485BPOS 1 conseq_lp.txt As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about December 12, 2001 Securities Act Registration No. 33-61358 Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-7656 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington D.C. 20549 FORM N-1A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ ] Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ] ------- Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 [X] ------ and/or REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ] Amendment No. 30 [X] ------- (Check appropriate box or boxes) STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (414) 359-3400 Richard W. Smirl Strong Capital Management, Inc. 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051 (Name and Address of Agent for Service) It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box). [ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 [X] on December 14, 2001 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 [ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485 [ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485 [ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485 [ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485 If appropriate, check the following box: [X] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. This Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc., which is currently comprised of five funds, relates to the Strong Dividend Income Fund. This Post-Effective Amendment does not relate to, amend, supersede, or otherwise affect the separate Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information contained in Post-Effective Amendment No. 27. PROSPECTUS MARCH 1, 2001 AS SUPPLEMENTED ON DECEMBER 14, 2001 [INVESTOR CLASS (written vertically)] The Strong Growth and Income Funds [PICTURE OF MAN HOLDING TELEPHONE] Strong Balanced Fund Strong Balanced Stock Fund Strong Blue Chip Fund Strong Dividend Income Fund Strong Energy Fund Strong Growth and Income Fund STRONG [STRONG LOGO] THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC) HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. TABLE OF CONTENTS YOUR INVESTMENT KEY INFORMATION What are the funds' goals? ...................................................1 What are the funds' principal investment strategies? .........................1 What are the main risks of investing in the funds? ...........................4 What are the funds' fees and expenses? .......................................10 Who are the funds' investment advisor and portfolio managers? ................12 OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW Comparing the Funds ..........................................................17 A Word About Credit Quality ..................................................17 Financial Highlights .........................................................19 YOUR ACCOUNT Share Price ..................................................................27 Buying Shares ................................................................28 Selling Shares ...............................................................31 Additional Policies ..........................................................33 Distributions ................................................................36 Taxes ........................................................................37 Services For Investors .......................................................39 Reserved Rights ..............................................................42 For More Information .................................................Back Cover IN THIS PROSPECTUS, "WE" OR "US" REFERS EITHER TO STRONG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC., THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR FOR THE STRONG FUNDS, OR STRONG INVESTOR SERVICES, INC., THE ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT FOR THE STRONG FUNDS. YOUR INVESTMENT KEY INFORMATION WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' GOALS? The STRONG BALANCED FUND seeks high total return consistent with reasonable risk over the long term. The STRONG BLUE CHIP FUND (formerly, the Strong Blue Chip 100 Fund) and the STRONG ENERGY FUND (formerly, the Strong Limited Resources Fund) seek total return by investing for capital growth and income. The STRONG BALANCED STOCK FUND (formerly, the Strong Schafer Balanced Fund) and the STRONG DIVIDEND INCOME FUND (formerly, the Strong American Utilities Fund) seek total return by investing for both income and capital growth. The STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND seeks high total return by investing for capital growth and income. WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES? The BALANCED FUND invests, under normal conditions, in a combination of stocks, bonds, and cash. Under normal conditions, about 60% of its assets will be invested in stocks, 35% in bonds (all of which may be high-yield or junk bonds), and 5% in cash. The fund's bond portfolio consists primarily of intermediate-term corporate bonds of higher-, medium-, and lower-quality. The managers focus primarily on high-yield bonds with positive or improving credit fundamentals. The fund's managers attempt to strike a balance between an investment's growth and income prospects, and its potential risks. To a limited extent, the fund may also invest in foreign securities. The managers may sell a holding when they believe it no longer offers an attractive balance between risk and return. The BALANCED STOCK FUND invests, under normal conditions, about 60% of its assets in equity securities (including common stocks, preferred stocks, and securities convertible into these stocks, such as warrants and convertible bonds) of medium- and large-capitalization companies. The portfolio managers generally seek stocks of companies that have above-average projected earnings growth whose stock has a lower price/earnings ratio than that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index. The managers believe these value-oriented stocks have the potential to increase in price. The fund invests roughly similar amounts of its assets in each stock in the portfolio. The remaining assets of the fund are invested in short- and intermediate-term, higher- and medium-quality bonds. Bonds are purchased to generate income and to help offset the volatility that stock investments usually experience. To a limited extent, the fund may also invest in foreign securities. The managers may sell stocks when, based on their growth potential or price, they are no longer attractive. The managers may sell bonds if their fundamental qualities deteriorate or to take advantage of more attractive yield opportunities. The BLUE CHIP FUND invests, under normal conditions, 80% of its assets in well-known, established, large-capitalization companies. These blue chip stocks generally tend to pay higher dividends than medium- and small-capitalization stocks. The manager focuses on those companies that the fund's manager believes offer greater return potential. To a limited extent, the fund may also invest in dollar-denominated foreign securities. The manager may sell a holding when it no longer offers attractive growth prospects. The DIVIDEND INCOME FUND invests, under normal conditions, at least 80% of its total assets in large capitalization, dividend-paying, common stocks. Consequently, a substantial portion of the fund's total return may come from dividend income. To select investments for the fund, the managers focus on companies that are expected to grow over time and support a growing dividend payment, as well as stocks that do not pay dividends currently, but offer prospects for capital growth and future dividend payments. The managers specifically look for companies with good future prospects and whose current stock prices are undervalued relative to the general market (for example, based on earnings, cash flow, or asset value), the industry average, or the company's historical valuation based on earnings, cash flow, book value, or dividends. To a limited extent, the fund may also invest in foreign securities. While the fund will not concentrate its investments in any single industry, it may invest a substantial portion of its assets in the public utility sector for a limited period of time. See "Tax Considerations Related to the Dividend Income Fund" for details. The managers may sell a holding when there is a fundamental change in the outlook for the company (for example, a change in management or reduction in earnings) or to take advantage of a better investment opportunity. The ENERGY FUND invests, under normal conditions, primarily in the stocks of companies involved in the discovery, development, production, generation, transmission, refinement, measurement, or distribution of energy. It focuses on large- and medium-capitalization companies that pay current dividends and whose earnings are expected to improve. To a limited extent, the fund may invest in foreign securities. The manager may sell a holding when it believes it no longer has potential for earnings growth, or when it is otherwise unattractive. The GROWTH AND INCOME FUND, under normal conditions, focuses primarily on the stocks of large-capitalization, dividend-paying U.S. companies that offer the potential for capital growth. To a limited extent, the fund may also invest in foreign-based companies, primarily through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The manager's investment philosophy is that the stocks of companies with strong relative earnings growth will perform well over time. To choose investments, the manager focuses on those companies that are improving their returns on invested capital. The manager utilizes fundamental analysis such as management interviews and financial statement analysis. In addition, quantitative analysis is utilized to screen for undervalued securities, improving returns, and earnings growth. The manager may sell a holding when its fundamental qualities deteriorate. The managers of each of the funds may invest up to 100% of a fund's assets in cash or cash-type securities (high-quality, short-term debt securities issued by corporations, financial institutions, the U.S. government, or foreign governments) as a temporary defensive position during adverse market, economic, or political conditions if the fund's managers determine that a temporary defensive position is advisable. If the market goes up, taking a temporary defensive position may result in the fund earning a lower return than it would have otherwise achieved if the managers had not adopted a temporary defensive position. In this case, the fund may not achieve its investment goals. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS? STOCK RISKS: The major risks of each fund are those of investing in the stock market. That means the funds may experience sudden, unpredictable declines in value, as well as periods of poor performance. Because stock values go up and down, the value of your fund's shares may go up and down. Therefore, when you sell your investment, you may receive more or less money than you originally invested. BOND RISKS: The BALANCED FUND and BALANCED STOCK FUND maintain a significant position in bonds. To the extent they do, the fund is exposed to the risks of bond investing. A bond's market value is affected significantly by changes in interest rates--generally, when interest rates rise, the bond's market value declines, and when interest rates decline, its market value rises (interest-rate risk). Generally, the longer a bond's maturity, the greater its risk and the higher its yield. Conversely, the shorter a bond's maturity, the lower its risk and the lower its yield (maturity risk). A bond's value can also be affected by changes in the bond's credit quality rating or its issuer's financial condition (credit-quality risk). Because bond values fluctuate, the fund's share price fluctuates. So, when you sell your investment, you may receive more or less money than you originally invested. CONCENTRATED PORTFOLIOS RISKS: The ENERGY FUND concentrates its assets in energy companies. As a result, each fund's shares are likely to fluctuate in value more than those of a fund investing in a broader range of securities. FOREIGN SECURITIES RISKS: The BALANCED FUND, BALANCED STOCK FUND, ENERGY FUND, and GROWTH AND INCOME FUND may invest up to 25% of their assets in foreign securities and the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND may invest up to 20% of its assets in foreign securities. The GROWTH AND INCOME FUND invests in the stocks of foreign-based companies primarily through American Depositary Receipts. The BLUE CHIP FUND invests in dollar-denominated foreign securities. Foreign investments involve additional risks, including less liquidity, currency-rate fluctuations, political and economic instability, differences in financial reporting standards, and less-strict regulation of securities markets. HIGH-YIELD BOND RISKS: The BALANCED FUND invests in lower-quality bonds, commonly known as high-yield bonds or junk bonds, that present a significant risk for loss of principal and interest. These bonds offer the potential for higher returns but also involve greater risk than bonds of better quality, including an increased possibility that the bond's issuer, obligor, or guarantor may not be able to make its payments of interest and principal (credit-quality risk). If that happens, the fund's share price would decrease and its income distributions would be reduced. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates (interest-rate risk) could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the fund's ability to sell its bonds (liquidity risk). The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the fund's share price. MANAGEMENT RISK: Each fund is subject to management risk because it is actively managed. There is no guarantee that the investment techniques and risk analyses used by the managers will produce the desired results. MEDIUM COMPANIES RISKS: The BALANCED STOCK FUND invests in the stocks of medium-capitalization companies, and the ENERGY FUND invests significantly in the stocks of medium-capitalization companies. Medium-capitalization companies often have narrower markets and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the fund's portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks. NOT INSURED RISK: An investment in a fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. PUBLIC UTILITY SECTOR RISK: While not concentrating in any particular industry, the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND may invest a substantial portion of its assets in the public utility sector. Investing in securities of issuers in the public utility sector subjects the fund to the risk that those securities will underperform the market as a whole. To the extent that the fund's investments are substantially invested in a particular economic sector, the fund is subject to legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions, and/or increased competition affecting that economic sector. The prices of securities in the public utility sector may fluctuate widely due to government regulation, the effect of interest rates on capital financing, competitive pressures due to deregulation in the public utility sector, supply and demand for services, increased sensitivity to the cost of natural resources required for energy production, and environmental factors such as conservation of natural resources or pollution control. VALUE- AND GROWTH-STYLE INVESTING RISK: Different types of stocks tend to shift into and out of favor with stock market investors depending on market and economic conditions. The BALANCED FUND, BLUE CHIP FUND, ENERGY FUND, and GROWTH AND INCOME FUND invest in growth-style stocks. The BALANCED STOCK FUND, DIVIDEND INCOME FUND, and, to a limited extent, the GROWTH AND INCOME FUND, focus on value-style stocks. The funds' performance may at times be worse than the performance of stock funds that focus on other types of stocks or that have a broader investment style. In addition, value stocks may not increase in price or pay dividends as anticipated by the funds' managers or may decline even further if (1) other investors fail to recognize the company's value, or (2) other investors favor investing in faster-growing companies, or (3) the factors that the managers believe will increase the price do not occur. The funds are appropriate for investors who are comfortable with the risks described here and whose financial goals are five or more years in the future. The funds are not appropriate for investors concerned primarily with principal stability. FUND STRUCTURE Each of the funds, except the BALANCED STOCK FUND, which only offers Investor Class shares, has adopted a multiple class plan. The plan authorizes the GROWTH AND INCOME FUND to offer Investor Class shares, Advisor Class shares, Institutional Class shares, and Class K shares. The plan authorizes the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND to offer Investor Class shares and Class K shares. The plan authorizes the BALANCED FUND, the ENERGY FUND, and the BLUE CHIP FUND to offer Investor Class shares. Only the Investor Class shares of each fund are offered in this prospectus. The principal differences between each of the classes of shares are that the Advisor Class shares are subject to distribution fees and expenses under a 12b-1 plan and each class of shares is subject to different administrative and transfer agency fees and expenses. FUND PERFORMANCE The following return information illustrates how the performance of the fund's Investor Class shares can vary, which is one indication of the risks of investing in the funds. The performance shown for the DIVIDEND INCOME Fund is based on the historical performance of the fund under its previous investment strategy (I.E., to primarily invest in U.S. public utility companies) from the inception of the fund up to December 8, 2001. Please keep in mind that past performance does not represent how the funds will perform in the future. The information assumes that you reinvested all dividends and distributions. CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend Growth and Balanced Year Balanced Income Income Stock Blue Chip Energy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1991 19.6% - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1992 3.2% - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1993 14.5% - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1994 -1.5% -2.6% - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 22.0% 37.0% - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 10.5% 8.4% 31.9% - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 16.7% 27.6% 30.4% - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 21.4% 20.4% 33.0% 3.21% 43.9% -21.8% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 15.5% 0.6% 32.2% 5.08% 38.9% 19.6% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 -6.4% 27.3% -10.3% 9.10% -18.6% 43.8% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Balanced, Balanced Stock, Blue Chip, Dividend Income, Energy, and Growth and Income Funds' year to date returns through September 30, 2001 were, -15.6%, -5.1%, -31.3%, -10.1%, -25.3%, and -27.2%. BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE (DURING THE PERIODS SHOWN ABOVE)
FUND NAME BEST QUARTER RETURN WORST QUARTER RETURN ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Balanced 15.9% (4th Q 1998) -8.2% (3rd Q 1998) Balanced Stock 11.8% (4th Q 1998) -11.5% (3rd Q 1998) Blue Chip 27.9% (4th Q 1999) -21.1% (4th Q 2000) Dividend Income 15.9% (3rd Q 2000) -7.0% (1st Q 1999) Energy 17.7% (2nd Q 1999) -13.3% (3rd Q 1998) Growth and Income 23.4% (4th Q 1998) -13.0% (4th Q 2000)
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 12-31-00
FUND/INDEX 1-YEAR 5-YEAR 10-YEAR SINCE FUND INCEPTION(1) BALANCED -6.36% 11.08% 11.13% 13.26% S&P 500 Index (2) -9.11% 18.33% 17.46% 16.88% Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds Average (3) 0.39% 11.75% 12.54% 13.00% BALANCED STOCK 9.10% -- -- 5.77% S&P 500 Index (2) -9.11% -- -- 12.26% Lipper Balanced Funds Index(4) 2.39% -- -- 8.69% BLUE CHIP -18.57% -- -- 17.71% S&P 500 Index (2) -9.11% -- -- 13.64% Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index (5) -19.68% -- -- 14.69% DIVIDEND INCOME 27.32%(6) 16.33%(6) -- 15.62%(6) S&P 500 Index (2) -9.11% 18.33% -- 17.70% Russell 1000 Value Index(7) 7.01% 16.91% -- 16.28% ENERGY 43.78% -- -- 7.12% S&P 500 Index (2) -9.11% -- -- 12.24% Lipper Natural Resources Funds Index (8) 29.23% -- -- 6.55% GROWTH AND INCOME -10.25% 22.10% -- 22.10% S&P 500 Index (2) -9.11% 18.33% -- 18.33% Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Index (9) -7.37% 16.79% -- 16.79%
(1) THE BALANCED FUND, THE BALANCED STOCK FUND, THE BLUE CHIP FUND, THE DIVIDEND INCOME FUND, THE ENERGY FUND, AND THE GROWTH AND INCOME FUND COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON DECEMBER 30, 1981, DECEMBER 31, 1997, JUNE 30, 1997, JULY 1, 1993, SEPTEMBER 30, 1997, AND DECEMBER 29, 1995, RESPECTIVELY. (2) THE S&P 500 INDEX IS AN UNMANAGED INDEX GENERALLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE U.S. STOCK MARKET. (3) THE LIPPER FLEXIBLE PORTFOLIO FUNDS AVERAGE REPRESENTS FUNDS THAT ALLOCATE THEIR INVESTMENTS ACROSS VARIOUS ASSET CLASSES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC COMMON STOCKS, BONDS AND MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS WITH A FOCUS ON TOTAL RETURN. (4) THE LIPPER BALANCED FUNDS INDEX IS AN EQUALLY WEIGHTED PERFORMANCE INDEX OF THE LARGEST QUALIFYING FUNDS IN THIS LIPPER CATEGORY. (5) THE LIPPER LARGE-CAP GROWTH FUNDS INDEX IS AN EQUALLY WEIGHTED PERFORMANCE INDEX OF THE LARGEST QUALIFYING FUNDS IN THIS LIPPER CATEGORY. (6) THE AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS PRIOR TO DECEMBER 8, 2001 ARE BASED ON THE HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE FUND'S INVESTOR CLASS SHARES UNDER ITS PREVIOUS INVESTMENT STRATEGY (I.E., TO PRIMARILY INVEST IN U.S. PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES). WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' FEES AND EXPENSES? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This section describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the funds. SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) The Investor Class shares of each fund are 100% no-load, so you pay no sales charges (loads) to buy or sell shares. ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) The costs of operating each fund are deducted from fund assets, which means you pay them indirectly. These costs are deducted before computing the daily share price or making distributions. As a result, they don't appear on your account statement, but instead reduce the total return you receive from your fund investment. The Annual Fund Operating Expense table shown below for each fund is based on actual expenses incurred during each fund's fiscal period ending December 31, 2000. Please keep in mind that as a result of changing market conditions, total asset levels and other factors, expenses at any time during the current fiscal period may be significantly different than those shown. ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENT OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND FUND MANAGEMENT FEES OTHER EXPENSES OPERATING EXPENSES ---------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- Balanced 0.55%(1) 0.51% 1.06% Balanced Stock 0.75%(1) 3.09% 3.84%(2) Blue Chip 0.50% 0.65%(3) 1.15% Dividend Income 0.70%(1) 0.57% 1.27%(2) Energy 0.75%(1) 1.17%(3) 1.92% Growth and Income 0.55% 0.59%(3) 1.14%
(1) THE FUNDS HAVE A BREAKPOINT SCHEDULE UNDER WHICH THE MANAGEMENT FEE WILL DECREASE ON FUND NET ASSETS ABOVE A DESIGNATED LEVEL. (2) THE MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER EXPENSES HAVE BEEN RESTATED AS IF THE FUND'S CURRENT MANAGEMENT, TRANSFER AGENT, AND ADMINISTRATION FEES HAD BEEN IN EFFECT DURING FISCAL YEAR 2000 AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, TO REFLECT THE REMOVAL OF A CONTRACTUAL 2% EXPENSE CAP. TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES, AS RESTATED, FOR THE BALANCED STOCK FUND DO NOT REFLECT OUR WAIVER OF MANAGEMENT FEES AND/OR ABSORPTIONS. WITH WAIVERS AND/OR ABSORPTIONS, THE RESTATED TOTAL EXPENSES FOR THE BALANCED STOCK FUND WERE 2.00%. WE CAN TERMINATE WAIVERS AND/OR ABSORPTIONS FOR THIS FUND AT ANY TIME. (3) OTHER EXPENSES HAVE BEEN RESTATED AS IF THE FUND'S CURRENT TRANSFER AGENT AND ADMINISTRATION FEES HAD BEEN IN EFFECT DURING FISCAL YEAR 2000. EXAMPLE: This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the funds, before fee waivers and expense absorptions, with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund and reinvest all dividends and distributions for the time periods indicated, and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS ------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -------------- ------------------- Balanced $108 $337 $585 $1,294 Balanced Stock $386 $1,172 $1,976 $4,070 Blue Chip $117 $365 $633 $1,398 Dividend Income $129 $406 $697 $1,534 Energy $195 $603 $1,037 $2,243 Growth and Income $116 $362 $628 $1,386
WHO ARE THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND PORTFOLIO MANAGERS? Strong Capital Management, Inc. (Strong) is the investment advisor for the funds. Strong provides investment management services for mutual funds and other investment portfolios representing assets, as of October 31, 2001, of over $43 billion. Strong began conducting business in 1974. Since then, its principal business has been providing investment advice for individuals and institutional accounts, such as pension and profit-sharing plans, as well as mutual funds, some of which are available through variable insurance products. Strong's address is P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, WI 53201. SUBADVISOR FOR DIVIDEND INCOME FUND. W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc. (Reaves) is the subadvisor for the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND under an agreement with Strong. Under this agreement and under the supervision of the fund's Board of Directors and Strong, Reaves provides a continuous investment program for the fund. This means Reaves selects the securities the fund buys and sells. However, Strong manages the fund's cash. Reaves began conducting business in 1961 and had over $1 billion under management as of October 31, 2001. Since 1977, its principal business has been providing continuous investment supervision to institutional investors such as corporations, corporate pension funds, employee savings plans, foundations, and endowments. Reaves may also act as a broker for the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND. Reaves' address is 10 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302. SUBADVISOR FOR ENERGY FUND. Scarborough Investment Advisers LLC (Scarborough) is the subadvisor for the ENERGY FUND under an agreement with Strong. Under this agreement, and under the supervision of the fund's Board of Directors and Strong, Scarborough provides a continuous investment program for the fund. This means Scarborough selects the securities the fund buys and sells. However, Strong manages the fund's cash. Scarborough began conducting business in 1996 and has approximately $21 million under management as of December 31, 2000. Its principal business has been providing continuous investment supervision to institutional investors and high net worth clients. Its address is 100 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10017. As compensation for its advisory services, each fund pays Strong a management fee at the annual rate specified below of the average daily net asset value of that fund.
