N-CSRS 1 dncsrs.htm HEARTLAND EQUITY FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2004 Heartland Equity Funds Semi-Annual Report June 30, 2004

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT ON REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

 

Investment Company Act File Number 811-4982

 

 

HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

789 North Water Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  53202
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

Nicole J. Best, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer

Heartland Group, Inc.

789 North Water Street Milwaukee,

Wisconsin 53202

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

With a copy to: Charles M. Weber, Esq.

Quarles & Brady LLP

411 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (414) 347-7777

 

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2004

 

 

Date of reporting period: June 30, 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, N.W., Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders (INSERT SEMIANNUAL REPORT)

 


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LOGO   LOGO   LOGO

 

SELECT VALUE FUND

 

VALUE PLUS FUND

 

VALUE FUND

 

June 30, 2004

 

(Unaudited)

 

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EQUITY FUNDS     

What It Means To Be A Value Investor

   2

Summary Of Value Table of Investment Results

   3

Select Value Fund Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance

   4

Value Plus Fund Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance

   6

Value Fund Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance

   8

Financial Statements

    

Schedules of Investments

   10

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   20

Statements of Operations

   21

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   22

Financial Highlights

   23

Notes to Financial Statements

   26

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    

Information Regarding Executive Officers and Directors

   31

Definitions

   32


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The essence of value investing is grounded in the time-tested approach outlined by Professors Benjamin Graham and David Dodd, co-authors of Security Analysis. They pioneered this methodology in 1934. For over half a century, the Graham and Dodd philosophy has attracted a successful circle of disciples, including Heartland Advisors.

 

At Heartland, this means bargain hunting – relentlessly analyzing overlooked and unpopular stocks, always looking for a measurable and positive difference between the true worth of a company and its current stock price. We often find that a company’s stock is undervalued because it is:

 

  Underfollowed by Wall Street analysts

 

  Temporarily oversold or out of favor

 

  Misunderstood by investors

 

  An emerging opportunity as yet undiscovered

 

We believe this is the most intelligent way to build a portfolio.

 

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“At Heartland, we take a long-term approach to investing. The stock market tends to be emotional, often overtaken by fear or greed. Too many speculators overreacting to the headlines of the day. We believe this creates opportunities for the objective, long-term investor.”

 

— William J. Nasgovitz

      President

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2004

 

     HEARTLAND
SELECT VALUE FUND(1)


   

HEARTLAND

VALUE PLUS FUND  


   

HEARTLAND

VALUE FUND(2)


 

First Half, 2004 (not annualized)

     5.26 %     7.79 %     4.18 %

One Year

     27.30       41.18       39.05  

Three Years

     10.32       21.55       16.91  

Five Years

     12.04       12.76       18.33  

Ten Years

     —         14.28       16.05  

Since Inception

     12.63       13.48       16.08  

Inception Date

     10/11/1996       10/26/1993       12/28/1984  
Value of $10,000 from Inception date(3)    $ 25,042     $ 38,581     $ 183,252  

 

Description of Fund


  Multi-Cap Value

  Small-Cap Value

  Small & Micro-Cap Value

Notes of Interest

  Designed and managed to be
an investor’s core holding,
this Fund is a focused
portfolio of stocks that we
believe are undervalued.
  Investing in a limited number
of small company value
stocks, this Fund focuses on
stocks we believe have

the financial
strength to pay dividends.
  This Fund remains open to current
shareholders and to new IRA, trust
and qualified retirement accounts.

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor would pay on distributions or redemptions. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-432-7856 or visit www.heartlandfunds.com. The Funds invest in stocks of small companies that may be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. The Select Value and Value Plus Funds also invest in a smaller number of stocks (generally 30 to 50) than the average mutual fund. The change in value of a single holding may have a more pronounced effect on the Fund’s net asset value and performance than for other funds. Value-based investments are subject to the risk that the broad market may not recognize their intrinsic values.

 

The opinions expressed in this Semiannual Report are those of the portfolio manager, and are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions. No predictions, forecasts, outlooks, expectations, or beliefs are guaranteed.

 


(1) Through November 30, 2001, the Advisor voluntarily waived a portion of the Select Value Fund’s expenses. Waivers are no longer in effect. Without such waivers, total returns of the Select Value Fund prior to December 1, 2001 would have been lower.
(2) The Value Fund closed to new investors on November 26, 2003. The Fund remains open to current shareholders and to new IRA, trust and qualified retirement accounts.
(3) Value of $10,000 from inception represents a hypothetical investment in the Fund for the since inception period ended June 30, 2004.

 

June 30, 2004 |  3


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Portfolio

Management Team

           
LOGO   LOGO   LOGO   LOGO
Hugh Denison   David Fondrie, CPA   Ted Baszler, CPA, CFA   Eric J. Miller, CMA

 

Fund Performance

 

Average Annual Total Returns

as of June 30, 2004


   Year-to-
Date*


    One
Year


    Three
Years


    Five
Years


    Since Inception
(10/11/96)


 

Heartland Select Value Fund

   5.26 %   27.30 %   10.32 %   12.04 %   12.63 %

S&P MidCap 400 Barra Value Index**

   6.78     33.35     10.26     12.28     14.68  

S&P 500 Index

   3.44     19.11     -0.69     -2.20     8.27  

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor would pay on distributions or redemptions. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-432-7856 or visit www.heartlandfunds.com.

 

Through November 30, 2001, the Advisor voluntarily waived a portion of the Fund’s expenses. Waivers are no longer in effect. Without such waivers, total returns prior to December 1, 2001 would have been lower.


* Not annualized.
** For comparison purposes, the value of the S&P MidCap 400 Barra Value Index on September 30, 1996 is used as the beginning value on October 11, 1996. Index definitions are listed on the final page of this report. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Investment Goal. The Select Value Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies. The Select Value Fund invests primarily in common stocks whose current market prices, in Heartland Advisors’ judgment, are undervalued relative to their intrinsic value. Heartland Advisors uses its disciplined value criteria to identify what it believes are the best available investment opportunities for the Select Value Fund. Using a multi-cap approach, the Fund invests in companies of all sizes, although the companies normally have market capitalizations in excess of $500 million.

 

Investment Considerations. The Select Value Fund invests in small and mid-sized companies that are less liquid than large companies. The Fund also invests in a smaller number of stocks (generally 35 to 50) than the average mutual fund. The performance of these holdings may increase the volatility of the Fund’s returns. Value-based investments are subject to the risk that the broad market may not recognize their intrinsic values.

 

Management Report

 

We are pleased to report to shareholders that, the year-to-date total return for the Heartland Select Value Fund was +5.26%. The Fund outperformed the widely quoted S&P 500 Index for this year-to-date period, which was up just 3.44%. It did however trail the 6.78% total return of the benchmark S&P MidCap 400 Barra Value Index for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

It is also worth noting that the Fund outperformed most of its peers in the Multi-Cap Value category for total return, over the trailing 12-month period ended June 30, 2004, according to Lipper. The Fund’s longer-term performance has also been impressive. For the 3-year, 5-year and since inception periods, the total returns of the Select Value Fund ranked in the top 2%, 1% and 8%, respectively, of Lipper’s Multi-Cap Value category.

 

However, we caution investors that these rankings calculated by Lipper do not represent any future rankings, which may be impacted by the short-term performance of the Fund.

 

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Experienced team starts off on the right foot

 

Shareholders may be aware that the previous portfolio co-managers were joined by Hugh Denison, David Fondrie, CPA, and Ted Baszler, CPA, CFA in the latter part of March of this year. This trio joined the Select Value Fund as one of the previous co-managers prepared to leave Heartland. As part of this transition, the Fund moved to a team managed approach.

 

Eric Miller, CMA, who had served as co-manager of this Fund since 1999, has continued as a member of the Select Value Fund’s team. With a combined 51 years of industry experience between these four managers – and with the most junior member of the team having approximately nine years under his belt – shareholders are assured that this is a seasoned and dedicated team.

 

Under the guidance of this team, the Select Value Fund outpaced both benchmark indices for the three months ended June 30, 2004 by posting a total return of 2.51%. In contrast, the S&P MidCap 400 Barra Value and S&P 500 Indices managed returns of 1.19% and 1.72%, respectively, for this period. It appears that the new portfolio management team is off to a positive start.

 

Focused on value & diversified by size

 

One of the results of the disciplined investment process of the Select Value Fund has been consistency of returns. To help achieve this, the portfolio management team is free to pursue what they believe are the best values in large, mid and small company stocks. In short, they’re focused on value, not size.

 

Designed and managed to be the core holding in an investor’s portfolio, this Fund invests in relatively few companies, typically 35 to 50. As of June 30, 2004, the Select Value Fund was invested in 40 companies.

 

Percentage of Equity Investments

 

Heartland Select Value Fund


   As of June 30, 2004

 

Large-Cap Companies

   28.9 %

Mid-Cap Companies

   36.5 %

Small-Cap Companies

   34.6 %

 

Heartland Advisors considers large-cap companies to be larger than $10 billion in market cap, mid-cap companies to be between $2 billion and $10 billion, and small-cap companies to be smaller than $2 billion. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Our outlook calls for long-term wealth creation

 

In contrast to the great many pundits who seem to us to be fixated on predictions of gloom and doom, we try not to bemoan higher interest rates, worries of renewed inflation or the possibilities for soaring oil prices. Though it would be unwise to ignore these, we also realize that the naysayers may have conveniently overlooked the powerful growth in corporate profits registered thus far in 2004 – up 27.5% in the first quarter, and another 25-30% is forecasted for the quarter just ended.

 

Looking back over the stock market’s history, our research has shown that, of the 67 ten-year periods since 1926, there have been only 2 that resulted in negative total returns. This holds true for both small and large company stocks. What’s more, we believe these odds improve significantly if you hire an experienced investment team with a disciplined process to work on your behalf.

 

Select Value Fund — Growth of $10,000 since inception

 

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Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Chart of growth of $10,000 represents a hypothetical investment in the Fund for the since inception (10/11/96) period ended June 30, 2004. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor would pay on distributions or redemptions.

 

Weighted Median Valuation Analysis

 

LOGO

 

Sources: FactSet Systems, Inc. and Heartland Advisors, Inc.


* Based on trailing 12-month actual earnings.

 

Portfolio Highlights and Statistics

 

Number of holdings (excludes cash equivalents)

     40

Net assets

   $ 91.28 mil.

NAV

   $ 21.22

Median market cap

   $ 2,718 mil.

Weighted average market cap

   $ 12,659 mil.

 

Top Ten Holdings – % of Net Assets (Excludes cash equivalents)

 

Goodrich Corp.

   3.2 %

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

   3.1  

Motorola, Inc.

   3.1  

Koninklijke (Royal) Philips Electronics N.V.

   2.9  

Ryder System, Inc.

   2.9  

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

   2.8  

National-Oilwell, Inc.

   2.8  

Nortel Networks Corp.

   2.7  

AVX Corp.

   2.7  

UnumProvident Corp.

   2.6  

 

Portfolio holdings, statistics and manager views are subject to change without notice, and discussions of portfolio holdings are intended as illustrations of investment strategy, not as recommendations. Index definitions and investment terms are listed on the final page of this report. All information, unless otherwise indicated is as of 6/30/04.

 

June 30, 2004 |  5


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Portfolio

Management Team

 

LOGO   LOGO   LOGO
Rodney Hathaway, CFA   William J. Nasgovitz   Eric J. Miller, CMA

 

Fund Performance

 

Average Annual Total Returns

as of June 30, 2004


   Year-to-
Date*


    One
Year


    Three
Years


    Five
Years


    Ten
Years


    Since Inception
(10/26/93)


 

Heartland Value Plus Fund

   7.79 %   41.18 %   21.55 %   12.76 %   14.28 %   13.48 %

Russell 2000 Value Index

   7.83     35.17     12.16     12.82     13.91     12.79  

Russell 2000 Index

   6.76     33.37     6.24     6.63     10.93     9.67  

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain more current performance information, please call 1-800-432-7856 or visit www.heartlandfunds.com. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor would pay on the distributions or redemptions.


* Not annualized.

 

Investment Goal. The Value Plus Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation and modest current income.

 

Principal Investment Strategies. The Value Plus Fund invests primarily in a limited number of equity securities of smaller companies selected on a value basis. The Fund generally seeks to invest in dividend-paying common stocks and may also invest in preferred stocks and convertible securities, which may provide income to the Fund. The Fund primarily invests in companies with market capitalizations between $300 million and $2 billion.

 

Investment Considerations. The Value Plus Fund invests in small companies that are generally less liquid than large companies. The Fund also invests in a smaller number of stocks (generally 35 to 50) than the average mutual fund. The performance of these holdings may increase the volatility of the Fund’s returns. Value-based investments are subject to the risk that the broad market may not recognize their intrinsic values.

 

Management Report

 

Led by small and mid-sized companies, the first half of 2004 was generally positive on Wall Street. For the year-to-date period through June 30, 2004 the Heartland Value Plus Fund total return was up 7.79%. This was in line with the benchmark Russell 2000 Value Index return of 7.83%, and ahead of the 6.76% return of the broader-based Russell 2000 Index. In contrast, the widely quoted S&P 500 Index of large company stocks was up just 3.44% for this six-month period. Additionally, the Fund had 57 holdings as of June 30, 2004, up from 53 holdings as of December 31, 2003.

 

The Value Plus Fund also outperformed the vast majority of its peers over the most recent 12-month period, according to Lipper. Within their Small-Cap Core category, the total return of the Fund ranked among the top 9% for total return. Preferring to focus on long-term results, we are more pleased to present our shareholders with the Fund’s longer-term rankings.

