsored ADR

   2,369,400      21,964,338

Meridian Gold, Inc. (b)(e)

   1,389,500      26,358,815

Randgold Resources, Ltd. ADR (b)(e)

   1,483,000      16,906,200
         

            197,810,909

Metal Processing & Fabrication 0.4%

           

Webco Industries, Inc. (b)(d)

   905,745      9,754,874

Mining - Gems 0.7%

           

Eldorado Gold Corporation (b)

   46,500      137,175

Eldorado Gold Corporation (CAD) (b)(h)

   3,056,900      9,074,097

Quadra Mining, Ltd. (CAD) (b)(h)

   1,287,300      6,118,243
         

            15,329,515

Oil & Gas - Drilling 3.7%

           

Grey Wolf, Inc. (b)

   2,039,600      10,748,692

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (e)

   584,480      19,895,699

Parker Drilling Company (b)

   1,469,200      5,773,956

Pride International, Inc. (b)

   1,209,300      24,839,022

Transocean, Inc. (b)(e)

   523,000      22,169,970
         

            83,427,339

Oil & Gas - Field Services 8.9%

           

BJ Services Company (e)

   344,200      16,019,068

Global Industries, Ltd. (b)(d)

   6,068,600      50,308,694

Key Energy Services, Inc. (b)

   2,240,800      26,441,440

Layne Christensen Company (b)(d)

   1,474,092      26,754,770

Matrix Service Company (b)(d)

   1,534,334      12,366,732

Newpark Resources, Inc. (b)

   3,579,860      18,436,279

Oceaneering International, Inc. (b)(e)

   697,360      26,025,475

Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (b)

   120,374      3,103,121

Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (non-voting) (b)(d)

   179,477      4,499,488

Willbros Group, Inc. (b)

   665,300      15,335,165
         

            199,290,232

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.0%

           

Input/Output, Inc. (b)(e)

   1,085,190      9,593,080

Smith International, Inc. (b)(e)

   231,400      12,590,474
         

            22,183,554

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 12.2%

           

Forest Oil Corporation (b)(e)

   1,891,100      59,985,692

McMoRan Exploration Company (b)(d)(e)

   1,162,800      21,744,360

Newfield Exploration Company (b)(e)

   248,300      14,662,115

Noble Energy, Inc. (e)

   479,000      29,535,140

PetroQuest Energy, Inc. (b)

   798,200      3,951,090

Pioneer Natural Resources Company (e)

   589,100      20,677,410

Range Resources Corporation (d)(e)

   4,653,800      95,216,748

Remington Oil & Gas Corporation (b)

   492,300    $ 13,415,175

Stone Energy Corporation (b)(e)

   332,100      14,974,389
         

            274,162,119

Paper & Paper Products 1.9%

           

Chesapeake Corporation

   461,680      12,539,229

Wausau-Mosinee Paper Corporation

   1,701,700      30,392,362
         

            42,931,591

Pollution Control - Services 0.9%

           

Calgon Carbon Corporation (d)

   2,227,200      20,222,976

Retail - Clothing/Shoes 1.3%

           

Foot Locker, Inc. (e)

   459,400      12,371,642

Payless ShoeSource, Inc. (b)

   320,500      3,942,150

Too, Inc. (b)

   528,200      12,919,772
         

            29,233,564

Retail - Consumer Electronics 0.3%

           

Circuit City Stores, Inc.

   380,700      5,954,148

Retail - Major Discount Chains 0.0%

           

Shopko Stores, Inc. (b)(e)

   20,000      373,600

Retail - Miscellaneous 0.6%

           

Barbeques Galore, Ltd. Sponsored ADR (d)

   549,021      3,294,126

Sharper Image Corporation (b)(e)

   552,800      10,420,280
         

            13,714,406

Steel - Producers 5.6%

           

IPSCO, Inc.

   724,400      34,626,320

Roanoke Electric Steel Corporation

   502,800      10,393,379

Steel Dynamics, Inc. (e)

   952,100      36,065,548

United States Steel Corporation (e)

   886,800      45,448,500
         

            126,533,747

Steel - Specialty Alloys 2.3%

           

Carpenter Technology Corporation (e)

   302,250      17,669,535

GrafTech International, Ltd. (b)(e)

   3,551,900      33,600,974
         

            51,270,509

Telecommunications - Equipment 0.3%

           

ADC Telecommunications, Inc. (b)

   2,297,500      6,157,300

Telecommunications - Services 0.5%

           

Cincinnati Bell, Inc. (b)

   2,843,400      11,800,110

Transportation - Airline 1.3%

           

Lan Airlines SA Sponsored ADR

   902,900      29,073,380

Transportation - Truck 0.7%

           

Covenant Transport, Inc. Class A (b)(d)

   787,700      16,399,914
         

Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,352,216,783)

          2,089,665,752
         

Convertible Preferred Stocks 0.7%

           

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production

           

Petrohawk Energy Corporation Series B (Acquired 11/16/04; Cost $13,330,000) (g)

   172,000      14,723,200
         

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks (Cost $13,330,000)

          14,723,200
         

 

 

57


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or
Principal

Amount


   

Value

(Note 2)


 

Short-Term Investments (a) 7.8%

                

Repurchase Agreements (c)

                

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04),2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $173,931,157); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 173,900,000     $ 173,900,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04),0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $3,025,014); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     3,024,800       3,024,800  
            


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $176,924,800)

             176,924,800  
            


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $1,542,471,583) 101.3%

             2,281,313,752  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (1.3%)

             (29,776,182 )
            


Net Assets 100.0%

           $ 2,251,537,570  
            


WRITTEN OPTIONS ACTIVITY

                
     Contracts

    Premiums

 

Options outstanding at beginning of year

     22,822     $ 7,843,245  

Options written during the year

     104,564       26,457,536  

Options closed

     (81,942 )     (22,049,594 )

Options expired

     (4,729 )     (635,823 )

Options exercised

     (4,492 )     (1,246,293 )
    


 


Options outstanding at end of year

     36,223     $ 10,369,071  
    


 


WRITTEN CALL OPTION DETAIL

                
    

Contracts

(100 shares

per contract)


   

Value

(Note 2)


 

ABM Industries, Inc.

                

(Strike Price is $22.50. Expiration date is 7/15/05.

Premium received is $11,200.)

     100     $ (4,000 )

Andrx Corporation

                

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $16,700.)

     100       (20,250 )

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $243,494.)

     500       (250,000 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $84,148.)

     450       (139,500 )

Applera Corporation-Applied Biosystems Group

                

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $88,948.)

     850       (95,625 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $66,798.)

     400       (63,000 )

Armor Holdings, Inc.

                

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $16,200.)

     100       (27,000 )

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $58,049.)

     150       (114,000 )

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $250,244.)

     1,000       (370,000 )

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $31,049.)

     150       (21,375 )

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $70,398.)

     200       (66,000 )

BJ Services Company

                

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $16,350.)

     50     $ (11,750 )

(Strike Price is $47.50. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $96,299.)

     400       (37,000 )

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $29,699.)

     100       (31,000 )

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $114,797.)

     400       (74,000 )

CV Therapeutics, Inc.

                

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $22,199.)

     300       (166,500 )

(Strike Price is $22.50. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $61,898.)

     450       (51,750 )

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $74,433.)

     100       (69,500 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $121,397.)

     200       (106,000 )

(Strike Price is $22.50. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $95,366.)

     200       (79,000 )

(Strike Price is $30.00. Expiration date is 7/15/05.

Premium received is $58,803.)

     150       (56,250 )

Carpenter Technology Corporation

                

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $291,574.)

     600       (276,000 )

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $67,748.)

     250       (43,125 )

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $131,747.)

     250       (143,750 )

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $40,299.)

     150       (45,750 )

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $419,090.)

     300       (423,000 )

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $503,488.)

     500       (500,000 )

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $338,492.)

     500       (327,500 )

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 6/17/05.

Premium received is $188,096.)

     300       (184,500 )

Chicago Bridge & Iron Company NV

                

(Strike Price is $30.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $14,976.)

     78       (78,000 )

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $93,398.)

     200       (114,000 )

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $12,700.)

     100       (24,000 )

Coherent, Inc.

                

(Strike Price is $30.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $15,790.)

     100       (12,250 )

(Strike Price is $30.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $109,447.)

     675       (129,937 )

Credence Systems Corporation

                

(Strike Price is $7.50. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $25,249.)

     125       (27,188 )

 

58


STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (continued)

 

     Contracts
(100 shares
per contract)


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

DHB Industries, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $104,507.)

   500    $ (101,250 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $50,449.)

   350      (24,500 )

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $55,899.)

   200      (56,500 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $37,899.)

   200      (32,000 )

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $69,970.)

   200      (76,000 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $44,974.)

   175      (46,812 )

EarthLink, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $10.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $84,238.)

   645      (101,587 )

(Strike Price is $10.00. Expiration date is 7/15/05.

Premium received is $22,699.)

   100      (22,250 )

(Strike Price is $12.50. Expiration date is 7/15/05.

Premium received is $44,499.)

   500      (45,000 )

Foot Locker, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $25.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $47,399.)

   200      (45,500 )

(Strike Price is $25.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $59,399.)

   200      (63,000 )

Forest Oil Corporation

             

(Strike Price is $30.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $27,699.)

   100      (26,000 )

(Strike Price is $30.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $122,097.)

   300      (111,000 )

H.B. Fuller Company

             

(Strike Price is $25.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $130,307.)

   550      (198,000 )

(Strike Price is $25.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $346,992.)

   1,000      (400,000 )

Glamis Gold, Ltd.

             

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $23,899.)

   200      (17,500 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $98,598.)

   550      (45,375 )

Goldcorp, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $15.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $23,699.)

   300      (24,000 )

GrafTech International, Ltd.

             

(Strike Price is $10.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $33,949.)

   350      (23,625 )

Headwaters, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $30.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $32,819.)

   160      (8,000 )

(Strike Price is $30.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $62,099.)

   300      (36,750 )

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $29,099.)

   300      (29,250 )

(Strike Price is $30.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $54,302.)

   150      (67,500 )

IDX Systems Corporation

             

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $149,546.)

   650    $ (105,625 )

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $14,800.)

   200      (4,500 )

Input/Output, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $7.50. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $12,382.)

   150      (23,250 )

(Strike Price is $10.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $7,350.)

   150      (4,875 )

JDA Software Group, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $15.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $14,100.)

   150      (11,625 )

McMoRan Exploration Company

             

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $16,800.)

   150      (24,375 )

Meridian Gold, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $15.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $41,399.)

   200      (79,000 )

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $21,200.)

   100      (26,000 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $11,700.)

   100      (14,250 )

Newfield Exploration Company

             

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $86,298.)

   400      (47,000 )

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $12,850.)

   50      (16,000 )

(Strike Price is $65.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $18,200.)

   100      (13,750 )

(Strike Price is $65.00. Expiration date is 6/17/05.

Premium received is $63,399.)

   200      (55,000 )

Newport Corporation

             

(Strike Price is $12.50. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $44,449.)

   350      (63,875 )

Noble Energy, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $84,083.)

   400      (98,000 )

(Strike Price is $65.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $19,676.)

   100      (3,500 )

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $109,421.)

   400      (130,000 )

(Strike Price is $65.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $22,846.)

   150      (14,625 )

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $17,450.)

   50      (24,750 )

(Strike Price is $65.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $10,350.)

   50      (12,375 )

OSI Systems, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $14,700.)

   100      (27,250 )

(Strike Price is $22.50. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $18,300.)

   150      (12,000 )

(Strike Price is $22.50. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $31,399.)

   200      (39,500 )

 

59


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (continued)

 

     Contracts
(100 shares
per contract)


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Oceaneering International, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $224,041.)

   750    $ (187,500 )

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $6,100.)

   50      (1,375 )

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $19,600.)

   50      (19,000 )

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $83,598.)

   550      (75,625 )

Pioneer Natural Resources Company

             

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 6/17/05.

Premium received is $27,699.)

   100      (27,000 )

R.H. Donnelley Corporation

             

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $21,199.)

   100      (90,000 )

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $59,685.)

   200      (92,000 )

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $117,397.)

   200      (119,000 )

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $29,699.)

   100      (30,000 )

Randgold Resources, Ltd. ADR

             

(Strike Price is $12.50. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $5,900.)

   100      (5,750 )

(Strike Price is $12.50. Expiration date is 6/17/05.

Premium received is $10,200.)

   100      (10,000 )

Range Resources Corporation

             

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $17,700.)

   100      (30,500 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $10,888.)

   100      (10,000 )

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $82,948.)

   350      (117,250 )

(Strike Price is $20.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $32,312.)

   250      (39,375 )

(Strike Price is $22.50. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $16,800.)

   200      (13,000 )

Sharper Image Corporation

             

(Strike Price is $22.50. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $52,999.)

   250      (20,625 )

(Strike Price is $25.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $24,137.)

   200      (7,500 )

Shopko Stores, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $17.50. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $31,399.)

   200      (41,500 )

Smith International, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $14,350.)

   50      (7,000 )

(Strike Price is $60.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $38,549.)

   150      (22,500 )

(Strike Price is $65.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $16,700.)

   100      (5,500 )

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $109,297.)

   400    $ (138,000 )

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $252,774.)

   540      (234,900 )

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $91,648.)

   450      (81,000 )

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $67,998.)

   500      (28,750 )

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $48,699.)

   100      (59,500 )

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $25,699.)

   100      (34,500 )

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $27,699.)

   100      (18,500 )

Stone Energy Corporation

             

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $165,946.)

   600      (151,500 )

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 6/17/05.

Premium received is $47,399.)

   200      (34,500 )

TIBCO Software, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $10.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $105,997.)

   500      (172,500 )

Transocean, Inc.

             

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $57,899.)

   200      (57,500 )

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $154,146.)

   450      (162,000 )

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $32,099.)

   300      (33,000 )

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $21,849.)

   50      (25,750 )

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $65,248.)

   250      (66,875 )

United States Steel Corporation

             

(Strike Price is $40.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $145,747.)

   250      (282,500 )

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $483,789.)

   900      (594,000 )

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $251,694.)

   850      (227,375 )

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $31,899.)

   200      (13,500 )

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $67,398.)

   200      (82,000 )

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $7,600.)

   50      (9,625 )

(Strike Price is $45.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $264,444.)

   350      (309,750 )

(Strike Price is $50.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $164,246.)

   250      (146,250 )

(Strike Price is $55.00. Expiration date is 4/15/05.

Premium received is $153,796.)

   400      (144,000 )

 

60


STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (continued)

 

     Contracts
(100 shares
per contract)


    

Value

(Note 2)


 

UNOVA, Inc.

               

(Strike Price is $25.00. Expiration date is 1/21/05.

Premium received is $9,700.)

   100      $ (11,000 )

(Strike Price is $22.50. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $97,488.)

   450        (159,750 )

(Strike Price is $25.00. Expiration date is 3/18/05.

Premium received is $17,700.)

   100        (20,250 )

(Strike Price is $25.00. Expiration date is 6/17/05.

Premium received is $32,124.)

   125        (36,563 )

York International Corporation

               

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 2/18/05.

Premium received is $66,598.)

   300        (33,000 )

(Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 5/20/05.

Premium received is $25,799.)

   150        (30,000 )
    
    


     36,223      $ (11,005,362 )
    
    


STRONG ADVISOR U.S. VALUE FUND  
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


    

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 93.9%

               

Aerospace - Defense 0.9%

               

General Dynamics Corporation

   9,000      $ 941,400  

Lockheed Martin Corporation

   24,400        1,355,420  

Raytheon Company

   25,000        970,750  
           


              3,267,570  

Auto Manufacturer 0.4%

               

General Motors Corporation (f)

   38,100        1,526,286  

Banks - Money Center 4.4%

               

Bank of America Corporation

   100,000        4,699,000  

The Bank of New York Company, Inc.

   35,000        1,169,700  

Citigroup, Inc.

   148,500        7,154,730  

J.P. Morgan Chase & Company

   75,240        2,935,112  
           


              15,958,542  

Banks - Northeast 0.2%

               

Peoples Bank (f)

   17,100        665,019  

Banks - Southeast 0.1%

               

Compass Bancshares, Inc.

   8,000        389,360  

Banks - Super Regional 3.2%

               

KeyCorp

   41,600        1,410,240  

National City Corporation

   32,000        1,201,600  

Regions Financial Corporation

   56,791        2,021,192  

U.S. Bancorp

   47,000        1,472,040  

Wachovia Corporation

   102,344        5,383,294  
           


              11,488,366  

Beverages - Alcoholic 0.2%

               

Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.

   13,000        659,490  

Beverages - Soft Drinks 1.1%

               

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.

   188,000        3,919,800  

Chemicals - Basic 0.8%

               

The Dow Chemical Company

   40,000        1,980,400  

PPG Industries, Inc.

   15,300        1,042,848  
           


              3,023,248  

Commercial Services - Miscellaneous 0.5%

               

ARAMARK Corporation Class B

   48,000      $ 1,272,480  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

   9,000        399,150  
           


              1,671,630  

Computer - IT Services 0.7%

               

Unisys Corporation (b)

   230,000        2,341,400  

Computer - Manufacturers 1.2%

               

Hewlett-Packard Company

   200,000        4,194,000  

Computer Software - Desktop 1.3%

               

Microsoft Corporation

   180,000        4,807,800  

Computer Software - Enterprise 1.1%

               

VERITAS Software Corporation (b)

   133,000        3,797,150  

Diversified Operations 6.4%

               

E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company

   50,631        2,483,450  

Emerson Electric Company

   27,900        1,955,790  

General Electric Company

   350,000        12,775,000  

ITT Industries, Inc.

   16,000        1,351,200  

Loews Corporation

   40,000        2,812,000  

United Technologies Corporation

   17,200        1,777,620  
           


              23,155,060  

Finance - Equity REIT 0.5%

               

Equity Office Properties Trust

   30,000        873,600  

Equity Residential Properties Trust

   27,000        976,860  
           


              1,850,460  

Finance - Investment Brokers 0.0%

               

Piper Jaffray Companies, Inc. (b)

   928        44,498  

Finance - Investment Management 0.2%

               

Mellon Financial Corporation

   28,000        871,080  

Finance - Savings & Loan 0.6%

               

Washington Mutual, Inc.

   50,000        2,114,000  

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 0.6%

               

American Express Company

   38,000        2,142,060  

Food - Meat Products 0.1%

               

Tyson Foods, Inc. Class A (f)

   18,000        331,200  

Food - Miscellaneous Preparation 6.0%

               

Campbell Soup Company

   20,000        597,800  

ConAgra, Inc.

   60,000        1,767,000  

Del Monte Foods Company (b)

   778,000        8,573,560  

Kraft Foods, Inc. Class A (f)

   221,900        7,901,859  

Sara Lee Corporation

   115,000        2,776,100  
           


              21,616,319  

Household - Housewares 0.1%

               

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.

   17,000        411,230  

Insurance - Accident & Health 0.7%

               

AFLAC, Inc.

   65,000        2,589,600  

Insurance - Brokers 1.7%

               

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

   188,000        6,185,200  

Insurance - Diversified 1.9%

               

American International Group, Inc.

   58,500        3,841,695  

 

61


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

   December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR U.S. VALUE FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


    

Value

(Note 2)


Principal Financial Group, Inc.

   25,300      $ 1,035,782

Prudential Financial, Inc.

   34,100        1,874,136
           

              6,751,613

Insurance - Life 0.3%

             

Lincoln National Corporation

   25,000        1,167,000

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 2.9%

             

The Allstate Corporation

   32,000        1,655,040

Chubb Corporation

   16,500        1,268,850

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

   21,800        1,510,958

Old Republic International Corporation

   37,000        936,100

The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc.

   132,000        4,893,240
           

              10,264,188

Leisure - Photo Equipment/Related 0.2%

             

Eastman Kodak Company (f)

   24,200        780,450

Machinery - Farm 0.5%

             

Deere & Company

   26,000        1,934,400

Media - Cable TV 3.4%

             

Comcast Corporation Class A (b)

   345,000        11,481,600

Liberty Media International, Inc. Class A (b)

   18,700        864,501
           

              12,346,101

Media - Diversified 1.8%

             

Time Warner, Inc. (b)

   325,000        6,318,000

Media - Newspapers 0.6%

             

Gannett Company, Inc.

   26,200        2,140,540

Media - Periodicals 1.9%

             

The Readers Digest Association, Inc.

   480,800        6,687,928

Media - Radio/TV 4.6%

             

Clear Channel Communications, Inc.

   230,000        7,702,700

The Walt Disney Company

   93,000        2,585,400

Liberty Media Corporation Class A (b)

   374,000        4,106,520

Viacom, Inc. Class B

   62,858        2,287,403
           

              16,682,023

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 5.3%

             

Chiron Corporation (b)(f)

   210,000        6,999,300

ImClone Systems, Inc. (b)(f)

   200,100        9,220,608

Serono SA ADR (f)

   175,000        2,856,000
           

              19,075,908

Medical - Ethical Drugs 3.2%

             

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

   360,000        9,223,200

Merck & Company, Inc.

   76,000        2,442,640
           

              11,665,840

Medical/Dental - Services 0.1%

             

Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (b)

   7,839        326,102

Metal Ores - Gold/Silver 0.4%

             

Newmont Mining Corporation

             

Holding Company

   35,000        1,554,350

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 0.5%

             

Alcoa, Inc.

   52,100        1,636,982

Oil & Gas - Drilling 0.3%

             

Pride International, Inc. (b)

   45,000        924,300

Oil & Gas - International Integrated 8.2%

             

ChevronTexaco Corporation

   96,000        5,040,960

ConocoPhillips

   49,000        4,254,670

Exxon Mobil Corporation

   372,000      $ 19,068,720

Royal Dutch Petroleum Company - New York Shares (f)

   20,000        1,147,600
           

              29,511,950

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 2.0%

             

Cooper Cameron Corporation (b)

   135,000        7,264,350

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 0.9%

             

Devon Energy Corporation

   28,000        1,089,760

Kerr McGee Corporation

   7,000        404,530

Unocal Corporation

   40,200        1,738,248
           

              3,232,538

Paper & Paper Products 0.3%

             

MeadWestvaco Corporation

   12,000        406,680

OfficeMax, Inc.

   10,000        313,800

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (b)

   20,000        373,600
           

              1,094,080

Pollution Control - Services 1.2%

             

Waste Management, Inc.

   147,000        4,401,180

Retail - Department Stores 0.8%

             

Federated Department Stores, Inc.

   25,000        1,444,750

May Department Stores Company

   44,793        1,316,914
           

              2,761,664

Retail - Miscellaneous 0.1%

             

Blockbuster, Inc. Class A (f)

   16,845        160,701

Blockbuster, Inc. Class B

   16,845        148,404
           

              309,105

Retail - Restaurants 1.5%

             

McDonald’s Corporation

   163,000        5,225,780

Retail - Super/Mini Markets 2.4%

             

Albertson’s, Inc. (f)

   20,000        477,600

The Kroger Company (b)

   445,000        7,805,300

Safeway, Inc. (b)

   27,000        532,980
           

              8,815,880

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 0.1%

             

Office Depot, Inc. (b)

   17,000        295,120

Telecommunications - Services 4.6%

             

AT&T Corporation

   47,000        895,820

BellSouth Corporation

   98,000        2,723,420

CenturyTel, Inc.

   9,000        319,230

Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc. (b)(f)

   5,000        248,300

Qwest Communications International, Inc. (b)

   60,000        266,400

SBC Communications, Inc.

   174,000        4,483,980

Sprint Corporation

   51,000        1,267,350

Verizon Communications, Inc.

   155,000        6,279,050
           

              16,483,550

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 1.4%

             

Nokia Corporation Sponsored ADR

   330,000        5,171,100

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 0.3%

             

ALLTEL Corporation

   19,000        1,116,440

Tobacco 1.5%

             

Altria Group, Inc.

   55,000        3,360,500

Loews Corp - Carolina Group

   67,700        1,959,915
           

              5,320,415

Transportation - Air Freight 0.3%

             

FedEx Corporation

   12,000        1,181,880

 

62


STRONG ADVISOR U.S. VALUE FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


    

Value

(Note 2)


 

Transportation - Rail 0.3%

                 

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation

     24,800      $ 1,173,289  

Utility - Electric Power 5.0%

                 

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (f)

     27,000        1,181,250  

DTE Energy Company

     51,000        2,199,630  

Dominion Resources, Inc.

     28,000        1,896,720  

Duke Energy Corporation

     70,000        1,773,100  

Entergy Corporation

     23,500        1,588,365  

Exelon Corporation

     52,400        2,309,268  

FPL Group, Inc.

     26,600        1,988,350  

FirstEnergy Corporation

     20,000        790,200  

Progress Energy, Inc.

     14,000        633,360  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. (f)

     31,000        1,604,870  

SCANA Corporation (f)

     17,000        669,800  

The Southern Company

     42,000        1,407,840  
             


                18,042,753  

Utility - Gas Distribution 2.1%

                 

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (f)

     299,400        3,383,220  

KeySpan Corporation

     25,600        1,009,920  

NiSource, Inc.

     27,000        615,060  

Sempra Energy

     31,500        1,155,420  

Vectren Corporation

     56,700        1,519,560  
             


                7,683,180  
             


Total Common Stocks (Cost $279,774,701)

              338,360,347  
             


Short-Term Investments (a) 8.8%

                 

Collateral Received for Securities Lending 2.5%

                 

Navigator Prime Portfolio

     9,099,275        9,099,275  

Repurchase Agreements (c) 6.3%

                 

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $20,903,745); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 20,900,000        20,900,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $1,647,117); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     1,647,000        1,647,000  
             


Total Repurchase Agreements

              22,547,000  
             


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $31,646,275)

              31,646,275  
             


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $311,420,976) 102.7%

              370,006,622  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (2.7%)

              (9,884,021 )
             


Net Assets 100.0%

            $ 360,122,601  
             


WRITTEN OPTIONS ACTIVITY

                 
     Contracts

     Premiums

 

Options outstanding at beginning of year

     —        $ —    

Options written during the year

     850        188,691  

Options closed

     (850 )      (188,691 )

Options expired

     —          —    

Options exercised

     —          —    
    


  


Options outstanding at end of year

     —        $ —    
    


  


STRONG ADVISOR ENDEAVOR LARGE CAP FUND  
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


    

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 96.9%

                 

Apparel - Shoes & Related Manufacturing 0.8%

                 

NIKE, Inc. Class B

     3,990      $ 361,853  

Banks - Money Center 1.0%

                 

The Bank of New York Company, Inc.

     13,050        436,131  

Banks - Super Regional 1.4%

                 

Wachovia Corporation

     12,130        638,038  

Chemicals - Basic 2.2%

                 

The Dow Chemical Company

     19,450        962,970  

Computer - Data Storage 3.8%

                 

EMC Corporation (b)

     113,950        1,694,437  

Computer - Local Networks 0.7%

                 

Juniper Networks, Inc. (b)

     12,160        330,630  

Computer - Manufacturers 3.9%

                 

Apple Computer, Inc. (b)

     3,180        204,792  

Dell, Inc. (b)

     36,680        1,545,695  
             


                1,750,487  

Computer Software - Enterprise 2.7%

                 

Oracle Systems Corporation (b)

     86,280        1,183,762  

Diversified Operations 5.1%

                 

General Electric Company

     44,440        1,622,060  

Honeywell International, Inc.

     17,760        628,882  
             


                2,250,942  

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 6.6%

                 

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (b)

     19,300        424,986  

Altera Corporation (b)

     26,900        556,830  

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b)

     23,170        821,840  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     46,620        1,147,784  
             


                2,951,440  

Finance - Consumer/Commercial Loans 1.1%

                 

CIT Group, Inc.

     10,610        486,150  

Food - Confectionery 1.0%

                 

William Wrigley, Jr. Company

     6,150        425,519  

Household - Consumer Electronics 1.4%

                 

Harman International Industries, Inc.

     4,860        617,220  

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 1.7%

                 

The Allstate Corporation

     14,710        760,801  

Internet - Content 5.1%

                 

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

     60,340        2,273,611  

Internet - E*Commerce 2.1%

                 

eBay, Inc. (b)

     7,950        924,426  

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 0.3%

                 

Las Vegas Sands Corporation (b)

     2,930        140,640  

Leisure - Services 0.5%

                 

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

     4,180        227,559  

Leisure - Toys/Games/Hobby 2.2%

                 

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (b)

     47,882        980,623  

 

63


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR ENDEAVOR LARGE CAP FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Media - Cable TV 1.7%

             

EchoStar Communications Corporation Class A

     23,420    $ 778,481

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 2.5%

             

Genzyme Corporation (b)

     19,260      1,118,428

Medical - Generic Drugs 2.5%

             

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. ADR

     36,930      1,102,730

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 4.1%

             

WellPoint, Inc. (b)

     15,715      1,807,225

Medical - Products 6.9%

             

Alcon, Inc.

     13,060      1,052,636

Boston Scientific Corporation (b)

     24,700      878,085

Medtronic, Inc.

     22,820      1,133,469
           

              3,064,190

Medical - Systems/Equipment 1.5%

             

Fisher Scientific International, Inc. (b)

     10,830      675,575

Metal Ores - Gold/Silver 1.6%

             

Placer Dome, Inc.

     37,030      698,386

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 2.9%

             

Phelps Dodge Corporation

     12,830      1,269,144

Oil & Gas - Canadian Exploration & Production 0.6%

             

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

     6,410      274,156

Oil & Gas - Drilling 1.3%

             

Transocean, Inc. (b)

     13,380      567,178

Oil & Gas - Field Services 2.6%

             

Halliburton Company

     28,920      1,134,821

Oil & Gas - Production/Pipeline 2.2%

             

The Williams Companies, Inc.

     59,520      969,581

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 1.3%

             

Noble Energy, Inc.

     9,360      577,138

Paper & Paper Products 1.2%

             

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (b)

     29,040      542,467

Real Estate Operations 0.6%

             

The St. Joe Company

     3,900      250,380

Retail - Drug Stores 1.5%

             

CVS Corporation

     14,590      657,571

Retail - Major Discount Chains 2.1%

             

Target Corporation

     18,160      943,049

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 2.5%

             

Staples, Inc.

     33,030      1,113,441

Telecommunications - Equipment 1.3%

             

Lucent Technologies, Inc. (b)

     156,850      589,756

Telecommunications - Services 4.6%

             

Sprint Corporation

     81,580    $ 2,027,263

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 5.3%

             

Motorola, Inc.

     56,690      975,068

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     20,500      869,200

Research in Motion, Ltd. (b)

     6,350      523,367
           

              2,367,635

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 0.8%

             

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B (b)

     7,410      351,604

Transportation - Airline 1.7%

             

Southwest Airlines Company

     46,120      750,834
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $35,734,445)

            43,028,272
           

Short-Term Investments (a) 2.9%

             

Repurchase Agreements (c)

             

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $1,000,179); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 1,000,000      1,000,000

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $281,720); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     281,700      281,700
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $1,281,700)

            1,281,700
           

Total Investments in Securities (Cost $37,016,145) 99.8%

            44,309,972

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net 0.2%

            72,073
           

Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 44,382,045
           

STRONG ADVISOR FOCUS FUND
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 95.2%

             

Beverages - Soft Drinks 0.6%

             

Cott Corporation (b)

     585    $ 14,467

Commercial Services - Advertising 1.7%

             

Greenfield Online, Inc. (b)

     2,000      43,980

Commercial Services - Miscellaneous 3.4%

             

Paychex, Inc.

     2,490      84,859

Commercial Services - Schools 3.7%

             

Apollo Group, Inc. Class A (b)

     875      70,621

Corinthian Colleges, Inc. (b)

     1,225      23,085
           

              93,706

Computer - Local Networks 3.6%

             

Polycom, Inc. (b)

     3,850      89,782

Computer - Manufacturers 6.7%

             

Dell, Inc. (b)

     4,000      168,560

Computer Software - Education/Entertainment 1.4%

             

Electronic Arts, Inc. (b)

     595      36,700

 

64


STRONG ADVISOR FOCUS FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Computer Software - Enterprise 1.1%

             

Mercury Interactive Corporation (b)

     615    $ 28,013

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 5.4%

             

Analog Devices, Inc.

     900      33,228

Microchip Technology, Inc.

     2,400      63,984

SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc. (b)

     3,030      38,542
           

              135,754

Finance - Mortgage & Related Services 3.3%

             

Countrywide Financial Corporation

     2,270      84,013

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 6.1%

             

First Marblehead Corporation (b)

     2,710      152,437

Internet - Content 1.7%

             

Google, Inc. Class A (b)

     220      42,482

Internet - E*Commerce 7.5%

             

Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. (b)

     100      2,485

eBay, Inc. (b)

     1,600      186,048
           

              188,533

Internet - Network Security/Solutions 4.8%

             

Digital River, Inc. (b)

     2,900      120,669

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 4.4%

             

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b)

     3,145      110,044

Medical - Products 10.1%

             

C.R. Bard, Inc.

     1,310      83,814

INAMED Corporation (b)

     1,220      77,165

St. Jude Medical, Inc. (b)

     2,200      92,246
           

              253,225

Medical/Dental - Supplies 3.6%

             

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (b)

     1,180      90,034

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.6%

             

Smith International, Inc. (b)

     740      40,263

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 2.5%

             

XTO Energy, Inc.

     1,750      61,915

Retail - Leisure Product 3.0%

             

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. (b)

     2,160      75,924

Retail - Miscellaneous 11.0%

             

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. (b)

     4,265      168,382

PETsMART, Inc.

     3,080      109,432
           

              277,814

Retail - Restaurants 1.3%

             

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Class A (b)

     1,070      31,618

Retail/Wholesale - Building Products 4.1%

             

Hughes Supply, Inc.

     3,210      103,844

Telecommunications - Equipment 2.6%

             

Dycom, Industries, Inc. (b)

     280      8,546

InPhonic, Inc. (b)

     2,040      56,059
           

              64,605
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,689,186)

            2,393,241
           

Short-Term Investments (a) 4.5%

             

Repurchase Agreements (c)

             

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $114,108);

    Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 114,100    $ 114,100
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $114,100)

            114,100
           

Total Investments in Securities (Cost $1,803,286) 99.7%

            2,507,341

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net 0.3%

            6,453
           

Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 2,513,794
           

STRONG ADVISOR INTERNATIONAL CORE FUND
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 97.2%

             

Australia 2.4%

             

BHP Billiton, Ltd.

     1,800    $ 21,590

BlueScope Steel, Ltd.

     1,800      11,611

iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund

     1,300      21,710
           

              54,911

Belgium 0.8%

             

Fortis

     700      19,322

Brazil 2.9%

             

Companhia Vale do Rio Doce Sponsored ADR

     1,200      34,812

Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras Sponsored ADR

     800      31,824
           

              66,636

Canada 2.8%

             

Bank of Nova Scotia

     700      23,756

Encana Corporation

     700      40,022
           

              63,778

Finland 1.0%

             

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

     1,000      22,089

France 10.8%

             

BNP Paribas SA

     500      36,148

Business Objects SA Sponsored ADR (b)

     900      22,806

Essilor International SA

     700      54,736

Groupe Danone Sponsored ADR

     2,300      42,412

L’Oreal SA

     400      30,302

Sanofi-Aventis

     350      27,915

Total SA Sponsored ADR

     300      32,952
           

              247,271

Germany 6.5%

             

E.On AG (b)

     400      36,283

Fresenius Medical Care AG (b)

     350      28,155

Puma AG

     70      19,226

Schering AG (b)

     380      28,241

Siemens AG (b)

     450      38,026
           

              149,931

Hong Kong 2.9%

             

Hutchison Whampoa, Ltd.

     3,100      29,017

Swire Pacific, Ltd. A Shares

     4,400      36,797
           

              65,814

Ireland 1.0%

             

Bank of Ireland

     1,400      23,262

 

65


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR INTERNATIONAL CORE FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Italy 3.5%

             

ENI Spa

     1,300    $ 32,518

Telecom Italia Spa

     6,951      28,317

UniCredito Italiano Spa

     3,400      19,516
           

              80,351

Japan 20.0%

             

Canon, Inc. ADR

     500      27,130

The Daimaru, Inc.

     3,000      24,568

Disco Corporation

     600      27,579

East Japan Railway Company

     4      22,304

Hitachi, Ltd.

     4,500      31,421

House Foods Corporation

     1,600      23,140

Isetan Company, Ltd.

     900      10,545

iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund

     2,000      21,840

Kansai Paint Company, Ltd.

     4,000      24,271

Komatsu, Ltd.

     3,700      25,984

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

     3,700      18,176

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

     6,100      17,390

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company

     4,000      34,912

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation Sponsored ADR

     1,000      22,550

Sharp Corporation

     1,500      24,583

Tokyo Gas Company, Ltd.

     7,000      28,746

TOTO, Ltd.

     3,000      28,709

Toyota Motor Corporation

     500      20,540

Uni-Charm Corporation

     500      24,046
           

              458,434

Mexico 2.8%

             

America Movil ADR Series L

     400      20,940

Cemex SA de CV Sponsored ADR

     700      25,494

Wal-Mart de Mexico SA de CV

     5,400      18,631
           

              65,065

Netherlands 4.8%

             

ING Groep NV

     1,700      51,329

Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV Sponsored ADR - New York Registry Shares

     900      23,850

Royal Dutch Petroleum Company - New York Shares

     400      22,952

STMicroelectronics NV

     600      11,679
           

              109,810

Singapore 3.7%

             

DBS Group Holdings, Ltd.

     4,600      45,391

Flextronics International, Ltd. (b)

     1,700      23,494

Singapore Telecommunications, Ltd.

     11,200      16,337
           

              85,222

South Africa 0.8%

             

Gold Fields, Ltd. Sponsored ADR

     1,400      17,472

South Korea 1.0%

             

Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd.

     50      21,727

Spain 2.6%

             

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA

     2,100      25,986

Telefonica SA Sponsored ADR

     614      34,691
           

              60,677

Sweden 2.1%

             

Autoliv, Inc.

     500      23,917

Sandvik AB

     600      24,170
           

              48,087

Switzerland 6.9%

             

Nestle SA

     115      29,946

Novartis AG Sponsored ADR

     700      35,378

Roche Holding AG (non-voting)

     200      22,904

UBS AG Registered

     420    $ 35,127

Zurich Financial Services AG (b)

     210      34,888
           

              158,243

United Kingdom 17.9%

             

BP PLC Sponsored ADR

     550      32,120

Boots Group PLC

     1,350      16,973

Diageo PLC

     1,400      19,951

GlaxoSmithKline PLC Sponsored ADR

     600      28,434

HBOS PLC

     1,700      27,650

HSBC Holdings PLC

     700      11,801

HSBC Holdings PLC (Hong Kong Regulated)

     1,200      20,534

iShares MSCI United Kingdom Index Fund

     1,200      21,756

Kingfisher PLC

     4,200      24,952

Lloyds TSB Group PLC

     2,600      23,588

Reed Elsevier PLC

     2,500      23,040

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

     1,500      50,405

Tesco PLC

     5,900      36,410

United Utilities PLC

     1,800      21,750

Vodafone Group PLC

     18,700      50,662
           

              410,026
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,685,777)

            2,228,128
           

Short-Term Investments (a) 2.5%

             

Repurchase Agreements (c)

             

United States

             

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $57,804);

    Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 57,800      57,800
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $57,800)

            57,800
           

Total Investments in Securities (Cost $1,743,577) 99.7%

            2,285,928

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net 0.3%

            5,876
           

Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 2,291,804
           

STRONG ADVISOR SELECT FUND
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 95.1%

             

Banks - Money Center 2.0%

             

The Bank of New York Company, Inc.

     57,200    $ 1,911,624

Chemicals - Basic 2.3%

             

The Dow Chemical Company

     45,100      2,232,901

Computer - Data Storage 4.3%

             

EMC Corporation (b)

     283,310      4,212,820

Computer - Manufacturers 3.4%

             

Dell, Inc. (b)

     79,565      3,352,869

Computer Software - Enterprise 3.3%

             

Oracle Systems Corporation (b)

     237,500      3,258,500

Diversified Operations 5.1%

             

General Electric Company

     99,080      3,616,420

Honeywell International, Inc.

     39,110      1,384,885
           

              5,001,305

 

66


STRONG ADVISOR SELECT FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 5.6%

             

Altera Corporation (b)

     55,600    $ 1,150,920

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b)

     50,300      1,784,141

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     101,200      2,491,544
           

              5,426,605

Household - Consumer Electronics 3.3%

             

Harman International Industries, Inc.

     25,720      3,266,440

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 1.1%

             

The Allstate Corporation

     21,410      1,107,325

Internet - Content 5.7%

             

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

     149,140      5,619,595

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 0.3%

             

Las Vegas Sands Corporation (b)

     5,800      278,400

Leisure - Services 1.7%

             

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

     30,000      1,633,200

Leisure - Toys/Games/Hobby 4.8%

             

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (b)

     229,755      4,705,382

Media - Cable TV 1.7%

             

EchoStar Communications Corporation Class A

     51,190      1,701,556

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 2.4%

             

Genzyme Corporation (b)

     39,940      2,319,316

Medical - Generic Drugs 2.5%

             

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. ADR

     82,060      2,450,312

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 4.5%

             

WellPoint, Inc. (b)

     38,600      4,439,000

Medical - Products 5.5%

             

Alcon, Inc.

     29,200      2,353,520

Medtronic, Inc.

     60,000      2,980,200
           

              5,333,720

Medical - Systems/Equipment 2.5%

             

Fisher Scientific International, Inc. (b)

     38,500      2,401,630

Metal Ores - Gold/Silver 2.6%

             

Placer Dome, Inc.

     134,100      2,529,126

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 3.9%

             

Phelps Dodge Corporation

     38,160      3,774,787

Oil & Gas - Canadian Exploration & Production 1.6%

             

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

     36,200      1,548,274

Oil & Gas - Field Services 3.2%

             

Halliburton Company

     79,000      3,099,960

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.3%

             

Grant Prideco, Inc. (b)

     64,100      1,285,205

Oil & Gas - Production/Pipeline 2.1%

             

The Williams Companies, Inc.

     129,200      2,104,668

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 2.5%

             

Staples, Inc.

     72,900    $ 2,457,459

Telecommunications - Equipment 3.1%

             

Lucent Technologies, Inc. (b)

     796,600      2,995,216

Telecommunications - Services 4.6%

             

Sprint Corporation

     179,100      4,450,635

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 5.7%

             

Motorola, Inc.

     155,000      2,666,000

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     42,100      1,785,040

Research in Motion, Ltd. (b)

     13,440      1,107,725
           

              5,558,765

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 2.5%

             

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B (b)

     51,490      2,443,200
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $76,790,529)

            92,899,795
           

Short-Term Investments (a) 4.7%

             

Repurchase Agreements (c)

             

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $3,300,591); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 3,300,000      3,300,000

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $1,246,688); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     1,246,600      1,246,600
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $4,546,600)

            4,546,600
           

Total Investments in Securities (Cost $81,337,129) 99.8%

            97,446,395

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net 0.2%

            238,871
           

Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 97,685,266
           

STRONG ADVISOR TECHNOLOGY FUND
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 94.9%

             

Agricultural Operations 1.4%

             

Syngenta AG ADR (b)

     1,000    $ 21,350

Commercial Services - Security/Safety 3.4%

             

Mine Safety Appliances Company

     1,000      50,700

Computer - Integrated Systems 2.3%

             

Stratasys, Inc. (b)

     1,050      35,238

Computer - IT Services 4.5%

             

Computer Sciences Corporation (b)

     775      43,687

International Business Machines Corporation

     240      23,659
           

              67,346

Computer - Local Networks 1.6%

             

Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (b)

     3,100      23,684

Computer - Manufacturers 3.3%

             

Dell, Inc. (b)

     1,200      50,568

 

67


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR TECHNOLOGY FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Computer - Software Design 1.8%

             

Magma Design Automation (b)

     1,600    $ 20,096

Verisity, Ltd. (b)

     800      6,560
           

              26,656

Computer Software - Desktop 5.6%

             

Microsoft Corporation

     1,900      50,749

Sonic Solutions (b)

     1,500      33,660
           

              84,409

Computer Software - Education/Entertainment 4.8%

             

Activision, Inc. (b)

     1,000      20,180

InterVideo, Inc. (b)

     2,400      31,752

THQ, Inc. (b)

     900      20,646
           

              72,578

Computer Software - Enterprise 4.3%

             

FalconStor Software, Inc. (b)

     2,100      20,097

Informatica Corporation (b)

     2,900      23,548

Nuance Communications, Inc. (b)

     5,100      21,114
           

              64,759

Computer Software - Financial 2.7%

             

Corillian Corporation (b)

     3,900      19,188

Online Resources & Communications Corporation (b)

     2,900      22,098
           

              41,286

Diversified Operations 2.2%

             

Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV Sponsored ADR - New York Registry Shares

     1,250      33,125

Electronics - Contract Manufacturing 3.2%

             

TTM Technologies, Inc. (b)

     4,100      48,380

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 4.4%

             

Rogers Corporation (b)

     850      36,635

TDK Corporation Sponsored ADR

     400      29,696
           

              66,331

Electronics - Parts Distributors 2.1%

             

Bell Microproducts, Inc. (b)

     3,300      31,746

Electronics - Scientific Measuring 1.0%

             

FEI Company (b)

     750      15,750

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 16.2%

             

ARM Holdings PLC Sponsored ADR

     2,900      17,893

Altera Corporation (b)

     1,300      26,910

BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (b)

     5,000      27,950

KLA-Tencor Corporation (b)

     975      45,416

Linear Technology Corporation

     1,350      52,326

LogicVision, Inc. (b)

     2,000      5,860

Pixelworks, Inc. (b)

     1,400      15,876

Sigma Designs, Inc. (b)

     2,600      25,828

Therma-Wave, Inc. (b)

     7,800      26,988
           

              245,047

Internet - Software 3.0%

             

Ariba, Inc. (b)

     2,733      45,368

Leisure - Movies & Related 4.1%

             

Avid Technology, Inc. (b)

     1,000      61,750

Medical - Drug/Diversified 2.9%

             

Sanofi-Aventis ADR

     1,100      44,055

Medical - Genetics 2.9%

             

Diversa Corporation (b)

     2,100    $ 18,354

Genencor International, Inc. (b)

     1,600      26,240
           

              44,594

Medical - Products 2.4%

             

Encore Medical Corporation (b)

     5,300      35,987

Medical - Systems/Equipment 3.4%

             

CTI Molecular Imaging, Inc. (b)

     1,000      14,190

Hologic, Inc. (b)

     650      17,855

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (b)

     500      20,010
           

              52,055

Telecommunications - Equipment 4.6%

             

ADTRAN, Inc.

     1,250      23,925

Lucent Technologies, Inc. (b)

     12,100      45,496
           

              69,421

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 3.7%

             

Garmin, Ltd.

     400      24,336

Trimble Navigation, Ltd. (b)

     950      31,388
           

              55,724

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 3.1%

             

America Movil ADR Series L

     900      47,115
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,333,725)

            1,435,022
           

Short-Term Investments (a) 4.4%

             

Repurchase Agreements (c)

             

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $65,605);
Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 65,600      65,600
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $65,600)

            65,600
           

Total Investments in Securities (Cost $1,399,325) 99.3%

            1,500,622

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net 0.7%

            11,312
           

Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 1,511,934
           

STRONG ADVISOR U.S. SMALL/MID CAP GROWTH FUND
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 92.0%

             

Aerospace - Defense Equipment 1.0%

             

Laureate Education, Inc. (b)

     1,145    $ 50,483

Chemicals - Specialty 1.0%

             

Symyx Technologies, Inc. (b)

     1,650      49,632

Commercial Services - Consulting 1.0%

             

Navigant Consulting, Inc. (b)

     1,980      52,668

Commercial Services - Market Research 2.0%

             

CoStar Group, Inc. (b)

     2,270      104,829

Commercial Services - Schools 1.1%

             

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (b)

     895      57,960

 

68


STRONG ADVISOR U.S. SMALL/MID CAP GROWTH FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


    

Value

(Note 2)


 

Computer - IT Services 2.5%

                 

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A (b)

     3,080      $ 130,376  

Computer - Peripheral Equipment 2.0%

                 

Synaptics, Inc. (b)

     3,305        101,067  

Computer Software - Desktop 1.8%

                 

Sonic Solutions (b)

     4,040        90,658  

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 1.3%

                 

Sigmatel, Inc. (b)

     1,935        68,751  

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 4.5%

                 

Cree, Inc. (b)

     1,400        56,112  

FormFactor, Inc. (b)

     2,995        81,284  

Tessera Technologies, Inc. (b)

     2,555        95,072  
             


                232,468  

Energy - Other 1.1%

                 

Massey Energy Company

     1,655        57,842  

Finance - Consumer/Commercial Loans 1.6%

                 

United PanAm Financial Corporation (b)

     4,350        82,911  

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 2.4%

                 

Investors Financial Services Corporation

     2,525        126,199  

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 1.7%

                 

ProAssurance Corporation (b)

     2,260        88,389  

Internet - Content 2.3%

                 

Ask Jeeves, Inc. (b)

     1,750        46,812  

InfoSpace, Inc. (b)

     1,525        72,514  
             


                119,326  

Internet - E*Commerce 2.5%

                 

Getty Images, Inc. (b)

     1,875        129,094  

Internet - Network Security/Solutions 3.0%

                 

Equinix, Inc. (b)

     2,270        97,020  

F5 Networks, Inc. (b)

     1,215        59,195  
             


                156,215  

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 1.1%

                 

Las Vegas Sands Corporation (b)

     1,135        54,480  

Leisure - Products 1.0%

                 

Celebrate Express, Inc. (b)

     2,765        52,535  

Machinery - Construction/Mining 10.7%

                 

A.S.V., Inc. (b)

     2,840        136,036  

Bucyrus International, Inc. Class A

     3,020        122,733  

Joy Global, Inc.

     3,890        168,943  

Terex Corporation (b)

     2,650        126,272  
             


                553,984  

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 0.7%

                 

Immunicon Corporation (b)

     5,500        38,390  

Medical - Drug/Diversified 1.0%

                 

MGI Pharma, Inc. (b)

     1,780        49,858  

Medical - Ethical Drugs 2.1%

                 

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (b)

     6,272        110,324  

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 1.6%

                 

Centene Corporation (b)

     2,950      $ 83,632  

Medical - Outpatient/Home Care 1.4%

                 

LCA-Vision, Inc.

     3,075        71,924  

Medical - Products 1.9%

                 

Kyphon, Inc. (b)

     3,815        98,274  

Medical - Systems/Equipment 3.7%

                 

Foxhollow Technologies, Inc. (b)

     4,125        101,434  

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (b)

     1,415        90,546  
             


                191,980  

Medical/Dental - Services 1.6%

                 

American Healthways, Inc. (b)

     2,488        82,204  

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.5%

                 

CARBO Ceramics, Inc.

     1,095        75,555  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 9.1%

                 

KCS Energy, Inc. (b)

     3,725        55,055  

Penn Virginia Corporation

     3,940        159,846  

Quicksilver Resources, Inc. (b)

     2,810        103,352  

Range Resources Corporation

     3,210        65,677  

Ultra Petroleum Corporation (b)

     1,840        88,559  
             


                472,489  

Retail - Clothing/Shoes 1.2%

                 

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (b)

     1,390        61,716  

Retail - Restaurants 5.4%

                 

BJ’S Restaurants, Inc. (b)

     5,220        73,080  

The Cheesecake Factory, Inc. (b)

     3,120        101,306  

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc. (b)

     970        54,659  

Peets Coffee & Tea, Inc. (b)

     1,929        51,061  
             


                280,106  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 3.0%

                 

Trimble Navigation, Ltd. (b)

     4,635        153,140  

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 5.7%

                 

Alamosa Holdings, Inc. (b)

     16,630        207,376  

Nextel Communications, Inc. Class A (b)

     2,920        87,600  
             


                294,976  

Transportation - Truck 6.5%

                 

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

     2,525        113,246  

Landstar Systems, Inc. (b)

     2,990        220,184  
             


                333,430  
             


Total Common Stocks (Cost $3,434,784)

              4,757,865  
             


Short-Term Investments (a) 8.1%

                 

Repurchase Agreements (c)

                 

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $420,030);
Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 420,000        420,000  
             


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $420,000)

              420,000  
             


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $3,854,784)100.1%

              5,177,865  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (0.1%)

              (3,833 )
             


Net Assets 100.0%

            $ 5,174,032  
             


 

69


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ADVISOR UTILITIES AND ENERGY FUND

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 96.0%

             

Chemicals - Specialty 1.2%

             

Ashland, Inc.

     400    $ 23,352

Diversified Operations 2.1%

             

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

     1,500      40,020

Oil & Gas - Canadian Exploration & Production 0.4%

             

Talisman Energy, Inc.

     300      8,088

Oil & Gas - Drilling 4.1%

             

Nabors Industries, Ltd. (b)

     500      25,645

Transocean, Inc. (b)

     1,300      55,107
           

              80,752

Oil & Gas - Field Services 5.2%

             

Schlumberger, Ltd.

     1,500      100,425

Oil & Gas - International Integrated 11.9%

             

BP PLC Sponsored ADR

     1,300      75,920

ConocoPhillips

     800      69,464

Exxon Mobil Corporation

     1,000      51,260

Royal Dutch Petroleum Company - New York Shares

     600      34,428
           

              231,072

Oil & Gas - Production/Pipeline 1.0%

             

The Williams Companies, Inc.

     1,200      19,548

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 2.2%

             

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

     600      38,886

Devon Energy Corporation

     100      3,892
           

              42,778

Telecommunications - Services 3.3%

             

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     1,600      64,816

Telecommunications - Services Foreign 3.1%

             

BCE, Inc.

     2,500      60,325

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 0.7%

             

Vodafone Group PLC Sponsored ADR

     500      13,690

Transportation - Ship 0.2%

             

Teekay Shipping Corporation

     100      4,211

Utility - Electric Power 39.0%

             

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

     2,200      75,548

Constellation Energy Group, Inc.

     3,700      161,727

Duke Energy Corporation

     2,500      63,325

Exelon Corporation

     2,600      114,582

FPL Group, Inc.

     900      67,275

PNM Resources, Inc.

     100      2,529

PPL Corporation

     1,500      79,920

TXU Corporation

     1,700      109,752

Wisconsin Energy Corporation

     2,500      84,275
           

              758,933

Utility - Gas Distribution 21.6%

             

Energen Corporation

     800      47,160

ONEOK, Inc.

     4,800      136,416

Sempra Energy

     2,000      73,360

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

     400      21,024

Southern Union Company (b)

     3,500      83,930

Southwest Gas Corporation

     1,700    $ 43,180

UGI Corporation

     400      16,364
           

              421,434
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,572,922)

            1,869,444
           

Short-Term Investments (a) 3.0%

             

Repurchase Agreements (c)

             

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04),0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $58,604);
Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 58,600      58,600
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $58,600)

            58,600
           

Total Investments in Securities (Cost $1,631,522)99.0%

            1,928,044

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net 1.0%

            19,107
           

Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 1,947,151
           

STRONG ADVISOR LARGE COMPANY CORE FUND

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 98.0%

             

Aerospace - Defense 2.7%

             

Northrop Grumman Corporation

     47,100    $ 2,560,356

Apparel - Shoes & Related Manufacturing 3.0%

             

NIKE, Inc. Class B

     31,850      2,888,477

Auto Manufacturer 2.4%

             

Ford Motor Company

     159,500      2,335,080

Auto/Truck - Original Equipment 3.0%

             

Eaton Corporation

     39,400      2,850,984

Banks - Super Regional 5.4%

             

Marshall & Ilsley Corporation

     51,450      2,274,090

Wachovia Corporation

     56,050      2,948,230
           

              5,222,320

Building - Paint & Allied Products 3.2%

             

Sherwin Williams Company

     68,700      3,066,081

Building Products - Wood 2.4%

             

Georgia-Pacific Corporation

     61,200      2,293,776

Chemicals - Basic 1.4%

             

BASF AG Sponsored ADR

     18,700      1,346,774

Computer - IT Services 2.5%

             

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. Class A (b)

     39,500      2,377,505

Computer - Manufacturers 2.0%

             

Dell, Inc. (b)

     45,500      1,917,370

Computer Software - Security 1.0%

             

Symantec Corporation (b)

     35,900      924,784

Cosmetics - Personal Care 1.3%

             

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

     19,000      1,250,390

 

70


STRONG ADVISOR LARGE COMPANY CORE FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Electronics - Scientific Measuring 2.4%

             

Danaher Corporation

     39,400    $ 2,261,954

Finance - Consumer/Commercial Loans 6.0%

             

CIT Group, Inc.

     73,200      3,354,023

MBNA Corporation

     83,750      2,360,913
           

              5,714,936

Finance - Mortgage & Related Services 1.8%

             

FHLMC

     23,250      1,713,525

Food - Confectionery 1.4%

             

Hershey Foods Corporation

     24,550      1,363,507

Food - Flour & Grain 3.1%

             

Archer Daniels Midland Company

     133,300      2,973,923

Insurance - Diversified 2.9%

             

Prudential Financial, Inc.

     51,250      2,816,700

Insurance - Life 2.3%

             

MetLife, Inc.

     55,150      2,234,127

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 2.7%

             

The Allstate Corporation

     49,700      2,570,484

Media - Radio/TV 2.8%

             

The Walt Disney Company

     95,000      2,641,000

Medical - Drug/Diversified 2.6%

             

Schering AG ADR

     33,600      2,494,800

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 6.2%

             

Aetna, Inc.

     18,600      2,320,350

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     41,350      3,640,040
           

              5,960,390

Medical - Products 2.5%

             

Alcon, Inc.

     29,800      2,401,880

Medical/Dental - Supplies 3.2%

             

Becton, Dickinson & Company

     54,400      3,089,919

Oil & Gas - International Integrated 5.3%

             

ConocoPhillips

     31,050      2,696,072

Exxon Mobil Corporation

     46,248      2,370,672
           

              5,066,744

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 2.4%

             

Baker Hughes, Inc.

     55,000      2,346,850

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 4.5%

             

Burlington Resources, Inc.

     66,200      2,879,700

Devon Energy Corporation

     36,000      1,401,120
           

              4,280,820

Retail - Restaurants 2.8%

             

McDonald’s Corporation

     84,800      2,718,688

Retail/Wholesale - Building Products 2.8%

             

The Home Depot, Inc.

     63,300      2,705,442

Steel - Producers 2.3%

             

Nucor Corporation

     42,700      2,234,918

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 4.8%

             

Motorola, Inc.

     146,850    $ 2,525,820

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Sponsored ADR (b)

     66,750      2,101,958
           

              4,627,778

Utility - Electric Power 2.9%

             

Edison International

     87,250      2,794,618
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $80,141,874)

            94,046,900
           

Short-Term Investments (a) 1.9%

             

Repurchase Agreements (c)

             

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04),0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $1,796,527); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 1,796,400      1,796,400
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $1,796,400)

            1,796,400
           

Total Investments in Securities (Cost $81,938,274) 99.9%

            95,843,300

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net 0.1%

            94,388
           

Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 95,937,688
           

 

CURRENCY ABBREVIATIONS

 

CAD

    Canadian Dollar

CHF

    Swiss Franc

EUR

    European Euro

 

LEGEND

 

(a) Short-term investments include any security which has a remaining maturity of less than one year and investments in money market funds.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) See Note 2(J) of Notes to Financial Statements.
(d) Affiliated Issuer (See Note 9 of Notes to Financial Statements.)
(e) All or a portion of these securities are held in conjunction with open written option contracts.
(f) All or a portion of security is on loan. See Note 2(K) of Notes to Financial Statements.
(g) Restricted and Illiquid security.
(h) Security trades in foreign currency and is converted to U.S. dollars daily using current exchange rates.