FUND FOR THE FIRST $35 MILLION IN ASSETS FOR ASSETS ABOVE $35 MILLION ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- Strong Balanced Fund 0.60% 0.55%
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------- FOR ASSETS UNDER FOR THE NEXT FOR ASSETS OF $4 BILLION $2 BILLION IN ASSETS $6 BILLION AND ABOVE ------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------- Strong Balanced Stock Fund 0.75% 0.725% 0.70% Strong Blue Chip Fund 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% Strong Dividend Income Fund 0.70% 0.675% 0.65% Strong Energy Fund 0.75% 0.725% 0.70% Strong Growth and Income Fund 0.55% 0.55% 0.55%
The following individuals are the funds' portfolio managers. MARK A. BASKIR manages the ENERGY FUND. He joined Scarborough in February 1997 and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Prior to joining Scarborough, he was an investment adviser at Pecksland Associates. Prior to that, Mr. Baskir worked at Neuberger & Berman LLC, which he joined in 1970. While at Neuberger & Berman, he specialized in energy stocks as a research analyst (1970-1996) and as the portfolio manager (1983-1996) for separate accounts. Mr. Baskir received his bachelor's degree in political science from Princeton University in 1964 and a master's of business administration from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business Administration in 1967. ROBERT J. COSTOMIRIS co-manages the BALANCED STOCK FUND. Mr. Costomiris joined Strong in April 2001 and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. From May 1997 to March 2001, Mr. Costomiris was a director of research at Thomson Horstmann & Bryant Inc. From December 1993 to April 1997, Mr. Costomiris was a senior investment consultant at Hewitt Associates LLC, a management consulting firm. Mr. Costomiris received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 1985 and his master's of business administration in finance and accounting at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in 1995. BRADLEY D. DOYLE co-manages the BALANCED STOCK FUND. Mr. Doyle joined Strong in June 1993 and is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant. From December 1997 to present, Mr. Doyle has been and continues to be a fixed income trader. From March 1995 to November 1997, Mr. Doyle was in trading operations. Mr. Doyle received his bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of North Dakota in 1993. WILLIAM A. FERER co-manages the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND and has been a portfolio manager and Analyst for Reaves since 1987. He was a Vice President of Reaves from 1987 to November 1997 and has been an Executive Vice President of Reaves since November 1997. He has worked as a securities analyst since 1971. JEFFREY A. KOCH co-manages the bond and cash portions of the BALANCED FUND. Mr. Koch joined Strong in June 1989 and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. He has been a portfolio manager since January 1990. He has co-managed the BALANCED FUND since December 1994. Mr. Koch received his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Minnesota in 1987 and his master's of business administration in finance from Washington University in 1989. MARK D. LUFTIG co-manages the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND. He has been an Analyst of Reaves since January 1995. Mr. Luftig was a Vice President of Reaves from January 1995 to November 1997 and has been an Executive Vice President of Reaves since November 1997. Prior to joining Reaves, Mr. Luftig was employed by Kemper Securities, Inc. where he was Senior Vice President from 1992 to 1994, and Executive Vice President and Director of Equity Research from 1994 to January 1995. From 1989 to 1992, Mr. Luftig was the Vice President of the National Economic Research Associates, Inc. From 1975 until 1989, he worked at Salomon Brothers Inc. as a Director-Research. KAREN E. MCGRATH manages the BLUE CHIP FUND. She joined Strong as a portfolio manager in September 1995 and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Ms. McGrath has managed the BLUE CHIP FUND since its inception in June 1997. From January 1994 until September 1995, she was a portfolio manager of equity accounts and President of National Investment Services, Inc. (NIS). From January 1990 until December 1993, she was a portfolio manager of equity accounts and Vice President and Senior Vice President of National Investment Services of America, Inc., a predecessor organization to NIS. Ms. McGrath began her career at Loomis Sayles & Company, Inc., where she was a portfolio manager of equity accounts for over 15 years. Ms. McGrath received her bachelor's degree in accounting from Marquette University in 1959. RIMAS M. MILAITIS manages the equity portion of the BALANCED FUND and manages the GROWTH AND INCOME FUND. He joined Strong as a portfolio manager in December 1995. He has managed the GROWTH AND INCOME FUND since its inception in December 1995 and co-managed the BALANCED FUND since May 1997. From March 1992 to December 1995, he managed several conservative equity portfolios that invested in stocks and bonds at Aon Advisors, Inc. (AAI). From March 1990 to March 1992, he served as an equity trader/analyst to AAI. From March 1987 to March 1990, Mr. Milaitis was an equity portfolio assistant to the Illinois State Board of Investment. Mr. Milaitis received his bachelor's degree in economics from Illinois State University in 1984 and his master's of business administration in finance from DePaul University in 1991. WILLIAM H. REAVES is the senior co-manager of the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND. Mr. Reaves has been the President, Chief Investment Officer, portfolio manager, and utilities analyst of Reaves since 1961. He has worked as a utilities analyst since 1946. RONALD J. SORENSON co-manages the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND and has been a Vice President and portfolio manager of Reaves since 1991. For three years prior to that, he was a partner and portfolio manager of PVF Inc., an investment advisory firm. For two years prior to that, Mr. Sorenson was the Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Investment Committee of The American Life Insurance Company of New York. Mr. Sorenson has acted as President of RWS Energy Services, Chief Financial Officer of Emerging Market Services A.G., Controller of Triad Holding Corporation S.A., and was a C.P.A. for Arthur Young & Co. BRADLEY C. TANK co-manages the bond and cash portion of the BALANCED FUND. He joined Strong as a portfolio manager in June 1990. He has co-managed the BALANCED FUND since January 1993. From October 1984 to June 1990, he was a Vice President and fixed income specialist and from July 1982 to October 1984, he was a fixed income specialist at Salomon Brothers Inc. He received his bachelor's degree in English from the University of Wisconsin in 1980 and his master's of business administration in finance from the University of Wisconsin in 1982, where he also completed the Applied Securities Analysis Program. Mr. Tank chairs Strong's Fixed Income Investment Committee. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW To a limited extent, each fund may participate in the initial public offering (IPO) market. When a fund is small, IPOs may greatly increase the fund's total returns. But, as the fund grows larger, the fund is unlikely to achieve the same level of returns from IPOs. Investing in IPOs is risky, and the prices of stocks purchased in IPOs tend to fluctuate more widely than stocks of more established companies. COMPARING THE FUNDS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following will help you distinguish the funds and determine their suitability for your investment needs:
EQUITY BOND FOREIGN FUND RANGE RANGE RANGE FOCUS ------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------- Balanced 30 to 70% 20 to 70% 0 to 25% Allocated across asset classes ------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------- Balanced Stock 50 to 75% 25 to 50% 0 to 25% Medium- and large capitalization stocks and short- and intermediate-term, higher- and medium quality bonds ------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------- Blue Chip 100% --- --- Blue chip companies ------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------- Dividend Income 80 to 100% 0 to 20% 0 to 20% Large cap, dividend-paying, common stocks ------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------- Energy 80 to 100% 0 to 20% 0 to 25% Energy and natural resources stocks ------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------- Growth and Income 65 to 100% 0 to 35% 0 to 25% Dividend-paying and growth stocks
The BALANCED FUND invests a portion of its assets in lower-quality securities that present a significant risk for loss of principal and interest. A WORD ABOUT CREDIT QUALITY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREDIT QUALITY measures the issuer's expected ability to pay interest and principal payments on time. Credit quality can be "higher-quality," "medium-quality," "lower-quality," or "in default." HIGHER-QUALITY means bonds that are in any of the three highest rating categories. For example, bonds rated AAA to A by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (S&P)*. MEDIUM-QUALITY means bonds that are in the fourth-highest rating category. For example, bonds rated BBB by S&P*. LOWER-QUALITY means bonds that are below the fourth-highest rating category. They are also known as non-investment, high-risk, high-yield, or "junk bonds." For example, bonds rated BB to C by S&P*. IN DEFAULT means the bond's issuer has not paid principal or interest on time. *OR THOSE RATED IN THIS CATEGORY BY ANY NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STATISTICAL RATING ORGANIZATION. S&P IS ONLY ONE EXAMPLE OF A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STATISTICAL RATING ORGANIZATION. This chart shows S&P's definitions and ratings groups for credit quality. Other rating organizations use similar definitions.
CREDIT QUALITY S&P'S S&P'S RATINGS RATING DEFINITION GROUP CATEGORY ---------------- --------------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- Higher Extremely strong capacity to meet financial AAA Highest commitment --------------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- Very strong capacity to meet financial AA Second highest commitment --------------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- Strong capacity to meet financial commitment A Third highest ---------------- --------------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- Medium Adverse conditions or changing BBB Fourth highest circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to meet financial commitment ---------------- --------------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- Lower Uncertainties or adverse conditions could BB lead to an inadequate capacity to meet financial commitment --------------------------------------------- -------------------- Adverse conditions will likely impair B capacity or willingness to meet financial commitment --------------------------------------------- -------------------- Adverse conditions will likely cause no CCC capacity to meet financial commitment --------------------------------------------- -------------------- Currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment CC or C ---------------- --------------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- In default Probably in default D ---------------- --------------------------------------------- -------------------- -----------------
We determine a bond's credit quality rating at the time of investment by conducting credit research and analysis and by relying on credit ratings of several nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. These organizations are called NRSROs. When we determine if a bond is in a specific category, we may use the highest rating assigned to it by any NRSRO. If a bond is not rated, we rely on our credit research and analysis to rate the bond. If a bond's credit quality rating is downgraded after our investment, we monitor the situation to decide if we need to take any action such as selling the bond. The BALANCED FUND may invest a significant amount of its assets in bonds that are not rated. When it does, the fund relies more on Strong's internal credit analysis than it would if the fund were investing in rated bonds. Also, investments in lower-quality bonds will be more dependent on Strong's credit analysis than would be higher-quality bonds because, while lower-quality bonds generally offer higher yields than higher-quality bonds with similar maturities, lower-quality bonds involve greater risks. These risks include the possibility of default or bankruptcy because the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal is considered predominantly speculative. Also, lower-quality bonds are less liquid, meaning that they may be harder to sell than bonds of higher quality because the demand for them may be lower and there are fewer potential buyers. This lack of liquidity may lower the value of the fund and your investment. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This information describes investment performance of the Investor Class shares of the funds for the periods shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Investor Class share outstanding for the entire period. "Total Return" shows how much an investment in the Investor Class shares of the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions. Effective December 8, 2001, the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND, formerly the AMERICAN UTILITIES FUND, changed its name, investment strategy, and certain fundamental investment policies. The performance shown for the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND is based on the historical performance of the fund under its previous investment strategy (I.E., to primarily invest in U.S. public utility companies) from the inception of the fund up to December 8, 2001. These figures, except for the most recent six-month period, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the funds' financial statements, is included in the funds' annual report. STRONG BALANCED FUND - INVESTOR CLASS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, Dec. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Selected Per-Share Data/(a)/ 2001/(b)/ 2000/(c)/ 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $21.83 $24.77 $24.92 $21.14 $21.44 $20.12 $20.31 Income From Investment Operations: Net Investment Income 0.30 0.12 0.82 0.71 0.55 0.67 0.78 Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments (1.81) (1.53) 0.61 3.75 1.75 2.96 1.05 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from Investment Operations (1.51) (1.41) 1.43 4.46 2.30 3.63 1.83 Less Distributions: From Net Investment Income (0.29) (0.20) (0.83) (0.68) (0.54) (0.67) (0.84) In Excess of Net Investment Income -- -- -- -- -- (0.10) -- From Net Realized Gains -- (1.33) (0.75) -- (2.04) (1.54) (1.18) In Excess of Realized Gains -- -- -- -- (0.02) -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Distributions (0.29) (1.53) (1.58) (0.68) (2.60) (2.31) (2.02) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, End of Period $20.03 $21.83 $24.77 $24.92 $21.14 $21.44 $20.12 ================================================================================================================================= Ratios and Supplemental Data --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Return -6.9% -5.6% +5.7% +21.3% +11.8% +19.3% +9.5% Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions) $ 338 $ 347 $ 372 $ 344 $ 288 $ 277 $ 263 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Without Fees Paid Indirectly by Advisor and Earnings Credits 1.2%* 1.1%* 1.1% 1.1% 1.0% 1.1% 1.1% Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets 1.1%* 1.1%* 1.1% 1.1% 1.0% 1.1% 1.1% Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 2.9%* 3.3%* 3.2% 3.0% 2.5% 3.2% 3.9% Portfolio Turnover Rate 128.1% 45.1% 150.9% 64.7% 185.9% 276.5% 446.7%
* Calculated on an annualized basis. (a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the fund outstanding for the entire period. (b) For the six months ended June 30, 2001 (unaudited). (c) In 2000, the fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRONG BALANCED STOCK FUND - INVESTOR CLASS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------- June 30, Dec. 31, Sept. 30, Sept. 30, Sept. 30, Selected Per-Share Data/(a)/ 2001/(b)/ 2000/(c)/ 2000 1999 1998/(d)/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $10.91 $10.69 $10.27 $9.14 $10.00 Income From Investment Operations: Net Investment Income 0.05 0.03 0.13 0.15 0.10 Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments 0.12 0.25 0.72 1.22 (0.86) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from Investment Operations 0.17 0.28 0.85 1.37 (0.76) Less Distributions: From Net Investment Income (0.03) (0.06) (0.10) (0.15) (0.10) From Net Realized Gains -- -- (0.33) (0.09) -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Distributions (0.03) (0.06) (0.43) (0.24) (0.10) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, End of Period $11.05 $10.91 $10.69 $10.27 $9.14 ========================================================================================================== Ratios and Supplemental Data ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Return +1.6% +2.6% +8.6% +15.1% -7.7% Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions) $5 $4 $4 $6 $8 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Without Waivers and Absorptions 2.0%* 2.0%* 2.0% 2.0% 2.0%* Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets 2.0%* 2.0%* 2.0% 2.0% 2.0%* Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 1.1%* 1.1%* 1.1% 1.3% 1.5%* Portfolio Turnover Rate 29.7% 2.1% 35.7% 87.9% 45.5%
* Calculated on an annualized basis. (a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the fund outstanding for the entire period. (b) For the six months ended June 30, 2001 (unaudited). (c) In 2000, the fund changed its fiscal year-end from September to December. (d) For the period December 31, 1997 (inception) to September 30, 1998. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRONG BLUE CHIP FUND -- INVESTOR CLASS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 30, Dec. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Selected Per-Share Data/(a)/ 2001/(b)/ 2000/(c)/ 2000 1999 1998 1997/(d)/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $16.56 $20.99 $18.10 $13.24 $10.39 $10.00 Income From Investment Operations: Net Investment Income (Loss) (0.03) (0.01) (0.09) (0.04) 0.10 0.01 Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments (2.60) (3.42) 2.98 4.90 2.86 0.38 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from Investment Operations (2.63) (3.43) 2.89 4.86 2.96 0.39 Less Distributions: From Net Investment Income -- -- -- (0.00)/(e)/(0.11) -- From Net Realized Gains -- (1.00) -- -- -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Distributions -- (1.00) -- (0.00)/(e)/(0.11) -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, End of Period $13.93 $16.56 $20.99 $18.10 $13.24 $10.39 =========================================================================================================================== Ratios and Supplemental Data --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Return -15.9% -16.4% +16.0% +36.7% +28.6% +3.9% Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions) $401 $499 $616 $485 $90 $5 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Without Waivers, Absorptions and Earnings Credits 1.3%* 1.1%* 1.1% 1.2% 1.3% 2.0%* Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets 1.3%* 1.1%* 1.1% 1.2% 0.6% 1.0%* Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (0.3%)* (0.2%)* (0.5%) (0.3%) 0.7% 0.6%* Portfolio Turnover Rate/(f)/ 86.0% 21.2% 67.9% 75.4% 46.5% 21.5%
* Calculated on an annualized basis. (a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the fund outstanding for the entire period. (b) For the six months ended June 30, 2001 (unaudited). (c) In 2000, the fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December. (d) For the period from June 30, 1997 (inception) to October 31, 1997. (e) Amount calculated is less than $0.01. (f) Calculated on the basis of the fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRONG DIVIDEND INCOME FUND - INVESTOR CLASS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, Dec. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Selected Per-Share Data/(a)/ 2001/(b)/ 2000/(c)/ 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $17.49 $17.31 $17.18 $16.31 $13.97 $12.64 $11.73 Income From Investment Operations: Net Investment Income 0.18 0.07 0.37 0.37 0.35 0.40 0.40 Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments (0.87) 1.01 1.88 1.52 3.12 1.98 0.90 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from Investment Operations (0.69) 1.08 2.25 1.89 3.47 2.38 1.30 Less Distributions: From Net Investment Income (0.19) (0.08) (0.36) (0.41) (0.37) (0.38) (0.39) From Net Realized Gains -- (0.82) (1.76) (0.61) (0.76) (0.67) -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Distributions (0.19) (0.90) (2.12) (1.02) (1.13) (1.05) (0.39) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, End of Period $16.61 $17.49 $17.31 $17.18 $16.31 $13.97 $12.64 ================================================================================================================================= Ratios and Supplemental Data --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Return -4.0% +6.6% +15.4% +11.8% +25.7% +19.7% +11.2% Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions) $ 286 $ 298 $ 260 $ 245 $ 214 $ 135 $ 122 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Without Fees Paid Indirectly by Advisor and Earnings Credits 1.0%* 1.0%* 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.1% 1.2% Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets 1.0%* 1.0%* 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.1% 1.2% Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets 2.2%* 2.5%* 2.3% 2.2% 2.4% 3.0% 3.2% Portfolio Turnover Rate 23.6% 7.0% 106.8% 74.9% 69.0% 61.9% 84.0%
* Calculated on an annualized basis. (a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the fund outstanding for the entire period. (b) For the six months ended June 30, 2001 (unaudited). (c) In 2000, the fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRONG ENERGY FUND - INVESTOR CLASS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------- June 30, Dec. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Selected Per-Share Data/(a)/ 2001/(b)/ 2000/(c)/ 2000 1999 1998 1997/(d)/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $12.48 $10.98 $ 8.62 $7.79 $9.51 $10.00 Income From Investment Operations: Net Investment Income (Loss) (0.01) 0.00(e) (0.02) (0.02) (0.04) -- Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments (0.74) 1.50 2.38 0.86 (1.68) (0.49) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from Investment Operations (0.75) 1.50 2.36 0.84 (1.72) (0.49) Less Distributions: From Net Investment Income -- -- -- -- 0.00(e) -- In Excess of Net Investment Income -- -- -- (0.01) -- -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Distributions -- -- -- (0.01) 0.00(e) -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value, End of Period $11.73 $12.48 $10.98 $8.62 $7.79 $ 9.51 ============================================================================================================================= Ratios and Supplemental Data ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Return -6.0% +13.7% +27.4% +10.8% -18.0% -4.9% Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions) $20 $15 $11 $6 $5 $5 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Without Waivers, Absorptions and Earnings Credits 1.7%* 1.8%* 1.9% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0%* Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets 1.7%* 1.8%* 1.8% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0%* Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (0.2%)* 0.2%* (0.3%) (0.3%) (0.4%) 0.0%/(e)/* Portfolio Turnover Rate 28.5% 9.3% 51.4% 55.4% 61.2% 1.2%
* Calculated on an annualized basis. (a) Information presented relates to a share of capital stock of the fund outstanding for the entire period. (b) For the six months ended June 30, 2001 (unaudited). (c) In 2000, the Fund changed its fiscal year-end from October to December. (d) For the period from September 30, 1997 (inception) to October 31, 1997. (e) Amount calculated is less than $0.01 or 0.1%.
STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND--INVESTOR CLASS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ June 30, Dec. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Oct. 31, Selected Per-Share Data/(a)/ 2001/(b)/ 2000/(c)/ 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996/(d)/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $25.37 $28.34 $25.26 $18.73 $16.35 $12.38 $10.00 Income From Investment Operations: Net Investment Income (Loss) (0.02) (0.00)/(e)/ (0.09) (0.03) 0.03 0.07 0.04 Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments (3.46) (2.65) 3.19 6.56 3.07 3.99 2.38 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total from Investment Operations (3.48) (2.65) 3.10 6.53 3.10 4.06 2.42 Less Distributions: From Net Investment Income -- -- -- (0.00)/(e)/(0.03) (0.07) (0.04) From Net Realized Gains -- (0.32) (0.02) -- (0.62) (0.02) -- In Excess of Realized Gains -- -- -- -- (0.07) -- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Distributions -- (0.32) (0.02) (0.00)/(e)/(0.72) (0.09) (0.04) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net Asset Value, End of Period $21.89 $25.37 $28.34 $25.26 $18.73 $16.35 $12.38 ==================================================================================================================================== Ratios and Supplemental Data ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Return -13.7% -9.3% +12.3% +34.9% +19.7% +32.9% +24.2% Net Assets, End of Period (In Millions) $982 $1,109 $1,228 $861 $399 $227 $18 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Without Fees Paid Indirectly by Advisor and Earnings Credits 1.3%* 1.1%* 1.1% 1.1% 1.1% 1.2% 1.9%* Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets 1.2%* 1.1%* 1.1% 1.1% 1.1% 1.2% 1.9%* Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (0.2%)* (0.0%)/(e)/*(0.4%) (0.1%) 0.1% 0.5% 0.6%* Portfolio Turnover Rate/(f)/ 81.0% 23.3% 122.0% 52.3% 107.5% 237.8% 174.1%
YOUR ACCOUNT SHARE PRICE Your transaction price for buying, selling, or exchanging shares of the funds or specific classes of the funds is the net asset value per share (NAV) for that fund or class of shares. NAV is generally calculated as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (usually 3:00 p.m. Central Time) every day the NYSE is open. If the NYSE closes at any other time, or if an emergency exists, NAV may be calculated at a different time. Your share price will be the next NAV calculated after we accept your order. NAV is based on the market value of the securities in a fund's portfolio. If market prices are not available, NAV is based on a security's fair value as determined in good faith by us under the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Strong Funds. ((Side Box)) --------------------------------------------------------------- We determine the share price or NAV of a fund or class by dividing net assets attributable to the fund or class (the value of the investments, cash, and other assets attributable to the fund or class minus the liabilities attributable to the fund or class) by the number of fund or class shares outstanding. --------------------------------------------------------------- FOREIGN SECURITIES Some of the fund's portfolio securities may be listed on foreign exchanges that trade on days when we do not calculate an NAV. As a result, the fund's NAV may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem shares. In addition, a foreign exchange may not value its listed securities at the same time that we calculate a fund's NAV. Events affecting the values of portfolio securities that occur between the time a foreign exchange assigns a price to the portfolio securities and the time when we calculate a fund's NAV generally will not be reflected in the fund's NAV. These events will be reflected in the fund's NAV when we, under the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Strong Funds, determine that they would have a material effect on the fund's NAV. BUYING SHARES INVESTMENT MINIMUMS: When buying shares, you must meet the following investment minimum requirements.
-------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- INITIAL INVESTMENT MINIMUM ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT MINIMUM -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- Regular accounts $2,500 for all funds except: $50 $250 for BALANCED FUND -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- Education IRA accounts $500 $50 -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- Other IRAs and UGMA/UTMA accounts $250 $50 -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- SIMPLE IRA, SEP-IRA, 403(b)(7), Keogh, the lesser of $250 or $25 per month $50 Pension Plan, and Profit Sharing Plan accounts -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
PLEASE REMEMBER ... o For the BALANCED FUND, if you use an Automatic Investment Plan, we waive the initial investment minimum to open an account and the additional investment minimum is $50. However, you will be charged the annual low balance account fee of $25 as described below in the Low Balance Account Fee section while your account balance in the BALANCED FUND remains below the applicable initial investment minimum. o You cannot use an Automatic Investment Plan with an Education IRA. o If you open an employer-sponsored retirement plan account where we or one of our alliance partners provides document or administrative services, there is no initial investment minimum. MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN Each of the funds, except the BALANCED STOCK FUND, which only offers Investor Class shares, has adopted a multiple class plan. The plan authorizes the GROWTH AND INCOME FUND to offer Investor Class shares, Advisor Class shares, Institutional Class shares, and Class K shares. The plan authorizes the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND to offer Investor Class shares and Class K shares. The plan authorizes the BALANCED FUND, the ENERGY FUND, and the BLUE CHIP FUND to offer Investor Class shares. Each class is offered at its net asset value and is subject to fees and expenses that may differ between classes. The principal differences between each of the classes of shares are that the Advisor Class shares are subject to distribution fees and expenses under a 12b-1 plan and each class of shares is subject to different administrative and transfer agency fees and expenses. BUYING INSTRUCTIONS You can buy shares in several ways. MAIL You can open or add to an account by mail with a check made payable to Strong. Send it to the address listed on the back of this prospectus, along with your account application (for a new account) or an Additional Investment Form (for an existing account). EXCHANGE OPTION Sign up for the exchange option when you open your account. To add this option to an existing account, visit the Account Services area at WWW.STRONG.COM or call 1-800-368-3863 for a Shareholder Account Options Form. ((Side Box)) --------------------------- QUESTIONS? Call 1-800-368-3863 24 hours a day 7 days a week --------------------------- EXPRESS PURCHASESM You can make additional investments to your existing account directly from your bank account. If you didn't establish this option when you opened your account, visit the Account Services area at WWW.STRONG.COM or call us at 1-800-368-3863 for a Shareholder Account Options Form. STRONG DIRECT(R) You can use Strong Direct(R) to add to your investment from your bank account or to exchange shares between Strong Funds by calling 1-800-368-1050. See "Services for Investors" for more information. ONLINE ACCOUNT ACCESS AT STRONG.COM You can use online account access at WWW.STRONG.COM to add to your investment from your bank account or to exchange shares between Strong Funds. See "Services for Investors" for more information. INVESTOR CENTERS You can visit our Investor Center in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee. Visit the Account Services area at WWW.STRONG.COM or call 1-800-368-3863 for hours, directions, and the location of our other Investor Centers. WIRE Call 1-800-368-3863 for instructions before wiring funds either to open or add to an account. This helps to ensure that your account will be credited promptly and correctly. AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT SERVICES See "Services for Investors" for detailed information on all of our automatic investment services. You can sign up for these services when you open your account or you can add them later by visiting the Account Services area at WWW.STRONG.COM or by calling 1-800-368-3863 for the appropriate form. BROKER-DEALER You may purchase shares through a broker-dealer or other intermediary who may charge you a fee. Broker-dealers, including each fund's distributor, and other intermediaries may also from time to time sponsor or participate in promotional programs pursuant to which investors receive incentives for establishing with the broker-dealer or intermediary an account and/or for purchasing shares of the Strong Funds through the account(s). Investors should contact the broker-dealer or intermediary and consult the Statement of Additional Information for more information about promotional programs. PLEASE REMEMBER . . . o We only accept checks payable to Strong. o We do not accept cash, third-party checks, credit card convenience checks, or checks drawn on banks outside the U.S. o You will be charged $20 for every check, wire, or Electronic Funds Transfer returned unpaid. SELLING SHARES You can access the money in your account by selling (also called redeeming) some or all of your shares by one of the methods below. After your redemption request is accepted, we normally send you the proceeds on the next business day. SELLING INSTRUCTIONS You can sell shares in several ways. MAIL Write a letter of instruction. It should specify your account number, the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem, the names and signatures of the owners (or other authorized persons), and your mailing address. Then, mail it to the address listed on the back of this prospectus. REDEMPTION OPTION Sign up for the redemption option when you open your account or add it later by visiting the Account Services area at WWW.STRONG.COM or by calling 1-800-368-3863 to request a Shareholder Account Options Form. With this option, you may sell shares by phone or via the Internet and receive the proceeds in one of three ways: (1) We can mail a check to your account's address. Checks will not be forwarded by the Postal Service, so please notify us if your address has changed. (2) We can transmit the proceeds by Electronic Funds Transfer to a properly pre-authorized bank account. The proceeds usually will arrive at your bank two banking days after we process your redemption. (3) For a $10 fee, we can transmit the proceeds by wire to a properly pre-authorized bank account. The proceeds usually will arrive at your bank the first banking day after we process your redemption. STRONG DIRECT(R) You can redeem shares through Strong Direct(R) at 1-800-368-1050. See "Services for Investors" for more information. ONLINE ACCOUNT ACCESS AT STRONG.COM You can use online account access at WWW.STRONG.COM to redeem shares. See "Services for Investors" for more information. INVESTOR CENTERS You can visit our Investor Center in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee. Visit the Account Services area at WWW.STRONG.COM or call 1-800-368-3863 for hours, directions, and the location of our other Investor Centers. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN You can set up automatic withdrawals from your account at regular intervals. You can sign up for this service when you open your account, or you can add it later by visiting the Account Services area at WWW.STRONG.COM or by calling 1-800-368-3863 for the appropriate form. See "Services for Investors" for more information on this service and other automatic investment and withdrawal services. BROKER-DEALER You may sell shares through a broker-dealer or other intermediary, who may charge you a fee. PLEASE REMEMBER ... o If you recently purchased shares, the payment of your redemption proceeds may be delayed by up to 10 days to allow the purchase check or electronic transaction to clear. o Some transactions and requests require a signature guarantee. See "Additional Policies" for examples. o If you are selling shares you hold in certificate form, you must submit the certificates with your redemption request. Each registered owner must sign the certificates and all signatures must be guaranteed. o With an IRA (or other retirement account), you will be charged (1) a $10 annual account maintenance fee for each account up to a maximum of $30 and (2) a $50 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing an account. o If you sell shares out of a non-IRA retirement account and you are eligible to roll the sale proceeds into another retirement plan, we will withhold for federal income tax purposes a portion of the sale proceeds unless you transfer all of the proceeds to an eligible retirement plan. ((Side Box)) ---------------------------------------------------- There may be special distribution requirements that apply to retirement accounts. For instructions on o Roth and Traditional IRA accounts, call 1-800-368-3863, and o SIMPLE IRA, SEP-IRA, 403(b)(7), Keogh, Pension Plan, Profit Sharing Plan, or 401(k) Plan accounts, call 1-800-368-2882. ----------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL POLICIES DEPOSIT OF UNSPECIFIED FUNDS FOR INVESTMENT When all or a portion of a purchase is received for investment without a clear fund designation or for investment in one of our closed classes or funds, we will deposit the undesignated portion or the entire amount, as applicable, into the STRONG MONEY MARKET FUND. We will treat your inaction as approval of this purchase until you later direct us to sell or exchange these shares of the STRONG MONEY MARKET Fund. DUPLICATE COPIES OF DOCUMENTS Upon your request and for the applicable fee, you may obtain duplicate copies of documents, such as account statements and tax forms. Please call 1-800-368-3863 for more information. HOUSEHOLDING If we mail financial reports, prospectuses, or other regulatory material directly to you, we attempt to reduce the volume of mail you receive by sending only one copy to your household. You can call us at 1-800-368-3863, or write to us at the address listed on the back of this prospectus, to request (1) additional copies free of charge or (2) that we discontinue our practice of householding regulatory materials. INVESTING THROUGH A THIRD PARTY If you invest through a third party (rather than directly with us), the policies and fees may be different than described in this prospectus. Banks, brokers, 401(k) plans, financial advisors, and financial supermarkets may charge transaction fees and may set different investment minimums or limitations on buying or selling shares. Consult a representative of your plan or financial institution for details. LOW BALANCE ACCOUNT FEE Because of the high cost of maintaining small accounts, an annual low balance account fee of $25 (or the value of the account if the account value is less than $25) will be charged to all accounts that fail to meet the initial investment minimum. The fee, which is payable to the transfer agent, will not apply to shareholders whose combined Strong Funds assets total $100,000 or more. We may waive the fee, in our discretion, in the event that a significant market correction lowers an account balance below the account's initial investment minimum. MARKET TIMERS The fund will consider the following factors to identify market timers: shareholders who have (1) requested an exchange out of the fund within 30 days of an earlier exchange request, (2) exchanged shares out of a fund more than twice in a calendar quarter, (3) exchanged shares equal to at least $5 million or more than 1% of a fund's net assets, or (4) otherwise seem to follow a timing pattern. Shares under common ownership or control are combined for purposes of these factors. PURCHASES IN KIND You may, if we approve, purchase shares of the fund with securities that are eligible for purchase by the fund (consistent with the fund's investment restrictions, policies, and goals) and that have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the fund's valuation policies. SIGNATURE GUARANTEES A signature guarantee is designed to protect shareholders and the Fund against fraudulent transactions by unauthorized persons. The transactions for which the Fund will require a signature guarantee for all authorized owners of an account include: o when requesting that redemption proceeds be sent to a different name or address than is registered on an account, including another Strong mutual fund account; o when establishing a bank address with no owner(s) in common with the Strong account owner(s), or when all Strong joint account owners are not also bank account owners; o when transferring the ownership of an account to another individual or organization; o when submitting a written redemption request for more than $100,000; o when requesting to redeem or redeposit shares that have been issued in certificate form; o if requesting a CERTIFICATED share after opening an account; o if adding/changing a name or adding/removing an owner on an account; and o if adding/changing the beneficiary on a transfer-on-death account. A signature guarantee may be obtained from any eligible guarantor institution, as defined by the SEC. These institutions include banks, savings associations, credit unions, brokerage firms, and others. Please note that a notary public stamp or seal is not acceptable. TELEPHONE AND ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS We use reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone and electronic transaction requests are genuine. We may be responsible if we do not follow these procedures. You are responsible for losses resulting from fraudulent or unauthorized instructions received over the telephone or electronically, provided we reasonably believe the instructions were genuine. To safeguard your account, please keep your Strong Direct(R) and Strong account access passwords confidential. Contact us immediately if you believe there is a discrepancy between a transaction you performed and the confirmation statement you received, or if you believe someone has obtained unauthorized access to your account or password. During times of unusual market activity, our phones may be busy and you may experience a delay placing a telephone request. During these times, consider trying Strong Direct(R), our 24-hour automated telephone system, by calling 1-800-368-1050, or Strong account access, at WWW.STRONG.COM. Please remember that you must have telephone redemption as an option on your account to redeem shares through Strong Direct(R) or Strong account access. VERIFICATION OF ACCOUNT STATEMENTS You should contact us in writing regarding any errors or discrepancies within 60 days after the date of the statement confirming a transaction. The statement will be deemed correct if we do not hear from you within those 60 days. DISTRIBUTIONS DISTRIBUTION POLICY To the extent they are available, each fund generally pays you dividends from net investment income quarterly and distributes any net capital gains that it realizes annually. REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS Your dividends and capital gains distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund or class, as applicable, that paid them, unless you choose otherwise. Your other options are to receive checks for these payments, have them automatically invested in another Strong Fund, or have them deposited into your bank account. If you elect to receive distributions paid by check, the fund may reinvest into your account uncashed distribution checks that remain outstanding for six months or more. To change the current option for payment of dividends and capital gains distributions, please call 1-800-368-3863. TAXES TAXABLE DISTRIBUTIONS Any net investment income and net short-term capital gains distributions you receive are generally taxable as ordinary dividend income at your income tax rate. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are generally taxable as long-term capital gains. This is generally true no matter how long you have owned your shares and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash. You may also have to pay taxes when you exchange or sell shares if your shares have increased in value since you bought them. ((Side Box)) Generally, if your investment is in a Traditional IRA or other TAX-DEFERRED ACCOUNT, your dividends and distributions will not be taxed at the time they are paid, but instead at the time you withdraw them from your account. ------------------------------------------------------ RETURN OF CAPITAL If your fund's distributions exceed its earnings and profits, all or a portion of those distributions may be treated as a return of capital to you. A return of capital may be treated as a sale of your shares. It may also reduce the cost basis of your shares. YEAR-END STATEMENT To assist you in tax preparation, after the end of each calendar year, we send you a statement of your fund's ordinary dividends and net capital gains distributions (Form 1099). BACKUP WITHHOLDING By law, we must withhold 30.5% of your distributions and proceeds if (1) you are subject to backup withholding or (2) you have not provided us with complete and correct taxpayer information such as your Social Security number or tax identification number. Effective January 1, 2002, the backup rate will be 30.0%. ((Side Box)) ------------------------------------------------------- Unless your investment is in a tax-deferred retirement account such as an IRA, YOU MAY WANT TO AVOID: o Investing a large amount in a fund close to the end of the calendar year. If the fund makes a capital gains distribution, you may receive some of your investment back as a taxable distribution. o Selling shares of a mutual fund at a loss if you have purchased additional shares of the same fund within 30 days prior to the sale or if you plan to purchase additional shares of the same fund within 30 days following the sale. This is called a wash sale and you will not be allowed to claim a tax loss on this transaction. ------------------------------------------------------- TAX CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO THE DIVIDEND INCOME FUND Effective December 8, 2001, the DIVIDEND INCOME FUND, formerly the AMERICAN UTILITIES FUND, changed its name, investment strategy, and certain fundamental investment policies. The fund's investment strategy was changed from a non-diversified fund investing primarily in public utility companies to a diversified fund investing primarily in large capitalization, dividend paying, common stocks of companies in any industry. The fund will transition from its prior investment strategy to its new investment strategy over a period of approximately 60 days. We will attempt to transition the fund to its new investment strategy in a manner that minimizes the tax impact to shareholders by taking advantage of any accrued tax losses to offset any taxable gains resulting from the sale of securities during the transition period. Although we currently believe that there will be no substantial additional tax impact resulting from this transition, there can be no guarantee regarding the potential tax impact to shareholders. Because everyone's tax situation is unique, you should consult your tax professional for assistance. SERVICES FOR INVESTORS We provide you with a variety of services to help you manage your investment. For more details, call 1-800-368-3863, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services include: STRONG DIRECT(R) AUTOMATED TELEPHONE SYSTEM Our 24-hour automated response system enables you to use a touch-tone phone to access current share prices, to access fund and account information, and to make purchases, exchanges, or redemptions among your existing accounts if you have elected these services, by calling 1-800-368-1050. Passwords help to protect your