 

However, we caution investors that these rankings calculated by Lipper do not represent any future rankings, which may be impacted by the short-term performance of the Fund.

 

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LOGO

 

Finding value is our prescription

 

The Healthcare sector is one that we have favored for quite some time. As America continues to age, the demographic trends alone promote a large and lengthy escalation in the future demand for many healthcare services. What’s more, technological and scientific improvements in this sector have been increasing the ability of most service providers to meet the needs of consumers.

 

As investment professionals, the challenge for us has been to identify companies in this sector that have a viable advantage over their competition. Some of the attributes we look for include a portfolio of defendable patents, a superior business model or a battery of top-notch scientists. If the stocks of these companies are priced at a discount to their peers – that is, if they fit our bargain-hunting investment philosophy – we believe that offers investors the prescription for superior capital appreciation.

 

In the first half of 2004, the two largest contributors to the total return of the Value Plus Fund were from the Healthcare sector, Northfield Laboratories, Inc. and Biosite, Inc. Northfield Labs is developing an alternative to transfused human blood. Their product has shown great promise in ambulatory situations, such as in emergency response and combat conditions. Biosite provides medical testing. Their capabilities include diagnosing congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndromes and certain infections, as well as providing drug screening services.

 

Growing economy continues to boost cyclicals

 

Looking back to six months ago, we were particularly bullish on stocks that stood to gain from a growing U.S. economy. In fact, we mentioned in our year-end report to shareholders that we were “optimistic that the U.S. economy and the stocks in the Fund may continue to gain strength.” And in the first half of 2004, cyclical stocks in the Materials and Processing sector, like paper and steel, as well as shipping companies, benefited from a U.S. economy that topped the expectations of many analysts.

 

All that is gold has not glittered

 

After making positive contributions to the Value Plus Fund in 2003, stocks in the precious metals industry group pulled back in the first half of 2004. Though these stocks have thus far added little to the returns of the Fund, we believe there is a measurable and positive difference between the true worth of these companies and their current stock prices. In other words, “it’s cheaper to mine for silver and gold on Wall Street than it is to dig it up yourself.”

 

Our outlook remains positive

 

In our bottom-up view of the world – from individual stocks, to financial markets, to the overall economy – we are finding reasons to remain bullish. First and foremost, we are continuing to identify undervalued small company stocks we believe have the financial strength to pay dividends. Adding to our positive outlook is a backdrop of increasing corporate profitability and a growing U.S. economy. We believe this a great time to be a long-term value investor.

 

Value Plus Fund — Growth of $10,000 since inception

 

LOGO

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Chart of growth of $10,000 represents a hypothetical investment in the Fund for the since inception (10/26/93) period ended June 30, 2004. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor would pay on distributions or redemptions.

 

Weighted Median Valuation Analysis

 

LOGO

 

Sources: FactSet Systems, Inc. and Heartland Advisors, Inc.


* Based on trailing 12-month actual earnings.

 

Portfolio Highlights and Statistics

 

Number of holdings (excludes cash equivalents)

     57

Net assets

   $ 364.92 mil.

NAV

   $ 25.35

Median market cap

   $ 935 mil.

Weighted average market cap

   $ 1,470 mil.

 

Top Ten Holdings – % of Net Assets (Excludes cash equivalents)

 

Imation Corp.

   2.6 %

NICOR, Inc.

   2.5  

Lubrizol Corp.

   2.5  

Wausau-Mosinee Paper Corp.

   2.5  

Biosite Diagnostics, Inc.

   2.5  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (Class A)

   2.4  

Sappi Ltd. (ADR)

   2.3  

Agrium, Inc.

   2.3  

InterDigital Communications Corp.

   2.2  

Protective Life Corp.

   2.1  

 

Portfolio holdings, statistics and manager views are subject to change without notice, and discussions of portfolio holdings are intended as illustrations of investment strategy, not as recommendations. Index definitions and investment terms are listed on the final page of this report. All information, unless otherwise indicated is as of 6/30/04.

 

June 30, 2004 |  7


LOGO

 

Portfolio

Management Team

       
LOGO   LOGO   LOGO
William J. Nasgovitz   Eric J. Miller, CMA   Brad A. Evans, CFA

 

HEARTLAND VALUE FUND REMAINS OPEN TO:

 

  Existing accounts

 

  IRA and trust accounts

 

  Qualified retirement accounts

 

Fund Performance

 

Average Annual Total Returns

as of June 30, 2004


   Year-to-
Date*


    One
Year


    Three
Years


    Five
Years


    Ten
Years


    Since Inception
(12/28/84)


 

Heartland Value Fund

   4.18 %   39.05 %   16.91 %   18.33 %   16.05 %   16.08 %

Russell 2000 Value Index

   7.83     35.17     12.16     12.82     13.91     13.64  

Russell 2000 Index

   6.76     33.37     6.24     6.63     10.93     11.32  

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain more current performance information, please call 1-800-432-7856 or visit www.heartlandfunds.com. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor would pay on the distributions or redemptions.


* Not annualized.

 

Investment Goal. The Value Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through investing in small companies.

 

Principal Investment Strategies. The Value Fund invests primarily in common stocks of companies with market capitalizations of less than $1.5 billion selected on a value basis, and may invest a significant portion of its assets in micro-capitalization companies, those companies with market capitalizations of less than $300 million.

 

Investment Considerations. The Value Fund invests primarily in small companies selected on a value basis. Such securities may be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies and there is risk that the broad market may not recognize the intrinsic value of such securities.

 

Management Report

 

Driven by the strong returns of the first quarter, the Heartland Value Fund total return was up 4.18% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2004. The benchmark Russell 2000 Value Index of small company stocks with lower price-to-book ratios and the Russell 2000 Index of small company stocks returned 7.83% and 6.76%, respectively. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 Index were down -0.18% and up 3.44% for the same period, respectively.

 

Over the past 12 months, the Value Fund outperformed most of its peers. According to Lipper, the total return of the Fund ranked in the top 20% of the Small-Cap Value category for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2004.

 

As disciplined value investors with a nearly 20-year history of managing this Fund, we encourage shareholders to look at the Fund’s longer-term rankings. We are particularly proud that the Value Fund ranked #1 for total return in Lipper’s Small-Cap Value category for the since inception period, ended June 30, 2004.

 

However, we caution investors that these rankings calculated by Lipper do not represent any future rankings, which may be impacted by the short-term performance of the Fund.

 

LOGO

 

8  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

Adding more depth and experience to the team

 

As a Fund shareholder, you may be aware that earlier this year, Heartland welcomed back Brad Evans, CFA. He has joined Bill Nasgovitz and Eric Miller as a member of the portfolio management team for the Value Fund. With approximately 8 years of investment experience, Brad shares our passion for value investing. He has already become a key member of our team of 13 portfolio managers, research analysts and traders, which has a combined 164 years of investment experience. As evidenced by the Fund’s total returns, both relative and absolute, they have put together an outstanding track record!

 

In a reversal of 2003, small caps outpaced micros

 

Geopolitical concerns in the Middle East generally weighed on stocks during the first half of 2004. We believe an elevated sense of uncertainty fueled a flight to assets perceived as being safer, such as treasury bonds and large company stocks, at the expense of those that have offered higher risk and higher reward.

 

This trend was very evident as micro-capitalization stocks, the smallest of the small companies, were down substantially for this period. The following table breaks down the Russell 2000 Index into small/mid-cap and micro-cap stocks and vividly details the underperformance of the smallest of the small companies.

 

Since the Value Fund typically has a substantial allocation to micro-cap stocks, this hurt overall performance.

 

Average Returns by Capitalization

 

Russell 2000 Index


   Year-to-Date

 

Small and Mid-Cap Companies

   11.97 %

Micro-Cap Companies

   -8.95 %

 

Heartland Advisors considers small and mid-cap companies to be between $300 million and $10 billion, and micro-cap companies to be smaller than $300 million. Market capitalization analysis based on index holding information as of December 31, 2003. Average returns are unweighted, based on current constituents. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Domestic oil deserves a premium price tag

 

Energy stocks, which are often subjected to geopolitical risks, were pushed and pulled by headlines during this period. In the sector, we believe those companies benefiting from substantial oil reserves not directly impacted by these risks – such as non-Middle Eastern reserves – should trade at a premium. The Value Fund holdings of Harvest Natural Resources, Inc. and Willbros Group, Inc. fit this description and made positive impacts on Fund performance in the first half of 2004. We also believe this investment thesis remains intact and should benefit long-term shareholders in the future.

 

Long-term value investors should be bullish

 

At Heartland, we are continuing to find attractive investments among small and micro-capitalization stocks. As noted, micro-caps have recently trailed their larger counterparts, but we realize that over full market cycles, this asset class has historically been the top performer.

 

Since 1973, micro and small-cap stocks have returned an average annual gain of 17.58% and 14.27%, respectively. In contrast, large company stocks have returned 10.98%. We would view any period of relative underperformance, like what we have just seen, as an investment opportunity. It’s a great time to be a long-term value investor.

 

Value Fund — Growth of $10,000 since inception

 

LOGO

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Chart of growth of $10,000 represents a hypothetical investment in the Fund for the since inception (12/28/84) period ended June 30, 2004. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor would pay on distributions or redemptions.

 

Weighted Median Valuation Analysis

 

LOGO

 

Sources: FactSet Systems, Inc. and Heartland Advisors, Inc.


* Based on trailing 12-month earnings.

 

Portfolio Highlights and Statistics

 

Number of holdings (excludes cash equivalents)

     248

Net assets

   $ 2,049.65 mil.

NAV

   $ 53.28

Median market cap

   $ 237 mil.

Weighted average market cap

   $ 1,129 mil.

 

Top Ten Holdings – % of Net Assets (Excludes cash equivalents)

 

Great Lakes Chemical Corp.

   3.2 %

InterDigital Communications Corp.

   2.8  

BearingPoint, Inc.

   2.5  

UTStarcom, Inc.

   2.1  

Alpharma, Inc. (Class A)

   1.6  

Nortel Networks Corp.

   1.5  

Sonus Networks, Inc.

   1.5  

Harvest Natural Resources, Inc.

   1.4  

Discovery Laboratories, Inc.

   1.3  

Dynergy, Inc. (Class A)

   1.3  

 

Portfolio holdings, statistics and manager views are subject to change without notice, and discussions of portfolio holdings are intended as illustrations of investment strategy, not as recommendations. Index definitions and investment terms are listed on the final page of this report. All information, unless otherwise indicated is as of 6/30/04.

 

The Value Fund closed to new investors on November 26, 2003. The Fund remains open to current shareholders and to new IRA, trust and qualified retirement accounts.

 

June 30, 2004 |  9


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Schedule of Investments    June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

SELECT VALUE FUND

 

COMMON STOCKS


   Shares

  

Industry


   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

Goodrich Corp.

   89,800    Aerospace    $ 2,903,234    3.2 %

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

   47,300    Medical Supplies      2,827,594    3.1  

Motorola, Inc.

   154,100    Communications Equipment      2,812,325    3.1  

Koninklijke (Royal) Philips Electronics N.V.

   98,800    Electronic Commerce      2,687,360    2.9  

Ryder System, Inc.

   66,300    Shipping and Trucking      2,656,641    2.9  

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

   112,500    Parts and Distribution      2,587,500    2.8  

National-Oilwell, Inc. (a)

   80,300    Oil Services and Equipment      2,528,647    2.8  

Nortel Networks Corp. (a)

   500,000    Communications Equipment      2,495,000    2.7  

AVX Corp.

   170,000    Other Technology      2,456,500    2.7  

UnumProvident Corp.

   150,000    Insurance - Life      2,385,000    2.6  

Union Pacific Corp.

   40,000    Railroads      2,378,000    2.6  

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. (b)

   24,400    Chemicals      2,348,722    2.6  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

   100,000    Banking      2,290,000    2.5  

Perrigo Co.

   120,000    Pharmaceuticals      2,276,400    2.5  

P.H. Glatfelter Co.

   161,000    Paper and Forest Products      2,266,880    2.5  

WCI Communities, Inc. (a)

   100,000    Engineering and Construction      2,231,000    2.4  

Allstate Corp.

   47,200    Insurance - Property/Casualty      2,197,160    2.4  

Walt Disney Co.

   84,500    Leisure      2,153,905    2.4  

ConocoPhillips Co.

   28,000    Domestic Oil      2,136,120    2.3  

A. Schulman, Inc.

   98,700    Chemicals      2,121,063    2.3  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   35,700    Domestic Oil      2,092,020    2.3  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

   99,200    Restaurants      2,038,560    2.2  

BorgWarner, Inc.

   46,000    Parts and Distribution      2,013,420    2.2  

MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (a)

   200,000    Semiconductors      1,976,000    2.2  

Furniture Brands International, Inc.

   75,000    Housing      1,878,750    2.1  

NRG Energy, Inc. (a)

   75,000    Electric      1,860,000    2.0  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

   41,600    Building Products      1,844,128    2.0  

Tidewater, Inc.

   61,300    Oil Services and Equipment      1,826,740    2.0  

Texas Industries, Inc.

   44,300    Building Products      1,823,831    2.0  

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (a)

   75,000    Air Transportation      1,790,250    2.0  

Washington Mutual, Inc.

   45,400    Banking      1,754,256    1.9  

Merck & Co., Inc.

   36,200    Pharmaceuticals      1,719,500    1.9  

RPM International, Inc.