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

71


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)
     Strong Advisor
Common
Stock Fund


   Strong Advisor
Mid Cap
Growth Fund


    Strong Advisor
Small Cap
Value Fund


Assets:

                     

Investments in Securities, at Value

                     

Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost of $995,536, $49,742, and $1,288,768, respectively)

   $ 1,353,578    $ 67,707     $ 1,869,107

Affiliated Issuers (Cost of $0, $0, and $253,704, respectively)

     —        —         412,207

Receivable for Securities Sold

     24,688      —         9,031

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     669      34       7,706

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     667      25       795

Other Assets

     139      65       212
    

  


 

Total Assets

     1,379,741      67,831       2,299,058

Liabilities:

                     

Payable for Securities Purchased

     433      42       10,356

Written Options, at Value

                     

(Premiums Received of $252, $0, and $10,369, respectively)

     200      —         11,005

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     25,572      185       25,624

Payable Upon Return of Securities on Loan

     53,057      —         —  

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     348      51       535
    

  


 

Total Liabilities

     79,610      278       47,520
    

  


 

Net Assets

   $ 1,300,131    $ 67,553     $ 2,251,538
    

  


 

Net Assets Consist of:

                     

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 930,928    $ 157,904     $ 1,511,264

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —        —         —  

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     11,096      (108,316 )     2,068

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     358,107      17,965       738,206
    

  


 

Net Assets

   $ 1,300,131    $ 67,553     $ 2,251,538
    

  


 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

72


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

Strong Advisor
Common

Stock Fund


   Strong Advisor
Mid Cap
Growth Fund


  

Strong Advisor
Small Cap

Value Fund


Class A ($ and shares in full)

                    

Net Assets

   $ 73,611,745    $ 10,309,450    $ 598,225,839

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     3,285,920      742,726      20,496,923

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 22.40    $ 13.88    $ 29.19
    

  

  

Public Offering Price Per Share
($22.40 divided by .9425,$13.88 divided by .9425, and $29.19 divided by .9425, respectively)

   $ 23.77    $ 14.73    $ 30.97
    

  

  

Class B ($ and shares in full)

                    

Net Assets

   $ 37,907,614    $ 2,990,041    $ 136,824,800

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     1,743,894      221,643      4,849,386

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 21.74    $ 13.49    $ 28.21
    

  

  

Class C ($ and shares in full)

                    

Net Assets

   $ 26,375,343    $ 575,274    $ 157,329,105

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     1,213,555      42,633      5,564,960

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 21.73    $ 13.49    $ 28.27
    

  

  

Class Z ($ and shares in full)

                    

Net Assets

   $ 1,162,236,209    $ 53,678,011    $ 1,359,157,826

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     51,306,961      3,882,273      46,225,942

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 22.65    $ 13.83    $ 29.40
    

  

  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

73


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)
     Strong Advisor
U.S. Value Fund


Assets:

      

Investments in Securities, at Value

      

Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost of $311,421)

   $ 370,007

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     701

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     452

Other Assets

     43
    

Total Assets

     371,203

Liabilities:

      

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     1,854

Payable Upon Return of Securities on Loan

     9,099

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     127
    

Total Liabilities

     11,080
    

Net Assets

   $ 360,123
    

Net Assets Consist of:

      

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 299,334

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     32

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     2,171

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     58,586
    

Net Assets

   $ 360,123
    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

74


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     Strong Advisor
U.S. Value Fund


Class A ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 5,264,414

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     283,860

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 18.55
    

Public Offering Price Per Share
($18.55 divided by .9425)

   $ 19.68
    

Class B ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 6,368,645

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     343,793

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 18.52
    

Class C ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 4,293,731

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     232,841

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 18.44
    

Class K ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 91,939,878

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     4,997,868

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 18.40
    

Class Z ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 252,255,933

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     13,502,274

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 18.68
    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

75


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands, Except As Noted)  
     Strong Advisor
Endeavor Large
Cap Fund


    Strong Advisor
Focus Fund


    Strong Advisor
International
Core Fund


 

Assets:

                        

Investments in Securities, at Value

                        

Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost of $37,016, $1,803, and $1,744, respectively)

   $ 44,310     $ 2,507     $ 2,286  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     93       —         —    

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     29       —         4  

Other Assets

     12       13       10  
    


 


 


Total Assets

     44,444       2,520       2,300  

Liabilities:

                        

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     42       —         —    

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     20       6       8  
    


 


 


Total Liabilities

     62       6       8  
    


 


 


Net Assets

   $ 44,382     $ 2,514     $ 2,292  
    


 


 


Net Assets Consist of:

                        

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 37,244     $ 5,886     $ 1,752  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —         —         1  

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (156 )     (4,076 )     (3 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     7,294       704       542  
    


 


 


Net Assets

   $ 44,382     $ 2,514     $ 2,292  
    


 


 


Class A ($ and shares in full)

                        

Net Assets

   $ 42,958,690     $ 1,160,439     $ 756,757  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     3,694,749       164,119       57,504  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 11.63     $ 7.07     $ 13.16  
    


 


 


Public Offering Price Per Share

($11.63 divided by .9425,$7.07 divided by .9425 and

$13.16 divided by .9425, respectively)

   $ 12.34     $ 7.50     $ 13.96  
    


 


 


Class B ($ and shares in full)

                        

Net Assets

   $ 949,653     $ 1,100,895     $ 1,217,938  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     83,202       158,995       92,730  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 11.41     $ 6.92     $ 13.13  
    


 


 


Class C ($ and shares in full)

                        

Net Assets

   $ 473,702     $ 252,460     $ 317,109  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     41,526       36,481       24,171  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 11.41     $ 6.92     $ 13.12  
    


 


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

76


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands, Except As Noted)  
     Strong Advisor
Select Fund


   Strong Advisor
Technology
Fund


    Strong Advisor
U.S. Small/Mid Cap
Growth Fund


 

Assets:

                       

Investments in Securities, at Value

                       

Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost of $81,337, $1,399, and $3,855, respectively)

   $ 97,446    $ 1,501     $ 5,178  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     260      —         1  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     54      —         —    

Other Assets

     22      22       3  
    

  


 


Total Assets

     97,782      1,523       5,182  

Liabilities:

                       

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     70      5       —    

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     27      6       8  
    

  


 


Total Liabilities

     97      11       8  
    

  


 


Net Assets

   $ 97,685    $ 1,512     $ 5,174  
    

  


 


Net Assets Consist of:

                       

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 79,192    $ 1,986     $ 4,450  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —        —         —    

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     2,384      (575 )     (599 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     16,109      101       1,323  
    

  


 


Net Assets

   $ 97,685    $ 1,512     $ 5,174  
    

  


 


Class A ($ and shares in full)

                       

Net Assets

   $ 94,805,424    $ 763,546     $ 2,499,638  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     10,349,311      107,685       222,245  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 9.16    $ 7.09     $ 11.25  
    

  


 


Public Offering Price Per Share

($9.16 divided by .9425,$7.09 divided by .9425, and

$11.25 divided by .9425, respectively)

   $ 9.72    $ 7.52     $ 11.94  
    

  


 


Class B ($ and shares in full)

                       

Net Assets

   $ 1,800,298    $ 539,079     $ 1,517,675  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     202,930      77,158       134,984  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 8.87    $ 6.99     $ 11.24  
    

  


 


Class C ($ and shares in full)

                       

Net Assets

   $ 1,079,544    $ 209,309     $ 1,156,719  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     121,653      30,053       102,780  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 8.87    $ 6.96     $ 11.25  
    

  


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

77


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

(In Thousands,

Except As Noted)

    

Strong Advisor

Utilities and

Energy Fund


Assets:

      

Investments in Securities, at Value

      

Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost of $1,632)

   $ 1,928

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     21

Other Assets

     6
    

Total Assets

     1,955

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     8
    

Net Assets

   $ 1,947
    

Net Assets Consist of:

      

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 1,469

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     3

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     178

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     297
    

Net Assets

   $ 1,947
    

Class A ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 1,288,414

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     108,375

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 11.89
    

Public Offering Price Per Share

($11.89 divided by .9425)

   $ 12.62
    

Class B ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 374,985

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     31,885

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 11.76
    

Class C ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 283,752

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     24,181

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 11.73
    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

78


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

(In Thousands,

Except As Noted)

    

Strong Advisor

Large Company

Core Fund


Assets:

      

Investments in Securities, at Value

      

Unaffiliated Issuers (Cost of $81,938)

   $ 95,843

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     89

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     112

Other Assets

     24
    

Total Assets

     96,068

Liabilities:

      

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     100

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     30
    

Total Liabilities

     130
    

Net Assets

   $ 95,938
    

Net Assets Consist of:

      

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 80,707

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —  

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     1,326

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     13,905
    

Net Assets

   $ 95,938
    

Class A ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 55,120,560

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     5,026,244

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 10.97
    

Public Offering Price Per Share

($10.97 divided by .9425)

   $ 11.64
    

Class B ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 9,103,370

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     848,241

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 10.73
    

Class C ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 7,456,583

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     695,324

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 10.72
    

Class K ($ and shares in full)

      

Net Assets

   $ 24,257,175

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     2,192,221

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 11.07
    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

79


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Advisor
Common Stock
Fund


    Strong Advisor
Mid Cap Growth
Fund


    Strong Advisor
Small Cap
Value Fund


 

Income:

                        

Dividends – Unaffiliated Issuers (net of foreign withholding taxes of $74, $3, and $423, respectively)

   $ 12,178     $ 224     $ 9,651  

Dividends – Affiliated Issuers

     —         —         631  

Interest

     960       21       1,502  
    


 


 


Total Income

     13,138       245       11,784  

Expenses (Note 4):

                        

Investment Advisory Fees

     10,660       481       15,396  

Administrative Fees

     4,264       192       6,158  

Custodian Fees

     82       13       157  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     3,093       304       5,103  

Reports to Shareholders

     406       87       708  

12b-1 Fees

     862       58       4,239  

Other

     526       92       666  
    


 


 


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     19,893       1,227       32,427  

Expense Waivers and Offsets

     (544 )     (33 )     (832 )
    


 


 


Expenses, Net

     19,349       1,194       31,595  
    


 


 


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (6,211 )     (949 )     (19,811 )

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

                        

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

                        

Investments

     215,028       10,458       277,265  

Foreign Currencies

     7       —         —    

Written Options

     —         —         (6,948 )
    


 


 


Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     215,035       10,458       270,317  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on:

                        

Investments

     (86,255 )     1,475       119,110  

Foreign Currencies

     5       —         —    

Written Options

     52       —         1,248  
    


 


 


Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (86,198 )     1,475       120,358  
    


 


 


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     128,837       11,933       390,675  
    


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 122,626     $ 10,984     $ 370,864  
    


 


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

80


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Advisor
U.S. Value
Fund


 

Income:

        

Dividends – Unaffiliated Issuers (net of foreign withholding taxes of $3)

   $ 8,039  

Interest

     168  
    


Total Income

     8,207  

Expenses (Note 4):

        

Investment Advisory Fees

     1,812  

Administrative Fees

     947  

Custodian Fees

     27  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     1,000  

Reports to Shareholders

     257  

12b-1 Fees

     112  

Other

     199  
    


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     4,354  

Expense Waivers and Offsets

     (210 )
    


Expenses, Net

     4,144  
    


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     4,063  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

        

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

        

Investments

     30,629  

Futures Contracts

     (15 )

Written Options

     33  
    


Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     30,647  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

     9,863  
    


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     40,510  
    


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 44,573  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

81


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Advisor
Endeavor Large
Cap Fund


    Strong Advisor
Focus Fund


    Strong Advisor
International
Core Fund


 

Income:

                        

Dividends – Unaffiliated Issuers (net of foreign withholding taxes of $3, $0, and $4, respectively)

   $ 280     $ 5     $ 40  

Interest

     8       1       1  
    


 


 


Total Income

     288       6       41  

Expenses (Note 4):

                        

Investment Advisory Fees

     298       19       13  

Administrative Fees

     119       8       5  

Custodian Fees

     7       3       6  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     80       6       4  

12b-1 Fees

     109       17       13  

Professional Fees

     20       14       15  

Federal and State Registration Fees

     36       40       34  

Other

     15       2       3  
    


 


 


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     684       109       93  

Expense Waivers and Offsets

     (15 )     (53 )     (93 )
    


 


 


Expenses, Net

     669       56       —    
    


 


 


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (381 )     (50 )     41  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

                        

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     5,706       499       81  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

     821       (36 )     215  
    


 


 


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     6,527       463       296  
    


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 6,146     $ 413     $ 337  
    


 


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

82


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Advisor
Select Fund


    Strong Advisor
Technology
Fund


    Strong Advisor
U.S. Small/Mid
Cap Growth
Fund


 

Income:

                        

Dividends – Unaffiliated Issuers (net of foreign withholding taxes of $5, $0, and $0, respectively)

   $ 387     $ 7     $ 6  

Interest

     27       1       1  
    


 


 


Total Income

     414       8       7  

Expenses (Note 4):

                        

Investment Advisory Fees

     593       11       40  

Administrative Fees

     237       5       16  

Custodian Fees

     9       2       6  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     158       3       11  

12b-1 Fees

     211       9       34  

Professional Fees

     25       14       15  

Federal and State Registration Fees

     38       39       35  

Other

     17       2       5  
    


 


 


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1,288       85       162  

Expenses Waivers and Offsets

     (29 )     (58 )     (34 )
    


 


 


Expenses, Net

     1,259       27       128  
    


 


 


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (845 )     (19 )     (121 )

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

                        

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     14,045       188       (352 )

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

     372       (221 )     425  
    


 


 


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     14,417       (33 )     73  
    


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 13,572     $ (52 )   $ (48 )
    


 


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

83


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Advisor
Utilities and
Energy Fund


 

Income:

        

Dividends – Unaffiliated Issuers (net of foreign withholding taxes of $4)

   $ 251  

Interest

     4  
    


Total Income

     255  

Expenses (Note 4):

        

Investment Advisory Fees

     68  

Administrative Fees

     27  

Custodian Fees

     5  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     18  

12b-1 Fees

     26  

Professional Fees

     15  

Federal and State Registration Fees

     36  

Other

     3  
    


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     198  

Expense Waivers and Offsets

     (4 )
    


Expenses, Net

     194  
    


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     61  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

        

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     2,964  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

     (1,242 )
    


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     1,722  
    


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 1,783  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

84


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Advisor
Large Company
Core Fund


 

Income:

        

Dividends – Unaffiliated Issuers (net of foreign withholding taxes of $4)

   $ 1,399  

Interest

     67  
    


Total Income

     1,466  

Expenses (Note 4):

        

Investment Advisory Fees

     794  

Administrative Fees

     303  

Custodian Fees

     11  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     214  

12b-1 Fees

     310  

Other

     127  
    


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1,759  

Expense Waivers and Offsets

     (220 )
    


Expenses, Net

     1,539  
    


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (73 )

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

        

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     9,068  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

     848  
    


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     9,916  
    


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 9,843  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

85


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     (In Thousands)  
    

Strong Advisor Common

Stock Fund


   

Strong Advisor Mid Cap

Growth Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (6,211 )   $ (7,290 )   $ (949 )   $ (1,218 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     215,035       76,043       10,458       11,159  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (86,198 )     450,650       1,475       16,288  
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     122,626       519,403       10,984       26,229  

Distributions:

                                

From Net Realized Gains:

                                

Class A

     (5,224 )     —         —         —    

Class B

     (2,711 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (1,934 )     —         —         —    

Class Z

     (81,830 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (91,699 )     —         —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (321,774 )     (384,712 )     (14,748 )     (29,181 )
    


 


 


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (290,847 )     134,691       (3,764 )     (2,952 )

Net Assets:

                                

Beginning of Year

     1,590,978       1,456,287       71,317       74,269  
    


 


 


 


End of Year

   $ 1,300,131     $ 1,590,978     $ 67,553     $ 71,317  
    


 


 


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

86


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Advisor Small Cap
Value Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (19,811 )   $ (9,098 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     270,317       82,632  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     120,358       595,643  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     370,864       669,177  

Distributions:

                

From Net Investment Income:

                

Class A

     —         (248 )

Class B

     —         (48 )

Class C

     —         (61 )

Class Z

     —         (436 )

From Net Realized Gains:

                

Class A

     (65,935 )     (15,533 )

Class B

     (15,208 )     (2,975 )

Class C

     (17,606 )     (3,815 )

Class Z

     (142,847 )     (27,278 )
    


 


Total Distributions

     (241,596 )     (50,394 )

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (3,499 )     339,695  
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     125,769       958,478  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     2,125,769       1,167,291  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 2,251,538     $ 2,125,769  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

87


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

     (In Thousands)  
    

Strong Advisor

U.S. Value Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 4,063     $ 1,864  

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     30,647       11,073  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     9,863       49,990  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     44,573       62,927  

Distributions:

                

From Net Investment Income:

                

Class A

     (46 )     (36 )

Class B

     (19 )     (11 )

Class C

     (9 )     (9 )

Class K

     (1,196 )     (523 )

Class Z

     (2,578 )     (1,255 )

From Net Realized Gains:

                

Class A

     (352 )     —    

Class B

     (435 )     —    

Class C

     (299 )     —    

Class K

     (5,975 )     —    

Class Z

     (16,835 )     —    
    


 


Total Distributions

     (27,744 )     (1,834 )

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     83,023       (16,592 )
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     99,852       44,501  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     260,271       215,770  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 360,123     $ 260,271  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 32     $ 19  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

88


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

     (In Thousands)  
    

Strong Advisor Endeavor

Large Cap Fund


    Strong Advisor Focus Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (381 )   $ (305 )   $ (50 )   $ (47 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     5,706       3,624       499       225  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     821       6,766       (36 )     615  
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     6,146       10,085       413       793  

Distributions From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     486       (1,142 )     (1,019 )     (1,326 )
    


 


 


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     6,632       8,943       (606 )     (533 )

Net Assets:

                                

Beginning of Year

     37,750       28,807       3,120       3,653  
    


 


 


 


End of Year

   $ 44,382     $ 37,750     $ 2,514     $ 3,120  
    


 


 


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

89


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

     (In Thousands)  
    

Strong Advisor

International Core Fund


    Strong Advisor Select Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 41     $ 22     $ (845 )   $ (745 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     81       (12 )     14,045       8,935  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     215       342       372       15,584  
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     337       352       13,572       23,774  

Distributions:

                                

From Net Investment Income:

                                

Class A

     (14 )     (7 )     —         —    

Class B

     (23 )     (10 )     —         —    

Class C

     (6 )     (3 )     —         —    

From Net Realized Gains:

                                

Class A

     (15 )     —         (5,514 )     —    

Class B

     (23 )     —         (108 )     —    

Class C

     (6 )     —         (66 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (87 )     (20 )     (5,688 )     —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     547       562       7,544       2,173  
    


 


 


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     797       894       15,428       25,947  

Net Assets:

                                

Beginning of Year

     1,495       601       82,257       56,310  
    


 


 


 


End of Year

   $ 2,292     $ 1,495     $ 97,685     $ 82,257  
    


 


 


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 1     $ 2     $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

90


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

     (In Thousands)  
    

Strong Advisor

Technology Fund


   

Strong Advisor

U.S. Small/Mid

Cap Growth Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (19 )   $ (39 )   $ (121 )   $ (58 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     188       435       (352 )     (68 )

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (221 )     787       425       890  
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     (52 )     1,183       (48 )     764  

Distributions From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (629 )     (479 )     (315 )     4,011  
    


 


 


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (681 )     704       (363 )     4,775  

Net Assets:

                                

Beginning of Year

     2,193       1,489       5,537       762  
    


 


 


 


End of Year

   $ 1,512     $ 2,193     $ 5,174     $ 5,537  
    


 


 


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

 

    

Strong Advisor Utilities

and Energy Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 61     $ 185  

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     2,964       134  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (1,242 )     1,523  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     1,783       1,842  

Distributions:

                

From Net Investment Income:

                

Class A

     (47 )     (180 )

Class B

     (7 )     (2 )

Class C

     (5 )     (2 )

From Net Realized Gains:

                

Class A

     (663 )     —    

Class B

     (30 )     —    

Class C

     (22 )     —    
    


 


Total Distributions

     (774 )     (184 )

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (9,377 )     2,271  
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (8,368 )     3,929  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     10,315       6,386  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 1,947     $ 10,315  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 3     $ 1  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

91


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Advisor Large
Company Core Fund


 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (73 )   $ 23  

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     9,068       2,100  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     848       13,076  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     9,843       15,199  

Distributions:

                

From Net Investment Income:

                

Class A

     —         (20 )

Class K

     —         (46 )

From Net Realized Gains:

                

Class A

     (4,798 )     (62 )

Class B

     (759 )     (7 )

Class C

     (636 )     (6 )

Class K

     (2,151 )     (33 )
    


 


Total Distributions

     (8,344 )     (174 )

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (22,266 )     92,004  
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (20,767 )     107,029  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     116,705       9,676  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 95,938     $ 116,705  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

92


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

STRONG ADVISOR COMMON STOCK FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)(c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 21.98     $ 15.87     $ 19.71     $ 20.15     $ 18.90  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.14 )(d)     (0.10 )     (0.08 )(d)     (0.04 )     (0.00 )(e)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.21       6.21       (3.76 )     (0.36 )     1.28  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.07       6.11       (3.84 )     (0.40 )     1.28  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         (0.03 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.65 )     —         —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.65 )     —         —         (0.04 )     (0.03 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 22.40     $ 21.98     $ 15.87     $ 19.71     $ 20.15  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(f)

     +9.67 %     +38.50 %     –19.48 %     –1.99 %     +6.78 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 74     $ 81     $ 46     $ 28     $ 0 (g)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.6 )%     (0.6 )%     (0.5 )%     (0.5 )%     (0.2 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     41.6 %     41.8 %     64.9 %     89.3 %     95.4 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR COMMON STOCK FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)(c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 21.53     $ 15.67     $ 19.62     $ 20.16     $ 18.90  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.29 )(d)     (0.24 )     (0.22 )(d)     (0.09 )     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.15       6.10       (3.73 )     (0.41 )     1.28  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.86       5.86       (3.95 )     (0.50 )     1.27  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         (0.01 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.65 )     —         —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.65 )     —         —         (0.04 )     (0.01 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 21.74     $ 21.53     $ 15.67     $ 19.62     $ 20.16  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(f)

     +8.89 %     +37.40 %     –20.13 %     –2.48 %     +6.76 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 38     $ 39     $ 24     $ 16     $ 0 (g)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.3 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.5 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.3 %     2.3 %     2.4 %     2.3 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.4 )%     (1.4 )%     (1.3 )%     (1.1 )%     (0.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     41.6 %     41.8 %     64.9 %     89.3 %     95.4 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Per share data reflects a 1.233 for 1.000 share split which occurred on March 8, 2001.
(d) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(e) Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(f) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(g) Amount is less than $500,000.
(h) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

93


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR COMMON STOCK FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)(c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 21.53     $ 15.68     $ 19.62     $ 20.16     $ 18.90  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.30 )(d)     (0.25 )     (0.22 )(d)     (0.09 )     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.15       6.10       (3.72 )     (0.41 )     1.28  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.85       5.85       (3.94 )     (0.50 )     1.27  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         (0.01 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.65 )     —         —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.65 )     —         —         (0.04 )     (0.01 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 21.73     $ 21.53     $ 15.68     $ 19.62     $ 20.16  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(e)

     +8.84 %     +37.31 %     –20.08 %     –2.48 %     +6.76 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 26     $ 34     $ 23     $ 15     $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.3 %     2.3 %     2.4 %     2.2 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.4 )%     (1.4 )%     (1.3 )%     (1.1 )%     (0.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     41.6 %     41.8 %     64.9 %     89.3 %     95.4 %

STRONG ADVISOR COMMON STOCK FUND — CLASS Z

 

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 22.15     $ 15.97     $ 19.78     $ 20.16     $ 25.21  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.08 )(d)     (0.09 )     (0.05 )(d)     (0.02 )     0.04  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.23       6.27       (3.76 )     (0.32 )     (0.59 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.15       6.18       (3.81 )     (0.34 )     (0.55 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         (0.04 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.65 )     —         —         (0.04 )     (4.46 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.65 )     —         —         (0.04 )     (4.50 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 22.65     $ 22.15     $ 15.97     $ 19.78     $ 20.16  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(e)

     +9.96 %     +38.70 %     –19.26 %     –1.70 %     –1.20 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1,162     $ 1,437     $ 1,363     $ 1,703     $ 1,719  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.3 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.3 %     1.2 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.3 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.3 %     1.2 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.4 )%     (0.4 )%     (0.3 )%     (0.1 )%     0.2 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     41.6 %     41.8 %     64.9 %     89.3 %     95.4 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Per share data reflects a 1.233 for 1.000 share split which occurred on March 8, 2001.
(d) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(e) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(f) Amount is less than $500,000.
(g) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

94


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR MID CAP GROWTH FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)(c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.72     $ 8.71     $ 13.95     $ 20.22     $ 17.71  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.17 )(d)     (0.13 )(d)     (0.14 )(d)     (0.22 )(d)     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.33       3.14       (5.10 )     (6.05 )     2.52  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.16       3.01       (5.24 )     (6.27 )     2.51  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(e)     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(e)     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.88     $ 11.72     $ 8.71     $ 13.95     $ 20.22  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(f)

     +18.43 %     +34.56 %     –37.56 %     –30.98 %     +14.16 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 10     $ 10     $ 6     $ 7     $ 1  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.8 %     1.7 %     1.6 %     1.8 %     1.7 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.7 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.8 %     1.7 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.4 )%     (1.3 )%     (1.3 )%     (1.4 )%     (1.3 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     192.3 %     249.6 %     526.6 %     650.0 %     683.7 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR MID CAP GROWTH FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)(c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.46     $ 8.59     $ 13.89     $ 20.21     $ 17.71  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.24 )(d)     (0.22 )(d)     (0.23 )(d)     (0.28 )(d)     (0.02 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.27       3.09       (5.07 )     (6.04 )     2.52  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.03       2.87       (5.30 )     (6.32 )     2.50  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(e)     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(e)     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.49     $ 11.46     $ 8.59     $ 13.89     $ 20.21  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(f)

     +17.71 %     +33.41 %     –38.16 %     –31.25 %     +14.11 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 3     $ 3     $ 2     $ 3     $ 0 (h)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.5 %     2.6 %     2.6 %     2.9 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.5 %     2.3 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (2.0 )%     (2.1 )%     (2.2 )%     (1.9 )%     (1.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     192.3 %     249.6 %     526.6 %     650.0 %     683.7 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Per share data reflects a 1.053 for 1.000 share split which occurred on March 8, 2001.
(d) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(e) Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(f) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(g) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(h) Amount is less than $500,000.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

95


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR MID CAP GROWTH FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)(c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.46     $ 8.59     $ 13.88     $ 20.20     $ 17.71  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.24 )(d)     (0.21 )(d)     (0.23 )(d)     (0.28 )(d)     (0.02 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.27       3.08       (5.06 )     (6.04 )     2.51  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.03       2.87       (5.29 )     (6.32 )     2.49  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(e)     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(e)     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.49     $ 11.46     $ 8.59     $ 13.88     $ 20.20  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(f)

     +17.71 %     +33.41 %     –38.11 %     –31.27 %     +14.06 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 1     $ 1     $ 1     $ 0 (g)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.4 %     2.6 %     2.5 %     2.8 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.3 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (2.0 )%     (2.1 )%     (2.2 )%     (1.9 )%     (1.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     192.3 %     249.6 %     526.6 %     650.0 %     683.7 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR MID CAP GROWTH FUND — CLASS Z

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.68     $ 8.70     $ 13.97     $ 20.21     $ 23.25  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.18 )(d)     (0.14 )(d)     (0.16 )(d)     (0.19 )     (0.15 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.33       3.12       (5.11 )     (6.05 )     (1.90 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.15       2.98       (5.27 )     (6.24 )     (2.05 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(e)     (0.99 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(e)     (0.99 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.83     $ 11.68     $ 8.70     $ 13.97     $ 20.21  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(f)

     +18.41 %     +34.25 %     –37.72 %     –30.86 %     –8.47 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 54     $ 58     $ 65     $ 128     $ 185  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.9 %     1.8 %     1.8 %     1.6 %     1.4 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.8 %     1.7 %     1.8 %     1.6 %     1.3 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.5 )%     (1.4 )%     (1.5 )%     (1.2 )%     (0.9 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     192.3 %     249.6 %     526.6 %     650.0 %     683.7 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Per share data reflects a 1.053 for 1.000 share split which occurred on March 8, 2001.
(d) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(e) Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(f) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(g) Amount is less than $500,000.
(h) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

96


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 27.40     $ 18.92     $ 20.17     $ 17.17     $ 15.36  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.27 )(c)     (0.12 )(c)     0.03 (c)     (0.14 )(c)     (0.00 )(d)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     5.51       9.26       (1.28 )     3.18       1.81  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     5.24       9.14       (1.25 )     3.04       1.81  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         (0.01 )     —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     (3.45 )     (0.65 )     —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (3.45 )     (0.66 )     —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 29.19     $ 27.40     $ 18.92     $ 20.17     $ 17.17  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(e)

     +19.89 %     +48.49 %     –6.20 %     +17.70 %     +11.78 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 598     $ 674     $ 335     $ 169     $ 1  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.0 )%     (0.5 )%     0.1 %     (0.7 )%     (0.8 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     34.2 %     30.2 %     28.2 %     42.0 %     60.3 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 26.79     $ 18.66     $ 20.05     $ 17.16     $ 15.36  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.47 )(c)     (0.29 )(c)     (0.14 )(c)     (0.25 )(c)     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     5.34       9.08       (1.25 )     3.18       1.81  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     4.87       8.79       (1.39 )     2.93       1.80  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         (0.01 )     —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     (3.45 )     (0.65 )     —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (3.45 )     (0.66 )     —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 28.21     $ 26.79     $ 18.66     $ 20.05     $ 17.16  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(e)

     +18.95 %     +47.28 %     –6.93 %     +17.07 %     +11.72 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 137     $ 126     $ 76     $ 40     $ 0 (g)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.3 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.5 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.3 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.3 %     1.8 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.7 )%     (1.4 )%     (0.7 )%     (1.4 )%     (0.8 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     34.2 %     30.2 %     28.2 %     42.0 %     60.3 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(e) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(f) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(g) Amount is less than $500,000.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

97


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 26.83     $ 18.68     $ 20.07     $ 17.17     $ 15.36  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.47 )(c)     (0.28 )(c)     (0.13 )(c)     (0.24 )(c)     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     5.36       9.09       (1.26 )     3.18       1.82  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     4.89       8.81       (1.39 )     2.94       1.81  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         (0.01 )     —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     (3.45 )     (0.65 )     —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (3.45 )     (0.66 )     —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 28.27     $ 26.83     $ 18.68     $ 20.07     $ 17.17  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +19.00 %     +47.34 %     –6.93 %     +17.12 %     +11.78 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 157     $ 159     $ 98     $ 38     $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.3 %     2.3 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.3 %     2.3 %     2.4 %     2.2 %     1.8 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.7 )%     (1.3 )%     (0.6 )%     (1.4 )%     (0.7 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     34.2 %     30.2 %     28.2 %     42.0 %     60.3 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR SMALL CAP VALUE FUND — CLASS Z

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 27.53     $ 18.98     $ 20.22     $ 17.17     $ 13.59  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.22 )(c)     (0.09 )(c)     0.04 (c)     (0.08 )     0.00 (g)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     5.54       9.30       (1.28 )     3.17       3.58  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     5.32       9.21       (1.24 )     3.09       3.58  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         (0.01 )     —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     (3.45 )     (0.65 )     —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (3.45 )     (0.66 )     —         (0.04 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 29.40     $ 27.53     $ 18.98     $ 20.22     $ 17.17  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +20.09 %     +48.70 %     –6.13 %     +17.99 %     +26.34 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1,359     $ 1,167     $ 659     $ 541     $ 249  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.5 %     1.4 %     1.4 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.5 %     1.4 %     1.4 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.8 )%     (0.4 )%     0.2 %     (0.5 )%     0.0 %(g)

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     34.2 %     30.2 %     28.2 %     42.0 %     60.3 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Amount is less than $500,000.
(f) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(g) Amount calculated is less than $0.005 or 0.05%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

98


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR U.S. VALUE FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)(c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.65     $ 13.66     $ 17.83     $ 20.65     $ 19.99  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.20       0.14       0.12 (d)     0.05       0.00 (e)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.22       4.00       (2.77 )     (2.56 )     0.68  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.42       4.14       (2.65 )     (2.51 )     0.68  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     (0.18 )     (0.15 )     (0.16 )     (0.06 )     (0.02 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.34 )     —         (1.36 )     (0.25 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.52 )     (0.15 )     (1.52 )     (0.31 )     (0.02 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.55     $ 17.65     $ 13.66     $ 17.83     $ 20.65  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(f)

     +14.08 %     +30.48 %     –16.34 %     –12.17 %     +3.45 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 5     $ 5     $ 3     $ 3     $ 0 (g)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.8 %     1.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.8 %     1.3 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     1.1 %     1.0 %     0.9 %     0.1 %     0.1 %*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     46.9 %     53.4 %     89.8 %     116.1 %     14.4 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR U.S. VALUE FUND—CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)(c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.64     $ 13.67     $ 17.81     $ 20.66     $ 19.99  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.07       0.03       0.02 (d)     (0.00 )(e)     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.21       3.98       (2.78 )     (2.60 )     0.69  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.28       4.01       (2.76 )     (2.60 )     0.68  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     (0.06 )     (0.04 )     (0.02 )     —         (0.01 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.34 )     —         (1.36 )     (0.25 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.40 )     (0.04 )     (1.38 )     (0.25 )     (0.01 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.52     $ 17.64     $ 13.67     $ 17.81     $ 20.66  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(f)

     +13.20 %     +29.37 %     –17.01 %     –12.60 %     +3.43 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 6     $ 5     $ 3     $ 2     $ 0 (g)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.2 %     2.2 %     2.2 %     2.9 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.1 %     2.2 %     2.1 %     2.3 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     0.4 %     0.2 %     0.1 %     (0.4 %)     (0.5 %)*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     46.9 %     53.4 %     89.8 %     116.1 %     14.4 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Per share data reflects a 1.023 for 1.000 share split which occurred on March 8, 2001.
(d) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(e) Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(f) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(g) Amount is less than $500,000.
(h) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

99


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR U.S. VALUE FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)(c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.56     $ 13.61     $ 17.82     $ 20.66     $ 19.99  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.06       0.03       0.02 (d)     (0.00 )(e)     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.20       3.97       (2.78 )     (2.59 )     0.69  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.26       4.00       (2.76 )     (2.59 )     0.68  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     (0.04 )     (0.05 )     (0.09 )     —         (0.01 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.34 )     —         (1.36 )     (0.25 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.38 )     (0.05 )     (1.45 )     (0.25 )     (0.01 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.44     $ 17.56     $ 13.61     $ 17.82     $ 20.66  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(f)

     +13.15 %     +29.42 %     –17.05 %     –12.55 %     +3.42 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 4     $ 4     $ 1     $ 1     $ 0 (g)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.2 %     2.2 %     2.2 %     2.4 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.2 %     2.2 %     2.2 %     2.2 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     0.3 %     0.2 %     0.2 %     (0.3 )%     (0.5 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     46.9 %     53.4 %     89.8 %     116.1 %     14.4 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR U.S. VALUE FUND — CLASS K

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.52     $ 13.56     $ 17.82  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.27       0.16       0.22 (d)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.21       4.02       (2.81 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.48       4.18       (2.59 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     (0.26 )     (0.22 )     (0.36 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.34 )     —         (1.36 )
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.60 )     (0.22 )     (1.72 )
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.40     $ 17.52     $ 13.56  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(f)

     +14.53 %     +31.03 %     –15.98 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 92     $ 87     $ 11  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.1 %     1.1 %     1.1 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.0 %     1.0 %     1.0 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     1.5 %     1.3 %     1.6 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     46.9 %     53.4 %     89.8 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Per share data reflects a 1.023 for 1.000 share split which occurred on March 8, 2001.
(d) Net investment income (loss) per share represents new investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(e) Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(f) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(g) Amount is less than $500,000.
(h) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

100


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR U.S. VALUE FUND — CLASS Z

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


    Oct. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.77     $ 13.74     $ 17.87     $ 20.65     $ 21.63     $ 20.58  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.20       0.15       0.05 (c)     0.11       0.03       0.05  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.24       3.99       (2.79 )     (2.53 )     (0.52 )     1.53  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.44       4.14       (2.74 )     (2.42 )     (0.49 )     1.58  

Less Distributions:

                                                

From Net Investment Income

     (0.19 )     (0.11 )     (0.03 )     (0.11 )     (0.03 )     (0.05 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.34 )     —         (1.36 )     (0.25 )     (0.46 )     (0.48 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.53 )     (0.11 )     (1.39 )     (0.36 )     (0.49 )     (0.53 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.68     $ 17.77     $ 13.74     $ 17.87     $ 20.65     $ 21.63  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                                

Total Return(d)

     +14.11 %     +30.23 %     –16.86 %     –11.72 %     –2.17 %     +7.72 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 252     $ 159     $ 197     $ 186     $ 251     $ 252  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.4 %     1.6 %     1.9 %     1.2 %     1.1 %*     1.0 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.3 %     1.6 %     1.9 %     1.2 %     1.1 %*     1.0 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     1.2 %     0.8 %     0.3 %     0.6 %     0.8 %*     0.3 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     46.9 %     53.4 %     89.8 %     116.1 %     14.4 %     46.5 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR ENDEAVOR LARGE CAP FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


   

Dec. 31,

2001(f)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.08     $ 7.55     $ 10.59     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.10 )     (0.07 )(c)     (0.10 )(c)     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.65       2.60       (2.94 )     0.86 (g)
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.55       2.53       (3.04 )     0.85  

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.26 )
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.26 )
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.63     $ 10.08     $ 7.55     $ 10.59  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(d)

     +15.38 %     +33.51 %     –28.71 %     +8.45 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 43     $ 37     $ 28     $ 28  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.7 %     1.7 %     2.0 %     2.4 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.7 %     1.6 %     2.0 %     2.4 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.9 )%     (0.9 )%     (1.2 )%     (1.1 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     168.3 %     234.1 %     420.4 %     54.0 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) In 2000, the Fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(f) For the period from September 28, 2001 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2001.
(g) The amount shown may not correlate with the aggregate gains and losses of portfolio securities due to the timing of subscriptions and redemptions of fund shares.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

101


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR ENDEAVOR LARGE CAP FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 9.97     $ 7.51     $ 10.57     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.17 )     (0.12 )(c)     (0.12 )(c)     (0.04 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.61       2.58       (2.94 )     0.87 (d)
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.44       2.46       (3.06 )     0.83  

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.26 )
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.26 )
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.41     $ 9.97     $ 7.51     $ 10.57  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(e)

     +14.44 %     +32.76 %     –28.95 %     +8.25 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 1     $ 0 (f)   $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.5 %     2.5 %     4.7 %     2.7 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.1 %     2.2 %     2.6 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.7 )%     (1.3 )%     (1.4 )%     (1.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     168.3 %     234.1 %     420.4 %     54.0 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR ENDEAVOR LARGE CAP FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 9.97     $ 7.51     $ 10.57     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.18 )     (0.12 )(c)     (0.13 )(c)     (0.04 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.62       2.58       (2.93 )     0.87 (d)
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.44       2.46       (3.06 )     0.83  

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.26 )
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.26 )
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.41     $ 9.97     $ 7.51     $ 10.57  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(e)

     +14.44 %     +32.76 %     –28.95 %     +8.25 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 0 (f)   $ 0 (f)   $ 0 (f)   $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.6 %     2.6 %     4.2 %     2.7 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.5 %     2.1 %     2.3 %     2.6 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.7 )%     (1.4 )%     (1.5 )%     (1.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     168.3 %     234.1 %     420.4 %     54.0 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from September 28, 2001 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2001.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) The amount shown may not correlate with the aggregate gains and losses of portfolio securities due to the timing of subscriptions and redemptions of fund shares.
(e) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(f) Amount is less than $500,000.
(g) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

102


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR FOCUS FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 5.99     $ 4.79     $ 6.62     $ 10.26     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.12 )(c)     (0.05 )(c)     (0.10 )(c)     (0.07 )     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.20       1.25       (1.73 )     (3.57 )     0.27  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.08       1.20       (1.83 )     (3.64 )     0.26  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 7.07     $ 5.99     $ 4.79     $ 6.62     $ 10.26  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +18.03 %     +25.05 %     –27.64 %     –35.48 %     +2.60 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 2     $ 2     $ 5     $ 1  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     3.9 %     3.0 %     2.9 %     3.4 %     7.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.1 %     1.3 %     2.1 %     1.5 %     2.4 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.9 )%     (1.0 )%     (1.7 )%     (0.9 )%     (1.0 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     98.3 %     248.9 %     350.1 %     605.7 %     45.1 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR FOCUS FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 5.87     $ 4.73     $ 6.55     $ 10.23     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.13 )(c)     (0.09 )(c)     (0.11 )(c)     (0.08 )     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.18       1.23       (1.71 )     (3.60 )     0.24  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.05       1.14       (1.82 )     (3.68 )     0.23  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 6.92     $ 5.87     $ 4.73     $ 6.55     $ 10.23  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +17.89 %     +24.10 %     –27.79 %     –35.97 %     +2.30 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 1     $ 1     $ 2     $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     4.7 %     3.9 %     4.1 %     4.6 %     8.1 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.3 %     2.0 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     3.1 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (2.1 )%     (1.7 )%     (2.0 )%     (1.7 )%     (1.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     98.3 %     248.9 %     350.1 %     605.7 %     45.1 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents new investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(f) Amount is less than $500,000.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

103


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR FOCUS FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 5.87     $ 4.73     $ 6.55     $ 10.23     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.13 )(c)     (0.09 )(c)     (0.11 )(c)     (0.09 )     (0.02 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.18       1.23       (1.71 )     (3.59 )     0.25  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.05       1.14       (1.82 )     (3.68 )     0.23  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 6.92     $ 5.87     $ 4.73     $ 6.55     $ 10.23  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +17.89 %     +24.10 %     –27.79 %     –35.97 %     +2.30 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)   $ 1     $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     4.7 %     3.8 %     3.9 %     4.3 %     8.1 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.3 %     1.9 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     4.5 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (2.1 )%     (1.6 )%     (2.0 )%     (1.7 )%     (2.7 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     98.3 %     248.9 %     350.1 %     605.7 %     45.1 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR INTERNATIONAL CORE FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


   

Dec. 31,

2001(g)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.47     $ 8.84     $ 10.41     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.28 (c)     0.18 (c)     (0.06 )(c)     (0.03 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.93       2.59       (1.51 )     0.44  
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.21       2.77       (1.57 )     0.41  

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Investment Income

     (0.25 )     (0.14 )     —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.27 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.52 )     (0.14 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.16     $ 11.47     $ 8.84     $ 10.41  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(d)

     +19.38 %     +31.38 %     –15.08 %     +4.10 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 1     $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     4.8 %     7.7 %     52.4 %     2.2 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     0.0 %(h)     0.0 %(h)     2.2 %     2.2 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     2.3 %     1.8 %     (0.6 )%     (1.1 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     28.1 %     88.1 %     46.9 %     4.0 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000 (Note 1).
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Amount is less than $500,000.
(f) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(g) For the period from September 28, 2001 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2001.
(h) Amount calculated is less than 0.05%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

104


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR INTERNATIONAL CORE FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.45     $ 8.82     $ 10.40     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.28 (c)     0.20 (c)     (0.08 )(c)     (0.04 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.92       2.58       (1.50 )     0.44  
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.20       2.78       (1.58 )     0.40  

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Investment Income

     (0.25 )     (0.15 )     —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.27 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.52 )     (0.15 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.13     $ 11.45     $ 8.82     $ 10.40  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(d)

     +19.32 %     +31.58 %     –15.19 %     +4.00 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 1     $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     5.5 %     8.6 %     52.0 %     3.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     0.0 %(f)     0.0 %(f)     2.4 %     2.7 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     2.3 %     2.0 %     (0.8 )%     (1.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     28.1 %     88.1 %     46.9 %     4.0 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR INTERNATIONAL CORE FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.43     $ 8.82     $ 10.40     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.28 (c)     0.21 (c)     (0.06 )(c)     (0.04 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.93       2.57       (1.52 )     0.44  
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.21       2.78       (1.58 )     0.40  

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Investment Income

     (0.25 )     (0.17 )     —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.27 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.52 )     (0.17 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.12     $ 11.43     $ 8.82     $ 10.40  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(d)

     +19.44 %     +31.52 %     –15.19 %     +4.00 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     5.5 %     8.4 %     52.5 %     3.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     0.0 %(f)     0.0 %(f)     2.4 %     2.7 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     2.3 %     2.1 %     (0.7 )%     (1.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     28.1 %     88.1 %     46.9 %     4.0 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from September 28, 2001 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2001.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Amount is less than $500,000.
(f) Amount calculated is less than 0.05%.
(g) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

105


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR SELECT FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 8.36     $ 6.10     $ 7.99     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.09 )(b)     (0.07 )(b)     (0.07 )(b)     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.47       2.33       (1.81 )     (2.00 )(c)
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.38       2.26       (1.88 )     (2.01 )

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.58 )     —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.58 )     —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 9.16     $ 8.36     $ 6.10     $ 7.99  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(d)

     +16.80 %     +37.05 %     –23.52 %     –20.10 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 95     $ 81     $ 56     $ 57  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     4.4 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.7 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.0 )%     (1.0 )%     (1.1 )%     (0.8 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     168.7 %     243.6 %     437.3 %     359.7 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR SELECT FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 8.18     $ 6.02     $ 7.94     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.15 )(b)     (0.12 )(b)     (0.12 )(b)     (0.09 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.42       2.28       (1.79 )     (1.97 )(c)
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.27       2.16       (1.91 )     (2.06 )

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.58 )     —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.58 )     —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 8.87     $ 8.18     $ 6.02     $ 7.94  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(d)

     +15.82 %     +35.88 %     –24.04 %     –20.60 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 2     $ 1     $ 0 (f)   $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     12.4 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.3 %     2.4 %     2.5 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.7 )%     (1.8 )%     (1.9 )%     (1.7 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     168.7 %     243.6 %     437.3 %     359.7 %

(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(c) The amount shown may not correlate with the aggregate gains and losses of portfolio securities due to the timing of subscriptions and redemptions of fund shares.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(f) Amount is less than $500,000.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

106


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR SELECT FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 8.18     $ 6.02     $ 7.93     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.16 )(b)     (0.13 )(b)     (0.12 )(b)     (0.10 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.43       2.29       (1.78 )     (1.97 )(c)
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.27       2.16       (1.90 )     (2.07 )

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.58 )     —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.58 )     —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 8.87     $ 8.18     $ 6.02     $ 7.93  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(d)

     +15.82 %     +35.88 %     –23.95 %     –20.70 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.4 %     2.5 %     2.3 %     12.8 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.3 %     2.5 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.8 )%     (1.8 )%     (1.8 )%     (1.7 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     168.7 %     243.6 %     437.3 %     359.7 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR TECHNOLOGY FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(g)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 7.43     $ 4.24     $ 7.22     $ 9.27     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.09 )     (0.10 )(b)     (0.11 )(b)     (0.05 )     (0.05 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     (0.25 )     3.29       (2.87 )     (1.99 )     (0.68 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     (0.34 )     3.19       (2.98 )     (2.04 )     (0.73 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 7.09     $ 7.43     $ 4.24     $ 7.22     $ 9.27  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     –4.58 %     +75.24 %     –41.27 %     –21.98 %     –7.30 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 1     $ 1     $ 2     $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     5.2 %     3.6 %     3.3 %     7.0 %     17.2 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.8 %     2.2 %     2.3 %     1.6 %     9.5 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.3 )%     (1.8 )%     (2.1 )%     (1.0 )%     (8.2 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     145.7 %     184.5 %     136.5 %     157.9 %     49.3 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) Net investment income (loss) per share represents new investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(c) The amount shown may not correlate with the aggregate gains and losses of portfolio securities due to the timing of subscriptions and redemptions of fund shares.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Amount is less than $500,000.
(f) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(g) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

107


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR TECHNOLOGY FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
    

Dec. 31,

2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


   

Dec. 31,

2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 7.32     $ 4.17     $ 7.13     $ 9.26     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.08 )     (0.11 )(c)     (0.11 )(c)     (0.09 )     (0.08 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     (0.25 )     3.26       (2.85 )     (2.03 )     (0.66 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     (0.33 )     3.15       (2.96 )     (2.12 )     (0.74 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 6.99     $ 7.32     $ 4.17     $ 7.13     $ 9.26  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     –4.51 %     +75.54 %     –41.51 %     –22.87 %     –7.40 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 1     $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     5.9 %     4.5 %     4.5 %     9.3 %     17.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.8 %     2.2 %     2.4 %     2.5 %     11.1 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.2 )%     (1.7 )%     (2.2 )%     (1.9 )%     (9.7 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     145.7 %     184.5 %     136.5 %     157.9 %     49.3 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR TECHNOLOGY FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 7.30     $ 4.16     $ 7.11     $ 9.26     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.09 )     (0.10 )(c)     (0.12 )(c)     (0.09 )     (0.08 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     (0.25 )     3.24       (2.83 )     (2.05 )     (0.66 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     (0.34 )     3.14       (2.95 )     (2.14 )     (0.74 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 6.96     $ 7.30     $ 4.16     $ 7.11     $ 9.26  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     –4.66 %     +75.48 %     –41.49 %     –23.09 %     –7.40 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)   $ 0 (e)   $ 1     $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     6.0 %     4.5 %     4.2 %     8.9 %     17.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.8 %     2.2 %     2.5 %     2.4 %     11.1 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.2 )%     (1.8 )%     (2.2 )%     (1.8 )%     (9.7 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     145.7 %     184.5 %     136.5 %     157.9 %     49.3 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from November 30, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Amount is less than $500,000.
(f) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

108


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR U.S. SMALL/MID CAP GROWTH FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.19     $ 7.14     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.24 )(c)     (0.24 )(c)     (0.14 )(c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     0.30       4.29       (2.72 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     0.06       4.05       (2.86 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.25     $ 11.19     $ 7.14  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(d)

     +0.54 %     +56.72 %     –28.60 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 2     $ 3     $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.6 %     3.8 %     14.1 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.5 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (2.3 )%     (2.4 )%     (2.4 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     116.6 %     114.0 %     98.1 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR U.S. SMALL/MID CAP GROWTH FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.18     $ 7.14     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.24 )(c)     (0.23 )(c)     (0.14 )(c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     0.30       4.27       (2.72 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     0.06       4.04       (2.86 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.24     $ 11.18     $ 7.14  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(d)

     +0.54 %     +56.58 %     –28.60 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 2     $ 1     $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     3.4 %     4.7 %     14.9 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.5 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (2.3 )%     (2.4 )%     (2.4 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     116.6 %     114.0 %     98.1 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from March 28, 2002 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2002.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Amount is less than $500,000.
(f) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

109


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR U.S.SMALL/MID CAP GROWTH FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.19     $ 7.14     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.24 )(c)     (0.23 )(c)     (0.13 )(c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     0.30       4.28       (2.73 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     0.06       4.05       (2.86 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.25     $ 11.19     $ 7.14  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(d)

     +0.54 %     +56.72 %     –28.60 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 2     $ 0 (e)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     3.5 %     4.7 %     15.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.5 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (2.3 )%     (2.3 )%     (2.4 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     116.6 %     114.0 %     98.1 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR UTILITIES AND ENERGY FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(g)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.63     $ 9.02     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income

     0.08 (c)     0.14       0.08 (c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.29       1.61       (1.00 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.37       1.75       (0.92 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     (0.14 )     (0.14 )     (0.06 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.97 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.11 )     (0.14 )     (0.06 )
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.89     $ 10.63     $ 9.02  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(d)

     +22.68 %     +19.61 %     –9.21 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 10     $ 6  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.2 %     1.9 %     2.2 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.1 %     1.9 %     2.2 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     0.7 %     1.5 %     2.0 %*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     121.6 %     174.2 %     46.2 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from March 28, 2002 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2002.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Amount is less than $500,000.
(f) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(g) For the period from July 31, 2002 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2002.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

110


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR UTILITIES AND ENERGY FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.64     $ 9.04     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income

     0.00 (c)(d)     0.09       0.06 (c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments

     2.32       1.62       (1.00 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.32       1.71       (0.94 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     (0.23 )     (0.11 )     (0.02 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.97 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.20 )     (0.11 )     (0.02 )
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.76     $ 10.64     $ 9.04  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(e)

     +22.13 %     +18.97 %     –9.39 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 0 (f)   $ 0 (f)   $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     3.0 %     2.7 %     5.1 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.7 %     2.4 %     2.5 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     0.0 %     1.0 %     1.6 %*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     121.6 %     174.2 %     46.2 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR UTILITIES AND ENERGY FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.62     $ 9.02     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.00 (c)(d)     0.09       0.05 (c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.31       1.61       (0.99 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.31       1.70       (0.94 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     (0.23 )     (0.10 )     (0.04 )

From Net Realized Gains (Losses)

     (0.97 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.20 )     (0.10 )     (0.04 )
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.73     $ 10.62     $ 9.02  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(e)

     +22.07 %     +18.97 %     –9.45 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 0 (f)   $ 0 (f)   $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     3.0 %     2.7 %     5.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.7 %     2.4 %     2.5 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     0.0 %     0.9 %     1.3 %*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     121.6 %     174.2 %     46.2 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from July 31, 2002 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2002.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(e) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(f) Amount is less than $500,000.
(g) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

111


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR LARGE COMPANY CORE FUND — CLASS A

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


    Sep. 30,
2002(c)


    Sep. 30,
2001


    Sep. 30,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.81     $ 8.81     $ 8.24     $ 9.65     $ 14.67     $ 11.72  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                                

Net Investment Income

     (0.01 )     (0.00 )(d)(e)     0.01 (e)     0.07       0.12       0.14  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.12       2.02       0.57       (1.10 )     (3.79 )     3.26  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.11       2.02       0.58       (1.03 )     (3.67 )     3.40  

Less Distributions:

                                                

From Net Investment Income

     —         (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.05 )     (0.12 )     (0.14 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.95 )     (0.01 )     —         (0.33 )     (1.23 )     (0.31 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.95 )     (0.02 )     (0.01 )     (0.38 )     (1.35 )     (0.45 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 10.97     $ 10.81     $ 8.81     $ 8.24     $ 9.65     $ 14.67  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                                

Total Return(f)

     +10.69 %     +22.93 %     +6.99 %     –11.47 %     –26.39 %     +29.48 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 55     $ 67     $ 9     $ 6     $ 4     $ 5  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.6 %     1.7 %     3.1 %*     3.7 %     4.7 %     3.8 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.5 %*     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.5 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     (0.1 )%     (0.0 )%(d)     0.1 %*     0.8 %     1.0 %     1.1 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     190.5 %     148.2 %     36.4 %     190.4 %     221.6 %     142.7 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR LARGE COMPANY CORE FUND — CLASS B

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(h)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.69     $ 8.79     $ 8.21  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income

     (0.09 )     (0.10 )(e)     (0.02 )(e)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments

     1.08       2.01       0.60  
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     0.99       1.91       0.58  

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         (0.00 )(d)     —    

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.95 )     (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.95 )     (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 10.73     $ 10.69     $ 8.79  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(f)

     +9.67 %     +21.74 %     +7.06 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 9     $ 8     $ 0 (i)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.4 %     2.5 %     4.2 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.5 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     (0.9 )%     (1.0 )%     (0.2 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     190.5 %     148.2 %     36.4 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) In 2002, the Fund changed its fiscal year-end from September to December.
(c) Effective September 5, 2002 Strong Capital Management, Inc. assumed the investment advisory responsibilities from Rockhaven Asset Management, LLC.
(d) Amount calculated is less than $0.005 or 0.05%.
(e) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(f) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(g) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(h) For the period from September 30, 2002 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2002.
(i) Amount is less than $500,000.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

112


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ADVISOR LARGE COMPANY CORE FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.69     $ 8.79     $ 8.21  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.11 )     (0.10 )(c)     (0.02 )(c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.09       2.01       0.60  
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     0.98       1.91       0.58  

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         (0.00 )(d)

From Net Realized Gains (Losses)

     (0.95 )     (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.95 )     (0.01 )     (0.00 )(d)
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 10.72     $ 10.69     $ 8.79  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(e)

     +9.57 %     +21.73 %     +7.09 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 7     $ 6     $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.5 %     2.5 %     4.2 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.5 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     (1.0 )%     (1.0 )%     (0.2 )*%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     190.5 %     148.2 %     36.4 %

 

STRONG ADVISOR LARGE COMPANY CORE FUND — CLASS K

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.84     $ 8.80     $ 8.21  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income

     0.06       0.05 (c)     0.02 (c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Losses on Investments

     1.12       2.03       0.59  
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.18       2.08       0.61  

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         (0.03 )     (0.02 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (0.95 )     (0.01 )     —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.95 )     (0.04 )     (0.02 )
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.07     $ 10.84     $ 8.80  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(e)

     +11.32 %     +23.66 %     +7.38 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 24     $ 35     $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.3 %     1.4 %     2.9 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.0 %     1.0 %     1.0 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     0.4 %     0.5 %     1.1 %*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     190.5 %     148.2 %     36.4 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from September 30, 2002 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2002.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(e) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(f) Amount is less than $500,000.
(g) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

113


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

December 31, 2004

 

1. Organization

 

The accompanying financial statements represent the following Strong Advisor Equity Funds (the “Funds”), each with its own investment objectives and policies:

 

    Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor Focus Fund(2) (a series fund of Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor International Core Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong International Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor Select Fund(2) (a series fund of Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor Technology Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 


(1) Diversified Fund.

(2) Non-diversified Fund.

 

Each Fund is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”).

 

Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund, Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund, and Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund offer Class A, B, C, and Z shares. Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund offers Class A, B, C, K, and Z shares. Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund, Strong Advisor Focus Fund, Strong Advisor International Core Fund, Strong Advisor Select Fund, Strong Advisor Technology Fund, Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund, and Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund offer Class A, B, and C shares. Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund offers Class A, B, C, and K shares. All classes of shares differ principally in their respective administration, transfer agent, and distribution expenses and sales charges, if any. All classes of shares have identical rights to earnings, assets, and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes.

 

Class A, B, and C shares are available only through financial professionals. Class K shares are primarily available through retirement plans. Class Z shares are available to certain investors and investment professionals who owned Investor Class shares of the Fund on November 30, 2000 and to certain other investors as set forth in the Funds’ prospectuses.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements.

 

  (A) Security Valuation — Securities of the Funds traded on a national securities exchange are valued each business day at the last sales price on that principal exchange. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market are valued each business day using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). Exchange-traded securities for which there were no transactions and NASDAQ-traded securities for which there is no NOCP are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith under the general supervision of the Funds’ Board of Directors. Some of the Fund’s portfolio securities may be listed on foreign exchanges that close before the U.S. markets and that trade on days when the U.S. markets are closed. As a result, management, under the supervision of the Funds’ Board of Directors, will consider significant events affecting foreign securities and the movements of the domestic markets that occur after the close of the foreign markets and before the time a Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated in valuing such foreign securities. Securities that are purchased within 60 days of their stated maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

 

The Funds may own certain securities that are restricted as to resale. Restricted securities include Section 4(2) commercial paper, securities issued in a private placement, or securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. Restricted securities may be determined to be liquid or illiquid. Securities are deemed illiquid based upon guidelines established by the Funds’ Board of Directors. Illiquid securities are valued after giving due consideration to pertinent factors, such as recent private sales, market conditions, and the issuer’s financial performance. The aggregate cost and fair value of restricted securities held at December 31, 2004, that are deemed illiquid, are as follows:

 

     Aggregate
Cost


   Aggregate
Fair Value


   Percent of
Net Assets


 

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

   $ 14,010,073    $ 15,568,443    0.7 %

 

114


  (B) Federal Income and Excise Taxes and Distributions to Shareholders — The Funds intend to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders in a manner which results in no tax cost to the Funds. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is recorded.

 

Undistributed net investment income or accumulated net realized gains for financial statement purposes may differ from what is determined for federal income tax purposes due to differences in the timing, recognition, and characterization of income, expense, and capital gain items for financial statement and tax purposes. Where appropriate, reclassifications between net asset accounts are made for such differences that are permanent in nature. The Funds may utilize earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.

 

Each Fund, other than Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund and Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund, generally pays dividends from net investment income and distributes net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund and Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund generally pay dividends from net investment income quarterly and distribute net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

 

  (C) Realized Gains and Losses on Investment Transactions — Investment security transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Gains or losses realized on investment transactions are determined by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sales proceeds.

 

  (D) Certain Investment Risks — The Funds may utilize derivative instruments including options, futures, and other instruments with similar characteristics to the extent that they are consistent with the Funds’ investment objectives and limitations. The Funds intend to use such derivative instruments primarily to hedge or protect itself from adverse movements in securities’ prices, foreign currencies, or interest rates. The use of these instruments involves certain risks, including the possibility that the future value of the underlying assets or indices fluctuate (in the case of futures and options), the derivative becomes illiquid, an imperfect correlation arises between the value of the derivative and the underlying assets or indices, or that the counterparty fails to perform its obligations when due.

 

Investments in foreign-denominated assets or forward foreign currency contracts may involve greater risks than domestic investments such as foreign-related risks created by currency rate fluctuations, foreign political and economic instability, foreign financial reporting standards and taxes, and foreign securities markets and issuer regulation. Foreign securities may be less liquid than domestic securities.

 

  (E) Futures — Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds segregate cash and/or other liquid investments equal to the minimum “initial margin” requirements of the exchange and the futures commission merchant or broker. Each Fund designates liquid securities as collateral on open futures contracts. During the term of the futures contract, the Funds also receive credit from, or pay to, the futures commission merchant or broker an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the futures contract. Such receipts or payments are known as “variation margin” and are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Funds. When the futures contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded equal to the difference between the value of the futures contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

  (F) Written Options — The Funds may write put or call options. Premiums received by the Funds upon writing put or call options are recorded as an asset with a corresponding liability that is subsequently adjusted daily to the current market value of the option. Changes between the initial premiums received and the current market value of the options are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Funds. When a written option is closed, expired, or exercised, the Funds realize a gain or loss and the liability is eliminated. The Funds continue to bear the risk of adverse movements in the price of the underlying asset during the period of the written option, although any potential loss during the period would be reduced by the amount of the option premium received by the Funds. Each Fund designates liquid securities or cash on its books to cover its financial exposure on open written options contracts.

 

  (G) Foreign Currency Conversion — Securities and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted daily into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign securities and foreign income are converted into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on realized and unrealized security gains or losses is reflected as a component of such gains or losses.

 

  (H) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the forward rate and are marked-to-market daily. The change in market value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Funds record an exchange gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

115


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

  (I) Short Positions — The Funds may engage in short sale transactions. For financial statement purposes, an amount equal to the settlement amount is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an asset and an equivalent liability.

The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the short position. Changes between the amount of the liability and the current market value of the short positions are recorded as unrealized gains or losses. The Funds are liable to the buyer for any dividends payable on securities while those securities are in a short position. These dividends are an expense of the Fund and are included in Other Expenses in the Statement of Operations. If the Funds sell securities short while also holding the long position in the security, they may protect unrealized gains but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises. If the Funds sell securities short when not holding the long position in the security, they will experience a loss if the market price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date the security is replaced.

 

  (J) Repurchase Agreements — The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that the Funds’ investment advisor, Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”), has determined are creditworthy. Each repurchase transaction is recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. The Funds require that the collateral, represented by cash and/or securities (primarily U.S. government securities), in a repurchase transaction be maintained in a segregated account under the control of the Funds’ custodial bank in a manner sufficient to enable the Funds to liquidate those securities in the event of a default of the counterparty. On a daily basis, the Funds’ custodial bank monitors the value of the collateral, including accrued interest, to ensure it is at least equal to the amounts owed to the Funds under each repurchase agreement.