account information. STRONG.COM Visit us online at WWW.STRONG.COM to access your fund's performance and portfolio holding information. In addition to general information about investing, our web site offers daily performance information, portfolio manager commentaries, and information on available account options. ONLINE ACCOUNT ACCESS AT STRONG.COM If you are a shareholder, you may access your account information 24 hours a day from your personal computer at WWW.STRONG.COM. Strong account access allows you to view account history, account balances, and recent dividend activity, as well as to make purchases, exchanges, or redemptions among your existing accounts if you have elected these services. You may also update your mailing address and add or make changes to an Automatic Investment Plan. Additional planning tools and market information are also available. Encryption technology and passwords help to protect your account information. You may register to use Strong account access at WWW.STRONG.COM. STRONGMAIL If you register for StrongMail at WWW.STRONGMAIL.COM, you will receive your fund's closing price by e-mail each business day. In addition, StrongMail offers market news and updates throughout the day. STRONG EXCHANGE OPTION You may exchange shares of a fund for shares of another Strong Fund, either in writing, by telephone, or through your personal computer, if the accounts are identically registered (with the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number). Please ask us for the appropriate prospectus and read it before investing in any of the Strong Funds. Remember, an exchange of shares of one Strong Fund for those of another Strong Fund is considered a sale and a purchase of shares for several purposes, including tax purposes, and may result in a capital gain or loss. Some Strong Funds into which you may want to exchange may charge a redemption fee of 0.50% to 1.00% on the sale of shares held for 12 months or less, as described in the appropriate fund's prospectus. Purchases by exchange are subject to the investment requirements and other criteria of the fund or class purchased. STRONG AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT SERVICES You may invest or redeem automatically in the following ways, some of which may be subject to additional restrictions or conditions. o AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN (AIP) This plan allows you to make regular, automatic investments from your bank checking or savings account. o AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN This plan allows you to make regular, automatic exchanges from one eligible Strong Fund to another. o AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTMENT Your dividends and capital gains will be automatically reinvested in additional shares, unless you choose otherwise. Your other options are to receive checks for these payments, have them automatically invested in another Strong Fund, or have them deposited into your bank account. o NO-MINIMUM INVESTMENT PLAN This plan allows you to invest in the STRONG BALANCED FUND without meeting the minimum initial investment requirements if you invest monthly and you participate in the AIP, Automatic Exchange Plan, or Payroll Direct Deposit Plan. However, you will be charged the annual low balance account fee of $25 as described above in the Low Balance Account Fee section while your account balance in the BALANCED Fund remains below the applicable initial investment minimum. o PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT PLAN This plan allows you to send all or a portion of your paycheck, Social Security check, military allotment, or annuity payment to the Strong Funds of your choice. o SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN This plan allows you to redeem a fixed sum from your account on a regular basis. Payments may be sent electronically to a bank account or as a check to you or anyone you properly designate. STRONG RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES We offer a wide variety of retirement plans for individuals and institutions, including large and small businesses. For information on: o INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT PLANS, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, call 1-800-368-3863. o QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS, including SIMPLE IRAs, SEP-IRAs, 403(b)(7)s, Keoghs, Pension Plans, Profit Sharing Plans, and 401(k) Plans, call 1-800-368-2882. SOME OF THESE SERVICES MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS OR CONDITIONS. CALL 1-800-368-3863 FOR MORE INFORMATION. RESERVED RIGHTS We reserve the right to: o Refuse, change, discontinue, or temporarily suspend account services, including purchase, exchange, or telephone and Strong account access redemption privileges, for any reason. o Reject any purchase request for any reason including exchanges from other Strong Funds. Generally, we do this if the purchase or exchange is disruptive to the efficient management of a fund (due to the timing of the investment or an investor's history of excessive trading). o Change the minimum or maximum investment amounts. o Delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (this generally only applies to very large redemptions without notice, to excessive trading, or during unusual market conditions). o Suspend redemptions or postpone payments when the NYSE is closed for any reason other than its usual weekend or holiday closings, when trading is restricted by the SEC, or under any emergency circumstances. o Make a redemption in kind (a payment in portfolio securities rather than cash) if the amount you are redeeming is in excess of the lesser of (1) $250,000 or (2) 1% of the fund's assets. Generally, redemption in kind is used when large redemption requests may cause harm to the fund and its shareholders. o Close any account that does not meet minimum investment requirements. We will give you notice and 60 days to increase your balance to the required minimum. o Waive the initial investment minimum at our discretion. o Reject any purchase or redemption request that does not contain all required documentation. o Amend or terminate purchases in kind at any time. FOR MORE INFORMATION More information is available upon request at no charge, including: SHAREHOLDER REPORTS: Additional information is available in the annual and semi-annual report to shareholders. These reports contain a letter from management, discuss recent market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected your investment's performance during the last fiscal year, and list portfolio holdings. STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI): The SAI contains more details about investment policies and techniques. A current SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated into this prospectus by reference. This means that the SAI is legally considered a part of this prospectus even though it is not physically contained within this prospectus. TO REQUEST INFORMATION OR TO ASK QUESTIONS: BY TELEPHONE FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED (TDD) 1-414-359-1400 or 1-800-368-3863 1-800-999-2780 BY MAIL BY OVERNIGHT DELIVERY Strong Funds Strong Funds P.O. Box 2936 900 Heritage Reserve Milwaukee, WI 53201-2936 Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 ON THE INTERNET BY E-MAIL View online or download documents: SERVICE@STRONG.COM Strong Funds: WWW.STRONG.COM SEC*: www.sec.gov This prospectus is not an offer to sell securities in places other than the United States and its territories. *INFORMATION ABOUT A FUND (INCLUDING THE SAI) CAN ALSO BE REVIEWED AND COPIED AT THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION'S PUBLIC REFERENCE ROOM IN WASHINGTON, D.C. YOU MAY CALL THE COMMISSION AT 1-202-942-8090 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC REFERENCE ROOM. REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT A FUND ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE EDGAR DATABASE ON THE COMMISSION'S INTERNET SITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV. YOU MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THIS INFORMATION, AFTER PAYING A DUPLICATING FEE, BY SENDING A WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE COMMISSION'S PUBLIC REFERENCE SECTION, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-0102, OR BY SENDING AN ELECTRONIC REQUEST TO THE FOLLOWING E-MAIL ADDRESS: PUBLICINFO@SEC.GOV. Strong Balanced Fund, Inc., SEC file number: 811-3256 Strong Balanced Stock Fund, Inc., SEC file number 811-8449 (formerly Strong Schafer Balanced Fund, a series of Strong Schafer Funds, Inc.) Strong Blue Chip Fund, a series of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc., SEC file number: 811-7656 Strong Dividend Income Fund, a series of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc., SEC file number: 811-7656(formerly, Strong American Utilities Fund) Strong Energy Fund, a series of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc., SEC file number: 811-7656 (formerly, Strong Limited Resources Fund) Strong Growth and Income Fund, a series of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc., SEC file number: 811-7656 STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ("SAI") STRONG BALANCED FUND, A SERIES FUND OF STRONG BALANCED FUND, INC. STRONG BALANCED STOCK FUND, A SERIES FUND OF STRONG BALANCED STOCK FUND, INC. (FORMERLY STRONG SCHAFER BALANCED FUND, A SERIES FUND OF STRONG SCHAFER FUNDS, INC.) STRONG BLUE CHIP FUND, A SERIES FUND OF STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC. STRONG DIVIDEND INCOME FUND (FORMERLY STRONG AMERICAN UTILITIES FUND), A SERIES FUND OF STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC. STRONG ENERGY FUND (FORMERLY STRONG LIMITED RESOURCES FUND), A SERIES FUND OF STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC. STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND, A SERIES FUND OF STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC. P.O. Box 2936 Milwaukee, WI 53201 Telephone: 1-414-359-1400 Toll-Free: 1-800-368-3863 e-mail: service@Strong.com web site: www.Strong.com Throughout this SAI, "the Fund" is intended to refer to each Fund listed above, unless otherwise indicated. This SAI is not a Prospectus and should be read together with the Prospectus for the Fund dated March 1, 2001, as supplemented on December 14, 2001. Requests for copies of the Prospectus should be made by calling any number listed above. The financial statements appearing in the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, which accompany this SAI, are incorporated into this SAI by reference. March 1, 2001 as supplemented on December 14, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS...........................................................................................5 INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES................................................................................7 Strong Balanced Fund...........................................................................................7 Strong Balanced Stock Fund.....................................................................................7 Strong Blue Chip Fund..........................................................................................7 Strong Dividend Income Fund....................................................................................8 Strong Energy Fund.............................................................................................8 Strong Growth and Income Fund..................................................................................8 Borrowing......................................................................................................9 Cash Management................................................................................................9 Convertible Securities.........................................................................................9 Debt Obligations..............................................................................................10 Depositary Receipts...........................................................................................10 Derivative Instruments........................................................................................11 Energy Companies..............................................................................................19 Foreign Investment Companies..................................................................................20 Foreign Securities............................................................................................20 High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities.............................................................................20 Illiquid Securities...........................................................................................22 Inflation-Indexed Securities..................................................................................22 Lending of Portfolio Securities...............................................................................23 Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Debt Securities....................................................................23 Governmental/Municipal Obligations............................................................................24 Participation Interests.......................................................................................25 Public Utility Companies......................................................................................25 Repurchase Agreements.........................................................................................26 Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Mortgage Dollar Rolls.......................................................27 Short Sales...................................................................................................27 Small and Medium Companies....................................................................................27 Sovereign Debt................................................................................................27 Standby Commitments...........................................................................................29 Temporary Defensive Position..................................................................................29 U.S. Government Securities....................................................................................30 Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities.........................................................................30 Warrants......................................................................................................31 When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities...................................................................31 Zero-Coupon, Step-Coupon, and Pay-in-Kind Securities..........................................................32 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS...........................................................................................32 PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS...........................................................................................36 INVESTMENT ADVISOR...............................................................................................37 INVESTMENT SUBADVISOR............................................................................................42 Balanced Stock Fund...........................................................................................42 Dividend Income Fund..........................................................................................43 Energy Fund...................................................................................................46 ADMINISTRATOR....................................................................................................47 DISTRIBUTOR......................................................................................................52 DISTRIBUTION PLAN................................................................................................52 PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE.............................................................................53 CUSTODIAN........................................................................................................58 TAXES............................................................................................................61 DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE.................................................................................64 ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION...............................................................................64 ORGANIZATION.....................................................................................................71 SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS.............................................................................................72 PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..........................................................................................73 GENERAL INFORMATION..............................................................................................80 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS..........................................................................................82 LEGAL COUNSEL....................................................................................................82 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.............................................................................................82 APPENDIX A- DEFINITION OF CREDIT RATINGS.........................................................................84 APPENDIX B - ASSET COMPOSITION BY CREDIT RATINGS.................................................................92
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this SAI and its corresponding Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations may not be relied upon as having been authorized. This SAI does not constitute an offer to sell securities. INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS The following are the Fund's fundamental investment limitations that, along with the Fund's investment objective (which is described in the Prospectus), cannot be changed without shareholder approval. To obtain approval, a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting shares must vote for the change. A majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities means the vote of the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the voting securities present, if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares. Unless indicated otherwise below, the Fund: 1. May not with respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, (1) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer or (2) the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. 2. May (1) borrow money from banks and (2) make other investments or engage in other transactions permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, ("1940 Act") that may involve a borrowing, provided that the combination of (1) and (2) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings), except that the Fund may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets (not including the amount borrowed) from a bank for temporary or emergency purposes (but not for leverage or the purchase of investments). The Fund may also borrow money from the other Strong Funds or other persons to the extent permitted by applicable law. 3. May not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act. 4. May not act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities. 5. May not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts, or other derivative instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities). 6. May not make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets would be lent to other persons, except through (1) purchases of debt securities or other debt instruments or (2) engaging in repurchase agreements. 7. May not purchase the securities of any issuer if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers, the principal business activities of which are in the same industry. 8. May not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prohibit the Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by real estate or of issuers engaged in real estate activities). 9. May, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment policy or restriction, invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end management investment company with substantially the same fundamental investment objective, policies, and restrictions as the Fund. With respect to the Energy Fund, Fundamental Policy No. 7 applies to the Fund, except that, under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in the energy and natural resources industry. NON-FUNDAMENTAL OPERATING POLICIES The following are the Fund's non-fundamental operating policies, which may be changed by the Fund's Board of Directors without shareholder approval. Unless indicated otherwise below, the Fund may not: 1. Sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, or unless it covers such short sale as required by the current rules and positions of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or its staff, and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, or other derivative instruments are not deemed to constitute selling securities short. 2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with futures contracts, options on futures contracts, or other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin. 3. Invest in illiquid securities if, as a result of such investment, more than 15% (10% with respect to a money fund) of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities, or such other amounts as may be permitted under the 1940 Act. 4. Purchase securities of other investment companies except in compliance with the 1940 Act and applicable state law. 5. Invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end investment management company with substantially the same fundamental investment objective, restrictions, and policies as the Fund. 6. Engage in futures or options on futures transactions that are impermissible pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act and, in accordance with Rule 4.5, will use futures or options on futures transactions solely for bona fide hedging transactions (within the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act), provided, however, that the Fund may, in addition to bona fide hedging transactions, use futures and options on futures transactions if the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish such positions, less the amount by which any such options positions are in the money (within the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act), do not exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets. 7. Borrow money except (1) from banks or (2) through reverse repurchase agreements or mortgage dollar rolls, and will not purchase securities when bank borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets. 8. Make any loans other than loans of portfolio securities, except through (1) purchases of debt securities or other debt instruments or (2) engaging in repurchase agreements. Unless noted otherwise, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in the Fund's assets (I.E. due to cash inflows or redemptions) or in market value of the investment or the Fund's assets will not constitute a violation of that restriction. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES STRONG BALANCED FUND o Under normal conditions, the Fund's net assets will be allocated according to a benchmark of 60% equities, 35% bonds, and 5% cash. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, and securities that are convertible into common stocks, such as warrants and convertible bonds. o Asset allocations will normally be within the ranges indicated below.