   110,200    Building Products      1,675,040    1.8  

Telefonos de Mexico SA de CV (ADR)

   50,000    Telecommunications Utility      1,663,500    1.8  

Allegheny Energy, Inc. (a)

   100,000    Electric      1,541,000    1.7  

King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

   128,700    Pharmaceuticals      1,473,615    1.6  

Adaptec, Inc. (a)

   167,600    Parts and Component Distribution      1,417,896    1.6  

Wisconsin Energy Corp.

   42,000    Electric      1,369,620    1.5  

Agrium, Inc. (b)

   92,000    Chemicals      1,348,377    1.5  

Humana, Inc. (a)

   79,300    Healthcare Services      1,340,170    1.5  
              

  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $70,612,025)

             $ 83,185,724    91.1 %

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS


  

Par

Amount


   Coupon

   Maturity

   Value

   

Percent of

Net Assets


 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY SECURITIES

                               

U.S. Treasury Bills

   $ 6,000,000    N/A    07/22/04    $ 5,996,352     6.6 %

TIME DEPOSITS (+)

                               

Brown Brothers Harriman 0.76%

   $ 3,849,946    N/A         $ 3,849,946     4.2 %
                     


 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $9,844,142)

                    $ 9,846,298     10.8 %
                     


 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $80,456,167)

                    $ 93,032,022     101.9 %

Other assets and liabilities, net

                      (1,754,546 )   (1.9 )
                     


 

TOTAL NET ASSETS

                    $ 91,277,476     100.0 %
                     


 


(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Foreign-denominated security.
(+) Time deposits are considered short-term obligations and are payable on demand. Interest rates change periodically on specified dates. The rates listed are as of June 30, 2004.
ADR - American Depository Receipt

 

10  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments   June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

SELECT VALUE FUND [cont’d]

 

INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

 

The Select Value Fund’s investment concentration based on net assets, by industry, as of June 30, 2004, was as follows:

 

Chemicals

   6.4 %

Pharmaceuticals

   6.0  

Building Products

   5.8  

Communications Equipment

   5.8  

Electric

   5.2  

Parts and Distribution

   5.0  

Oil Services and Equipment

   4.8  

Domestic Oil

   4.6  

Banking

   4.4  

Aerospace

   3.2  

Medical Supplies

   3.1  

Electronic Commerce

   2.9  

Shipping and Trucking

   2.9  

Other Technology

   2.7  

Insurance - Life

   2.6  

Railroads

   2.6  

Paper and Forest Products

   2.5  

Engineering and Construction

   2.4  

Insurance - Property/Casualty

   2.4  

Leisure

   2.4  

Restaurants

   2.2  

Semiconductors

   2.2  

Housing

   2.1  

Air Transportation

   2.0  

Telecommunications Utility

   1.8  

Parts and Component Distribution

   1.6  

Healthcare Services

   1.5  

 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Schedule.

 

June 30, 2004 |  11


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments    June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

VALUE PLUS FUND

 

COMMON STOCKS


   Shares

  

Industry


   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

Imation Corp.

   225,000    Computers and Peripherals    $ 9,587,250    2.6 %

NICOR, Inc.

   270,000    Natural Gas Distribution      9,171,900    2.5  

Lubrizol Corp.

   250,000    Chemicals      9,155,000    2.5  

Wausau-Mosinee Paper Corp.

   525,000    Paper and Forest Products      9,082,500    2.5  

Biosite Diagnostics, Inc. (a)

   200,000    Medical Supplies      8,984,000    2.5  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (Class A)

   350,000    Foods and Food Products      8,862,000    2.4  

Sappi, Ltd. (ADR)

   550,000    Paper and Forest Products      8,442,500    2.3  

Agrium, Inc. (c)

   575,000    Chemicals      8,427,356    2.3  

InterDigital Communications Corp. (a)

   425,000    Telecommunications Technology      7,994,250    2.2  

Protective Life Corp.

   200,000    Insurance - Life      7,734,000    2.1  

Agilysys, Inc.

   550,000    Parts and Component Distribution      7,584,500    2.1  

PSS World Medical, Inc. (a)

   675,000    Healthcare Services      7,560,000    2.1  

UnumProvident Corp.

   475,000    Insurance - Life      7,552,500    2.1  

Parametric Technology Corp. (a)

   1,500,000    Software      7,500,000    2.1  

IKON Office Solutions, Inc.

   650,000    Business Services      7,455,500    2.0  

Tidewater, Inc.

   250,000    Oil Services and Equipment      7,450,000    2.0  

Covenant Transport, Inc. (a)

   435,000    Shipping and Trucking      7,434,150    2.0  

Borland Software Corp. (a)

   850,000    Software      7,216,500    2.0  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

   350,000    Metals      7,185,500    2.0  

Swift Transportation Co., Inc. (a)

   400,000    Shipping and Trucking      7,180,000    2.0  

Stride Rite Corp.

   650,000    Retail      7,169,500    2.0  

Alpharma, Inc. (Class A)

   350,000    Pharmaceuticals      7,168,000    2.0  

PEC Solutions, Inc. (a)

   600,000    IT Services      7,158,000    2.0  

Methode Electronics, Inc. (Class A)

   550,000    Parts and Component Distribution      7,133,500    2.0  

Bunge, Ltd.

   175,000    Foods and Food Products      6,814,500    1.9  

Perot Systems Corp. (Class A) (a)

   500,000    IT Services      6,635,000    1.8  

Convergys Corp. (a)

   425,000    Business Services      6,545,000    1.8  

Banknorth Group, Inc.

   200,000    Banking      6,496,000    1.8  

Noranda, Inc. (c)

   375,000    Metals      6,449,134    1.8  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

   300,000    Chemicals      6,444,000    1.8  

PXRE Corp.

   250,000    Insurance - Property/Casualty      6,317,500    1.7  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

   425,000    Parts and Distribution      6,260,250    1.7  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Semiconductor Capital Equipment      6,220,000    1.7  

Oakley, Inc.

   475,000    Retail      6,146,500    1.7  

American Italian Pasta Co.

   200,000    Foods and Food Products      6,096,000    1.6  

Shire Pharmaceuticals Group PLC (ADR) (a)

   225,000    Pharmaceuticals      6,016,500    1.6  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

   575,000    Building Products      5,980,000    1.6  

Orthovita, Inc. (a)

   1,128,572    Biotechnology      5,800,860    1.6  

Newport Corp. (a)

   350,000    Semiconductor Capital Equipment      5,659,500    1.6  

Andrx Corp. (a)

   200,000    Pharmaceuticals      5,586,000    1.5  

Standard Register Co.

   450,000    Business Services      5,355,000    1.5  

Harmony Gold Mining Co., Ltd. (ADR)

   500,000    Metals      5,295,000    1.5  

Government Properties Trust, Inc.

   475,000    REITS      4,963,750    1.4  

Genelabs Technologies, Inc. (a)

   1,960,000    Biotechnology      4,527,600    1.2  

Videsh Sanchar Nigam, Ltd. (ADR)

   550,000    Telecommunications Utility      4,026,000    1.1  

Perrigo Co.

   200,000    Pharmaceuticals      3,794,000    1.0  

StemCells, Inc. (a)(d)(e)(f)

   2,302,632    Biotechnology      2,975,001    0.8  

Volume Services America Holdings, Inc.

   216,900    Foods and Food Products      2,934,657    0.8  

Fieldstone Investment Corp. (d)(e)(f)

   183,100    REITS      2,883,825    0.8  

De Rigo S.p.A. (ADR)

   437,500    Retail      2,712,500    0.7  

Nam Tai Electronics, Inc.

   125,000    Contract Manufacturing      2,690,000    0.7  

Casual Male Retail Group, Inc. (a)

   335,000    Retail      2,445,500    0.6  

GTC Biotherapeutics, Inc. (a)

   1,245,800    Biotechnology      1,955,906    0.5  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (a)(d)(e)(f)

   193,100    REITS      1,882,725    0.5  

Xcyte Therapies, Inc. (a)(b)

   395,800    Biotechnology      1,741,520    0.5  

Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. (a)

   350,000    Biotechnology      1,494,500    0.4  
              

  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $303,616,438)

             $ 341,332,634    93.5 %

 

12  | Semiannual Report


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Schedule of Investments    June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

VALUE PLUS FUND [cont’d]

 

WARRANTS


   Shares

  

Industry


   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

StemCells, Inc. (a)(d)(e)(f)

   575,658    Biotechnology    $ —      0.0 %
              

  

TOTAL WARRANTS (Cost $0)

             $ —      0.0 %

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS


  

Par

Amount


   Coupon

   Maturity

   Value

   Percent of
Net Assets


 

TIME DEPOSITS (+)

                              

Brown Brothers Harriman 0.76%

   $ 16,361,309    N/A         $ 16,361,309    4.5 %
                     

  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $16,361,309)

                    $ 16,361,309    4.5 %
                     

  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $319,977,747)

                    $ 357,693,943    98.0 %

Other assets and liabilities, net

                      7,228,020    2.0  
                     

  

TOTAL NET ASSETS

                    $ 364,921,963    100.0 %
                     

  


(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Affiliated company. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial Statements.
(c) Foreign-denominated security.
(d) Illiquid security, pursuant to the guidelines established by the Board of Directors. See Note 2(i) in Notes to Financial Statements.
(e) Valued at fair value using methods determined by the Board of Directors. See Note 2(a) in Notes to Financial Statements.
(f) Restricted security. See Note 2(j) in Notes to Financial Statements.
(+) Time deposits are considered short-term obligations and are payable on demand. Interest rates change periodically on specified dates. The rates listed are as of June 30, 2004.
ADR - American Depository Receipt.

 

INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

 

The Value Plus Fund’s investment concentration based on net assets, by industry, as of June 30, 2004, was as follows:

 

Foods and Food Products

   6.7 %

Chemicals

   6.6  

Pharmaceuticals

   6.1  

Business Services

   5.3  

Metals

   5.3  

Biotechnology

   5.0  

Retail

   5.0  

Paper and Forest Products

   4.8  

Insurance - Life

   4.2  

Parts and Component Distribution

   4.1  

Software

   4.1  

Shipping and Trucking

   4.0  

IT Services

   3.8  

Semiconductor Capital Equipment

   3.3  

REITS

   2.7  

Computers and Peripherals

   2.6  

Medical Supplies

   2.5  

Natural Gas Distribution

   2.5  

Telecommunications Technology

   2.2  

Healthcare Services

   2.1  

Oil Services and Equipment

   2.0  

Banking

   1.8  

Insurance - Property/Casualty

   1.7  

Parts and Distribution

   1.7  

Building Products

   1.6  

Telecommunications Utility

   1.1  

Contract Manufacturing

   0.7  

 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Schedule.

 

June 30, 2004 |  13


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments    June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

VALUE FUND

 

COMMON STOCKS


   Shares

  

Industry


   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

Great Lakes Chemical Corp.

   2,400,000    Chemicals    $ 64,944,000    3.2 %

InterDigital Communications Corp. (a)(b)

   3,000,000    Telecommunications Technology      56,430,000    2.8  

BearingPoint, Inc. (a)

   5,790,000    Business Services      51,357,300    2.5  

UTStarcom, Inc. (a)

   1,400,000    Communications Equipment      42,350,000    2.1  

Alpharma, Inc. (Class A) (b)

   1,613,000    Pharmaceuticals      33,034,240    1.6  

Nortel Networks Corp. (a)

   6,250,000    Communications Equipment      31,187,500    1.5  

Sonus Networks, Inc. (a)

   6,276,500    Telecommunications Technology      30,001,670    1.5  

Harvest Natural Resources, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,861,000    Exploration and Production      27,747,510    1.4  

Discovery Laboratories, Inc. (a)(b)

   2,784,256    Biotechnology      26,701,015    1.3  

Dynegy, Inc. (Class A) (a)

   6,250,000    Natural Gas Pipelines      26,625,000    1.3  

AmerUs Group Co.

   600,000    Insurance - Life      24,840,000    1.2  

Forest Oil Co. (a)

   900,000    Exploration and Production      24,588,000    1.2  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

   1,000,000    Chemicals      21,480,000    1.0  

Borland Software Corp. (a)

   2,500,000    Software      21,225,000    1.0  

Alliance Alantis Communications, Inc. (Class B) (a)(c)

   1,000,000    Radio, TV and Cable      18,697,054    0.9  

Service Corp. International (a)

   2,500,000    Other Consumer Discretionary      18,425,000    0.9  

Presidential Life Corp.

   1,000,000    Insurance - Life      18,020,000    0.9  

OrthoLogic Corp. (a)(b)

   2,065,000    Biotechnology      17,903,550    0.9  

Regis Corp.

   400,000    Retail      17,836,000    0.9  

Fieldstone Investment Corp. (d)(e)(f)

   1,098,600    REITS      17,302,950    0.9  

NABI Biopharmaceuticals (a)

   1,185,466    Pharmaceuticals      16,857,327    0.8  

Sabre Holdings Corp.

   600,000    Other Technology      16,626,000    0.8  

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (a)

   959,800    Healthcare Services      15,606,348    0.8  

Willbros Group, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Oil Services and Equipment      15,070,000    0.7  

Alliance Semiconductor Corp. (a)(b)

   2,500,000    Semiconductors      14,875,000    0.7  

Analogic Corp.

   348,300    Other Technology      14,778,369    0.7  

Agrium, Inc. (c)

   1,000,000    Chemicals      14,656,271    0.7  

WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. (a)(b)

   2,000,000    Electronic Commerce      14,440,000    0.7  

SITEL Corp. (a)

   3,350,600    Business Services      14,139,532    0.7  

Andrx Corp. (a)

   500,000    Pharmaceuticals      13,965,000    0.7  

URS Corp. (a)

   500,000    Engineering and Construction      13,700,000    0.7  

Priceline.com, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Retail      13,465,000    0.7  

Multimedia Games, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Leisure      13,410,000    0.7  

Associated Banc-Corp.