 

  (K) Securities Lending — The Funds, except Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund and Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund, have entered into a Securities Lending Agreement (the “Agreement”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Funds may lend portfolio securities to qualified institutional borrowers in order to earn additional income. The Agreement requires that loans are collateralized at all times by cash and cash equivalents equal to at least 102% of the market value of the aggregate loaned securities, plus accrued interest, and the collateral is marked-to-market daily. Cash collateral received is invested in repurchase agreements, investment funds, government obligations, and/or bank obligations.

 

At December 31, 2004, Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund and Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund had securities with a market value of $51,720,204 and $8,841,705, respectively, on loan and had received $53,056,922 and $9,099,275, respectively, in collateral (both are included within Investments in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities). Amounts earned as interest on investments of cash collateral, net of rebates and other securities lending expenses, are included in Interest Income in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the securities lending income totaled, $143,323, $987, and $12,336 for Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund, Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund, and Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund, respectively.

 

The three primary risks associated with securities lending are: a borrower defaulting on its obligation to return the securities loaned resulting in a shortfall on the posted collateral; a principal loss arising from the lending agent’s investment of cash collateral; and the inability of the lending Fund to recall a security in time to exercise valuable voting rights or sell the security. In each case, the lending agent has indemnified the Funds for these types of losses.

 

  (L) Directed Brokerage — Through November 30, 2004, the Funds directed certain portfolio trades to brokers who, in turn, paid a portion of the Funds’ expenses not attributable to the Advisor or its affiliates. Such amounts are included in Expense Waivers and Offsets reported in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4.

 

  (M) Earnings Credit Arrangements — Credits are earned on positive cash balances maintained in custodian accounts.

These credits serve to reduce the custodian’s fees incurred by certain Funds and are included in Expense Waivers and Offsets reported in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4.

 

  (N) Expenses — The Funds and other affiliated Strong Funds contract for certain services on a collective basis. The majority of the expenses are directly identifiable to an individual Fund. Expenses that are not readily identifiable to a specific Fund will be allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration, among other things, the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the Strong Funds.

 

  (O) Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in these financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  (P) Indemnifications — In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of material loss to be remote under any of these indemnification agreements.

 

116


  (Q) Redemption Fees — Class A shares of Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund held for 360 calendar days or less after purchase are subject to a redemption fee of 1.00%, based on the redeemed share’s market value. Class A, B, and C shares of Strong Advisor International Core Fund held for thirty calendar days or less after purchase are subject to a redemption fee of 1.00%, based on the redeemed share’s market value. Redemption fees are paid directly to the Funds. The amount collected for the period is included in Capital Stock reported in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and in Note 8. Strong Advisor International Core Fund did not collect any redemption fees during the period.

 

  (R) Other — Dividend income, net of applicable withholding taxes, and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes amortization of premiums and discounts on the interest method. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative shares outstanding.

 

3. Related Party Transactions

 

The Advisor provides investment advisory and related services to the Funds. Strong Investor Services, Inc. (the “Administrator”), an affiliate of the Advisor, provides administrative, transfer agent, and related services to the Funds. Certain officers are affiliated with the Advisor and the Administrator. Investment advisory and administration fees, which are established by terms of the advisory and administration agreements, are based on the following annualized rates of the average daily net assets of the respective Fund:

 

           Administrative Fees

 
     Advisory Fees(1)

    Class A

    Class B

    Class C

    Class K

    Class Z

 

Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     0.30 %

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     0.30 %

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     0.30 %

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

   0.55 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.25 %   0.30 %

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     *  

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     *  

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     *  

Strong Advisor Select Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     *  

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     *  

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     *  

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   *     *  

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

   0.75 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.25 %   *  

* Does not offer share class.
(1) The investment advisory fees are 0.75% for assets under $4 billion, 0.725% for the next $2 billion assets, and 0.70% for assets $6 billion and above. Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund does not have a breakpoint schedule.

 

The Funds’ Advisor and/or Administrator may voluntarily waive or absorb certain expenses at their discretion. The Advisor and/or Administrator has contractually agreed to waive and/or absorb expenses for the following Funds until May 1, 2005, to keep Net Annual Operating Expenses at or below the following percentages:

 

     Class A

    Class B

    Class C

    Class K

    Class Z

 

Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

   *     2.50 %   *     * *   *  

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

   *     2.50 %   2.50 %   * *   *  

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

   *     *     *     * *   *  

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

   2.50 %   2.50 %   2.50 %   0.99 %   *  

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

   *     2.50 %   2.50 %   * *   * *

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

   2.50 %   2.50 %   2.50 %   * *   * *

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

   2.50 %   2.50 %   2.50 %   * *   * *

Strong Advisor Select Fund

   2.50 %   2.50 %   2.50 %   * *   * *

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

   2.50 %   2.50 %   2.50 %   * *   * *

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

   2.50 %   2.50 %   2.50 %   * *   * *

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

   *     *     *     * *   * *

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

   1.50 %(1)   2.50 %   2.50 %   0.99 %   * *

* Contractual rate not applicable to Class.
** Does not offer share class.
(1) The contractual rate is indefinite and may only be terminated by the Board of Directors of the Funds, but not before May 1, 2005.

 

117


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

Pursuant to the direction of the Board and in implementation of certain regulatory settlements (as described in Note 10), the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or absorb expenses in the amount of 0.010% for the Strong Advisor Focus Fund and 0.033% for the Funds with the exception of the Strong Advisor Focus Fund and the Strong Advisor International Core Fund from May 21, 2004 until May 21, 2005. However, the Funds are expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Funds family on April 11, 2005 and be subject to a different expense structure. Transfer agent and related service fees for Class Z shares are paid at an annual rate of $27.00 for each open shareholder account and $4.20 for each closed shareholder account. Transfer agent and related service fees for each of the Funds’ Class A, B, C, and K shares are paid at an annual rate of 0.20% of the average daily net assets of each respective class. Transfer agent fees are recorded in Shareholder Servicing Costs in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4. The Administrator also allocates to each Fund certain charges or credits resulting from transfer agency banking activities based on each Class level of subscription and redemption activity. Transfer Agency Banking Charges allocated to the Funds by the Administrator, if any, are included in Other Expenses in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4. Transfer Agency Banking Credits allocated by the Administrator, if any, serve to reduce the transfer agency expenses incurred by the Funds and are included in Expense Waivers and Offsets in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4. The Administrator is also compensated for certain other out-of-pocket expenses related to transfer agent services.

 

The Funds have adopted a Rule 12b-1 distribution and service plan under the 1940 Act on behalf of each of the Funds’ Class A, B, and C shares. Under the plan, Strong Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor” and an affiliate of the Advisor) is paid an annual rate of 0.25%, 1.00%, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B, and C shares, respectively, as compensation for services provided and expenses incurred, including amounts paid to brokers or dealers, in connection with the sale of each Fund’s Class A, B, and C shares. See Note 4.

 

The Funds’ Class A, B, and C shares have sales charges (loads) charged to shareholders. The Funds’ Class A shares have a maximum 5.75% front-end sales charge. The Funds’ Class A shares, except Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund, may be subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge if shares are purchased without an initial sales charge and are redeemed within one year of purchase (usually on purchases of $1,000,000 or more). The Funds’ Class B shares have a maximum 5.00% contingent deferred sales charge. The Funds’ Class C shares have a maximum 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge if the shares are sold within one year of their original purchase date. Sales charges are not an expense of the Funds and are not reflected in the financial statements of the Funds. Certain of these sales charges may be waived in limited circumstances.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Distributor received aggregate sales charges from the sale of Class A shares as follows: Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund $6,995, Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund $1,526, Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund $11,071, Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund $1,394, Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund $833, Strong Advisor Focus Fund $8, Strong Advisor International Core Fund $623, Strong Advisor Select Fund $8,144, Strong Advisor Technology Fund $0, Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund $2,085, Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund $3,104, and Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund $11,178.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Distributor received aggregate contingent deferred sales charges from the redemption of Class A, B, and C shares as follows: Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund $117,659, Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund $13,467, Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund $292,835, Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund $18,810, Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund $7,310, Strong Advisor Focus Fund $10,747, Strong Advisor International Core Fund $249, Strong Advisor Select Fund $3,297, Strong Advisor Technology Fund $1,983, Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund $5,324, Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund $0, and Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund $33,497.

 

Through December 31, 2004, Next Century Growth Investors, LLC (“Next Century Growth”), an affiliate of the Advisor, managed the investments of Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund under a subadvisory agreement with the Advisor. Next Century Growth was compensated by the Advisor (not the Fund) and assumed all of its own expenses in providing subadvisory services.

 

Through December 31, 2004, W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc. (“Reaves”) managed the investments of Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund under a subadvisory agreement with the Advisor. Reaves was compensated by the Advisor (not the Fund) and assumed all of its own expenses in providing subadvisory services. The investment subadvisory fees were based on breakpoints ranging from net asset values of $200 million to $2.5 billion. The investment subadvisory fees were also subject to adjustment upward or downward depending on the Fund’s performance measured against a benchmark. The benchmark is 90% of the performance of a blend of utilities and energy indices. In addition, Reaves directly affected purchases and sales of securities for the Fund. In conjunction therewith, brokerage commissions paid to Reaves by the Fund for the year ended December 31, 2004, totaled $27,577.

 

The Funds may invest cash in money market funds managed by the Advisor, subject to certain limitations set by the Fund’s Board of Directors and applicable law.

 

118


Certain information regarding related party transactions, excluding the effects of waivers and absorptions, for the year ended December 31, 2004, is as follows:

 

     Payable to/
(Receivable from)
Advisor or
Administrator at
Dec. 31, 2004


    Shareholder Servicing
and Other Related
Expenses Paid to
Administrator


   Transfer Agency
Banking
Charges/(Credits)


   

Unaffiliated

Directors’

and Independent

Officers’ Fees


Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

   $ 238,871     $ 3,096,442    $ 1,218     $ 61,522

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

     22,907       305,003      2,063       3,294

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

     385,320       5,106,123      714       75,486

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

     85,094       1,000,805      24,495       11,784

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

     10,437       79,810      1,877       2,058

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

     (798 )     5,589      18       973

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

     (14 )     3,715      18       919

Strong Advisor Select Fund

     17,733       158,480      1,622       3,297

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

     71       3,196      (7 )     934

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

     554       11,234      51       992

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

     2,570       18,137      8       1,223

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

     15,008       214,747      782       3,695

 

At December 31, 2004, Strong Financial Corporation, the Advisor’s parent, owned 11% and 12% of the outstanding shares of Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund and Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2004, the Distributor owned 18% of the outstanding shares of Strong Advisor International Core Fund.

 

119


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

4. Expenses and Expense Waivers and Offsets

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, the class specific expenses are as follows:

 

     Administrative
Fees


   Shareholder
Servicing Costs


   Reports to
Shareholders


   12b-1 Fees

   Other

Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

                                  

Class A

   $ 228,909    $ 154,099    $ 29,502    $ 190,757    $ 38

Class B

     112,002      77,638      10,795      373,340      180

Class C

     89,390      61,670      15,923      297,967      1,572

Class Z

     3,833,576      2,799,279      350,153      —        3,378

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

                                  

Class A

     28,000      18,965      11,485      23,334      172

Class B

     8,431      6,239      707      28,102      22

Class C

     1,908      1,408      80      6,359      24

Class Z

     154,054      277,430      74,689      —        2,807

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

                                  

Class A

     1,789,907      1,215,772      199,186      1,491,589      122

Class B

     374,862      270,132      41,128      1,249,541      1,140

Class C

     449,504      316,101      62,582      1,498,348      2,329

Class Z

     3,544,194      3,301,167      404,982      —        1,725

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

                                  

Class A

     13,364      9,167      1,915      11,136      163

Class B

     17,261      12,228      2,209      57,538      46

Class C

     12,969      9,498      3,897      43,232      827

Class K

     206,023      164,821      685      —        4,619

Class Z

     697,798      803,956      248,618      —        19,976

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

                                  

Class A

     115,573      77,070      5,584      96,310      1,881

Class B

     2,466      1,709      284      8,219      3

Class C

     1,288      931      437      4,292      92

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

                                  

Class A

     3,465      2,433      388      2,887      11

Class B

     3,259      2,499      555      10,865      10

Class C

     833      633      208      2,775      22

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

                                  

Class A

     1,867      1,288      252      1,556      7

Class B

     2,723      1,945      374      9,119      9

Class C

     683      477      106      2,288      7

Strong Advisor Select Fund

                                  

Class A

     231,919      154,690      4,166      193,266      1,624

Class B

     2,809      1,966      371      9,444      3

Class C

     2,506      1,781      402      8,380      37

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

                                  

Class A

     2,376      1,614      426      1,980      12

Class B

     1,552      1,087      291      5,174      4

Class C

     653      475      212      2,172      11

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

                                  

Class A

     7,660      5,203      1,077      6,383      32

Class B

     4,100      2,821      611      13,666      11

Class C

     4,226      2,890      1,615      14,086      329

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

                                  

Class A

     25,554      17,057      215      21,295      21

Class B

     858      593      65      2,875      4

Class C

     674      464      87      2,246      5

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

                                  

Class A

     182,630      122,861      6,193      152,191      252

Class B

     25,472      17,722      3,876      84,905      57

Class C

     21,976      15,184      12,068      73,253      734

Class K

     72,873      58,298      9,478      —        420

 

120


For the year ended December 31, 2004, the class specific expense waivers and offsets are as follows:

 

    

Expense
Waivers

and
Absorptions*


    Transfer
Agency
Banking
Credits


    Directed
Brokerage


    Earnings
Credits


 

Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

                                

Class A

   $ (4,691 )   $ (194 )   $ —       $ —    

Class B

     (3,438 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (3,323 )     —         —         —    

Class Z

     (25,848 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (410,853 )     —         (95,052 )     (425 )

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

                                

Class A

     (752 )     —         —         —    

Class B

     (548 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (226 )     —         —         —    

Class Z

     (6,626 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (18,890 )     —         (6,030 )     (66 )

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

                                

Class A

     (47,064 )     (1,116 )     —         —    

Class B

     (15,004 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (16,535 )     —         —         —    

Class Z

     (45,370 )     (535 )     —         —    

Fund Level

     (603,883 )     —         (100,922 )     (1,217 )

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

                                

Class A

     (596 )     —         —         —    

Class B

     (765 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (879 )     —         —         —    

Class K

     (62,507 )     —         —         —    

Class Z

     (7,497 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (100,280 )     —         (37,546 )     (88 )

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

                                

Class A

     (60 )     —         —         —    

Class B

     (45 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (279 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (12,224 )     —         (2,821 )     (12 )

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

                                

Class A

     (9,011 )     —         —         —    

Class B

     (14,500 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (3,674 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (24,762 )     —         (1,272 )     (4 )

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

                                

Class A

     (4,971 )     —         —         —    

Class B

     (14,170 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (3,560 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (70,114 )     —         (142 )     (2 )

Strong Advisor Select Fund

                                

Class A

     (354 )     —         —         —    

Class B

     (65 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (41 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (23,829 )     —         (4,420 )     (132 )

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

                                

Class A

     (6,788 )     (14 )     —         —    

Class B

     (8,216 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (3,622 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (29,255 )     —         (9,994 )     (1 )

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

                                

Class A

     (3,377 )     —         —         —    

Class B

     (12,388 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (13,810 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (1,783 )     —         (2,257 )     (5 )

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

                                

Class A

     (199 )     —         —         —    

Class B

     (614 )     —         —         —    

Class C

     (532 )     —         —         —    

Fund Level

     (2,817 )     —         —         (11 )

 

121


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

Expense
Waivers

and
Absorptions*


    Transfer
Agency
Banking
Credits


   Directed
Brokerage


    Earnings
Credits


 

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

                               

Class A

   $ (69,744 )   $ —      $ —       $ —    

Class B

     (702 )     —        —         —    

Class C

     (5,404 )     —        —         —    

Class K

     (100,269 )     —        —         —    

Fund Level

     (30,498 )     —        (12,836 )     (263 )

* These amounts include the contractually agreed upon waivers of fees and/or absorptions of expenses for the period from May 21, 2004 thru December 31, 2004 pursuant to the direction of the Board and in implementation of certain regulatory settlements as discussed in Note 3 and in Note 10. These amounts also include reimbursement by the Advisor for the legal costs incurred by the funds for the legal and regulatory matters discussed in Note 10.

 

5. Line of Credit

 

The Strong Funds have established a line of credit agreement (“LOC”) with certain financial institutions, which expires June 30, 2005, to be used for temporary or emergency purposes. Combined borrowings among all participating Strong Funds are subject to a $200 million cap on the total LOC. For an individual Fund, borrowings under the LOC are limited to either the lesser of 15% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets or any explicit borrowing limits in the Fund’s registration statement. The principal amount of each borrowing under the LOC is due not more than 45 days after the date of the borrowing. Borrowings under the LOC bear interest based on prevailing market rates as defined in the LOC. A commitment fee of 0.09% per annum is incurred on the unused portion of the LOC and is allocated to all participating Strong Funds based on their net asset values. For the year ended December 31, 2004, there were no borrowings by Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund, Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund, Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund, Strong Advisor Focus Fund, Strong Advisor International Core Fund, Strong Advisor Select Fund, and Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund under the LOC. Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund, Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund, Strong Advisor Technology Fund, Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund, and Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund had minimal borrowings under the LOC during the year. At December 31, 2004, there were no outstanding borrowings by the Funds under the LOC.

 

6. Investment Transactions

 

The aggregate purchases and sales of long-term securities during the year ended December 31, 2004, are as follows:

 

     Purchases

   Sales

Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

   $ 566,676,111    $ 958,239,833

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

     121,247,814      135,162,532

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

     675,712,823      998,506,759

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

     189,733,438      149,740,704

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

     66,620,929      67,956,459

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

     2,405,452      3,522,520

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

     960,798      468,004

Strong Advisor Select Fund

     132,026,280      135,125,674

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

     2,138,389      2,744,820

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

     6,060,712      6,839,594

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

     10,079,864      19,422,253

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

     198,895,465      230,876,092

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government securities during the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

122


7. Income Tax Information

 

The following information for the Funds is presented on an income tax basis as of December 31, 2004:

 

     Cost of
Investments


   Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation


   Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation)


    Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
on Investments


   Distributable
Ordinary
Income


   Distributable
Long-Term
Capital Gains


Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

   $ 1,005,219,718    $ 361,469,810    $ (13,111,869 )   $ 348,357,941    $ —      $ 20,778,680

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

     50,046,026      17,730,197      (69,073 )     17,661,124      —        —  

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

     1,569,481,534      745,687,438      (33,855,220 )     711,832,218      13,371,489      16,024,017

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

     312,279,155      61,974,300      (4,246,833 )     57,727,467      320,753      2,740,644

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

     37,081,188      7,490,637      (261,853 )     7,228,784      —        —  

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

     1,810,776      702,229      (5,664 )     696,565      —        —  

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

     1,751,637      540,589      (6,298 )     534,291      600      4,561

Strong Advisor Select Fund

     81,429,500      16,572,411      (555,516 )     16,016,895      —        2,476,574

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

     1,399,325      193,063      (91,766 )     101,297      —        —  

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

     3,855,915      1,333,659      (11,709 )     1,321,950      —        —  

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

     1,632,097      302,710      (6,763 )     295,947      89,028      93,449

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

     81,988,625      14,209,053      (354,378 )     13,854,675      1,105,436      271,747

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on security transactions.

 

The tax components of dividends paid during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and capital loss carryovers (expiring in varying amounts through 2012) as of December 31, 2004, and tax basis post-October losses as of December 31, 2004, which are not recognized for tax purposes until the first day of the following fiscal year, are:

 

    2004 Income Tax Information

 

2003 Income Tax

Information


    Ordinary
Income
Distributions


 

Long-Term
Capital

Gains
Distributions


  Net Capital
Loss
Carryovers


  Post-October
Losses


  Ordinary
Income
Distributions


  Long-Term
Capital Gains
Distributions


Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

  $ —     $ 91,698,461   $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —  

Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

    —       —       108,011,874     —       —       —  

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

    23,373,468     218,221,859     —       —       793,398     49,600,777

Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

    15,252,146     12,492,467     —       —       1,833,699     —  

Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

    —       —       90,931     —       —       —  

Strong Advisor Focus Fund

    —       —       4,068,581     —       —       —  

Strong Advisor International Core Fund

    42,765     43,977     —       —       19,549     —  

Strong Advisor Select Fund

    —       5,687,370     —       —       —       —  

Strong Advisor Technology Fund

    —       —       567,403     7,749     —       —  

Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

    —       —       532,011     66,115     —       —  

Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

    362,658     411,177     —       —       184,358     —  

Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

    2,041,005     6,303,600     —       —       71,868     101,831

 

For corporate shareholders in the Funds, the percentages of ordinary dividend income distributed for the year ended December 31, 2004, which is designated as qualifying for the dividends-received deduction, is as follows (unaudited): Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund 37.9%, Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund 49.6%, Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Focus Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor International Core Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Select Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Technology Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund 58.7%, and Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund 9.8%.

 

For shareholders in the Funds, the percentages of dividend income distributed for the year ended December 31, 2004, which is designated as qualified dividend income under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, is as follows (unaudited): Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund 23.6%, Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund 48.4%, Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Focus Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor International Core Fund 94.5%, Strong Advisor Select Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Technology Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund 0.0%, Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund 67.5%, and Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund 51.5%.

 

Capital loss carryovers utilized during the year ended December 31, 2004, are as follows: Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund $98,017,939, Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund $10,073,777, Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund $0, Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund $3,875,228, Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund $5,545,446, Strong Advisor Focus Fund $441,833,

 

123


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

Strong Advisor International Core Fund $30,211, Strong Advisor Select Fund $5,735,050, Strong Advisor Technology Fund $195,747, Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund $424,473, Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund $313,921, and Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund $0.

 

8. Capital Share Transactions

 

    

Strong Advisor

Common Stock Fund


   

Strong Advisor

Mid Cap Growth Fund


 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

CLASS A

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 18,351,436     $ 62,389,061     $ 2,254,765     $ 29,891,257  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     5,133,631       —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (32,357,772 )     (48,584,158 )     (3,456,543 )     (29,161,740 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (8,872,705 )     13,804,903       (1,201,778 )     729,517  

CLASS B

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     1,929,309       8,099,013       101,227       490,452  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     2,298,727       —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (5,546,942 )     (3,494,374 )     (482,585 )     (720,050 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (1,318,906 )     4,604,639       (381,358 )     (229,598 )

CLASS C

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     4,049,548       9,917,355       43,997       326,442  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     1,501,280       —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (13,428,469 )     (8,090,361 )     (345,908 )     (698,172 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (7,877,641 )     1,826,994       (301,911 )     (371,730 )

CLASS Z

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     114,300,846       203,644,369       7,522,386       31,734,000  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     77,961,481       —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (495,966,918 )     (608,593,067 )     (20,385,158 )     (61,043,159 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (303,704,591 )     (404,948,698 )     (12,862,772 )     (29,309,159 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (321,773,843 )   $ (384,712,162 )   $ (14,747,819 )   $ (29,180,970 )
    


 


 


 


 

124


    

Strong Advisor

Common Stock Fund


   

Strong Advisor

Mid Cap Growth Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Funds Were as Follows:

                        

CLASS A

                        

Sold

   829,082     3,431,779     183,160     3,106,763  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   236,355     —       —       —    

Redeemed

   (1,468,160 )   (2,666,367 )   (282,618 )   (2,955,165 )
    

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (402,723 )   765,412     (99,458 )   151,598  
    

 

 

 

CLASS B

                        

Sold

   89,606     457,112     8,503     50,542  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   109,048     —       —       —    

Redeemed

   (258,192 )   (198,050 )   (41,116 )   (70,959 )
    

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (59,538 )   259,062     (32,613 )   (20,417 )
    

 

 

 

CLASS C

                        

Sold

   187,445     546,220     3,832     34,377  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   71,218     —       —       —    

Redeemed

   (625,270 )   (442,002 )   (29,654 )   (69,097 )
    

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (366,607 )   104,218     (25,822 )   (34,720 )
    

 

 

 

CLASS Z

                        

Sold

   5,128,434     11,182,299     615,596     3,193,498  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   3,551,776     —       —       —    

Redeemed

   (22,238,478 )   (31,635,485 )   (1,676,497 )   (5,725,809 )
    

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (13,558,268 )   (20,453,186 )   (1,060,901 )   (2,532,311 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

125


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

Strong Advisor

Small Cap Value Fund


 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

CLASS A

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 111,965,665     $ 320,685,110  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     63,761,770       15,265,206  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (287,141,565 )     (184,534,476 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (111,414,130 )     151,415,840  

CLASS B

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     3,500,020       23,520,790  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     13,852,760       2,765,426  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (13,748,747 )     (12,814,273 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     3,604,033       13,471,943  

CLASS C

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     7,497,546       50,717,429  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     14,891,930       3,207,242  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (32,663,862 )     (42,529,352 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (10,274,386 )     11,395,319  

CLASS Z

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     586,760,998       568,392,266  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     140,802,162       27,317,931  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (612,977,746 )     (432,298,660 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     114,585,414       163,411,537  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (3,499,069 )   $ 339,694,639  
    


 


 

126


    

Strong Advisor

Small Cap Value Fund


 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

            

CLASS A

            

Sold

   3,946,949     14,585,227  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   2,293,078     588,254  

Redeemed

   (10,327,642 )   (8,277,317 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (4,087,615 )   6,896,164  
    

 

CLASS B

            

Sold

   127,051     1,128,906  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   514,591     108,960  

Redeemed

   (501,970 )   (590,325 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   139,672     647,541  
    

 

CLASS C

            

Sold

   273,175     2,388,522  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   552,197     126,120  

Redeemed

   (1,184,664 )   (1,842,815 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (359,292 )   671,827  
    

 

CLASS Z

            

Sold

   20,439,069     25,560,482  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   5,026,696     1,047,467  

Redeemed

   (21,628,099 )   (18,917,370 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   3,837,666     7,690,579  
    

 

 

127


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

Strong Advisor

U.S. Value Fund


 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

CLASS A

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 1,588,383     $ 2,442,595  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     379,245       33,629  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (1,676,157 )     (1,164,555 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     291,471       1,311,669  

CLASS B

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     1,289,813       1,532,091  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     395,211       9,048  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (552,807 )     (708,664 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     1,132,217       832,475  

CLASS C

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     698,417       2,936,148  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     278,278       7,949  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (1,141,334 )     (802,924 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (164,639 )     2,141,173  

CLASS K

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     22,132,402       75,594,336  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     109,087       26,245  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (21,908,649 )     (5,956,750 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     332,840       69,663,831  

CLASS Z

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     135,909,011       65,563,705  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     11,406,386       421,710  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (65,884,168 )     (156,527,039 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     81,431,229       (90,541,624 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ 83,023,118     $ (16,592,476 )
    


 


 

 

128


    

Strong Advisor

U.S. Value Fund


 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

            

CLASS A

            

Sold

   86,445     158,971  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   21,022     2,133  

Redeemed

   (92,877 )   (76,619 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   14,590     84,485  
    

 

CLASS B

            

Sold

   71,109     101,156  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   21,981     558  

Redeemed

   (30,337 )   (49,252 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   62,753     52,462  
    

 

CLASS C

            

Sold

   38,764     187,092  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   15,559     485  

Redeemed

   (62,341 )   (51,438 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (8,018 )   136,139  
    

 

CLASS K

            

Sold

   1,217,353     4,541,506  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   6,087     1,657  

Redeemed

   (1,213,371 )   (382,792 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   10,069     4,160,371  
    

 

CLASS Z

            

Sold

   7,524,230     4,464,350  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   627,559     26,615  

Redeemed

   (3,593,330 )   (9,915,698 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   4,558,459     (5,424,733 )
    

 

 

 

129


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

Strong Advisor

Endeavor Large Cap Fund


    Strong Advisor Focus Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

CLASS A

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 13,301,217     $ 11,550,715     $ 60,018     $ 133,502  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (12,914,635 )     (13,087,873 )     (680,874 )     (1,033,507 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     386,582       (1,537,158 )     (620,856 )     (900,005 )

CLASS B

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     189,456       545,692       20,662       33,725  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (74,741 )     (294,637 )     (299,660 )     (391,552 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     114,715       251,055       (278,998 )     (357,827 )

CLASS C

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     115,461       236,667       1,722       128,342  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (130,885 )     (92,284 )     (121,067 )     (196,335 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (15,424 )     144,383       (119,345 )     (67,993 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ 485,873     $ (1,141,720 )   $ (1,019,199 )   $ (1,325,825 )
    


 


 


 


Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

CLASS A

                                

Sold

     1,297,888       1,382,830       9,354       26,782  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Redeemed

     (1,234,210 )     (1,497,908 )     (109,938 )     (189,152 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     63,678       (115,078 )     (100,584 )     (162,370 )
    


 


 


 


CLASS B

                                

Sold

     18,279       66,016       3,451       6,628  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Redeemed

     (7,217 )     (36,913 )     (49,543 )     (74,150 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     11,062       29,103       (46,092 )     (67,522 )
    


 


 


 


CLASS C

                                

Sold

     11,182       27,852       279       25,997  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Redeemed

     (12,797 )     (10,494 )     (20,057 )     (37,048 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (1,615 )     17,358       (19,778 )     (11,051 )
    


 


 


 


 

 

130


    

Strong Advisor

International Core Fund


    Strong Advisor Select Fund

 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

CLASS A

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 162,808     $ 451,750     $ 31,977,070     $ 28,987,396  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     26,258       6,485       5,498,260       —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (104,660 )     (163,951 )     (31,618,577 )     (27,068,354 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     84,406       294,284       5,856,753       1,919,042  

CLASS B

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     358,381       346,867       1,138,452       257,127  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     35,883       6,923       91,274       —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (32,276 )     (65,208 )     (113,933 )     (103,058 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     361,988       288,582       1,115,793       154,069  

CLASS C

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     91,773       562,293       687,954       204,823  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     10,119       2,436       60,012       —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (1,587 )     (585,411 )     (176,310 )     (104,606 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     100,305       (20,682 )     571,656       100,217  
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ 546,699     $ 562,184     $ 7,544,202     $ 2,173,328  
    


 


 


 


Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

CLASS A

                                

Sold

     13,169       47,151       3,631,057       4,305,907  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     2,027       570       622,745       —    

Redeemed

     (8,684 )     (14,929 )     (3,620,140 )     (3,730,994 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     6,512       32,792       633,662       574,913  
    


 


 


 


CLASS B

                                

Sold

     29,318       36,895       129,807       37,614  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     2,774       609       10,663       —    

Redeemed

     (2,840 )     (6,823 )     (13,648 )     (14,269 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     29,252       30,681       126,822       23,345  
    


 


 


 


CLASS C

                                

Sold

     7,509       58,481       80,437       29,859  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     783       215       7,011       —    

Redeemed

     (134 )     (59,716 )     (20,141 )     (13,880 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     8,158       (1,020 )     67,307       15,979  
    


 


 


 


 

 

131


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

Strong Advisor

Technology Fund


   

Strong Advisor U.S.

Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

CLASS A

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 465,534     $ 475,649     $ 1,205,572     $ 2,506,870  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (1,007,814 )     (1,132,211 )     (1,597,336 )     (182,320 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (542,280 )     (656,562 )     (391,764 )     2,324,550  

CLASS B

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     35,990       285,676       632,045       711,067  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (34,928 )     (18,271 )     (243,443 )     (132,452 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     1,062       267,405       388,602       578,615  

CLASS C

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     4,510       38,794       168,462       1,161,876  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (92,766 )     (128,137 )     (480,054 )     (53,800 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (88,256 )     (89,343 )     (311,592 )     1,108,076  
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (629,474 )   $ (478,500 )   $ (314,754 )   $ 4,011,241  
    


 


 


 


Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

CLASS A

                                

Sold

     63,505       83,030       110,108       237,549  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Redeemed

     (133,227 )     (168,601 )     (148,158 )     (16,651 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (69,722 )     (85,571 )     (38,050 )     220,898  
    


 


 


 


CLASS B

                                

Sold

     4,869       47,464       58,082       69,682  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Redeemed

     (5,138 )     (2,590 )     (23,370 )     (11,990 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (269 )     44,874       34,712       57,692  
    


 


 


 


CLASS C

                                

Sold

     623       5,992       14,560       114,610  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Redeemed

     (12,823 )     (21,193 )     (46,160 )     (4,922 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (12,200 )     (15,201 )     (31,600 )     109,688  
    


 


 


 


 

 

132


    

Strong Advisor

Utilities and Energy Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

CLASS A

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 797,521     $ 10,745,467  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     70,401       57,522  

Payment for Shares Redeemed*

     (10,424,129 )     (8,634,471 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (9,556,207 )     2,168,518  

CLASS B

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     167,861       50,393  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     10,103       232  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (4,656 )     —    
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     173,308       50,625  

CLASS C

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     81,865       61,694  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     9,058       1,418  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (85,522 )     (11,717 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     5,401       51,395  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (9,377,498 )   $ 2,270,538  
    


 


Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

CLASS A

                

Sold

     66,748       1,122,369  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     6,063       5,985  

Redeemed*

     (894,125 )     (876,335 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (821,314 )     252,019  
    


 


CLASS B

                

Sold

     14,681       5,210  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     869       24  

Redeemed

     (401 )     —    
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     15,149       5,234  
    


 


CLASS C

                

Sold

     6,789       6,587  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     781       145  

Redeemed

     (7,747 )     (1,155 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (177 )     5,577  
    


 



* Includes a Redemption-in-Kind on December 21, 2004 of $7,100,325 (587,051 shares).

 

133


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

Strong Advisor

Large Company Core Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

CLASS A

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 9,883,148     $ 59,864,417  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     4,635,427       78,573  

Proceeds from Redemption Fees*

     12,474       —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (27,594,187 )     (9,871,639 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (13,063,138 )     50,071,351  

CLASS B

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     1,903,385       6,531,413  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     598,238       5,649  

Proceeds from Redemption Fees*

     1,571       —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (983,260 )     (411,263 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     1,519,934       6,125,799  

CLASS C

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     3,118,877       5,690,544  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     599,527       5,296  

Proceeds from Redemption Fees*

     1,296       —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (2,595,138 )     (624,699 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     1,124,562       5,071,141  

CLASS K

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     8,644,119       33,605,594  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     2,151,242       78,412  

Proceeds from Redemption Fees*

     6,536       —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (22,649,704 )     (2,948,367 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (11,847,807 )     30,735,639  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (22,266,449 )   $ 92,003,930  
    


 



* The amount of redemption fees collected for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $12,110 and was paid to the Fund in 2004.

 

134


    

Strong Advisor

Large Company Core Fund


 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

            

CLASS A

            

Sold

   907,676     6,235,824  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   435,913     7,791  

Redeemed

   (2,559,965 )   (976,959 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (1,216,376 )   5,266,656  
    

 

CLASS B

            

Sold

   176,952     691,767  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   57,309     549  

Redeemed

   (93,209 )   (40,925 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   141,052     651,391  
    

 

CLASS C

            

Sold

   290,100     596,467  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   57,480     512  

Redeemed

   (242,815 )   (61,554 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   104,765     535,425  
    

 

CLASS K

            

Sold

   793,688     3,545,081  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   200,954     8,183  

Redeemed

   (2,065,289 )   (302,576 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (1,070,647 )   3,250,688  
    

 

 

135


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

9. Investments in Affiliates

 

Affiliated issuers, as defined under the 1940 Act, include any Fund of the Strong Funds and any issuer in which the Fund’s holdings of an issuer represent 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer. A summary of transactions in the securities of these issuers during the year ended December 31, 2004, is as follows:

 

     Balance of
Shares Held
Jan. 1, 2004


   Gross
Purchases
and Additions


    Gross Sales
and
Reductions


    Balance of
Shares Held
Dec. 31, 2004


  

Value

Dec. 31, 2004


  

Investment
Income

Jan. 1, 2004-
Dec. 31, 2004


  

Realized
Gain/Loss

on Sales


 

Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

                                            

Allied Healthcare Products, Inc.

   848,200    276,559     (79,880 )   1,044,879    $ 6,843,957    $ —      $ 203,991  

Apex Silver Mines, Ltd.

   2,115,100    617,000     (255,100 )   2,477,000      42,554,860      —        (448,152 )

Barbeques Galore, Ltd. Sponsored ADR

   434,231    129,790     (15,000 )   549,021      3,294,126      96,609      77,745  

Calgon Carbon Corporation

   2,584,600    218,300     (575,700 )   2,227,200      20,222,976      316,686      23,661  

Covenant Transport, Inc. Class A

   783,000    153,500     (148,800 )   787,700      16,399,914      —        1,360  

Discovery Partners International, Inc.

   1,503,400    492,600     (59,200 )   1,936,800      9,199,800      —        (116,185 )

Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.1

   1,120,900    182,500     (430,300 )   873,100      9,455,673      —        1,056,334  

Encore Wire Corporation1

   1,163,900    486,700 2   (1,054,000 )   596,600      7,952,678      —        21,678,535  

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation

   700,200    307,953     —       1,008,153      7,026,826      —        —    

The GEO Group, Inc. (Formerly Wackenhut Corrections Corporation)

   781,910    222,300     (39,600 )   964,610      25,639,334      —        91,881  

Global Industries, Ltd.

   3,894,600    2,254,000     (80,000 )   6,068,600      50,308,694      —        (241,281 )

Intertape Polymer Group, Inc.

   2,426,100    306,500     —       2,732,600      24,893,986      —        —    

Kforce, Inc.

   1,862,485    370,215     (327,840 )   1,904,860      21,143,946      —        1,169,847  

Layne Christensen Company

   1,514,300    97,502     (137,710 )   1,474,092      26,754,770      —        904,486  

Lightbridge, Inc.

   1,523,100    929,600     (78,300 )   2,374,400      14,341,376      —        (334,278 )

Matrix Service Company

   841,900    712,900     (20,466 )   1,534,334      12,366,732      —        (185,719 )

McMoRan Exploration Company

   837,500    370,300     (45,000 )   1,162,800      21,744,360      —        (39,044 )

Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (non-voting)

   174,260    5,217     —       179,477      4,499,488      —        —    

Range Resources Corporation

   4,132,300    750,700     (229,200 )   4,653,800      95,216,748      217,613      442,914  

Richardson Electronics, Ltd.1

   536,700    242,100     (107,000 )   671,800      7,127,798      107,140      (213,588 )

Webco Industries, Inc.

   285,460    628,285     (8,000 )   905,745      9,754,874      —        (7,290 )

The Wet Seal, Inc. Class A1

   —      1,324,020     (1,324,020 )   —        —        —        (6,139,201 )

1 Issuer was not an affiliate as of December 31, 2004.
2 Includes increase due to stock split.

 

10. Legal and Regulatory Matters

 

On or about May 20, 2004, the Advisor, the Administrator, and the Distributor (collectively, “Strong”), former chairman Richard S. Strong, and two employees of Strong entered into agreements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the New York Attorney General (“NYAG”), the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice (the Wisconsin Attorney General), and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions representing a settlement of all the market-timing investigations of Strong and certain affiliates by these agencies. In the settlements, Strong, without admitting or denying the findings in any of the orders, consented to entries of cease and desist orders and injunctive relief relating to breaches of their fiduciary duties and violations of state and federal securities laws, including anti-fraud provisions. The settlements require the Advisor to pay $40 million in investor restoration and $40 million in civil penalties. The settlements require Mr. Strong to pay $30 million in investor restoration and $30 million in civil penalties. The NYAG settlement also requires Strong or its successor to reduce fees for all Funds (except money market funds and certain very short-term income funds) by an aggregate of at least $7 million a year for five years. Separately, the Board of Directors of the Strong Funds and the Advisor have agreed that the Advisor may allocate such fee and/or expense reductions in a manner it deems reasonable, provided that (i) each applicable Fund shall participate in such fee reduction, (ii) each Fund that was impacted by market timing related to the settlements shall receive a fee reduction of at least 0.025% each year, (iii) such fee reduction shall be taken after giving effect to all waivers and reimbursements currently in effect, and (iv) fees and expenses shall not subsequently be increased without prior Board approval. Additionally, the settlements require, among other things: 1) retention of an independent consultant to develop a payment plan for the amount of investor restoration; 2) the services of an independent compliance consultant to conduct a periodic review of Strong’s compliance policies and procedures; and 3) enhanced corporate governance policies for the Strong Funds. The NYAG settlement also requires: 1) the retention of a senior officer to assist the Board in monitoring compliance and reviewing fee arrangements; and 2) additional fee disclosure to investors in the Funds. Strong and Mr. Strong, and not the

 

136


investors in any Strong Fund, will bear all the costs of complying with the settlements, including restoration, civil penalties, and associated legal fees stemming from these regulatory proceedings. Strong has not yet determined if the investor restoration or civil penalties will create any financial benefit to the Strong Funds.

 

Strong has received one or more subpoenas or requests for information from the West Virginia Attorney General and other regulatory agencies requesting documents, if any, related to market timing and late trading practices. Strong is aware of multiple outstanding class and derivative actions (“Actions”) filed since September 4, 2003, against Strong, Strong Funds, Strong Financial Corporation, Strong Investments, Inc., Strong affiliates, and certain of their employees, officers, directors, and others as defendants in certain federal and state courts with respect to factual matters referenced in the NYAG settlement. On February 20, 2004, the United States Judicial Panel for Multi District Litigation (“MDL”) ordered the transfer of most of the Actions to the District of Maryland so those cases involving Strong could be coordinated and consolidated into one or two actions covered by a single complaint (“MDL Consolidated Actions”). The MDL ordered all or most of the other federal court Actions and certain state court Actions involving Strong to be consolidated into no more than three actions and be heard by the District of Maryland court. On September 30, 2004, three consolidated amended complaints were filed in the District of Maryland court. The Actions generally allege, among other things, that the defendants violated their fiduciary duty to fund shareholders and certain retirement plan participants, and made false and misleading statements in the funds’ prospectuses in violation of federal and state securities laws. The Actions generally seek one or more of the following: compensatory damages, punitive damages, special damages, exemplary damages, rescission, restitution, payment of plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and experts’ fees, and/or replacement of the Board of Directors of the Strong Funds. Certain state Actions were not consolidated into the MDL Consolidated Actions and proceedings in these state court Actions have been or may be stayed or proceed independently of the MDL Consolidated Actions.

 

The Strong Funds will not bear any costs incurred in connection with these Actions. Based on currently available information, Strong believes that the Actions will not have a material adverse financial impact on the Strong Funds, and are not likely to materially affect Strong’s ability to provide investment management services to its clients, including the Strong Funds. The Funds may experience increased redemptions or a decrease in new sales of shares as a result of the regulatory settlements and the ongoing Actions, which could result in increased transaction costs and operating expenses, or otherwise negatively impact the Strong Funds.

 

11. Pending Fund Merger

 

On May 26, 2004, Strong Financial Corporation (“SFC”) announced that it reached a definitive agreement with Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”) for Wells Fargo to acquire certain assets of SFC and certain of its affiliates, including the Advisor. As part of the transaction, Fund shareholders met on December 10, 2004 or December 22, 2004 on various matters including appointing Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, as a new investment advisor for the Strong Funds. A reorganization of the Strong Funds into the Wells Fargo Funds family is anticipated to take place in April 2005.

 

137


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

of Strong Advisor Equity Funds:

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund, Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund, Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund, Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund, Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund, Strong Advisor Focus Fund, Strong Advisor International Core Fund, Strong Advisor Select Fund, Strong Advisor Technology Fund, Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund, Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund, and Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund (all twelve collectively constituting Strong Advisor Equity Funds, hereafter referred to as the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2004, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The statements of changes in net assets for the period ended December 31, 2003 and the financial highlights for each of the years or periods ended December 31, 2003, and prior, were audited by other auditors whose report thereon dated February 3, 2004 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2004, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of December 31, 2004, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

February 14, 2005

 

138


RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS (Unaudited)

  December 31, 2004

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor Common Stock Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Common Stock Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

31,158,829.876    1,422,999.002    1,140,730.647

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

31,032,664.604    1,494,041.282    1,195,538.639

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

31,006,524.945    1,481,328.363    1,234,706.217

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

33,722,559.525      

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor Mid Cap Growth Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Mid Cap Growth Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

2,793,869.251    44,738.407    193,855.170

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

2,744,097.207    90,382.068    197,983.553

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

2,788,660.601    45,716.312    198,085.915

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

3,032,462.828      

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 22, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor Small Cap Value Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Small Cap Value Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

33,682,758.214    858,645.869    1,267,349.236

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

33,669,973.056    820,174.308    1,318,605.955

 

139


RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS (Unaudited) (continued)

   December 31, 2004

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

33,618,644.758    832,169.819    1,357,938.742

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

35,808,753.319      

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage U.S. Value Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

13,389,747.135    104,439.491    63,498.406

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

13,373,669.790    115,153.273    68,861.969

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

13,364,430.657    114,765.666    78,488.709

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

13,557,685.032      

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor Endeavor Large Cap Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Endeavor Large Cap Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

2,108,654.620    69,560.000    22,557.000

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

2,104,962.620    65,830.000    29,979.000

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

2,101,798.620    64,150.000    34,823.000

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

2,200,771.620      

 

140


Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor Focus Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor Focus Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Large Company Growth Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

201,123.000    13,232.000    4,769.000

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

201,911.000    13,232.000    3,981.000

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Peregrine Capital Management, Inc.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

194,596.000    16,761.000    7,767.000

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

219,124.000      

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor International Core Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor International Core Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage International Core Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

86,591.609    1,751.000   

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

86,591.609    1,751.000   

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with New Star Institutional Managers Limited.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

86,591.609    1,751.000   

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

88,342.609      

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor Select Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor Select Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Endeavor Select Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

4,648,966.486    126,390.000    52,595.000

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

4,643,878.486    120,130.000    63,943.000

 

141


RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS (Unaudited) (continued)

   December 31, 2004

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

4,633,164.486    116,326.000    78,461.000

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

4,827,951.486      

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor Technology Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor Technology Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Specialized Technology Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

112,147.508    687.000    1,010.000

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

112,147.508    687.000    1,010.000

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with RCM Capital Management, LLC.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

112,147.508    687.000    1,010.000

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

113,844.508      

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

262,365.954    4,857.000    12,621.000

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, Inc.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

262,213.954    5,009.000    12,621.000

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

262,213.954    4,699.000    12,931.000

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

   Against

   Abstain

279,843.954      

 

142


Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor Utilities and Energy Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Equity Income Fund.

 

For

     Against

     Abstain

636,265.000      1,743.000     

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

     Against

     Abstain

636,265.000      1,743.000     

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

     Against

     Abstain

635,686.000      2,322.000     

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

     Against

     Abstain

638,008.000          

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Advisor Large Company Core Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Large Company Core Fund.

 

For

     Against

     Abstain

5,100,289.787      86,631.717      106,736.070

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

     Against

     Abstain

5,088,005.787      89,534.717      116,117.070

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Matrix Asset Advisors, Inc.

 

For

     Against

     Abstain

5,067,419.787      91,935.717      134,302.070

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

     Against

     Abstain

5,293,657.574          

 

143


DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

Each officer and director holds the same position with the 27 registered open-end management investment companies consisting of 70 mutual funds (“Strong Funds”).

 

Willie D. Davis (DOB 7-24-34), Director of the Strong Funds since July 1994.

 

Mr. Davis has been President and Chief Executive Officer of All Pro Broadcasting, Inc., since 1977; Director of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (formerly WICOR, Inc., a utility company) since 1990, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. (an entertainment company) since 1998, Checker’s Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (formerly Rally’s Hamburgers, Inc.) since 1994, Johnson Controls, Inc. (an automotive systems and facility management company) since 1992, MGM Mirage (formerly MGM Grand, Inc., an entertainment/hotel company) since 1990, Dow Chemical Company since 1988, Sara Lee Corporation (a food/consumer products company) since 1983, Alliance Bank since 1980, Manpower, Inc. (a worldwide provider of staffing services) since 2001, Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. from 1997 to December 2004, and Kmart Corporation (a discount consumer products company) from 1985 to 2003; and Trustee of the University of Chicago since 1980 and Marquette University since 1988.

 

Gordon B. Greer (DOB 2-17-32), Director of the Strong Funds since March 2002.

 

Mr. Greer was Of Counsel for Bingham McCutchen LLP (a law firm previously known as Bingham Dana LLP) from 1997 to February 2002 and Partner of Bingham McCutchen LLP from 1967 to 1997. On behalf of Bingham McCutchen LLP, Mr. Greer provided representation to the disinterested directors of the Strong Funds from 1991 to February 2002. Bingham McCutchen LLP has provided representation to the Independent Directors of the Strong Funds since 1991.

 

Stanley Kritzik (DOB 1-9-30), Director of the Strong Funds since January 1995 and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Strong Funds since July 2000.

 

Mr. Kritzik has been Partner of Metropolitan Associates (a real estate firm) since 1962; Director of Wisconsin Health Information Network from November 1997 to September 2004, Health Network Ventures, Inc. from 1992 to April 2000, and Aurora Health Care from September 1987 to September 2002; and Member of the Board of Governors of Snowmass Village Resort Association from October 1999 to October 2002.

 

Neal Malicky (DOB 9-14-34), Director of the Strong Funds since December 1999.

 

Mr. Malicky has been President Emeritus of Baldwin-Wallace College since July 2000; Chancellor of Baldwin-Wallace College from July 1999 to June 2000; President of Baldwin-Wallace College from July 1981 to June 1999; Trustee of Southwest Community Health Systems, Cleveland Scholarship Program, and The National Conference for Community and Justice until 2001; President of the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church, Chairperson of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, and Secretary of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities until 2001.

 

William F. Vogt (DOB 7-19-47), Director and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committee of the Strong Funds since January 1995.

 

Mr. Vogt has been President of Vogt Holdings, LLC since July 2004; Senior Vice President of IDX Systems Corporation (a management consulting firm) from June 2001 to June 2004; President of Vogt Management Consulting, Inc. from July 1990 to June 2001; and former Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

 

144


DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (continued)

 

Ane K. Ohm (DOB 10-16-69), Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the Strong Funds since November 2002.

 

Ms. Ohm has been Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of Strong Financial Corporation since February 2003; Assistant Executive Vice President of Strong Financial Corporation since November 2003; Assistant Executive Vice President of Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) since December 2001; Director of Mutual Fund Administration of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since April 2001; Vice President of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since December 2001; and Marketing Services Manager of Strong Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”) from November 1998 to April 2001.

 

R. Michael Parker (DOB 6-17-45), Chief Compliance Officer of the Strong Funds since August 2004.

 

Mr. Parker was a Senior Compliance Examiner with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission from April 1970 to April 2004.

 

Phillip O. Peterson (DOB 12-5-44), Independent President of the Strong Funds since January 2004.

 

Mr. Peterson was a mutual fund industry consultant from August 1999 to December 2003; Partner of KPMG LLP from 1981 to July 1999; Director of The Hartford Group of Mutual Funds (71 funds) since 2002; and Director of the Fortis Mutual Fund Group (38 funds) from 2000 to 2002.

 

John W. Widmer (DOB 1-19-65), Treasurer of the Strong Funds since April 1999; Secretary of the Strong Funds since November 2004.

 

Mr. Widmer has been Treasurer of the Advisor since April 1999; Assistant Treasurer of Strong Financial Corporation since December 2001; Secretary of Strong Financial Corporation since September 2004; Assistant Secretary of Strong Financial Corporation from December 2001 to January 2003; Treasurer of Strong Service Corporation since April 1999; Treasurer and Secretary of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since September 2004; Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of Strong Investor Services, Inc. from July 2001 to September 2004; and Manager of the Financial Management and Sales Reporting Systems department of the Advisor from May 1997 to April 1999.

 

Thomas M. Zoeller (DOB 2-21-64), Vice President of the Strong Funds since October 1999.

 

Mr. Zoeller has been Executive Vice President of the Advisor since April 2001; Chief Financial Officer of the Advisor since February 1998; Secretary of the Advisor from December 2001 to November 2002; Member of the Office of the Chief Executive of Strong Financial Corporation since May 2001; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Strong Investments, Inc. from October 1993 to September 2004; Executive Vice President of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since July 2001; Secretary of Strong Investor Services, Inc. from July 2001 to May 2003; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of Strong Service Corporation since December 2001; Treasurer of Strong Service Corporation from September 1996 to April 1999; Vice President of Strong Service Corporation from April 1999 to December 2001; Member of the Office of the Chief Executive of the Advisor from November 1998 until May 2001; Senior Vice President of the Advisor from February 1998 to April 2001; and Director of Capital Processing International, LLC since September 2004.

 

Effective January 2005, Dana J. Russart replaced Mr. Zoeller as Vice President of the Strong Funds.

 

Except for Messrs. Davis, Malicky, and Vogt, the address of all of the Directors and Officers is P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, WI 53201. Mr. Davis’s address is 161 North La Brea, Inglewood, CA 90301. Mr. Malicky’s address is 4608 Turnberry Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047. Mr. Vogt’s address is P.O. Box 7657, Avon, CO 81620.

 

The statement of additional information contains additional information about fund directors and officers and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-368-3863.

 

145


Directors

 

Willie D. Davis

Gordon B. Greer

Stanley Kritzik

Neal Malicky

William F. Vogt

 

Officers

 

Ane K. Ohm, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

R. Michael Parker, Chief Compliance Officer

Phillip O. Peterson, Independent President

John W. Widmer, Treasurer and Secretary

Thomas M. Zoeller, Vice President

 

Investment Advisor

 

Strong Capital Management, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

Distributor

 

Strong Investments, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

Custodian

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company

801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64105

 

Transfer Agent and Dividend-Disbursing Agent

 

Strong Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

KPMG LLP

303 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601-5212

 

Legal Counsel

 

Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

780 North Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

146


Contact Us

 

To learn more about our funds, discuss an existing account, or conduct a transaction, call 1-800-368-3863 or visit www.Strong.com.

 

To reach us by mail, please forward to Strong Investments, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201.

 

Please carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information, call us or visit our web site for a free prospectus. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money.

 

If you are a Financial Professional, call 1-800-368-1683.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

To receive a free copy of the policies and procedures the funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, or to receive a free copy of a fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ending on June 30, call 1-800-368-3863, or visit the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) web site at www.sec.gov.

 

Filing of Portfolio Holdings

 

The funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s public reference rooms at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at the SEC’s regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900.


LOGO

 

This report does not constitute an offer for the sale of securities. Strong Funds are offered for sale by prospectus only. Securities are offered through Strong Investments, Inc. RT48464 02-05

 

AEQY/WH2001 12-04


Item 1.     Reports to Shareholders

 

ANNUAL REPORT    |    December 31, 2004

 

Strong

 

Growth

 


 

Funds

 

LOGO

Strong Blue Chip Fund

 

Strong Discovery Fund

 

Strong Endeavor Fund

 

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

 

Strong Enterprise Fund

 

Strong Growth 20 Fund

 

Strong Growth Fund

 

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

   

 

LOGO

 

 


ANNUAL REPORT    |    December 31, 2004

 

Strong

Growth

Funds

 

On May 26, 2004, Strong Financial Corporation (“SFC”) announced that it reached a definitive agreement with Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”) for Wells Fargo to acquire certain assets of SFC and certain of its affiliates, including the Advisor. On December 10, 2004, and on December 22, 2004, shareholders of the Strong Funds met and approved 1) the reorganization of each Strong Fund into a Wells Fargo Advantage Fund (“Reorganization”), and 2) interim investment advisory agreements between the Strong Funds and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and certain sub-advisors (“Interim Agreements”). The Interim Agreements became effective January 1, 2005. The Reorganization of the Funds is expected to occur on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Table of Contents

 

Investment Reviews     

Strong Blue Chip Fund

   2

Strong Discovery Fund

   6

Strong Endeavor Fund

   10

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

   14

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

   18

Strong Enterprise Fund

   22

Strong Growth 20 Fund

   26

Strong Growth Fund

   30

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

   34

Your Fund’s Expenses

   38

Financial Information

    

Schedules of Investments in Securities

    

Strong Blue Chip Fund

   40

Strong Discovery Fund

   40

Strong Endeavor Fund

   42

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

   44

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

   45

Strong Enterprise Fund

   47

Strong Growth 20 Fund

   49

Strong Growth Fund

   49

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

   52

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   54

Statements of Operations

   61

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   64

Financial Highlights

   68

Notes to Financial Statements

   77

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   92

Results of Shareholders Meetings

   93

Directors and Officers

   97


LOGO

 

Market Update From Dick Weiss

 

January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2004

       

 

It’s indisputable: When it comes to the stock market, resolution brings results.

 

We saw this clearly at the tail end of 2004. The market as a whole had wandered aimlessly for the first 10 months of the year, spooked by uncertainty over the outcome of a contentious U.S. Presidential Election and our continuing involvement in Iraq. With George W. Bush’s reelection in November, the market surged, driven by the knowledge that there would be no change of administration in Washington and the U.S. commitment to democratize Iraq would continue.

 

One issue that currently weighs on the markets is inflation. There was tremendous inflation at the raw material level in both 2003 and 2004, but it has not shown up in any marked degree in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The most obvious example occurred in the energy sector, where oil rose well above $50 per barrel. Historically, that sort of spike in oil prices would have dramatically (and negatively) impacted the average American’s financial affairs. This time, however, it did not.

 

Why? Because rather than pass on those increasing raw material costs to customers, most companies chose to take the hit themselves, largely because demand seemed soft. It seems to me that the tricky question is whether companies will continue to absorb higher prices for raw materials (thus depressing profit margins) or, rather, pass those costs along to the public.

 

In any event, it’s clear that there’s a lot more inflation in the system than is reflected in the CPI. Hence, it’s become a matter of how that inflation will be managed — and by whom.

 

It’s also worth noting that there are deflationary pressures afoot in the world’s economy today. China, absorbing millions of new workers into its labor pool, is exporting cheap goods around the globe. The United States is the destination for a disproportionate share of that production, and the Chinese are financing our purchases. For the moment, that practice has helped to prop up the U.S. dollar. In the long run, it has unsettling implications.

 

As we look at 2005, there are a lot of moving parts out there — inflation, deflation, Iraq, China, the ups-and-downs of the U.S. dollar, and the mind-boggling developments in technology with their transformative effects on both our corporate and personal lives. Rapidly aging populations in Europe and China will cause seismic demographic shifts that we believe will have a long-term, dramatic effect on the world economy and markets.

 

Thanks for your continued investment.

 

LOGO

 

Richard T. Weiss

 

Strong Financial Corporation


Strong Blue Chip Fund

 

The Strong Blue Chip Fund posted a return of 12.68% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004. This placed it ahead of its broad-based benchmark, the Standard and Poor’s 500, which returned 10.87% for the same period.

 

A narrow market for much of the year

 

While equity markets were at times volatile during the first nine months of 2004, for the most part stocks fluctuated within a relatively narrow band. This breather was not entirely surprising given 2003’s strong gains, but other factors played a role in keeping equity returns mild for most of the year, including the continuing situation in Iraq, impending Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes, high energy prices, and worries about the impact of slowing Chinese growth on the Asian regional and global economies.

 

April was a particularly challenging month for the markets and the Fund, as a sharp improvement in employment data provoked fears of inflation and higher interest rates. Because the Fund had significant positions in stocks that were negatively affected by such concerns, performance suffered during this time. Investor sentiment began to improve somewhat near the end of May, as the market once again focused its attention on the good news regarding strong corporate profits and new job creation. Holdings that had been hurt by investors’ concerns in April had largely stabilized and recovered by the end of the first half of the year.

 

Change came in the fourth quarter

 

Although equity returns remained tepid in the year’s third quarter, they staged a solid comeback in the fourth, as investors gained greater confidence in the economic outlook. Corporate profits climbed to record levels, job creation appeared to pick up, and oil prices moved down from their earlier highs. The quick resolution to the November elections — unlike the drawn-out scenario in 2000 — and a result that was generally seen as positive for business allowed the equity markets to enjoy a strong upturn through most of the remainder of the year.

 

The Fed raised rates a total of five times before the end of the year, bringing the target rate up to 2.25% from 1.00%. The measured pace of these increases, a quarter point at a time, helped to quiet fears of inflation.

 

Factors driving Fund performance

 

In the first half of the year, the Fund’s energy holdings contributed positively to performance. Our emphasis in this sector was on the large integrated oil companies, which benefited from higher demand for oil, strong margins on refining operations, and low debt levels that helped to mute the impact of rising interest rates.

 

LOGO

 

Later in the year, many of the Fund’s gains took place in such cyclical sectors as materials, select technology, and industrial stocks. This was indicative of improving investor sentiment with respect to the sustainability of the economic recovery. We had significant holdings in these areas, including Phelps Dodge and Nucor. Home sales continued to be strong, allowing our investments among homebuilders to make meaningful contributions to the Fund’s performance. Internet companies Ebay and Yahoo! also had a positive impact on the Fund’s returns.

 

Our focus on large capitalization stocks hurt our results over the year, as smaller-company stocks on the whole outperformed larger-cap stocks. We were nonetheless able to comfortably outpace the Fund’s benchmark for the year.

 

Our investment outlook

 

For months, many factors took a toll on investor confidence — factors that had little to do with the economy or corporate earnings. Now, investors once again are paying attention to some very positive underlying economic trends. This offers the potential for positive impact on equity markets, though perhaps not at the same rate as in the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

We anticipate that economic growth should continue at a sustainable pace in coming months. Corporate earnings have been strong, and there is good reason they will continue to be so. Inflation remains at manageable levels, and the Federal Reserve appears to be strongly committed to its measured pace of rate increases. There are still many concerns facing investors, including geopolitical uncertainty and rising interest rates, but on balance, we believe positive economic factors could help to drive reasonable gains among large-cap stocks in coming months.

 

Although energy prices remain an area of concern — despite recent declines — we believe that even at higher levels, oil prices are not likely to put a severe crimp in economic growth. Energy consumption per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is dramatically lower than it was in the 1970s, indicating a level of efficiency that allows the economy to absorb higher prices.