ASSET-ALLOCATION CATEGORIES PERCENTAGE OF FUND NET ASSETS ------------------------------------------- CATEGORY OF INVESTMENT BENCHMARK RANGE ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Equities 60% 30-70% Bonds 35% 20-70% Cash 5% 0-50%
o The Fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in non-investment-grade debt obligations. o The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities, including both direct investments and investments made through depositary receipts. o When the Advisor determines that market, economic, or political conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash-type securities (high-quality, short-term debt securities issued by corporations, financial institutions, the U.S. government, or foreign governments). STRONG BALANCED STOCK FUND o Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest between 50-75% of its net assets in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks, and securities that are convertible into common or preferred stocks, such as warrants and convertible bonds. o Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 25% of its net assets in investment-grade debt obligations, which generally include a range of debt obligations from those in the highest category to those in the fourth-highest rating category (e.g., BBB or higher by S&P). o It is generally anticipated that the Fund's investments will represent approximately 60% equity securities and 40% debt obligations. o The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities, including both direct investments and investments made through depositary receipts. o When the Advisor determines that market, economic, or political conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash-type securities (high-quality, short-term debt securities issued by corporations, financial institutions, the U.S. government, or foreign governments). STRONG BLUE CHIP FUND o Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in well-known, established, large-capitalization companies as determined by the Fund's manager (collectively, "Blue Chip Companies"). o Generally, the Fund will not have a position in any company greater than 5% of the Fund's net assets. o The Fund typically maintains representation in as many market sectors as possible, but may concentrate in any sectors represented by the Blue Chip Companies. o The Advisor intends to frequently review the list of the Blue Chip Companies in which the Fund invests and update the list when necessary. o The Fund may invest in dollar-denominated foreign securities to the extent that they are issued by Blue Chip Companies. o When the Advisor determines that market, economic, or political conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash-type securities (high-quality, short-term debt securities issued by corporations, financial institutions, the U.S. government, or foreign governments). STRONG DIVIDEND INCOME FUND o Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in large capitalization, dividend paying, common stocks. Large-capitalization companies are defined as those companies with a market capitalization substantially similar to that of companies in the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index at the time of investment. o The balance of the Fund, up to 20% of its total assets, may be invested in any type of security, including debt obligations and other equity securities such as preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks (E.G., warrants and convertible bonds). Of this, up to 5% of the Fund's net assets may be invested in non-investment-grade debt securities. o The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign securities, including both direct investments and investments made through depositary receipts. o When the Advisor determines that market, economic, or political conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash-type securities (high-quality, short-term debt securities issued by corporations, financial institutions, the U.S. government, or foreign governments). STRONG ENERGY FUND o Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the equity securities of energy companies with a focus on mid- and large-cap stocks that pay current dividends and offer potential growth of earnings. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, and securities that are convertible into common stocks, such as warrants and convertible bonds. o Energy companies include companies that, at the time of investment Scarborough believes at least 50% of (1) assets relate to, or (2) revenues or profits are derived from the discovery, development, production, refinement, generation, transmission, transportation, measurement, or distribution of energy, the development and contribution of technologies and processing services for the production, control, or efficient use of energy, the furnishing of related supplies or services, research, experimentation, and marketing related to energy and the solution of energy problems. Such companies may also own or control oil, gas, or other mineral leases (which may or may not produce recoverable energy resources), rights, or royalty interests, and/or provide services or supplies related to energy companies such as drilling, well servicing, chemicals, parts, and equipment. o Energy sources include, but are not limited to, oil, natural gas, electricity, coal, nuclear power, and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal. As new sources of energy are developed and current methods of exploiting and developing energy are advanced, then companies in these new areas will also be considered for investment by the Fund. o The balance of the Fund, up to 20% of total assets, may be invested in any type of security, including debt obligations. o The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in non-investment-grade debt securities. o The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities, including both direct investments and investments made through depositary receipts. o When the Advisor determines that market, economic, or political conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash-type securities (high-quality, short-term debt securities issued by corporations, financial institutions, the U.S. government, or foreign governments). STRONG GROWTH AND INCOME FUND o Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities, with a focus on the stocks of large-capitalization, dividend-paying U.S. companies that offer the potential for capital growth. At times, however, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not currently paying dividends, but offer prospects for either capital growth or future income. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, and securities that are convertible into common stocks, such as warrants and convertible bonds. o The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in intermediate- to long-term corporate or U.S. government bonds. o The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in non-investment-grade bonds. o The Fund may invest up to 25% of net assets in foreign securities, including both direct investments and investments made through depositary receipts. o When the Advisor determines that market, economic, or political conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash-type securities (high-quality, short-term debt securities issued by corporations, financial institutions, the U.S. government, or foreign governments). The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment objective, policies, and techniques described in the Prospectus. BORROWING The Fund may borrow money from banks and make other investments or engage in other transactions permissible under the 1940 Act that may be considered a borrowing (such as mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements). However, the Fund may not purchase securities when bank borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. Presently, the Fund only intends to borrow from banks for temporary or emergency purposes. The Fund has established a line-of-credit ("LOC") with certain banks by which it may borrow funds for temporary or emergency purposes. A borrowing is presumed to be for temporary or emergency purposes if it is repaid by the Fund within 60 days and is not extended or renewed. The Fund intends to use the LOC to meet large or unexpected redemptions that would otherwise force the Fund to liquidate securities under circumstances that are unfavorable to the Fund's remaining shareholders. The Fund pays a commitment fee to the banks for the LOC. CASH MANAGEMENT The Fund may invest directly in cash and short-term fixed-income securities, including, for this purpose, shares of one or more money market funds managed by Strong Capital Management, Inc., the Fund's investment advisor ("Advisor") (collectively, the "Strong Money Funds"). The Strong Money Funds seek current income, a stable share price of $1.00, and daily liquidity. All money market instruments can change in value when interest rates or an issuer's creditworthiness change dramatically. The Strong Money Funds cannot guarantee that they will always be able to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks, or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a specified amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest normally paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (2) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics, and (3) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases. Most convertible securities currently are issued by U.S. companies, although a substantial Eurodollar convertible securities market has developed, and the markets for convertible securities denominated in local currencies are increasing. The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment value" (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its "conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security's investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument. If a convertible security is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party. DEBT OBLIGATIONS The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in debt obligations including bank term loans and revolving credit loans. Issuers of debt obligations have a contractual obligation to pay interest at a specified rate on specified dates and to repay principal on a specified maturity date. Certain debt obligations (usually intermediate- and long-term bonds) have provisions that allow the issuer to redeem or "call" a bond before its maturity. Issuers are most likely to call such securities during periods of falling interest rates and the Fund may have to replace such securities with lower yielding securities, which could result in a lower return for the Fund. PRICE VOLATILITY. The market value of debt obligations is affected primarily by changes in prevailing interest rates. The market value of a debt obligation generally reacts inversely to interest-rate changes, meaning, when prevailing interest rates decline, an obligation's price usually rises, and when prevailing interest rates rise, an obligation's price usually declines. MATURITY. In general, the longer the maturity of a debt obligation, the higher its yield and the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Conversely, the shorter the maturity, the lower the yield but the greater the price stability. Commercial paper is generally considered the shortest maturity form of debt obligation. CREDIT QUALITY. The values of debt obligations may also be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of their issuers. Generally, the lower the quality rating of a security, the higher the degree of risk as to the payment of interest and return of principal. To compensate investors for taking on such increased risk, those issuers deemed to be less creditworthy generally must offer their investors higher interest rates than do issuers with better credit ratings. In conducting its credit research and analysis, the Advisor considers both qualitative and quantitative factors to evaluate the creditworthiness of individual issuers. The Advisor also relies, in part, on credit ratings compiled by a number of Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSROs"). DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS The Fund may invest in foreign securities by purchasing depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), or other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are denominated in U.S. dollars and are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, while EDRs, in bearer form, may be denominated in other currencies and are designed for use in the European securities markets. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities. EDRs are European receipts evidencing a similar arrangement. For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, ADRs and EDRs are deemed to have the same classification as the underlying securities they represent, except that ADRs and EDRs shall be treated as indirect foreign investments. For example, an ADR or EDR representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock. Depositary receipts do not eliminate all of the risks associated with directly investing in the securities of foreign issuers. ADR facilities may be established as either "unsponsored" or "sponsored." While ADRs issued under these two types of facilities are in some respects similar, there are distinctions between them relating to the rights and obligations of ADR holders and the practices of market participants. A depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by (or even necessarily the permission of) the issuer of the deposited securities, although typically the depositary requests a letter of non-objection from such issuer prior to the establishment of the facility. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all the costs of such facility. The depositary usually charges fees upon the deposit and withdrawal of the deposited securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars, the disposition of non-cash distributions, and the performance of other services. The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to pass through voting rights to ADR holders in respect of the deposited securities. In addition, an unsponsored facility is generally not obligated to distribute communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to disclose material information about such issuer in the U.S. and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts. Sponsored ADR facilities are created in generally the same manner as unsponsored facilities, except that the issuer of the deposited securities enters into a deposit agreement with the depositary. The deposit agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of the issuer, the depositary, and the ADR holders. With sponsored facilities, the issuer of the deposited securities generally will bear some of the costs relating to the facility (such as dividend payment fees of the depositary), although ADR holders continue to bear certain other costs (such as deposit and withdrawal fees). Under the terms of most sponsored arrangements, depositories agree to distribute notices of shareholder meetings and voting instructions, and to provide shareholder communications and other information to the ADR holders at the request of the issuer of the deposited securities. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS IN GENERAL. The Fund may use derivative instruments for any lawful purpose consistent with its investment objective such as hedging or managing risk. Derivative instruments are commonly defined to include securities or contracts whose values depend on (or "derive" from) the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, or commodities (commonly referred to as "underlying assets") or indexes. A derivative instrument generally consists of, is based upon, or exhibits characteristics similar to OPTIONS or FORWARD CONTRACTS. Options and forward contracts are considered to be the basic "building blocks" of derivatives. For example, forward-based derivatives include forward contracts, swap contracts, as well as exchange-traded futures. Option-based derivatives include privately negotiated, over-the-counter ("OTC") options (including caps, floors, collars, and options on forward and swap contracts) and exchange-traded options on futures. Diverse types of derivatives may be created by combining options or forward contracts in different ways, and by applying these structures to a wide range of underlying assets. An option is a contract in which the "holder" (the buyer) pays a certain amount ("premium") to the "writer" (the seller) to obtain the right, but not the obligation, to buy from the writer (in a "call") or sell to the writer (in a "put") a specific asset at an agreed upon price at or before a certain time. The holder pays the premium at inception and has no further financial obligation. The holder of an option-based derivative generally will benefit from favorable movements in the price of the underlying asset but is not exposed to corresponding losses due to adverse movements in the value of the underlying asset. The writer of an option-based derivative usually will receive fees or premiums, but generally is exposed to losses due to changes in the value of the underlying asset. A forward is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the "long" position) and a seller (holding the "short" position) for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The change in market value of a forward-based derivative generally is roughly proportional to the change in value of the underlying asset. HEDGING. The Fund may use derivative instruments to protect against possible adverse changes in the market value of securities held in, or are anticipated to be held in, its portfolio. Derivatives may also be used to "lock-in" realized but unrecognized gains in the value of its portfolio securities. Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce the risk of loss by wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price movements in the investments being hedged. However, hedging strategies can also reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price movements in the hedged investments. To the extent that a hedge matures prior to or after the disposition of the investment subject to the hedge, any gain or loss on the hedge will be realized earlier or later than any offsetting gain or loss on the hedged investment. MANAGING RISK. The Fund may also use derivative instruments to manage the risks of its portfolio. Risk management strategies include, but are not limited to, facilitating the sale of portfolio securities, managing the effective maturity or duration of debt obligations in its portfolio, establishing a position in the derivatives markets as a substitute for buying or selling certain securities, or creating or altering exposure to certain asset classes, such as equity, debt, or foreign securities, and to floating-rate debt securities. The use of derivative instruments may provide a less expensive, more expedient or more specifically focused way to invest than "traditional" securities (I.E., stocks or bonds) would. EXCHANGE-TRADED AND OTC DERIVATIVES. Derivative instruments may be exchange-traded or traded in OTC transactions between private parties. Exchange-traded derivatives are standardized options and futures contracts traded in an auction on the floor of a regulated exchange. Exchange contracts are generally very liquid. The exchange clearinghouse is the counterparty of every contract. Thus, each holder of an exchange contract bears the credit risk of the clearinghouse (and has the benefit of its financial strength) rather than that of a particular counterparty. OTC transactions are subject to additional risks, such as the credit risk of the counterparty to the instrument, and are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives since they often can only be closed out with the other party to the transaction. RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. The use of derivative instruments involves risks and special considerations as described below. Risks pertaining to particular derivative instruments are described in the sections that follow. (1) MARKET RISK. The primary risk of derivatives is the same as the risk of the underlying assets, namely that the value of the underlying asset may go up or down. Adverse movements in the value of an underlying asset can expose the Fund to losses. Derivative instruments may include elements of leverage and, accordingly, the fluctuation of the value of the derivative instrument in relation to the underlying asset may be magnified. The successful use of derivative instruments depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the ability of the Advisor to predict movements of the securities, currencies, and commodity markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular strategy adopted will succeed. The Advisor's decision to engage in a derivative instrument will reflect its judgment that the derivative transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders, and is consistent with the Fund's objectives, investment limitations, and operating policies. In making such a judgment, the Advisor will analyze the benefits and risks of the derivative transaction and weigh them in the context of the Fund's entire portfolio and investment objectives. (2) CREDIT RISK. The Fund will be subject to the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure of a counterparty to comply with the terms of a derivative instrument. The counterparty risk for exchange-traded derivative instruments is generally less than for privately negotiated or OTC derivative instruments, since generally a clearing agency, (which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded instrument), provides a guarantee of performance for exchange-traded derivatives. For privately negotiated instruments, there is no similar clearing agency guarantee. In all transactions, the Fund will bear the risk that the counterparty will default, and this could result in a loss of the expected benefit of the derivative transaction and possibly other losses. The Fund will enter into transactions in derivative instruments only with counterparties that the Advisor reasonably believes are capable of performing under the contract. In certain circumstances, the Advisor will obtain collateral for the Fund from the counterparty to minimize this credit risk. (3) CORRELATION RISK. When a derivative transaction is used to completely hedge another position, changes in the market value of the combined position (the derivative instrument plus the position being hedged) result from an imperfect correlation between the price movements of the instruments and the position hedged. With a perfect hedge, the value of the combined position remains unchanged for any change in the price of the underlying asset. With an imperfect hedge, the values of the derivative instrument and the associated hedge are not perfectly correlated. Correlation risk is the risk that there might be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of an instrument and price movements of investments being hedged. For example, if the value of a derivative instrument used in a short hedge (such as writing a call option, buying a put option, or selling a futures contract) increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged investments, the hedge would not be perfectly correlated. Such a lack of correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these derivative instruments are traded. The effectiveness of hedges using derivative instruments based on indices will depend, in part, on the degree of correlation between price movements in the index and price movements in the investments being hedged. (4) LIQUIDITY RISK. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that a derivative instrument cannot be sold, terminated early, or replaced quickly at or very close to its market value. Generally, exchange contracts are very liquid because the exchange clearinghouse is the counterparty of every contract. OTC transactions are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives since they often can only be closed out with the other party to the transaction. The Fund might be required by applicable regulatory requirement or by the derivative instrument to maintain assets as "cover," maintain segregated accounts, designate assets on its books and records, post collateral and/or make margin payments when it takes positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third parties (I.E., instruments other than purchased options). If the Fund was unable to close out its positions in such instruments, it might be required to continue to maintain such assets, accounts, collateral or make such payments until the position expired, matured, or was closed out. The requirements might impair the Fund's ability to sell a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so, or require that the Fund sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time. The Fund's ability to sell or close out a position in an instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends, in part, on the existence of a liquid secondary market for such derivative instruments or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and willingness of the counterparty to enter into a transaction closing out the position. Therefore, there is no assurance that any derivatives position can be sold or closed out at a time and price that is favorable to the Fund. (5) LEGAL RISK. Legal risk is the risk of loss caused by the legal unenforcibility of a party's obligations under the derivative instrument. While a party seeking price certainty agrees to surrender the potential upside in exchange for downside protection, the party taking the risk is looking for a positive payoff. Despite this voluntary assumption of risk, a counterparty that has lost money in a derivative transaction may try to avoid payment by exploiting various legal uncertainties about certain derivative instruments. (6) SYSTEMIC OR "INTERCONNECTION" RISK. Interconnection risk is the risk that a disruption in the financial markets will cause difficulties for all market participants. In other words, a disruption in one market will spill over into other markets, perhaps creating a chain reaction. Much of the OTC derivatives market takes place among the OTC dealers themselves, which creates a large interdependent web of financial obligations. This interdependence raises the possibility that a default by one large dealer could create losses at other dealers and destabilize the entire market for OTC derivative instruments. GENERAL LIMITATIONS. The use of derivative instruments is subject to applicable regulations of the SEC, the several options and futures exchanges upon which they may be traded, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), and various state regulatory authorities. In addition, the Fund's ability to use derivative instruments may be limited by certain tax considerations. The Fund has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with the CFTC and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the futures markets. In accordance with Rule 4.5 of the regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA"), the notice of eligibility for the Fund includes representations that the Fund will use futures contracts and related options solely for bona fide hedging purposes within the meaning of CFTC regulations, provided that the Fund may hold other positions in futures contracts and related options that do not qualify as a bona fide hedging position if the aggregate initial margin deposits and premiums required to establish these positions, less the amount by which any such futures contracts and related options positions are "in the money," do not exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets. Adherence to these guidelines does not limit the Fund's risk to 5% of the Fund's assets. The SEC has identified certain trading practices involving derivative instruments that have the potential for leveraging the Fund's assets in a manner that raises issues under the 1940 Act. In order to limit the potential for the leveraging of the Fund's assets, as defined under the 1940 Act, the SEC has stated that the Fund may use coverage or designation of the Fund's assets. To the extent required by SEC guidelines, the Fund will not enter into any such derivative transactions unless it owns either: (1) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities, options, futures, or derivative instruments; or (2) cash or liquid securities positions with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations to the counterparty to the extent that the position is not "covered". The Fund will also designate on its records liquid assets if required to do so by SEC and CFTC regulations. Assets designated on the Fund's records cannot be sold while the related derivative position is open unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, the designation of a large portion of the Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. In some cases, the Fund may be required to