   450,000    Banking      13,333,500    0.7  

FreeMarkets, Inc. (a)

   2,000,000    Software      13,040,000    0.6  

Vesta Insurance Group, Inc. (b)

   2,000,000    Insurance - Property/Casualty      12,940,000    0.6  

Tommy Hilfiger Corp. (a)

   850,000    Retail      12,869,000    0.6  

Isolagen, Inc. (a)

   1,250,000    Biotechnology      12,850,000    0.6  

Sterling Financial Corp. (a)

   401,720    Banking      12,802,816    0.6  

AMERCO (a)

   530,935    Services      12,609,706    0.6  

Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (a)

   1,460,000    Healthcare Services      12,556,000    0.6  

Genencor International, Inc. (a)

   750,000    Biotechnology      12,277,500    0.6  

Sangetsu Co., Ltd. (c)

   479,000    International      12,258,914    0.6  

MAPICS, Inc. (a)

   1,126,900    Software      11,900,064    0.6  

FuelCell Energy, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Alternative Energy      11,680,000    0.6  

Covansys Corp. (a)(b)

   1,120,300    IT Services      11,572,699    0.6  

IKON Office Solutions, Inc.

   1,000,000    Business Services      11,470,000    0.6  

Fukuda Denshi Co., Ltd. (c)

   400,000    International      11,468,480    0.6  

Global-Tech Appliances, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,200,000    Retail      11,400,000    0.6  

Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. (a)(c)

   953,500    Insurance - Property/Casualty      11,344,212    0.6  

Marten Transport, Ltd. (a)

   600,000    Shipping and Trucking      11,190,000    0.5  

Harmony Gold Mining Co., Ltd. (ADR)

   1,000,000    Metals      10,590,000    0.5  

Geo Group, Inc. (a)(b)

   505,400    Services      10,310,160    0.5  

Boston Communications Group, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,000,000    Telecommunications Technology      10,250,000    0.5  

PXRE Group, Ltd.

   400,000    Insurance - Property/Casualty      10,108,000    0.5  

Endocardial Solutions, Inc. (a)(b)

   970,000    Medical Equipment      10,039,500    0.5  

Fuji Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (c)

   500,000    International      9,924,646    0.5  

Genitope Corp. (a)(b)

   1,000,000    Biotechnology      9,871,000    0.5  

Corvis Corp. (a)

   7,000,000    Telecommunications Technology      9,870,000    0.5  

Computer Network Technology Corp. (a)(b)

   1,600,000    Computers and Peripherals      9,584,000    0.5  

Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd. (c)

   500,000    International      9,557,067    0.5  

FTI Consulting, Inc. (a)

   568,300    Business Services      9,376,950    0.5  

Assured Guaranty, Ltd. (a)

   550,000    Other Financial Services      9,322,500    0.5  

Department 56, Inc. (a)

   600,000    Retail      9,240,000    0.5  

High River Gold Mines, Ltd. (a)(b)(c)

   7,501,400    Metals      9,166,566    0.4  

China Yuchai International, Ltd.

   500,000    Parts and Distribution      9,110,000    0.4  

 

14  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments    June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

VALUE FUND [cont’d]

 

COMMON STOCKS


   Shares

  

Industry


   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Business Services    $ 9,075,000    0.4 %

Intervideo, Inc. (a)(b)

   700,150    Software      9,059,941    0.4  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Foods and Food Products      9,050,000    0.4  

Capital Corp. of the West

   228,690    Banking      8,882,320    0.4  

Badger Meter, Inc. (b)

   200,000    Electrical Equipment      8,850,000    0.4  

Hampshire Group, Ltd. (a)(b)

   300,000    Retail      8,697,000    0.4  

K2, Inc. (a)

   550,000    Leisure      8,635,000    0.4  

Industrial & Financial Systems (Class B) (a)(b)(c)

   6,000,000    Software      8,625,739    0.4  

Kinross Gold Corp. (a)(c)

   1,550,000    Metals      8,622,086    0.4  

Hecla Mining Co. (a)

   1,500,500    Metals      8,552,850    0.4  

Adaptec, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Parts and Component Distribution      8,460,000    0.4  

Western Silver Corp. (a)(c)

   1,250,400    Metals      8,417,866    0.4  

PSS World Medical, Inc. (a)

   750,000    Healthcare Services      8,400,000    0.4  

Novell, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Software      8,390,000    0.4  

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (a)

   400,000    Retail      8,316,000    0.4  

Cambior, Inc. (a)(c)

   3,000,000    Metals      8,253,992    0.4  

Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,253,400    Pharmaceuticals      8,209,770    0.4  

Stifel Financial Corp. (a)

   300,000    Specialty Finance      8,160,000    0.4  

PetroKazakhstan, Inc. (Class A) (c)

   300,000    Exploration and Production      8,148,287    0.4  

Exponent, Inc. (a)

   300,000    Business Services      8,061,000    0.4  

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (a)(b)

   300,000    Foods and Food Products      8,016,000    0.4  

PAREXEL International Corp. (a)

   400,000    Healthcare Services      7,920,000    0.4  

Rite Aid Corp. (a)

   1,500,000    Retail      7,830,000    0.4  

Kendle International, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,000,000    Healthcare Services      7,750,000    0.4  

Powerwave Technologies, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Communications Equipment      7,700,000    0.4  

Aphton Corp. (a)(b)

   1,922,415    Biotechnology      7,689,660    0.4  

MAF Bancorp, Inc.

   177,750    Banking      7,586,370    0.4  

Building Materials Holding Corp.

   400,000    Building Products      7,572,000    0.4  

Oil-Dri Corp. of America (b)

   450,000    Chemicals      7,515,000    0.4  

Barrett Business Services, Inc. (a)(b)

   500,000    Business Services      7,450,000    0.4  

Anacomp, Inc. (Class A) (a)(b)(d)

   350,000    Business Services      7,367,500    0.4  

Shiloh Industries, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Metals      7,330,000    0.4  

Silicon Graphics, Inc. (a)

   3,250,000    Computers and Peripherals      7,150,000    0.3  

Scottish Re Group, Ltd.

   302,000    Insurance - Life      7,021,500    0.3  

PLATO Learning, Inc. (a)

   700,000    Education      6,937,000    0.3  

RealNetworks, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Software      6,840,000    0.3  

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (a)(b)(d)

   400,000    Retail      6,715,600    0.3  

Home Federal Bancorp. (a)(b)

   268,250    Banking      6,706,250    0.3  

Midwest Express Holdings, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,600,000    Air Transportation      6,672,000    0.3  

Teikoku Hormone Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (c)

   700,000    International      6,432,641    0.3  

AmericanWest Bancorp

   332,105    Banking      6,359,812    0.3  

Lantronix, Inc. (a)(b)

   5,000,000    Computers and Peripherals      6,350,000    0.3  

Saucony, Inc. (Class B)

   300,000    Retail      6,315,000    0.3  

Henry Schein, Inc. (a)

   100,000    Medical Supplies      6,314,000    0.3  

Sunterra Corp. (a)

   500,000    Leisure      6,300,000    0.3  

Enesco Group, Inc. (a)

   700,000    Retail      6,272,000    0.3  

STAAR Surgical Co. (a)

   800,000    Medical Supplies      6,240,000    0.3  

Chronimed, Inc. (a)(b)

   750,000    Medical Supplies      6,112,500    0.3  

Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,000,000    Medical Supplies      6,100,000    0.3  

Horipro, Inc. (c)

   720,000    International      6,067,267    0.3  

Buca, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,137,570    Restaurants      6,063,248    0.3  

Galyan’s Trading Co. (a)(b)

   362,600    Retail      6,048,168    0.3  

CNS, Inc. (a)

   600,000    Other Consumer Staples      6,018,600    0.3  

Superior Consulting Holdings Corp. (a)(b)

   1,000,000    Health Information Technology      6,000,000    0.3  

On Assignment, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Business Services      5,900,000    0.3  

CHC Helicopter Corp. (Class A) (c)

   200,000    Oil Services and Equipment      5,862,508    0.3  

Ashworth, Inc. (a)(b)

   700,000    Retail      5,817,000    0.3  

Captaris, Inc. (a)

   895,200    Software      5,782,992    0.3  

NATCO Group, Inc. (Class A) (a)

   750,000    Oil Services and Equipment      5,782,500    0.3  

Novamerican Steel, Inc. (a)

   226,000    Metals      5,724,580    0.3  

Ionics, Inc. (a)

   200,000    Engineering and Construction      5,650,000    0.3  

Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (c)(d)

   938,000    International      5,645,930    0.3  

Plains Exploration & Production Co. (a)

   300,000    Exploration and Production      5,505,000    0.3  

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (a)

   200,000    Leisure      5,488,000    0.3  

Independent Bank Corp.

   189,500    Banking      5,486,025    0.3  

Aastra Technologies, Ltd. (a)(c)

   400,000    Telecommunications Technology      5,454,682    0.3  

 

June 30, 2004 |  15


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Schedule of Investments    June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

VALUE FUND [cont’d]

 

COMMON STOCKS


   Shares

  

Industry


   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

Allied Defense Group, Inc. (a)(b)

   300,000    Aerospace    $ 5,391,000    0.3 %

Deb Shops, Inc.

   221,000    Retail      5,317,260    0.3  

Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Insurance - Property/Casualty      5,300,000    0.3  

Summit Bank Corp. (b)

   300,000    Banking      5,160,000    0.3  

Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (c)

   352,000    International      5,126,999    0.3  

Discovery Partners International, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Biotechnology      5,100,000    0.2  

Fuel-Tech N.V. (a)(b)

   1,000,000    Chemicals      5,100,000    0.2  

Knight Trading Group, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Specialty Finance      5,010,000    0.2  

NVE Corp. (a)

   125,000    Parts and Component Distribution      4,993,750    0.2  

RCM Technologies, Inc. (a)(b)

   780,100    IT Services      4,952,855    0.2  

Copper Mountain Networks, Inc. (a)(b)

   400,000    Communications Equipment      4,856,000    0.2  

Mesa Air Group, Inc. (a)

   600,000    Air Transportation      4,854,000    0.2  

Commonwealth Industries, Inc.

   465,200    Metals      4,810,168    0.2  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (a)

   750,000    Business Services      4,792,500    0.2  

MEDTOX Scientific, Inc. (a)(b)

   470,000    Other Healthcare      4,765,800    0.2  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (d)(e)(f)

   482,800    REITS      4,707,300    0.2  

Medwave, Inc. (a)(b)

   900,000    Medical Equipment      4,698,000    0.2  

Maezawa Kasei Industries Co., Ltd. (c)

   294,100    International      4,651,223    0.2  

Northwest Pipe Co. (a)

   263,501    Metals      4,650,793    0.2  

First State Bancorp.

   150,000    Banking      4,608,000    0.2  

Pure Cycle Corp. (a)

   500,000    Other Utilities      4,575,000    0.2  

Advanced Marketing Services, Inc.

   350,000    Publishing      4,518,500    0.2  

Third Wave Technologies (a)

   1,000,000    Biotechnology      4,490,000    0.2  

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.

   315,000    Foods and Food Products      4,485,600    0.2  

AirNet Systems, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,000,000    Air Transportation      4,480,000    0.2  

Met-Pro Corp.

   300,000    Waste Management      4,470,000    0.2  

Quovadx, Inc. (a)(b)

   3,677,400    Health Information Technology      4,412,880    0.2  

TeleTech Holdings, Inc.

   500,000    Business Services      4,385,000    0.2  

Paramount Resources, Ltd. (c)

   400,100    Exploration and Production      4,319,244    0.2  

Analysts International Corp. (a)(b)

   1,400,000    IT Services      4,312,000    0.2  

National Home Health Care Corp. (a)(b)

   441,000    Healthcare Services      4,277,700    0.2  

PRAECIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

   1,100,000    Pharmaceuticals      4,180,000    0.2  

Trover Solutions, Inc. (a)(b)

   603,000    Healthcare Services      4,166,730    0.2  

PRG-Schultz International, Inc. (a)

   750,000    Services      4,102,500    0.2  

MAIR Holdings, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Air Transportation      4,080,000    0.2  

Hanover Foods Corp. (Class A) (a)(d)

   49,500    Foods and Food Products      4,059,000    0.2  

Shaw Group, Inc. (a)

   400,000    Engineering and Construction      4,052,000    0.2  

OSI Systems, Inc. (a)

   200,000    Defense      3,986,000    0.2  

CEVA, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Software      3,955,000    0.2  

Culp, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Other Materials and Processes      3,890,000    0.2  

Senesco Technologies, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,225,000    Biotechnology      3,858,750    0.2  

Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. (a)

   500,000    IT Services      3,825,000    0.2  

IPC Holdings, Ltd.

   100,000    Insurance - Property/Casualty      3,693,000    0.2  

Intevac, Inc. (a)

   400,000    Semiconductor Capital Equipment      3,548,000    0.2  

MatrixOne, Inc. (a)

   512,100    Software      3,538,611    0.2  

Kennedy-Wilson, Inc. (a)(b)

   500,000    Specialty Finance      3,495,000    0.2  

Air Methods Corp. (a)

   400,000    Air Transportation      3,464,000    0.2  

Landec Corp. (a)

   500,000    Chemicals      3,415,000    0.2  

Material Sciences Corp.

   320,000    Metals      3,408,000    0.2  

AP Pharma, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Biotechnology      3,350,000    0.2  

Calgon Carbon Corp.