 

Effective January 1, 2005, John S. Dale, CFA, and Gary E. Nussbaum, CFA, of Peregrine Capital Management, Inc., became the Portfolio Co-Managers of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Large Company Growth Fund on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Blue Chip Fund.

 


*   The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

2


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

3


Strong Blue Chip Fund

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

  This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Definitions:

 

**   The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

    It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

eBay, Inc.

   5.3 %

ConocoPhillips

   4.7 %

Yahoo! Inc.

   4.1 %

America Movil ADR Series L

   3.8 %

QUALCOMM, Inc.

   3.7 %

General Electric Company

   3.7 %

Tyco International, Ltd.

   3.7 %

Burlington Resources, Inc.

   3.6 %

D.R. Horton, Inc.

   3.6 %

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

   3.5 %
    

Top Ten

   39.7 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

4


Average Annual Total Returns

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   12.68 %

5-year

   -9.23 %

Since Fund Inception (6-30-97)

   3.97 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Diversified Operations

   12.6 %

Oil & Gas — International Integrated

   8.9 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Services

   7.2 %

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   5.8 %

Building — Resident/Commercial

   5.7 %

Internet — E*Commerce

   5.3 %

Internet — Content

   4.1 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   3.7 %

Leisure — Hotels & Motels

   3.5 %

Steel — Producers

   3.5 %
    

Top Ten

   60.3 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to growth-style investing risk and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

5


Strong Discovery Fund

 

The stock market delivered a second consecutive year of gains to investors in 2004. The economy grew in fits and starts, making equity returns volatile, with much of the year’s gain being produced in the fourth quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Strong Discovery Fund’s value rose by 15.69%, compared to the Fund’s broad-based benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which advanced 18.33%. While the Fund delivered strong returns to shareholders, it lagged the benchmark, as the Fund’s growth style underperformed the broader market.

 

The year tested investors, as gains in the equity market were limited for much of the year by uncertainty about the presidential election, uneven job growth, rising short-term interest rates, increasing energy prices, a declining dollar, and continued turmoil in Iraq. Despite these trends, the economy continued to expand, and many companies experienced healthy profit growth that supported increased stock prices. Investor expectations vacillated from optimistic to dubious with each economic statistic that was released. While an improving economy and stock market were evident, investor satisfaction with the level of growth and sustainability was continually debated.

 

Investigative approach to investing

 

Throughout the year, we faithfully executed our intensive research process of “surrounding the company” in order to attempt to generate competitive returns for the Fund’s shareholders. We attempt to delve deeply into each company through financial statement analysis, conversations with management and, lastly, investigations of suppliers, customers and competitors. By utilizing this encompassing model, we are often able to identify companies that will produce a great deal of value relative to the required investment. Moreover, the process provides us with comprehensive knowledge regarding each of the Fund’s holdings and specifically, we can gain a better understanding of where the growth is being generated.

 

In addition to our research process, our team encourages an environment open to dissent. Within this environment, portfolio managers and analysts constantly challenge each individual investment. Every question presented requires the investments’ position in the portfolio to be further justified. This is a well-established and respected practice of all team members that we expect to continue to assist us in assessing the risk and reward of every investment.

 

Marvel Enterprises and Equinix stood out

 

One result of our intensive research and inquisitive mindset was the Fund’s position in Marvel Enterprises. During 2004, this character-based entertainment company with interests in toy development and publishing continued to strengthen its licensing-based business model, as investors saw Spiderman return to the screen. In the process, the company may have gained valuable leverage in negotiating licensing agreements, and, we believe, laid potential groundwork for other fruitful uses of its vast pipeline of characters.

 

LOGO

 

Our extensive research also enabled us to analyze interesting growth opportunities within technology. Due to increases in broadband penetration, multimedia content, and wireless data, Internet demand has been growing at an accelerated pace. One specific Fund holding that benefited from this trend was Equinix, the largest U.S. manager of data centers, which houses servers of corporations and Web portals. The company’s competitive advantage is their industry-leading aggregation of networks, which provides on-site direct interconnect access to more than 170 bandwidth providers representing more than 90% of the world’s Internet traffic. This service (of direct interconnect to the network) provides customers with access to the lowest-cost, highest-performance solution because it is a direct interconnect as opposed to other business models that require third parties.

 

During 2004, a holding that did not perform to our expectations was GrafTech International. This company manufactures and provides high-quality natural and synthetic graphite and carbon products and services for a variety of end markets. During the year, GrafTech incurred margin pressure due to an unexpected increase in commodity costs. Unfortunately, due to terms in the majority of long-term contracts, the company was not able to pass through the increased cost to customers. We liquidated the Fund’s position because we believed commodity costs would remain at higher levels. Therefore, the company would have continued expense pressure, impacting earnings for the foreseeable future resulting in GrafTech underperforming the markets expectations.

 

Outlook for 2005

 

As we enter 2005, we believe the key question is not whether the economy will grow but rather to what degree. We are optimistic that the economy will continue to strengthen, driven by continued acceleration of enterprise capital spending and a resultant growth in earnings.

 

The market remains constructive, as investors climb a “wall of worry” with concerns about the health of the consumer, fading fiscal stimulus, record budget and trade deficits, a falling dollar, and uncertain employment growth. Companies today have record levels of free cash flow, but thus far have been reluctant to invest in large-scale projects. Consequently, we have seen a huge build-up in liquidity, with corporate debt levels at fifty-year lows. Historically, rising corporate profits and cash flows have led to accelerating capital investment. For this reason, we believe that most of the capital spending cycle and inventory build-up is yet to come.

 

In addition, we plan to pay close attention to the levels of job creation, long-term interest rates, and the resulting impact on the U.S. dollar. As always, we will try to continue to carefully select holdings for the Fund with an eye toward owning companies possessing unique and strong fundamentals.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Discovery Fund, the successor to the Strong Discovery Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Discovery Fund. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us.

 

LOGO

Thomas J. Pence

 

Portfolio Co-Manager

 

LOGO

 

James M. Leach

 

Portfolio Co-Manager

 


*   The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

6


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

7


Strong Discovery Fund

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

  This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the Russell 2000® Index and the Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Definitions:

 

**   The Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 8% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index. The Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the Russell Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

    It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Marvel Enterprises, Inc.

   2.4 %

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B

   2.3 %

Lyondell Petrochemical Company

   2.1 %

Abercrombie & Fitch Company Class A

   2.0 %

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

   2.0 %

Digene Corporation

   1.9 %

Pan American Silver Corporation

   1.9 %

Harman International Industries, Inc.

   1.9 %

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.

   1.8 %

TIBCO Software, Inc.

   1.8 %
    

Top Ten

   20.1 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

8


Average Annual Total Returns

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   15.69 %

5-year

   8.78 %

10-year

   10.04 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-87)

   12.75 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   7.0 %

Internet — E*Commerce

   6.8 %

Medical — Biomedical/Biotechnology

   6.1 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Services

   5.2 %

Computer Software — Enterprise

   3.2 %

Computer Software — Security

   2.9 %

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   2.7 %

Oil & Gas — Drilling

   2.5 %

Leisure — Toys/Games/Hobby

   2.4 %

Medical — Systems/Equipment

   2.2 %
    

Top Ten

   41.0 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk, small-company risk, and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

9


Strong Endeavor Fund

 

The stock market delivered a second consecutive year of gains to investors in 2004. The economy grew in fits and starts, making equity returns volatile, with much of the year’s gain being produced in the fourth quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Strong Endeavor Fund rose by 14.16%, compared to its broad-based benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, which advanced 10.87%. The Fund outperformed its benchmark, as it focused on companies with the strongest fundamentals and avoided many of the highly publicized disappointments during the period.

 

The year tested investors, as gains in the equity market were limited for much of the year by uncertainty about the presidential election, uneven job growth, increasing energy prices, rising short-term interest rates, a declining dollar, and continued turmoil in Iraq. Despite these trends, the economy continued to expand, and many companies experienced healthy profit growth that supported higher stock prices.

 

Investigative approach to investing

 

Throughout the year, we faithfully executed on our intensive research process of “surrounding the company” in order to generate competitive returns for Fund shareholders. We attempt to delve deeply into each company through financial statement analysis, conversations with management, and channel checks of suppliers, customers and competitors. By utilizing this encompassing model, we are often able to identify companies that have the potential to produce a great deal of value relative to the required investment. Moreover, the process provides us with comprehensive knowledge regarding each of the Fund’s holdings.

 

Equally important is the fact that our team encourages an environment open to dissent. Within this environment, portfolio managers and analysts constantly challenge each individual investment. Every question presented requires the investment to further justify its position within the Fund. This is a well-established and respected practice of all team members that expect to continue to assist us in assessing the risk and reward of every investment.

 

Holdings that outperformed

 

Due to the concerns about oil supply relative to growing demand, many companies that produce energy and those that make equipment to recover energy performed well.

 

The Fund held one of these, Canadian Natural Resources, a premier exploration and production company. The company’s Horizon oil sands project, currently under construction in Alberta, Canada, is expected to come on line in 2008 and has been estimated to be capable of producing up to six billion barrels of oil over about 40 years. In addition to its Alberta operations, the company has holdings in the North Sea and West Africa.

 

LOGO

 

Another top performer for the Fund for the year was Yahoo!. One of the key drivers for this online media company was an increase in online advertising. During the period, online media represented almost 15% of total media consumption by consumers and continued to gain market share. However, only 3 to 5% of total advertising dollars were spent online. If recent trends persist, we believe this gap could start to close in 2005. Yahoo!’s competitive advantages are its breadth of offerings to advertisers, its global reach and its breadth of product offerings on wireline and wireless devices.

 

Despite solid fundamental results, Fund’s holding in Teva Pharmaceuticals underperformed in 2004 due to investors’ concern regarding future competition in both the branded and generic pharmaceutical businesses, which resulted in a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. Based on our analysis, we believed this negative sentiment would prove misguided. We hoped to see confirmation of our positive fundamental outlook for the generic industry; numerous new product launches for Teva, and stable market share trends for Teva’s largest branded product, Copaxone.

 

Outlook for 2005

 

As we enter 2005, we are optimistic that the economy will continue to strengthen, driven by continued acceleration of enterprise capital spending and a resultant growth in earnings. The market remains constructive, climbing a “wall of worry” reflecting investors’ concerns about the health of the consumer, fading fiscal stimulus, record budget and trade deficits, a falling dollar, and uncertain employment growth.

 

Companies today have record levels of free cash flow but thus far have been reluctant to invest in large-scale projects. Consequently, we have seen a huge build-up in liquidity, with corporate debt levels at fifty-year lows. Historically rising corporate profits and cash flows have led to accelerating capital investment. For this reason, we believe that most of the capital spending cycle and inventory build-up is yet to come.

 

In addition, we plan to pay close attention to the levels of job creation, long-term interest rates, and the resulting impact on the U.S. dollar. As always, we will try to continue to carefully select holdings for the Fund, emphasizing companies possessing unique and strong fundamentals.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Capital Growth Fund, the successor to the Strong Large Company Growth Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your continued investment in the Strong Endeavor Fund. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us.

 

LOGO

Thomas J. Pence

 

Portfolio Manager

 


*   The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

10


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

11


Strong Endeavor Fund

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

  This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with a similar investment in the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. To equalize time periods, the indices’ performances were prorated for the month of April 2001.

 

Definitions:

 

**   The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

    It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Yahoo! Inc.

   5.3 %

Sprint Corporation

   4.7 %

WellPoint, Inc.

   4.5 %

EMC Corporation

   4.0 %

Dell, Inc.

   3.9 %

General Electric Company

   3.8 %

Phelps Dodge Corporation

   2.9 %

Halliburton Company

   2.7 %

Oracle Systems Corporation

   2.7 %

Texas Instruments, Inc.

   2.7 %
    

Top Ten

   37.2 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

12


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   14.16 %

3-year

   2.29 %

Since Fund Inception (4-6-01)

   1.67 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Medical — Products

   7.2 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   7.0 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   5.5 %

Internet — Content

   5.3 %

Diversified Operations

   5.2 %

Telecommunications — Services

   4.7 %

Medical — Health Maintenance Organizations

   4.5 %

Computer — Manufacturers

   4.3 %

Computer — Data Storage

   4.0 %

Metal Ores — Miscellaneous

   2.9 %
    

Top Ten

   50.6 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to growth-style investing risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

13


Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

 

In a second consecutive year of positive performance following the long bear market, the Strong Large Cap Growth Fund gained 8.64% during the 12 months ending December 31, 2004. The Fund’s broad-based benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, returned 10.87% during the same time.

 

Higher growth and interest rates

 

The U.S. economy continued to grow at a healthy pace in 2004 despite the Federal Reserve Board’s policy of sustained but moderate interest rate hikes and the sharp increase in energy prices during most of the year. Stocks generally responded favorably to strong earnings growth, which drove most shares higher. However, the large-capitalization growth stock segment of the market was the market’s weakest-performing area for the fifth straight year. Large-cap stocks tended to trail small-cap stocks, while growth generally underperformed value.

 

The Fund performed well by focusing the portfolio’s investments on the “haves” versus the “have-nots” in the economy. In other words, we continued to favor growth companies with high-quality management teams that we believed could gain market share and deliver sustainable revenue and earnings growth. We also sought to avoid companies that appeared destined to become fallen growth stocks. The “haves” we sought could be found in virtually every industry — including retail, new media and Internet, energy, health care, industrials, or financial services — allowing us to build a diversified portfolio.

 

Stock performance

 

The Fund’s most successful investments in 2004 had a number of common characteristics: excellent management teams with clear visions of how to achieve growth, a differentiated business model, and sound financial management.

 

For example, one of the Fund’s top performers was Internet giant Yahoo!. This well-run leading online portal is helping spur the developed world’s growth in Internet usage by inventing and nurturing new services and markets that were faint dreams only a decade ago. Today, Yahoo! is a new “bellwether” in the age of broadband-driven media and e-commerce.

 

Another big gainer in the portfolio was retailer Target. Target hit the bull’s-eye with investors in 2004 as they shed their languishing Marshall Field’s and Mervyn’s department stores to refocus the company exclusively on its faster-growing namesake stores. Investors, ourselves included, applauded management’s moves to reinvent a company that has existed for over 100 years.

 

LOGO

 

Another area of emphasis producing gains in 2004 was our exposure to energy-related stocks, which benefited from rising oil and natural gas prices. By contrast, an area we de-emphasized, to the Fund’s advantage, was the pharmaceutical sector, which we believed faced a number of headwinds for earnings growth creating difficult challenges for many once-stellar growth companies. However, Pfizer was one of our principal underperformers due to factors such as political rhetoric, generic competition, and safety concerns of a key drug. Although we were able to properly forecast these issues and reduce our position, it remained an underperformer in the portfolio.

 

What’s changed, what’s not

 

In 2005, we are beginning a new chapter by joining forces with the venerable company Wells Fargo & Company. Additionally, two of my senior partners, Brandon Nelson and Tom Ognar, officially join me as Portfolio Co-Managers of the Fund on January 1, 2005.

 

In many respects, these changes represent the status quo from a portfolio-management perspective, as my partners and I have worked side by side for many years. Moreover, the Fund’s investment philosophy and process have not changed. We are very excited about the future and truly appreciate your confidence and patience through the recent changes.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Large Cap Growth Fund, the successor to the Strong Large Cap Growth Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

We look forward to continuing to help you meet your long-term investment objectives. Thank you for your investment in the Strong Large Cap Growth Fund.

 

LOGO

Bruce C. Olson

Portfolio Manager

 


*   The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

14


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

15


Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

  This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares

 

Definitions:

 

**   The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper

 

    It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Dell, Inc.

   3.1 %

Target Corporation

   3.1 %

The Procter & Gamble Company

   2.8 %

Juniper Networks, Inc.

   2.7 %

eBay, Inc.

   2.5 %

Amgen, Inc.

   2.4 %

General Electric Company

   2.4 %

Johnson & Johnson

   2.3 %

Yahoo! Inc.

   2.2 %

QUALCOMM, Inc.

   2.0 %
    

Top Ten

   25.5 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

16


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   8.64 %

5-year

   -10.74 %

10-year

   7.95 %

Since Fund Inception (12-30-81)

   11.68 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Medical — Biomedical/Biotechnology

   5.4 %

Medical — Products

   5.4 %

Computer — Local Networks

   4.8 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   4.1 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   4.0 %

Leisure — Gaming/Equipment

   3.8 %

Internet — Content

   3.3 %

Diversified Operations

   3.3 %

Computer — Manufacturers

   3.1 %

Retail — Major Discount Chains

   3.1 %
    

Top Ten

   40.3 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to growth-style investing risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

17


Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

 

After a very strong year for the Fund in 2003, 2004 was more difficult. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund returned 6.51%, well behind its broad-based benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which returned 18.33% for the same period. The Fund’s underperformance occurred primarily in the year’s first and third quarters. During the second and fourth quarters, the Fund’s performance was more closely in line with the benchmark.

 

Factors affecting performance

 

There were two primary factors driving the Fund’s underperformance. First, small- and mid-cap growth stocks dramatically underperformed their respective value counterparts. There was a general contraction of stock valuations that took place in January and February, as weak economic data caused many investors to question the strength of the recovery and thus to lose confidence in stocks’ growth prospects. Then, in the second quarter, the economy began to pick up steam. In response, the Federal Reserve Board signaled that it was ready to raise short-term interest rates to help keep the economy from overheating and to help keep inflation in check. Higher interest rates have traditionally hurt the fastest-growing companies — the type we favored for this portfolio — the most.

 

The third quarter brought more uncertainty about the sustainability of the U.S. economic recovery. For one thing, the Fed kept upward pressure on interest rates with hikes of one-quarter of a percentage point in August and September following the June increase. Moreover, the price of crude oil continued to push higher, stoking fears that the high cost of energy would siphon disposable cash from other areas of the economy. In response, growth stocks significantly underperformed the broader market during the third quarter. In fact, according to a Merrill Lynch study of growth versus value strategies, during the first three quarters of 2004, the fastest-growing companies had the worst performance.

 

In the fourth quarter, the broader market turned in a strong rally in which mid- and small-cap growth stocks fully participated. Although the Fund posted a double-digit gain for the quarter, it nevertheless underperformed for the year.

 

The other reason for the Fund’s underperformance was unfavorable stock selection. One company that provided tremendous returns in 2003, Odyssey HealthCare, unexpectedly lowered its guidance on fourth-quarter earnings, hurting not only its own share price but also those of other companies in the hospice services industry. As one of the Fund’s largest holdings, Odyssey HealthCare negatively effected the performance of the Fund, and we sold the stock.

 

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Positioned for a stronger economy

 

Throughout 2004, we did not make any substantial changes to the Fund’s overall positioning from 2003. The portfolio remained poised to benefit from an improving business environment and increasing consumer confidence. Although the potential for further interest-rate hikes remains, we believe this trend presents limited risk to the companies in the portfolio. This is because we look for companies with little debt, and we have also significantly underweighted stocks from the financial sector, which could face the most volatility from rising rates. In the short term, it is true that some stocks may fluctuate in value due to interest-rate concerns. In the longer term, however, we believe profit growth ultimately drives stock performance, and that this Fund’s portfolio of high-quality, fast-growing companies should be able to do well in this environment.

 

Our outlook

 

The Federal Reserve increased short-term interest rates five times in 2004 and appears ready to keep raising rates in the new year to keep inflation in check. Nevertheless, we think the worst of the resulting volatility is behind us. Normally, small-cap growth stocks appreciate in value after several Federal Reserve rate hikes, and we saw some evidence of this in the fourth quarter. Easing energy prices also represent a potentially positive influence on stock prices. Moreover, we expect to see strong corporate earnings in upcoming quarters. Given that many stocks are still at what we consider reasonable valuations, we believe such earnings improvements could help drive the prices of small- and mid-cap growth stocks higher in 2005.

 

Effective January 1, 2005, Jerome “Cam” Philpott, CFA, and Stuart Roberts of Wells Capital Management Incorporated became the Portfolio Co-Managers of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Small Cap Fund on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund.

 


*   The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

18


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

 

19


Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

 

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Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

  This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the Russell 2000® Index and the Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Definitions:

 

**   The Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 8% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index. The Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the Russell Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

    It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Investors Financial Services Corporation

   3.3 %

JLG Industries, Inc.

   3.2 %

Trimble Navigation, Ltd.

   3.2 %

Landstar Systems, Inc.

   3.1 %

Shuffle Master, Inc.

   2.9 %

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A

   2.8 %

Joy Global, Inc.

   2.8 %

Alamosa Holdings, Inc.

   2.8 %

Getty Images, Inc.

   2.7 %

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc.

   2.6 %
    

Top Ten

   29.4 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

20


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   6.51 %

5-year

   -3.65 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-98)

   8.72 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect.

 

Performance: From time to time, the Fund’s performance was significantly enhanced through investments in initial public offerings (IPOs). In addition, the effect of IPOs purchased when the Fund’s asset base was small may have been magnified. Given these circumstances, you should not expect that such enhanced returns can be consistently achieved. Please consider this before investing.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Machinery — Construction/Mining

   13.5 %

Transportation — Truck

   6.8 %

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   6.5 %

Retail — Restaurants

   5.7 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Services

   5.0 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   4.9 %

Financial Services — Miscellaneous

   4.5 %

Commercial Services — Market Research

   4.0 %

Medical — Systems/Equipment

   3.9 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   3.2 %
    

Top Ten

   58.0 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk, small-company risk, and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

21


Strong Enterprise Fund

 

The U.S. stock market delivered a second consecutive year of gains to investors in 2004. The economy grew in fits and starts, making equity returns volatile, with much of the year’s gain being produced in the fourth quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Strong Enterprise Fund returned 14.55%, compared to its broad-based benchmark, the Russell Midcap Index, which advanced 20.22%. While the Fund delivered strong returns to shareholders, it didn’t keep pace with the benchmark, as the Fund’s growth style underperformed the broader market.

 

During 2004, mid-cap value stocks outperformed mid-cap growth stocks by a wide margin, continuing a pattern we have seen for four of the last five years. This, of course, worked against our ability to beat the Fund’s broad-based benchmark, the Russell Midcap Index, which includes both growth and value stocks.

 

The year tested investors, as gains in the equity market were limited for much of the year by uncertainty about the presidential election, uneven job growth, increasing energy prices, rising short-term interest rates, a declining dollar, and continued turmoil in Iraq. Despite these trends, the economy continued to expand, and many companies experienced healthy profit growth that supported rising stock prices. Investor expectations vacillated from optimistic to dubious with each economic statistic that was released. While an improving economy and stock market were evident, investor satisfaction with the level of growth and sustainability was continually debated.

 

Investigative approach to investing

 

Throughout the year we faithfully executed on our intensive research process of “surrounding the company” in order to generate competitive returns for Fund shareholders. We attempt to delve deeply into each company through financial statement analysis, conversations with management and, lastly, channel checks of suppliers, customers and competitors. By utilizing this encompassing model, we are often able to identify companies that will produce a great deal of value relative to the required investment. Moreover, the process provides us with comprehensive knowledge regarding each of the Fund’s holdings.

 

In addition to our research process, our team encourages an environment open to dissent. Within this environment, portfolio managers and analysts constantly challenge each individual investment. Every question presented requires the investment to further justify its position within the Fund. This is a well-established and respected practice of all team members that will continue to assist us in assessing the risk and reward of every investment.

 

LOGO

 

One result of our intensive research was the Fund’s position in St. Joe, which is engaged in town, resort, commercial and industrial development, land sales, and commercial real estate services in Northwest Florida. After meeting with management and touring numerous land developments, we concluded that Northwest Florida could be an untapped real estate market in which tremendous growth opportunities lie ahead. The company had an abundance of land available for development in this area. More importantly, the firm’s strategic focus is to release and develop land in a very disciplined manner aimed at creating maximum value. With its long-term focus on value creation, we viewed St. Joe as a core growth investment within the Fund.

 

Another company that continued to perform well for the Fund was Harman International Industries. Harman designs, manufactures, and sells high fidelity auto products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets. During 2004, Harman enjoyed accelerated growth, as it continued to roll out infotainment systems to more automotive manufacturers and increased the number of installations per manufacturer. Furthermore, the company announced a strategic acquisition whose purpose was to reduce costs and increase Harman’s control over the entire electronic system.

 

Despite solid fundamental results, the Fund’s holding in Teva Pharmaceuticals underperformed in 2004 due to investors’ concern regarding future competition in both the branded and generic pharmaceutical businesses, which resulted in a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. Based on our analysis, we believed this negative sentiment would prove misguided. We hoped to see confirmation of our positive fundamental outlook for the generic industry, numerous new product launches for Teva, and stable market share trends for Teva’s largest branded product, Copaxone.

 

Outlook for 2005

 

As we enter 2005, we believe the key question is not whether the economy will grow, but rather to what degree. We are optimistic that the economy will continue to strengthen, driven by continued acceleration of enterprise capital spending and a resultant growth in earnings.

 

The market remains constructive, climbing a “wall of worry” reflecting investors’ concerns about the health of the consumer, fading fiscal stimulus, record budget and trade deficits, a falling dollar, and uncertain employment growth. Companies today have record levels of free cash flow but thus far have been reluctant to invest in large-scale projects. Consequently, we have seen a huge build-up in liquidity, with corporate debt levels at fifty-year lows. Historically, rising corporate profits and cash flows have led to accelerating capital investment. For this reason, we believe that most of the capital spending cycle and inventory build-up is yet to come.

 

In addition, we expect to pay close attention to the levels of job creation, long-term interest rates, and the resulting impact on the U.S. dollar. As always, we will try to continue to carefully select holdings for the Fund with an eye toward owning companies possessing unique and strong fundamentals.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Enterprise Fund, the successor to the Strong Enterprise Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your continued investment in the Strong Enterprise Fund. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us.

 

LOGO

Thomas J. Pence

 

Portfolio Manager

 


*   The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

22


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

23


Strong Enterprise Fund

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

  This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the Russell Midcap® Index and the Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Investor Class shares only; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures.

 

Definitions:  

 

**   The Russell Midcap® Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000® Index, which represent approximately 26% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000® Index. The Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the Russell Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

    It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Marvel Enterprises, Inc.

   2.5 %

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

   2.2 %

Lyondell Petrochemical Company

   2.1 %

Abercrombie & Fitch Company Class A

   2.0 %

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B

   2.0 %

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class A

   2.0 %

WellPoint, Inc.

   1.9 %

Transocean, Inc.

   1.9 %

Harman International Industries, Inc.

   1.9 %

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.

   1.9 %
    

Top Ten

   20.4 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

24


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   14.55 %

5-year

   -9.19 %

Since Fund Inception (9-30-98)

   16.66 %

 

Institutional Class1,2


      

1-year

   15.68 %

5-year

   -8.94 %

Since Fund Inception (9-30-98)

   16.92 %

 

Advisor Class1,3


      

1-year

   14.92 %

5-year

   -9.13 %

Since Fund Inception (9-30-98)

   16.65 %

 

Class K1,4


      

1-year

   15.38 %

5-year

   -8.89 %

Since Fund Inception (9-30-98)

   16.97 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes

 

Performance:

 

2   The performance of the Institutional Class shares prior to 6-30-03 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, and has not been restated for the lower expense ratio of the Institutional Class shares.
3   The performance of the Advisor Class shares prior to 2-24-00 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, restated for the higher expense ratio of the Advisor Class shares.
4   The performance of the Class K shares prior to 8-30-02 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, and has not been restated for the lower expense ratio of the Class K shares.

 

    Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   7.5 %

Internet — E*Commerce

   6.9 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Services

   5.1 %

Medical — Biomedical/Biotechnology

   4.1 %

Computer Software — Security

   3.4 %

Oil & Gas — Drilling

   3.3 %

Computer Software — Enterprise

   2.8 %

Auto/Truck — Original Equipment

   2.6 %

Leisure — Toys/Games/Hobby

   2.5 %

Internet — Content

   2.4 %
    

Top Ten

   40.6 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk, small-company risk, and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

25


Strong Growth 20 Fund

 

Recording its second consecutive year of positive double-digit returns, the Strong Growth 20 Fund had a successful year in 2004, posting a return of 13.27%. This return was well ahead of the broadly-based Standard & Poor’s 500 Index return of 10.87%.

 

The outperformance of the Fund was driven by outstanding stock selection within the consumer discretionary sector, including names such as eBay, Yahoo!, Harman International, Starbucks, and Coach. Internet-related stocks were particularly positive contributors to performance throughout the year, as investors continued to gravitate to this extremely fast-growing segment of the economy. Energy was another area of strength for the Fund, led by outstanding performance from Ultra Petroleum, a fast-growing exploration and production company. Other standout contributors were Puerto Rican bank Doral Financial, and semiconductor leader Marvell Technology. Some areas of weakness during the year included communications, computer technology, homebuilding, education, and generic drug stocks.

 

Capitalizing on strong, sustainable growth

 

As we have noted in the past, we believe earnings and revenue growth are critical factors in determining stock price movements. Thus, our research process is centered around finding companies with the prospects for robust and sustainable growth in earnings and revenue. To find that growth, we use thorough, hands-on research, emphasizing companies whose management teams have a history of successfully executing their strategy and whose business model has sufficient profit potential. We then marry our company-specific analysis with our analysis of macroeconomic, secular, and technical trends to form our decision about whether the Fund should invest in a particular stock.

 

For example, several months ago, we purchased shares of Ultra Petroleum because we believed it had tremendous profitability potential — extremely high production growth combined with the industry’s lowest cost structure. Our conclusion was that Ultra Petroleum’s high production growth rate was likely to continue for several more years, driven by the strength of its drilling prospects and management’s solid track record. Finally, an investment in Ultra Petroleum made sense given the team’s positive overall outlook for crude oil and natural gas prices. Ultra Petroleum was up 95% in 2004 and was the largest holding in the Fund as of December 31, 2004.

 

LOGO

 

The importance of effective sell criteria

 

Deciding when to sell a stock is just as important as deciding when to buy. Our criteria for selling are essentially the opposite of our buying criteria. We may sell a stock when a deterioration in its fundamental qualities causes us to become suspicious about the company’s continued growth or profitability potential. Examples of events that can cause this suspicion are questionable earnings reports, new competitive threats, changes in the economy, or changes in management personnel.

 

In July of 2004, following its latest quarterly earnings report, we began selling shares of eResearch Technology, which provides software and consulting services to help companies streamline the Food and Drug Administration approval process. For the first time in several quarters, eResearch failed to post a positive earnings surprise relative to analysts’ estimates. Also, the growth in backlog of orders, a lead indicator of future growth, showed dramatic deceleration. Our inclination to get more cautious proved accurate. In the following weeks and months, eResearch management guided earnings estimates lower for the remainder of 2004 and for 2005. After falling as low as $10.70 per share in October, the stock finished the year at $15.85, down sharply from our initial sales in the mid $20s.

 

Outlook for 2005

 

As we begin 2005, our outlook for the next several months remains positive, as we expect the economy to benefit from continued low interest rates and inflation. This environment should allow for solid growth in corporate profits, which tends to be beneficial for stock prices. We plan to continue to seek out the fastest-growing companies we can identify that we believe fit within the framework of our investment process.

 

On a separate note, in April 2005, the Strong Growth 20 Fund is scheduled to be reorganized into the Wells Fargo Advantage Growth Fund (the successor to the Strong Growth Fund), a Fund co-managed by me and two of my senior partners, Bruce Olson and Tom Ognar. Bruce, Tom, and I are very experienced portfolio managers who have worked closely together on the same team for the past several years. We consider it a privilege to manage other people’s investments and look forward to the opportunity to continue managing yours.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Growth 20 Fund.

 

LOGO

 

Brandon M. Nelson

 

Portfolio Manager

 


*   The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

26


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

27


Strong Growth 20 Fund

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

  This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Investor Class shares only; performance for other classes will vary, due to differences in fee structures.

 

Definitions:

 

**   The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

    It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Ultra Petroleum Corporation

   8.1 %

Doral Financial Corporation

   7.6 %

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.

   6.2 %

Yahoo! Inc.

   6.1 %

Aetna, Inc.

   5.9 %

eBay, Inc.

   5.8 %

Coach, Inc.

   4.7 %

Station Casinos, Inc.

   4.6 %

FedEx Corporation

   4.0 %

Google, Inc. Class A

   3.9 %
    

Top Ten

   56.9 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

28


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   13.27 %

5-year

   -12.13 %

Since Fund Inception (6-30-97)

   7.38 %

 

Advisor Class1, 2


      

1-year

   13.55 %

5-year

   -12.05 %

Since Fund Inception (6-30-97)

   7.35 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2   The performance of the Advisor Class shares prior to 2-24-00 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, restated or the higher expense ratio of the Advisor Class shares.

 

    Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

    From time to time, the Fund’s performance was significantly enhanced through investments in initial public offerings (IPOs). In addition, the effect of IPOs purchased when the Fund’s asset base was small may have been magnified. Given these circumstances, you should not expect that such enhanced returns can be consistently achieved. Please consider this before investing.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Internet — Content

   12.2 %

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   9.5 %

Finance — Mortgage & Related Services

   7.6 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   6.2 %

Medical — Health Maintenance Organizations

   5.9 %

Internet — E*Commerce

   5.8 %

Apparel — Clothing Manufacturing

   4.7 %

Leisure — Gaming/Equipment

   4.6 %

Financial Services — Miscellaneous

   4.4 %

Transportation — Air Freight

   4.0 %
    

Top Ten

   64.9 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk, nondiversified-portfolio risk, and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

29


Strong Growth Fund

 

The Strong Growth Fund delivered a solid return of 12.57% for the year ended December 31, 2004. This bested the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the Fund’s broad-based benchmark, which returned 10.87%.

 

Four broad trends dominated 2004. First, the economy experienced continued robust corporate earnings growth. In this environment, the Fund benefited from a pro-cyclical growth positioning. Second, long-term interest rates surprised most market prognosticators by finishing the year lower than where they started. Third, political uncertainty was alleviated by the clean George W. Bush victory, unmarred by any terrorist events or procedural troubles. This, we believe, gave the market the spark of confidence needed to ignite the subsequent fourth quarter rally. The fourth trend in evidence during 2004 was another year of dominance by value stocks over growth stocks. Nevertheless, the Fund performed well in this environment, which we believe was a result of our emphasis on selecting securities that exemplified the theme of dominant business models generating dynamic market share growth.

 

Searching for “share-gainers”

 

Our investment process emphasized security selection as the main determinant of our portfolio construction. We used a dynamic process of fundamental research and quantitative screens, overlaying this data with secular growth themes we identified and developed during this process. We focused our research on what we call “share-gainers”— that is, those companies that have developed business models that allow them not only to grow faster than the underlying economy, but also to do so in a sustainable fashion. We did extensive research on the rate, the consistency, and the sustainability of both revenue and earnings growth. We also gravitated to industry leaders; as such companies often have sustainable advantages over their competition. Finally, we emphasized companies whose management teams have a history of successfully executing their strategy, as strategy without execution is worthless.

 

The Fund’s sector allocation tended to be guided by our fundamentally driven security selection process. However, we did monitor sector allocation closely as part of our risk-management strategy. We were aware of the risk of having too many eggs in one basket. Another key to our process is our sell discipline. If we begin to suspect that a security’s underlying fundamentals are not performing in line with or better than our expectations, we do not hesitate to trim or sell the position. Strong growth stocks often receive premium valuations, but that premium can collapse if the market suddenly becomes skeptical about the company’s future prospects.

 

LOGO

 

Google outperforms

 

Internet search engine provider Google was an addition to the Fund that exemplified our process. We recognized that Google was not only benefiting from increased usage of the Internet, but also from the movement of advertisers’ dollars away from traditional media to the Internet. Our research found that Google provides consumers and advertisers with a mutually rewarding experience. Moreover, the returns its business model generated were some of the best we found in any sector of the economy. Google exemplified what we look for: a market share gainer in a fast growing industry with an impressive return on capital business model.

 

Digene was an example of a stock we owned that didn’t work to our expectations. Its HPV/HCV test was the only diagnostic test available for diagnosing HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Our expectations for growth in revenues and earnings were met with disappointment, as the rollout of HPV/HCV test was slower and more costly than we anticipated. We decided to sell our position as we foresaw that it would take time to reevaluate whether there were structural or just timing problems with the doctors’ acceptance of this test.

 

Outlook for 2005

 

In the latter half of the year, the yield curve flattened considerably, as the Fed kept raising short-term interest rates, while long-term rates stayed about where they were. To us, this signaled the bond market’s perception that economic growth might slow in the coming months.

 

If the economy does decelerate, it would make finding rapidly growing companies more of a challenge. Nevertheless, we believe that our focus on share-gainers can help us find good growth opportunities in a wide variety of economic environments.

 

On a separate note, we added Brandon Nelson and Bruce Olson as portfolio managers on the Fund on January 1, 2005. Both have years of experience as portfolio managers on the team that has supported the management of the Fund. They have been key contributors to our research and portfolio management process.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Growth Fund, the successor to the Strong Growth Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your continued investment in the Growth Fund.

 

LOGO

 

Thomas C. Ognar

 

Portfolio Manager

 


*   The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

 

30


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

31


Strong Growth Fund

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

  This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Investor Class shares only; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures.

 

Definitions:

 

**   The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Dell, Inc.

   3.0 %

eBay, Inc.

   3.0 %

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.

   2.8 %

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A

   2.4 %

First Marblehead Corporation

   2.3 %

Hughes Supply, Inc.

   2.3 %

Kinetic Concepts, Inc.

   2.3 %

Yahoo! Inc.

   2.1 %

PETsMART, Inc.

   2.0 %

Polycom, Inc.

   2.0 %
    

Top Ten

   24.2 %
    

 


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

32


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   12.57 %

5-year

   -8.21 %

10-year

   11.26 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-93)

   11.79 %

Institutional Class1,2


      

1-year

   13.26 %

5-year

   -7.62 %

10-year

   11.62 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-93)

   12.12 %

Advisor Class1,3


      

1-year

   12.46 %

5-year

   -8.33 %

10-year

   11.02 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-93)

   11.54 %

Class C1,4


      

1-year

   10.57 %

5-year

   -9.13 %

10-year

   10.04 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-93)

   10.55 %

Class K1,5


      

1-year

   13.23 %

5-year

   -7.89 %

10-year

   11.45 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-93)

   11.97 %

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2   The performance of the Institutional Class shares prior to 2-24-00 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, and has not been restated for the lower expense ratio of the Institutional Class shares.
3   The performance of the Advisor Class shares prior to 2-24-00 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, restated for the higher expense ratio of the Advisor Class shares.
4   The performance of Class C shares prior to 12-26-02 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, restated for the higher expense ratio of the Class C shares. Average annual total returns include a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions made within 12 months of purchase.
5   The performance of the Class K shares prior to 8-30-02 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance and has not been restated for the lower expense ratio of the Class K shares.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Retail — Miscellaneous

   5.5 %

Financial Services — Miscellaneous

   5.3 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   4.6 %

Computer — Local Networks

   4.6 %

Medical — Products

   4.4 %

Internet — Content

   3.9 %

Medical — Biomedical/Biotechnology

   3.7 %

Internet — E*Commerce

   3.4 %

Computer — Manufacturers

   3.0 %

Retail/Wholesale — Building Products

   3.0 %
    

Top Ten

   41.4 %
    

 


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to the following specific risks: growth-style investing risk and medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

33


Strong Large Company Growth Fund

 

The U.S. stock market delivered a second consecutive year of gains to investors in 2004. The economy grew in fits and starts, making equity returns volatile, with much of the year’s gain being produced in the fourth quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Strong Large Company Growth Fund rose by 17.51%, compared to its broad-based benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, which advanced 10.87%. The Fund dramatically outperformed its benchmark, as it focused on companies with the strongest fundamentals and avoided many of the period’s highly publicized disappointments.

 

Investors’ patience was tested, as gains in the equity market were limited for much of the year by uncertainty about the presidential election, uneven job growth, increasing energy prices, rising short-term interest rates, a declining dollar, and continued turmoil in Iraq. Despite these trends, the economy continued to expand, and many companies experienced healthy profit growth that supported higher stock prices.

 

Investigative approach to investing

 

Throughout the year we faithfully executed on our intensive research process of “surrounding the company” in order to generate competitive returns for shareholders. We attempt to delve deeply into each company through financial statement analysis, conversations with management and channel checks of suppliers, customers, and competitors. By utilizing this encompassing model, we are often able to identify companies with the potential to produce a great deal of value relative to the required investment. Moreover, the process provides us with comprehensive knowledge regarding each of the Fund’s holdings.

 

Equally important is the fact that our team encourages an environment open to dissent. Within this environment, portfolio managers and analysts constantly challenge each individual investment. Every question presented requires the investment to further justify its position within the Fund. This is a well-established and respected practice of all team members that we expect to continue to utilize in assessing the risk and reward of every investment.

 

Holdings that outperformed

 

Due to the concerns about oil supply relative to growing demand, many companies that produce energy or make equipment to recover energy performed well. One of these was Transocean, a top performer in the offshore contract drilling industry focusing on deep-water drilling for oil and gas wells. In 2004 capacity was tight in this market, resulting in increased day rates. Specifically, the firm recently signed a contract for a fifth-generation unit, named “Deep Seas,” for $240,000 per day compared to spot rates of $130,000 per day in 2003. Furthermore, we thought the recent increase in drilling activity both in the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico boded well for the company.

 

LOGO

 

Another top performer for the year was Sprint. In 2004 the diversified telecommunications company, aided particularly by strength in its wireless business, reduced debt levels, streamlined operations, and worked to create packaged bundles of communications services for customers.

 

What’s more, in December Sprint announced a merger with Nextel Communications. In our opinion, the merger created a favorable position for Sprint by reducing the number of competitors in the industry. Moreover, the business union looked to be a very complementary one. If approved by the regulatory agencies, the merger would not only allow Sprint to tap into Nextel’s vast base of corporate customers, but also to gain access to the proprietary Direct Connect functionality of Nextel’s phones. Lastly, Sprint announced plans, in regards to the merger, to potentially sell its wireline business in an effort to streamline operations.

 

Despite solid fundamental results, the Fund’s holding in Teva Pharmaceuticals underperformed in 2004 due to investors’ concern regarding future competition in both the branded and generic pharmaceutical businesses, which resulted in a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. Based on our analysis, we believed this negative sentiment would prove misguided. We hoped to see confirmation of our positive fundamental outlook for the generic industry, numerous new product launches for Teva, and stable market share trends for Teva’s largest branded product, Copaxone.

 

Outlook for 2005

 

As we enter 2005, we are optimistic that the economy will continue to strengthen, driven by continued acceleration of enterprise capital spending and a resultant growth in earnings. The market remains constructive, climbing a “wall of worry” reflecting concerns about the health of the consumer, fading fiscal stimulus, record budget and trade deficits, a falling dollar, and uncertain employment growth.

 

Companies today have record levels of free cash flow but thus far have been reluctant to invest in large-scale projects. Consequently, we have seen a huge build-up in liquidity, with corporate debt levels at fifty-year lows. Historically, rising corporate profits and cash flows have led to accelerating capital investment. For this reason, we believe that most of the capital spending cycle and inventory build-up is yet to come.

 

In addition, we expect to pay close attention to the levels of job creation, long-term interest rates and the resulting impact on the U.S. dollar. As always, we will try to continue to carefully select holdings for the Fund, emphasizing companies possessing unique and strong fundamentals.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Capital Growth Fund, the successor to the Strong Large Company Growth Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your continued investment in the Strong Large Company Growth Fund. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us.

 

LOGO

 

Thomas J. Pence

 

Portfolio Manager

 


*   The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

34


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

35


Strong Large Company Growth Fund

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

  This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on the Investor Class shares only; performance for other classes will vary, due to differences in fee structures. To equalize time periods, the indices’ performances were prorated for the month of November 1997.

 

Definitions:

 

**   The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Category. Source of the S&P 500 Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Yahoo! Inc.

   4.9 %

Sprint Corporation

   4.5 %

WellPoint, Inc.

   4.0 %

EMC Corporation

   3.8 %

General Electric Company

   3.6 %

Dell, Inc.

   3.4 %

Phelps Dodge Corporation

   2.7 %

Oracle Systems Corporation

   2.6 %

Texas Instruments, Inc.

   2.6 %

Genzyme Corporation

   2.5 %
    

Top Ten

   34.6 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

36


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1,2


      

1-year

   17.51 %

5-year

   2.58 %

Since Fund Inception (11-3-97)

   10.21 %

Class K1,3


      

1-year

   18.06 %

5-year

   2.73 %

Since Fund Inception (11-3-97)

   10.32 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for both share classes.

 

We have contractually agreed to waive fees and/or absorb expenses for an indefinite period of time to keep Total Annual Operating Expenses of the Large Company Growth Fund at no more than 1.50% for the Investor Class shares and 0.99% for the Class K shares. This contract may only be terminated by the Board of Directors of the Fund, but not before May 1, 2005.

 

Performance:

 

2   The performance of the Investor Class prior to 9-16-02 is based on the performance of the Rockhaven Premier Dividend Fund (the predecessor Fund), and does not reflect the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.75%, which was charged from 9-17-99 through 9-13-02. The Fund’s Investor Class has a redemption fee of 1.00% against shares that are held 360 calendar days or fewer after purchase. Performance data does not reflect the deduction of this fee, which, if reflected, would reduce performance.
3   The performance of the Class K shares prior to 6-30-03 is based on the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class or the Fund’s predecessor, the Rockhaven Premier Dividend Fund. The prior performance has not been restated for the lower expense ratio of the Class K shares and does not reflect the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.75% (charged from 9-17-99 through 9-13-02) or the Investor Class redemption fee.

 

The predecessor Fund’s investment strategy emphasized investments in convertible securities.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Medical — Products

   6.8 %

Electronics — Semiconductor Manufacturing

   6.6 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Equipment

   5.2 %

Diversified Operations

   5.0 %

Internet— Content

   4.9 %

Telecommunications — Services

   4.5 %

Medical — Health Maintenance Organizations

   4.0 %

Computer — Manufacturers

   3.9 %

Computer — Data Storage

   3.8 %

Metal Ores — Miscellaneous

   2.7 %
    

Top Ten

   47.4 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to growth-style investing risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

37


YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES   December 31, 2004

 

About Your Fund’s Expenses

 

Example

 

As a shareholder of a mutual fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses.

 

This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The columns under the heading entitled “Actual” help you to estimate the actual expenses you paid over the period. The “Actual — Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the “Actual — Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. To estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), then multiply the result by the number in the column under the heading entitled “Actual — Expenses Paid During Period”.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The columns under the heading entitled “Hypothetical” provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the last column of the table (Hypothetical — Expenses Paid During Period) is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs could have been higher.

 

38


Actual Returns vs. Hypothetical Returns

 

Six Months Ended December 31, 2004

 

    

Class


  

Fund’s
Annualized
Expense
Ratio
1,2


   

Beginning
Account Value

7-01-04


   Actual

  

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)


            

Ending
Account Value

12-31-04


   Expenses
Paid During
Period3


   Ending
Account Value
12-31-04


   Expenses
Paid During
Period3


Strong Blue Chip Fund

   Investor    1.51 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,083.90    $ 7.91    $ 1,017.55    $ 7.66

Strong Discovery Fund

   Investor    1.40 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,096.80    $ 7.38    $ 1,018.10    $ 7.10

Strong Endeavor Fund

   Investor    1.94 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,090.20    $ 10.19    $ 1,015.38    $ 9.83

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

   Investor    1.20 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,051.30    $ 6.19    $ 1,019.10    $ 6.09

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

   Investor    1.67 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,054.50    $ 8.62    $ 1,016.74    $ 8.47

Strong Enterprise Fund

   Investor
Institutional
Advisor
K
   1.86
0.80
1.50
1.06
%
%
%
%
  $
$
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
$
1,088.10
1,093.80
1,090.10
1,092.60
   $
$
$
$
9.76
4.21
7.88
5.58
   $
$
$
$
1,015.79
1,021.11
1,017.60
1,019.81
   $
$
$
$
9.42
4.06
7.61
5.38

Strong Growth 20 Fund

   Investor
Advisor
   1.79
1.57
%
%
  $
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
1,080.20
1,081.40
   $
$
9.36
8.21
   $
$
1,016.14
1,017.24
   $
$
9.07
7.96

Strong Growth Fund

   Investor
Institutional
Advisor
C
K
   1.48
0.90
1.54
2.36
0.93
%
%
%
%
%
  $
$
$
$
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
$
$
$
1,058.00
1,061.60
1,057.80
1,053.80
1,061.50
   $
$
$
$
$
7.66
4.66
7.97
12.18
4.82
   $
$
$
$
$
1,017.70
1,020.61
1,017.39
1,013.27
1,020.46
   $
$
$
$
$
7.51
4.57
7.81
11.94
4.72

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

   Investor
K
   1.43
0.95
%
%
  $
$
1,000.00
1,000.00
   $
$
1,096.40
1,099.40
   $
$
7.54
5.01
   $
$
1,017.95
1,020.36
   $
$
7.25
4.82

1   Based on the Fund’s most recent six-month period; may differ from expense ratios based on one-year data in the Financial Highlights.
2   These ratios do not include the effect of directed brokerage credits and/or custody earnings credits, if any.
3   Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184 days, and divided by 366.

 

39


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG BLUE CHIP FUND

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 96.4%

               

Aerospace - Defense 3.1%

               

General Dynamics Corporation

     45,200    $ 4,727,920  

Apparel - Shoes & Related Manufacturing 2.5%

               

NIKE, Inc. Class B

     42,700      3,872,463  

Banks - Money Center 3.3%

               

Bank of America Corporation

     107,600      5,056,124  

Building - Construction Products/ Miscellaneous 2.1%

               

Masco Corporation

     87,200      3,185,416  

Building - Resident/Commercial 5.7%

               

D.R. Horton, Inc.

     133,050      5,363,246  

Toll Brothers, Inc. (b)

     47,700      3,272,697  
           


              8,635,943  

Computer Software - Desktop 2.3%

               

Microsoft Corporation

     129,100      3,448,261  

Cosmetics - Personal Care 2.6%

               

The Procter & Gamble Company

     72,300      3,982,284  

Diversified Operations 12.6%

               

Emerson Electric Company

     44,100      3,091,410  

General Electric Company

     152,000      5,548,000  

Tyco International, Ltd.

     155,000      5,539,700  

United Technologies Corporation

     46,400      4,795,440  
           


              18,974,550  

Finance - Investment Brokers 2.7%

               

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

     39,200      4,078,368  

Insurance - Diversified 2.1%

               

American International Group, Inc.

     49,100      3,224,397  

Internet - Content 4.1%

               

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

     163,800      6,171,984  

Internet - E*Commerce 5.3%

               

eBay, Inc. (b)

     68,400      7,953,552  

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 3.5%

               

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

     90,100      5,261,840  

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 2.8%

               

Phelps Dodge Corporation

     43,400      4,293,128  

Oil & Gas - Drilling 3.4%

               

Transocean, Inc. (b)

     122,100      5,175,819  

Oil & Gas - International Integrated 8.9%

               

ChevronTexaco Corporation

     55,000      2,888,050  

ConocoPhillips

     81,900      7,111,377  

Exxon Mobil Corporation

     65,600      3,362,656  
           


              13,362,083  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 5.8%

               

Burlington Resources, Inc.

     126,000      5,481,000  

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

     55,200      3,221,472  
           


              8,702,472  

Retail - Drug Stores 2.4%

               

Walgreen Company

     93,000      3,568,410  

Retail - Restaurants 2.6%

               

McDonald’s Corporation

     123,000    $ 3,943,380  

Steel - Producers 3.5%

               

Nucor Corporation

     99,400      5,202,596  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 3.7%

               

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     131,400      5,571,360  

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 7.2%

               

America Movil ADR Series L

     110,000      5,758,500  

Mobile Telesystems Sponsored ADR

     36,400      5,041,764  
           


              10,800,264  

Tobacco 2.1%

               

Altria Group, Inc.

     50,800      3,103,880  

Transportation - Air Freight 2.1%

               

FedEx Corporation

     31,600      3,112,284  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $115,867,283)

            145,408,778  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 4.5%

               

Repurchase Agreements (c)

               

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $5,200,932); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 5,200,000      5,200,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $1,500,206); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     1,500,100      1,500,100  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $6,700,100)

            6,700,100  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $122,567,383) 100.9%

            152,108,878  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (0.9%)

            (1,331,624 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 150,777,254  
           


STRONG DISCOVERY FUND  
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 96.3%

               

Aerospace - Defense Equipment 1.3%

               

GenCorp, Inc.

     130,200    $ 2,417,814  

Apparel - Clothing Manufacturing 0.9%

               

Coach, Inc. (b)

     30,450      1,717,380  

Auto/Truck - Original Equipment 2.6%

               

Autoliv, Inc.

     48,800      2,357,040  

Eaton Corporation

     35,040      2,535,494  
           


              4,892,534  

Banks - Northeast 1.3%

               

North Fork Bancorporation, Inc.

     85,200      2,458,020  

Beverages - Alcoholic 1.3%

               

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class A (b)

     52,100      2,423,171  

Chemicals - Basic 2.1%

               

Lyondell Petrochemical Company

     138,700      4,011,204  

 

 

40


STRONG DISCOVERY FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or

Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Commercial Services - Miscellaneous 1.5%

           

Cogent, Inc. (b)

   29,000    $ 957,000

Hewitt Associates, Inc. Class A (b)

   59,900      1,917,399
         

            2,874,399

Computer - Local Networks 0.9%

           

MRV Communications, Inc. (b)

   493,400      1,810,778

Computer - Peripheral Equipment 1.2%

           

Synaptics, Inc. (b) (d)

   74,600      2,281,268

Computer Software - Desktop 1.5%

           

Macromedia, Inc. (b)

   94,600      2,943,952

Computer Software - Enterprise 3.2%

           

Cognos, Inc. (b)

   58,800      2,590,728

TIBCO Software, Inc. (b)

   260,076      3,469,414
         

            6,060,142

Computer Software - Medical 1.0%

           

Cerner Corporation (b) (d)

   35,100      1,866,267

Computer Software - Security 2.9%

           

Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd. (b)

   108,800      2,679,744

McAfee, Inc. (b)

   68,100      1,970,133

VeriSign, Inc. (b)

   27,000      905,040
         

            5,554,917

Electronics - Contract Manufacturing 0.7%

           

Sanmina-SCI Corporation (b)

   167,520      1,418,894

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 1.3%

           

General Cable Corporation (b) (d)

   110,600      1,531,810

Sigmatel, Inc. (b) (d)

   27,100      962,863
         

            2,494,673

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 7.0%

           

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (b) (d)

   129,700      2,855,994

Altera Corporation (b)

   81,300      1,682,910

Cree, Inc. (b) (d)

   72,600      2,909,808

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b) (d)

   99,700      3,536,359

National Semiconductor Corporation

   59,500      1,068,025

Tessera Technologies, Inc. (b) (d)

   35,500      1,320,955
         

            13,374,051

Finance - Investment Management 0.5%

           

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

   16,600      1,032,520

Household - Consumer Electronics 1.9%

           

Harman International Industries, Inc.

   27,970      3,552,190

Internet - Content 2.2%

           

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (b)

   67,600      2,274,064

SINA Corp (b) (d)

   59,100      1,894,746
         

            4,168,810

Internet - E*Commerce 6.8%

           

Ameritrade Holding Corporation (b)

   195,000      2,772,900

Getty Images, Inc. (b)

   42,900      2,953,665

Overstock.com, Inc. (b) (d)

   30,900      2,132,100

Priceline.com, Inc. (b) (d)

   126,656      2,987,815

ValueClick, Inc. (b)

   164,200      2,188,786
         

            13,035,266

Internet - Network Security/Solutions 1.3%

           

Equinix, Inc. (b) (d)

   57,300      2,449,002

Internet - Software 0.8%

           

OpenTV Corporation Class A (b)

   407,748    $ 1,565,752

Leisure - Gaming/Equipment 0.7%

           

Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (d)

   19,800      1,324,422

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 0.0%

           

Las Vegas Sands Corporation (b)

   1,900      91,200

Leisure - Movies & Related 0.9%

           

Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation (b) (d)

   153,070      1,625,603

Leisure - Services 0.8%

           

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

   27,500      1,497,100

Leisure - Toys/Games/Hobby 2.4%

           

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (b) (d)

   226,564      4,640,031

Machinery - Construction/Mining 1.1%

           

Bucyrus International, Inc. Class A (d)

   51,900      2,109,216

Machinery - General Industrial 1.6%

           

Albany International Corporation Class A

   27,200      956,352

UNOVA, Inc. (b)

   82,800      2,094,012
         

            3,050,364

Media - Radio/TV 0.5%

           

Westwood One, Inc. (b)

   36,800      991,024

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 6.1%

           

Digene Corporation (b)

   139,823      3,656,372

Genzyme Corporation (b)

   39,500      2,293,765

Guilford Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   339,700      1,681,515

InterMune, Inc. (b)

   76,000      1,007,760

Northfield Laboratories, Inc. (b)

   79,500      1,792,725

Protein Design Labs, Inc. (b)

   62,600      1,293,316
         

            11,725,453

Medical - Drug/Diversified 1.1%

           

Bone Care International, Inc. (b) (d)

   77,000      2,144,450

Medical - Ethical Drugs 0.9%

           

Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) (d)

   101,590      1,703,664

Medical - Hospitals 0.7%

           

Community Health Systems, Inc. (b)

   49,390      1,376,993

Medical - Products 1.8%

           

American Medical Systems Holdings, Inc. (b) (d)

   63,800      2,667,478

EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   48,400      866,844
         

            3,534,322

Medical - Systems/Equipment 2.2%

           

Fisher Scientific International, Inc. (b)

   46,000      2,869,480

Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (b)

   31,700      1,370,708
         

            4,240,188

Medical/Dental - Services 1.1%

           

LabOne, Inc. (b)

   63,700      2,040,948

Medical/Dental - Supplies 1.0%

           

Dentsply International, Inc.

   34,330      1,929,346

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 1.6%

           

Phelps Dodge Corporation

   30,800      3,046,736

 

41


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG DISCOVERY FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or

Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Mining - Gems 1.9%

               

Pan American Silver Corporation (b)

     224,000    $ 3,579,520  

Oil & Gas - Canadian Exploration & Production 0.6%

               

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

     26,500      1,133,405  

Oil & Gas - Drilling 2.5%

               

ENSCO International, Inc.

     52,400      1,663,176  

Noble Corporation (b)

     63,800      3,173,412  
           


              4,836,588  

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.1%

               

Input/Output, Inc. (b)

     244,900      2,164,916  

Oil & Gas - Production/Pipeline 1.1%

               

The Williams Companies, Inc.

     129,600      2,111,184  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 2.7%

               

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (d)

     171,900      2,836,350  

Edge Petroleum Corporation (b)

     63,600      927,288  

Noble Energy, Inc.

     22,500      1,387,350  
           


              5,150,988  

Paper & Paper Products 1.0%

               

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (b)

     106,200      1,983,816  

Real Estate Operations 1.4%

               

The St. Joe Company

     40,500      2,600,100  

Retail - Clothing/Shoes 2.0%

               

Abercrombie & Fitch Company Class A

     82,500      3,873,375  

Retail - Home Furnishings 0.6%

               

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (b)

     30,500      1,068,720  

Retail - Miscellaneous 2.0%

               

Michaels Stores, Inc.

     67,700      2,028,969  

PETsMART, Inc.

     51,039      1,813,416  
           


              3,842,385  

Telecommunications - Equipment 0.5%

               

Symmetricom, Inc. (b)

     94,659      919,139  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 1.2%

               

Carrier Access Corporation (b)

     92,900      992,172  

Novatel Wireless, Inc. (b) (d)

     68,100      1,319,778  
           


              2,311,950  

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 5.2%

               

Crown Castle International Corporation (b)

     157,740      2,624,794  

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B (b) (d)

     94,202      4,469,885  

Nextel Partners, Inc. Class A (b) (d)

     150,000      2,931,000  
           


              10,025,679  

Transportation - Services 2.0%

               

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

     67,200      3,755,136  

Trucks & Parts - Heavy Duty 1.8%

               

Cummins, Inc.

     23,300      1,952,307  

Oshkosh Truck Corporation

     20,300      1,388,114  
           


              3,340,421  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $146,947,881)

            184,171,386  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 13.6%

               

Collateral Received for Securities Lending 10.2%

               

Navigator Prime Portfolio

     19,404,609    $ 19,404,609  

Repurchase Agreements (c) 3.4%

               

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $4,500,806); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 4,500,000      4,500,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85% Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $2,039,044); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     2,038,900      2,038,900  
           


Total Repurchase Agreements

            6,538,900  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $25,943,509)

            25,943,509  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $172,891,390) 109.9%

            210,114,895  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (9.9%)

            (18,933,923 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 191,180,972  
           


STRONG ENDEAVOR FUND  
     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 100.4%

               

Apparel - Shoes & Related Manufacturing 0.8%

               

NIKE, Inc. Class B

     1,740    $ 157,801  

Banks - Money Center 1.0%

               

The Bank of New York Company, Inc.

     5,880      196,510  

Banks - Super Regional 1.5%

               

Wachovia Corporation

     5,420      285,092  

Chemicals - Basic 2.2%

               

The Dow Chemical Company

     8,780      434,698  

Computer - Data Storage 4.0%

               

EMC Corporation (b)

     51,470      765,359  

Computer - Local Networks 0.8%

               

Juniper Networks, Inc. (b)

     5,410      147,098  

Computer - Manufacturers 4.3%

               

Apple Computer, Inc. (b)

     1,430      92,092  

Dell, Inc. (b)

     17,820      750,935  
           


              843,027  

Computer Software - Enterprise 2.7%

               

Oracle Systems Corporation (b)

     38,570      529,180  

Diversified Operations 5.2%

               

General Electric Company

     20,050      731,825  

Honeywell International, Inc.