   500,000    Chemicals      3,350,000    0.2  

Datalink Corp. (a)(b)

   1,000,000    Communications Equipment      3,320,000    0.2  

Capital Environmental Resource, Inc. (a)(d)(e)(f)

   750,000    Waste Management      3,251,250    0.2  

Osteotech, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Medical Supplies      3,245,000    0.2  

Volt Information Sciences, Inc. (a)

   100,000    Business Services      3,151,000    0.2  

Capital Lease Funding, Inc. (a)

   300,000    REITS      3,120,000    0.2  

Miller Industries, Inc. (a)

   300,000    Other Autos and Transportation      2,958,000    0.1  

Compex Technologies, Inc. (a)

   480,000    Medical Equipment      2,952,000    0.1  

Patrick Industries, Inc. (b)(d)

   293,525    Housing      2,935,250    0.1  

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc. (a)(b)

   469,000    Restaurants      2,921,870    0.1  

Harris Interactive, Inc. (a)

   423,600    IT Services      2,846,592    0.1  

Braun Consulting, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,566,317    Business Services      2,819,371    0.1  

Zindart, Ltd. (ADR) (a)(b)

   563,000    Other Consumer Discretionary      2,798,110    0.1  

Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (a)

   360,900    Restaurants      2,771,712    0.1  

SRI/Surgical Express, Inc. (a)(b)(d)

   425,000    Healthcare Services      2,762,500    0.1  

 

16  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

 

Schedule of Investments    June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

VALUE FUND [cont’d]

 

COMMON STOCKS


   Shares

  

Industry


   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

Integrated Alarm Services Group, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Specialty Finance    $ 2,700,000    0.1 %

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (a)

   150,000    Other Technology      2,689,500    0.1  

Metrocall Holdings, Inc. (a)

   38,180    Telecommunications Technology      2,558,060    0.1  

Zomax, Inc. (a)

   671,500    IT Services      2,531,555    0.1  

Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. (Class A) (c)

   90,000    Specialty Finance      2,503,186    0.1  

Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corp., Ltd. (a)(b)(d)

   1,137,300    Electrical Equipment      2,502,060    0.1  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (a)

   200,000    Semiconductor Capital Equipment      2,488,000    0.1  

Champps Entertainment, Inc. (a)

   300,000    Restaurants      2,478,000    0.1  

Sholodge, Inc. (a)(b)(d)

   450,000    Leisure      2,475,000    0.1  

Innovex, Inc. (a)

   500,000    Contract Manufacturing      2,285,000    0.1  

Outlook Group Corp. (b)(d)

   380,400    Printing      2,263,380    0.1  

O.I. Corp. (a)(b)

   245,900    Other Producer Durables      2,213,100    0.1  

Water Pik Technologies, Inc. (a)

   133,400    Retail      2,209,104    0.1  

Almost Family, Inc. (a)(b)

   250,000    Healthcare Services      2,112,500    0.1  

STAAR Surgical Co. (a)(d)(e)(f)

   300,000    Medical Supplies      2,106,000    0.1  

Kondotec, Inc. (c)(d)

   361,000    International      2,043,521    0.1  

Parlex Corp. (a)(d)

   300,899    Contract Manufacturing      1,955,843    0.1  

@Road, Inc. (a)

   250,000    Software      1,912,500    0.1  

Phoenix Co., Inc.

   150,000    Insurance - Life      1,837,500    0.1  

American Physicians Service Group, Inc. (a)(b)

   185,649    Specialty Finance      1,771,091    0.1  

Poore Brothers, Inc. (a)

   702,000    Foods and Food Products      1,762,020    0.1  

HearUSA, Inc. (a)

   1,000,000    Other Healthcare      1,750,000    0.1  

Marcus Corp.

   100,000    Leisure      1,725,000    0.1  

Macarthur Coal, Ltd. (c)

   1,200,000    Other Energy      1,685,506    0.1  

Guaranty Financial Corp.

   10,388    Banking      1,568,588    0.1  

MFRI, Inc. (a)(b)(d)

   470,000    Other Producer Durables      1,546,300    0.1  

Stratagene Corp. (a)

   184,740    Biotechnology      1,522,257    0.1  

Financial Industries Corp.

   154,031    Insurance - Life      1,429,408    0.1  

VocalTec Communications, Ltd. (a)(b)

   702,000    Communications Equipment      1,425,060    0.1  

ShopKo Stores, Inc. (a)

   100,000    Retail      1,414,000    0.1  

Merchants and Manufacturers Bancorp, Inc. (d)

   41,695    Banking      1,386,359    0.1  

RehabCare Group, Inc. (a)

   50,000    Healthcare Services      1,331,500    0.1  

MOCON, Inc.

   156,175    Other Technology      1,327,487    0.1  

SPAR Group, Inc. (a)(b)

   1,300,000    Business Services      1,300,000    0.1  

Digitas, Inc. (a)

   100,000    Business Services      1,103,000    0.1  

Monterey Pasta Co. (a)

   264,351    Foods and Food Products      962,238    0.0  

Creo, Inc. (a)(c)

   100,000    Computers and Peripherals      877,127    0.0  

Endeavor International Corp. (a)(d)(e)(f)

   500,000    Exploration and Production      860,000    0.0  

First Community Bancorp.

   22,000    Banking      845,680    0.0  

PolyOne Corp.

   100,000    Chemicals      744,000    0.0  

Casual Male Retail Group, Inc. (a)

   100,000    Retail      730,000    0.0  

Warderly International Holdings, Ltd. (c)

   5,000,000    International      557,749    0.0  

Modem Media, Inc. (a)

   100,000    Services      526,000    0.0  

HMN Financial, Inc.

   16,400    Banking      414,100    0.0  

Bombay Co., Inc. (a)

   60,000    Retail      367,800    0.0  

Middleton Doll Co.

   95,000    REITS      131,100    0.0  
              

  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $1,351,829,995)

             $ 1,959,664,097    95.6 %

 

June 30, 2004 |  17


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments    June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

VALUE FUND [cont’d]

 

WARRANTS


   Shares

  

Industry


   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

Capital Environmental Resource, Inc. (d)(e)(f)

   75,000    Waste Management    $ 70,125    0.0 %

Senesco Technologies, Inc. (b)(d)(e)

   50,000    Biotechnology      —      0.0  

VocalTec Communications, Ltd. (b)(d)(e)

   222,500    Communications Equipment      —      0.0  
              

  

TOTAL WARRANTS (Cost $0)

             $ 70,125    0.0 %

 

CONVERTIBLE BONDS


   Shares

   Coupon

   Maturity

   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

Aphton Corp. (b)(d)(e)

   5,000,000    6.00    04/01/08    $ 8,000,000    0.4 %

Parlex Corp. (d)(e)

   1,500,000    7.00    07/28/07      1,218,750    0.1  
                   

  

TOTAL CONVERTIBLE BONDS (Cost $5,618,186)

                  $ 9,218,750    0.5 %

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS


  

Par

Amount


   Coupon

   Maturity

   Value

  

Percent of

Net Assets


 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY SECURITIES

                              

U.S. Treasury Bills

   $ 50,000,000    N/A    07/22/04    $ 49,969,598    2.4 %

TIME DEPOSITS (+)

                              

Brown Brothers Harriman 0.76%

   $ 24,751,103    N/A         $ 24,751,103    1.2 %
                     

  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $74,702,735)

                    $ 74,720,701    3.6 %
                     

  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,432,150,916)

                    $ 2,043,673,673    99.7 %

Other assets and liabilities, net

                      5,974,336    0.3  
                     

  

TOTAL NET ASSETS

                    $ 2,049,648,009    100.0 %
                     

  


(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Affiliated company. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial Statements.
(c) Foreign-denominated security.
(d) Illiquid security, pursuant to the guidelines established by the Board of Directors. See Note 2(i) in Notes to Financial Statements.
(e) Valued at fair value using methods determined by the Board of Directors. See Note 2(a) in Notes to Financial Statements.
(f) Restricted security. See Note 2(j) in Notes to Financial Statements.
(+) Time deposits are considered short-term obligations and are payable on demand. Interest rates change periodically on specified dates. The rates listed are as of June 30, 2004.
ADR - American Depository Receipt.

 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Schedule.

 

18  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

Schedule of Investments    June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)  

VALUE FUND [cont’d]

      

INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

      

The Value Fund’s investment concentration based on net assets, by industry, as of June 30, 2004, was as follows:

 

 

Business Services

   7.1 %

Retail

   6.5  

Chemicals

   5.9  

Telecommunications Technology

   5.7  

Biotechnology

   5.2  

Software

   4.5  

Communications Equipment

   4.5  

Metals

   3.8  

Pharmaceuticals

   3.7  

Banking

   3.7  

International

   3.7  

Exploration and Production

   3.5  

Healthcare Service

   3.3  

Insurance - Life

   2.6  

Insurance - Property/Casualty

   2.2  

Leisure

   1.9  

Other Technology

   1.7  

Medical Supplies

   1.5  

IT Services

   1.4  

Oil Services and Equipment

   1.3  

Foods and Food Products

   1.3  

Services

   1.3  

Natural Gas Pipeline

   1.3  

REITS

   1.3  

Engineering and Construction

   1.2  

Computers and Peripherals

   1.1  

Specialty Finance

   1.1  

Air Transportation

   1.1  

Other Consumer Discretionary

   1.0  

Radio, TV and Cable

   0.9  

Medical Equipment

   0.8  

Semiconductors

   0.7  

Electronic Commerce

   0.7  

Restaurants

   0.6  

Alternative Energy

   0.6  

Parts and Component Distribution

   0.6  

Shipping and Trucking

   0.5  

Health Information Technology

   0.5  

Electronic Equipment

   0.5  

Other Financial Services

   0.5  

Parts and Distribution

   0.4  

Building Products

   0.4  

Waste Management

   0.4  

Aerospace

   0.3  

Education

   0.3  

Other Consumer Staples

   0.3  

Other Healthcare

   0.3  

Semiconductor Capital Equipment

   0.3  

Defense

   0.2  

Contract Manufacturing

   0.2  

Other Producer Durables

   0.2  

Other Materials and Processes

   0.2  

Other Utilities

   0.2  

Publishing

   0.2  

Printing

   0.1  

Housing

   0.1  

Other Autos and Transportation

   0.1  

Other Energy

   0.1  

 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Schedule.

 

June 30, 2004 |  19


LOGO

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities   June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

     SELECT VALUE
FUND


    VALUE PLUS
FUND


   

VALUE

FUND


 

ASSETS:

                        

Cost of investments(1)

   $ 80,456,167     $ 319,977,747     $ 1,432,150,916  
    


 


 


Investments in securities, at value

   $ 93,032,022     $ 355,952,423     $ 1,512,317,750  

Investments in affiliates

     —         1,741,520       531,355,923  

Receivable for securities sold

     1,776,630       9,616,129       7,093,420  

Accrued dividends and interest

     85,534       240,456       1,751,447  

Prepaid expenses

     5,807       24,862       178,979  
    


 


 


Total Assets

     94,899,993       367,575,390       2,052,697,519  
    


 


 


LIABILITIES:

                        

Payable for securities purchased

     3,587,354       2,594,277       2,569,553  

Distributions payable

     —         15,349       —    

Accrued expenses

     35,163       43,801       479,957  
    


 


 


Total Liabilities

     3,622,517       2,653,427       3,049,510  
    


 


 


TOTAL NET ASSETS

   $ 91,277,476     $ 364,921,963     $ 2,049,648,009  
    


 


 


NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                        

Paid in capital

   $ 77,954,984     $ 313,743,637     $ 1,211,665,497  

Accumulated undistributed (distribution in excess of) net investment income (loss)

     (12,758 )     (69,788 )     (4,179,864 )

Accumulated undistributed net realized gains (losses) on investments

     761,585       13,531,217       230,839,378  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     12,573,665       37,716,897       611,322,998  
    


 


 


TOTAL NET ASSETS

   $ 91,277,476     $ 364,921,963     $ 2,049,648,009  
    


 


 


Shares outstanding, $.001 par value (100,000,000; 100,000,000 and 150,000,000 shares authorized, respectively)

     4,300,797       14,393,029       38,470,622  
    


 


 


NET ASSET VALUE, OFFERING PRICE & REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE

   $ 21.22     $ 25.35     $ 53.28  
    


 


 



(1) Includes cost of investments in affiliates of $3,083,705 and $359,561,364 for the Value Plus and Value Funds, respectively.

 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.

 

20  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

Statements of Operations   For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

     SELECT VALUE
FUND


    VALUE PLUS
FUND


   

VALUE

FUND


 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

                        

Dividends

   $ 546,018     $ 2,603,355     $ 8,497,952  

Interest

     44,576       48,873       663,260  

Foreign tax withholding

     (878 )     (9,738 )     (106,210 )
    


 


 


Total investment income

     589,716       2,642,490       9,055,002  
    


 


 


EXPENSES:

                        

Management fees

     321,769       1,123,267       8,222,720  

Distribution fees

     107,256       401,166       2,416,824  

Transfer agent fees

     61,178       200,940       1,386,087  

Fund accounting fees

     15,223       51,631       367,874  

Custodian fees

     3,963       15,495       92,764  

Printing and communication fees

     5,144       12,720       78,169  

Postage fees

     11,337       25,907       165,615  

Legal fees

     2,489       9,335       77,749  

Registration fees

     17,270       14,338       48,949  

Directors’ fees

     990       6,011       43,788  

Audit fees

     9,385       12,639       12,449  

Insurance fees

     5,640       18,128       153,412  

Other operating expenses

     1,069       3,677       26,398  
    


 


 


Total expenses

     562,713       1,895,254       13,092,798  
    


 


 


NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)

     27,003       747,236       (4,037,796 )
    


 


 


REALIZED & UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS:

                        

Net realized gains (losses) on:

                        

Long positions

     2,628,677       22,411,059       165,536,760  

Futures contracts

     —         (946,513 )     1,992,728  

Written covered call options

     —         —         2,050,174  

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation on:

                        

Long positions

     1,277,365       (5,101,247 )     (82,033,818 )

Written covered call options

     —         —         122,051  
    


 


 


TOTAL REALIZED & UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS

     3,906,042       16,363,299       87,667,895  
    


 


 


NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 3,933,045     $ 17,110,535     $ 83,630,099  
    


 


 


 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.

 

June 30, 2004 |  21


LOGO

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     SELECT VALUE FUND

    VALUE PLUS FUND

 
    

Six-Month

Period Ended
June 30, 2004
(Unaudited)


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


    Six-Month
Period Ended
June 30, 2004
(Unaudited)


    Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2003


 

FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                                

Net investment income

   $ 27,003     $ 34,867     $ 747,236     $ 344,662  

Net realized gains on investments

     2,628,677       1,091,614       21,464,546       8,158,743  

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     1,277,365       16,969,157       (5,101,247 )     41,908,321  
    


 


 


 


Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     3,933,045       18,095,638       17,110,535       50,411,726  
    


 


 


 


DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

                                

Net investment income

     —         (46,943 )     (768,820 )     (346,904 )
    


 


 


 


Total distributions to shareholders

     —         (46,943 )     (768,820 )     (346,904 )
    


 


 


 


CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:

                                

Proceeds from shares issued

     30,921,663       32,147,077       261,926,750       182,399,882  

Distributions reinvested

     —         44,349       943,580       237,908  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (19,255,722 )     (30,829,159 )     (133,272,340 )     (71,377,089 )
    


 


 


 


Net increase in net assets derived from capital transactions

     11,665,941       1,362,267       129,597,990       111,260,701  
    


 


 


 


TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS

     15,598,986       19,410,962       145,939,705       161,325,523  

NET ASSETS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD

     75,678,490       56,267,528       218,982,258       57,656,735  
    


 


 


 


NET ASSETS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD

   $ 91,277,476     $ 75,678,490     $ 364,921,963     $ 218,982,258  
    


 


 


 


DISTRIBUTION IN EXCESS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME

   $ (12,758 )   $ (39,761 )   $ (69,788 )   $ (48,204 )
    


 


 


 


 

     VALUE FUND

 
    

Six-Month

Period Ended
June 30, 2004
(Unaudited)


   

Year Ended

Dec. 31, 2003


 

FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                

Net investment loss

   $ (4,037,796 )   $ (8,614,420 )

Net realized gains on investments

     169,579,662       199,798,667  

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (81,911,767 )     556,381,235  
    


 


Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     83,630,099       747,565,482  
    


 


DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

                

Net realized gains on investments

     —         (97,130,499 )
    


 


Total distributions to shareholders

     —         (97,130,499 )
    


 


CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:

                

Proceeds from shares issued

     262,540,334       1,013,880,517  

Distributions reinvested

     —         92,465,384  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (481,786,153 )     (495,270,716 )
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital transactions

     (219,245,819 )     611,075,185  
    


 


TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

     (135,615,720 )     1,261,510,168  

NET ASSETS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD

     2,185,263,729       923,753,561  
    


 


NET ASSETS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD

   $ 2,049,648,009     $ 2,185,263,729  
    


 


ACCUMULATED UNDISTRIBUTED NET INVESTMENT LOSS

   $ (4,179,864 )   $ (142,068 )
    


 


 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.

 

22  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

 

Financial Highlights                                                 

SELECT VALUE FUND

 

                                                
    

For the Six-Month
Period Ended
June 30, 2004

(Unaudited)


    For the Year Ended December 31,

 
       2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 
PER SHARE DATA                                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 20.16     $ 14.87     $ 17.30     $ 15.03     $ 11.73     $ 11.94  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                                

Net investment income

     0.01       0.01       0.03       0.08       0.17       0.17  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

     1.05       5.29       (2.43 )     2.37       3.41       0.04  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.06       5.30       (2.40 )     2.45       3.58       0.21  

Less distributions from:

                                                

Net investment income

     —         (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.02 )     (0.14 )     (0.17 )

Net realized gains on investments

     —         —         —         (0.16 )     (0.14 )     (0.25 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total distributions

     —         (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.18 )     (0.28 )     (0.42 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net asset value, end of period

   $ 21.22     $ 20.16     $ 14.87     $ 17.30     $ 15.03     $ 11.73  
    


 


 


 


 


 


TOTAL RETURN

     5.26 %(1)     35.66 %     (13.85 )%     16.43 %     30.63 %     1.95 %

RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                                

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

   $ 91,277     $ 75,678     $ 56,268     $ 29,462     $ 10,947     $ 7,118  

Percentage of operating expenses before interest expense to average net assets

     1.31 %(2)     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.48 %(3)     1.22 %(3)     0.72 %(3)

Percentage of interest expense to average net assets

     —         —         —         —         0.00 %     0.02 %

Percentage of net investment income to average net assets

     0.06 %(2)     0.06 %     0.21 %     0.78 %     1.42 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

     31 %(1)     47 %     39 %     108 %     120 %     160 %

(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) If there had been no expense reimbursement or management fee waiver by the Advisor, the percentage of net expenses to average net assets for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999 would have been 1.93%, 2.45% and 2.58%, respectively.

 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.

 

June 30, 2004 |  23


LOGO

 

Financial Highlights                                                 

VALUE PLUS FUND

 

                                                
    

For the Six-Month
Period Ended
June 30, 2004

(Unaudited)


    For the Year Ended December 31,

 
       2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

PER SHARE DATA

                                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 23.57     $ 15.39     $ 16.12     $ 12.11     $ 13.57     $ 13.80  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                                

Net investment income

     0.06       0.06       0.12       0.18       0.25       0.46  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

     1.78       8.17       (0.73 )     4.01       (1.42 )     (0.25 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.84       8.23       (0.61 )     4.19       (1.17 )     0.21  

Less distributions from:

                                                

Net investment income

     (0.06 )     (0.05 )     (0.12 )     (0.18 )     (0.29 )     (0.44 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total distributions

     (0.06 )     (0.05 )     (0.12 )     (0.18 )     (0.29 )     (0.44 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net asset value, end of period

   $ 25.35     $ 23.57     $ 15.39     $ 16.12     $ 12.11     $ 13.57  
    


 


 


 


 


 


TOTAL RETURN

     7.79 %(1)     53.56 %     (3.79 )%     34.76 %     (8.83 )%     1.67 %

RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                                

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

   $ 364,922     $ 218,982     $ 57,657     $ 60,057     $ 44,352     $ 87,065  

Percentage of operating expenses before interest expense to average net assets

     1.18 %(2)     1.34 %     1.44 %     1.48 %     1.36 %     1.28 %

Percentage of interest expense to average net assets

     —         —         —         —         0.21 %     0.11 %

Percentage of net investment income to average net assets

     0.46 %(2)     0.32 %     0.75 %     1.27 %     1.71 %     3.05 %

Portfolio turnover rate

     30 %(1)     68 %     65 %     80 %     121 %     82 %

(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.

 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.

 

24  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

Financial Highlights

 

VALUE FUND

 

    

For the Six-Month
Period Ended
June 30, 2004

(Unaudited)


    For the Year Ended December 31,

 
       2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

PER SHARE DATA

                                                

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 51.14     $ 31.46     $ 37.25     $ 32.98     $ 36.50     $ 29.29  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                                

Net investment loss

     (0.11 )     (0.20 )     (0.17 )     (0.10 )     (0.18 )     (0.21 )(1)

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

     2.25       22.24       (4.09 )     9.57       0.69       7.52  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total income (loss) from investment operations

     2.14       22.04       (4.26 )     9.47       0.51       7.31  

Less distributions from:

                                                

Net realized gains on investments

     —         (2.36 )     (1.53 )     (5.20 )     (4.03 )     (0.10 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total distributions

     —         (2.36 )     (1.53 )     (5.20 )     (4.03 )     (0.10 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net asset value, end of period

   $ 53.28     $ 51.14     $ 31.46     $ 37.25     $ 32.98     $ 36.50  
    


 


 


 


 


 


TOTAL RETURN

     4.18 %(2)     70.16 %     (11.49 )%     29.45 %     2.03 %     25.01 %

RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                                

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

   $ 2,049,648     $ 2,185,264     $ 923,754     $ 1,093,215     $ 895,531     $ 1,195,067  

Percentage of operating expenses before interest expense to average net assets

     1.19 %(3)     1.28 %     1.29 %     1.29 %     1.22 %     1.21 %

Percentage of interest expense to average net assets

     —         —         —         —         0.06 %     0.13 %

Percentage of net investment loss to average net assets

     (0.37 )%(3)     (0.63 )%     (0.48 )%     (0.29 )%     (0.46 )%     (0.70 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

     20 %(2)     48 %     49 %     56 %     48 %     23 %

(1) Net investment loss per share is calculated using average shares outstanding.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.

 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.

 

June 30, 2004 |  25


LOGO

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

(1) Organization

 

Heartland Group, Inc. (the “Corporation”) is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Select Value Fund, Value Plus Fund and Value Fund (the “Funds”), each of which is a diversified fund, were issued by the Corporation at June 30, 2004.

 

Under the Corporation’s organizational documents, its Officers and Directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Corporation. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Corporation enters into contracts with their vendors and others that provide for general indemnifications. The Corporation’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Corporation.

 

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements:

 

  (a) Portfolio securities traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market are valued at the closing price on the principal exchange or market as of the close of regular trading hours on the day the securities are being valued, or, lacking any sales, at the latest bid price. Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using exchange rates as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange. Debt securities are stated at fair value as furnished by an independent pricing service based primarily upon information concerning market transactions and dealer quotations for similar securities, or by dealers who make markets in such securities. Debt securities having maturities of 60 days or less may be valued at acquisition cost, plus or minus any amortized discount or premium. Securities and other assets for which quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value using methods determined by the Board of Directors. Fair valuation of a particular security is an inherently subjective process, with no single standard to utilize when determining a security’s fair price. As such, different mutual funds could reasonably arrive at a different fair value price for the same security. In each case where a security is fair valued, consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation. This consideration includes reviewing various factors set forth in the pricing procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Directors and other factors as warranted. In making a fair value determination, factors that may be considered, among others, include: the type and structure of the security; unusual events or circumstances relating to the security’s issuer; general market conditions; prior day’s valuation; fundamental analytical data; size of the holding; cost of the security on the date of purchase; nature and duration of any restriction on disposition; trading activities and prices of similar securities or financial instruments. At June 30, 2004, 2.1% and 1.8% of the Value Plus and Value Funds’ net assets, respectively, were valued at their fair value using methods determined by the Board of Directors.

 

  (b) The Funds’ policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code which are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders. The Funds accordingly paid no Federal income taxes, and no Federal income tax provision is recorded.

 

Statement of Position 93-2 requires that permanent financial reporting and tax differences be reclassified to paid in capital. Net assets are not affected by these reclassifications.

 

  (c) Net investment income, if any, is distributed to each shareholder as a dividend. Dividends from the Select Value and Value Funds are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends from the Value Plus Fund are declared and paid quarterly. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains on investments, if any, are distributed at least annually. During 2003, the Value Fund utilized earnings and profits distributions to shareholders on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction for income tax purposes. Accordingly, at December 31, 2003, the Value Fund recorded a reclassification to decrease undistributed net realized gains on investments and increase paid in capital by $21,891,067.

 

  (d) The Funds record security and shareholder transactions on trade date. Net realized gains and losses on investments are computed on the identified cost basis. The portion of security gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates is included with net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. The Funds amortize premium and accrete discount on investments utilizing the effective interest method.

 

  (e) The Funds are charged for those expenses that are directly attributable to them. Expenses that are not directly attributable to any one Fund are typically allocated among the Funds in proportion to their respective net assets, number of open shareholder accounts, number of funds or some combination thereof, as applicable.

 

  (f) Each Fund may enter into futures contracts for hedging purposes, such as to protect against anticipated declines in the market value of its portfolio securities or to manage exposure to changing interest rates. The Fund receives from or pays to the broker, on a daily basis, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as “variation margin,” and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the futures contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

The use of futures contracts involves, to varying degrees, elements of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The predominant risk is that the movement of a futures contract’s price may result in a loss which could render a Fund’s hedging strategy unsuccessful. There were no open futures contracts at June 30, 2004.

 

  (g) The Funds may each engage in “short sales against the box.” These transactions involve selling a security that a Fund owns for delivery at a specified date in the future. Similarly, each of these Funds may also engage in short sales of securities of an issuer (“acquiror”) that has publicly announced a proposed or pending transaction in which a portfolio security of the Fund will be converted into securities of the acquiror.

 

For financial statement purposes, an amount equal to a short sale’s 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. Subsequent fluctuations in the market prices of securities sold short, at value, may require purchasing the securities at prices which may differ from the market value reflected on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund is liable for any dividends payable on securities while those securities are in a short position.