     8,000      283,280  
           


              1,015,105  

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 7.0%

               

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (b)

     8,710      191,794  

Altera Corporation (b)

     12,230      253,161  

 

42


STRONG ENDEAVOR FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or
Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b)

     11,260    $ 399,392  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     21,040      518,005  
           


              1,362,352  

Finance - Consumer/Commercial Loans 1.1%

               

CIT Group, Inc.

     4,830      221,310  

Food - Confectionery 1.0%

               

William Wrigley Jr. Company

     2,750      190,272  

Household - Consumer Electronics 1.4%

               

Harman International Industries, Inc.

     2,170      275,590  

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 1.8%

               

The Allstate Corporation

     6,600      341,352  

Internet - Content 5.3%

               

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

     27,170      1,023,766  

Internet - E*Commerce 2.1%

               

eBay, Inc. (b)

     3,570      415,120  

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 0.3%

               

Las Vegas Sands Corporation (b)

     1,330      63,840  

Leisure - Services 0.5%

               

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

     1,880      102,347  

Leisure - Toys/Games/Hobby 2.3%

               

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (b)

     21,570      441,754  

Media - Cable TV 1.8%

               

EchoStar Communications Corporation Class A

     10,610      352,676  

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 2.6%

               

Genzyme Corporation (b)

     8,760      508,693  

Medical - Generic Drugs 2.5%

               

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. ADR

     16,230      484,628  

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 4.5%

               

WellPoint, Inc. (b)

     7,630      877,450  

Medical - Products 7.2%

               

Alcon, Inc.

     5,880      473,928  

Boston Scientific Corporation (b)

     11,560      410,958  

Medtronic, Inc.

     10,110      502,164  
           


              1,387,050  

Medical - Systems/Equipment 1.6%

               

Fisher Scientific International, Inc. (b)

     4,900      305,662  

Metal Ores - Gold/Silver 1.6%

               

Placer Dome, Inc.

     16,670      314,396  

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 2.9%

               

Phelps Dodge Corporation

     5,720      565,822  

Oil & Gas - Canadian Exploration & Production 0.6%

               

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

     2,870      122,750  

Oil & Gas - Drilling 1.3%

               

Transocean, Inc. (b)

     5,930      251,373  

Oil & Gas - Field Services 2.7%

               

Halliburton Company

     13,140    $ 515,614  

Oil & Gas - Production/Pipeline 2.3%

               

The Williams Companies, Inc.

     26,790      436,409  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 1.3%

               

Noble Energy, Inc.

     4,140      255,272  

Paper & Paper Products 1.3%

               

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (b)

     13,110      244,895  

Real Estate Operations 0.6%

               

The St. Joe Company

     1,750      112,350  

Retail - Drug Stores 1.5%

               

CVS Corporation

     6,530      294,307  

Retail - Major Discount Chains 2.1%

               

Target Corporation

     7,965      413,622  

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 2.6%

               

Staples, Inc.

     14,700      495,537  

Telecommunications - Equipment 1.4%

               

Lucent Technologies, Inc. (b)

     70,830      266,321  

Telecommunications - Services 4.7%

               

Sprint Corporation

     36,900      916,965  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 5.5%

               

Motorola, Inc.

     25,410      437,052  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     9,190      389,656  

Research in Motion, Ltd. (b)

     2,850      234,897  
           


              1,061,605  

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 0.8%

               

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B (b)

     3,310      157,059  

Transportation - Airline 1.7%

               

Southwest Airlines Company

     20,700      336,996  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $16,533,210)

            19,489,025  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 3.2%

               

Repurchase Agreements (c)

               

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $500,090); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 500,000      500,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $127,609); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     127,600      127,600  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $627,600)

            627,600  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $17,160,810) 103.6%

            20,116,625  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (3.6%)

            (699,967 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 19,416,658  
           


 

43


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

 

    

Shares or

Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 99.1%

           

Agricultural Operations 0.6%

           

Monsanto Company

   60,000    $ 3,333,000

Banks - Midwest 0.5%

           

TCF Financial Corporation

   80,000      2,571,200

Chemicals - Specialty 1.0%

           

Praxair, Inc.

   115,000      5,077,250

Commercial Services - Miscellaneous 1.1%

           

Paychex, Inc.

   160,000      5,452,800

Commercial Services - Schools 1.5%

           

Apollo Group, Inc. Class A (b)

   95,000      7,667,450

Computer - Data Storage 1.0%

           

EMC Corporation (b)

   360,000      5,353,200

Computer - IT Services 0.9%

           

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A (b)

   115,000      4,867,950

Computer - Local Networks 4.8%

           

Cisco Systems, Inc. (b)

   300,000      5,790,000

Juniper Networks, Inc. (b)

   520,000      14,138,800

Polycom, Inc. (b)

   210,000      4,897,200
         

            24,826,000

Computer - Manufacturers 3.1%

           

Dell, Inc. (b)

   385,000      16,223,900

Computer Software - Desktop 1.5%

           

Microsoft Corporation

   300,000      8,013,000

Computer Software - Education/Entertainment 1.4%

           

Electronic Arts, Inc. (b)

   115,000      7,093,200

Computer Software - Enterprise 1.0%

           

Oracle Systems Corporation (b)

   385,000      5,282,200

Computer Software - Security 1.5%

           

Symantec Corporation (b)

   95,000      2,447,200

VeriSign, Inc. (b)

   155,000      5,195,600
         

            7,642,800

Cosmetics - Personal Care 2.8%

           

The Procter & Gamble Company

   265,000      14,596,200

Diversified Operations 3.3%

           

General Electric Company

   340,000      12,410,000

Tyco International, Ltd.

   135,000      4,824,900
         

            17,234,900

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 0.5%

           

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

   55,000      2,725,250

Electronics - Scientific Measuring 1.1%

           

Danaher Corporation (d)

   95,000      5,453,950

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 4.1%

           

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (b) (d)

   145,000      3,192,900

Altera Corporation (b)

   130,000      2,691,000

Analog Devices, Inc.

   130,000    $ 4,799,600

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b)

   180,000      6,384,600

Microchip Technology, Inc. (d)

   155,000      4,132,300
         

            21,200,400

Finance - Consumer/Commercial Loans 1.1%

           

SLM Corporation

   110,000      5,872,900

Finance - Investment Brokers 2.3%

           

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

   65,000      6,762,600

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.

   60,000      5,248,800
         

            12,011,400

Finance - Mortgage & Related Services 1.9%

           

Countrywide Financial Corporation

   115,000      4,256,150

FHLMC

   75,000      5,527,500
         

            9,783,650

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 1.6%

           

American Express Company

   145,000      8,173,650

Food - Miscellaneous Preparation 1.6%

           

PepsiCo, Inc.

   160,000      8,352,000

Household - Consumer Electronics 1.0%

           

Harman International Industries, Inc.

   40,000      5,080,000

Insurance - Accident & Health 0.5%

           

AFLAC, Inc.

   65,000      2,589,600

Internet - Content 3.3%

           

Google, Inc. Class A (b) (d)

   30,000      5,793,000

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

   305,000      11,492,400
         

            17,285,400

Internet - E*Commerce 2.5%

           

eBay, Inc. (b)

   110,000      12,790,800

Leisure - Gaming/Equipment 3.8%

           

International Game Technology

   275,000      9,454,500

Station Casinos, Inc.

   95,000      5,194,600

Wynn Resorts, Ltd. (b) (d)

   75,000      5,019,000
         

            19,668,100

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 1.4%

           

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

   115,000      7,242,700

Machinery - Farm 0.9%

           

Deere & Company (d)

   60,000      4,464,000

Media - Radio/TV 1.1%

           

XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. Class A (b)

   145,000      5,454,900

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 5.4%

           

Amgen, Inc. (b)

   190,000      12,188,500

Biogen Idec, Inc. (b) (d)

   40,000      2,664,400

Genzyme Corporation (b)

   75,000      4,355,250

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b)

   250,000      8,747,500
         

            27,955,650

Medical - Drug/Diversified 2.9%

           

Abbott Laboratories

   60,000      2,799,000

Johnson & Johnson

   190,000      12,049,800
         

            14,848,800

Medical - Ethical Drugs 1.6%

           

Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   72,900      3,316,950

Eli Lilly & Company

   90,000      5,107,500
         

            8,424,450

Medical - Generic Drugs 0.9%

           

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. ADR

   150,000      4,479,000

 

44


STRONG LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or

Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 1.0%

               

Aetna, Inc.

     40,000    $ 4,990,000  

Medical - Hospitals 0.5%

               

HCA, Inc. (d)

     65,000      2,597,400  

Medical - Products 5.4%

               

Biomet, Inc.

     145,000      6,291,550  

Guidant Corporation

     50,000      3,605,000  

St. Jude Medical, Inc. (b) (d)

     240,000      10,063,200  

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (b) (d)

     100,000      8,012,000  
           


              27,971,750  

Medical/Dental - Supplies 1.1%

               

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (b)

     75,000      5,722,500  

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 0.5%

               

Alcoa, Inc.

     85,000      2,670,700  

Oil & Gas - Drilling 0.6%

               

Noble Corporation (b) (d)

     60,000      2,984,400  

Oil & Gas - Field Services 0.5%

               

BJ Services Company

     60,000      2,792,400  

Oil & Gas - International Integrated 1.0%

               

Exxon Mobil Corporation

     100,000      5,126,000  

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.0%

               

Smith International, Inc. (b) (d)

     100,000      5,441,000  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 2.7%

               

Apache Corporation

     70,000      3,539,900  

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

     75,000      4,377,000  

Ultra Petroleum Corporation (b)

     55,000      2,647,150  

XTO Energy, Inc.

     100,000      3,538,000  
           


              14,102,050  

Retail - Consumer Electronics 0.5%

               

Best Buy Company, Inc.

     45,500      2,703,610  

Retail - Department Stores 0.6%

               

Kohl’s Corporation (b)

     60,000      2,950,200  

Retail - Discount & Variety 1.8%

               

Dollar General Corporation (d)

     260,000      5,400,200  

Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. (b)

     145,000      4,158,600  
           


              9,558,800  

Retail - Drug Stores 1.2%

               

Walgreen Company

     160,000      6,139,200  

Retail - Major Discount Chains 3.1%

               

Target Corporation

     310,000      16,098,300  

Retail - Miscellaneous 1.3%

               

Cabela’s, Inc. (b)

     80,000      1,819,200  

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. (b)

     120,000      4,737,600  
           


              6,556,800  

Retail - Restaurants 0.8%

               

Starbucks Corporation (b)

     65,000      4,053,400  

Retail - Super/Mini Markets 1.0%

               

Whole Foods Marketing, Inc.

     55,000      5,244,250  

Retail/Wholesale - Building Products 3.0%

               

The Home Depot, Inc.

     240,000    $ 10,257,600  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

     90,000      5,183,100  
           


              15,440,700  

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 1.1%

               

Staples, Inc.

     175,000      5,899,250  

Telecommunications - Fiber Optics 0.9%

               

Corning, Inc. (b)

     375,000      4,413,750  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 4.0%

               

Motorola, Inc.

     315,000      5,418,000  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     250,000      10,600,000  

Research in Motion, Ltd. (b) (d)

     60,000      4,945,200  
           


              20,963,200  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $406,996,297)

            513,511,310  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 3.9%

               

Collateral Received for Securities Lending 2.8%

               

Navigator Prime Portfolio

     14,854,959      14,854,959  

Repurchase Agreements (c) 1.1%

               

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $1,500,269); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 1,500,000      1,500,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $4,030,986); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     4,030,700      4,030,700  
           


Total Repurchase Agreements

            5,530,700  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $20,385,659)

            20,385,659  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $427,381,956) 103.0%

            533,896,969  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (3.0%)

            (15,466,295 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 518,430,674  
           


STRONG U.S. EMERGING GROWTH FUND

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 101.8%

               

Chemicals - Specialty 1.0%

               

Symyx Technologies, Inc. (b)

     21,835    $ 656,797  

Commercial Services - Consulting 1.1%

               

Navigant Consulting, Inc. (b)

     26,825      713,545  

Commercial Services - Market Research 4.0%

               

Corporate Executive Board Company

     17,445      1,167,768  

CoStar Group, Inc. (b)

     30,265      1,397,638  
           


              2,565,406  

Commercial Services - Schools 2.2%

               

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (b)

     11,390      737,616  

Laureate Education, Inc. (b)

     15,380      678,104  
           


              1,415,720  

 

45


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG U.S. EMERGING GROWTH FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Computer - IT Services 2.8%

           

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A (b)

   43,330    $ 1,834,159

Computer - Peripheral Equipment 2.1%

           

Synaptics, Inc. (b)

   44,125      1,349,342

Computer Software - Desktop 1.3%

           

Sonic Solutions (b)

   37,290      836,788

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 1.4%

           

Sigmatel, Inc. (b)

   24,720      878,302

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 4.9%

           

Cree, Inc. (b)

   18,580      744,686

FormFactor, Inc. (b)

   39,325      1,067,280

Tessera Technologies, Inc. (b)

   35,815      1,332,676
         

            3,144,642

Energy - Other 1.2%

           

Massey Energy Company

   21,225      741,814

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 4.5%

           

Investors Financial Services Corporation

   42,970      2,147,641

iPayment, Inc. (b)

   14,825      734,134
         

            2,881,775

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 1.0%

           

ProAssurance Corporation (b)

   16,905      661,155

Internet - Content 2.4%

           

Ask Jeeves, Inc. (b)

   21,955      587,296

InfoSpace, Inc. (b)

   20,580      978,579
         

            1,565,875

Internet - E*Commerce 2.7%

           

Getty Images, Inc. (b)

   25,010      1,721,938

Internet - Network Security/Solutions 3.2%

           

Equinix, Inc. (b)

   29,525      1,261,898

F5 Networks, Inc. (b)

   15,825      770,994
         

            2,032,892

Leisure - Gaming/Equipment 2.9%

           

Shuffle Master, Inc. (b)

   39,390      1,855,269

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 1.1%

           

Las Vegas Sands Corporation (b)

   15,070      723,360

Leisure - Products 1.0%

           

Celebrate Express, Inc. (b)

   34,429      654,151

Machinery - Construction/Mining 13.5%

           

A.S.V., Inc. (b)

   31,090      1,489,211

Bucyrus International, Inc. Class A

   39,430      1,602,435

JLG Industries, Inc.

   106,155      2,083,823

Joy Global, Inc.

   42,140      1,830,140

Terex Corporation (b)

   34,590      1,648,214
         

            8,653,823

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 0.7%

           

Immunicon Corporation (b)

   68,200      476,036

Medical - Drug/Diversified 1.0%

           

MGI Pharma, Inc. (b)

   22,780      638,068

Medical - Ethical Drugs 2.2%

           

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (b)

   79,592    $ 1,400,023

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 1.7%

           

Centene Corporation (b)

   38,770      1,099,129

Medical - Products 1.9%

           

Kyphon, Inc. (b)

   47,560      1,225,146

Medical - Systems/Equipment 3.9%

           

Foxhollow Technologies, Inc. (b)

   55,240      1,358,352

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (b)

   18,195      1,164,298
         

            2,522,650

Medical/Dental - Services 1.7%

           

American Healthways, Inc. (b)

   33,431      1,104,560

Oil & Gas - Field Services 1.1%

           

Oceaneering International, Inc. (b)

   18,430      687,808

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.5%

           

CARBO Ceramics, Inc.

   14,370      991,530

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 6.5%

           

\KCS Energy, Inc. (b)

   51,200      756,736

Quicksilver Resources, Inc. (b)

   37,540      1,380,721

Range Resources Corporation

   41,535      849,806

Ultra Petroleum Corporation (b)

   24,525      1,180,388
         

            4,167,651

Retail - Clothing/Shoes 2.4%

           

Chicos FAS, Inc. (b)

   16,829      766,224

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (b)

   17,990      798,756
         

            1,564,980

Retail - Restaurants 5.7%

           

The Cheesecake Factory, Inc. (b)

   40,980      1,330,621

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc. (b)

   29,845      1,681,766

Peets Coffee & Tea, Inc. (b)

   25,080      663,868
         

            3,676,255

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 3.2%

           

Trimble Navigation, Ltd. (b)

   61,740      2,039,890

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 5.0%

           

Alamosa Holdings, Inc. (b)

   142,100      1,771,987

Nextel Partners, Inc. Class A (b)

   73,365      1,433,552
         

            3,205,539

Transportation - Services 2.2%

           

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

   25,255      1,402,158

Transportation - Truck 6.8%

           

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

   32,765      1,469,510

Knight Transportation, Inc.

   38,705      959,884

Landstar Systems, Inc. (b)

   26,675      1,964,347
         

            4,393,741
         

Total Common Stocks (Cost $45,508,393)

          65,481,917
         

 

46


STRONG U.S. EMERGING GROWTH FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or
Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Short-Term Investments (a) 0.5%

               

Repurchase Agreements (c)

               

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $306,922); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 306,900    $ 306,900  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $306,900)

            306,900  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $45,815,293) 102.3%

            65,788,817  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (2.3%)

            (1,471,407 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 64,317,410  
           


STRONG ENTERPRISE FUND  
    

Shares or

Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 97.7%

               

Apparel - Clothing Manufacturing 0.8%

               

Coach, Inc. (b)

     38,720    $ 2,183,808  

Auto/Truck - Original Equipment 2.6%

               

Autoliv, Inc.

     73,100      3,530,730  

Eaton Corporation

     54,040      3,910,334  
           


              7,441,064  

Banks - Northeast 1.3%

               

North Fork Bancorporation, Inc.

     127,450      3,676,933  

Banks - Super Regional 1.0%

               

Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (d)

     62,000      2,740,400  

Beverages - Alcoholic 2.0%

               

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class A (b) (d)

     120,600      5,609,106  

Chemicals - Basic 2.1%

               

Lyondell Petrochemical Company

     204,300      5,908,356  

Commercial Services - Miscellaneous 1.5%

               

Cogent, Inc. (b)

     43,100      1,422,300  

Hewitt Associates, Inc. Class A (b) (d)

     89,400      2,861,694  
           


              4,283,994  

Computer - Local Networks 1.0%

               

Juniper Networks, Inc. (b)

     100,990      2,745,918  

Computer - Peripheral Equipment 1.2%

               

Synaptics, Inc. (b) (d)

     111,000      3,394,380  

Computer Software - Desktop 1.6%

               

Macromedia, Inc. (b)

     140,421      4,369,902  

Computer Software - Enterprise 2.8%

               

Cognos, Inc. (b) (d)

     60,900      2,683,254  

TIBCO Software, Inc. (b) (d)

     384,296      5,126,509  
           


              7,809,763  

Computer Software - Medical 1.0%

               

Cerner Corporation (b) (d)

     52,400      2,786,108  

Computer Software - Security 3.4%

               

Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd. (b)

     162,815      4,010,133  

McAfee, Inc. (b) (d)

     100,600      2,910,358  

VeriSign, Inc. (b)

     79,900      2,678,248  
           


              9,598,739  

Electronics - Contract Manufacturing 0.8%

               

Sanmina-SCI Corporation (b)

     249,020    $ 2,109,199  

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 0.5%

               

Sigmatel, Inc. (b)

     40,400      1,435,412  

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 7.5%

               

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (b)

     194,100      4,274,082  

Altera Corporation (b)

     120,900      2,502,630  

Cree, Inc. (b) (d)

     107,900      4,324,632  

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b) (d)

     149,300      5,295,671  

National Semiconductor Corporation

     155,500      2,791,225  

Tessera Technologies, Inc. (b) (d)

     53,100      1,975,851  
           


              21,164,091  

Finance - Investment Management 0.6%

               

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

     24,800      1,542,560  

Household - Consumer Electronics 1.9%

               

Harman International Industries, Inc.

     41,990      5,332,730  

Internet - Content 2.4%

               

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (b)

     101,000      3,397,640  

SINA Corp (b) (d)

     106,100      3,401,566  
           


              6,799,206  

Internet - E*Commerce 6.9%

               

Ameritrade Holding Corporation (b)

     271,200      3,856,464  

Getty Images, Inc. (b)

     66,600      4,585,410  

Overstock.com, Inc. (b) (d)

     46,300      3,194,700  

Priceline.com, Inc. (b) (d)

     189,610      4,472,900  

ValueClick, Inc. (b) (d)

     244,900      3,264,517  
           


              19,373,991  

Internet - Network Security/Solutions 1.3%

               

Equinix, Inc. (b) (d)

     87,700      3,748,298  

Leisure - Gaming/Equipment 0.7%

               

Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (d)

     29,400      1,966,566  

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 0.9%

               

Las Vegas Sands Corporation (b)

     18,900      907,200  

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

     26,100      1,643,778  
           


              2,550,978  

Leisure - Services 0.8%

               

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

     40,900      2,226,596  

Leisure - Toys/Games/Hobby 2.5%

               

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (b) (d)

     340,857      6,980,751  

Machinery - Construction/Mining 1.2%

               

Joy Global, Inc. (d)

     78,895      3,426,410  

Machinery - General Industrial 1.1%

               

UNOVA, Inc. (b)

     125,600      3,176,424  

Media - Radio/TV 0.5%

               

Westwood One, Inc. (b) (d)

     55,700      1,500,001  

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 4.1%

               

Digene Corporation (b)

     179,349      4,689,976  

Genzyme Corporation (b)

     58,955      3,423,517  

Protein Design Labs, Inc. (b) (d)

     165,300      3,415,098  
           


              11,528,591  

 

47


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

   December 31, 2004

 

STRONG ENTERPRISE FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or

Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Medical - Generic Drugs 0.9%

               

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. ADR (d)

     83,600    $ 2,496,296  

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 1.9%

               

WellPoint, Inc. (b)

     46,905      5,394,075  

Medical - Hospitals 0.7%

               

Community Health Systems, Inc. (b) (d)

     73,550      2,050,574  

Medical - Nursing Homes 0.5%

               

Manor Care, Inc. (d)

     38,700      1,371,141  

Medical - Products 1.4%

               

American Medical Systems Holdings, Inc. (b) (d)

     95,400      3,988,674  

Medical - Systems/Equipment 2.3%

               

Fisher Scientific International, Inc. (b)

     68,970      4,302,349  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (b)

     47,430      2,050,873  
           


              6,353,222  

Medical/Dental - Services 1.0%

               

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

     28,900      2,761,395  

Medical/Dental - Supplies 1.0%

               

Dentsply International, Inc. (d)

     51,170      2,875,754  

Metal Ores - Gold/Silver 1.6%

               

Placer Dome, Inc. (d)

     241,190      4,548,843  

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 1.5%

               

Phelps Dodge Corporation

     42,000      4,154,640  

Mining - Gems 1.1%

               

Pan American Silver Corporation (b) (d)

     187,800      3,001,044  

Oil & Gas - Canadian Exploration & Production 0.6%

               

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

     39,300      1,680,861  

Oil & Gas - Drilling 3.3%

               

ENSCO International, Inc. (d)

     61,690      1,958,041  

Pride International, Inc. (b) (d)

     90,600      1,860,924  

Transocean, Inc. (b)

     126,700      5,370,813  
           


              9,189,778  

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.1%

               

Input/Output, Inc. (b)

     361,600      3,196,544  

Oil & Gas - Production/Pipeline 1.6%

               

The Williams Companies, Inc.

     274,000      4,463,460  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 1.4%

               

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (d)

     229,910      3,793,515  

Paper & Paper Products 1.0%

               

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (b)

     156,700      2,927,156  

Real Estate Operations 1.4%

               

The St. Joe Company

     61,400      3,941,880  

Retail - Clothing/Shoes 2.0%

               

Abercrombie & Fitch Company Class A

     122,700      5,760,765  

Retail - Home Furnishings 0.7%

               

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (b)

     54,200    $ 1,899,168  

Retail - Miscellaneous 2.1%

               

Michaels Stores, Inc.

     102,200      3,062,934  

PETsMART, Inc.

     77,962      2,769,990  
           


              5,832,924  

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 0.7%

               

Staples, Inc.

     62,300      2,100,133  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 1.4%

               

Novatel Wireless, Inc. (b) (d)

     100,913      1,955,694  

Research in Motion, Ltd. (b)

     23,940      1,973,135  
           


              3,928,829  

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 5.1%

               

Crown Castle International Corporation (b)

     233,200      3,880,448  

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B (b) (d)

     120,280      5,707,286  

Nextel Partners, Inc. Class A (b) (d)

     242,060      4,729,852  
           


              14,317,586  

Transportation - Airline 0.8%

               

Southwest Airlines Company

     143,100      2,329,668  

Transportation - Services 2.2%

               

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

     112,700      6,297,676  

Trucks & Parts - Heavy Duty 2.4%

               

Cummins, Inc. (d)

     56,400      4,725,756  

Oshkosh Truck Corporation

     30,100      2,058,238  
           


              6,783,994  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $224,314,273)

            274,849,870  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 14.5%

               

Collateral Received for Securities Lending 11.4%

               

Navigator Prime Portfolio

     32,019,561      32,019,561  

Repurchase Agreements (c) 3.1%

               

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $6,801,218); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 6,800,000      6,800,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $2,027,544); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     2,027,400      2,027,400  
           


Total Repurchase Agreements

            8,827,400  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $40,846,961)

            40,846,961  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $265,161,234) 112.2%

            315,696,831  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (12.2%)

            (34,330,942 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 281,365,889  
           


 

48


STRONG GROWTH 20 FUND

 

    

Shares or

Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 100.4%

               

Apparel - Clothing Manufacturing 4.7%

               

Coach, Inc. (b)

     125,000    $ 7,050,000  

Computer - Data Storage 2.9%

               

EMC Corporation (b)

     290,000      4,312,300  

Computer - Manufacturers 1.3%

               

Apple Computer, Inc. (b)

     30,000      1,932,000  

Diversified Operations 3.0%

               

General Electric Company

     125,000      4,562,500  

Electronics - Scientific Measuring 3.5%

               

Danaher Corporation

     90,000      5,166,900  

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 6.2%

               

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b)

     260,000      9,222,200  

Finance - Investment Brokers 1.4%

               

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

     20,000      2,080,800  

Finance - Mortgage & Related Services 7.6%

               

Doral Financial Corporation

     230,000      11,327,500  

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 4.4%

               

Alliance Data Systems Corporation (b)

     90,000      4,273,200  

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Inc.

     90,000      2,272,500  
           


              6,545,700  

Household - Consumer Electronics 3.0%

               

Harman International Industries, Inc.

     35,000      4,445,000  

Internet - Content 12.2%

               

Google, Inc. Class A (b)

     30,000      5,793,000  

InfoSpace, Inc. (b)

     70,000      3,328,500  

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

     240,000      9,043,200  
           


              18,164,700  

Internet - E*Commerce 5.8%

               

eBay, Inc. (b)

     75,000      8,721,000  

Internet - Network Security/Solutions 2.4%

               

Digital River, Inc. (b)

     85,000      3,536,850  

Leisure - Gaming/Equipment 4.6%

               

Station Casinos, Inc.

     125,000      6,835,000  

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 2.3%

               

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

     55,000      3,463,900  

Medical - Drug/Diversified 1.1%

               

Johnson & Johnson

     25,000      1,585,500  

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 5.9%

               

Aetna, Inc.

     70,000      8,732,500  

Oil & Gas - Field Services 3.6%

               

BJ Services Company

     115,000      5,352,100  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 9.5%

               

InterOil Corporation (b)

     55,000    $ 2,081,200  

Ultra Petroleum Corporation (b)

     250,000      12,032,500  
           


              14,113,700  

Retail - Major Discount Chains 1.0%

               

Target Corporation

     30,000      1,557,900  

Retail - Restaurants 3.8%

               

Starbucks Corporation (b)

     90,000      5,612,400  

Telecommunications - Equipment 2.4%

               

Dycom Industries, Inc. (b)

     120,000      3,662,400  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 3.8%

               

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     75,000      3,180,000  

Research in Motion, Ltd. (b)

     30,000      2,472,600  
           


              5,652,600  

Transportation - Air Freight 4.0%

               

FedEx Corporation

     60,000      5,909,400  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $109,368,077)

            149,544,850  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 0.3%

               

Repurchase Agreements (c)

               

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $357,025); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 357,000      357,000  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $357,000)

            357,000  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $109,725,077) 100.7%

            149,901,850  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (0.7%)

            (970,400 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 148,931,450  
           


STRONG GROWTH FUND  
    

Shares or
Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 99.3%

               

Agricultural Operations 0.1%

               

Monsanto Company

     25,000    $ 1,388,750  

Auto/Truck - Original Equipment 0.8%

               

Eaton Corporation

     170,000      12,301,200  

Banks - Midwest 0.2%

               

TCF Financial Corporation

     115,000      3,696,100  

Beverages - Soft Drinks 0.5%

               

Cott Corporation (b)

     335,000      8,284,550  

Chemicals - Specialty 0.7%

               

Praxair, Inc.

     255,000      11,258,250  

Commercial Services - Market Research 0.4%

               

Corporate Executive Board Company

     82,300      5,509,162  

 

49


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG GROWTH FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Commercial Services - Miscellaneous 1.8%

           

Cogent, Inc. (b)

   185,000    $ 6,105,000

Paychex, Inc.

   625,000      21,300,000
         

            27,405,000

Commercial Services - Schools 1.5%

           

Apollo Group, Inc. Class A (b)

   275,001      22,195,331

Computer - Data Storage 1.1%

           

EMC Corporation (b)

   550,000      8,178,500

Xyratex, Ltd. (b)

   481,600      7,936,768
         

            16,115,268

Computer - IT Services 2.9%

           

Accenture, Ltd. Class A (b)

   100,000      2,700,000

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A (b)

   860,000      36,403,800

Kanbay International, Inc. (b)

   75,100      2,350,630

Satyam Computer Services, Ltd. ADR

   80,000      1,930,400
         

            43,384,830

Computer - Local Networks 4.6%

           

Cisco Systems, Inc. (b)

   825,000      15,922,500

Juniper Networks, Inc. (b)

   770,000      20,936,300

Polycom, Inc. (b)

   1,275,000      29,733,000

QLogic Corporation (b)

   75,000      2,754,750
         

            69,346,550

Computer - Manufacturers 3.0%

           

Dell, Inc. (b)

   1,080,000      45,511,200

Computer Software - Desktop 2.1%

           

Microsoft Corporation

   1,075,000      28,713,250

NAVTEQ Corporation (b)

   80,000      3,708,800
         

            32,422,050

Computer Software - Education/Entertainment 1.3%

           

Blackboard, Inc. (b)

   75,000      1,110,750

Electronic Arts, Inc. (b)

   290,000      17,887,200
         

            18,997,950

Computer Software - Enterprise 2.9%

           

Cognos, Inc. (b)

   410,000      18,064,600

Mercury Interactive Corporation (b)

   335,000      15,259,250

TIBCO Software, Inc. (b)

   780,000      10,405,200
         

            43,729,050

Computer Software - Medical 0.3%

           

Cerner Corporation (b)

   90,000      4,785,300

Computer Software - Security 1.4%

           

Symantec Corporation (b)

   55,000      1,416,800

VeriSign, Inc. (b)

   575,000      19,274,000
         

            20,690,800

Cosmetics - Personal Care 1.9%

           

The Gillette Company

   90,000      4,030,200

The Procter & Gamble Company

   445,000      24,510,600
         

            28,540,800

Diversified Operations 2.7%

           

General Electric Company

   775,000      28,287,500

Tyco International, Ltd.

   335,000      11,972,900
         

            40,260,400

Electronics - Contract Manufacturing 0.5%

           

Flextronics International, Ltd. (b) (d)

   550,000      7,601,000

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 0.7%

           

Plantronics, Inc.

   175,000      7,257,250

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

   70,000      3,468,500
         

            10,725,750

Electronics - Scientific Measuring 0.4%

           

PerkinElmer, Inc.

   280,000    $ 6,297,200

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 4.6%

           

Altera Corporation (b)

   355,000      7,348,500

Analog Devices, Inc.

   305,000      11,260,600

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b) (d)

   275,000      9,754,250

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

   175,000      7,418,250

Microchip Technology, Inc. (d)

   880,000      23,460,800

SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc. (b)

   800,000      10,176,000
         

            69,418,400

Energy - Other 0.4%

           

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

   150,000      6,157,500

Finance - Consumer/Commercial Loans 0.9%

           

SLM Corporation

   250,000      13,347,500

Finance - Investment Brokers 0.6%

           

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.

   105,000      9,185,400

Finance - Mortgage & Related Services 1.1%

           

Countrywide Financial Corporation

   430,000      15,914,300

Finance - Publicly Traded Investment Funds-Equity (Non 40 Act) 1.0%

           

Pharmaceutical Holders Trust

   205,000      14,901,450

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 5.3%

           

Alliance Data Systems Corporation (b)

   575,000      27,301,000

American Express Company

   130,000      7,328,100

CheckFree Corporation (b)

   150,000      5,712,000

First Marblehead Corporation (b)

   626,800      35,257,500

iPayment, Inc. (b)

   90,000      4,456,800
         

            80,055,400

Food - Miscellaneous Preparation 0.9%

           

PepsiCo, Inc.

   265,000      13,833,000

Household - Consumer Electronics 0.4%

           

Harman International Industries, Inc.

   45,000      5,715,000

Insurance - Diversified 0.5%

           

Prudential Financial, Inc.

   145,000      7,969,200

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 0.4%

           

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd.

   120,000      6,249,600

Internet - Content 3.9%

           

FindWhat.com (b)

   225,000      3,989,250

Google, Inc. Class A (b) (d)

   122,000      23,558,200

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

   855,000      32,216,400
         

            59,763,850

Internet - E*Commerce 3.4%

           

Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. (b)

   250,000      6,212,500

eBay, Inc. (b)

   385,000      44,767,800
         

            50,980,300

Internet - Network Security/Solutions 1.9%

           

Digital River, Inc. (b)

   700,000      29,127,000

 

50


STRONG GROWTH FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Leisure - Gaming/Equipment 1.6%

           

International Game Technology

   225,000    $ 7,735,500

Station Casinos, Inc.

   315,000      17,224,200
         

            24,959,700

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 0.4%

           

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

   95,000      5,983,100

Leisure - Services 1.2%

           

Carnival Corporation

   165,000      9,508,950

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (d)

   170,000      9,254,800
         

            18,763,750

Machinery - General Industrial 0.4%

           

Pentair, Inc.

   140,000      6,098,400

Media - Radio/TV 0.3%

           

Univision Communications, Inc. Class A (b)

   15,000      439,050

Viacom, Inc. Class B

   130,000      4,730,700
         

            5,169,750

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 3.7%

           

Amgen, Inc. (b)

   325,000      20,848,750

Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   220,000      5,139,200

Genzyme Corporation (b)

   70,000      4,064,900

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b)

   750,000      26,242,500
         

            56,295,350

Medical - Drug/Diversified 0.7%

           

Bone Care International, Inc. (b)

   170,000      4,734,500

Johnson & Johnson

   100,000      6,342,000
         

            11,076,500

Medical - Ethical Drugs 1.6%

           

Eli Lilly & Company

   225,000      12,768,750

Pfizer, Inc.

   400,000      10,756,000
         

            23,524,750

Medical - Generic Drugs 1.2%

           

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. ADR

   625,000      18,662,500

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 2.0%

           

Aetna, Inc.

   80,000      9,980,000

Centene Corporation (b)

   120,000      3,402,000

Molina Healthcare, Inc. (b)

   355,000      16,464,900
         

            29,846,900

Medical - Outpatient/Home Care 1.2%

           

Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (b)

   520,000      19,011,200

Medical - Products 4.4%

           

Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. (b)

   100,000      3,946,000

INAMED Corporation (b)

   385,000      24,351,250

St. Jude Medical, Inc. (b)

   700,000      29,351,000

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (b)

   105,000      8,412,600
         

            66,060,850

Medical - Systems/Equipment 0.3%

           

Symmetry Medical, Inc. (b)

   218,500      4,599,425

Medical/Dental - Services 1.5%

           

Covance, Inc. (b)

   605,000      23,443,750

Medical/Dental - Supplies 2.3%

           

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (b)

   455,000      34,716,500

Oil & Gas - Drilling 0.8%

           

ENSCO International, Inc.

   400,000      12,696,000

Oil & Gas - Field Services 0.4%

           

BJ Services Company

   120,000    $ 5,584,800

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 2.0%

           

Baker Hughes, Inc.

   75,000      3,200,250

Grant Prideco, Inc. (b)

   400,000      8,020,000

Smith International, Inc. (b)

   345,000      18,771,450
         

            29,991,700

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 1.4%

           

Bill Barrett Corporation (b)

   87,800      2,808,722

XTO Energy, Inc.

   500,000      17,690,000
         

            20,498,722

Retail - Leisure Product 1.7%

           

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. (b)

   600,000      21,090,000

Guitar Center, Inc. (b)

   90,000      4,742,100
         

            25,832,100

Retail - Miscellaneous 5.5%

           

Michaels Stores, Inc.

   325,000      9,740,250

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. (b)

   1,080,000      42,638,400

PETsMART, Inc.

   855,000      30,378,150
         

            82,756,800

Retail - Restaurants 0.9%

           

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (b)

   140,000      7,485,800

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Class A (b)

   203,908      6,025,481
         

            13,511,281

Retail - Super/Mini Markets 0.4%

           

Whole Foods Marketing, Inc.

   70,000      6,674,500

Retail/Wholesale - Building Products 3.0%

           

The Home Depot, Inc.

   260,000      11,112,400

Hughes Supply, Inc.

   1,065,000      34,452,750
         

            45,565,150

Telecommunications - Equipment 1.3%

           

ADTRAN, Inc.

   75,000      1,435,500

Dycom Industries, Inc. (b)

   255,000      7,782,600

InPhonic, Inc. (b)

   375,000      10,305,000
         

            19,523,100

Telecommunications - Fiber Optics 0.3%

           

Corning, Inc. (b) (d)

   350,000      4,119,500

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 0.9%

           

Motorola, Inc.

   310,000      5,332,000

QUALCOMM, Inc.

   95,000      4,028,000

Research in Motion, Ltd. (b) (d)

   60,000      4,945,200
         

            14,305,200

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 0.4%

           

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B (b)

   135,000      6,405,750

Transportation - Services 0.4%

           

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (d)

   100,000      5,588,000
         

Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,125,822,959)

          1,504,329,419
         

 

51


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG GROWTH FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Short-Term Investments (a) 2.7%

               

Collateral Received for Securities Lending 1.0%

               

Navigator Prime Portfolio

     15,172,847    $ 15,172,847  

Repurchase Agreements (c) 1.7%

               

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $22,504,031); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 22,500,000      22,500,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $20,930,208); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     2,930,000      2,930,000  
           


Total Repurchase Agreements

            25,430,000  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $40,602,847)

            40,602,847  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $1,166,425,806) 102.0%

            1,544,932,266  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (2.0%)

            (30,708,744 )
           


Net Assets 100%

          $ 1,514,223,522  
           


STRONG LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND  
    

Shares or
Principal

Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Common Stocks 94.6%

               

Apparel - Shoes & Related Manufacturing 0.8%

               

NIKE, Inc. Class B

     8,840    $ 801,700  

Banks - Money Center 1.0%

               

The Bank of New York Company, Inc.

     30,350      1,014,297  

Banks - Super Regional 1.4%

               

Wachovia Corporation

     27,150      1,428,090  

Chemicals - Basic 2.1%

               

The Dow Chemical Company

     45,300      2,242,803  

Computer - Data Storage 3.8%

               

EMC Corporation (b)

     265,400      3,946,498  

Computer - Local Networks 0.7%

               

Juniper Networks, Inc. (b)

     27,350      743,646  

Computer - Manufacturers 3.9%

               

Apple Computer, Inc. (b)

     7,300      470,120  

Dell, Inc. (b)

     84,390      3,556,195  
           


              4,026,315  

Computer Software - Enterprise 2.6%

               

Oracle Systems Corporation (b)

     197,400      2,708,328  

Diversified Operations 5.0%

               

General Electric Company

     103,150      3,764,975  

Honeywell International, Inc.

     40,350      1,428,793  
           


              5,193,768  

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 6.6%

               

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (b)

     44,050      969,981  

Altera Corporation (b)

     62,250      1,288,575  

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (b)

     53,300    $ 1,890,551  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     109,750      2,702,045  
           


              6,851,152  

Finance - Consumer/Commercial Loans 1.1%

               

CIT Group, Inc.

     24,450      1,120,299  

Food - Confectionery 0.9%

               

William Wrigley Jr. Company

     14,050      972,120  

Household - Consumer Electronics 1.3%

               

Harman International Industries, Inc.

     10,900      1,384,300  

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 1.7%

               

The Allstate Corporation

     33,950      1,755,894  

Internet - Content 4.9%

               

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

     134,600      5,071,728  

Internet - E*Commerce 2.0%

               

eBay, Inc. (b)

     18,300      2,127,924  

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 0.3%

               

Las Vegas Sands Corporation (b)

     7,000      336,000  

Leisure - Services 0.5%

               

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

     9,850      536,234  

Leisure - Toys/Games/Hobby 2.2%

               

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (b)

     113,900      2,332,672  

Media - Cable TV 1.8%

               

EchoStar Communications Corporation Class A

     56,050      1,863,102  

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 2.5%

               

Genzyme Corporation (b)

     45,150      2,621,860  

Medical - Generic Drugs 2.4%

               

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. ADR

     82,650      2,467,929  

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 4.0%

               

WellPoint, Inc. (b)

     36,150      4,157,250  

Medical - Products 6.8%

               

Alcon, Inc.

     30,360      2,447,016  

Boston Scientific Corporation (b)

     58,850      2,092,117  

Medtronic, Inc.

     51,400      2,553,038  
           


              7,092,171  

Medical - Systems/Equipment 1.5%

               

Fisher Scientific International, Inc. (b)

     24,700      1,540,786  

Metal Ores - Gold/Silver 1.5%

               

Placer Dome, Inc.

     85,450      1,611,587  

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 2.7%

               

Phelps Dodge Corporation

     28,950      2,863,734  

Oil & Gas - Canadian Exploration & Production 0.6%

               

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

     14,650      626,581  

Oil & Gas - Drilling 1.2%

               

Transocean, Inc. (b)

     29,750      1,261,103  

 

52


STRONG LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND (continued)

 

    

Shares or

Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

Oil & Gas - Field Services 2.5%

               

Halliburton Company

     66,400    $ 2,605,536  

Oil & Gas - Production/Pipeline 2.1%

               

The Williams Companies, Inc.

     137,650      2,242,319  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 1.2%

               

Noble Energy, Inc.

     20,950      1,291,777  

Paper & Paper Products 1.2%

               

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (b)

     67,650      1,263,702  

Real Estate Operations 0.5%

               

The St. Joe Company

     8,650      555,330  

Retail - Drug Stores 1.4%

               

CVS Corporation

     33,400      1,505,338  

Retail - Major Discount Chains 2.0%

               

Target Corporation

     40,550      2,105,762  

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 2.4%

               

Staples, Inc.

     74,450      2,509,709  

Telecommunications - Equipment 1.3%

               

Lucent Technologies, Inc. (b)

     357,450      1,344,012  

Telecommunications - Services 4.5%

               

Sprint Corporation

     186,800      4,641,980  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 5.2%

               

Motorola, Inc.

     129,800      2,232,560  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     46,850      1,986,440  

Research in Motion, Ltd. (b)

     15,050      1,240,421  
           


              5,459,421  

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 0.8%

               

NII Holdings, Inc. Class B (b)

     17,150      813,767  

Transportation - Airline 1.7%

               

Southwest Airlines Company

     105,600      1,719,168  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $85,824,451)

            98,757,692  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 6.3%

               

Repurchase Agreements (c)

               

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $6,543,063); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 6,542,600      6,542,600  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $6,542,600)

            6,542,600  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $92,367,051) 100.9%

            105,300,292  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (0.9%)

            (950,578 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 104,349,714  
           


 

LEGEND

 

(a)   Short-term investments include any security which has a remaining maturity of less than one year and investments in money market funds.
(b)   Non-income producing security.
(c)   See Note 2(J) of Notes to Financial Statements.
(d)   All or a portion of security is on loan. See Note 2(K) of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

53


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)  
    

Strong

Blue Chip
Fund


    Strong
Discovery
Fund


   Strong
Endeavor
Fund


 

Assets:

                       

Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost of $122,567, $172,891 and $17,161, respectively)

   $ 152,109     $ 210,115    $ 20,117  

Receivable for Securities Sold

     —         450      279  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     28       727      1  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     223       18      14  

Other Assets

     50       25      3  
    


 

  


Total Assets

     152,410       211,335      20,414  

Liabilities:

                       

Payable for Securities Purchased

     —         416      —    

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     1,521       262      978  

Payable Upon Return of Securities on Loan

     —         19,405      —    

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     112       71      19  
    


 

  


Total Liabilities

     1,633       20,154      997  
    


 

  


Net Assets

   $ 150,777     $ 191,181    $ 19,417  
    


 

  


Net Assets Consist of:

                       

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 283,907     $ 145,731    $ 18,138  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —         —        —    

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (162,671 )     8,226      (1,677 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     29,541       37,224      2,956  
    


 

  


Net Assets

   $ 150,777     $ 191,181    $ 19,417  
    


 

  


Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     12,033       8,879      1,826  

Net Asset Value Per Share – Investor Class

   $ 12.53     $ 21.53    $ 10.64  
    


 

  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

54


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)  
    

Strong

Large Cap
Growth Fund


   

Strong U.S.
Emerging

Growth Fund


 

Assets:

                

Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost of $427,382 and $45,815, respectively)

   $ 533,897     $ 65,789  

Receivable for Securities Sold

     3,900       1,455  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     207       213  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     260       5  

Other Assets

     35       15  
    


 


Total Assets

     538,299       67,477  

Liabilities:

                

Payable for Securities Purchased

     545       —    

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     4,273       3,118  

Payable Upon Return of Securities on Loan

     14,855       —    

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     195       42  
    


 


Total Liabilities

     19,868       3,160  
    


 


Net Assets

   $ 518,431     $ 64,317  
    


 


Net Assets Consist of:

                

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 889,737     $ 88,152  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —         —    

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (477,821 )     (43,809 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     106,515       19,974  
    


 


Net Assets

   $ 518,431     $ 64,317  
    


 


Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     22,792       4,053  

Net Asset Value Per Share – Investor Class

   $ 22.75     $ 15.87  
    


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

55


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

(In Thousands,

Except As Noted)

 
    

Strong
Enterprise

Fund


 

Assets:

        

Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost of $265,161)

   $ 315,697  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     126  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     27  

Other Assets

     163  
    


Total Assets

     316,013  

Liabilities:

        

Payable for Securities Purchased

     672  

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     1,737  

Payable Upon Return of Securities on Loan

     32,020  

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     218  
    


Total Liabilities

     34,647  
    


Net Assets

   $ 281,366  
    


Net Assets Consist of:

        

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 523,906  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —    

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (293,076 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     50,536  
    


Net Assets

   $ 281,366  
    


Investor Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 260,211,880  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     10,428,023  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 24.95  
    


Institutional Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 7,126,043  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     281,661  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 25.30  
    


Advisor Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 1,529,366  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     61,075  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 25.04  
    


Class K ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 12,498,600  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     492,812  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 25.36  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

56


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands,
Except As Noted)
 
    

Strong

Growth 20

Fund


 

Assets:

        

Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost of $109,725)

   $ 149,902  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     47  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     59  

Other Assets

     11  
    


Total Assets

     150,019  

Liabilities:

        

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     977  

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     111  
    


Total Liabilities

     1,088  
    


Net Assets

   $ 148,931  
    


Net Assets Consist of:

        

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 464,521  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —    

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (355,767 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     40,177  
    


Net Assets

   $ 148,931  
    


Investor Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 144,535,143  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     9,844,093  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 14.68  
    


Advisor Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 4,396,307  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     298,125  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 14.75  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

57


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
    

Strong

Growth Fund


 

Assets:

        

Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost of $1,166,426)

   $ 1,544,932  

Receivable for Securities Sold

     5,686  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     1,591  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     365  

Other Assets

     108  
    


Total Assets

     1,552,682  

Liabilities:

        

Payable for Securities Purchased

     9,950  

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     12,797  

Payable Upon Return of Securities on Loan

     15,173  

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     538  
    


Total Liabilities

     38,458  
    


Net Assets

   $ 1,514,224  
    


Net Assets Consist of:

        

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 1,830,258  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —    

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (694,540 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     378,506  
    


Net Assets

   $ 1,514,224  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

58


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

Strong

Growth Fund


Investor Class

      

Net Assets

   $ 1,146,002,206

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     59,211,933

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 19.35
    

Institutional Class

      

Net Assets

   $ 294,891,588

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     14,754,240

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 19.99
    

Advisor Class

      

Net Assets

   $ 6,357,036

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     330,676

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 19.22
    

Class C

      

Net Assets

   $ 314,277

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     16,539

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 19.00
    

Class K

      

Net Assets

   $ 66,658,415

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     3,387,961

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 19.68
    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

59


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands,
Except As Noted)
 
     Strong Large
Company
Growth Fund


 

Assets:

        

Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost of $92,367)

   $ 105,300  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     2,190  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     63  

Other Assets

     12  
    


Total Assets

     107,565  

Liabilities:

        

Payable for Securities Purchased

     2,967  

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     215  

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     33  
    


Total Liabilities

     3,215  
    


Net Assets

   $ 104,350  
    


Net Assets Consist of:

        

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 91,817  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —    

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (400 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     12,933  
    


Net Assets

   $ 104,350  
    


Investor Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 99,454,712  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     6,334,310  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 15.70  
    


Class K ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 4,895,002  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     309,347  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 15.82  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

60


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong
Blue Chip
Fund


    Strong
Discovery
Fund


    Strong
Endeavor
Fund


 

Income:

                        

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $2, $2 and $2, respectively)

   $ 2,009     $ 412     $ 151  

Interest

     61       77       6  
    


 


 


Total Income

     2,070       489       157  

Expenses:

                        

Investment Advisory Fees

     758       1,282       160  

Administrative Fees

     455       427       64  

Custodian Fees

     10       21       7  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     965       534       138  

Reports to Shareholders

     168       99       4  

12b-1 Fees

     —         —         53  

Other

     85       102       36  
    


 


 


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2,441       2,465       462  

Expense Waivers and Offsets (Note 4)

     (54 )     (68 )     (43 )
    


 


 


Expenses, Net

     2,387       2,397       419  
    


 


 


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (317 )     (1,908 )     (262 )

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

                        

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     28,524       18,988       186  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

     (10,314 )     7,878       2,183  
    


 


 


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     18,210       26,866       2,369  
    


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 17,893     $ 24,958     $ 2,107  
    


 


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

61


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong
Large Cap
Growth Fund


    Strong U.S.
Emerging
Growth Fund


 

Income:

                

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $9 and $1, respectively)

   $ 4,890     $ 70  

Interest

     106       11  
    


 


Total Income

     4,996       81  

Expenses:

                

Investment Advisory Fees

     3,065       619  

Administrative Fees

     1,664       248  

Custodian Fees

     35       15  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     1,594       357  

Reports to Shareholders

     288       69  

Other

     243       63  
    


 


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     6,889       1,371  

Expense Waivers and Offsets (Note 4)

     (202 )     (33 )
    


 


Expenses, Net

     6,687       1,338  
    


 


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (1,691 )     (1,257 )

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

                

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     73,815       18,408  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

     (28,242 )     (14,290 )
    


 


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     45,573       4,118  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 43,882     $ 2,861  
    


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

62


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong
Enterprise
Fund


    Strong
Growth 20
Fund


    Strong
Growth
Fund


    Strong Large
Company
Growth Fund


 

Income:

                                

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $13, $25, $34 and $5, respectively)

   $ 835     $ 544     $ 10,914     $ 651  

Interest

     92       59       279       39  
    


 


 


 


Total Income

     927       603       11,193       690  

Expenses (Note 4):

                                

Investment Advisory Fees

     2,076       1,267       11,725       582  

Administrative Fees

     810       508       3,856       231  

Custodian Fees

     30       15       107       11  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     1,732       1,037       4,537       237  

Reports to Shareholders

     292       181       1,066       41  

12b-1 Fees

     4       12       23       187  

Other

     171       114       643       73  
    


 


 


 


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     5,115       3,134       21,957       1,362  

Expense Waivers and Offsets

     (153 )     (88 )     (818 )     (256 )
    


 


 


 


Expenses, Net

     4,962       3,046       21,139       1,106  
    


 


 


 


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (4,035 )     (2,443 )     (9,946 )     (416 )

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

                                

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

                                

Investments

     38,766       31,815       261,989       9,100  

Futures Contracts

     —         298       —         1  
    


 


 


 


Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     38,766       32,113       261,989       9,101  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

     3,910       (10,723 )     (70,440 )     4,516  
    


 


 


 


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     42,676       21,390       191,549       13,617  
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 38,641     $ 18,947     $ 181,603     $ 13,201  
    


 


 


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

63


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Blue Chip Fund

    Strong Discovery Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (317 )   $ (1,371 )   $ (1,908 )   $ (1,012 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     28,524       (20,202 )     18,989       19,126  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (10,314 )     67,883       7,877       30,925  
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     17,893       46,310       24,958       49,039  

Distributions:

                                

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         (7 )

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         (10,141 )     (1,805 )
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         (10,141 )     (1,812 )

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (43,426 )     (73,292 )     9,571       (13,795 )
    


 


 


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (25,533 )     (26,982 )     24,388       33,432  

Net Assets:

                                

Beginning of Year

     176,310       203,292       166,793       133,361  
    


 


 


 


End of Year

   $ 150,777     $ 176,310     $ 191,181     $ 166,793  
    


 


 


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    
     Strong Endeavor Fund

   

Strong Large Cap

Growth Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (262 )   $ (50 )   $ (1,691 )   $ (3,032 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     186       521       73,815       36,332  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     2,183       801       (28,242 )     117,845  
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     2,107       1,272       43,882       151,145  

Distributions From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     12,810       (447 )     (169,582 )     (95,908 )
    


 


 


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     14,917       825       (125,700 )     55,237  

Net Assets:

                                

Beginning of Year

     4,500       3,675       644,131       588,894  
    


 


 


 


End of Year

   $ 19,417     $ 4,500     $ 518,431     $ 644,131  
    


 


 


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

64


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong U.S. Emerging
Growth Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (1,257 )   $ (1,325 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     18,408       7,047  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (14,290 )     26,088  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     2,861       31,810  

Distributions From Net Investment Income

     —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (38,659 )     9,891  
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (35,798 )     41,701  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     100,115       58,414  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 64,317     $ 100,115  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    
     Strong Enterprise Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (4,035 )   $ (3,606 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     38,766       41,662  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     3,910       43,963  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     38,641       82,019  

Distributions From Net Investment Income

     —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (44,503 )     (24,147 )
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (5,862 )     57,872  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     287,228       229,356  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 281,366     $ 287,228  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

65


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Growth 20 Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (2,443 )   $ (3,998 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     32,113       24,865  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (10,723 )     43,224  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     18,947       64,091  

Distributions From Net Investment Income

     —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (128,908 )     4,591  
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (109,961 )     68,682  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     258,892       190,210  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 148,931     $ 258,892  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    
     Strong Growth Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (9,946 )   $ (16,286 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     261,988       145,925  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (70,439 )     320,600  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     181,603       450,239  

Distributions From Net Investment Income

     —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (410,294 )     (181,638 )
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (228,691 )     268,601  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     1,742,915       1,474,314  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 1,514,224     $ 1,742,915  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

66


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

     (In Thousands)  
     Strong Large Company
Growth Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (416 )   $ (202 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     9,101       1,276  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     4,516       8,628  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     13,201       9,702  

Distributions:

                

From Net Investment Income

                

Investor Class

     —         (14 )

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     19,374       40,712  
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     32,575       50,400  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     71,775       21,375  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 104,350     $ 71,775  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

67


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

STRONG BLUE CHIP FUND

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


    Oct. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.12     $ 8.62     $ 12.36     $ 16.56     $ 20.99     $ 18.10  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.03 )     (0.09 )     (0.08 )     (0.06 )     (0.01 )     (0.09 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.44       2.59       (3.66 )     (4.14 )     (3.42 )     2.98  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.41       2.50       (3.74 )     (4.20 )     (3.43 )     2.89  

Less Distributions:

                                                

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (1.00 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         (1.00 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.53     $ 11.12     $ 8.62     $ 12.36     $ 16.56     $ 20.99  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                                

Total Return(c)

     +12.68 %     +29.00 %     –30.26 %     –25.36 %     –16.43 %     +15.97 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 151     $ 176     $ 203     $ 339     $ 499     $ 616  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.6 %     1.7 %     1.6 %     1.4 %     1.1 %*     1.1 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.6 %     1.7 %     1.6 %     1.4 %     1.1 %*     1.1 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.2 )%     (0.8 )%     (0.7 )%     (0.4 )%     (0.2 )%*     (0.5 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     201.8 %     268.5 %     214.0 %     203.9 %     21.2 %     67.9 %

 

STRONG DISCOVERY FUND

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 19.73     $ 14.42     $ 16.84     $ 16.39     $ 18.64  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.21 )     (0.12 )     (0.06 )     (0.08 )     0.06  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     3.22       5.64       (1.91 )     0.76       0.51  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     3.01       5.52       (1.97 )     0.68       0.57  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         (0.00 )(d)     —         —         (0.04 )

From Net Realized Gains

     (1.21 )     (0.21 )     (0.45 )     (0.23 )     (2.78 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (1.21 )     (0.21 )     (0.45 )     (0.23 )     (2.82 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 21.53     $ 19.73     $ 14.42     $ 16.84     $ 16.39  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(c)

     +15.69 %     +38.34 %     –12.12 %     +4.17 %     +3.97 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 191     $ 167     $ 133     $ 158     $ 165  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.4 %     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.5 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.5 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.1 )%     (0.7 )%     (0.4 )%     (0.5 )%     0.3 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     171.2 %     302.2 %     420.0 %     501.7 %     481.8 %

 *   Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a)   Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b)   In 2000, the Fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December.
(c)   Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(d)   Amount calculated is less than $0.005.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

68


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ENDEAVOR FUND

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 9.32     $ 7.03     $ 9.94     $ 10.00  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.14 )     (0.10 )     (0.11 )     (0.06 )(c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.46       2.39       (2.80 )     0.00 (d)
    


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.32       2.29       (2.91 )     (0.06 )

Less Distributions:

                                

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 10.64     $ 9.32     $ 7.03     $ 9.94  
    


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                

Total Return(e)

     +14.16 %     +32.57 %     –29.28 %     –0.60 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 19     $ 5     $ 4     $ 6  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.2 %     2.8 %     2.7 %     3.1 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.0 %     1.9 %     1.9 %     2.2 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.2 )%     (1.1 )%     (1.2 )%     (1.2 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     215.2 %     243.0 %     416.8 %     391.8 %

 

STRONG LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


   

Dec. 31,

2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(f)


    Oct. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 20.94     $ 16.51     $ 23.55     $ 34.77     $ 45.49     $ 41.52  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.07 )     (0.10 )     (0.08 )     (0.02 )     0.01       (0.16 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.88       4.53       (6.96 )     (11.20 )     (4.81 )     12.01  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.81       4.43       (7.04 )     (11.22 )     (4.80 )     11.85  

Less Distributions:

                                                

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(d)     —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (5.92 )     (7.88 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.00 )(d)     (5.92 )     (7.88 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 22.75     $ 20.94     $ 16.51     $ 23.55     $ 34.77     $ 45.49  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                                

Total Return(e)

     +8.64 %     +26.83 %     –29.89 %     –32.27 %     –10.34 %     +28.12 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 518     $ 644     $ 589     $ 976     $ 1,574     $ 1,769  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.2 %     1.3 %     1.2 %     1.1 %     1.0 %*     1.0 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.2 %     1.3 %     1.2 %     1.1 %     1.0 %*     1.0 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.3 )%     (0.5 )%     (0.4 )%     (0.1 )%     0.1 %*     (0.4 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     89.0 %     253.4 %     443.2 %     468.7 %     68.6 %     455.0 %

 *   Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a)   Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b)   For the period from April 6, 2001 (inception date) to December 31, 2001.
(c)   Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d)   Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(e)   Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(f)   In 2000, the Fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

69


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG U.S. EMERGING GROWTH FUND

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 14.90     $ 10.02     $ 15.17     $ 19.17     $ 19.59  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.31 )     (0.20 )     (0.24 )     (0.23 )     (0.19 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.28       5.08       (4.91 )     (3.77 )     0.22  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     0.97       4.88       (5.15 )     (4.00 )     0.03  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (0.45 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         (0.45 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 15.87     $ 14.90     $ 10.02     $ 15.17     $ 19.17  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(b)

     +6.51 %     +48.70 %     –33.95 %     –20.87 %     +0.29 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 64     $ 100     $ 58     $ 86     $ 112  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.7 %     1.8 %     1.9 %     1.6 %     1.4 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.6 %     1.7 %     1.9 %     1.6 %     1.4 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.5 )%     (1.6 )%     (1.8 )%     (1.5 )%     (1.2 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     112.3 %     100.3 %     171.5 %     168.2 %     186.8 %
STRONG ENTERPRISE FUND — INVESTOR CLASS                                         
     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 21.78     $ 15.90     $ 22.14     $ 28.37     $ 41.24  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.34 )(c)     (0.30 )     (0.28 )(c)     (0.31 )     (0.28 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     3.51       6.18       (5.96 )     (5.92 )     (12.04 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     3.17       5.88       (6.24 )     (6.23 )     (12.32 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (0.55 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         (0.55 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 24.95     $ 21.78     $ 15.90     $ 22.14     $ 28.37  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(b)

     +14.55 %     +36.98 %     –28.18 %     –21.96 %     –29.77 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 260     $ 249     $ 224     $ 372     $ 575  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.9 %     2.0 %     2.0 %     1.8 %     1.4 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.9 %     1.8 %     2.0 %     1.8 %     1.4 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.5 )%     (1.4 )%     (1.5 )%     (1.2 )%     (0.7 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(d)