 

  (h) Each Fund may write covered call options and purchase put options that are traded on recognized U.S. exchanges and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options. The Funds may also purchase put and call options. The Funds may enter into options transactions for hedging purposes, and will not use these instruments for speculation. The Value Fund had the following transactions in written covered call options during the six-month period ended June 30, 2004:

 

     NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS


    PREMIUMS

 

Balance at January 1, 2004

   17,090     $ 1,245,149  

Options written

   9,000       805,025  

Options expired

   (9,000 )     (805,025 )

Options closed

   (17,090 )     (1,245,149 )
    

 


Balance at June 30, 2004

   —       $ —    
    

 


 

26  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

  (i) At June 30, 2004, 2.1% and 4.0% of the Value Plus and Value Funds’ net assets, respectively, were illiquid as defined pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

  (j) A restricted security is a security which has been purchased through a private offering and cannot be resold to the general public without prior registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) or pursuant to the resale limitations provided by Rule 144 under the Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Act. Whether a restricted security is illiquid is determined pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Directors. Not all restricted securities are considered to be illiquid. At June 30, 2004, the Value Plus and Value Funds held restricted securities representing 2.1% and 1.4% of net assets, respectively. The restricted securities held as of June 30, 2004 are identified below:

 

SECURITY


   ACQUISITION DATE

   ACQUISITION COST

   SHARES

   FAIR VALUE

Value Plus Fund

                       

Fieldstone Investment Corp. (144A)

   11/10/03    $ 2,746,500    183,100    $ 2,883,825

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (144A)

   3/31/04      1,931,000    193,100      1,882,725

StemCells, Inc.

   6/16/04      3,500,000    2,302,632      2,975,001

StemCells, Inc. (Warrant)

   6/16/04      —      575,658      —  

Value Fund

                       

Capital Environmental Resource, Inc.

   4/23/04      3,000,000    750,000      3,251,250

Capital Environmental Resource, Inc. (Warrant)

   4/23/04      —      75,000      70,125

Endeavor International Corp.

   2/20/04      1,000,000    500,000      860,000

Fieldstone Investment Corp. (144A)

   11/10/03      16,479,000    1,098,600      17,302,950

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (144A)

   3/31/04      4,828,000    482,800      4,707,300

STAAR Surgical Co.

   6/4/04      1,875,000    300,000      2,106,000

 

  (k) The Funds invest in foreign equity securities, whose values are subject to change in market conditions, as well as changes in political and regulatory environments. Realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments include the effects of foreign exchange rates on investments. The Funds may utilize forward currency exchange contracts for the purpose of hedging foreign currency risk. Under these contracts, the Funds are obligated to exchange currencies at specific future dates. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movements in currency values.

 

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

 

(3) Investment Management Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

 

The Corporation has a management agreement with Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the “Advisor”) to serve as investment advisor and manager to the Funds. Under the terms of the agreement, the Select Value and Value Funds pay the Advisor a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Funds, and the Value Plus Fund pays the Advisor a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.70% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

During the period from April 1,1999 through April 30,2000, the Advisor contractually committed to waive Select Value Fund fees paid to it and/or pay such Fund’s ordinary operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, interest and taxes) to the extent that annual operating expenses exceeded 0.95%. Effective May 1, 2000, the Advisor voluntarily committed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Select Value Fund to the extent that total annual ordinary operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, interest and taxes) exceeded 1.90%. Effective June 1, 2000, the Advisor modified the waiver for the Select Value Fund to provide for the waiver of fees and/or reimbursements of expenses to the extent that total annual ordinary operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and extraordinary items) exceeded 1.25%. Effective November 30, 2001, the Advisor terminated the voluntary expense waiver. Without such waivers, total returns prior to this date would have been lower.

 

The Corporation has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, each Fund pays the Fund’s distributor, Heartland Investor Services LLC (the “Distributor”), an amount up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such Fund (limited to actual costs incurred), computed on an annual basis and paid monthly, for distributing Fund shares and providing shareholder services. Any fees paid to the Distributor under the Plan that are not used during a calendar year are reimbursed to the respective Fund. The Distributor is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bisys Group, Inc., and is an affiliate of the Funds’ transfer agent and fund accountant, Bisys Fund Services Ohio, Inc. The Corporation and/or Distributor may also contractually commit to pay these fees to other third parties who agree to provide various services to their customers who hold Fund shares. Fees paid pursuant to any such contractual commitment are not subject to reimbursement.

 

From its own assets, the Advisor may pay retirement plan service providers, brokers, banks, financial advisors and other financial intermediaries fees for providing recordkeeping, subaccounting, marketing and other administrative services to their customers in connection with investment in the Funds. These fees may be in addition to any distribution, administrative or shareholder servicing fees paid from the Funds’ assets to these financial intermediaries.

 

Officers and certain directors of the Corporation are also officers and/or directors of Heartland Advisors, Inc.; however, they receive no compensation from the Funds.

 

Each Director who is not affiliated with the Funds receives a fee for service as a Director and is eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan with respect to these fees. Participants in the plan may designate their deferred Directors’ fees to be invested in any of the Funds issued by the Corporation. As of June 30, 2004, there were no deferred Directors’ fees invested in the Funds.

 

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

 

(4) Investment Transactions and Income Tax Basis Information

 

During the six-month period ended June 30, 2004, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, other than short-term obligations, are noted below. During the same period there were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities.

 

     Cost of
Purchases


   Proceeds from
Sales


Select Value Fund

   $ 40,415,785    $ 22,891,350

Value Plus Fund

     205,778,467      86,809,910

Value Fund

     404,345,598      436,417,958

 

June 30, 2004 |  27


LOGO

 

At June 30, 2004, the cost of securities for financial reporting purposes is substantially the same as the cost of securities for federal income tax purposes. The aggregate gross unrealized gain for which there was an excess of value over cost and the aggregate gross unrealized loss for which there was an excess of cost over value were as follows:

 

Fund


   Cost of
Investments


   Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation


   Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation


    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
on Investments


Select Value Fund

   $ 80,456,167    $ 13,854,624    $ (1,281,090 )   $ 12,573,534

Value Plus Fund

     319,977,747      50,099,546      (12,383,350 )     37,716,196

Value Fund

     1,432,150,916      657,656,368      (46,332,035 )     611,324,333

 

The Funds’ net capital loss carryforwards as of the latest tax year end of December 31, 2003, which are available to offset future realized gains, are noted below. The Funds do not intend to make distributions of future realized capital gains until their Federal income tax capital loss carryforwards, if any, are completely utilized.

 

     Expires

Fund


   2007

   2008

   2009

   2010

   2011

Select Value Fund

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 1,324,636    $ 540,522

Value Plus Fund

     8,306,444      —        —        —        —  

Value Fund

     —        —        —        —        —  

 

(5) Fund Share Transactions

 

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2004, Fund share transactions were as follows:

 

     SELECT
VALUE FUND


    VALUE
PLUS FUND


    VALUE
FUND


 

Shares issued

   1,489,821     10,501,119     4,900,860  

Reinvested distributions from net investment income & distributions from net realized gains on investments

   —       37,776     —    

Shares redeemed

   (942,094 )   (5,436,826 )   (9,161,340 )
    

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in Fund shares

   547,727     5,102,069     (4,260,480 )
    

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2003, Fund share transactions were as follows:

 

     SELECT
VALUE FUND


    VALUE
PLUS FUND


    VALUE
FUND


 

Shares issued

   1,897,433     9,421,864     22,899,532  

Reinvested distributions from net investment income & distributions from net realized gains on investments

   2,222     14,880     1,833,525  

Shares redeemed

   (1,929,634 )   (3,892,452 )   (11,364,320 )
    

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in Fund shares

   (29,979 )   5,544,292     13,368,737  
    

 

 

 

(6) Litigation

 

On July 18, 2002, pursuant to a stipulation and following a fairness hearing, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin approved a settlement of a consolidated class action brought by shareholders of the Heartland High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund and the Short Duration High-Yield Municipal Fund (together, the “High-Yield Funds”), in which the Corporation, the Advisor, the High-Yield Funds and certain other parties were named as defendants. The litigation arose out of a repricing of the securities in the High-Yield Funds in October 2000. The High-Yield Funds have been in receivership since March 2001. Under the terms of the settlement, the Corporation, the Advisor, the High-Yield Funds, and certain related parties were dismissed and released from all claims in the class action upon establishment of a settlement fund for the benefit of the class plaintiffs. Neither the Corporation nor any of its separate Funds, directors, or officers were required to contribute to the settlement fund (although an affiliate of the Advisor did make a substantial contribution to facilitate settlement). Subsequently, all other suits filed by persons who opted out of the class action settlement were also settled without any contribution from the Corporation, its Funds, directors or officers.

 

On December 11, 2003, the SEC filed a civil complaint in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Civil Action No. 03C1427) relating to the High-Yield Funds against the Advisor; William J. Nasgovitz, President of the Advisor, President and a director of the Corporation and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Heartland Value Plus and Value Funds; Paul T. Beste, Chief Operating Officer of the Advisor and Vice President of the Corporation; Kevin D. Clark, an officer of the Advisor; certain former officers of the Advisor; Hugh Denison, a former director of the Corporation who presently serves as Senior Vice President of the Advisor and as a member of the portfolio management team for the Heartland Select Value Fund; and others.

 

The SEC alleges various violations of the federal securities laws with respect to the pricing of securities owned by the High-Yield Funds and the related calculation of the High-Yield Funds’ net asset value per share from March 2000 to March 2001; disclosures in the prospectus, other Commission filings and promotional materials for the High-Yield Funds relating to risk management, credit quality, liquidity and pricing; breach of fiduciary duty; the sale in September and October 2000 by certain individual defendants of shares of the High-Yield Funds while in possession of material, non-public information about those funds; and the disclosure of material, non-public information to persons who effected such sales. The SEC seeks civil penalties and disgorgement of all gains received by the defendants as a result of the conduct alleged in the complaint, a permanent injunction against the defendants from further violations of the applicable federal securities laws, and such other relief as the court deems appropriate.

 

In February 2004, the Advisor, and Messrs. Nasgovitz, Beste, Denison, and Clark filed their answers to the SEC’s complaint, denying the allegations and claims made therein and raising affirmative defenses.

 

28  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

The complaint does not involve the Corporation, the Heartland Select Value, Value Plus or Value Funds, any portfolio manager of the Funds (other than Mr. Nasgovitz and Mr. Denison) or any of the current independent directors of the Corporation. However, an adverse outcome for the Advisor and/or its officers named in the complaint could result in an injunction that would bar the Advisor from serving as investment advisor to the Funds or bar such officers from continuing to serve in their official capacities for the Advisor. The Advisor has advised the Funds that, if these results occur, the Advisor will seek exemptive relief from the SEC to permit it to continue serving as investment advisor to the Funds. There is no assurance that the SEC will grant such exemptive relief.

 

(7) Transactions with Affiliates

 

The following companies are “affiliated” (as defined in Section (2)(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940) with the Value Plus and Value Funds; that is, the Funds held 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities during the six-month period ended June 30, 2004:

 

VALUE PLUS FUND

 

Security Name


   Share Balance
at January 1, 2004


   Purchases

   Sales

   Share Balance
at June 30, 2004


   Dividends

   Realized Gains
(Losses)


 

Xcyte Therapies, Inc.

   0    400,000    4,200    395,800    $ 0    $ (8,320 )
                        

  


                         $ 0    $ (8,320 )
                        

  


VALUE FUND                                    

Security Name


   Share Balance
at January 1, 2004


   Purchases

   Sales

   Share Balance
at June 30, 2004


   Dividends

   Realized Gains
(Losses)


 

Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

   1,253,400    0    0    1,253,400    $ 0    $ 0  

Aetrium, Inc.

   387,200    0    387,200    0      0      624,603  

AirNet Systems, Inc.

   1,000,000    0    0    1,000,000      0      0  

Alliance Semiconductor Corp.

   2,500,000    0    0    2,500,000      0      0  

Allied Defense Group, Inc.

   300,000    0    0    300,000      0      0  

Almost Family, Inc.

   250,000    0    0    250,000      0      0  

Alpharma, Inc (Class A)

   1,500,000    184,800    71,800    1,613,000      143,316      (77,866 )

American Physicians Service Group, Inc.

   187,200    0    1,551    185,649      0      14,139  

Anacomp, Inc. (Class A)

   300,000    50,000    0    350,000      0      0  

Analysts International Corp.

   1,400,000    0    0    1,400,000      0      0  

Aphton Corp.

   2,120,145    29,270    227,000    1,922,415      0      (1,629,960 )

Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corp., Ltd.

   1,137,300    0    0    1,137,300      0      0  

Ashworth, Inc.

   700,000    0    0    700,000      0      0  

Badger Meter, Inc.

   200,000    0    0    200,000      108,000      0  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

   500,000    0    0    500,000      0      0  

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

   750,000    250,000    0    1,000,000      0      0  

Braun Consulting, Inc.

   0    1,566,317    0    1,566,317      0      0  

Buca, Inc.

   1,137,570    0    0    1,137,570      0      0  

Callon Petroleum Company

   500,000    0    500,000    0      0      452,887  

Chronimed, Inc.

   750,000    0    0    750,000      0      0  

CINAR Corp. (Class B)

   2,592,500    0    2,592,500    0      0      3,336,919  

Computer Network Technology Corp.

   1,000,000    600,000    0    1,600,000      0      0  

Copper Mountain Networks, Inc.

   400,000    0    0    400,000      0      0  

Covansys Corp.

   1,350,000    0    229,700    1,120,300      0      2,137,829  

Datalink Corp.

   1,000,000    0    0    1,000,000      0      0  

Discovery Laboratories, Inc.

   2,784,256    0    0    2,784,256      0      0  

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc.

   400,000    0    0    400,000      0      0  

Endocardial Solutions, Inc.