     184.5 %     261.2 %     376.8 %     629.8 %     473.7 %

(a)   Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b)   Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(c)   Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d)   Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

70


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ENTERPRISE FUND — INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 21.87     $ 18.34  

Income From Investment Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.11 )(c)     (0.06 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     3.54       3.59  
    


 


Total from Investment Operations

     3.43       3.53  

Less Distributions:

                

From Net Investment Income

     —         —    
    


 


Total Distributions

     —         —    
    


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 25.30     $ 21.87  
    


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                

Total Return(d)

     +15.68 %     +19.25 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 7     $ 2  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     0.9 %     1.2 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     0.8 %     1.0 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.5 )%     (0.7 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     184.5 %     261.2 %

 

STRONG ENTERPRISE FUND — ADVISOR CLASS

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


   

Dec. 31,

2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(f)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 21.79     $ 15.86     $ 22.04     $ 28.31     $ 51.32  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.27 )(c)     (0.23 )     (0.24 )(c)     (0.21 )     (0.03 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     3.52       6.16       (5.94 )     (6.06 )     (22.43 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     3.25       5.93       (6.18 )     (6.27 )     (22.46 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (0.55 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         (0.55 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 25.04     $ 21.79     $ 15.86     $ 22.04     $ 28.31  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +14.92 %     +37.39 %     –28.04 %     –22.15 %     –43.68 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 2     $ 2     $ 1     $ 1     $ 0 (g)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.6 %     1.5 %     1.8 %     2.1 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.6 %     1.5 %     1.8 %     2.1 %     1.9 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.2 )%     (1.1 )%     (1.3 )%     (1.6 )%     (1.2 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     184.5 %     261.2 %     376.8 %     629.8 %     473.7 %

 *   Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a)   Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b)   For the period from June 30, 2003 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2003.
(c)   Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d)   Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e)   Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.
(f)   For the period from February 24, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(g)   Amount is less than $500,000.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

71


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG ENTERPRISE FUND — CLASS K

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 21.98     $ 15.94     $ 16.32  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.19 )(c)     (0.10 )     (0.04 )(c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     3.57       6.14       (0.34 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     3.38       6.04       (0.38 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 25.36     $ 21.98     $ 15.94  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(d)

     +15.38 %     +37.89 %     –2.33 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 12     $ 34     $ 4  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.3 %     1.3 %     1.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.1 %     1.2 %     1.1 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.8 )%     (0.8 )%     (0.6 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     184.5 %     261.2 %     376.8 %

 

STRONG GROWTH 20 FUND — INVESTOR CLASS

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 12.96     $ 10.19     $ 14.74     $ 25.13     $ 30.63  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.19 )(c)     (0.17 )(c)     (0.21 )     (0.15 )     (0.10 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.91       2.94       (4.34 )     (10.24 )     (3.05 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.72       2.77       (4.55 )     (10.39 )     (3.15 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (2.35 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         (2.35 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 14.68     $ 12.96     $ 10.19     $ 14.74     $ 25.13  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +13.27 %     +27.18 %     –30.87 %     –41.35 %     –10.33 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 145     $ 253     $ 184     $ 361     $ 766  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.9 %     1.8 %     1.9 %     1.5 %     1.3 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.8 %     1.7 %     1.9 %     1.5 %     1.3 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.4 )%     (1.5 )%     (1.5 )%     (0.8 )%     (0.4 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     187.1 %     318.1 %     460.8 %     658.7 %     521.0 %

 *   Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a)   Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b)   For the period from August 30, 2002 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2002.
(c)   Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d)   Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e)   Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

72


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG GROWTH 20 FUND — ADVISOR CLASS

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 12.99     $ 10.19     $ 14.69     $ 25.06     $ 36.61  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.16 )(c)     (0.15 )(c)     (0.15 )     (0.12 )     (0.02 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.92       2.95       (4.35 )     (10.25 )     (9.18 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.76       2.80       (4.50 )     (10.37 )     (9.20 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (2.35 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         (2.35 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 14.75     $ 12.99     $ 10.19     $ 14.69     $ 25.06  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +13.55 %     +27.48 %     –30.63 %     –41.38 %     –25.17 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 4     $ 6     $ 7     $ 10     $ 5  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.6 %     1.5 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.9 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.2 )%     (1.3 )%     (1.2 )%     (0.9 )%     (1.0 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     187.1 %     318.1 %     460.8 %     658.7 %     521.0 %
STRONG GROWTH FUND — INVESTOR CLASS       
     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.19     $ 13.21     $ 17.68     $ 27.05     $ 35.66  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.13 )(c)     (0.16 )(c)     (0.18 )(c)     (0.15 )     (0.17 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.29       4.14       (4.29 )     (9.15 )     (3.21 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.16       3.98       (4.47 )     (9.30 )     (3.38 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.07 )     (5.23 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.07 )     (5.23 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 19.35     $ 17.19     $ 13.21     $ 17.68     $ 27.05  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +12.57 %     +30.13 %     –25.28 %     –34.39 %     –9.23 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1,146     $ 1,366     $ 1,256     $ 2,022     $ 3,411  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.6 %     1.4 %     1.2 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.6 %     1.4 %     1.2 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.8 )%     (1.1 )%     (1.2 )%     (0.7 )%     (0.6 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     91.6 %     138.8 %     248.5 %     399.8 %     366.3 %

 *   Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a)   Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b)   For the period from February 24, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c)   Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d)   Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e)   Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

73


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG GROWTH FUND — INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.65     $ 13.48     $ 17.91     $ 27.17     $ 43.74  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.03 )(c)     (0.07 )(c)     (0.08 )(c)     (0.02 )     (0.01 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.37       4.24       (4.35 )     (9.17 )     (11.33 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.34       4.17       (4.43 )     (9.19 )     (11.34 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.07 )     (5.23 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.07 )     (5.23 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 19.99     $ 17.65     $ 13.48     $ 17.91     $ 27.17  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +13.26 %     +30.93 %     –24.73 %     –33.84 %     –25.72 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 295     $ 311     $ 195     $ 73     $ 18  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     0.9 %     0.9 %     0.9 %     0.9 %     0.8 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     0.9 %     0.9 %     0.9 %     0.9 %     0.8 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.2 )%     (0.5 )%     (0.5 )%     (0.3 )%     (0.1 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     91.6 %     138.8 %     248.5 %     399.8 %     366.3 %
STRONG GROWTH FUND — ADVISOR CLASS       
     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


   

Dec. 31,

2000(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.09     $ 13.14     $ 17.58     $ 26.96     $ 43.74  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.15 )(c)     (0.16 )(c)     (0.17 )(c)     (0.15 )     (0.02 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.28       4.11       (4.27 )     (9.16 )     (11.53 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.13       3.95       (4.44 )     (9.31 )     (11.55 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.07 )     (5.23 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (0.07 )     (5.23 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 19.22     $ 17.09     $ 13.14     $ 17.58     $ 26.96  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(d)

     +12.46 %     +30.06 %     –25.26 %     –34.54 %     –26.21 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 6     $ 9     $ 10     $ 14     $ 4  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     2.0 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.5 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.9 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.9 )%     (1.1 )%     (1.2 )%     (1.0 )%     (0.9 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(e)

     91.6 %     138.8 %     248.5 %     399.8 %     366.3 %

 *   Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a)   Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b)   For the period from February 24, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.
(c)   Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d)   Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e)   Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

74


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG GROWTH FUND — CLASS C

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.03     $ 13.21     $ 13.44  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.30 )(c)     (0.32 )(c)     0.00 (c)(d)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.27       4.14       (0.23 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.97       3.82       (0.23 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 19.00     $ 17.03     $ 13.21  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(e)

     +11.57 %     +28.92 %     –1.71 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 0 (f)   $ 1     $ 0 (f)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     3.4 %     4.3 %     2.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     2.4 %     2.5 %     2.3 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (1.7 )%     (2.0 )%     0.0 %*(d)

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     91.6 %     138.8 %     248.5 %

 

STRONG GROWTH FUND — CLASS K

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(h)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.38     $ 13.29     $ 13.53  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.03 )(c)     (0.08 )(c)     (0.01 )(c)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.33       4.17       (0.23 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.30       4.09       (0.24 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 19.68     $ 17.38     $ 13.29  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(e)

     +13.23 %     +30.78 %     –1.77 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 67     $ 56     $ 13  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.3 %     1.2 %     1.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.0 %     1.0 %     1.0 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.2 )%     (0.5 )%     (0.7 )%*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     91.6 %     138.8 %     248.5 %

 *   Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a)   Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b)   For the period from December 26, 2002 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2002.
(c)   Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d)   Amount calculated is less than $0.005 or 0.05%.
(e)   Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(f)   Amount is less than $500,000.
(g)   Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(h)   For the period from August 30, 2002 (commencement of class) through December 31, 2002.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

75


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND — INVESTOR CLASS

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002(b)


    Sep. 30,
2002(c)


    Sep. 30,
2001


    Sep. 30,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.36     $ 10.66     $ 10.25     $ 12.17     $ 19.15     $ 13.12  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                                

Net Investment Income

     (0.06 )     (0.04 )     0.00 (d)     0.31       0.32       0.29  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.40 (e)     2.75 (e)     0.45       (1.93 )     (5.09 )     6.26  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.34       2.71       0.45       (1.62 )     (4.77 )     6.55  

Less Distributions:

                                                

From Net Investment Income

     —         (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.27 )     (0.32 )     (0.27 )

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.03 )     (1.89 )     (0.25 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.30 )     (2.21 )     (0.52 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 15.70     $ 13.36     $ 10.66     $ 10.25     $ 12.17     $ 19.15  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                                

Total Return(f)

     +17.51 %     +25.41 %     +4.38 %     –13.69 %     –26.22 %     +50.67 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 99     $ 71     $ 21     $ 18     $ 33     $ 37  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.8 %     1.8 %     1.9 %*     1.7 %     1.6 %     1.6 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.4 %     1.5 %     1.3 %*     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.5 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.5 )%     (0.5 )%     0.2 %*     2.3 %     2.2 %     1.8 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     238.9 %     229.0 %     71.8 %     311.3 %     285.3 %     180.8 %

 

STRONG LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND — CLASS K

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003(h)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.40     $ 11.96  

Income From Investment Operations:

                

Net Investment Income

     (0.01 )     (0.00 )(d)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     2.43 (e)     1.44 (i)
    


 


Total from Investment Operations

     2.42       1.44  

Less Distributions:

                

From Net Investment Income

     —         —    
    


 


Total Distributions

     —         —    
    


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 15.82     $ 13.40  
    


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                

Total Return(f)

     +18.06 %     +12.04 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 5     $ 1  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.3 %     2.1 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     0.9 %     0.9 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.1 )%     (0.0 )%*(d)

Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)

     238.9 %     229.0 %

 *   Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a)   Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b)   In 2002, the Fund changed its fiscal year-end from September to December.
(c)   Effective September 5, 2002, Strong Capital Management, Inc. assumed the investment advisory responsibilities from Rockhaven Asset Management, LLC.
(d)   Amount calculated is less than $0.005 or 0.05%.
(e)   Includes $0.01 in redemption fees (Note 2Q).
(f)   Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(g)   Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(h)   For the period from June 30, 2003 (commencement of class) through December 31, 2003.
(i)   Includes $0.02 in redemption fees (Note 2Q).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

76


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

December 31, 2004

 

1.   Organization

 

The accompanying financial statements represent the following Strong Growth Funds (the “Funds”), each with its own investment objectives and policies:

 

    Strong Blue Chip Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Discovery Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Discovery Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong Endeavor Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong Large Cap Growth Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Enterprise Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Growth 20 Fund(2) (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Growth Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Large Company Growth Fund(1) (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 


(1) Diversified Fund.

(2) Non-diversified Fund.

 

Each Fund is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”).

 

Strong Blue Chip Fund, Strong Discovery Fund, Strong Endeavor Fund, Strong Large Cap Growth Fund, and Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund offer Investor Class shares. Strong Enterprise Fund offers Investor Class, Institutional Class, Advisor Class, and Class K shares. Strong Growth 20 Fund offers Investor Class and Advisor Class shares. Strong Growth Fund offers Investor Class, Institutional Class, Advisor Class, Class C, and Class K shares. Strong Large Company Growth Fund offers Investor Class and Class K shares. All classes of shares differ principally in their respective administration, transfer agent, and distribution expenses and sales charges, if any. All classes of shares have identical rights to earnings, assets, and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes.

 

Investor Class shares are available to the general public, Institutional Class shares are generally available to investors that meet certain higher initial investment minimums, Advisor Class shares and Class C shares are available only through financial professionals, and Class K shares are primarily available through retirement plans.

 

Effective June 30, 2003 (public launch July 1, 2003), Strong Enterprise Fund issued an additional class of shares: Institutional Class shares.

 

Effective June 30, 2003 (public launch July 1, 2003), Strong Large Company Growth Fund issued an additional class of shares: Class K shares.

 

2.   Significant Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements.

 

  (A)   Security Valuation — Securities of the Funds traded on a national securities exchange are valued each business day at the last sales price on that principal exchange. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market are valued each business day using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). Exchange-traded securities for which there were no transactions and NASDAQ-traded securities for which there is no NOCP are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith under the general supervision of the Funds’ Board of Directors. Some of the Fund’s portfolio securities may be listed on foreign exchanges that close before the U.S. markets and that trade on days when the U.S. markets are closed. As a result, management, under the supervision of the Funds’ Board of Directors, will consider significant events affecting foreign securities and the movements of the domestic markets that occur after the close of the foreign markets and before the time a Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated in valuing such foreign securities. Securities that are purchased within 60 days of their stated maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

 

The Funds may own certain securities that are restricted as to resale. Restricted securities include Section 4(2) commercial paper, securities issued in a private placement, or securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. Restricted securities may be determined to be liquid or illiquid. Securities are deemed illiquid based upon guidelines established by the Funds’ Board of Directors. Illiquid securities are valued after giving due consideration to pertinent factors, such as recent private sales, market conditions, and the issuer’s financial performance. The Funds held no restricted and illiquid securities at December 31, 2004.

 

77


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

  (B)   Federal Income and Excise Taxes and Distributions to Shareholders — The Funds intend to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders in a manner which results in no tax cost to the Funds. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is recorded.

 

Undistributed net investment income or accumulated net realized gains for financial statement purposes may differ from what is determined for federal income tax purposes due to differences in the timing, recognition, and characterization of income, expense, and capital gain items for financial statement and tax purposes. Where appropriate, reclassifications between net asset accounts are made for such differences that are permanent in nature. The Funds may utilize earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.

 

Strong Discovery Fund, Strong Endeavor Fund, Strong Large Cap Growth Fund, Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund, Strong Enterprise Fund, Strong Growth 20 Fund, Strong Growth Fund, and Strong Large Company Growth Fund generally pay dividends from net investment income and distribute net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. Strong Blue Chip Fund generally pays dividends from net investment income quarterly and distributes net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

 

  (C)   Realized Gains and Losses on Investment Transactions — Investment security transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Gains or losses realized on investment transactions are determined by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sales proceeds.

 

  (D)   Certain Investment Risks — The Funds may utilize derivative instruments including options, futures, and other instruments with similar characteristics to the extent that they are consistent with the Funds’ investment objectives and limitations. The Funds intend to use such derivative instruments primarily to hedge or protect itself from adverse movements in securities’ prices, foreign currencies, or interest rates. The use of these instruments involves certain risks, including the possibility that the future value of the underlying assets or indices fluctuate (in the case of futures and options), the derivative becomes illiquid, an imperfect correlation arises between the value of the derivative and the underlying assets or indices, or that the counterparty fails to perform its obligations when due.

 

Investments in foreign-denominated assets or forward foreign currency contracts may involve greater risks than domestic investments such as foreign-related risks created by currency rate fluctuations, foreign political and economic instability, foreign financial reporting standards and taxes, and foreign securities markets and issuer regulation. Foreign securities may be less liquid than domestic securities.

 

  (E)   Futures — Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds segregate cash and/or other liquid investments equal to the minimum “initial margin” requirements of the exchange and the futures commission merchant or broker. Each Fund designates liquid securities as collateral on open futures contracts. During the term of the futures contract, the Funds also receive credit from, or pay to, the futures commission merchant or broker an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the futures contract. Such receipts or payments are known as “variation margin” and are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Funds. When the futures contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded equal to the difference between the value of the futures contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

  (F)   Written Options — The Funds may write put or call options. Premiums received by the Funds upon writing put or call options are recorded as an asset with a corresponding liability that is subsequently adjusted daily to the current market value of the option. Changes between the initial premiums received and the current market value of the options are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Funds. When a written option is closed, expired, or exercised, the Funds realize a gain or loss and the liability is eliminated. The Funds continue to bear the risk of adverse movements in the price of the underlying asset during the period of the written option, although any potential loss during the period would be reduced by the amount of the option premium received by the Funds. Each Fund designates liquid securities or cash on its books to cover its financial exposure on open written options contracts.

 

  (G)   Foreign Currency Conversion — Securities and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted daily into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign securities and foreign income are converted into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on realized and unrealized security gains or losses is reflected as a component of such gains or losses.

 

  (H)   Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the forward rate and are marked-to-market daily. The change in market value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Funds record an exchange gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

78


  (I)   Short Positions — The Funds may engage in short sale transactions. For financial statement purposes, an amount equal to the settlement amount is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an asset and an equivalent liability.

 

The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the short position. Changes between the amount of the liability and the current market value of the short positions are recorded as unrealized gains or losses. The Funds are liable to the buyer for any dividends payable on securities while those securities are in a short position. These dividends are an expense of the Fund and are included in Other Expenses in the Statement of Operations. If the Funds sell securities short while also holding the long position in the security, they may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises. If the Funds sell securities short when not holding the long position in the security, they will experience a loss if the market price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date the security is replaced.

 

  (J)   Repurchase Agreements — The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that the Funds’ investment advisor, Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”), has determined are creditworthy. Each repurchase transaction is recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. The Funds require that the collateral, represented by cash and/or securities (primarily U.S. government securities), in a repurchase transaction be maintained in a segregated account under the control of the Funds’ custodial bank in a manner sufficient to enable the Funds to liquidate those securities in the event of a default of the counterparty. On a daily basis, the Funds’ custodial bank monitors the value of the collateral, including accrued interest, to ensure it is at least equal to the amounts owed to the Funds under each repurchase agreement.

 

  (K)   Securities Lending — The Funds have entered into a Securities Lending Agreement (the “Agreement”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Funds may lend portfolio securities to qualified institutional borrowers in order to earn additional income. The Agreement requires that loans are collateralized at all times by cash and cash equivalents equal to at least 102% of the market value of the aggregate loaned securities, plus accrued interest, and the collateral is marked-to-market daily. Cash collateral received is invested in repurchase agreements, investment funds, government obligations, and/or bank obligations.

 

At December 31, 2004, Strong Discovery Fund, Strong Large Cap Growth Fund, Strong Enterprise Fund, and Strong Growth Fund had securities with a market value of $18,976,049, $14,434,935, $31,332,604, and $14,650,246, respectively, on loan and had received $19,404,609, $14,854,959, $32,019,561, and $15,172,847, respectively, in collateral (both are included within Investments in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities). Amounts earned as interest on investments of cash collateral, net of rebates and other securities lending expenses, are included in Interest Income in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the securities lending income totaled $35,763, $13,340, $54,275, and $37,677 for Strong Discovery Fund, Strong Large Cap Growth Fund, Strong Enterprise Fund, and Strong Growth Fund, respectively.

 

The three primary risks associated with securities lending are: a borrower defaulting on its obligation to return the securities loaned resulting in a shortfall on the posted collateral; a principal loss arising from the lending agent’s investment of cash collateral; and the inability of the lending Fund to recall a security in time to exercise valuable voting rights or sell the security. In each case, the lending agent has indemnified the Funds for these types of losses.

 

  (L)   Directed Brokerage — Through November 30, 2004, the Funds directed certain portfolio trades to brokers who, in turn, paid a portion of the Funds’ expenses not attributable to the Advisor or its affiliates. Such amounts are included in Expense Waivers and Offsets reported in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4.

 

  (M)   Earnings Credit Arrangements — Credits are earned on positive cash balances maintained in custodian accounts.

These credits serve to reduce the custodian’s fees incurred by certain Funds and are included in Expense Waivers and Offsets reported in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4.

 

  (N)   Expenses — The Funds and other affiliated Strong Funds contract for certain services on a collective basis. The majority of the expenses are directly identifiable to an individual Fund. Expenses that are not readily identifiable to a specific Fund will be allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration, among other things, the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the Strong Funds.

 

  (O)   Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in these financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  (P)   Indemnifications — In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of material loss to be remote under any of these indemnification agreements.

 

79


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

  (Q)   Redemption Fees — Investor Class shares of Strong Large Company Growth Fund held for 360 calendar days or less after purchase are subject to a redemption fee of 1.00%, based on the redeemed share’s market value. Redemption fees are paid directly to the Fund. The amount collected for the period is included in Capital Stock reported in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and in Note 8.

 

  (R)   Other — Dividend income, net of applicable withholding taxes, and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes amortization of premiums and discounts on the interest method. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative shares outstanding.

 

3.   Related Party Transactions

 

The Advisor provides investment advisory and related services to the Funds. Strong Investor Services, Inc. (the “Administrator”), an affiliate of the Advisor, provides administrative, transfer agent, and related services to the Funds. Certain officers are affiliated with the Advisor and the Administrator. Investment advisory and administration fees, which are established by terms of the advisory and administration agreements, are based on the following annualized rates of the average daily net assets of the respective Fund:

 

           Administrative Fees

 
     Advisory Fees

    Investor Class

    Institutional Class

    Advisor Class

    Class C

    Class K

 

Strong Blue Chip Fund

   0.50 %   0.30 %   *     *     *     *  

Strong Discovery Fund

   0.75 %   0.25 %   *     *     *     *  

Strong Endeavor Fund

   0.75 %(1)   0.30 %   *     *     *     *  

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

   0.60 %(2)   0.30 %   *     *     *     *  

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

   0.75 %(1)   0.30 %   *     *     *     *  

Strong Enterprise Fund

   0.75 %(1)   0.30 %   0.02 %   0.30 %   *     0.25 %

Strong Growth 20 Fund

   0.75 %(1)   0.30 %   *     0.30 %   *     *  

Strong Growth Fund

   0.75 %(1)   0.30 %   0.02 %   0.30 %   0.30 %   0.25 %

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

   0.75 %(1)   0.30 %   *     *     *     0.25 %

*   Does not offer share class.
(1)   The investment advisory fees are 0.75% for assets under $4 billion, 0.725% for the next $2 billion assets, and 0.70% for assets $6 billion and above.
(2)   The investment advisory fees are 0.60% for first $35 million assets and 0.55% for assets over $35 million.

 

The Funds’ Advisor and/or Administrator may voluntarily waive or absorb certain expenses at their discretion. The Advisor and/or Administrator has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or absorb expenses for the Investor Class shares of the Strong Large Company Growth Fund to keep Net Annual Operating Expenses at no more than 1.50%. This agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Directors of the Funds, but not before May 1, 2005. The Advisor and/or Administrator has contractually agreed to waive and/or absorb expenses until May 1, 2005, to keep Net Annual Operating Expenses of the Investor Class of Strong Endeavor Fund and Strong Enterprise Fund at no more than 2.00%, Class C of Strong Growth Fund at no more than 2.50%, Class K of Strong Enterprise Fund at no more than 1.20% and Class K of Strong Growth Fund and Strong Large Company Growth Fund at no more than 0.99%. Pursuant to the direction of the Board and in implementation of certain regulatory settlements (as described in Note 9), the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or absorb expenses in the amount of 0.033% for the Funds from May 21, 2004 until May 21, 2005. However, the Funds are expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Fund family on April 11, 2005 and be subject to a different expense structure.

 

Transfer agent and related service fees for the Investor Class shares are paid at an annual rate of $27.00 for each open shareholder account and $4.20 for each closed shareholder account. Transfer agent and related service fees for the Institutional Class, Advisor Class, Class C, and Class K shares are paid at an annual rate of 0.015%, 0.20%, 0.20%, and 0.20%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of each respective class. Transfer agent fees are recorded in Shareholder Servicing Costs in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4. The Administrator also allocates to each Fund certain charges or credits resulting from transfer agency banking activities based on each Class’ level of subscription and redemption activity. Transfer Agency Banking Charges allocated to the Funds by the Administrator, if any, are included in Other Expenses in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4. Transfer Agency Banking Credits allocated by the Administrator, if any, serve to reduce the transfer agent expenses incurred by the Funds and are included in Expense Waivers and Offsets in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4. The Administrator is also compensated for certain other out-of-pocket expenses related to transfer agent services.

 

Strong Endeavor Fund, Strong Large Company Growth Fund, Strong Enterprise Fund, Strong Growth 20 Fund, and Strong Growth Fund have adopted a Rule 12b-1 distribution and service plan under the 1940 Act on behalf of the Investor Class shares of Strong Endeavor Fund and Strong Large Company Growth Fund, the Advisor Class shares of Strong Enterprise Fund, Strong Growth 20 Fund, and Strong Growth Fund and the Class C shares of Strong Growth Fund. Under the plan, Strong Investments,

 

80


Inc. (the “Distributor,” and an affiliate of the Advisor) is paid an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares and the Advisor Class shares and 1.00% for Class C shares as compensation for services provided and expenses incurred, including amounts paid to brokers or dealers, in connection with the sale of each Class’ shares. See Note 4.

 

Strong Growth Fund’s Class C shares have a maximum 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge if shares are sold within one year of their original purchase date. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Distributor received aggregate contingent deferred sales charges from the redemption of Class C shares for Strong Growth Fund of $381. Sales charges are not an expense of the Funds and are not reflected in the financial statements of the Funds. Sales charges may be waived in limited circumstances.

 

Through December 31, 2004, Next Century Growth Investors, LLC (“Next Century Growth”), an affiliate of the Advisor, managed investments of Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund under a subadvisory agreement with the Advisor. Next Century Growth was compensated by the Advisor (not the Fund) and assumed all of its own expenses in providing subadvisory services.

 

The Funds may invest cash in money market funds managed by the Advisor, subject to certain limitations set by the Fund’s Board of Directors and applicable law.

 

Certain information regarding related party transactions, excluding the effects of waivers and absorptions, for the year ended December 31, 2004, is as follows:

 

     Payable to/
(Receivable from)
Advisor or
Administrator at
Dec. 31, 2004


  

Shareholder Servicing

and Other

Related Expenses
Paid to Administrator


   Transfer Agency
Banking
Charges/(Credits)


   Unaffiliated
Directors’
and Independent
Officers’ Fees


Strong Blue Chip Fund

   $ 74,184    $ 967,601    $ 7,240    $ 6,712

Strong Discovery Fund

     41,148      535,571      3,128      6,686

Strong Endeavor Fund

     12,050      137,724      908      1,263

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

     123,575      1,596,566      10,442      24,318

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

     24,215      358,444      3,111      3,536

Strong Enterprise Fund

     143,490      1,736,854      8,228      11,174

Strong Growth 20 Fund

     75,517      1,039,560      6,110      8,660

Strong Growth Fund

     349,101      4,544,532      44,783      67,142

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

     18,780      238,775      3,602      2,742

 

4.   Expenses and Expense Waivers and Offsets

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, the class specific expenses are as follows:

 

     Administrative
Fees


   Shareholder
Servicing Costs


   Reports to
Shareholders


   12b-1 Fees

   Other

Strong Enterprise Fund

                                  

Investor Class

   $ 760,779    $ 1,692,962    $ 280,564    $ —      $ 11,050

Institutional Class

     784      596      1,424      —        1

Advisor Class

     4,813      3,306      463      4,011      62

Class K

     44,053      35,266      9,777      —        1,839

Strong Growth 20 Fund

                                  

Investor Class

     494,111      1,027,394      178,921      —        8,082

Advisor Class

     13,817      9,241      1,938      11,514      954

Strong Growth Fund

                                  

Investor Class

     3,626,197      4,358,988      756,013      —        24,879

Institutional Class

     57,419      43,251      258,885      —        26,236

Advisor Class

     22,461      15,102      3,227      18,717      51

Class C

     1,229      848      4,288      4,091      18

Class K

     148,903      119,122      43,793      —        818

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

                                  

Investor Class

     223,944      231,179      39,580      186,620      4,969

Class K

     7,360      5,911      983      —        319

 

81


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, the expense waivers and offsets are as follows:

 

    

Expense
Waivers

and
Absorptions*


    Transfer
Agency Banking
Credits


   Directed
Brokerage
Credits


    Earnings
Credits


 

Strong Blue Chip Fund

   $ (51,889 )   $ —      $ (1,891 )   $ (129 )

Strong Discovery Fund

     (56,602 )     —        (10,748 )     (392 )

Strong Endeavor Fund

     (42,243 )     —        (305 )     (39 )

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

     (175,356 )     —        (25,931 )     (532 )

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

     (27,521 )     —        (4,963 )     (161 )

Strong Enterprise Fund

                               

Investor Class

     (16,076 )     —        —         —    

Institutional Class

     (368 )     —        —         —    

Advisor Class

     (172 )     —        —         —    

Class K

     (26,819 )     —        —         —    

Fund Level

     (81,431 )     —        (27,692 )     (355 )

Strong Growth 20 Fund

                               

Investor Class

     (13,702 )     —        —         —    

Advisor Class

     (570 )     —        —         —    

Fund Level

     (46,606 )     —        (26,398 )     (271 )

Strong Growth Fund

                               

Investor Class

     (49,280 )     —        —         —    

Institutional Class

     (1,130 )     —        —         —    

Advisor Class

     (713 )     —        —         —    

Class C

     (3,645 )     —        —         —    

Class K

     (196,509 )     —        —         —    

Fund Level

     (455,946 )     —        (109,824 )     (858 )

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

                               

Investor Class

     (205,720 )     —        —         —    

Class K

     (9,980 )     —        —         —    

Fund Level

     (23,285 )     —        (17,166 )     (52 )

*   These amounts include the contractually agreed upon waivers of fees and/or absorptions of expenses for the period from May 21, 2004 thru December 31, 2004 pursuant to the direction of the Board and in implementation of certain regulatory settlements as discussed in Note 3 and in Note 9. These amounts also include reimbursement by the Advisor for the legal costs incurred by the funds for the legal and regulatory matters discussed in Note 9.

 

5.   Line of Credit

 

The Strong Funds have established a line of credit agreement (“LOC”) with certain financial institutions, which expires June 30, 2005, to be used for temporary or emergency purposes. Combined borrowings among all participating Strong Funds are subject to a $200 million cap on the total LOC. For an individual Fund, borrowings under the LOC are limited to either the lesser of 15% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets or any explicit borrowing limits in the Fund’s registration statement. The principal amount of each borrowing under the LOC is due not more than 45 days after the date of the borrowing.

 

Borrowings under the LOC bear interest based on prevailing market rates as defined in the LOC. A commitment fee of 0.09% per annum is incurred on the unused portion of the LOC and is allocated to all participating Strong Funds based on their net asset values. Strong Blue Chip Fund, Strong Discovery Fund, Strong Endeavor Fund, Strong Large Cap Growth Fund, Strong Growth 20 Fund, and Strong Growth Fund had no borrowings under the LOC during the period. Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund, Strong Enterprise Fund, and Strong Large Company Growth Fund had minimal borrowings under the LOC during the year. At December 31, 2004, there were no outstanding borrowings by the Funds under the LOC.

 

6.   Investment Transactions

 

The aggregate purchases and sales of long-term securities during the year ended December 31, 2004, are as follows:

 

     Purchases

   Sales

Strong Blue Chip Fund

   $ 299,189,769    $ 347,213,562

Strong Discovery Fund

     288,426,390      296,313,815

Strong Endeavor Fund

     55,533,094      42,871,520

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

     488,140,487      661,015,584

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

     92,206,505      130,830,822

Strong Enterprise Fund

     509,701,352      557,478,547

Strong Growth 20 Fund

     312,633,203      439,563,841

Strong Growth Fund

     1,420,926,867      1,822,075,574

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

     197,174,273      183,361,574

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government securities during the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

82


7.   Income Tax Information

 

The following information for the Funds is presented on an income tax basis as of December 31, 2004:

 

     Cost of
Investments


   Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation


   Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation)


   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
on

Investments


   Distributable
Ordinary
Income


   Distributable
Long-Term
Capital Gains


Strong Blue Chip Fund

   $ 122,568,060    $ 29,737,854    $ (197,036 )   $ 29,540,818    $ —      $ —  

Strong Discovery Fund

     173,202,098      37,963,244      (1,050,447 )     36,912,797      3,928,236      4,608,244

Strong Endeavor Fund

     17,243,847      3,021,446      (148,668 )     2,872,778      —        —  

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

     430,639,167      106,275,818      (3,018,016 )     103,257,802      —        —  

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

     46,049,708      19,935,159      (196,050 )     19,739,109      —        —  

Strong Enterprise Fund

     265,834,702      51,533,582      (1,671,453 )     49,862,129      —        —  

Strong Growth 20 Fund

     110,452,088      39,667,413      (217,651 )     39,449,762      —        —  

Strong Growth Fund

     1,184,885,094      368,874,377      (8,827,205 )     360,047,172      —        —  

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

     92,868,432      13,193,769      (761,909 )     12,431,860      —        100,811

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on security transactions.

 

The tax components of dividends paid during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and capital loss carryovers (expiring in varying amounts through 2011) as of December 31, 2004, and tax basis post-October losses as of December 31, 2004, which are not recognized for tax purposes until the first day of the following fiscal year, are:

 

     2004 Income Tax Information

   2003 Income Tax Information

     Ordinary
Income
Distributions


   Long-Term
Capital
Gains
Distributions


   Net Capital
Loss
Carryovers


   Post-October
Losses


   Ordinary
Income
Distributions


   Long-Term
Capital Gains
Distributions


Strong Blue Chip Fund

   $ —      $ —      $ 161,656,258    $ 1,014,186    $ —      $  —  

Strong Discovery Fund

     2,277,341      7,863,798      —        —        1,811,805      —  

Strong Endeavor Fund

     —        —        1,593,990      —        —        —  

Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

     —        —        474,563,716      —        —        —  

Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

     —        —        43,574,217      —        —        —  

Strong Enterprise Fund

     —        —        292,402,241      —        —        —  

Strong Growth 20 Fund

     —        —        355,039,307      —        —        —  

Strong Growth Fund

     —        —        676,081,394      —        —        —  

Strong Large Company Growth Fund

     —        —        —        —        14,224      —  

 

For corporate shareholders in the Funds, the percentage of ordinary dividend income distributed for the year ended December 31, 2004, which is designated as qualifying for the dividends-received deduction is 0.0% (unaudited).

 

For shareholders in the Funds, the percentage of dividend income distributed for the year ended December 31, 2004, which is designated as qualified dividend income under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 is 0.0% (unaudited).

 

Capital loss carryovers utililized during the year ended December 31, 2004 are as follows: Strong Blue Chip Fund $29,046,750, Strong Discovery Fund $0, Strong Endeavor Fund $249,696, Strong Large Cap Growth Fund $49,400,573, Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund $18,303,411, Strong Enterprise Fund $36,956,602, Strong Growth 20 Fund $30,639,188, Strong Growth Fund $235,730,148, and Strong Large Company Growth Fund $7,653,439.

 

83


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

8.   Capital Share Transactions

 

     Strong Blue Chip Fund

    Strong Discovery Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 15,912,520     $ 38,554,582     $ 56,324,478     $ 72,860,267  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         9,873,900       1,765,655  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (59,338,232 )     (111,846,495 )     (56,627,640 )     (88,420,497 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (43,425,712 )   $ (73,291,913 )   $ 9,570,738     $ (13,794,575 )
    


 


 


 


Transactions in Shares of Each of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

Sold

     1,389,346       4,237,712       2,749,369       4,453,708  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         486,928       93,470  

Redeemed

     (5,218,702 )     (11,971,115 )     (2,809,343 )     (5,340,622 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (3,829,356 )     (7,733,403 )     426,954       (793,444 )
    


 


 


 


     Strong Endeavor Fund

    Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 25,656,689     $ 2,761,167     $ 23,281,058     $ 119,300,083  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (12,846,928 )     (3,208,236 )     (192,863,717 )     (215,208,135 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ 12,809,761     $ (447,069 )   $ (169,582,659 )   $ (95,908,052 )
    


 


 


 


Transactions in Shares of Each of the Funds Were as Follows:

                                

Sold

     2,651,582       352,819       1,096,912       6,748,415  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —         —         —    

Redeemed

     (1,308,723 )     (392,692 )     (9,063,690 )     (11,659,100 )
    


 


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     1,342,859       (39,873 )     (7,966,778 )     (4,910,685 )
    


 


 


 


 

84


    

Strong U.S.

Emerging Growth Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 30,644,802     $ 80,614,500  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (69,304,172 )     (70,723,291 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (38,659,370 )   $ 9,891,209  
    


 


Transactions in Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

Sold

     2,023,780       6,579,270  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Redeemed

     (4,690,716 )     (5,686,579 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (2,666,936 )     892,691  
    


 


     Strong Enterprise Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 
           (Note 1)  

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

INVESTOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 58,477,939     $ 57,913,922  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (82,232,803 )     (108,083,036 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (23,754,864 )     (50,169,114 )

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     5,292,766       2,440,911  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (1,119,418 )     (571,699 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     4,173,348       1,869,212  

ADVISOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     313,237       794,357  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (673,372 )     (860,789 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (360,135 )     (66,432 )

CLASS K

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     5,305,094       27,685,600  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (29,866,227 )     (3,466,148 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (24,561,133 )     24,219,452  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (44,502,784 )   $ (24,146,882 )
    


 


 

85


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     Strong Enterprise Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 
           (Note 1)  

Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

            

INVESTOR CLASS

            

Sold

   2,647,620     3,153,308  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   —       —    

Redeemed

   (3,660,631 )   (5,809,732 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (1,013,011 )   (2,656,424 )
    

 

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

            

Sold

   234,398     124,525  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   —       —    

Redeemed

   (49,394 )   (27,868 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   185,004     96,657  
    

 

ADVISOR CLASS

            

Sold

   13,653     41,765  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   —       —    

Redeemed

   (30,106 )   (42,658 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (16,453 )   (893 )
    

 

CLASS K

            

Sold

   231,322     1,484,422  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   —       —    

Redeemed

   (1,294,725 )   (174,720 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (1,063,403 )   1,309,702  
    

 

 

86


     Strong Growth 20 Fund

 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

INVESTOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 16,029,770     $ 215,730,444  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (143,016,698 )     (208,651,373 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (126,986,928 )     7,079,071  

ADVISOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     1,291,825       1,330,952  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (3,213,182 )     (3,819,394 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (1,921,357 )     (2,488,442 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (128,908,285 )   $ 4,590,629  
    


 


Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

INVESTOR CLASS

                

Sold

     1,211,916       20,382,621  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Redeemed

     (10,901,063 )     (18,867,469 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (9,689,147 )     1,515,152  
    


 


ADVISOR CLASS

                

Sold

     99,212       116,482  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Redeemed

     (243,324 )     (323,340 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (144,112 )     (206,858 )
    


 


 

87


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     Strong Growth Fund

 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

INVESTOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 95,253,378     $ 195,543,770  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (452,294,896 )     (449,810,001 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (357,041,518 )     (254,266,231 )

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     50,957,625       97,951,922  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (102,489,398 )     (53,916,690 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (51,531,773 )     44,035,232  

ADVISOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     1,130,060       4,568,184  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (4,859,149 )     (7,899,492 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (3,729,089 )     (3,331,308 )

CLASS C

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     7,895       385,777  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (240,608 )     (48,846 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (232,713 )     336,931  

CLASS K

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     29,280,184       51,582,602  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (27,039,383 )     (19,995,565 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     2,240,801       31,587,037  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (410,294,292 )   $ (181,638,339 )
    


 


 

88


     Strong Growth Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

            

INVESTOR CLASS

            

Sold

   5,403,825     13,337,882  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   —       —    

Redeemed

   (25,653,429 )   (28,947,288 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (20,249,604 )   (15,609,406 )
    

 

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

            

Sold

   2,807,793     6,457,458  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   —       —    

Redeemed

   (5,693,537 )   (3,285,692 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (2,885,744 )   3,171,766  
    

 

ADVISOR CLASS

            

Sold

   64,603     304,356  

Issue

   —       —    

Redeemed

   (277,909 )   (503,466 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (213,306 )   (199,110 )
    

 

CLASS C

            

Sold

   459     25,570  

Issue

   —       —    

Redeemed

   (13,972 )   (2,959 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (13,513 )   22,611  
    

 

CLASS K

            

Sold

   1,658,492     3,430,845  

Issue

   —       —    

Redeemed

   (1,483,358 )   (1,204,449 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   175,134     2,226,396  
    

 

 

89


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

Strong Large Company

Growth Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 
           (Note 1)  

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

INVESTOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 58,344,944     $ 71,224,694  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         12,085  

Proceeds from Redemption Fees

     63,114       30,740  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (42,348,813 )     (31,528,112 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     16,059,245       39,739,407  

CLASS K

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     3,776,093       1,000,551  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Proceeds from Redemption Fees

     2,450       626  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (463,462 )     (28,718 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     3,315,081       972,459  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ 19,374,326     $ 40,711,866  
    


 


Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

INVESTOR CLASS

                

Sold

     4,080,224       5,804,010  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         1,118  

Redeemed

     (3,042,496 )     (2,514,076 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     1,037,728       3,291,052  
    


 


CLASS K

                

Sold

     265,582       78,792  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Redeemed

     (32,837 )     (2,190 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     232,745       76,602  
    


 


 

90


9.   Legal and Regulatory Matters

 

On or about May 20, 2004, the Advisor, the Administrator, and the Distributor (collectively, “Strong”), former chairman Richard S. Strong, and two employees of Strong entered into agreements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the New York Attorney General (“NYAG”), the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice (the Wisconsin Attorney General), and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions representing a settlement of all the market-timing investigations of Strong and certain affiliates by these agencies. In the settlements, Strong, without admitting or denying the findings in any of the orders, consented to entries of cease and desist orders and injunctive relief relating to breaches of their fiduciary duties and violations of state and federal securities laws, including anti-fraud provisions. The settlements require the Advisor to pay $40 million in investor restoration and $40 million in civil penalties. The settlements require Mr. Strong to pay $30 million in investor restoration and $30 million in civil penalties. The NYAG settlement also requires Strong or its successor to reduce fees for all Funds (except money market funds and certain very short-term income funds) by an aggregate of at least $7 million a year for five years. Separately, the Board of Directors of the Strong Funds and the Advisor have agreed that the Advisor may allocate such fee and/or expense reductions in a manner it deems reasonable, provided that (i) each applicable Fund shall participate in such fee reduction, (ii) each Fund that was impacted by market timing related to the settlements shall receive a fee reduction of at least 0.025% each year, (iii) such fee reduction shall be taken after giving effect to all waivers and reimbursements currently in effect, and (iv) fees and expenses shall not subsequently be increased without prior Board approval. Additionally, the settlements require, among other things: 1) retention of an independent consultant to develop a payment plan for the amount of investor restoration; 2) the services of an independent compliance consultant to conduct a periodic review of Strong’s compliance policies and procedures; and 3) enhanced corporate governance policies for the Strong Funds. The NYAG settlement also requires: 1) the retention of a senior officer to assist the Board in monitoring compliance and reviewing fee arrangements; and 2) additional fee disclosure to investors in the Funds. Strong and Mr. Strong, and not the investors in any Strong Fund, will bear all the costs of complying with the settlements, including restoration, civil penalties, and associated legal fees stemming from these regulatory proceedings. Strong has not yet determined if the investor restoration or civil penalties will create any financial benefit to the Strong Funds.

 

Strong has received one or more subpoenas or requests for information from the West Virginia Attorney General and other regulatory agencies requesting documents, if any, related to market timing and late trading practices. Strong is aware of multiple outstanding class and derivative actions (“Actions”) filed since September 4, 2003, against Strong, Strong Funds, Strong Financial Corporation, Strong Investments, Inc., Strong affiliates, and certain of their employees, officers, directors, and others as defendants in certain federal and state courts with respect to factual matters referenced in the NYAG settlement. On February 20, 2004, the United States Judicial Panel for Multi District Litigation (“MDL”) ordered the transfer of most of the Actions to the District of Maryland so those cases involving Strong could be coordinated and consolidated into one or two actions covered by a single complaint (“MDL Consolidated Actions”). The MDL ordered all or most of the other federal court Actions and certain state court Actions involving Strong to be consolidated into no more than three actions and be heard by the District of Maryland court. On September 30, 2004, three consolidated amended complaints were filed in the District of Maryland court. The Actions generally allege, among other things, that the defendants violated their fiduciary duty to fund shareholders and certain retirement plan participants, and made false and misleading statements in the funds’ prospectuses in violation of federal and state securities laws. The Actions generally seek one or more of the following: compensatory damages, punitive damages, special damages, exemplary damages, rescission, restitution, payment of plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and experts’ fees, and/or replacement of the Board of Directors of the Strong Funds. Certain state Actions were not consolidated into the MDL Consolidated Actions and proceedings in these state court Actions have been or may be stayed or proceed independently of the MDL Consolidated Actions.

 

The Strong Funds will not bear any costs incurred in connection with these Actions. Based on currently available information, Strong believes that the Actions will not have a material adverse financial impact on the Strong Funds, and are not likely to materially affect Strong’s ability to provide investment management services to its clients, including the Strong Funds. The Funds may experience increased redemptions or a decrease in new sales of shares as a result of the regulatory settlements and the ongoing Actions, which could result in increased transaction costs and operating expenses, or otherwise negatively impact the Strong Funds.

 

10.   Pending Fund Merger

 

On May 26, 2004, Strong Financial Corporation (“SFC”) announced that it reached a definitive agreement with Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”) for Wells Fargo to acquire certain assets of SFC and certain of its affiliates, including the Advisor. As part of the transaction, Fund shareholders met on December 10, 2004 or December 22, 2004 on various matters including appointing Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, as a new investment advisor for the Strong Funds. A reorganization of the Strong Funds into the Wells Fargo Funds family is anticipated to take place in April 2005.

 

91


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Strong Growth Funds:

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Strong Blue Chip Fund, Strong Discovery Fund, Strong Endeavor Fund, Strong Large Cap Growth Fund, Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund, Strong Enterprise Fund, Strong Growth 20 Fund, Strong Growth Fund and Strong Large Company Growth Fund (all nine collectively constituting Strong Growth Funds, hereafter referred to as the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2004, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The statement of changes in net assets for the period ended December 31, 2003 and the financial highlights for each of the years or periods ended December 31, 2003, and prior, were audited by other auditors whose report thereon dated February 3, 2004 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2004, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of December 31, 2004, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

February 14, 2005

 

92


RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS (Unaudited)

  December 31, 2004

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Blue Chip Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Blue Chip Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Large Company Growth Fund.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


6,811,915.763

     211,070.695      132,524.389

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


6,799,803.121

     205,433.514      150,274.212

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Peregrine Capital Management, Inc.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


6,780,321.462

     220,311.452      154,877.933

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


7,155,510.847

     —        —  

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Discovery Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Discovery Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Discovery Fund.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


4,518,362.083

     208,405.514      113,218.806

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


4,491,694.763

     223,560.385      124,731.255

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


4,481,099.104

     226,992.449      131,894.850

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


4,839,986.403

     —        —  

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Endeavor Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Endeavor Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Capital Growth Fund.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


1,929,267.145

     6,444.512      1,395.188

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


1,929,033.500

     7,164.851      908.494

 

 

93


RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS (Unaudited) (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


1,929,753.839

     6,444.512      908.494

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


1,937,106.845

     —        —  

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Large Cap Growth Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Large Cap Growth Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Large Cap Growth Fund.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


15,846,343.032

     490,055.107      264,559.511

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


15,802,770.852

     492,068.386      306,118.412

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


15,774,762.555

     509,132.408      317,062.687

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


16,600,957.650

     —        —  

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 22, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


2,458,514.508

     75,634.110      54,623.712

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


2,450,436.494

     79,084.048      59,251.788

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


2,446,469.053

     81,661.305      60,641.972

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


2,588,772.330

     —        —  

 

94


Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Enterprise Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Enterprise Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Enterprise Fund.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


6,687,917.363

    

225,948.205

    

135,768.964

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


6,646,973.052

    

249,712.226

    

152,949.254

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


6,631,427.780

    

254,732.841

    

163,473.911

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


7,049,634.532

     —        —  

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Growth 20 Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Growth 20 Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Growth Fund.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


5,533,701.257

     203,769.299      215,176.854

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


5,494,401.613

    

216,006.698

    

242,239.099

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


5,499,220.107

     216,035.623      237,391.680

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


5,952,647.410

     —        —  

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Growth Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Growth Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Growth Fund.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


47,034,675.672

     1,185,781.208      744,280.706

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


46,890,361.599

     1,221,651.791      852,724.196

 

95


RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS (Unaudited) (continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


46,815,360.747

     1,260,105.361      889,271.478

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


48,964,737.586

     —        —  

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Large Company Growth Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals: To approve the reorganization of the Strong Large Company Growth Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Capital Growth Fund.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


3,054,662.215

     83,443.902      59,998.294

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


3,042,618.212

     90,391.353      65,094.846

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


3,043,733.137

     86,473.909      67,897.365

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For


    

Against


    

Abstain


3,198,104.411

     —        —  

 

96


DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

Each officer and director holds the same position with the 27 registered open-end management investment companies consisting of 70 mutual funds (“Strong Funds”).

 

Willie D. Davis (DOB 7-24-34), Director of the Strong Funds since July 1994.

 

Mr. Davis has been President and Chief Executive Officer of All Pro Broadcasting, Inc., since 1977; Director of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (formerly WICOR, Inc., a utility company) since 1990, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. (an entertainment company) since 1998, Checker’s Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (formerly Rally’s Hamburgers, Inc.) since 1994, Johnson Controls, Inc. (an automotive systems and facility management company) since 1992, MGM Mirage (formerly MGM Grand, Inc., an entertainment/hotel company) since 1990, Dow Chemical Company since 1988, Sara Lee Corporation (a food/consumer products company) since 1983, Alliance Bank since 1980, Manpower, Inc. (a worldwide provider of staffing services) since 2001, Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. from 1997 to December 2004, and Kmart Corporation (a discount consumer products company) from 1985 to 2003; and Trustee of the University of Chicago since 1980 and Marquette University since 1988.

 

Gordon B. Greer (DOB 2-17-32), Director of the Strong Funds since March 2002.

 

Mr. Greer was Of Counsel for Bingham McCutchen LLP (a law firm previously known as Bingham Dana LLP) from 1997 to February 2002 and Partner of Bingham McCutchen LLP from 1967 to 1997. On behalf of Bingham McCutchen LLP, Mr. Greer provided representation to the disinterested directors of the Strong Funds from 1991 to February 2002. Bingham McCutchen LLP has provided representation to the Independent Directors of the Strong Funds since 1991.

 

Stanley Kritzik (DOB 1-9-30), Director of the Strong Funds since January 1995 and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Strong Funds since July 2000.

 

Mr. Kritzik has been Partner of Metropolitan Associates (a real estate firm) since 1962; Director of Wisconsin Health Information Network from November 1997 to September 2004, Health Network Ventures, Inc. from 1992 to April 2000, and Aurora Health Care from September 1987 to September 2002; and Member of the Board of Governors of Snowmass Village Resort Association from October 1999 to October 2002.

 

Neal Malicky (DOB 9-14-34), Director of the Strong Funds since December 1999.

 

Mr. Malicky has been President Emeritus of Baldwin-Wallace College since July 2000; Chancellor of Baldwin-Wallace College from July 1999 to June 2000; President of Baldwin-Wallace College from July 1981 to June 1999; Trustee of Southwest Community Health Systems, Cleveland Scholarship Program, and The National Conference for Community and Justice until 2001; President of the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church, Chairperson of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, and Secretary of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities until 2001.

 

William F. Vogt (DOB 7-19-47), Director and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committee of the Strong Funds since January 1995.

 

Mr. Vogt has been President of Vogt Holdings, LLC since July 2004; Senior Vice President of IDX Systems Corporation (a management consulting firm) from June 2001 to June 2004; President of Vogt Management Consulting, Inc. from July 1990 to June 2001; and former Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

 

97


DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (continued)

 

Ane K. Ohm (DOB 10-16-69), Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the Strong Funds since November 2002.

 

Ms. Ohm has been Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of Strong Financial Corporation since February 2003; Assistant Executive Vice President of Strong Financial Corporation since November 2003; Assistant Executive Vice President of Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) since December 2001; Director of Mutual Fund Administration of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since April 2001; Vice President of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since December 2001; and Marketing Services Manager of Strong Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”) from November 1998 to April 2001.

 

R. Michael Parker (DOB 6-17-45), Chief Compliance Officer of the Strong Funds since August 2004.

 

Mr. Parker was a Senior Compliance Examiner with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission from April 1970 to April 2004.

 

Phillip O. Peterson (DOB 12-5-44), Independent President of the Strong Funds since January 2004.

 

Mr. Peterson was a mutual fund industry consultant from August 1999 to December 2003; Partner of KPMG LLP from 1981 to July 1999; Director of The Hartford Group of Mutual Funds (71 funds) since 2002; and Director of the Fortis Mutual Fund Group (38 funds) from 2000 to 2002.

 

John W. Widmer (DOB 1-19-65), Treasurer of the Strong Funds since April 1999; Secretary of the Strong Funds since November 2004.

 

Mr. Widmer has been Treasurer of the Advisor since April 1999; Assistant Treasurer of Strong Financial Corporation since December 2001; Secretary of Strong Financial Corporation since September 2004; Assistant Secretary of Strong Financial Corporation from December 2001 to January 2003; Treasurer of Strong Service Corporation since April 1999; Treasurer and Secretary of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since September 2004; Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of Strong Investor Services, Inc. from July 2001 to September 2004; and Manager of the Financial Management and Sales Reporting Systems department of the Advisor from May 1997 to April 1999.

 

Thomas M. Zoeller (DOB 2-21-64), Vice President of the Strong Funds since October 1999.

 

Mr. Zoeller has been Executive Vice President of the Advisor since April 2001; Chief Financial Officer of the Advisor since February 1998; Secretary of the Advisor from December 2001 to November 2002; Member of the Office of the Chief Executive of Strong Financial Corporation since May 2001; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Strong Investments, Inc. from October 1993 to September 2004; Executive Vice President of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since July 2001; Secretary of Strong Investor Services, Inc. from July 2001 to May 2003; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of Strong Service Corporation since December 2001; Treasurer of Strong Service Corporation from September 1996 to April 1999; Vice President of Strong Service Corporation from April 1999 to December 2001; Member of the Office of the Chief Executive of the Advisor from November 1998 until May 2001; Senior Vice President of the Advisor from February 1998 to April 2001; and Director of Capital Processing International, LLC since September 2004.

 

Effective January 2005, Dana J. Russart replaced Mr. Zoeller as Vice President of the Strong Funds.

 

Except for Messrs. Davis, Malicky, and Vogt, the address of all of the Directors and Officers is P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, WI 53201. Mr. Davis’s address is 161 North La Brea, Inglewood, CA 90301. Mr. Malicky’s address is 4608 Turnberry Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047. Mr. Vogt’s address is P.O. Box 7657, Avon, CO 81620.

 

The statement of additional information contains additional information about fund directors and officers and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-368-3863.

 

98


Directors

 

Willie D. Davis

Gordon B. Greer

Stanley Kritzik

Neal Malicky

William F. Vogt

 

Officers

 

Ane K. Ohm, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

R. Michael Parker, Chief Compliance Officer

Phillip O. Peterson, Independent President

John W. Widmer, Treasurer and Secretary

Thomas M. Zoeller, Vice President

 

Investment Advisor

 

Strong Capital Management, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

Distributor

 

Strong Investments, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

Custodian

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company

801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64105

 

Transfer Agent and Dividend-Disbursing Agent

 

Strong Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

KPMG LLP

303 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601-5212

 

Legal Counsel

 

Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

780 North Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

99


NOTES

 

100


Contact Us

 

To learn more about our funds, discuss an existing account, or conduct a transaction, call 1-800-368-3863 or visit www.Strong.com.

 

To reach us by mail, please forward to Strong Investments, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201.

 

Please carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information, call us or visit our web site for a free prospectus. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money.

 

If you are a Financial Professional, call 1-800-368-1683.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

To receive a free copy of the policies and procedures the funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, or to receive a free copy of a fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ending on June 30, call 1-800-368-3863, or visit the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) web site at www.sec.gov.

 

Filing of Portfolio Holdings

 

The funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s public reference rooms at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at the SEC’s regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900.


LOGO

 

This report does not constitute an offer for the sale of securities. Strong Funds are offered for sale by prospectus only. Securities are offered through Strong Investments, Inc. RT48465 02-05

 

AGRO/WH2890 12-04


ANNUAL REPORT    |    December 31, 2004

 

Item 1. Reports to Shareholders

 

Strong

 

Core

 


 

Funds

 

LOGO

 

Strong Balanced Fund

   

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

   

Strong Growth and Income Fund

   

Strong Opportunity Fund

   
    LOGO


ANNUAL REPORT    |    December 31, 2004

 

Strong

Core

funds

 

On May 26, 2004, Strong Financial Corporation (“SFC”) announced that it reached a definitive agreement with Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”) for Wells Fargo to acquire certain assets of SFC and certain of its affiliates, including the Advisor. On December 10, 2004, and on December 22, 2004, shareholders of the Strong Funds met and approved 1) the reorganization of each Strong Fund into a Wells Fargo Advantage Fund (“Reorganization”), and 2) interim investment advisory agreements between the Strong Funds and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and certain sub-advisors (“Interim Agreements”). The Interim Agreements became effective January 1, 2005. The Reorganization of the Funds is expected to occur on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Table of Contents

 

Investment Reviews

    

Strong Balanced Fund

   2

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

   6

Strong Growth and Income Fund

   10

Strong Opportunity Fund

   14

Your Fund’s Expenses

   18

Financial Information

    

Schedules of Investments in Securities

    

Strong Balanced Fund

   20

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

   23

Strong Growth and Income Fund

   24

Strong Opportunity Fund

   26

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   29

Statements of Operations

   32

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   35

Financial Highlights

   38
Notes to Financial Statements    43
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    55
Results to Shareholders Meetings    56
Directors and Officers    58


Market Update From Dick Weiss

 

January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2004

 

LOGO

 

It’s indisputable: When it comes to the stock market, resolution brings results.

 

We saw this clearly at the tail end of 2004. The market as a whole had wandered aimlessly for the first 10 months of the year, spooked by uncertainty over the outcome of a contentious U.S. Presidential Election and our continuing involvement in Iraq. With George W. Bush’s reelection in November, the market surged, driven by the knowledge that there would be no change of administration in Washington and the U.S. commitment to democratize Iraq would continue.

 

One issue that currently weighs on the markets is inflation. There was tremendous inflation at the raw material level in both 2003 and 2004, but it has not shown up in any marked degree in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The most obvious example occurred in the energy sector, where oil rose well above $50 per barrel. Historically, that sort of spike in oil prices would have dramatically (and negatively) impacted the average American’s financial affairs. This time, however, it did not.

 

Why? Because rather than pass on those increasing raw material costs to customers, most companies chose to take the hit themselves, largely because demand seemed soft. It seems to me that the tricky question is whether companies will continue to absorb higher prices for raw materials (thus depressing profit margins) or, rather, pass those costs along to the public.

 

In any event, it’s clear that there’s a lot more inflation in the system than is reflected in the CPI. Hence, it’s become a matter of how that inflation will be managed — and by whom.

 

It’s also worth noting that there are deflationary pressures afoot in the world’s economy today. China, absorbing millions of new workers into its labor pool, is exporting cheap goods around the globe. The United States is the destination for a disproportionate share of that production, and the Chinese are financing our purchases. For the moment, that practice has helped to prop up the U.S. dollar. In the long run, it has unsettling implications.

 

As we look at 2005, there are a lot of moving parts out there — inflation, deflation, Iraq, China, the ups-and-downs of the U.S. dollar, and the mind-boggling developments in technology with their transformative effects on both our corporate and personal lives. Rapidly aging populations in Europe and China will cause seismic demographic shifts that we believe will have a long-term, dramatic effect on the world economy and markets.

 

Thanks for your continued investment.

 

LOGO

 

Richard T. Weiss

 

Strong Financial Corporation


Strong Balanced Fund

 

The Strong Balanced Fund underperformed its broad-based benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) during 2004. During the 12 months ending December 31, 2004, the Fund returned 6.86%, while the S&P 500 returned 10.87%. A balanced benchmark, the 60/40 Balanced Fund Index (which blends a 60% weighting in the S&P 500 with a 40% weighting in the Lehman Brothers Intermediate U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index), returned 7.81% for the same period.

 

A fourth-quarter breakout

 

The stock market was stuck in a trading range for much of 2004, failing to generate much positive or negative momentum. Although the economy continued to grow steadily and corporate earnings came in essentially as expected, rising oil prices and concerns about the potential for terrorism weighed on the market.

 

The market, however, rose sharply following the November 2 presidential election. Investors had been concerned that the election would fail to yield a quick and decisive victory, as happened in 2000. However, the clear-cut result seemed to calm these fears.

 

The Fund’s fixed-income portion benefited from a better-than-expected backdrop for bonds. Although the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates five times between June 30 and December 31, the market widely anticipated the increases, which had only a minimal negative impact on bonds with maturities exceeding five years.

 

Indeed, the most notable feature of the Treasury bond market in 2004 was the wide divergence between the behavior of short-term and long-term interest rates. Over the course of the year, the yield on 2-Year Treasury notes rose to just over 3.0% versus a level of 1.82% at the end of 2003. The 10-Year Treasury note started 2004 at a 4.25% yield, and finished the year practically unchanged at 4.22%. The yield of the long-term Treasury bond actually declined by 0.25%! While a “flattening” of the yield curve isn’t unusual during a period of tightening monetary policy, it was rather surprising to see long-maturity issues perform so well in the face of persistent short term rate hikes.

 

Skeptical of pharmaceuticals

 

The economy’s solid performance continued to benefit the Fund’s holdings in the industrial sector. In addition, the Fund was helped its reduced holdings in large-capitalization pharmaceutical stocks, a stance we took because we believed such companies in faced a number of political as well as self-induced challenges. The Fund also benefited from investments in the Internet sector as well as among lodging companies. In lodging, the Fund gained especially from its position in Starwood Hotels and Resorts, which benefited from a continued recovery in travel-related spending.

 

LOGO

 

We do, however, wish that we had put more of an emphasis on energy stocks early in 2004 when these companies could be bought more cheaply; as oil and natural gas prices soared during the year, these stocks soared with them. We also, in hindsight, would have invested less in technology and health care stocks, neither of which performed well as a group during the year.

 

Focus on earnings growth and valuation

 

Following our overall management strategy of looking for companies with attractive valuations, strong earnings growth, and displaying positive fundamental financial momentum, we avoided investing in most large-capitalization drug companies. Although these companies were offering attractive valuations relative to their historic levels, the industry’s fundamentals appeared to be deteriorating and did not, in our opinion, provide compelling investment opportunities. The Fund did own a position in pharmaceutical giant Merck, but we sold all of the portfolio’s remaining shares in the company just days before it announced that the blockbuster drug Vioxx would be pulled from the market because of safety concerns.

 

We found a more attractive opportunity in UnitedHealth Group, a leading provider of health care benefits. Despite analysts’ expectations to the contrary, this company’s fundamentals continued to improve, even as the company continued to trade at an attractive valuation. This was a strong-performing stock for the Fund during the year.

 

Although valuation continued to be an important consideration when choosing investments for the Fund, we sometimes looked to other criteria when we believed that companies’ fundamentals were strong enough to make up for a higher-than-desired valuation. Several examples of this were found among Internet companies during the period, most notably Yahoo!, the leading Web portal, and eBay, the largest online auction site. These are two of the best examples of Internet companies which have been successful at obtaining advertising dollars that previously would have gone to “old media” outlets such as magazines, newspapers, and television stations.

 

Our management approach with the intermediate fixed-income portion of the portfolio was to maximize coupon income. We accomplished this goal by increasing the Fund’s exposure to corporate and mortgage-backed bonds, both of which offer higher interest rates than other types of bonds with comparable maturities.

 

In addition to extra income, the corporate bond market provided opportunities to capture relative price appreciation. A strong economic environment supported credit fundamentals, which allowed a narrowing of the “risk premium” versus Treasury yields. The market for mortgage-backed securities also performed well as the relative stability in intermediate rates allayed fears of a significant shift in the rate of prepayments related to refinance activity. All in all it was a pretty good year for investing in fixed income securities despite the steady climb in the Federal Reserve’s overnight rate targets and the Fund’s allocation to bonds served its purposes: diversification, volatility reduction, and income.

 

New Manager and Fund Reorganization

 

Effective January 1, 2005, David L. Roberts, CFA, of Wells Capital Management Incorporated began managing the equity portion of the Fund. W. Frank Koster continues to manage the bond portion of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Balanced Fund on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Balanced Fund.

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth). For fixed-income funds, the vertical axis shows the average credit quality of the bonds owned, and the horizontal axis shows interest-rate sensitivity as measured by a bond’s duration (short, intermediate, or long).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

2


Fund Highlights

 

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russel Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

3


Strong Balanced Fund

 

LOGO

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index, the 60/40 Balanced Fund Index, and the Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds Average. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The 60/40 Balanced Fund Index is comprised of 60% S&P 500 Index and 40% Lehman Brothers Intermediate U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index. The Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds Average is the average of all funds in the Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds Category. These funds allocate their investments across various asset classes, including domestic common stocks, bonds, and money market instruments with a focus on total return. Source of the S&P Index and 60/40 Balanced Fund Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

   It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

United States Treasury Bills, Notes & Bonds

   6.1 %

FNMA Notes

   3.7 %

General Electric Company

   3.2 %

Exxon Mobil Corporation

   2.7 %

FNMA Guaranteed Mortgage Investment Pass-Thru Certificates

   2.6 %

Bank of America Corporation

   2.3 %

International Business Machines Corporation

   1.8 %

Microsoft Corporation

   1.8 %

The Procter & Gamble Company

   1.7 %

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

   1.6 %
    

Top Ten

   27.5 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

4


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   6.86 %

5-year

   -1.81 %

10-year

   7.23 %

Since Fund Inception (12-30-81)

   10.71 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Diversified Operations

   5.4 %

Oil & Gas — International Integrated

   4.4 %

Computer Software — Enterprise

   2.6 %

Computer — Manufacturers

   2.5 %

Banks — Money Center

   2.3 %

Telecom — Wireless Equipment

   2.3 %

Retail — Major Discount Chains

   2.2 %

Commercial Services — Miscellaneous

   1.9 %

Finance — Investment Brokers

   1.9 %

Utility — Electric Power

   1.8 %
    

Top Ten

   27.3 %
    


Risks: Stock investments should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Bond investment values fluctuate in response to the financial condition of individual issuers, changes in interest rates, and general market and economic conditions. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on this and other risks.

 

5


Strong Large Cap Core Fund

 

The Strong Large Cap Core Fund posted a return of 8.69% for the one-year period ended December 31, 2004. This placed it behind its broad-based benchmark, the Standard and Poor’s 500, which returned 10.87% for the same period.

 

Investors were often uncertain

 

For much of the year, the equity markets took a breather after their strong returns in 2003. While there were many signs of economic improvement, there were also significant reasons for concern, including the unresolved conflict in Iraq, the potential for other global conflicts, uneven employment data, and the potential impact of rising interest rates. These factors weighed on the economy and on investor sentiment, keeping returns muted for most of the year.

 

Investor sentiment began to improve somewhat near the end of May, as the market focused its attention on good news regarding strong corporate profits and new job creation. Fund holdings that had been hurt by investors’ concerns in April had largely stabilized and recovered by the end of the first half of the year.

 

When the Federal Reserve acted to raise short-term rates by a quarter percentage point at the end of June, the modest move was widely anticipated. The Fed raised rates four more times before the end of the year, bringing the target rate up to 2.25% from 1.0%. The measured pace of these increases, a quarter point at a time, helped to quiet fears of inflation.

 

Although equity returns remained tepid in the year’s third quarter, they staged a solid comeback in the fourth quarter, as investors gained greater confidence in the economic outlook. Corporate profits climbed to record levels, job creation appeared to pick up, and oil prices moved down from their earlier highs. The quick resolution to the November elections — unlike the drawn-out scenario in 2000 — and a result that was generally seen as positive for business allowed the equity markets to enjoy a strong upturn through most of the remainder of the year.

 

Factors in our performance

 

In the first half of the year, the Fund’s energy holdings contributed positively to performance. Our emphasis in this sector was on the large integrated oil companies, which benefited from higher demand for oil, strong margins on refining operations, and low debt levels that helped to mute the impact of rising interest rates.

 

LOGO

 

Later in the year, many of the Fund’s gains took place in such cyclical sectors as materials, select technology, and industrial stocks. This was indicative of improving investor sentiment with respect to the sustainability of the economic recovery. We had significant holdings in these areas, including Phelps Dodge and Nucor. Home sales continued to be strong, allowing our investments among homebuilders to make meaningful contributions to our performance. Internet companies eBay and Yahoo! also had a positive impact on our returns.

 

Equally important to our results, however, was avoiding large investments in major portions of the technology sector (as well as health care) that appeared to us to be overvalued relative to their earnings prospects.

 

For much of the year, the Fund outpaced its broad-based benchmark. As the equity markets surged ahead in the fourth quarter, we were able to post solid gains, though not at the same rate as the index. Our focus on large capitalization stocks, with a median market capitalization that typically exceeds that of the S&P 500, hurt our results over the year, as smaller-company stocks on the whole outperformed larger-cap stocks.

 

Looking ahead

 

For months, many factors took a toll on investor confidence — factors that had little to do with the economy or corporate earnings. Now, investors once again are paying attention to some very positive underlying economic trends. This offers the potential for positive impact on equity markets, though perhaps not at the same rate as in the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

We anticipate that economic growth should continue at a sustainable pace in coming months. Corporate earnings appear to be strong, and there is good reason they will continue to be so. Inflation remains at manageable levels, and the Federal Reserve appears to be strongly committed to its measured pace of rate increases. There are still many concerns facing investors, including geopolitical uncertainty and rising interest rates, but on balance, we believe positive economic factors could help to drive reasonable gains among large-cap stocks in coming months.

 

Effective January 1, 2005, David A. Katz, CFA, of Matrix Asset Advisors, Inc., became the sole Portfolio Manager of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Growth and Income Fund, the successor to the Strong Growth and Income Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Large Cap Core Fund.


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

6


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

7


Strong Large Cap Core Fund

 

LOGO


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Category. Source of the S&P Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

ConocoPhillips

   3.9 %

Yahoo! Inc.

   3.6 %

Citigroup, Inc.

   3.5 %

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

   3.4 %

eBay, Inc.

   3.4 %

Tyco International, Ltd.

   3.4 %

NIKE, Inc. Class B

   3.3 %

American International Group, Inc.

   3.3 %

Exxon Mobil Corporation

   3.0 %

Bank of America Corporation

   3.0 %
    

Top Ten

   33.8 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

8


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   8.69 %

5-year

   -4.44 %

Since Fund Inception (6-30-98)

   2.30 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect.

 

Performance: From time to time, the Fund’s performance was significantly enhanced through investments in initial public offerings (IPOs). In addition, the effect of IPOs purchased when the Fund’s asset base was small may have been magnified. Given these circumstances, you should not expect that such enhanced returns can be consistently achieved. Please consider this before investing.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Diversified Operations

   10.3 %

Oil & Gas — International Integrated

   8.7 %

Banks — Money Center

   6.4 %

Finance — Investment Brokers

   5.1 %

Building — Resident/Commercial

   4.9 %

Telecommunications — Wireless Services

   4.7 %

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   4.4 %

Internet — Internet Service Provider/Content

   3.6 %

Leisure — Hotels & Motels

   3.4 %

Internet — E*Commerce

   3.4 %
    

Top Ten

   54.9 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on this and other risks.

 

9


Strong Growth and Income Fund

 

The Strong Growth and Income Fund Investor Class gained 8.88% during the 12 months ending December 31, 2004. This result lagged the Fund’s benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500), which rose 10.87% during the same time frame.

 

A fourth-quarter breakout

 

The stock market was stuck in a trading range for much of 2004, failing to generate much positive or negative momentum for much of the year. Although the economy continued to grow steadily and corporate earnings came in essentially as expected, rising oil prices and concerns about the potential for terrorism weighed on the market.

 

The market, however, broke out of this trading range following the November 2 presidential election and rose sharply. Investors had been concerned that the election would fail to yield a quick and decisive victory, as happened in 2000. However, the clear-cut result seemed to calm these fears. Many investors most likely also saw the re-election of President Bush as an indication that investor-friendly policies such as lower dividend and capital gains tax rates were likely to continue.

 

Skeptical of pharmaceuticals

 

The economy’s solid performance continued to benefit the Fund’s holdings in the industrial sector. In addition, the Fund was helped by our decision to under-represent the portfolio in large-capitalization pharmaceutical stocks, a stance we took because we believed companies in the sector faced a number of political as well as self-induced challenges. The Fund also benefited from investments in the Internet sector as well as among lodging companies. In lodging, the Fund gained especially from its position in Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc., which rose as business and leisure travel continued to rebound from its long slump in past years.

 

We do, however, wish that we had put more of an emphasis on energy stocks early in 2004 when these companies could be bought more cheaply; as oil and natural gas prices soared during the year, these stocks soared with them. We also, in hindsight, would have invested less in technology and health care stocks, neither of which performed well as a group during the year.

 

Focus on earnings growth and valuation

 

Our management approach during the period included a focus on screening techniques designed to uncover stocks displaying strong earnings growth and trading at attractive valuations. In other words, we were looking for companies with solid potential but that were not yet fully exploiting it. This process included an analysis of each company’s end market, competitive environment, and ability to meet or exceed stated financial goals.

 

LOGO

 

Following our overall management strategy of looking for companies with attractive valuations and displaying positive fundamental financial momentum, we avoided investing in most large-capitalization drug companies. Although these companies were offering attractive valuations relative to their historic levels, the industry’s fundamentals appeared to be deteriorating and did not, in our opinion, provide compelling investment opportunities. The Fund did own a position in pharmaceutical giant Merck, but we sold all of the portfolio’s remaining shares in the company before it announced that the blockbuster drug Vioxx would be pulled from the market because of safety concerns.

 

We found a more attractive opportunity in the health care sector in UnitedHealth Group, a leading provider of health care benefits. Despite analysts’ expectations to the contrary, this company’s fundamentals continued to improve, even as the company continued to trade at an attractive valuation. This was a strong-performing stock for the Fund during the year.

 

Although valuation continued to be an important consideration when choosing investments for the Fund, we sometimes looked to other criteria when we believed that companies’ fundamentals were particularly strong enough to make up for a higher-than-desired valuation. Several examples of this were found among Internet companies during the period, most notably Yahoo!, the leading Web portal, and eBay, the largest online auction site. These are two of the best examples of Internet companies who have been successful at obtaining advertising dollars that previously would have gone to “old media” outlets such as magazines, newspapers, and television stations.

 

New Manager and Fund Reorganization

 

Effective January 1, 2005, David A. Katz, CFA, of Matrix Asset Advisors, Inc., became the sole Portfolio Manager of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Growth and Income Fund, the successor to the Strong Growth and Income Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

Thank you for your investment in the Strong Growth and Income Fund.


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

 

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

10


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

11


Strong Growth and Income Fund

 

LOGO

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Investor Class shares only; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures.

 

Definitions:

 

** The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding), with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value. The Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Category. Source of the S&P index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper index data is Lipper Inc.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

General Electric Company

   5.0 %

Exxon Mobil Corporation

   4.2 %

Bank of America Corporation

   3.4 %

The Procter & Gamble Company

   2.9 %

Microsoft Corporation

   2.9 %

Tyco International, Ltd.

   2.8 %

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

   2.6 %

eBay, Inc.

   2.3 %

Yahoo! Inc.

   2.3 %

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

   2.3 %
    

Top Ten

   30.7 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

12


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   8.88 %

5-year

   -5.35 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   9.68 %

Institutional Class1, 2


      

1-year

   9.59 %

5-year

   -4.75 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   10.06 %

Advisor Class1, 3


      

1-year

   8.85 %

5-year

   -5.40 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   9.53 %

Class K1, 4


      

1-year

   9.35 %

5-year

   -5.11 %

Since Fund Inception (12-29-95)

   9.83 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 The performance of the Institutional Class shares prior to 2-29-00 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance and has not been restated for the lower expense ratio of the Institutional Class shares.

 

3 The performance of the Advisor Class shares prior to 2-29-00 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, restated for the higher expense ratio of the Advisor Class shares.

 

4 The performance of the Class K shares prior to 12-31-01 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance and has not been restated for the lower expense ratio of the Class K shares.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Diversified Operations

   9.0 %

Oil & Gas — International Integrated

   7.0 %

Banks — Money Center

   4.0 %

Computer — Manufacturers

   3.8 %

Telecom — Wireless Equipment

   3.6 %

Internet — Internet Service Provider/Content

   3.6 %

Retail — Major Discount Chains

   3.5 %

Finance — Investment Brokers

   3.4 %

Commercial Services — Miscellaneous

   3.0 %

Leisure — Hotels & Motels

   3.0 %
    

Top Ten

   43.9 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to growth-style investing risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on this and other risks.

 

13


Strong Opportunity Fund

 

Continuing the previous year’s bull market, the U.S. stock market posted another positive year in 2004. The Strong Opportunity Fund’s Investor Class shares gained 17.62% for the 12 months ending December 31, 2004. This result trailed that of the Fund’s broad-based benchmark, the Russell Midcap Index, which returned 20.22% during the same period.

 

A growing economy and higher rates

 

Strong consumer spending continued to carry the economy during 2004, while corporate spending gradually strengthened. The Federal Reserve continued to raise interest rates gradually during the period — exemplifying its confidence in the economy’s underlying strength. The Fed initiated five separate quarter-percentage-point rate hikes between June 30 and the end of the year.

 

We positioned the Strong Opportunity Fund with an expectation for higher rates and an aggressive economic recovery in 2004. The market rose only modestly for the first two-thirds of the year as a result of uncertainty surrounding the expected outcome of the U.S. presidential election along with rising energy costs. However, in the year’s fourth quarter, after the decisive election results and the relief in energy prices, the stock market rallied and ended the year on a very positive note.

 

Choosing stocks for the portfolio

 

The Strong Opportunity Fund uses a private market methodology in building its portfolio of securities. In other words, our investment process leads us to evaluate companies’ competitive strengths, assets, and financial position. We synthesize this information in an attempt to gauge the value an independent buyer would pay for the entire company, and then we look for stocks to buy that are trading at a discount to that value.

 

This process served us well in 2004 as it attracted us to luxury goods retailers, whose upscale clientele was, compared to lower-income customers, relatively unaffected by higher energy prices and sluggish employment growth. Upper-income shoppers were also buoyed by a second consecutive year of healthy stock market returns and a strong economy and housing market. Luxury retailers gave their customers a reason to shop in their stores by providing a strong representation of unique and wide assortments of fashions. We invested in luxury retailer Nordstrom, which through its differentiated business model emphasizing customer service, was well positioned to take advantage of the continued momentum in high-end spending. In 2004, Nordstrom enjoyed its second straight year of strong sales growth. In addition, the company’s focus on expense management and significant upgrades to its inventory and sales systems led to strong operating margins, record profits, and 2004 earnings estimates expected to rise by more than 50%. The increased profitability helped Nordstrom’s stock rise 36% during the year.

 

LOGO

 

The portfolio also was overweighted compared to the benchmark in media stocks because we expected a faster-growing economy to generate higher advertising and broadcasting revenues. Based on this belief, we invested in Tribune Company for its exposure to both the advertising and the broadcasting markets. The newspaper group (Tribune included) faced questions about the accuracy of their circulation data and had to suffer the consequences of having fewer subscribers to sell to their advertisers. Finally, widely expected rule changes from the FCC that would help further deregulate the whole media industry failed to come through in 2004. The questions concerned investors, who wondered whether other media outlets also were providing inaccurate reporting statistics, as a smaller readership would translate into reduced advertising revenues. Despite a challenging year for Tribune, we have maintained the portfolio’s investments in the media sector, which appears favorably positioned for 2005.

 

What lies ahead?

 

Our outlook for 2005 depends on several factors, including the pressure of inflation, the dollar’s resilience to large trade and fiscal deficits, and the need for more rapid economic growth from countries outside of the United States. Consumer spending is starting to drop off slightly, but we expect that increased corporate spending and lower fuel costs should support the continued economic recovery.

 

The Fund is expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Advantage Opportunity Fund, the successor to the Strong Opportunity Fund, on or about April 11, 2005.

 

We appreciate your trust in our investment expertise and are committed to providing you with positive long-term performance. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and profitable 2005.

 

LOGO

 

Richard T.Weiss

 

Portfolio Co-Manager

 

LOGO

 

Ann M. Miletti

 

Portfolio Co-Manager

 


* The Morningstar Style Box reflects a fund’s investment strategy. For equity funds, the vertical axis shows the market capitalization of the stocks owned and the horizontal axis shows investment style (value, blend, or growth).

Mention of specific securities in this report is not indicative of whether the Fund may make additional purchases of, sell all or a portion of, or continue to hold those securities.

 

14


Fund Highlights

 

LOGO

 

Source: Frank Russell Company via FactSet

 

Fund Highlights are continued on next page.

 

15


Strong Opportunity Fund

 

LOGO

 


Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

This graph, provided in accordance with SEC regulations, compares a $10,000 investment in the Fund, made at its inception, with the performance of the Russell Midcap® Index and the Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. The graph and the Average Annual Total Returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes, if any, that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. This graph is based on Investor Class shares only; performance for other classes will vary due to differences in fee structures.

 

Definitions:

 

** The Russell Midcap® Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, which represent approximately 26% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000 Index. The Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index is the average of the 30 largest funds in the Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Category. Source of the Russell Index data is Standard & Poor’s Micropal. Source of the Lipper Index data is Lipper.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Top Holdings

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Weatherford International, Ltd.

   2.5 %

GlobalSantaFe Corporation

   2.1 %

Praxair, Inc.

   1.8 %

Apache Corporation

   1.8 %

Molex, Inc.

   1.7 %

Waters Corporation

   1.7 %

Nordstrom, Inc.

   1.6 %

Comcast Corporation

   1.6 %

Barrick Gold Corporation

   1.6 %

XL Capital, Ltd.

   1.5 %
    

Top Ten

   17.9 %
    


Holdings vary. More complete holdings are available at www.Strong.com.

 

Percentage Restrictions: The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information may describe restrictions on the percentage of a particular type or quality of security in which the Fund may invest (“Percentage Restrictions”). Percentage Restrictions apply at the time the Fund purchases a security. Circumstances subsequent to the purchase of the security, such as a change in: (1) the Fund’s assets (e.g., due to cash inflows and redemptions), (2) the market value of the security, or (3) the pricing, liquidity, or rating of the security, may cause the Fund to exceed or fall short of the Percentage Restriction. If this happens, the Fund’s continued holding of the security will not constitute a violation of the Percentage Restriction.

 

16


Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of 12-31-04

 

Investor Class1


      

1-year

   17.62 %

5-year

   4.07 %

10-year

   13.31 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-85)

   15.23 %

Advisor Class1, 2


      

1-year

   17.39 %

5-year

   3.82 %

10-year

   13.01 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-85)

   14.89 %

Class K1, 3


      

1-year

   17.86 %

5-year

   4.18 %

10-year

   13.38 %

Since Fund Inception (12-31-85)

   15.26 %

Performance is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted performance. Call us or visit www.Strong.com for the most recent month-end performance.

 

Fee Waivers:

 

1 From time to time, the Fund’s advisor and/or administrator has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns. As of 12-31-04, there are waivers and/or absorptions in effect for all share classes.

 

Performance:

 

2 The performance of the Advisor Class shares prior to 2-24-00, is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, restated for the higher expense ratio of the Advisor Class shares.

 

3 The performance of the Class K shares prior to 8-30-02 is based on the Fund’s Investor Class shares’ performance, and has not been restated for the lower expense ratio of the Class K shares.

 

Please consult a prospectus for information about all share classes.

 

Top Ten Industries

 

Percent of Net Assets, as of 12-31-04

 

Media — Cable TV

   4.2 %

Computer — IT Services

   3.6 %

Insurance — Property/Casualty/Title

   3.6 %

Oil & Gas — Drilling

   3.5 %

Oil & Gas — United States Exploration & Production

   3.3 %

Retail — Clothing/Shoes

   3.0 %

Electronics — Miscellaneous Components

   3.0 %

Finance — Index Tracking Funds

   2.8 %

Auto/Truck — Original Equipment

   2.7 %

Medical — Biomedical/Biotechnology

   2.6 %
    

Top Ten

   32.3 %
    


Risks: Stock funds should only be considered for long-term goals as values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Investment strategies that concentrate in particular market segments or fewer securities tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). This Fund is exposed to medium-company risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on this and other risks.

 

17


YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES

  December 31, 2004

 

About Your Fund’s Expenses

 

Example

 

As a shareholder of a mutual fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses.

 

This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The columns under the heading entitled “Actual” help you to estimate the actual expenses you paid over the period. The “Actual—Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the “Actual — Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. To estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), then multiply the result by the number in the column under the heading entitled “Actual — Expenses Paid During Period”.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The columns under the heading entitled “Hypothetical” provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the last column of the table (Hypothetical—Expenses Paid During Period) is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs could have been higher.

 

(continued on next page)

 

18


YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Continued)

  December 31, 2004

 

Actual Returns vs. Hypothetical Returns

 

Six Months Ended December 31, 2004

 

     Class

   Fund’s
Annualized
Expense
Ratio1,2


    Beginning
Account Value
7-01-04


   Actual

  

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)


           Ending
Account Value
12-31-04


   Expenses
Paid During
Period3


   Ending
Account Value
12-31-04


   Expenses
Paid During
Period3


Strong Balanced Fund

   Investor    1.27 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,052.90    $ 6.55    $ 1,018.75    $ 6.44

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

   Investor    1.90 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,059.40    $ 9.84    $ 1,015.58    $ 9.63

Strong Growth and Income Fund

   Investor    1.34 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,062.70    $ 6.95    $ 1,018.40    $ 6.80
     Institutional    0.79 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,066.00    $ 4.10    $ 1,021.17    $ 4.01
     Advisor    1.43 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,062.60    $ 7.41    $ 1,017.95    $ 7.25
     K    0.89 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,065.50    $ 4.62    $ 1,020.66    $ 4.52

Strong Opportunity Fund

   Investor    1.34 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,087.70    $ 7.03    $ 1,018.40    $ 6.80
     Advisor    1.58 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,086.50    $ 8.29    $ 1,017.19    $ 8.01
     K    1.15 %   $ 1,000.00    $ 1,088.90    $ 6.04    $ 1,019.36    $ 5.84

1 Based on the Fund’s most recent six-month period; may differ from expense ratios based on one-year data in the Financial Highlights.
2 These ratios do not include the effect of directed brokerage credits and/or custody earnings credits, if any.
3 Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184 days, and divided by 366.

 

19


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

  December 31, 2004

 

STRONG BALANCED FUND

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 64.5%

           

Aerospace - Defense 1.3%

           

General Dynamics Corporation

   9,300    $ 972,780

Northrop Grumman Corporation

   18,500      1,005,660
         

            1,978,440

Aerospace - Defense Equipment 0.3%

           

Goodrich Corporation

   15,500      505,920

Banks - Money Center 2.3%

           

Bank of America Corporation

   66,500      3,124,835

J.P. Morgan Chase & Company

   13,416      523,358
         

            3,648,193

Banks - Super Regional 1.1%

           

U.S. Bancorp

   52,100      1,631,772

Building - Resident/Commercial 0.9%

           

Toll Brothers, Inc. (b)

   19,500      1,337,895

Chemicals - Basic 1.2%

           

The Dow Chemical Company

   36,400      1,802,164

Commercial Services - Miscellaneous 1.9%

           

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

   32,500      1,441,375

Paychex, Inc.

   45,800      1,560,864
         

            3,002,239

Computer - Data Storage 0.8%

           

EMC Corporation (b)

   79,700      1,185,139

Computer - IT Services 1.8%

           

International Business Machines Corporation

   28,900      2,848,962

Computer - Manufacturers 2.5%

           

Apple Computer, Inc. (b)

   35,300      2,273,320

Dell, Inc. (b)

   37,400      1,576,036
         

            3,849,356

Computer - Peripheral Equipment 0.9%

           

Synaptics, Inc. (b) (g)

   46,500      1,421,970

Computer Software - Desktop 1.8%

           

Microsoft Corporation

   103,800      2,772,498

Computer Software - Enterprise 2.6%

           

Mercury Interactive Corporation (b)

   34,900      1,589,695

SAP AG Sponsored ADR (g)

   53,600      2,369,656
         

            3,959,351

Cosmetics - Personal Care 1.7%

           

The Procter & Gamble Company

   47,200      2,599,776

Diversified Operations 5.4%

           

General Electric Company

   137,400      5,015,100

Tyco International, Ltd.

   64,500      2,305,230

United Technologies Corporation

   10,800      1,116,180
         

            8,436,510

Electronics - Scientific Measuring 0.7%

           

Danaher Corporation (g)

   19,500      1,119,495

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 1.1%

           

Intel Corporation

   27,100      633,869

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

   23,800      1,008,882
         

            1,642,751

Finance - Equity REIT 0.4%

           

Vornado Realty Trust

   7,900      601,427

Finance - Investment Brokers 1.9%

           

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

   19,800    $ 2,059,992

Morgan Stanley

   16,700      927,184
         

            2,987,176

Finance - Investment Management 0.4%

           

Franklin Resources, Inc.

   10,000      696,500

Finance - Publicly Traded Investment Funds-Equity (Non 40 Act) 0.5%

           

Semiconductor Holders Trust (g)

   24,300      810,648

Finance - Savings & Loan 0.4%

           

Golden West Financial Corporation

   9,400      577,348

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 0.7%

           

American Express Company

   18,400      1,037,208

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 0.9%

           

The Allstate Corporation

   27,000      1,396,440

Internet - Content 1.8%

           

Google, Inc. Class A (b) (g)

   4,600      888,260

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

   50,000      1,884,000
         

            2,772,260

Internet - E*Commerce 1.5%

           

eBay, Inc. (b)

   19,800      2,302,344

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 1.8%

           

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

   20,100      1,265,898

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

   26,200      1,530,080
         

            2,795,978

Machinery - General Industrial 1.1%

           

Ingersoll-Rand Company Class A

   20,800      1,670,240

Media - Books 0.5%

           

McGraw-Hill, Inc.

   9,200      842,168

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 1.7%

           

Amgen, Inc. (b)

   21,900      1,404,885

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b)

   33,600      1,175,664
         

            2,580,549

Medical - Drug/Diversified 1.2%

           

Johnson & Johnson

   28,500      1,807,470

Medical - Ethical Drugs 0.7%

           

Schering-Plough Corporation

   53,100      1,108,728

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 1.6%

           

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

   28,900      2,544,067

Medical - Products 1.4%

           

St. Jude Medical, Inc. (b)

   26,800      1,123,724

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (b)

   13,100      1,049,572
         

            2,173,296

Medical/Dental - Services 0.6%

           

Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (g)

   9,700      926,835

Oil & Gas - Field Services 1.3%

           

Halliburton Company

   53,100      2,083,644

 

20


STRONG BALANCED FUND (Continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Oil & Gas - International Integrated 4.4%

             

ChevronTexaco Corporation

     27,200    $ 1,428,272

ConocoPhillips

     14,200      1,232,986

Exxon Mobil Corporation

     82,100      4,208,446
           

              6,869,704

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 0.7%

             

Baker Hughes, Inc.

     24,800      1,058,216

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 0.8%

             

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

     9,700      628,657

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

     9,400      548,584
           

              1,177,241

Retail - Major Discount Chains 2.2%

             

Target Corporation

     27,600      1,433,268

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

     36,000      1,901,520
           

              3,334,788

Retail/Wholesale - Building Products 1.1%

             

The Home Depot, Inc.

     40,300      1,722,422

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 0.4%

             

Staples, Inc.

     17,000      573,070

Telecommunications - Equipment 1.3%

             

Lucent Technologies, Inc. (b)

     550,500      2,069,880

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 2.3%

             

Nokia Corporation Sponsored ADR

     123,400      1,933,678

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     37,400      1,585,760
              3,519,438

Transportation - Air Freight 0.8%

             

FedEx Corporation

     12,000      1,181,880

Utility - Electric Power 1.8%

             

Entergy Corporation

     24,600      1,662,714

Exelon Corporation

     27,300      1,203,111
           

              2,865,825
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $83,435,845)

            99,829,221
           

Corporate Bonds 12.0%

             

Aladdin Gaming Holdings LLC/Aladdin Capital Corporation Senior Discount Notes, 13.50%, Due 3/01/10 (b) (f)

   $ 3,700,000      18,500

America Movil SA de CV Guaranteed Senior Yankee Notes, 5.50%, Due 3/01/14

     250,000      247,601

Bank of America Corporation Subordinated Notes, 7.40%, Due 1/15/11

     400,000      463,925

Bellsouth Corporation Notes, 4.75%, Due 11/15/12

     285,000      287,217

Capital One Bank Medium-Term Notes, 6.50%, Due 6/13/13

     210,000      229,841

Cendant Corporation Notes, 6.25%, Due 3/15/10

     100,000      108,344

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corporation Senior Notes, Series B, 7.875%, Due 4/01/13

     100,000      119,045

Citigroup, Inc. Notes, 5.50%, Due 8/09/06

     575,000      594,835

Citizens Communications Company Notes, 9.25%, Due 5/15/11

     150,000      176,250

Comcast Corporation Senior Notes, 5.85%, Due 1/15/10 (g)

     250,000      268,284

Core Investment Grade Trust Pass-Thru Certificates, 4.727%, Due 11/30/07 (g)

     1,000,000      1,024,000

Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Notes, Series L, 4.00%, Due 3/22/11

   $ 200,000    $ 194,716

Cox Communications, Inc. Notes, 4.625%, Due 1/15/10 (d)

     515,000      514,383

Credit Suisse First Boston USA, Inc. Notes:

             

4.625%, Due 1/15/08

     200,000      205,084

6.50%, Due 1/15/12

     250,000      278,642

DaimlerChrysler North America Holding Corporation Guaranteed Notes, 4.05%, Due 6/04/08

     100,000      99,872

DaimlerChrysler North America Holding Corporation Notes, 7.75%, Due 1/18/11

     200,000      230,905

Devon Financing Corporation ULC Notes, 6.875%, Due 9/30/11

     200,000      226,821

Encana Corporation Yankee Notes, 4.60%, Due 8/15/09 (g)

     285,000      290,656

EOP Operating LP Notes, 6.75%, Due 2/15/12

     350,000      390,174

European Investment Bank Yankee Notes (g):

             

3.00%, Due 6/16/08

     290,000      287,766

4.625%, Due 3/01/07

     500,000      513,596

FedEx Corporation Notes, 2.65%, Due 4/01/07

     245,000      240,089

FirstEnergy Corporation Notes, 6.45%, Due 11/15/11 (g)

     150,000      163,198

Ford Motor Credit Company Notes (g):

             

6.50%, Due 1/25/07

     250,000      260,086

7.00%, Due 10/01/13

     300,000      318,561

France Telecom SA Yankee Notes, 8.50%, Due 3/01/11

     350,000      418,030

General Electric Capital Corporation Notes:

             

2.75%, Due 9/25/06

     530,000      525,033

6.50%, Due 12/10/07 (g)

     250,000      269,572

General Motors Acceptance Corporation Notes, 6.875%, Due 9/15/11

     370,000      379,679

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Senior Notes, 5.15%, Due 1/15/14

     275,000      279,188

Goodrich Corporation Senior Notes, 7.625%, Due 12/15/12 (g)

     100,000      118,758

Harrah’s Operating, Inc. Guaranteed Senior Notes, 5.50%, Due 7/01/10

     220,000      227,996

Highwoods Realty LP Notes, 7.00%, Due 12/01/06

     400,000      418,824

Hutchison Whampoa International, Ltd.

             

Guaranteed Yankee Notes, 6.25%, Due 1/24/14 (d)

     200,000      211,058

JP Morgan Chase & Company Subordinated Notes:

             

5.125%, Due 9/15/14

     545,000      549,616

6.625%, Due 3/15/12

     300,000      336,282

KB Home Senior Notes, 5.75%, Due 2/01/14

     295,000      293,525

Kraft Foods, Inc. Notes, 5.25%, Due 10/01/13 (g)

     305,000      314,347

Kroger Company Notes, 6.75%, Due 4/15/12 (g)

     100,000      113,071

M&T Bank Corporation Floating Rate

             

Subordinated Notes, 3.85%, Due 4/01/13 (d)

     250,000      247,572

Merrill Lynch & Company, Inc.

             

Medium-Term Notes, Tranche #312, 4.00%, Due 11/15/07 (g)

     200,000      202,124

 

21


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

   December 31, 2004

 

STRONG BALANCED FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Morgan Stanley Notes, 5.80%, Due 4/01/07

   $ 500,000    $ 524,461

Motorola, Inc. Notes, 7.625%, Due 11/15/10 (g)

     150,000      174,204

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation Notes, 6.50%, Due 3/01/07

     300,000      318,519

Norfolk Southern Corporation Senior Notes, 6.00%, Due 4/30/08

     250,000      267,851

Normandy Finance, Ltd. Yankee Notes, 7.625%, Due 7/15/08 (d)

     200,000      222,830

PNC Funding Corporation Subordinated Notes, 6.125%, Due 2/15/09

     450,000      481,915

Pemex Project Funding Master Trust Notes, 7.375%, Due 12/15/14

     150,000      167,100

Plains All American Pipeline LP Senior Notes, 5.625%, Due 12/15/13

     150,000      154,561

Preferred Term Securities XV Variable Rate Yankee Notes, 4.0713%, Due 9/26/34 (d)

     265,000      265,000

Principal Life Global Funding I Medium-Term Notes, Tranche #23, 3.625%, Due 4/30/08 (d)

     250,000      249,112

Public Service Company of Colorado Corporate Notes, 7.875%, Due 10/01/12

     175,000      212,302

Republic of Italy Yankee Notes, 3.625%, Due 9/14/07

     300,000      300,630

SBC Communications, Inc. Notes, 5.10%, Due 9/15/14

     200,000      202,242

Safeway, Inc. Notes, 4.80%, Due 7/16/07

     200,000      204,858

Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc. Senior Notes, 5.875%, Due 3/15/06

     510,000      526,009

Shaw Communications, Inc. Senior Yankee Notes, 7.20%, Due 12/15/11

     195,000      216,206

Telus Corporation Yankee Notes, 7.50%, Due 6/01/07

     150,000      163,065

Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation Notes, 5.25%, Due 7/15/07

     200,000      206,984

Travelers Property and Casualty Corporation Senior Notes, 5.00%, Due 3/15/13 (g)

     150,000      146,863

Tyco International Group SA Guaranteed Yankee Notes, 6.00%, Due 11/15/13

     120,000      130,962

Union Pacific Corporation Notes, 5.75%, Due 10/15/07

     305,000      321,132

United Mexican States Yankee Notes, 7.50%, Due 1/14/12

     200,000      227,300

Verizon Global Funding Corporation Notes, 4.375%, Due 6/01/13 (g)

     300,000      292,835
           

Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $19,068,440)

            18,634,007
           

Non-Agency Mortgage & Asset-Backed Securities 5.5%

             

Asset Securitization Corporation Commercial Mortgage Pass-Thru Certificates, Series 1995-MD4, Class A-1, 7.10%, Due 8/13/29

     534,062      551,661

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc. Pass-Thru Certificates, Series 2004-T16, Class A5, 4.60%, Due 2/13/46

     875,000      866,250

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust Variable Rate Pass-Thru Certificates, Series 2004-HYB4,Class A-IA, 2.75%, Due 12/25/34

     615,000      615,000

Community Program Loan Trust Bonds, Series 1987, Class A-4, 4.50%, Due 10/01/18

   $ 967,746    $ 968,597

Countrywide Home Equity Loan Trust Variable Rate Asset-Backed Notes, Series 2004-I, Class A, 2.6925%, Due 2/15/34

     923,407      924,273

CWABS, Inc. Variable Rate Revolving Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Notes:

             

Series 2002-C, Class A, 2.6425%, Due 5/15/28

     319,034      319,410

Series 2004-Q, Class 2A, 2.5172%, Due 12/15/33

     520,000      520,548

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corporation Variable Rate Pass-Thru Certificates, Series 2004-C2, Class A2, 5.09%, Due 5/15/41

     475,000      491,953

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Pass-Thru Certificates, Series 2004-C7,Class A6, 4.786%, Due 10/15/29

     1,095,000      1,091,065

Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust Variable Rate Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-3, Class AF1, 2.6375%, Due 11/25/34

     645,534      645,534

Residential Asset Securities Corporation Variable Rate Home Equity Mortgage Asset-Backed Pass-Thru Certificates, Series 2004-KS1, Class AI1, 2.5675%, Due 9/25/20

     325,741      325,751

Terwin Mortgage Trust Variable Rate Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-21HE,Class 1-A1, 2.63%, Due 12/25/34

     435,000      435,272

USAA Auto Owner Trust Asset-Backed Notes, Series 2004-3, Class A-2, 2.79%, Due 6/15/07

     560,000      558,895

Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Thru Certificates, Series 2002-AR7, Class A-6, 5.53%, Due 7/25/32

     202,824      203,590
           

Total Non-Agency Mortgage & Asset-Backed Securities (Cost $8,498,097)

            8,517,799
           

United States Government & Agency Issues 14.8%

             

FHLMC Adjustable Rate Guaranteed Mortgage Participation Certificates, Series T-59, Class 2A1, 4.103%, Due 10/25/43

     499,350      509,646

FHLMC Adjustable Rate Guaranteed Mortgage Participation Certificates, 4.1189%, Due 7/25/43

     428,212      435,435

FHLMC Notes (c):

             

5.50%, Due 7/15/06

     150,000      155,285

5.75%, Due 3/15/09

     1,115,000      1,202,608

FHLMC Participation Certificates:

             

5.00%, Due 8/01/19

     860,254      874,312

8.00%, Due 3/01/16

     307,843      327,468

10.25%, Due 3/01/15

     18,656      20,527

10.50%, Due 1/01/16

     3,400      3,840

FNMA Guaranteed Mortgage Adjustable Rate Pass-Thru Certificates, 6.96%, Due 1/01/07

     2,038,909      2,137,093

FNMA Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Thru Certificates, 5.00%, Due 12/01/18

     459,737      467,679

FNMA Guaranteed Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit Pass-Thru Trust, 9.50%, Due 11/25/31

     588,430      650,950

 

22


STRONG BALANCED FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


 

FNMA Guaranteed Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit Trust Pass-Thru Certificates, 4.75%, Due 12/25/42

   $ 710,000    $ 711,985  

FNMA Guaranteed Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit Variable Rate Pass-Thru Certificates, Series G92-61,Class FJ, 3.06%, Due 10/25/22

     47,911      48,015  

FNMA Notes:

               

2.875%, Due 5/19/08

     575,000      561,937  

3.25%, Due 8/15/08

     925,000      913,579  

4.375%, Due 10/15/06 (c)

     200,000      204,083  

5.25%, Due 6/15/06

     1,500,000      1,544,777  

5.50%, Due 2/15/06

     1,360,000      1,396,660  

5.75%, Due 2/15/08

     1,000,000      1,065,952  

GNMA Guaranteed Pass-Thru Certificates, 7.50%, Due 12/15/07

     140,801      144,978  

United States Treasury Bonds, 7.25%, Due 5/15/16 (g)

     1,265,000      1,583,820  

United States Treasury Notes (g):

               

2.25%, Due 2/15/07

     250,000      245,840  

3.125%, Due 5/15/07

     495,000      494,903  

3.50%, Due 11/15/09

     3,545,000      3,529,494  

4.25%, Due 11/15/14

     1,325,000      1,328,882  

10.375%, Due 11/15/12

     1,985,000      2,367,269  
           


Total United States Government & Agency Issues (Cost $22,889,984)

            22,927,017  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 12.5%                

Collateral Received for Securities Lending 9.3%

               

Navigator Prime Portfolio

     14,451,839      14,451,839  

Corporate Bonds 1.2%

               

AOL Time Warner, Inc. Notes, 5.625%, Due 5/01/05

   $ 300,000      302,787  

Florida Power & Light Company First Mortgage Notes, 6.875%, Due 12/01/05

     110,000      113,739  

Ford Motor Credit Company Notes, 7.60%, Due 8/01/05

     160,000      163,757  

KN Energy, Inc. Senior Notes, 6.65%, Due 3/01/05

     250,000      251,597  

MetLife, Inc. Debentures, 3.911%, Due 5/15/05

     205,000      205,933  

MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company Senior Notes, 7.23%, Due 9/15/05

     345,000      354,866  

NiSource Finance Corporation Notes, 7.625%, Due 11/15/05

     305,000      316,176  

Pioneer National Resources Company Senior Notes, 8.875%, Due 4/15/05

     200,000      203,089  
           


              1,911,944  

Repurchase Agreements (e) 2.0%

               

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $2,100,376); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     2,100,000      2,100,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $1,019,072); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     1,019,000      1,019,000  
           


              3,119,000  

United States Government & Agency Issues 0.0%

               

United States Treasury Bills, Due 2/24/05 (c)

   $ 50,000    $ 49,858  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $19,511,100)

            19,532,641  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $153,403,466) 109.3%

            169,440,685  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (9.3%)

            (14,466,679 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 154,974,006  
           


 

FUTURES

 

     Expiration
Date


   Underlying
Face Amount
at Value


   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)


Purchased:

                  

5 Ten-Year U.S. Treasury Notes

   3/05    $ 559,688    $ 5,213

 

STRONG LARGE CAP CORE FUND

 

    

Shares or
Principal

Amount


   Value
(Note 2)


Common Stocks 91.4%

           

Apparel - Shoes & Related Manufacturing 3.3%

           

NIKE, Inc. Class B

   1,600    $ 145,104

Banks - Money Center 6.4%

           

Bank of America Corporation

   2,800      131,572

Citigroup, Inc.

   3,200      154,176
         

            285,748

Banks - Super Regional 2.8%

           

U.S. Bancorp

   4,000      125,280

Building - Construction Products/ Miscellaneous 2.0%

           

Masco Corporation

   2,400      87,672

Building - Resident/Commercial 4.9%

           

D.R. Horton, Inc.

   2,850      114,884

Standard Pacific Corporation

   1,600      102,624
         

            217,508

Computer Software - Desktop 2.5%

           

Microsoft Corporation

   4,100      109,511

Cosmetics - Personal Care 2.1%

           

The Procter & Gamble Company

   1,700      93,636

Diversified Operations 10.3%

           

Emerson Electric Company

   1,500      105,150

General Electric Company

   3,200      116,800

Tyco International, Ltd.

   4,200      150,108

United Technologies Corporation

   800      82,680
         

            454,738

Finance - Investment Brokers 5.1%

           

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

   1,100      114,444

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.

   1,300      113,724
         

            228,168

Insurance - Diversified 3.3%

           

American International Group, Inc.

   2,200      144,474

Internet - Content 3.6%

           

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

   4,200      158,256

 

 

23


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)

   December 31, 2004

 

STRONG LARGE CAP CORE FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Internet - E*Commerce 3.4%

             

eBay, Inc. (b)

     1,300    $ 151,164

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 3.4%

             

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

     2,600      151,840

Metal Ores - Miscellaneous 2.2%

             

Phelps Dodge Corporation

     1,000      98,920

Oil & Gas - Drilling 2.6%

             

Transocean, Inc. (b)

     2,700      114,453

Oil & Gas - International Integrated 8.7%

             

ChevronTexaco Corporation

     1,500      78,765

ConocoPhillips

     2,000      173,660

Exxon Mobil Corporation

     2,600      133,276
           

              385,701

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 4.4%

             

Devon Energy Corporation

     2,800      108,976

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

     1,500      87,540
           

              196,516

Retail - Drug Stores 2.0%

             

Walgreen Company

     2,300      88,251

Retail - Major Discount Chains 2.0%

             

Target Corporation

     1,700      88,281

Retail - Restaurants 2.5%

             

McDonald’s Corporation

     3,500      112,210

Steel - Producers 2.4%

             

Nucor Corporation

     2,000      104,680

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 2.3%

             

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     2,400      101,760

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 4.7%

             

America Movil ADR Series L

     2,100      109,935

Mobile Telesystems Sponsored ADR

     700      96,957
           

              206,892

Tobacco 2.1%

             

Altria Group, Inc.

     1,500      91,650

Transportation - Air Freight 2.4%

             

FedEx Corporation

     1,100      108,339
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $3,382,348)

            4,050,752
           

Short-Term Investments (a) 8.4%

             

Repurchase Agreements (e)

             

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $370,926); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 370,900      370,900
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $370,900)

            370,900
           

Total Investments in Securities (Cost $3,753,248) 99.8%

            4,421,652

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net 0.2%

            8,316
           

Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 4,429,968
           

 

STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 99.9%

           

Aerospace - Defense 2.1%

           

General Dynamics Corporation

   56,100    $ 5,868,060

Northrop Grumman Corporation

   100,300      5,452,308
         

            11,320,368

Aerospace - Defense Equipment 0.6%

           

Goodrich Corporation

   93,100      3,038,784

Banks - Money Center 4.0%

           

Bank of America Corporation

   387,000      18,185,130

J.P. Morgan Chase & Company

   71,424      2,786,250
         

            20,971,380

Banks - Super Regional 1.6%

           

U.S. Bancorp

   272,800      8,544,096

Building - Resident/Commercial 1.3%

           

Toll Brothers, Inc. (b)

   101,800      6,984,498

Chemicals - Basic 1.8%

           

The Dow Chemical Company

   190,500      9,431,655

Commercial Services - Miscellaneous 3.0%

           

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

   170,500      7,561,675

Paychex, Inc.

   240,300      8,189,424
         

            15,751,099

Computer - Data Storage 1.5%

           

EMC Corporation (b)

   541,400      8,050,618

Computer - IT Services 2.0%

           

International Business Machines Corporation

   108,700      10,715,646

Computer - Manufacturers 3.8%

           

Apple Computer, Inc. (b)

   186,600      12,017,040

Dell, Inc. (b)

   195,800      8,251,012
         

            20,268,052

Computer Software - Desktop 2.9%

           

Microsoft Corporation

   564,500      15,077,795

Computer Software - Enterprise 1.6%

           

Mercury Interactive Corporation (b)

   182,900      8,331,095

Cosmetics - Personal Care 2.9%

           

The Procter & Gamble Company

   276,600      15,235,128

Diversified Operations 9.0%

           

General Electric Company

   726,600      26,520,900

Tyco International, Ltd.

   418,800      14,967,912

United Technologies Corporation

   56,200      5,808,270
         

            47,297,082

Electronics - Scientific Measuring 1.1%

           

Danaher Corporation

   102,400      5,878,784

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 2.1%

           

Intel Corporation

   238,300      5,573,837

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

   126,000      5,341,140
         

            10,914,977

Finance - Equity REIT 0.6%

           

Vornado Realty Trust

   43,900      3,342,107

 

24


STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


   Value
(Note 2)


 

Finance - Investment Brokers 3.4%

               

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

     116,167    $ 12,086,015  

Morgan Stanley

     101,400      5,629,728  
           


              17,715,743  

Finance - Investment Management 1.1%

               

Franklin Resources, Inc.

     84,900      5,913,285  

Finance - Savings & Loan 0.6%

               

Golden West Financial Corporation

     55,800      3,427,236  

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 1.2%

               

American Express Company

     111,000      6,257,070  

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 1.4%

               

The Allstate Corporation

     141,600      7,323,552  

Internet - Internet Content 3.6%

               

Google, Inc. Class A (b)

     36,000      6,951,600  

Yahoo! Inc. (b)

     323,300      12,181,944  
           


              19,133,544  

Internet - E*Commerce 2.3%

               

eBay, Inc. (b)

     103,700      12,058,236  

Leisure - Hotels & Motels 3.0%

               

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

     121,100      7,626,878  

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

     137,100      8,006,640  
           


              15,633,518  

Machinery - General Industrial 1.7%

               

Ingersoll-Rand Company Class A

     109,000      8,752,700  

Media - Books 0.9%

               

McGraw-Hill, Inc.

     53,900      4,934,006  

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 2.9%

               

Amgen, Inc. (b)

     132,400      8,493,460  

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b)

     191,200      6,690,088  
           


              15,183,548  

Medical - Drug/Diversified 2.1%

               

Johnson & Johnson

     171,500      10,876,530  

Medical - Ethical Drugs 1.2%

               

Schering-Plough Corporation

     309,900      6,470,712  

Medical - Health Maintenance Organizations 2.6%

               

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     156,500      13,776,695  

Medical - Products 2.2%

               

St. Jude Medical, Inc. (b)

     140,800      5,903,744  

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (b)

     71,000      5,688,520  
           


              11,592,264  

Medical/Dental - Services 1.0%

               

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

     58,000      5,541,900  

Oil & Gas - Field Services 2.1%

               

Halliburton Company

     277,700      10,896,948  

Oil & Gas - International Integrated 7.0%

               

ChevronTexaco Corporation

     164,000      8,611,640  

ConocoPhillips

     75,300      6,538,299  

Exxon Mobil Corporation

     429,900      22,036,674  
           


              37,186,613  

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 1.0%

               

Baker Hughes, Inc.

     130,000    $ 5,547,100  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 0.7%

               

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

     58,600      3,797,866  

Retail - Major Discount Chains 3.5%

               

Target Corporation

     160,600      8,339,958  

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

     188,400      9,951,288  
           


              18,291,246  

Retail/Wholesale - Building Products 2.0%

               

The Home Depot, Inc.

     242,900      10,381,546  

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 0.6%

               

Staples, Inc.

     89,100      3,003,561  

Telecommunications - Equipment 2.1%

               

Lucent Technologies, Inc. (b)

     2,914,800      10,959,648  

Telecommunications - Wireless Equipment 3.6%

               

Nokia Corporation Sponsored ADR

     645,600      10,116,552  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     216,340      9,172,816  
           


              19,289,368  

Transportation - Air Freight 1.3%

               

FedEx Corporation

     72,600      7,150,374  

Utility - Electric Power 2.9%

               

Entergy Corporation

     129,100      8,725,869  

Exelon Corporation

     147,800      6,513,546  
           


              15,239,415  
           


Total Common Stocks (Cost $415,545,707)

            527,487,388  
           


Warrants 0.0%

               

Telecommunications - Equipment

               

Lucent Technologies, Expire 12/10/07 (b)

     7,551      11,931  
           


Total Warrants (Cost $0)

            11,931  
           


Short-Term Investments (a) 2.2%

               

Repurchase Agreements (e)

               

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $10,201,828); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 10,200,000      10,200,000  

State Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $1,203,485); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     1,203,400      1,203,400  
           


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $11,403,400)

            11,403,400  
           


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $426,949,107) 102.1%

            538,902,719  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (2.1%)

            (10,891,908 )
           


Net Assets 100.0%

          $ 528,010,811  
           


 

25


SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (continued)    December 31, 2004

 

STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


  

Value

(Note 2)


Common Stocks 87.3%

           

Auto/Truck - Original Equipment 2.7%

           

Eaton Corporation (g)

   520,000    $ 37,627,200

Magna International, Inc. Class A

   360,000      29,718,000
         

            67,345,200

Building - Air Conditioning & Heating Products 1.5%

           

American Standard Companies, Inc. (b) (g)

   920,000      38,014,400

Building - Construction Products/ Miscellaneous 1.3%

           

Mohawk Industries, Inc. (b) (g)

   375,000      34,218,750

Building Products - Wood 1.2%

           

Weyerhaeuser Company (g)

   445,000      29,912,900

Chemicals - Specialty 1.8%

           

Praxair, Inc. (h)

   1,060,000      46,799,000

Commercial Services – Advertising 1.4%

           

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (b) (g)

   2,730,000      36,582,000

Computer - IT Services 3.6%

           

Accenture, Ltd. Class A (b)

   1,090,000      29,430,000

Computer Sciences Corporation (b) (g)

   570,000      32,130,900

Unisys Corporation (b) (g)

   2,940,000      29,929,200
         

            91,490,100

Computer - Manufacturers 1.2%

           

Sun Microsystems, Inc. (b) (g)

   5,730,000      30,827,400

Computer - Software Design 1.3%

           

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (b) (g)

   2,425,000      33,489,250

Computer Software - Desktop 0.7%

           

Red Hat, Inc. (b)

   1,315,000      17,555,250

Computer Software - Enterprise 0.7%

           

Novell, Inc. (b) (g)

   2,695,000      18,191,250

Computer Software - Financial 1.3%

           

DST Systems, Inc. (b) (g)

   625,000      32,575,000

Computer Software - Security 1.3%

           

VeriSign, Inc. (b) (g)

   985,000      33,017,200

Electronics - Contract Manufacturing 1.7%

           

Flextronics International, Ltd. (b) (g)

   920,000      12,714,400

Sanmina-SCI Corporation (b) (g)

   3,610,000      30,576,700
         

            43,291,100

Electronics - Miscellaneous Components 3.0%

           

Molex, Inc. Class A

   1,600,000      42,640,000

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (b)

   2,160,000      32,443,200
         

            75,083,200

Electronics - Parts Distributors 1.5%

           

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

   560,000      37,307,200

Electronics - Scientific Measuring 1.7%

           

Waters Corporation (b)

   905,000      42,344,950

Electronics - Semiconductor Manufacturing 1.2%

           

SanDisk Corporation (b) (g)

   1,270,000      31,711,900

Finance - Index Tracking Funds 2.8%

           

iShares Trust S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund

   220,000    $ 35,778,600

Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Depository Receipts

   280,000      33,916,400
         

            69,695,000

Finance - Investment Brokers 0.6%

           

Legg Mason, Inc. (g)

   225,000      16,483,500

Finance - Investment Management 1.4%

           

Mellon Financial Corporation

   1,120,000      34,843,200

Finance - Publicly Traded Investment Funds-Equity (Non 40 Act) 0.7%

           

Biotech HOLDRs Trust (g)

   115,000      17,585,800

Financial Services - Miscellaneous 1.3%

           

Equifax, Inc.

   120,000      3,372,000

Fiserv, Inc. (b) (g)

   730,000      29,338,700
         

            32,710,700

Food - Dairy Products 1.4%

           

Dean Foods Company (b)

   1,045,000      34,432,750

Insurance - Property/Casualty/Title 3.6%

           

ACE, Ltd.(g)

   835,000      35,696,250

MGIC Investment Corporation (g)

   240,000      16,538,400

XL Capital, Ltd. Class A

   500,000      38,825,000
         

            91,059,650

Internet - Content 1.1%

           

CNET Networks, Inc. (b) (g)

   2,560,000      28,748,800

Internet - E*Commerce 2.0%

           

Ameritrade Holding Corporation (b) (g)

   2,495,000      35,478,900

IAC/InterActiveCorp (b) (g)

   565,000      15,605,300
         

            51,084,200

Media - Cable TV 4.2%

           

Cablevision Systems New York Group Class A (b) (g)

   1,395,000      34,735,500

Comcast Corporation Class A (Non-Voting) (b)

   1,220,000      40,064,800

The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (b)

   1,910,000      31,973,400
         

            106,773,700

Media - Newspapers 1.2%

           

Tribune Company (g)

   735,000      30,972,900

Media - Radio/TV 2.5%

           

Liberty Media Corporation Class A (b)

   3,025,000      33,214,500

The E.W. Scripps Company Class A (g)

   625,000      30,175,000
         

            63,389,500

Medical - Biomedical/Biotechnology 2.6%

           

Genzyme Corporation (b) (g)

   615,000      35,713,050

Protein Design Labs, Inc. (b) (g)

   1,450,000      29,957,000
         

            65,670,050

Medical - Systems/Equipment 1.2%

           

Fisher Scientific International, Inc. (b) (g)

   495,000      30,878,100

Medical/Dental - Supplies 0.7%

           

Bausch & Lomb, Inc. (g)

   255,000      16,437,300

Metal Ores - Gold/Silver 1.6%

           

Barrick Gold Corporation

   1,628,000      39,430,160

Metal Products - Fasteners 1.2%

           

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

   315,000      29,194,200

 

26


STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND (continued)

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount


   

Value

(Note 2)


 

Oil & Gas - Drilling 3.5%

                

ENSCO International, Inc. (g)

     1,130,000     $ 35,866,200  

GlobalSantaFe Corporation

     1,580,000       52,313,800  
            


               88,180,000  

Oil & Gas - International Integrated 1.4%

                

ConocoPhillips

     405,000       35,166,150  

Oil & Gas - Machinery/Equipment 2.5%

                

Weatherford International, Ltd. (b) (g)

     1,215,000       62,329,500  

Oil & Gas - United States Exploration & Production 3.3%

                

Apache Corporation

     905,000       45,765,850  

Devon Energy Corporation

     950,000       36,974,000  
            


               82,739,850  

Pollution Control - Services 1.4%

                

Waste Management, Inc.

     1,140,000       34,131,600  

Retail - Clothing/Shoes 3.0%

                

Nordstrom, Inc. (g)

     860,000       40,187,800  

The TJX Companies, Inc.

     1,430,000       35,935,900  
            


               76,123,700  

Retail - Discount & Variety 1.3%

                

Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. (b) (g)

     1,160,000       33,268,800  

Retail - Major Discount Chains 1.3%

                

Target Corporation

     625,000       32,456,250  

Retail - Restaurants 1.3%

                

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (g)

     1,145,000       31,762,300  

Retail - Super/Mini Markets 1.2%

                

Safeway, Inc. (b)

     1,565,000       30,893,100  

Retail/Wholesale - Auto Parts 1.4%

                

AutoNation, Inc. (b) (g)

     1,905,000       36,595,050  

Retail/Wholesale - Office Supplies 1.3%

                

Staples, Inc. (g)

     1,000,000       33,710,000  

Telecommunications - Services 1.4%

                

Sprint Corporation

     1,435,000       35,659,750  

Telecommunications - Wireless Services 1.3%

                

United States Cellular Corporation (b)

     740,000       33,122,400  

Transportation - Airline 1.1%

                

Northwest Airlines Corporation Class A (b) (g)

     2,585,000       28,254,050  

Utility - Gas Distribution 1.4%

                

NiSource, Inc. (g)

     1,525,000       34,739,500  
            


Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,557,037,060)

             2,208,277,560  
            


Call Options Purchased 0.0%

                

Chemicals - Specialty

                

Pharmaceutical Index

     48,000       835,200  
            


Total Call Options Purchased (Cost $553,440)

             835,200  
            


Short-Term Investments (a) 16.9%

                

Collateral Received for Securities Lending 3.4%

                

Navigator Prime Portfolio

     86,476,263     $ 86,476,263  

Repurchase Agreements (e) 12.9%

                

ABN AMRO Inc. (Dated 12/31/04), 2.15%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $320,157,351); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

   $ 320,100,000       320,100,000  

States Street Bank (Dated 12/31/04), 0.85%, Due 1/03/05 (Repurchase proceeds $4,986,253); Collateralized by: United States Government & Agency Issues

     4,985,900       4,985,900  
            


               325,085,900  

United States Government & Agency Issues 0.6%

                

United States Treasury Bills, Due 1/13/05 (i)

     14,400,000       14,392,987  
            


Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $425,954,027)

             425,955,150  
            


Total Investments in Securities (Cost $1,983,544,527) 104.2%

             2,635,067,910  

Other Assets and Liabilities, Net (4.2%)

             (106,795,997 )
            


Net Assets 100.0%

           $ 2,528,271,913  
            


WRITTEN OPTIONS ACTIVITY

                
     Contracts

    Premiums

 

Options outstanding at beginning of year

     —       $ —    

Options written during the year

     1,980       1,139,544  

Options closed

     (1,000 )     (284,493 )

Options expired

     —         —    

Options exercised

     (427 )     (321,523 )
    


 


Options outstanding at end of year

     553     $ 533,528  
    


 


WRITTEN OPTIONS DETAIL

                
    

Contracts

(100 shares

per contract)


   

Value

(Note 2)


 

Call:

                

Praxair, Inc. (Strike Price is $35.00. Expiration date is 1/22/05. Premium received is $54,968.)