   1,750,000    0    780,000    970,000      0      3,843,016  

Fuel-Tech N.V.

   700,000    300,000    0    1,000,000      0      0  

Galyan’s Trading Co.

   862,700    387,300    887,400    362,600      0      5,705,820  

Genitope Corp.

   575,000    425,000    0    1,000,000      0      0  

Geo Group, Inc.(1)

   505,400    0    0    505,400      0      0  

Global-Tech Appliances, Inc.

   1,200,000    0    0    1,200,000      0      0  

Hampshire Group, Ltd.

   300,000    0    0    300,000      0      0  

Harvest Natural Resources, Inc.

   2,365,800    0    504,800    1,861,000      0      5,494,532  

High River Gold Mines, Ltd.

   4,000,000    3,501,400    0    7,501,400      0      0  

Home Federal Bancorp.

   268,250    0    0    268,250      100,594      0  

Industrial & Financial Systems (Class B)

   6,000,000    0    0    6,000,000      0      0  

InterDigital Communications Corp.

   2,577,147    422,853    0    3,000,000      0      0  

Intervideo, Inc.

   0    700,150    0    700,150      0      0  

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

   300,000    0    0    300,000      0      0  

Kendle International, Inc.

   968,900    31,100    0    1,000,000      0      0  

Kennedy-Wilson, Inc.

   500,000    0    0    500,000      0      0  

Lantronix, Inc.

   5,000,000    0    0    5,000,000      0      0  

Lifecore Biomedical, Inc.

   1,000,000    0    0    1,000,000      0      0  

MEDTOX Scientific, Inc.

   470,000    0    0    470,000      0      0  

Medwave, Inc.

   800,000    100,000    0    900,000      0      0  

MFRI, Inc.

   470,000    0    0    470,000      0      0  

Midwest Express Holdings, Inc.

   1,600,000    0    0    1,600,000      0      0  

 

June 30, 2004 |  29


LOGO

 

VALUE FUND [cont’d]

 

Security Name


   Share Balance
at January 1, 2004


    Purchases

   Sales

   Share Balance
at June 30, 2004


   Dividends

   Realized Gains
(Losses)


 

Moore Medical Corporation

   282,600     0    282,600    0    $ 0    $ 2,291,095  

National Home Health Care Corp.

   441,000     0    0    441,000      0      0  

O.I. Corp.

   245,900     0    0    245,900      0      0  

Oil-Dri Corp. of America

   450,000     0    0    450,000      89,800      0  

OrthoLogic Corp.

   2,065,000     0    0    2,065,000      0      0  

Outlook Group Corp.

   380,400     0    0    380,400      38,040      0  

Patrick Industries, Inc.

   293,425     100    0    293,525      0      0  

Quovadx, Inc.

   1,775,100     1,902,300    0    3,677,400      0      0  

RCM Technologies, Inc.

   780,100     0    0    780,100      0      0  

Senesco Technologies, Inc.

   1,100,000     125,000    0    1,225,000      0      0  

Sholodge, Inc.

   450,000     0    0    450,000      0      0  

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc.

   347,000     122,000    0    469,000      0      0  

SPAR Group, Inc.

   1,300,000     0    0    1,300,000      0      0  

SRI/Surgical Express, Inc.

   425,000     0    0    425,000      0      0  

Summit Bank Corp.

   300,000 (2)   0    0    300,000      60,000      0  

Superior Consulting Holdings Corp.

   1,000,000     0    0    1,000,000      0      0  

Trover Solutions, Inc.

   603,000     0    0    603,000      0      0  

Vascular Solutions, Inc.

   437,500     0    437,500    0      0      3,288,595  

Vesta Insurance Group, Inc.

   2,500,000     0    500,000    2,000,000      0      (60,350 )

VocalTec Communications, Ltd.

   0     702,000    0    702,000      0      0  

Watchguard Technologies, Inc.

   2,000,000     0    0    2,000,000      0      0  

Zindart, Ltd. (ADR)

   563,000     0    0    563,000      0      0  
                         

  


                          $ 539,750    $ 25,421,259  
                         

  



(1) Formerly known as Wackenhut Corrections Corp.
(2) Split on 2/18/04

 

END OF NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Proxy Voting Information (Unaudited)

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Corporation uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, and a copy of the voting record, is available on our website at www.heartlandfunds.com, or upon request, without charge, by calling Heartland Advisors, Inc. at 1-888-505-5180, or by writing to Heartland Advisors, Inc. at 789 North Water Street, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

 

30  | Semiannual Report


LOGO

 

Under applicable law, the Board of Directors is responsible for management of the Corporation and provides broad supervision over its affairs. Pursuant to the Corporation’s bylaws, the Board delegates day-to-day management of the Funds to the officers of the Corporation. The Board meets regularly to review the Funds’ investments, performance and expenses. The Board elects the officers of the Corporation, and hires the Funds’ service providers, including the Funds’ investment advisor, Heartland Advisors, Inc., and distributor of the Funds’ shares, Heartland Investor Services, LLC. The Board annually reviews and considers approval of the continuation of the investment advisory agreement with the Advisor, the distribution agreement with the Distributor and each Fund’s distribution plan, and annually approves the selection of independent public accountants for each Fund. The Board also establishes, monitors and periodically reviews numerous policies and procedures governing the conduct of the Corporation’s business. The policy of the Corporation is that 75% of Board members and the Chairman of the Board must be “independent” of the Advisor, Distributor and the Funds’ transfer agent. The following table presents information about each Director and officer of Heartland.

 

NAME, ADDRESS AND
DATE OF BIRTH


 

POSITION(S) HELD
WITH THE

CORPORATION


 

TERM OF
OFFICE
AND
LENGTH
OF TIME
SERVED(1)


 

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATIONS DURING
PAST FIVE YEARS


  

NUMBER OF
HEARTLAND
FUNDS
OVERSEEN
BY DIRECTOR


  

OTHER

DIRECTORSHIPS(2)
HELD BY
DIRECTOR


INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:                      

Lawrence M. Woods

524 Sunset Drive, Worland, WY 82401

Birthdate: 4/14/32

  Chairman of the Board and Director   Since 2/03   Retired; Director, The AAL Funds, Inc., 1987 to 2002; President and CEO, Centennial Airlines, 1983-1987; Director, Mobil Corporation, 1977 to 1985, and Vice President, Mobil Corporation, 1969 to 1977.    3    None

Dale J. Kent

1900 South 18th Avenue, West Bend, WI 53095

Birthdate: 11/12/52

  Director   Since 8/03   Chief Financial Officer, West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, since July 2002; Partner, Arthur Andersen LLP, 1986 to 2002; employed by Arthur Andersen, LLP in other capacities, 1974 to 1985.    3    None

Michael D. Dunham

12000 West Park Place, Milwaukee, WI 53224

Birthdate: 7/25/45

  Director   Since 1/04   President and Owner, Dunham Global Associates, Ltd., since 2001; Senior Vice President—Business Development, IFS AB, since January 2000; Co-Founder and CEO of Effective Management Systems, Inc., 1978 to 1999.    3    Merge Technologies, Inc. (a provider of radiological imaging and information integration solutions)
INTERESTED DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS:                      

William J. Nasgovitz(3)

789 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Birthdate: 10/8/44

  President and Director   Since 12/84   President and Chief Executive Officer, Heartland Advisors, Inc., since 1982.    3    None

Eric J. Miller

789 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Birthdate: 8/6/53

  Chief Executive Officer   Since 1/04   Senior Vice President, Heartland Advisors, Inc. since 1994; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, American Appraisal Associates, 1986 to 1994; Financial Manager, Chilton Company, 1984 to 1986; Financial Analyst, FMC Corporation, 1980-1984.    N/A    N/A

Paul T. Beste

789 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Birthdate: 1/23/56

  Vice President   Since 9/97   Secretary and Treasurer, Heartland Value Manager, LLC., since August 2000; Chief Operating Officer, Heartland Advisors, Inc. since December 1999; employed by Heartland Advisors, Inc. in other capacities since 1997; Director of Taxes/Compliance, Strong Capital Management, Inc., 1992 to 1997.    N/A    N/A

Nicole J. Best

789 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Birthdate: 9/2/73

  Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer   Since 6/00   Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Heartland Advisors, Inc., since March 2001; employed by Heartland Advisors, Inc., in other capacities, 1998 to 2001; employed by Arthur Andersen LLP, 1995 to 1998.    N/A    N/A

Constance R. Wick

789 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Birthdate: 8/23/64

  Vice President, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer   Since 4/03   Director of Compliance, Heartland Advisors, Inc. since February 2003; Associate Counsel, Strong Capital Management, Inc., 1998 to 2002.    N/A    N/A

(1) Officers of the Corporation serve one-year terms, subject to annual reappointment by the Board of Directors. Directors of the Corporation serve a term of indefinite length until their resignation or removal, and stand for re-election by shareholders only as and when required under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(2) Only includes directorships held in a company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any company registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(3) Mr. Nasgovitz is considered to be an “interested person” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Corporation because of his position with Heartland Advisors, Inc.

 

The standing committees of the Corporation’s Board of Directors include an audit committee and a nominating committee. Both committees consist of all the independent directors, namely Lawrence M. Woods, Dale J. Kent and Michael D. Dunham. Mr. Woods serves as chairman of the audit committee and Mr. Dunham serves as chairman of the nominating committee. Mr. Kent has been determined by the Board to be an audit committee financial expert.

 

The audit committee is responsible for the selection of the independent public accountants for the Funds and oversees the preparation of each Fund’s financial statements. In this capacity, the audit committee meets quarterly with the independent public accountants to discuss any issues surrounding the preparation and audit of the Funds’ financial statements. The audit committee also discusses with the independent public accountants the strengths and weaknesses of the systems and operating procedures employed in connection with the preparation of each Fund’s financial statements, pricing procedures and the like, as well as the performance and cooperation of staff members responsible for these functions. The audit committee has adopted a written charter.

 

The nominating committee nominates candidates for appointment to the Board of Directors to fill vacancies for election and re-election to the Board as and when required. The nominating committee generally does not accept recommendations for nominations by shareholders of the Funds. The nominating committee has adopted a written charter.

 

The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the directors of the Corporation and is available, without charge, on our website at www.heartlandfunds.com or upon request, by calling 1-800-432-7856.

 

June 30, 2004 |  31


LOGO

 

Lipper Definitions

 

Multi-Cap Value Funds are funds that, by portfolio practice, invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without concentrating 75% of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range over an extended period of time. Multi-cap funds typically have between 25% to 75% of their assets invested in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) above 300% of the dollar-weighted median market capitalization of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index. Multi-cap value funds typically have a below-average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year sales-per-share growth value, compared to the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index.

 

Small-Cap Core Funds are funds that, by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) less than 250% of the dollar-weighted median of the smallest 500 of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index. Small-cap core funds have more latitude in the companies in which they invest. These funds typically have an average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year sales-per-share growth value, compared to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index.

 

Small-Cap Value Funds are funds that, by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) less than 250% of the dollar-weighted median of the smallest 500 of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index. Small-cap value funds typically have a below-average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year sales-per-share growth value, compared to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index.

 

Other Definitions

 

Price/Book Ratio of a company is calculated by dividing the market price of its stock by the company’s per-share book value.

 

Price/Cash Flow represents the amount an investor is willing to pay for a dollar generated from a particular company’s operations. It shows the ability of a business to generate cash, and it acts as a gauge of liquidity and solvency.

 

Price/Earnings Ratio of a stock is calculated by dividing the current price of the stock by its trailing 12 months’ earnings per share.

 

Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index of stocks consisting of the smaller two-thirds of the 3000 largest publicly traded U.S. companies. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Russell 2000 Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest stocks (in terms of market value) in the United States representing 88 separate industries. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

S&P MidCap 400 Barra Value Index is a capitalization-weighted index of the stocks in the S&P MidCap 400 Index that have low price-to-book ratios. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 blue-chip stocks that are generally the leaders in their industry. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

32  | Semiannual Report


THE HEARTLAND

FAMILY OF VALUE FUNDS

 

Individual Investors:

1-800-HEARTLN (1-800-432-7856)

 

Financial Advisors:

Financial Advisor Services: 1-800-442-6391

 

www.heartlandfunds.com

 

Heartland Investor Services, LLC, Distributor

3435 Stelzer Road

Columbus, Ohio 43219

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed may be worth more or less than the original cost. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor would pay on distributions or redemptions. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-432-7856 or visit www.heartlandfunds.com.

 

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

 

An investor should consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing or sending money. This and other important information can be found in the Funds’ prospectus. To obtain a prospectus, please call 1-800-432-7856 or visit www.heartlandfunds.com to download. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

LOGO


Item 2. Code of Ethics

 

Not applicable – only for annual reports.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Not applicable – only for annual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Not applicable – only for annual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

Not applicable to this Registrant because it is not a “listed issuer” within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

 

The Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Not applicable to this Registrant because it is not a closed-end management investment company.

 

Item 8. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable to this Registrant because it is not a closed-end management investment company.

 

Item 9. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Directors.

 

Item 10. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant’s management, with the participation of its principal executive and principal financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940), as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report on Form N-CSR. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive and financial officers have concluded that the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the applicable time periods.


(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) 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:

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit


11(a)(2)   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
11(a)(2)   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, on this 26th day of August, 2004.

 

HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Eric J. Miller


   

Eric J. Miller,

Chief Executive Officer

 

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 indicated on this 26th day of August, 2004.

 

By:

 

/s/ Eric J. Miller


   

Eric J. Miller,

Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

By:

 

/s/ Nicole J. Best


   

Nicole J. Best,

Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer (Principal Financial Officer)