     73     $ (67,890 )

Put:

                

Pharmaceutical Index (Strike Price is $300.00. Expiration date is 1/22/05. Premium received is $478,560.)

     480       (28,800 )
    


 


       553     $ (96,690 )
    


 


 

LEGEND

 

(a) Short-term investments include any security which has a remaining maturity of less than one year and investments in money market funds.
(b) Non-income producing security. In case of debt security, generally denotes that the issuer has defaulted on the payment of principal or interest, the issuer has filed for bankruptcy, or the Fund has halted accruing income.
(c) All or a portion of security is pledged to cover margin requirements on open futures contracts.
(d) Restricted security.
(e) See Note 2(J) of Notes to Financial Statements.
(f) Illiquid security.
(g) All or a portion of security is on loan. See Note 2(K) of Notes to Financial Statements.
(h) All or a portion of these securities are held in conjunction with open written option contracts.
(i) All or a portion of security is pledged as collateral to cover open written option contracts.

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

27


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 
    

Strong

Balanced

Fund


    Strong Large Cap
Core Fund


 

Assets:

                

Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost of $153,403, and $3,753, respectively)

   $ 169,441     $ 4,422  

Receivable for Securities Sold

     3       —    

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     16       4  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     633       7  

Variation Margin Receivable

     1       —    

Other Assets

     16       4  
    


 


Total Assets

     170,110       4,437  

Liabilities:

                

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     612       —    

Payable Upon Return of Securities on Loan

     14,452       —    

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     72       7  
    


 


Total Liabilities

     15,136       7  
    


 


Net Assets

   $ 154,974     $ 4,430  
    


 


Net Assets Consist of:

                

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 157,687     $ 4,606  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —         —    

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (18,755 )     (844 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     16,042       668  
    


 


Net Assets

   $ 154,974     $ 4,430  
    


 


Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     7,896       407  

Net Asset Value Per Share – Investor Class

   $ 19.63     $ 10.88  
    


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

28


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

(In Thousands,

Except As Noted)

 

 
    

Strong Growth

and Income

Fund


 

Assets:

        

Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost of $426,949)

   $ 538,903  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     477  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     613  

Other Assets

     52  
    


Total Assets

     540,045  

Liabilities:

        

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     11,785  

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     249  
    


Total Liabilities

     12,034  
    


Net Assets

   $ 528,011  
    


Net Assets Consist of:

        

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 562,753  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     257  

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (146,953 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     111,954  
    


Net Assets

   $ 528,011  
    


Investor Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 465,228,210  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     21,805,829  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 21.33  
    


Institutional Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 36,878,776  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     1,722,315  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 21.41  
    


Advisor Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 6,068,028  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     286,029  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 21.21  
    


Class K ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 19,835,797  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     936,752  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 21.17  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

29


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

    

(In Thousands,

Except As Noted)

 

 
    

Strong

Opportunity

Fund


 

Assets:

        

Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost of $1,983,545) (Including Repurchase Agreements of $325,086)

   $ 2,635,068  

Receivable for Securities Sold

     42,800  

Receivable for Fund Shares Sold

     1,978  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     576  

Other Assets

     262  
    


Total Assets

     2,680,684  

Liabilities:

        

Payable for Securities Purchased

     43,877  

Written Options, at Value (Premiums Received of $534)

     97  

Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed

     21,207  

Payable Upon Return of Securities on Loan

     86,476  

Accrued Operating Expenses and Other Liabilities

     755  
    


Total Liabilities

     152,412  
    


Net Assets

   $ 2,528,272  
    


Net Assets Consist of:

        

Capital Stock (Par Value and Paid-in Capital)

   $ 1,903,324  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     —    

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (27,014 )

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     651,962  
    


Net Assets

   $ 2,528,272  
    


Investor Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 2,389,496,092  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     51,492,202  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 46.40  
    


Advisor Class ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 137,438,892  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     3,006,858  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 45.71  
    


Class K ($ and shares in full)

        

Net Assets

   $ 1,336,929  

Capital Shares Outstanding (Unlimited Number Authorized)

     28,659  

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 46.65  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

30


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

 

    

(In Thousands)

 

 
     Strong
Balanced
Fund


    Strong
Large Cap
Core Fund


 

Income:

                

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $4 and $0)

   $ 1,880     $ 67  

Interest

     2,318       2  
    


 


Total Income

     4,198       69  

Expenses:

                

Investment Advisory Fees

     929       29  

Administrative Fees

     500       12  

Custodian Fees

     32       2  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     522       26  

Reports to Shareholders

     94       10  

Professional Fees

     44       12  

Federal and State Registration Fees

     27       17  

Other

     40       3  
    


 


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2,188       111  

Expense Waivers and Offsets (Note 4)

     (76 )     (39 )
    


 


Expenses, Net

     2,112       72  
    


 


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     2,086       (3 )

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

                

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

                

Investments

     13,196       520  

Futures Contracts

     (25 )     —    
    


 


Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     13,171       520  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on:

                

Investments

     (4,485 )     (157 )

Futures Contracts

     2       —    
    


 


Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (4,483 )     (157 )
    


 


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     8,688       363  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 10,774     $ 360  
    


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

31


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

    

(In Thousands)

 

 
     Strong Growth
and Income
Fund


 

Income:

        

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $11)

   $ 10,636  

Interest

     52  
    


Total Income

     10,688  

Expenses (Note 4):

        

Investment Advisory Fees

     3,391  

Administrative Fees

     1,663  

Custodian Fees

     39  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     2,304  

12b-1 Fees

     17  

Reports to Shareholders

     431  

Other

     302  
    


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     8,147  

Expense Waivers and Offsets

     (309 )
    


Expenses, Net

     7,838  
    


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     2,850  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

        

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     109,887  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (67,388 )
    


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     42,499  
    


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 45,349  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

32


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

    

(In Thousands)

 

 
     Strong
Opportunity
Fund


 

Income:

        

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $ 131)

   $ 18,379  

Interest

     2,251  
    


Total Income

     20,630  

Expenses (Note 4):

        

Investment Advisory Fees

     19,392  

Administrative Fees

     7,756  

Custodian Fees

     150  

Shareholder Servicing Costs

     6,713  

12b-1 Fees

     337  

Reports to Shareholders

     1,107  

Other

     846  
    


Total Expenses before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     36,301  

Expense Waivers and Offsets

     (1,088 )
    


Expenses, Net

     35,213  
    


Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (14,583 )

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

        

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

        

Investments

     428,692  

Written Options

     121  

Foreign Currencies

     (4 )
    


Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     428,809  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on:

        

Investments

     2,439  

Written Options

     437  

Foreign Currencies

     1  
    


Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     2,877  
    


Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     431,686  
    


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 417,103  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

33


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

    

(In Thousands)

 

 
     Strong Balanced Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 2,086     $ 2,364  

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     13,171       17,341  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (4,483 )     15,228  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     10,774       34,933  

Distributions from Net Investment Income

     (2,151 )     (2,605 )

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (62,604 )     (41,388 )
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (53,981 )     (9,060 )

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     208,955       218,015  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 154,974     $ 208,955  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    
    

Strong Large Cap

Core Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (3 )   $ —    

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     520       (336 )

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (157 )     1,205  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     360       869  

Distributions From Net Investment Income

     —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     16       (1,086 )
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     376       (217 )

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     4,054       4,271  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 4,430     $ 4,054  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

34


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

    

(In Thousands)

 

 
     Strong Growth and Income Fund

 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 2,850     $ 2,534  

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     109,887       18,558  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     (67,388 )     142,318  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     45,349       163,410  

Distributions:

                

From Net Investment Income:

                

Investor Class

     (2,205 )     (1,427 )

Institutional Class

     (468 )     (858 )

Advisor Class

     (27 )     (23 )

Class K

     (189 )     (214 )
    


 


Total Distributions

     (2,889 )     (2,522 )

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (269,437 )     (84,622 )
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (226,977 )     76,266  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     754,988       678,722  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 528,011     $ 754,988  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 257     $ 279  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

35


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

    

(In Thousands)

 

 
     Strong Opportunity Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Operations:

                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (14,583 )   $ (12,170 )

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     428,809       (1,598 )

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

     2,877       908,575  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     417,103       894,807  

Distributions From Net Investment Income

     —         —    

Capital Share Transactions (Note 8):

                

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (738,928 )     (656,258 )
    


 


Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     (321,825 )     238,549  

Net Assets:

                

Beginning of Year

     2,850,097       2,611,548  
    


 


End of Year

   $ 2,528,272     $ 2,850,097  
    


 


Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ —       $ —    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

36


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

STRONG BALANCED FUND

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


    Oct. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 18.62     $ 16.06     $ 18.84     $ 21.83     $ 24.77     $ 24.92  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.25       0.19       0.40       0.58       0.12       0.82  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.02       2.58       (2.77 )     (2.99 )     (1.53 )     0.61  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.27       2.77       (2.37 )     (2.41 )     (1.41 )     1.43  

Less Distributions:

                                                

From Net Investment Income

     (0.26 )     (0.21 )     (0.41 )     (0.58 )     (0.20 )     (0.83 )

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (1.33 )     (0.75 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.26 )     (0.21 )     (0.41 )     (0.58 )     (1.53 )     (1.58 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 19.63     $ 18.62     $ 16.06     $ 18.84     $ 21.83     $ 24.77  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                                

Total Return(c)

     +6.86 %     +17.36 %     –12.65 %     –11.03 %     –5.60 %     +5.66 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 155     $ 209     $ 218     $ 300     $ 347     $ 372  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.3 %     1.3 %     1.3 %     1.2 %     1.1 %*     1.1 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.3 %     1.3 %     1.3 %     1.2 %     1.1 %*     1.1 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     1.3 %     1.1 %     2.3 %     2.9 %     3.3 %*     3.2 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     147.5 %     204.7 %     225.5 %     234.1 %     45.1 %     150.9 %

 

STRONG LARGE CAP CORE FUND

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.01     $ 8.05     $ 11.01     $ 12.40     $ 13.85  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.01 )     —         (0.08 )     (0.10 )     (0.09 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     0.88       1.96       (2.88 )     (1.29 )     (1.19 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     0.87       1.96       (2.96 )     (1.39 )     (1.28 )

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (0.17 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         —         (0.17 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 10.88     $ 10.01     $ 8.05     $ 11.01     $ 12.40  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(c)

     +8.69 %     +24.35 %     –26.88 %     –11.21 %     –9.19 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 4     $ 4     $ 4     $ 6     $ 6  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     2.8 %     3.0 %     2.5 %     2.7 %     2.0 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.8 %     1.7 %     1.8 %     2.0 %     2.0 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.1 )%     (0.0 )(d)%     (0.9 )%     (1.1 )%     (0.8 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     185.7 %     105.5 %     269.3 %     196.4 %     154.9 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) In 2000, the Fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December.
(c) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(d) Amount calculated is less than 0.05%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

37


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND — INVESTOR CLASS

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


    Oct. 31,
2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 19.68     $ 15.85     $ 20.28     $ 25.37     $ 28.34     $ 25.26  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.09       0.04 (c)     0.02       (0.02 )     (0.00 )(d)     (0.09 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.66       3.83       (4.45 )     (5.07 )     (2.65 )     3.19  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.75       3.87       (4.43 )     (5.09 )     (2.65 )     3.10  

Less Distributions:

                                                

From Net Investment Income

     (0.10 )     (0.04 )     (0.00 )(d)     —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (0.32 )     (0.02 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.10 )     (0.04 )     (0.00 )(d)     —         (0.32 )     (0.02 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 21.33     $ 19.68     $ 15.85     $ 20.28     $ 25.37     $ 28.34  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                                

Total Return(e)

     +8.88 %     +24.44 %     –21.83 %     –20.06 %     –9.33 %     +12.29 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 465     $ 633     $ 582     $ 886     $ 1,109     $ 1,228  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.1 %*     1.1 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.1 %*     1.1 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     0.4 %     0.2 %     0.1 %     (0.1 )%     (0.0 )*(d)%     (0.4 )%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     135.5 %     199.4 %     187.8 %     171.9 %     23.3 %     122.0 %
STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND — INSTITUTIONAL CLASS  
     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000(b)


    Oct. 31,
2000 (g)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 19.72     $ 15.92     $ 20.49     $ 25.46     $ 28.41     $ 29.15  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.26       0.16 (c)     0.15       0.08       (0.00 )(d)     0.01  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.62       3.83       (4.49 )     (5.05 )     (2.63 )     (0.75 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.88       3.99       (4.34 )     (4.97 )     (2.63 )     (0.74 )

Less Distributions:

                                                

From Net Investment Income

     (0.19 )     (0.19 )     (0.23 )     —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (0.32 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.19 )     (0.19 )     (0.23 )     —         (0.32 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 21.41     $ 19.72     $ 15.92     $ 20.49     $ 25.46     $ 28.41  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                                

Total Return(e)

     +9.59 %     +25.26 %     –21.22 %     –19.52 %     –9.24 %     –2.54 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 37     $ 84     $ 67     $ 47     $ 31     $ 1  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     0.8 %     0.7 %     0.7 %     0.6 %     0.6 %*     0.6 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     0.7 %     0.7 %     0.7 %     0.6 %     0.6 %*     0.6 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     0.9 %     0.9 %     0.9 %     0.6 %     0.1 %*     0.1 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     135.5 %     199.4 %     187.8 %     171.9 %     23.3 %     122.0 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) In 2000, the Fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Amount calculated is less than $0.005 or 0.05%.
(e) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(f) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(g) For the period from February 29, 2000 (commencement of class) to October 31, 2000.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

38


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND — ADVISOR CLASS

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


   

Dec. 31,

2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


    Dec. 31,
2000 (b)


    Oct. 31,
2000 (c)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                                

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 19.57     $ 15.77     $ 20.20     $ 25.32     $ 28.29     $ 29.15  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                                

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.08       0.05 (d)     0.04       (0.04 )     (0.00 )(f)     (0.05 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.65       3.80       (4.41 )     (5.08 )     (2.65 )     (0.81 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.73       3.85       (4.37 )     (5.12 )     (2.65 )     (0.86 )

Less Distributions:

                                                

From Net Investment Income

     (0.09 )     (0.05 )     (0.06 )     —         —         —    

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         —         (0.32 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.09 )     (0.05 )     (0.06 )     —         (0.32 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 21.21     $ 19.57     $ 15.77     $ 20.20     $ 25.32     $ 28.29  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                                

Total Return(e)

     +8.85 %     +24.42 %     –21.67 %     –20.22 %     –9.35 %     –2.95 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 6     $ 9     $ 10     $ 14     $ 5     $ 0 (g)

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.5 %     1.3 %*     1.3 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.3 %     1.5 %     1.3 %*     1.3 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     0.4 %     0.3 %     0.2 %     (0.3 )%     (0.2 )*%     (0.7 )*%

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     135.5 %     199.4 %     187.8 %     171.9 %     23.3 %     122.0 %

 

STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND — CLASS K

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


   

Dec. 31,

2003


   

Dec. 31,

2002


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 19.52     $ 15.75     $ 20.28  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     0.19       0.11 (d)     0.11  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     1.63       3.79       (4.46 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     1.82       3.90       (4.35 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     (0.17 )     (0.13 )     (0.18 )
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     (0.17 )     (0.13 )     (0.18 )
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 21.17     $ 19.52     $ 15.75  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(e)

     +9.35 %     +24.90 %     –21.47 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 20     $ 30     $ 19  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.1 %     1.1 %     1.1 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     0.9 %     1.0 %     1.0 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     0.8 %     0.6 %     0.7 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate(h)

     135.5 %     199.4 %     187.8 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) In 2000, the Fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December.
(c) For the period from February 29, 2000 (commencement of class) to October 31, 2000.
(d) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(e) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(f) Amount calculated is less than $0.005.
(g) Amount is less than $500,000.
(h) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

39


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND — INVESTOR CLASS

 

     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


   

Dec. 31,

2000


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 39.45     $ 28.70     $ 39.29     $ 42.35     $ 44.69  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.26 )     (0.14 )(b)     (0.08 )     0.07       0.17  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     7.21       10.89       (10.51 )     (2.11 )     3.30  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     6.95       10.75       (10.59 )     (2.04 )     3.47  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         (0.07 )     (0.17 )

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.95 )     (5.64 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (1.02 )     (5.81 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 46.40     $ 39.45     $ 28.70     $ 39.29     $ 42.35  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(c)

     +17.62 %     +37.46 %     –26.95 %     –4.80 %     +8.57 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 2,389     $ 2,709     $ 2,507     $ 3,664     $ 3,337  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.2 %

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.2 %

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.6 )%     (0.4 )%     (0.2 )%     0.2 %     0.5 %

Portfolio Turnover Rate(d)

     41.7 %     60.2 %     70.9 %     87.8 %     86.5 %
STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND — ADVISOR CLASS                                         
     Year Ended

 
     Dec. 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


    Dec. 31,
2002


    Dec. 31,
2001


   

Dec. 31,

2000(e)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 38.94     $ 28.37     $ 38.92     $ 42.10     $ 43.16  

Income From Investment Operations:

                                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.34 )     (0.19 )(b)     (0.11 )     (0.06 )(b)     0.03  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     7.11       10.76       (10.44 )     (2.08 )     4.83  
    


 


 


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     6.77       10.57       (10.55 )     (2.14 )     4.86  

Less Distributions:

                                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —         (0.09 )     (0.28 )

From Net Realized Gains

     —         —         —         (0.95 )     (5.64 )
    


 


 


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —         (1.04 )     (5.92 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 45.71     $ 38.94     $ 28.37     $ 38.92     $ 42.10  
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                                        

Total Return(c)

     +17.39 %     +37.26 %     –27.11 %     –5.08 %     +12.10 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 137     $ 141     $ 104     $ 89     $ 3  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %*     1.7 %     1.6 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %*     1.7 %     1.6 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.8 )%     (0.6 )%     (0.4 )%*     (0.3 )%     0.1 %*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(d)

     41.7 %     60.2 %     70.9 %     87.8 %     86.5 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(c) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(d) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(e) For the period from February 24, 2000 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2000.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

40


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND — CLASS K

 

     Year Ended

 
    

Dec. 31,

2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


   

Dec. 31,

2002 (b)


 

Selected Per-Share Data(a)

                        

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 39.58     $ 28.73     $ 29.48  

Income From Investment Operations:

                        

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (0.14 )     (0.06 )(c)     0.02  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

     7.21       10.91       (0.77 )
    


 


 


Total from Investment Operations

     7.07       10.85       (0.75 )

Less Distributions:

                        

From Net Investment Income

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Total Distributions

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 46.65     $ 39.58     $ 28.73  
    


 


 


Ratios and Supplemental Data

                        

Total Return(d)

     +17.86 %     +37.77 %     –2.54 %

Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions)

   $ 1     $ 0 (e)   $ 1  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets before Expense Waivers and Offsets

     1.3 %     1.6 %     1.2 %*

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

     1.2 %     1.2 %     1.2 %*

Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets

     (0.4 )%     (0.2 )%     0.2 %*

Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)

     41.7 %     60.2 %     70.9 %

 * Calculated on an annualized basis.
(a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the Fund outstanding for the entire period.
(b) For the period from August 30, 2002 (commencement of class) to December 31, 2002.
(c) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by average shares outstanding throughout the year.
(d) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(e) Amount is less than $500,000.
(f) Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

41


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

December 31, 2004

 

1. Organization

 

The accompanying financial statements represent the following Strong Core Funds (the “Funds”), each with its own investment objectives and policies:

 

    Strong Balanced Fund (a series fund of Strong Balanced Fund, Inc.)

 

    Strong Large Cap Core Fund (a series fund of Strong Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Growth and Income Fund (a series fund of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc.)

 

    Strong Opportunity Fund (a series fund of Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.)

 

Each Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”).

 

Strong Balanced Fund and Strong Large Cap Core Fund offer Investor Class shares. Strong Growth and Income Fund offers Investor Class, Institutional Class, Advisor Class, and Class K shares. Strong Opportunity Fund offers Investor Class, Advisor Class, and Class K shares. All classes of shares differ principally in their respective administration, transfer agent, and distribution expenses and sales charges, if any. All classes of shares have identical rights to earnings, assets, and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes.

 

Investor Class shares are available to the general public, Institutional Class shares are generally available to investors that meet certain higher investment minimums, Advisor Class shares are available only through financial professionals and Class K shares are primarily available through retirement plans.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements.

 

  (A) Security Valuation — Securities of the Funds traded on a national securities exchange are valued each business day at the last sales price on that principal exchange. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market are valued each business day using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). Exchange-traded securities for which there were no transactions and NASDAQ-traded securities for which there is no NOCP are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. Debt securities of the Funds are generally valued each business day at the official close price (if published) and, if no official close price is published, at its last sales price, or the mean of the bid and asked prices when no last sales price is available, or are valued through a commercial pricing service that utilizes matrix pricing and/or pricing models to determine market values for normal institutional-sized trading units of debt securities and non-rated or thinly traded securities when their pricing models are believed to more accurately reflect the fair market value for such securities. The price evaluation made by a pricing service is not a guaranty that an individual security held by the Fund can be sold for that particular price at any particular time. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith under the general supervision of the Funds’ Board of Directors. Some of the Fund’s portfolio securities may be listed on foreign exchanges that close before the U.S. markets and that trade on days when the U.S. markets are closed. As a result, management, under the supervision of the Funds’ Board of Directors, will consider significant events affecting foreign securities and the movements of the domestic markets that occur after the close of the foreign markets and before the time a Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated in valuing such foreign securities. Securities that are purchased within 60 days of their stated maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

 

The Funds may own certain securities that are restricted as to resale. Restricted securities include Section 4(2) commercial paper, securities issued in a private placement, or securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. Restricted securities may be determined to be liquid or illiquid. Securities are deemed illiquid based upon guidelines established by the Funds’ Board of Directors. Illiquid securities are valued after giving due consideration to pertinent factors, such as recent private sales, market conditions, and the issuer’s financial performance. The Strong Funds held no restricted securities that were deemed illiquid at December 31, 2004.

 

  (B) Federal Income and Excise Taxes and Distributions to Shareholders — The Funds intend to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders in a manner which results in no tax cost to the Funds. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is recorded.

 

Undistributed net investment income or accumulated net realized gains for financial statement purposes may differ from what is determined for federal income tax purposes due to differences in the timing, recognition, and characterization of income, expense, and capital gain items for financial statement and tax purposes. Where appropriate, reclassifications between net asset accounts are made for such differences that are permanent in nature. The Funds may utilize earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.

 

42


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

Strong Balanced Fund and Strong Growth and Income Fund generally pay dividends from net investment income quarterly and distribute net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. Strong Large Cap Core Fund and Strong Opportunity Fund generally pay dividends from net investment income and distribute net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

 

  (C) Realized Gains and Losses on Investment Transactions — Investment security transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Gains or losses realized on investment transactions are determined by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sales proceeds.

 

  (D) Certain Investment Risks — The Funds may utilize derivative instruments including options, futures, and other instruments with similar characteristics to the extent that they are consistent with the Funds’ investment objectives and limitations. The Funds intend to use such derivative instruments primarily to hedge or protect itself from adverse movements in securities’ prices, foreign currencies, or interest rates. The use of these instruments involves certain risks, including the possibility that the future value of the underlying assets or indices fluctuate (in the case of futures and options), the derivative becomes illiquid, an imperfect correlation arises between the value of the derivative and the underlying assets or indices, or that the counterparty fails to perform its obligations when due.

 

Investments in foreign-denominated assets or forward foreign currency contracts may involve greater risks than domestic investments such as foreign-related risks created by currency rate fluctuations, foreign political and economic instability, foreign financial reporting standards and taxes, and foreign securities markets and issuer regulation. Foreign securities may be less liquid than domestic securities.

 

  (E) Futures — Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds segregate cash and/or other liquid investments equal to the minimum “initial margin” requirements of the exchange and the futures commission merchant or broker. Each Fund designates liquid securities as collateral on open futures contracts. During the term of the futures contract, the Funds also receive credit from, or pay to, the futures commission merchant or broker an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the futures contract. Such receipts or payments are known as “variation margin” and are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Funds. When the futures contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded equal to the difference between the value of the futures contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

  (F) Written Options — The Funds may write put or call options. Premiums received by the Funds upon writing put or call options are recorded as an asset with a corresponding liability that is subsequently adjusted daily to the current market value of the option. Changes between the initial premiums received and the current market value of the options are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Funds. When a written option is closed, expired, or exercised, the Funds realize a gain or loss and the liability is eliminated. The Funds continue to bear the risk of adverse movements in the price of the underlying asset during the period of the written option, although any potential loss during the period would be reduced by the amount of the option premium received by the Funds. Each Fund designates liquid securities or cash on its books to cover its financial exposure on open written options contracts.

 

  (G) Foreign Currency Conversion — Securities and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted daily into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign securities and foreign income are converted into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on realized and unrealized security gains or losses is reflected as a component of such gains or losses.

 

  (H) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the forward rate and are marked-to-market daily. The change in market value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Funds record an exchange gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

  (I) Short Positions — The Funds may engage in short sale transactions. For financial statement purposes, an amount equal to the settlement amount is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the short position. Changes between the amount of the liability and the current market value of the short positions are recorded as unrealized gains or losses. The Funds are liable to the buyer for any dividends payable on securities while those securities are in a short position. These dividends are an expense of the Fund and are included in Other Expenses in the Statement of Operations. If the Funds sell securities short while also holding the long position in the security, they may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises. If the Funds sell securities short when not holding the long position in the security, they will experience a loss if the market price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date the security is replaced.

 

43


  (J) Repurchase Agreements — The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that the Funds’ investment advisor, Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) has determined are creditworthy. Each repurchase transaction is recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. The Funds require that the collateral, represented by cash and/or securities (primarily U.S. government securities), in a repurchase transaction be maintained in a segregated account under the control of the Funds’ custodial bank in a manner sufficient to enable the Funds to liquidate those securities in the event of a default of the counterparty. On a daily basis, the Funds’ custodial bank monitors the value of the collateral, including accrued interest, to ensure it is at least equal to the amounts owed to the Funds under each repurchase agreement.

 

  (K) Securities Lending — The Funds have entered into a Securities Lending Agreement (the “Agreement”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Funds may lend portfolio securities to qualified institutional borrowers in order to earn additional income. The Agreement requires that loans are collateralized at all times by cash and cash equivalents equal to at least 102% of the market value of the aggregate loaned securities, plus accrued interest, and the collateral is marked-to-market daily. Cash collateral received is invested in repurchase agreements, investment funds, government obligations, and/or bank obligations.

 

At December 31, 2004, Strong Balanced Fund, and Strong Opportunity Fund had securities with a market value of $14,147,238, and $84,274,530, respectively, on loan and had received $14,451,839, and $86,476,263, respectively, in collateral (both are included within Investments in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities). Amounts earned as interest on investments of cash collateral, net of rebates and other securities lending expenses, are included in Interest Income in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the securities lending income totaled $22,062, $13,641, and $97,568 for Strong Balanced Fund, Strong Growth and Income Fund, and Strong Opportunity Fund, respectively.

 

The three primary risks associated with securities lending are: a borrower defaulting on its obligation to return the securities loaned resulting in a shortfall on the posted collateral; a principal loss arising from the lending agent’s investment of cash collateral; and the inability of the lending Fund to recall a security in time to exercise valuable voting rights or sell the security. In each case, the lending agent has indemnified the Funds for these types of losses.

 

  (L) Directed Brokerage — Through November 30, 2004, the Funds directed certain portfolio trades to brokers who, in turn, paid a portion of the Funds’ expenses not attributable to the Advisor or its affiliates. Such amounts are included in Expense Waivers and Offsets reported in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4.

 

  (M) Earnings Credit Arrangements — Credits are earned on positive cash balances maintained in custodian accounts. These credits serve to reduce the custodian’s fees incurred by the Funds and are included in Expense Waivers and Offsets reported in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4.

 

  (N) Expenses — The Funds and other affiliated Strong Funds contract for certain services on a collective basis. The majority of the expenses are directly identifiable to an individual Fund. Expenses that are not readily identifiable to a specific Fund will be allocated in such manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration, among other things, the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the Strong Funds.

 

  (O) Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in these financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  (P) Indemnifications — In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of material loss to be remote under any of these indemnification agreements.

 

  (Q) Other — Dividend income, net of applicable withholding taxes, and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes amortization of premiums and discounts on the interest method. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative shares outstanding.

 

44


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

3. Related Party Transactions

 

The Advisor provides investment advisory and related services to the Funds. Strong Investor Services, Inc. (the “Administrator”), an affiliate of the Advisor, provides administrative, transfer agent, and related services to the Funds. Certain officers are affiliated with the Advisor and the Administrator. Investment advisory and administration fees, which are established by terms of the advisory and administration agreements, are based on the following annualized rates of the average daily net assets of the respective Fund:

 

           Administrative Fees

 
     Advisory Fees

    Investor Class

    Institutional Class

    Advisor Class

    Class K

 

Strong Balance Fund

   0.60 %(1)   0.30 %   *     *     *  

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

   0.75 %(2)   0.30 %   *     *     *  

Strong Growth and Income Fund

   0.55 %   0.30 %   0.02 %   0.30 %   0.25 %

Strong Opportunity Fund

   0.75 %(2)   0.30 %   *     0.30 %   0.25 %

* Does not offer Share class.
(1) The investment advisory fees are 0.60% for the first $35 million assets and 0.55% for assets above $35 million.
(2) The Investment Advisory fees are 0.75% for assets under $4 billion, 0.725% for the next $2 billion assets, and 0.70% for assets $6 billion and above.

 

The Funds’ Advisor and/or Administrator may voluntarily waive or absorb certain expenses at their discretion. The Advisor and/or Administrator has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or absorb expenses until May 1, 2005 for Strong Large Cap Core Fund, Strong Growth and Income Fund Class K, and Strong Opportunity Fund Class K to keep Net Annual Operating Expenses at no more than 2.00%, 0.99%, and 1.20%, respectively. Pursuant to the direction of the Board and in implementation of certain regulatory settlements (as described in Note 10), the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or absorb expenses in the amount of 0.033% for the Funds from May 21, 2004 until May 21, 2005. However, the Funds are expected to reorganize into the Wells Fargo Funds family on April 11, 2005 and be subject to a different expense structure. Transfer agent and related service fees for the Investor Class shares are paid at an annual rate of $27.00 for each open shareholder account and $4.20 for each closed shareholder account. Transfer agent and related service fees for the Institutional Class, Advisor Class, and Class K shares are paid at an annual rate of 0.015%, 0.20%, and 0.20%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of each respective class. Transfer agent fees are recorded in Shareholder Servicing Costs in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4. The Administrator also allocates to each Fund certain charges or credits resulting from transfer agency banking activities based on each Class’ level of subscription and redemption activity. Transfer Agency Banking Charges allocated to the Funds by the Administrator, if any, are included in Other Expenses in the Funds’ Statements of Operations. Transfer Agency Banking Credits allocated by the Administrator, if any, serve to reduce the transfer agent expenses incurred by the Funds and are included in Expense Waivers and Offsets in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and in Note 4. The Administrator is also compensated for certain other out-of-pocket expenses related to transfer agent services.

 

Strong Growth and Income Fund and Strong Opportunity Fund have adopted a Rule 12b-1 distribution and service plan under the 1940 Act on behalf of each of the Fund’s Advisor Class shares. Under the plan, Strong Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor,” and an affiliate of the Advisor) is paid an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Advisor Class shares as compensation for services provided and expenses incurred, including amounts paid to brokers or dealers, in connection with the sale of each Fund’s Advisor Class shares. See Note 4.

 

The Funds may invest cash in money market funds managed by the Advisor, subject to certain limitations set by the Fund’s Board of Directors and applicable law.

 

Certain information regarding related party transactions, excluding the effects of waivers and absorptions, for the year ended December 31, 2004 is as follows:

 

    

Payable to/

(Receivable from)
Advisor or
Administrator at
Dec. 31, 2004


  

Shareholder Servicing
and Other Related
Expenses Paid to

Administrator


   Transfer Agency
Banking
Charges/(Credits)


   Unaffiliated
Directors’
and Independent
Officers’ Fees


Strong Balance Fund

   $ 41,101    $ 523,045    $ 6,569    $ 7,640

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

     2,140      26,307      206      1,002

Strong Growth and Income Fund

     163,816      2,307,656      18,045      28,180

Strong Opportunity Fund

     539,593      6,723,018      34,424      111,268

 

45


4. Expenses and Expense Waivers and Offsets

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, the class specific expenses are as follows:

 

     Administrative
Fees


   Shareholder
Servicing Costs


   Reports to
Shareholders


   12b-1 Fees

   Other

Strong Growth and Income Fund

                                  

Investor Class

   $ 1,562,947    $ 2,226,571    $ 350,984    $ —      $ 14,128

Institutional Class

     12,340      9,423      66,688      —        5,259

Advisor Class

     19,997      13,407      4,468      16,664      1,102

Class K

     67,805      54,244      8,607      —        1,568

Strong Opportunity Fund

                                  

Investor Class

     7,349,226      6,440,381      1,017,635      —        41,006

Advisor Class

     404,271      270,503      88,940      336,892      2,940

Class K

     2,842      2,277      109      —        336

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, the expense waivers and offsets are as follows:

 

    

Expense

Waivers and

Absorptions*


    Directed
Brokerage
Credits


    Earnings
Credits


 

Strong Balanced Fund

   $ (59,689 )   $ (16,307 )   $ (159 )

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

     (34,600 )     (4,533 )     —    

Strong Growth and Income Fund

                        

Investor Class

     (16,541 )     —         —    

Institutional Class

     (1,323 )     —         —    

Class K

     (586 )     —         —    

Advisor Class

     (30,620 )     —         —    

Fund Level

     (176,020 )     (83,731 )     (629 )

Strong Opportunity Fund

                        

Investor Class

     (99,661 )     —         —    

Advisor Class

     (9,628 )     —         —    

Class K

     (861 )     —         —    

Fund Level

     (758,499 )     (217,831 )     (1,285 )

* These amounts include the contractually agreed upon waivers of fees and/or absorptions of expenses for the period from May 21, 2004 thru December 31, 2004 pursuant to the direction of the Board and in implementation of certain regulatory settlements as discussed in Note 3 and in Note 10. These amounts also include reimbursement by the Advisor for the legal costs incurred by the funds for the legal and regulatory matters discussed in Note 10.

 

5. Line of Credit

 

The Strong Funds have established a line of credit agreement (“LOC”) with certain financial institutions, which expires June 30, 2005, to be used for temporary or emergency purposes. Combined borrowings among all participating Strong Funds are subject to a $200 million cap on the total LOC. For an individual Fund, borrowings under the LOC are limited to either the lesser of 15% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets or any explicit borrowing limits in the Funds’ registration statement. The principal amount of each borrowing under the LOC is due not more than 45 days after the date of the borrowing.

 

Borrowings under the LOC bear interest based on prevailing market rates as defined in the LOC. A commitment fee of 0.09% per annum is incurred on the unused portion of the LOC and is allocated to all participating Strong Funds based on their net asset values. Strong Opportunity Fund had no borrowings under the LOC during the year. Strong Balanced Fund, Strong Large Cap Core Fund and Strong Growth and Income Fund had minimal borrowings under the LOC during the year. At December 31, 2004 there were no outstanding borrowings by the Funds under the LOC.

 

6. Investment Transactions

 

The aggregate purchases and sales of shares of long-term securities during the year ended December 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

     Purchases

   Sales

     U.S. Government
and Agency


   Other

   U.S. Government
and Agency


   Other

Strong Balanced Fund

   $ 65,466,765    $ 180,430,918    $ 69,844,692    $ 236,922,750

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

     —        7,050,108      —        7,354,215

Strong Growth and Income Fund

     —        833,505,531      —        1,102,859,834

Strong Opportunity Fund

     —        1,023,576,010      —        1,997,539,461

 

46


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

7. Income Tax Information

 

The following information for the Funds is presented on an income tax basis as of December 31, 2004:

 

     Cost of
Investments


   Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation


   Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation)


   

Net Unrealized

Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

on Investments


   Distributable
Ordinary
Income


   Distributable
Long-Term
Capital Gains


Strong Balanced Fund

   $ 154,304,467    $ 15,492,375    $ (356,157 )   $ 15,136,218    $ —      $ —  

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

     3,753,248      668,404      —         668,404      —        —  

Strong Growth and Income Fund

     433,730,729      105,171,990      —         105,171,990      257,010      —  

Strong Opportunity Fund

     1,996,010,436      639,494,312      (436,838 )     639,057,474      —        —  

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on security transactions.

 

The tax components of dividends paid during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and capital loss carryovers (expiring in varying amounts through 2011) as of December 31, 2004, and tax basis post-October losses as of December 31, 2004, which are not recognized for tax purposes until the first day of the following fiscal year, are:

 

     2004 Income Tax Information

   2003 Income Tax
Information


     Ordinary
Income
Distributions


   Long-Term
Capital Gains
Distributions


   Net Capital
Loss
Carryovers


   Post-October
Losses


   Ordinary
Income
Distributions


   Long-Term
Capital Gains
Distributions


Strong Balanced Fund

   $ 2,151,090    $ —      $ 17,848,948    $ —      $ 2,604,962    $ —  

Strong Large Cap Core Fund

     —        —        844,067      —        —        —  

Strong Growth and Income Fund

     2,889,458      —        140,026,264      —        2,522,045      —  

Strong Opportunity Fund

     —        —        14,471,353      —        —        —  

 

For corporate shareholders in the Funds, the percentages of ordinary dividend income distributed for the year ended December 31, 2004, which is designated as qualifying for the dividends-received deduction, is as follows (unaudited): Strong Balanced Fund 83.5%, Strong Large Cap Core Fund 0.0%, Strong Growth and Income Fund 100.0%, and Strong Opportunity Fund 0.0%.

 

For shareholders in the Funds, the percentages of dividend income distributed for the year ended December 31, 2004, which is designated as qualified dividend income under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, is as follows (unaudited): Strong Balanced Fund 80.9%, Strong Large Cap Core Fund 0.0%, Strong Growth and Income Fund 100.0%, and Strong Opportunity Fund 0.0%.

 

Strong Balanced Fund, Strong Large Cap Core, Strong Growth and Income Fund, and Strong Opportunity Fund utilized $11,109,854, $485,173, $91,056,932, and $400,236,414, respectively, of their capital loss carryovers during the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

47


8. Capital Share Transactions

 

     Strong Balanced Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 26,599,270     $ 32,626,685  

Transfer in from Merger (Note 9)

     —         5,544,540  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     2,073,183       2,514,411  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (91,276,705 )     (82,073,813 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (62,604,252 )   $ (41,388,177 )
    


 


Transactions in Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

Sold

     1,407,580       1,911,180  

Transfer in from Merger (Note 9)

     —         348,494  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     108,957       144,599  

Redeemed

     (4,840,528 )     (4,758,107 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares of the Fund

     (3,323,991 )     (2,353,834 )
    


 


     Strong Large Cap Core Fund

 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 1,222,482     $ 938,346  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (1,206,237 )     (2,023,881 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ 16,245     $ (1,085,535 )
    


 


Transactions in Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

Sold

     120,843       107,906  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Redeemed

     (118,728 )     (233,342 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares of the Fund

     2,115       (125,436 )
    


 


 

48


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     Strong Growth and Income Fund

 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

INVESTOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 56,766,975     $ 203,112,596  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     2,160,572       1,392,195  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (264,359,525 )     (289,307,195 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (205,431,978 )     (84,802,404 )

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     10,067,845       16,100,601  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     409,578       705,353  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (60,154,178 )     (17,235,352 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (49,676,755 )     (429,398 )

ADVISOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     884,899       1,932,654  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     27,101       23,212  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (3,971,072 )     (5,560,191 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (3,059,072 )     (3,604,325 )

CLASS K

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     16,023,072       15,545,119  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     86,153       114,699  

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (27,378,853 )     (11,445,984 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (11,269,628 )     4,213,834  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (269,437,433 )   $ (84,622,293 )
    


 


 

49


    

Strong Growth

and Income Fund


 
     Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2004


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

            

INVESTOR CLASS

            

Sold

   2,839,780     11,952,254  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   103,138     79,360  

Redeemed

   (13,312,831 )   (16,571,248 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (10,369,913 )   (4,539,634 )
    

 

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

            

Sold

   507,260     939,263  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   20,235     40,748  

Redeemed

   (3,043,024 )   (951,684 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (2,515,529 )   28,327  
    

 

ADVISOR CLASS

            

Sold

   44,541     115,023  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   1,314     1,344  

Redeemed

   (200,817 )   (331,631 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (154,962 )   (215,264 )
    

 

CLASS K

            

Sold

   812,188     926,705  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

   4,251     6,709  

Redeemed

   (1,393,806 )   (643,521 )
    

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

   (577,367 )   289,893  
    

 

 

50


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

     Strong Opportunity Fund

 
    

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2004


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

Capital Share Transactions of Each Class of Shares of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

INVESTOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

   $ 256,753,792     $ 531,529,373  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (971,891,509 )     (1,184,570,695 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (715,137,717 )     (653,041,322 )

ADVISOR CLASS

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     24,631,677       38,084,933  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (49,440,738 )     (40,603,841 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (24,809,061 )     (2,518,908 )

CLASS K

                

Proceeds from Shares Sold

     1,580,103       198,407  

Proceeds from Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Payment for Shares Redeemed

     (561,170 )     (896,534 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     1,018,933       (698,127 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

   $ (738,927,845 )   $ (656,258,357 )
    


 


Transactions in Shares of Each Class of the Fund Were as Follows:

                

INVESTOR CLASS

                

Sold

     6,141,602       16,208,728  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Redeemed

     (23,338,250 )     (34,871,478 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (17,196,648 )     (18,662,750 )
    


 


ADVISOR CLASS

                

Sold

     594,636       1,179,895  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Redeemed

     (1,196,366 )     (1,234,407 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     (601,730 )     (54,512 )
    


 


CLASS K

                

Sold

     37,908       6,374  

Issued in Reinvestment of Distributions

     —         —    

Redeemed

     (12,904 )     (24,791 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares

     25,004       (18,417 )
    


 


 

51


9. Acquisition Information

 

Effective March 28, 2003, Strong Balanced Fund acquired, through a non-taxable exchange, substantially all of the net assets of Strong Balanced Asset Fund. Strong Balanced Fund issued 348,494 shares (valued at $5,544,540) for the outstanding shares of Strong Balanced Asset Fund at March 28, 2003. The aggregate net assets of Strong Balanced Fund and Strong Balanced Asset Fund immediately before the acquisition were $208,384,213 and $5,544,540, respectively. The combined net assets of Strong Balanced Fund immediately after the acquisition were $213,928,753. The net assets of Strong Balanced Asset Fund included net unrealized depreciation on investments of $503,735 and accumulated net realized losses of $731,189. Subject to IRS regulations, Strong Balanced Fund may use $709,865 of capital loss carryovers from Strong Balanced Asset Fund.

 

10. Legal and Regulatory Matters

 

On or about May 20, 2004, the Advisor, the Administrator, and the Distributor (collectively, “Strong”), former chairman Richard S. Strong, and two employees of Strong entered into agreements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the New York Attorney General (“NYAG”), the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice (the Wisconsin Attorney General), and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions representing a settlement of all the market-timing investigations of Strong and certain affiliates by these agencies. In the settlements, Strong, without admitting or denying the findings in any of the orders, consented to entries of cease and desist orders and injunctive relief relating to breaches of their fiduciary duties and violations of state and federal securities laws, including anti-fraud provisions. The settlements require the Advisor to pay $40 million in investor restoration and $40 million in civil penalties. The settlements require Mr. Strong to pay $30 million in investor restoration and $30 million in civil penalties. The NYAG settlement also requires Strong or its successor to reduce fees for all Funds (except money market funds and certain very short-term income funds) by an aggregate of at least $7 million a year for five years. Separately, the Board of Directors of the Strong Funds and the Advisor have agreed that the Advisor may allocate such fee and/or expense reductions in a manner it deems reasonable, provided that (i) each applicable Fund shall participate in such fee reduction, (ii) each Fund that was impacted by market timing related to the settlements shall receive a fee reduction of at least 0.025% each year, (iii) such fee reduction shall be taken after giving effect to all waivers and reimbursements currently in effect, and (iv) fees and expenses shall not subsequently be increased without prior Board approval. Additionally, the settlements require, among other things: 1) retention of an independent consultant to develop a payment plan for the amount of investor restoration; 2) the services of an independent compliance consultant to conduct a periodic review of Strong’s compliance policies and procedures; and 3) enhanced corporate governance policies for the Strong Funds. The NYAG settlement also requires: 1) the retention of a senior officer to assist the Board in monitoring compliance and reviewing fee arrangements; and 2) additional fee disclosure to investors in the Funds. Strong and Mr. Strong, and not the investors in any Strong Fund, will bear all the costs of complying with the settlements, including restoration, civil penalties, and associated legal fees stemming from these regulatory proceedings. Strong has not yet determined if the investor restoration or civil penalties will create any financial benefit to the Strong Funds.

 

Strong has received one or more subpoenas or requests for information from the West Virginia Attorney General and other regulatory agencies requesting documents, if any, related to market timing and late trading practices. Strong is aware of multiple outstanding class and derivative actions (“Actions”) filed since September 4, 2003, against Strong, Strong Funds, Strong Financial Corporation, Strong Investments, Inc., Strong affiliates, and certain of their employees, officers, directors, and others as defendants in certain federal and state courts with respect to factual matters referenced in the NYAG settlement. On February 20, 2004, the United States Judicial Panel for Multi District Litigation (“MDL”) ordered the transfer of most of the Actions to the District of Maryland so those cases involving Strong could be coordinated and consolidated into one or two actions covered by a single complaint (“MDL Consolidated Actions”). The MDL ordered all or most of the other federal court Actions and certain state court Actions involving Strong to be consolidated into no more than three actions and be heard by the District of Maryland court. On September 30, 2004, three consolidated amended complaints were filed in the District of Maryland court. The Actions generally allege, among other things, that the defendants violated their fiduciary duty to fund shareholders and certain retirement plan participants, and made false and misleading statements in the funds’ prospectuses in violation of federal and state securities laws. The Actions generally seek one or more of the following: compensatory damages, punitive damages, special damages, exemplary damages, rescission, restitution, payment of plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and experts’ fees, and/or replacement of the Board of Directors of the Strong Funds. Certain state Actions were not consolidated into the MDL Consolidated Actions and proceedings in these state court Actions have been or may be stayed or proceed independently of the MDL Consolidated Actions.

 

The Strong Funds will not bear any costs incurred in connection with these Actions. Based on currently available information, Strong believes that the Actions will not have a material adverse financial impact on the Strong Funds, and are not likely to materially affect Strong’s ability to provide investment management services to its clients, including the Strong Funds. The Funds may experience increased redemptions or a decrease in new sales of shares as a result of the regulatory settlements and the ongoing Actions, which could result in increased transaction costs and operating expenses, or otherwise negatively impact the Strong Funds.

 

52


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2004

 

11. Pending Fund Merger

 

On May 26, 2004, Strong Financial Corporation (“SFC”) announced that it reached a definitive agreement with Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”) for Wells Fargo to acquire certain assets of SFC and certain of its affiliates, including the Advisor. As part of the transaction, Fund shareholders met on December 10, 2004 and December 22, 2004 on various matters including appointing Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, as a new investment advisor for the Strong Funds. A reorganization of the Strong Funds into the Wells Fargo Funds family is anticipated to take place in April 2005.

 

53


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Strong Core Funds:

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Strong Balanced Fund, Strong Large Cap Core Fund, Strong Growth and Income Fund and Strong Opportunity Fund (all four collectively constituting Strong Core Funds, hereafter referred to as the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2004, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The statements of changes in net assets for the period ended December 31, 2003 and the financial highlights for each of the years or periods ended December 31, 2003, and prior, were audited by other auditors whose report thereon dated February 3, 2004 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2004, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of December 31, 2004, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

February 14, 2005

 

54


RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS (Unaudited)   December 31, 2004

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Balanced Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals:

 

To approve the reorganization of the Strong Balanced Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Balanced Fund.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

5,287,198.603   181,624.173   74,027.969

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

5,252,675.281   194,669.500   95,505.964

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

5,246,223.444   201,898.830   94,728.471

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

5,542,850.745    

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Large Cap Core Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals:

 

To approve the reorganization of the Strong Large Cap Core Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Growth and Income Fund.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

222,056.215   5,455.169   4,611.455

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

215,565.487   11,310.945   5,246.407

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Matrix Asset Advisors, Inc.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

215,422.070   11,529.945   5,170.824

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

232,122.839    

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Growth and Income Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals:

 

To approve the reorganization of the Strong Growth and Income Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Growth and Income Fund.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

16,163,142.481   556,325.046   382,462.241

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

16,069,549.151   584,015.336   448,365.281

 

55


RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS (Unaudited) (continued)

   December 31, 2004

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Matrix Asset Advisors, Inc.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

16,060,686.235   582,725.347   458,518.186

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

17,101,929.768    

 

Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Strong Opportunity Fund

 

At a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Fund held on December 22, 2004, shareholders approved the following proposals:

 

To approve the reorganization of the Strong Opportunity Fund into the Wells Fargo Advantage Opportunity Fund.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

29,549,187.473   1,031,060.571   776,287.190

 

To approve an interim advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

29,429,649.472   1,069,394.935   857,490.827

 

To approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

29,387,106.297   1,081,478.969   887,949.968

 

Appointment of Messrs. Phillip O. Peterson, William F. Vogt, and Gordon B. Greer as Trustees of the Liquidating Trust, which is referenced in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.

 

For

  Against

  Abstain

31,356,535.234    

 

56


DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

Each officer and director holds the same position with the 27 registered open-end management investment companies consisting of 70 mutual funds (“Strong Funds”).

 

Willie D. Davis (DOB 7-24-34), Director of the Strong Funds since July 1994

 

Mr. Davis has been President and Chief Executive Officer of All Pro Broadcasting, Inc., since 1977; Director of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (formerly WICOR, Inc., a utility company) since 1990, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. (an entertainment company) since 1998, Checker’s Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (formerly Rally’s Hamburgers, Inc.) since 1994, Johnson Controls, Inc. (an automotive systems and facility management company) since 1992, MGM Mirage (formerly MGM Grand, Inc., an entertainment/hotel company) since 1990, Dow Chemical Company since 1988, Sara Lee Corporation (a food/consumer products company) since 1983, Alliance Bank since 1980, Manpower, Inc. (a worldwide provider of staffing services) since 2001, Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. from 1997 to December 2004, and Kmart Corporation (a discount consumer products company) from 1985 to 2003; and Trustee of the University of Chicago since 1980 and Marquette University since 1988.

 

Gordon B. Greer (DOB 2-17-32), Director of the Strong Funds since March 2002.

 

Mr. Greer was Of Counsel for Bingham McCutchen LLP (a law firm previously known as Bingham Dana LLP) from 1997 to February 2002 and Partner of Bingham McCutchen LLP from 1967 to 1997. On behalf of Bingham McCutchen LLP, Mr. Greer provided representation to the disinterested directors of the Strong Funds from 1991 to February 2002. Bingham McCutchen LLP has provided representation to the Independent Directors of the Strong Funds since 1991.

 

Stanley Kritzik (DOB 1-9-30), Director of the Strong Funds since January 1995 and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Strong Funds since July 2000.

 

Mr. Kritzik has been Partner of Metropolitan Associates (a real estate firm) since 1962; Director of Wisconsin Health Information Network from November 1997 to September 2004, Health Network Ventures, Inc. from 1992 to April 2000, and Aurora Health Care from September 1987 to September 2002; and Member of the Board of Governors of Snowmass Village Resort Association from October 1999 to October 2002.

 

Neal Malicky (DOB 9-14-34), Director of the Strong Funds since December 1999.

 

Mr. Malicky has been President Emeritus of Baldwin-Wallace College since July 2000; Chancellor of Baldwin-Wallace College from July 1999 to June 2000; President of Baldwin-Wallace College from July 1981 to June 1999; Trustee of Southwest Community Health Systems, Cleveland Scholarship Program, and The National Conference for Community and Justice until 2001; President of the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church, Chairperson of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, and Secretary of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities until 2001.

 

William F. Vogt (DOB 7-19-47), Director and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committee of the Strong Funds since January 1995.

 

Mr. Vogt has been President of Vogt Holdings, LLC since July 2004; Senior Vice President of IDX Systems Corporation (a management consulting firm) from June 2001 to June 2004; President of Vogt Management Consulting, Inc. from July 1990 to June 2001; and former Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

 

57


DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (continued)

 

Ane K. Ohm (DOB 10-16-69), Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the Strong Funds since November 2002.

 

Ms. Ohm has been Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of Strong Financial Corporation since February 2003; Assistant Executive Vice President of Strong Financial Corporation since November 2003; Assistant Executive Vice President of Strong Capital Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) since December 2001; Director of Mutual Fund Administration of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since April 2001; Vice President of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since December 2001; and Marketing Services Manager of Strong Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”) from November 1998 to April 2001.

 

R. Michael Parker (DOB 6-17-45), Chief Compliance Officer of the Strong Funds since August 2004.

 

Mr. Parker was a Senior Compliance Examiner with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission from April 1970 to April 2004.

 

Phillip O. Peterson (DOB 12-5-44), Independent President of the Strong Funds since January 2004.

 

Mr. Peterson was a mutual fund industry consultant from August 1999 to December 2003; Partner of KPMG LLP from 1981 to July 1999; Director of The Hartford Group of Mutual Funds (71 funds) since 2002; and Director of the Fortis Mutual Fund Group (38 funds) from 2000 to 2002.

 

John W. Widmer (DOB 1-19-65), Treasurer of the Strong Funds since April 1999; Secretary of the Strong Funds since November 2004.

 

Mr. Widmer has been Treasurer of the Advisor since April 1999; Assistant Treasurer of Strong Financial Corporation since December 2001; Secretary of Strong Financial Corporation since September 2004; Assistant Secretary of Strong Financial Corporation from December 2001 to January 2003; Treasurer of Strong Service Corporation since April 1999; Treasurer and Secretary of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since September 2004; Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of Strong Investor Services, Inc. from July 2001 to September 2004; and Manager of the Financial Management and Sales Reporting Systems department of the Advisor from May 1997 to April 1999.

 

Thomas M. Zoeller (DOB 2-21-64), Vice President of the Strong Funds since October 1999.

 

Mr. Zoeller has been Executive Vice President of the Advisor since April 2001; Chief Financial Officer of the Advisor since February 1998; Secretary of the Advisor from December 2001 to November 2002; Member of the Office of the Chief Executive of Strong Financial Corporation since May 2001; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Strong Investments, Inc. from October 1993 to September 2004; Executive Vice President of Strong Investor Services, Inc. since July 2001; Secretary of Strong Investor Services, Inc. from July 2001 to May 2003; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of Strong Service Corporation since December 2001; Treasurer of Strong Service Corporation from September 1996 to April 1999; Vice President of Strong Service Corporation from April 1999 to December 2001; Member of the Office of the Chief Executive of the Advisor from November 1998 until May 2001; Senior Vice President of the Advisor from February 1998 to April 2001; and Director of Capital Processing International, LLC since September 2004.

 

Effective January 2005, Dana J. Russart replaced Mr. Zoeller as Vice President of the Strong Funds.

 

Except for Messrs. Davis, Malicky, and Vogt, the address of all of the Directors and Officers is P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, WI 53201. Mr. Davis’s address is 161 North La Brea, Inglewood, CA 90301. Mr. Malicky’s address is 4608 Turnberry Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047. Mr. Vogt’s address is P.O. Box 7657, Avon, CO 81620.

 

The statement of additional information contains additional information about fund directors and officers and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-368-3863.

 

58


Directors

 

Willie D. Davis

Gordon B. Greer

Stanley Kritzik

Neal Malicky

William F. Vogt

 

Officers

 

Ane K. Ohm, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

R. Michael Parker, Chief Compliance Officer

Phillip O. Peterson, Independent President

John W. Widmer, Treasurer and Secretary

Thomas M. Zoeller, Vice President

 

Investment Advisor

 

Strong Capital Management, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee,Wisconsin 53201

 

Distributor

 

Strong Investments, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee,Wisconsin 53201

 

Custodian

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company

801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64105

 

Transfer Agent and Dividend-Disbursing Agent

 

Strong Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee,Wisconsin 53201

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

KPMG LLP

303 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601-5212

 

Legal Counsel

 

Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

780 North Water Street, Milwaukee,Wisconsin 53202

 

59


Contact Us

 

To learn more about our funds, discuss an existing account, or conduct a transaction, call 1-800-368-3863 or visit www.Strong.com.

 

To reach us by mail, please forward to Strong Investments, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201.

 

Please carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information, call us or visit our web site for a free prospectus. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money.

 

If you are a Financial Professional, call 1-800-368-1683.

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

To receive a free copy of the policies and procedures the funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, or to receive a free copy of a fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ending on June 30, call 1-800-368-3863, or visit the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) web site at www.sec.gov.

 

Filing of Portfolio Holdings

 

The funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s public reference rooms at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at the SEC’s regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900.


LOGO

 

This report does not constitute an offer for the sale of securities. Strong Funds are offered for sale by prospectus only. Securities are offered through Strong Investments, Inc. RT48466 02-05

 

ACOR/WH2057 12-04


Item 2. Code of Ethics

 

(a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

 

(b) During the period covered by this report, no amendments were made to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above that apply to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions and relate to any element of the code of ethics definition.

 

(c) During the period covered by this report, no implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above were granted to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

The registrant’s Board of Directors has determined that independent director Stanley Kritzik qualifies as an Audit Committee financial expert. The designation of a person as an “Audit Committee financial expert” does not mean that the person has any greater duties, obligations, or liability than those imposed on the persons without the “Audit Committee financial expert” designation. Similarly, the designation of a person as an “Audit Committee financial expert” does not affect the duties, obligations, or liability of any other member of the Audit Committee or Board of Directors.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

(a) – (d) Aggregate fees billed to the registrant for the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the registrant’s principal accountant were as follows:

 

     2004

     Audit Fees

   Audit
Related
Feed


   Tax Fees

   Other
Fees


Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.

   $ 65,842    $ 0    $ 0    $ 0
     2003

     Audit Fees

   Audit
Related
Feed


   Tax Fees

   Other
Fees


Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.

   $ 115,897    $ 0    $ 12,917    $ 0

 

Audit fees include amounts related to the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and services normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Audit-related fees include amounts reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements, specifically the review of regulatory filings related to reorganizations and new share classes. Tax fees include amounts related to tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice. Other fees include the registrant’s pro-rata share amounts for products and services other than those reported above.

 

(e) (1) The Audit Committee is required to preapprove audit and non-audit services performed for the Funds by the independent auditor in order to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor’s independence. The Audit Committee also is required to preapprove certain non-audit services performed by the Funds’ independent auditor for the Funds’ investment adviser and certain of the adviser’s affiliates if the services relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds. Unless a type of service to be performed by the independent auditor has received preapproval, it will require specific preapproval by the Audit Committee. Any proposed services exceeding preapproved cost levels will require separate preapproval by the Audit Committee.

 

Notwithstanding any provision of this Policy, the Audit Committee is not required to preapprove services for which preapproval is not required by applicable law, including de minimis services (defined as non-audit services that constitute no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to the independent auditor during the year in which the services are provided) and grandfathered services.

 

The Audit Committee may delegate preapproval authority to one or more of its members. The member or members to whom such authority is delegated shall report any preapproval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee does not delegate its responsibility to preapprove services performed by the independent auditor to management.

 

(2) No services included in (b) – (d) above were approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

(f) Not applicable.

 

(g) The aggregate fees billed for the most recent fiscal year (2004) and the preceding fiscal year (2003) by the registrant’s principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the registrant, its investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $476,259 for 2004 and $512,254 for 2003.

 

(h) All non-audit services rendered in (g) above were preapproved by the registrant’s Audit Committee. Accordingly, these services were considered by the registrant’s Audit Committee in maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

 

Not applicable; a full Schedule of Investments is included in Item 1.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchases

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Funds’ Board of Directors.

 

Item 10. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) An evaluation was performed within 90 days from the date hereof under the supervision of the Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and treasurer, regarding the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, it was determined that such disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the material information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in the reports it files or submits on Form N-CSR (1) is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and treasurer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (2) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b) There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal half-year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 11. Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:

 

11 (a) (1)    Code of Ethics required by Item 2 of Form N-CSR
11 (a) (2)    Certification of Principal Executive Officer Required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     Certification of Principal Financial Officer Required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
11 (b)    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc., on behalf of Strong Advisor Select Fund, Strong Advisor U.S. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund, Strong Endeavor Fund and Strong Opportunity Fund

 

By:  

/s/ Dana J. Russart


    Dana J. Russart, Principal Executive Officer
Date: February 14, 2005
By:  

/s/ John W. Widmer


   

John W. Widmer, Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer) and Secretary

Date: February 14, 2005