maintain or limit exposure to a specified percentage of its assets to a particular asset class. In such cases, when the Fund uses a derivative instrument to increase or decrease exposure to an asset class and is required by applicable SEC guidelines to designate liquid assets on its books and records to secure its obligations under such derivative instruments, the Advisor may, where reasonable in light of the circumstances, measure compliance with the applicable percentage by reference to the nature of the economic exposure created through the use of the derivative instrument and not by reference to the nature of the exposure arising from the liquid assets designated on the Fund's books and records (unless another interpretation is specified by applicable regulatory requirements). OPTIONS. The Fund may use options for any lawful purpose consistent with its investment objective such as hedging or managing risk. An option is a contract in which the "holder" (the buyer) pays a certain amount ("premium") to the "writer" (the seller) to obtain the right, but not the obligation, to buy from the writer (in a "call") or sell to the writer (in a "put") a specific asset at an agreed upon price ("strike price" or "exercise price") at or before a certain time ("expiration date"). The holder pays the premium at inception and has no further financial obligation. The holder of an option will benefit from favorable movements in the price of the underlying asset but is not exposed to corresponding losses due to adverse movements in the value of the underlying asset. The writer of an option will receive fees or premiums but is exposed to losses due to changes in the value of the underlying asset. The Fund may buy or write (sell) put and call options on assets, such as securities, currencies, financial commodities, and indices of debt and equity securities ("underlying assets") and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing position. Options used by the Fund may include European, American, and Bermuda style options. If an option is exercisable only at maturity, it is a "European" option; if it is also exercisable prior to maturity, it is an "American" option. If it is exercisable only at certain times, it is a "Bermuda" option. The Fund may purchase (buy) and write (sell) put and call options underlying assets and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing position. The purchase of a call option serves as a long hedge, and the purchase of a put option serves as a short hedge. Writing put or call options can enable the Fund to enhance income by reason of the premiums paid by the purchaser of such options. Writing call options serves as a limited short hedge because declines in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the premium received for writing the option. However, if the security appreciates to a price higher than the exercise price of the call option, it can be expected that the option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated to sell the security at less than its market value or will be obligated to purchase the security at a price greater than that at which the security must be sold under the option. All or a portion of any assets used as cover for OTC options written by the Fund would be considered illiquid to the extent described under "Investment Policies and Techniques -- Illiquid Securities." Writing put options serves as a limited long hedge because decreases in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the premium received for writing the option. However, if the security depreciates to a price lower than the exercise price of the put option, it can be expected that the put option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated to purchase the security at more than its market value. The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the historical price volatility of the underlying investment, the current market value of the underlying investment, the time remaining until expiration, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the underlying investment, and general market conditions. The Fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an option by entering into a closing transaction. For example, the Fund may terminate its obligation under a call or put option that it had written by purchasing an identical call or put option; this is known as a closing purchase transaction. Conversely, the Fund may terminate a position in a put or call option it had purchased by writing an identical put or call option; this is known as a closing sale transaction. Closing transactions permit the Fund to realize the profit or limit the loss on an option position prior to its exercise or expiration. The Fund may purchase or write both exchange-traded and OTC options. Exchange-traded options are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with the exchange on which the option is listed that, in effect, guarantees completion of every exchange-traded option transaction. In contrast, OTC options are contracts between the Fund and the other party to the transaction ("counterparty") (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no clearing organization guarantee. Thus, when the Fund purchases or writes an OTC option, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying investment upon exercise of the option. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any premium paid by the Fund as well as the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction. The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in exchange-listed options depends on the existence of a liquid market. The Fund intends to purchase or write only those exchange-traded options for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist at any particular time. Closing transactions can be made for OTC options only by negotiating directly with the counterparty, or by a transaction in the secondary market if any such market exists. Although the Fund will enter into OTC options only with counterparties that are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there is no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out an OTC option at a favorable price prior to expiration. In the event of insolvency of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out an OTC option position at any time prior to its expiration. If the Fund were unable to effect a closing transaction for an option it had purchased, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit. The Fund may engage in options transactions on indices in much the same manner as the options on securities discussed above, except the index options may serve as a hedge against overall fluctuations in the securities market represented by the relevant market index. The writing and purchasing of options is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Imperfect correlation between the options and securities markets may detract from the effectiveness of the attempted hedging. SPREAD OPTION TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may use spread transactions for any lawful purpose consistent with its investment objective such as hedging or managing risk. The Fund may purchase covered spread options from securities dealers. Such covered spread options are not presently exchange-listed or exchange-traded. The purchase of a spread option gives the Fund the right to put, or sell, a security that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield spread in relation to another security that the Fund does not own, but which is used as a benchmark. The risk to the Fund in purchasing covered spread options is the cost of the premium paid for the spread option and any transaction costs. In addition, there is no assurance that closing transactions will be available. The purchase of spread options will be used to protect the Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads, I.E., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities. Such protection is only provided during the life of the spread option. FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may use futures contracts for any lawful purpose consistent with its investment objective such as hedging or managing risk. The Fund may enter into futures contracts, including, but not limited to, interest rate futures and index futures. The Fund may also purchase put and call options, and write covered put and call options, on futures in which it is allowed to invest. The purchase of futures or call options thereon can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of futures or the purchase of put options thereon can serve as a short hedge. Writing covered call options on futures contracts can serve as a limited short hedge, and writing covered put options on futures contracts can serve as a limited long hedge, using a strategy similar to that used for writing covered options in securities. The Fund may also write put options on futures contracts while at the same time purchasing call options on the same futures contracts in order to create synthetically a long futures contract position. Such options would have the same strike prices and expiration dates. The Fund will engage in this strategy only when the Advisor believes it is more advantageous to the Fund than purchasing the futures contract. To the extent required by regulatory authorities, the Fund only enters into futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument. Futures exchanges and trading are regulated under the CEA by the CFTC. Although techniques other than sales and purchases of futures contracts could be used to reduce the Fund's exposure to market or interest rate fluctuations, the Fund may be able to hedge its exposure more effectively and perhaps at a lower cost through the use of futures contracts. An interest rate futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (E.G., debt security) for a specified price at a designated date, time, and place. An index futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which the parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index futures contract was originally written. Transaction costs are incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. A futures contract may be satisfied by delivery or purchase, as the case may be, of the instrument or by payment of the change in the cash value of the index. More commonly, futures contracts are closed out prior to delivery by entering into an offsetting transaction in a matching futures contract. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of those securities is made. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract. No price is paid by the Fund upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the inception of a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit in a segregated account with its custodian, in the name of the futures broker through whom the transaction was effected, "initial margin" consisting of cash and/or other appropriate liquid assets in an amount generally equal to 10% or less of the contract value. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to the Fund at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, the Fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action. Subsequent "variation margin" payments are made to and from the futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as "marking to market." Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather represents a daily settlement of the Fund's obligations to or from a futures broker. When the Fund purchases an option on a future, the premium paid plus transaction costs is all that is at risk. In contrast, when the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract or writes a call or put option thereon, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous. Purchasers and sellers of futures positions and options on futures can enter into offsetting closing transactions by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument held or written. Positions in futures and options on futures may be closed only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market. The Fund intends to enter into futures transactions only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a future or option on a futures contract can vary from the previous day's settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions. If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures or option on a futures contract position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to designate liquid assets on its books and records. Certain characteristics of the futures market might increase the risk that movements in the prices of futures contracts or options on futures contracts might not correlate perfectly with movements in the prices of the investments being hedged. For example, all participants in the futures and options on futures contracts markets are subject to daily variation margin calls and might be compelled to liquidate futures or options on futures contracts positions whose prices are moving unfavorably to avoid being subject to further calls. These liquidations could increase price volatility of the instruments and distort the normal price relationship between the futures or options and the investments being hedged. Also, because initial margin deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets, there might be increased participation by speculators in the future markets. This participation also might cause temporary price distortions. In addition, activities of large traders in both the futures and securities markets involving arbitrage, "program trading" and other investment strategies might result in temporary price distortions. FOREIGN CURRENCY DERIVATIVES. The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency on a spot basis, and may use currency-related derivatives instruments such as options on foreign currencies, futures on foreign currencies, options on futures on foreign currencies and forward currency contracts (I.E., an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a specified future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the contract date agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time the contract is entered into). The Fund may use these instruments for hedging or any other lawful purpose consistent with the Fund's investment objective, including transaction hedging, anticipatory hedging, cross hedging, proxy hedging, and position hedging. The Fund's use of currency-related derivative instruments will be directly related to the Fund's current or anticipated portfolio securities, and the Fund may engage in transactions in currency-related derivative instruments as a means to protect against some or all of the effects of adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its investment portfolio. In general, if the currency in which a portfolio investment is denominated appreciates against the U.S. dollar, the dollar value of the security will increase. Conversely, a decline in the exchange rate of the currency would adversely affect the value of the portfolio investment expressed in U.S. dollars. For example, the Fund might use currency-related derivative instruments to "lock in" a U.S. dollar price for a portfolio investment, thereby enabling the Fund to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. The Fund also might use currency-related derivative instruments when the Advisor believes that one currency may experience a substantial movement against another currency, including the U.S. dollar, and it may use currency-related derivative instruments to sell or buy the amount of the former foreign currency, approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. Alternatively, where appropriate, the Fund may use currency-related derivative instruments to hedge all or part of its foreign currency exposure through the use of a basket of currencies or a proxy currency where such currency or currencies act as an effective proxy for other currencies. The use of this basket hedging technique may be more efficient and economical than using separate currency-related derivative instruments for each currency exposure held by the Fund. Furthermore, currency-related derivative instruments may be used for short hedges - for example, the Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency. In addition, the Fund may use a currency-related derivative instrument to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one foreign country to another foreign country where the Advisor believes that the foreign currency exposure purchased will appreciate relative to the U.S. dollar and thus better protect the Fund against the expected decline in the foreign currency exposure sold. For example, if the Fund owns securities denominated in a foreign currency and the Advisor believes that currency will decline, it might enter into a forward contract to sell an appropriate amount of the first foreign currency, with payment to be made in a second foreign currency that the Advisor believes would better protect the Fund against the decline in the first security than would a U.S. dollar exposure. Hedging transactions that use two foreign currencies are sometimes referred to as "cross hedges." The effective use of currency-related derivative instruments by the Fund in a cross hedge is dependent upon a correlation between price movements of the two currency instruments and the underlying security involved, and the use of two currencies magnifies the risk that movements in the price of one instrument may not correlate or may correlate unfavorably with the foreign currency being hedged. Such a lack of correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the currency instruments used or investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded. The Fund also might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a particular currency when no hedging instruments on that currency are available or such hedging instruments are more expensive than certain other hedging instruments. In such cases, the Fund may hedge against price movements in that currency by entering into transactions using currency-related derivative instruments on another foreign currency or a basket of currencies, the values of which the Advisor believes will have a high degree of positive correlation to the value of the currency being hedged. The risk that movements in the price of the hedging instrument will not correlate perfectly with movements in the price of the currency being hedged is magnified when this strategy is used. The use of currency-related derivative instruments by the Fund involves a number of risks. The value of currency-related derivative instruments depends on the value of the underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the use of such derivative instruments, the Fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots (generally consisting of transactions of greater than $1 million). There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information generally is representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates might be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options or futures markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the markets for the derivative instruments until they re-open. Settlement of transactions in currency-related derivative instruments might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency. Thus, the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery assessed in the issuing country. When the Fund engages in a transaction in a currency-related derivative instrument, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract or otherwise complete the contract. In other words, the Fund will be subject to the risk that a loss may be sustained by the Fund as a result of the failure of the counterparty to comply with the terms of the transaction. The counterparty risk for exchange-traded instruments is generally less than for privately negotiated or OTC currency instruments, since generally a clearing agency, which is the issuer or counterparty to each instrument, provides a guarantee of performance. For privately negotiated instruments, there is no similar clearing agency guarantee. In all transactions, the Fund will bear the risk that the counterparty will default, and this could result in a loss of the expected benefit of the transaction and possibly other losses to the Fund. The Fund will enter into transactions in currency-related derivative instruments only with counterparties that the Advisor reasonably believes are capable of performing under the contract. Purchasers and sellers of currency-related derivative instruments may enter into offsetting closing transactions by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward currency contract (or any other currency-related derivative instrument) at a time and price favorable to the Fund. In addition, in the event of insolvency of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency contract at any time prior to maturity. In the case of an exchange-traded instrument, the Fund will be able to close the position out only on an exchange that provides a market for the instruments. The ability to establish and close out positions on an exchange is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market, and there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any instrument at any specific time. In the case of a privately negotiated instrument, the Fund will be able to realize the value of the instrument only by entering into a closing transaction with the issuer or finding a third party buyer for the instrument. While the Fund will enter into privately negotiated transactions only with entities that are expected to be capable of entering into a closing transaction, there can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to enter into such closing transactions. The precise matching of currency-related derivative instrument amounts and the value of the portfolio securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the currency-related derivative instrument position has been established. Thus, the Fund might need to purchase or sell foreign currencies in the spot (cash) market. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain. Permissible foreign currency options will include options traded primarily in the OTC market. Although options on foreign currencies are traded primarily in the OTC market, the Fund will normally purchase or sell OTC options on foreign currency only when the Advisor reasonably believes a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular option at any specific time. There will be a cost to the Fund of engaging in transactions in currency-related derivative instruments that will vary with factors such as the contract or currency involved, the length of the contract period, and the market conditions then prevailing. The Fund using these instruments may have to pay a fee or commission or, in cases where the instruments are entered into on a principal basis, foreign exchange dealers or other counterparties will realize a profit based on the difference ("spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, for example, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer. When required by the SEC guidelines, the Fund will designate liquid assets on its books and records to cover potential obligations under currency-related derivative instruments. To the extent the Fund's assets are so set aside, they cannot be sold while the corresponding currency position is open, unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, if a large portion of the Fund's assets is so set aside, this could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. The Advisor's decision to engage in a transaction in a particular currency-related derivative instrument will reflect the Advisor's judgment that the transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders and is consistent with the Fund's objectives and policies. In making such a judgment, the Advisor will analyze the benefits and risks of the transaction and weigh them in the context of the Fund's entire portfolio and objectives. The effectiveness of any transaction in a currency-related derivative instrument is dependent on a variety of factors, including the Advisor's skill in analyzing and predicting currency values and upon a correlation between price movements of the currency instrument and the underlying security. There might be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of an instrument and price movements of investments being hedged. Such a lack of correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded. In addition, the Fund's use of currency-related derivative instruments is always subject to the risk that the currency in question could be devalued by the foreign government. In such a case, any long currency positions would decline in value and could adversely affect any hedging position maintained by the Fund. The Fund's dealing in currency-related derivative instruments will generally be limited to the transactions described above. However, the Fund reserves the right to use currency-related derivative instruments for different purposes and under different circumstances. Of course, the Fund is not required to use currency-related derivative instruments and will not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Advisor. It also should be realized that use of these instruments does not eliminate, or protect against, price movements in the Fund's securities that are attributable to other (I.E., non-currency related) causes. Moreover, while the use of currency-related derivative instruments may reduce the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of a hedged currency, at the same time the use of these instruments tends to limit any potential gain that may result from an increase in the value of that currency. "SWAP" DERIVATIVE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into interest rate, credit default, securities index, commodity, or security and currency exchange rate swap agreements for any lawful purpose consistent with the Fund's investment objective, such as for the purpose of attempting to obtain, enhance, or preserve a particular desired return or spread at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return or spread. The Fund also may enter into swaps in order to protect against an increase in the price of, or the currency exchange rate applicable to, securities that the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount" (I.E., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate) in a particular foreign currency, or in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index. Swap agreements may include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap;" interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or "floor;" and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor, or vice versa, in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels or "collar" amounts. The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is the agreed upon basis for calculating the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. Under most swap agreements entered into by the Fund, the obligations of the parties would be exchanged on a "net basis." Consequently, the Fund's obligation (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement ("net amount"). The Fund's obligation under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by designating liquid assets on the Fund's books and records. Whether the Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend, in part, on the Advisor's ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. Certain restrictions imposed on the Fund by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ("IRC") may limit the Fund's ability to use swap agreements. The swaps market is largely unregulated. The Fund will enter swap agreements only with counterparties that the Advisor reasonably believes are capable of performing under the swap agreements. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have to rely on its contractual remedies (which may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws) pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. ADDITIONAL DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND STRATEGIES. In addition to the derivative instruments and strategies described above and in the Prospectus, the Advisor expects to use additional derivative instruments and other hedging or risk management techniques. The Advisor may utilize these new derivative instruments and techniques to the extent that they are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and permitted by the Fund's investment limitations, operating policies, and applicable regulatory authorities. THE FOLLOWING SECTION APPLIES TO THE ENERGY FUND ONLY: ENERGY COMPANIES The Energy Fund, under normal conditions, will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the equity securities of energy companies. Energy companies are generally defined as companies in the conventional areas of oil, gas, electricity, and coal, as well as those involved in alternative sources of energy, such as nuclear, geothermal, shale, and solar power. The business activities of energy companies may include production, generation, refining, transmission, transportation, marketing, control, or measurement of energy or energy fuels; providing component parts or services to companies engaged in these energy activities; energy research or experimentation; and environmental activities related to the solution of energy problems, such as energy conservation and pollution control. In addition, the Energy Fund may invest in companies involved in the discovery and development of energy, or companies that own or control oil, gas, or other mineral leases, rights, or royalty interests. The Energy Fund may also invest in companies that develop and contribute technologies and processing services for the production or efficient use of energy, or that provide services or supplies related to energy companies such as drilling, well servicing, chemicals, parts, and equipment. To the extent the Energy Fund invests in energy companies, the Fund's performance will depend in part on conditions in the field of energy. The securities of these companies are subject to changes in value and dividend yield that depend to a large extent on the price and supply of energy fuels. Swift price and supply fluctuations of energy fuels may be caused by events relating to international politics, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and tax and other regulatory policies of various governments. FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in foreign investment companies. Some of the countries in which the Fund invests may not permit direct investment by outside investors. Investments in such countries may only be permitted through foreign government-approved or -authorized investment vehicles, which may include other investment companies. In addition, it may be less expensive and more expedient for the Fund to invest in a foreign investment company in a country that permits direct foreign investment. Investing through such vehicles may involve frequent or layered fees or expenses and may also be subject to limitation under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in shares of other investment companies and up to 5% of its assets in any one investment company as long as the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of the acquired investment company. The Fund does not intend to invest in such investment companies unless, in the judgment of the Advisor, the potential benefits of such investments justify the payment of any associated fees and expenses. FOREIGN SECURITIES Investing in foreign securities involves a series of risks not present in investing in U.S. securities. Many of the foreign securities held by the Fund will not be registered with the SEC, nor will the foreign issuers be subject to SEC reporting requirements. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning foreign issuers of securities held by the Fund than is available concerning U.S. companies. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent in emerging market countries than in the U.S. and other major markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of emerging markets and the activities of investors in such markets, and enforcement of existing regulations may be extremely limited. Foreign companies, and in particular, companies in smaller and emerging capital markets are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, or to other regulatory requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The Fund's net investment income and capital gains from its foreign investment activities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes. The costs attributable to foreign investing that the Fund must bear frequently are higher than those attributable to domestic investing; this is particularly true with respect to emerging capital markets. For example, the cost of maintaining custody of foreign securities exceeds custodian costs for domestic securities, and transaction and settlement costs of foreign investing also frequently are higher than those attributable to domestic investing. Costs associated with the exchange of currencies also make foreign investing more expensive than domestic investing. Investment income on certain foreign securities in which the Fund may invest may be subject to foreign withholding or other government taxes that could reduce the return of these securities. Tax treaties between the U.S. and foreign countries, however, may reduce or eliminate the amount of foreign tax to which the Fund would be subject. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have failed to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and are earning no investment return. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in the value of such portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. THE FOLLOWING SECTION APPLIES TO EACH FUND EXCEPT THE STRONG BALANCED STOCK FUND: HIGH-YIELD (HIGH-RISK) SECURITIES IN GENERAL. Non-investment grade debt obligations ("lower-quality securities") include (1) bonds rated between BB and C by Moody's Investors ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"), and comparable ratings of other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs"); (2) commercial paper rated as low as C by S&P, Not Prime by Moody's, and comparable ratings of other NRSROs; and (3) unrated debt obligations of comparable quality. Lower-quality securities, while generally offering higher yields than investment grade securities with similar maturities, involve greater risks, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy. They are regarded as predominantly speculative and present a significant risk for loss of principal and interest. The special risk considerations in connection with investments in these securities are discussed below. Refer to Appendix A for a description of the debt securities ratings. EFFECT OF INTEREST RATES AND ECONOMIC CHANGES. The lower-quality and comparable unrated security market is relatively new and its growth has paralleled a long economic expansion. As a result, it is not clear how this market may withstand a prolonged recession or economic downturn. Such conditions could severely disrupt the market for and adversely affect the value of such securities. All interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The market values of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities tend to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than are higher-rated securities. As a result, they generally involve more credit risks than securities in the higher-rated categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient revenues to meet their payment obligations. The issuer's ability to service its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate developments, the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of these securities is significantly greater than issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors. Further, if the issuer of a lower-quality or comparable unrated security defaulted, the Fund might incur additional expenses to seek recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes would also generally result in increased volatility in the market prices of these securities and thus in the Fund's net asset value. As previously stated, the value of a lower-quality or comparable unrated security will decrease in a rising interest rate market and accordingly, so will the Fund's net asset value. If the Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions in such a market, it may be forced to liquidate a portion of its portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits. Due to the limited liquidity of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities (discussed below), the Fund may be forced to liquidate these securities at a substantial discount. Any such liquidation would force the Fund to sell the more liquid portion of its portfolio. PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS. Lower-quality and comparable unrated securities typically contain redemption, call, or prepayment provisions that permit the issuer of such securities containing such provisions to, at its discretion, redeem the securities. During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of these securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance them with debt securities with a lower interest rate. To the extent an issuer is able to refinance the securities, or otherwise redeem them, the Fund may have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which would result in a lower return for the Fund. CREDIT RATINGS. Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of lower-quality securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality. Investments in lower-quality and comparable unrated obligations will be more dependent on the Advisor's credit analysis than would be the case with investments in investment-grade debt obligations. The Advisor employs its own credit research and analysis, which includes a study of existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt and to pay dividends, the issuer's sensitivity to economic conditions, its operating history, and the current trend of earnings. The Advisor continually monitors the investments in the Fund's portfolio and carefully evaluates whether to dispose of or to retain lower-quality and comparable unrated securities whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed. LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain lower-quality and comparable unrated securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. Because not all dealers maintain markets in all lower-quality and comparable unrated securities, there is no established retail secondary market for many of these securities. The Fund anticipates that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the market price of the security. As a result, the Fund's asset value and ability to dispose of particular securities, when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, may be impacted. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many lower-quality and comparable unrated issues only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices for actual sales. During periods of thin trading, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of lower-quality and comparable unrated securities, especially in a thinly traded market. LEGISLATION. Legislation may be adopted, from time to time, designed to limit the use of certain lower-quality and comparable unrated securities by certain issuers. It is anticipated that if additional legislation is enacted or proposed, it could have a material affect on the value of these securities and the existence of a secondary trading market for the securities. ILLIQUID SECURITIES The Fund may invest in illiquid securities (I.E., securities that are not readily marketable). However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid securities if, as a result, the illiquid securities would comprise more than 15% (10% for money market funds) of the value of the Fund's net assets (or such other amounts as may be permitted under the 1940 Act). However, as a matter of internal policy, the Advisor intends to limit the Fund's investments in illiquid securities to 10% of its net assets. The Board of Directors of the Fund, or its delegate, has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities laws, which securities are illiquid for purposes of this limitation. Certain securities exempt from registration or issued in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"), such as securities that may be resold to institutional investors under Rule 144A under the Securities Act and Section 4(2) commercial paper, may be considered liquid under guidelines adopted by the Fund's Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of the Fund has delegated to the Advisor the day-to-day determination of the liquidity of a security, although it has retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations. The Board of Directors has directed the Advisor to look to such factors as (1) the frequency of trades or quotes for a security, (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and number of potential buyers, (3) the willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the security, (4) the nature of the security and nature of the marketplace trades, such as the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer, (5) the likelihood that the security's marketability will be maintained throughout the anticipated holding period, and (6) any other relevant factors. The Advisor may determine 4(2) commercial paper to be liquid if (1) the 4(2) commercial paper is not traded flat or in default as to principal and interest, (2) the 4(2) commercial paper is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two NRSROs, or if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or is determined by the Advisor to be of equivalent quality, and (3) the Advisor considers the trading market for the specific security taking into account all relevant factors. With respect to any foreign holdings, a foreign security may be considered liquid by the Advisor (despite its restricted nature under the Securities Act) if the security can be freely traded in a foreign securities market and all the facts and circumstances support a finding of liquidity. Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities will be priced in accordance with pricing procedures adopted by the Board of Directors of the Fund. If through the appreciation of restricted securities or the depreciation of unrestricted securities the Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid securities, including restricted securities that are not readily marketable (except for 144A Securities and 4(2) commercial paper deemed to be liquid by the Advisor), the Fund will take such steps as is deemed advisable, if any, to protect the liquidity of the Fund's portfolio. The Fund may sell OTC options and, in connection therewith, designate or segregate assets or cover its obligations with respect to OTC options written by the Fund. The assets used as cover for OTC options written by the Fund will be considered illiquid, except for the purpose of covering the OTC options against which they were written. THE FOLLOWING SECTION APPLIES TO EACH FUND, EXCEPT THE BALANCED STOCK FUND: INFLATION-INDEXED SECURITIES The Fund may invest in inflation-indexed securities, which have a final value and interest payment stream linked to the inflation rate. The index for measuring the inflation rate for these securities is typically the non-seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index published monthly by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. By offering interest and principal payments linked to inflation, these securities attempt to protect the future purchasing power of the money invested in them. However, inflation-indexed securities provide this protected return only if held to maturity. In addition, inflation-indexed securities may not trade at par value. Real interest rates (the market rate of interest adjusted for inflation) change over time as a result of many factors, such as expected domestic economic output. When real rates do change, inflation-indexed securities prices may be more sensitive to these changes than conventional bonds. Should market expectations for real interest rates rise, the price of inflation-indexed securities may fall. In addition, inflation-indexed securities may not be as widely traded as fixed-principal securities. This lesser liquidity may result in the Fund experiencing higher transaction costs when purchasing and selling these securities. LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES The Fund is authorized to lend up to 33 1/3% of the total value of its portfolio securities to broker-dealers or institutional investors that the Advisor deems qualified, but only when the borrower maintains with the Fund's custodian bank collateral either in cash or money market instruments in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted accordingly. In determining whether to lend securities to a particular broker-dealer or institutional investor, the Advisor will consider, and during the period of the loan will monitor, all relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. The Fund will retain authority to terminate any loans at any time. The Fund may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the cash or money market instruments held as collateral to the borrower or placing broker. The Fund will receive reasonable interest on the loan or a flat fee from the borrower and amounts equivalent to any dividends, interest, or other distributions on the securities loaned. The Fund will retain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights, such as voting and subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest, or other distributions, when retaining such rights is considered to be in the Fund's interest. MORTGAGE- AND ASSET-BACKED DEBT SECURITIES Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property, and include single- and multi-class pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. Such securities may be issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage Association, or by private issuers, generally originators and investors in mortgage loans, including savings associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, investment bankers, and special purpose entities (collectively, "private lenders"). Mortgage-backed securities issued by private lenders may be supported by pools of mortgage loans or other mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed, directly or indirectly, by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, or they may be issued without any governmental guarantee of the underlying mortgage assets but with some form of non-governmental credit enhancement. Asset-backed securities have structural characteristics similar to mortgage-backed securities. Asset-backed debt obligations represent direct or indirect participation in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as motor vehicle installment sales contracts, other installment loan contracts, home equity loans, leases of various types of property, and receivables from credit card or other revolving credit arrangements. The credit quality of most asset-backed securities depends primarily on the credit quality of the assets underlying such securities, how well the entity issuing the security is insulated from the credit risk of the originator or any other affiliated entities, and the amount and quality of any credit enhancement of the securities. Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed debt obligations may be supported by non-governmental credit enhancements including letters of credit, reserve funds, overcollateralization, and guarantees by third parties. The market for privately issued asset-backed debt obligations is smaller and less liquid than the market for government sponsored mortgage-backed securities. The rate of principal payment on mortgage- and asset-backed securities generally depends on the rate of principal payments received on the underlying assets, that in turn may be affected by a variety of economic and other factors. As a result, the yield on any mortgage- and asset-backed security is difficult to predict with precision and actual yield to maturity may be more or less than the anticipated yield to maturity. The yield characteristics of mortgage- and asset-backed securities differ from those of traditional debt securities. Among the principal differences are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently on mortgage-and asset-backed securities, usually monthly, and that principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage loans or other assets generally may be prepaid at any time. As a result, if the Fund purchases these securities at a premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing the yield to maturity. Conversely, if the Fund purchases these securities at a discount, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will increase yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will reduce yield to maturity. Amounts available for reinvestment by the Fund are likely to be greater during a period of declining interest rates and, as a result, are likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than during a period of rising interest rates. Accelerated prepayments on securities purchased by the Fund at a premium also impose a risk of loss of principal because the premium may not have been fully amortized at the time the principal is prepaid in full. The market for privately issued mortgage- and asset-backed securities is smaller and less liquid than the market for government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities. While many mortgage- and asset-backed securities are issued with only one class of security, many are issued in more than one class, each with different payment terms. Multiple class mortgage- and asset-backed securities are issued for two main reasons. First, multiple classes may be used as a method of providing credit support. This is accomplished typically through creation of one or more classes whose right to payments on the security is made subordinate to the right to such payments of the remaining class or classes. Second, multiple classes may permit the issuance of securities with payment terms, interest rates, or other characteristics differing both from those of each other and from those of the underlying assets. Examples include so-called "strips" (mortgage- and asset-backed securities entitling the holder to disproportionate interests with respect to the allocation of interest and principal of the assets backing the security), and securities with class or classes having characteristics that mimic the characteristics of non-mortgage- or asset-backed securities, such as floating interest rates (I.E., interest rates which adjust as a specified benchmark changes) or scheduled amortization of principal. The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage- or asset-backed securities, which receive differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from the underlying assets. The market value of such securities generally is more sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates than is the case with traditional mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and in some cases such market value may be extremely volatile. With respect to certain stripped securities, such as interest only and principal only classes, a rate of prepayment that is faster or slower than anticipated may result in the Fund failing to recover all or a portion of its investment, even though the securities are rated investment grade. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities backed by assets, other than as described above, or in which the payment streams on the underlying assets are allocated in a manner different than those described above may be issued in the future. The Fund may invest in such securities if such investment is otherwise consistent with its investment objectives and policies and with the investment restrictions of the Fund. GOVERNMENTAL/MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS IN GENERAL. Municipal obligations are debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories, and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities. Municipal obligations generally include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes. Certain types of municipal obligations are issued in whole or in part to obtain funding for privately operated facilities or projects. Municipal obligations include general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, industrial development bonds, notes, and municipal lease obligations. Municipal obligations also include obligations, the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax, that may become available in the future as long as the Board of Directors of the Fund determines that an investment in any such type of obligation is consistent with the Fund's investment objective. BONDS AND NOTES. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of interest and principal. Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a project or facility or from the proceeds of a specified revenue source. Industrial development bonds are generally revenue bonds secured by payments from and the credit of private users. Municipal notes are issued to meet the short-term funding requirements of state, regional, and local governments. Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, construction loan notes, short-term discount notes, tax-exempt commercial paper, demand notes, and similar instruments. LEASE OBLIGATIONS. Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase, or a conditional sales contract. They are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment, and facilities, such as vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment, and other capital assets. The Fund may purchase these lease obligations directly, or it may purchase participation interests in such lease obligations. (See "Participation Interests" below.) States have different requirements for issuing municipal debt and issuing municipal leases. Municipal leases are generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue maybonds and usually contain a "non-appropriation" clause, which provide that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year. Such non-appropriation clauses are required to avoid the municipal lease obligations from being treated as debt for state debt restriction purposes. Accordingly, such obligations are subject to "non-appropriation" risk. While municipal leases are usually secured by the underlying capital asset, it may be difficult to dispose of any such asset in the event of non-appropriation or other default. MORTGAGE-BACKED BONDS. The Fund's investments in municipal obligations may include mortgage-backed municipal obligations, which are a type of municipal security issued by a state, authority, or municipality to provide financing for residential housing mortgages to target groups, generally low-income individuals who are first-time home buyers. The Fund's interest, evidenced by such obligations, is an undivided interest in a pool of mortgages. Payments made on the underlying mortgages and passed through to the Fund will represent both regularly scheduled principal and interest payments. The Fund may also receive additional principal payments representing prepayments of the underlying mortgages. While a certain level of prepayments can be expected, regardless of the interest rate environment, it is anticipated that prepayment of the underlying mortgages will accelerate in periods of declining interest rates. In the event that the Fund receives principal prepayments in a declining interest-rate environment, its reinvestment of such funds may be in bonds with a lower yield. DERIVATIVES. The Fund may also invest in derivative securities issued by partnerships and grantor trusts. These securities allow the Fund to receive principal and interest payments on underlying municipal obligations and may have fixed, floating, or variable rates of interest. They may be backed by a letter of credit or guaranty and are generally accompanied by an opinion of counsel that the interest on them will be tax-exempt. The Fund may only invest in these securities if they meet the Fund's credit-quality and eligibility requirements. PARTICIPATION INTERESTS A participation interest gives the Fund an undivided interest in a municipal obligation in the proportion that the Fund's participation interest bears to the principal amount of the obligation. These instruments may have fixed, floating, or variable rates of interest. The Fund will only purchase participation interests if accompanied by an opinion of counsel that the interest earned on the underlying municipal obligations will be tax-exempt. If the Fund purchases unrated participation interests, the Board of Directors or its delegate must have determined that the credit risk is equivalent to the rated obligations in which the Fund may invest. Participation interests may be backed by a letter of credit or guaranty of the selling institution. When determining whether such a participation interest meets the Fund's credit quality requirements, the Fund may look to the credit quality of any financial guarantor providing a letter of credit or guaranty. THE FOLLOWING SECTION APPLIES TO THE DIVIDEND INCOME FUND ONLY: PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES While not concentrating in any particular industry, the Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets in the public utility sector. Stocks of public utility companies have traditionally been attractive to conservative stock market investors because they have generally paid consistent and above-average dividends. The Fund's investments in public utility securities may or may not pay consistent and above-average dividends. Moreover, the securities of public utility companies can still be affected by the risks of the stock market, as well as factors specific to public utility companies. Government regulation of public utility companies can limit their ability to expand their businesses or to pass cost increases on to customers. Additionally, companies providing power or energy-related services may also be affected by the following factors: increases in fuel and other operating costs; high costs of borrowing to finance capital construction during inflationary periods; operational restrictions, increased costs, and delays associated with compliance with environmental and nuclear safety regulations; difficulties involved in obtaining natural gas for resale or fuel for generating electricity at reasonable prices; risks associated with constructing and operating nuclear power plants; effects of energy conservation; and effects of regulatory changes. Some public utility companies are facing increased competition, which may reduce their profits. All of these factors are subject to rapid change, which may affect utility companies independently from the stock market as a whole. Equity securities issued by public utility companies tend to be more affected by changes in interest rates than are the equity securities of other issuers and, therefore, may react to such changes somewhat like debt instruments. Additionally, changes in the market price of the equity securities of a particular company that occupies a dominant position in an industry may tend to influence the market prices of other companies within the same industry. As a result of the foregoing factors, the net asset value of the Fund may be more susceptible to change than those of investment companies that diversify their investments over many different industries. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with qualified, creditworthy banks or non-bank dealers ("Seller") as determined by the Advisor. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys from the Seller investment-grade securities at one price and the Seller agrees to repurchase these securities at a later date (usually within one to seven days) for a price equal to the original price paid by the Fund plus an agreed interest payment ("Repurchase Price"). The Seller's obligation to repurchase the securities is secured by the value of cash, the securities purchased, and/or certain U.S. government securities or U.S. agency guaranteed securities ("Collateral"). The Collateral is held by the Fund's custodian or a qualified subcustodian under the 1940 Act that is a financial intermediary ("Custodian"). The Advisor or Custodian will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the current market value of the Collateral to ensure it always equals or exceeds the Repurchase Price. Each repurchase agreement must at all times be "fully collaterized" by the Collateral as required by the 1940 Act. Repurchase agreements involve risks that the Seller cannot pay the Repurchase Price (e.g., in the event of a default or insolvency of the Seller) and risks that the net liquidation value of the Collateral is less than the amount needed to repay the Repurchase Price. REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS The Fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements to facilitate portfolio liquidity, a practice common in the mutual fund industry, or for arbitrage transactions as discussed below. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund would sell a security and enter into an agreement to repurchase the security at a specified future date and price. The Fund generally retains the right to interest and principal payments on the security. Because the Fund must repay the purchase price plus interest under a reverse repurchase agreement, it may be considered a borrowing. When required by guidelines of the SEC, the Fund will designate liquid assets on its books and records to secure its obligations to repurchase the security. The Fund may also enter into mortgage dollar rolls, in which the Fund would sell mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contract to purchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. While the Fund would forego principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities during the roll period, the Fund would be compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower price for the future purchase as well as by any interest earned on the proceeds of the initial sale. The Fund also could be compensated through the receipt of fee income equivalent to a lower forward price. At the time the Fund would enter into a mortgage dollar roll, it would designate on its books and records permissible liquid assets to secure its obligation for the forward commitment to buy mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage dollar roll transactions may be considered a borrowing by the Fund. The mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund may be used as arbitrage transactions in which the Fund will maintain an offsetting position in investment grade debt obligations or repurchase agreements that mature on or before the settlement date on the related mortgage dollar roll or reverse repurchase agreements. Since the Fund will receive interest on the securities or repurchase agreements in which it invests the transaction proceeds, such transactions may involve leverage. However, since such securities or repurchase agreements will be high quality and will mature on or before the settlement date of the mortgage dollar roll or reverse repurchase agreement, the Advisor believes that such arbitrage transactions do not present the risks to the Fund that are associated with other types of leverage. SHORT SALES The Fund may sell securities short (1) to hedge unrealized gains on portfolio securities or (2) if it covers such short sale with liquid assets as required by the current rules and positions of the SEC or its staff. Selling securities short against the box involves selling a security that the Fund owns or has the right to acquire, for delivery at a specified date in the future. If the Fund sells securities short against the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises. THE FOLLOWING SECTION APPLIES TO EACH FUND, EXCEPT THE BLUE CHIP FUND: SMALL AND MEDIUM COMPANIES The Fund may invest its assets in small- and medium-capitalization companies. While small- and medium-capitalization companies generally have the potential for rapid growth, investments in small- and medium-capitalization companies often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies because small- and medium-capitalization companies may lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification, and competitive strengths of larger companies. In addition, in many instances the securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies are traded only OTC or on a regional securities exchange, and the frequency and volume of their trading is substantially less than is typical of larger companies. Therefore, the securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies may be subject to greater and more abrupt price fluctuations. When making large sales, the Fund may have to sell portfolio holdings at discounts from quoted prices or may have to make a series of small sales over an extended period of time due to the trading volume of small and medium company securities. Investors should be aware that, based on the foregoing factors, an investment in the Fund may be subject to greater price fluctuations than an investment in the Fund that invests primarily in larger, more established companies. The Advisor's research efforts may also play a greater role in selecting securities for the Fund than in the Fund that invests in larger, more established companies. THE FOLLOWING SECTION APPLIES TO THE BALANCED FUND ONLY: SOVEREIGN DEBT Sovereign debt differs from debt obligations issued by private entities in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party. Legal recourse is therefore limited. Political conditions, especially a sovereign entity's willingness to meet the terms of its debt obligations, are of considerable significance. Also, there can be no assurance that the holders of commercial bank loans to the same sovereign entity may not contest payments to the holders of sovereign debt in the event of default under commercial bank loan agreements. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including among others, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline in the international price of such commodities. Increased protectionism on the part of a country's trading partners, or political changes in those countries, could also adversely affect its exports. Such events could diminish a country's trade account surplus, if any, or the credit standing of a particular local government or agency. Another factor bearing on the ability of a country to repay sovereign debt is the level of the country's international reserves. Fluctuations in the level of these reserves can affect the amount of foreign exchange readily available for external debt payments and, thus, could have a bearing on the capacity of the country to make payments on its sovereign debt. To the extent that a country has a current account deficit (generally when its exports of merchandise and services are less than its country's imports of merchandise and services plus net transfers (E.G., gifts of currency and goods) to foreigners), it may need to depend on loans from foreign governments, multilateral organizations or private commercial banks, aid payments from foreign governments and inflows of foreign investment. The access of a country to these forms of external funding may not be certain, and a withdrawal of external funding could adversely affect the capacity of a government to make payments on its obligations. In addition, the cost of servicing debt obligations can be adversely affected, by a change in international interest rates since the majority of these obligations carry interest rates that are adjusted periodically based upon international rates. With respect to sovereign debt of emerging market issuers, investors should be aware that certain emerging market countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times, certain emerging market countries have declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on external debt. Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their sovereign debt on a timely basis which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by negotiating new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding principal and unpaid interest to Brady Bonds (discussed below), and obtaining new credit to finance interest payments. Holders of sovereign debt, including the Fund, may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to sovereign debtors, and the interests of holders of sovereign debt could be adversely affected in the course of restructuring arrangements or by certain other factors referred to below. Furthermore, some of the participants in the secondary market for sovereign debt may also be directly involved in negotiating the terms of these arrangements and may therefore have access to information not available to other market participants, such as the Fund. Obligations arising from past restructuring agreements may affect the economic performance and political and social stability of certain issuers of sovereign debt. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which a sovereign has defaulted may be collected in whole or in part. Foreign investment in certain sovereign debt is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude foreign investment in such sovereign debt and increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons, limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular issuer, limit the investment by foreign persons only to a specific class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of the countries, or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. Certain issuers may require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investments. Investing in local markets may require the Fund to adopt special procedures, seek local government approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve additional costs to the Fund. The sovereign debt in which the Fund may invest includes Brady Bonds, which are securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan, an initiative announced by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a mechanism for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external commercial bank indebtedness. In restructuring its external debt under the Brady Plan framework, a debtor nation negotiates with its existing bank lenders as well as multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund ("IMF"). The Brady Plan framework, as it has developed, contemplates the exchange of commercial bank debt for newly issued Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds may also be issued in respect of new money being advanced by existing lenders in connection with the debt restructuring. The World Bank and the IMF support the restructuring by providing Fund pursuant to loan agreements or other arrangements which enable the debtor nation to collateralize the new Brady Bonds or to repurchase outstanding bank debt at a discount. There can be no assurance that the circumstances regarding the issuance of Brady Bonds by these countries will not change. Investors should recognize that Brady Bonds do not have a long payment history. Agreements implemented under the Brady Plan to date are designed to achieve debt and debt-service reduction through specific options negotiated by a debtor nation with its creditors. As a result, the financial packages offered by each country differ. The types of options have included the exchange of outstanding commercial bank debt for bonds issued at 100% of face value of such debt, which carry a below-market stated rate of interest (generally known as par bonds), bonds issued at a discount from the face value of such debt (generally known as discount bonds), bonds bearing an interest rate which increases over time, and bonds issued in exchange for the advancement of new money by existing lenders. Regardless of the stated face amount and stated interest rate of the various types of Brady Bonds the Fund will purchase Brady Bonds, if any, in secondary markets, as described below, in which the price and yield to the investor reflect market conditions at the time of purchase. Certain Brady Bonds have been collateralized as to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds with maturities equal to the final maturity of such Brady Bonds. Collateral purchases are financed by the IMF, the World Bank, and the debtor nations' reserves. In the event of a default with respect to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors, nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments which would have then been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, interest payments on certain types of Brady Bonds may be collateralized by cash or high grade securities in amounts that typically represent between 12 and 18 months of interest accruals on these instruments with the balance of the interest accruals being uncollateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having several valuation components: (1) the collateralized repayment of principal, if any, at final maturity, (2) the collateralized interest payments, if any, (3) the uncollateralized interest payments, and (4) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds have speculative characteristics. The Fund may purchase Brady Bonds with no or limited collateralization, and will be relying for payment of interest and (except in the case of principal collateralized Brady Bonds) principal primarily on the willingness and ability of the foreign government to make payment in accordance with the terms of the Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds issued to date are purchased and sold in secondary markets through U.S. securities dealers and other financial institutions and are generally maintained through European transnational securities depositories. STANDBY COMMITMENTS In order to facilitate portfolio liquidity, the Fund may acquire standby commitments from brokers, dealers, or banks with respect to securities in its portfolio. Standby commitments entitle the holder to achieve same-day settlement and receive an exercise price equal to the amortized cost of the underlying security plus accrued interest. Standby commitments generally increase the cost of the acquisition of the underlying security, thereby reducing the yield. Standby commitments are subject to the issuer's ability to fulfill its obligation upon demand. Although no definitive creditworthiness criteria are used, the Advisor reviews the creditworthiness of the brokers, dealers, and banks from which the Fund obtains standby commitments to evaluate those risks. TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION The Fund may invest up to 100% of the Fund's assets in cash or cash-type securities, including high-quality, short-term debt securities issued by corporations, financial institutions, the U.S. government, or foreign governments, as a temporary defensive position during adverse market, economic, or political conditions if the Advisor determines that a temporary defensive position is advisable. If the market goes up, taking a temporary defensive position may result in the fund earning a lower return than it would have otherwise achieved if the manager had not adopted a temporary defensive position. In this case, the Fund may not achieve its investment goals. U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Securities issued by the government include U.S. Treasury obligations, such as Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. Securities issued by government agencies or instrumentalities include obligations of the following: o the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, and the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), including GNMA pass-through certificates, whose securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; o the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; o the Federal National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and o the Student Loan Marketing Association, the Interamerican Development Bank, and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, whose securities are supported only by the credit of such agencies. Although the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so. The U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities; consequently, the value of such securities will fluctuate. VARIABLE- OR FLOATING-RATE SECURITIES The Fund may invest in securities that offer a variable- or floating-rate of interest. Variable-rate securities provide for automatic establishment of a new interest rate at fixed intervals (E.G., daily, monthly, semi-annually, etc.). Floating-rate securities generally provide for automatic adjustment of the interest rate whenever some specified interest rate index changes. The interest rate on variable- or floating-rate securities is ordinarily determined by reference to or is a percentage of a bank's prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank certificates of deposit, an index of short-term interest rates, or some other objective measure. Variable- or floating-rate securities frequently include a demand feature entitling the holder to sell the securities to the issuer at par. In many cases, the demand feature can be exercised at any time on seven days notice; in other cases, the demand feature is exercisable at any time on 30 days notice or on similar notice at intervals of not more than one year. Some securities, which do not have variable or floating interest rates, may be accompanied by puts producing similar results and price characteristics. When considering the maturity of any instrument which may be sold or put to the issuer or a third party, the Fund may consider that instrument's maturity to be shorter than its stated maturity. Variable-rate demand notes include master demand notes, which are obligations that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts, that may change daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as lender, and the borrower. The interest rates on these notes fluctuate from time to time. The issuer of such obligations normally has a corresponding right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding principal amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days notice to the holders of such obligations. The interest rate on a floating-rate demand obligation is based on a known lending rate, such as a bank's prime rate, and is adjusted automatically each time such rate is adjusted. The interest rate on a variable-rate demand obligation is adjusted automatically at specified intervals. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. Because these obligations are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments will generally be traded. There generally is not an established secondary market for these obligations, although they are redeemable at face value. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the Fund's right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. Such obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating agencies and, if not so rated, the Fund may invest in them only if the Advisor determines that at the time of investment the obligations are of comparable quality to the other obligations in which the Fund may invest. The Advisor, on behalf of the Fund, will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuers of the floating- and variable-rate demand obligations in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in variable- and floating-rate demand obligations that are not readily marketable (a variable- or floating-rate demand obligation that may be disposed of on not more than seven days notice will be deemed readily marketable and will not be subject to this limitation). In addition, each variable- or floating-rate obligation must meet the credit quality requirements applicable to all the Fund's investments at the time of purchase. When determining whether such an obligation meets the Fund's credit quality requirements, the Fund may look to the credit quality of the financial guarantor providing a letter of credit or other credit support arrangement. In determining the Fund's weighted average effective portfolio maturity, the Fund will consider a floating- or variable-rate security to have a maturity equal to its stated maturity (or redemption date if it has been called for redemption), except that it may consider (1) variable-rate securities to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment in the interest rate, unless subject to a demand feature, (2) variable-rate securities subject to a demand feature to have a remaining maturity equal to the longer of (a) the next readjustment in the interest rate or (b) the period remaining until the principal can be recovered through demand, and (3) floating-rate securities subject to a demand feature to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the principal can be recovered through demand. Variable- and floating-rate securities generally are subject to less principal fluctuation than securities without these attributes. WARRANTS The Fund may acquire warrants. Warrants are securities giving the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy the stock of an issuer at a given price (generally higher than the value of the stock at the time of issuance) during a specified period or perpetually. Warrants may be acquired separately or in connection with the acquisition of securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants may be considered to have more speculative characteristics than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. The price of debt obligations so purchased, which may be expressed in yield terms, generally is fixed at the time the commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a later date. During the period between the purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund to the issuer and no interest on the debt obligations accrues to the Fund. Forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline in value of the Fund's other assets. While when-issued and delayed-delivery securities may be sold prior to the settlement date, the Fund intends to purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them unless a sale appears desirable for investment reasons. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase these types of securities, it will record the transaction and reflect the value of the security in determining its net asset value. The Fund does not believe that its net asset value will be adversely affected by these types of securities purchases. To the extent required by the SEC, the Fund will maintain cash and marketable securities equal in value to commitments for when-issued or delayed-delivery securities. Such designated securities either will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date. When the time comes to pay for when-issued or delayed-delivery securities, the Fund will meet its obligations from then-available cash flow, sale of the securities designated on its books and records, described above, sale of other securities or, although it would not normally expect to do so, from the sale of the when-issued or delayed-delivery securities themselves (which may have a market value greater or less than the Fund's payment obligation). ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON, AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES The Fund may invest in zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind securities. These securities are debt securities that do not make regular cash interest payments. Zero-coupon and step-coupon securities are sold at a deep discount to their face value. Pay-in-kind securities pay interest through the issuance of additional securities. Because such securities do not pay current cash income, the price of these securities can be volatile when interest rates fluctuate. While these securities do not pay current cash income, federal income tax law requires the holders of zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind securities to include in income each year the portion of the original issue discount (or deemed discount) and other non-cash income on such securities accruing that year. In order to continue to qualify as a "regulated investment company" or "RIC" under the IRC and avoid a certain excise tax, the Fund may be required to distribute a portion of such discount and income and may be required to dispose of other portfolio securities, which may occur in periods of adverse market prices, in order to generate cash to meet these distribution requirements. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS The Board of Directors of the Fund is responsible for managing the Fund's business and affairs. Directors and officers of the Fund, together with information as to their principal business occupations during the last five years, and other information are shown below. Each director who is deemed an "interested person," as defined in the 1940 Act, is indicated by an asterisk (*). Each officer and director holds the same position with the 27 registered open-end management investment companies consisting of 64 mutual funds ("Strong Funds"). All of the Directors who are not directors, officers, or employees of the Advisor, or any affiliated company of the Advisor ("disinterested directors") have also formed an Independent Directors Committee and an Audit Committee. *RICHARD S. STRONG (DOB 5/12/42), Director and Chairman of the Board of the Strong Funds. Prior to August 1985, Mr. Strong was Chief Executive Officer of the Advisor, which he founded in 1974. Since August 1985, Mr. Strong has been a Security Analyst and Portfolio Manager of the Advisor. In October 1991, Mr. Strong also became the Chairman of the Advisor. Mr. Strong is Chief Investment Officer and a Director of the Advisor. Mr. Strong has been in the investment management business since 1967. MARVIN E. NEVINS (DOB 7/9/18), Director of the Strong Funds. Private Investor. From 1945 to 1980, Mr. Nevins was Chairman of Wisconsin Centrifugal Inc., a foundry. From 1980 until 1981, Mr. Nevins was the Chairman of the Wisconsin Association of Manufacturers & Commerce. He has been a Director of A-Life Medical, Inc., San Diego, CA since 1996 and Surface Systems, Inc. (a weather information company), St. Louis, MO since 1992. He was also a regent of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Medical College of Wisconsin and Carroll College. WILLIE D. DAVIS (DOB 7/24/34), Director of the Strong Funds since July 1994. Mr. Davis has been Director of Wisconsin Energy Corporation since 2000, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. (an entertainment company) since 1998, Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. since 1997, Checker's Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (formerly Rally's Hamburgers, Inc.) since 1994, Johnson Controls, Inc. (an industrial company) since 1992, MGM Mirage (formerly MGM Grand, Inc.) (an entertainment/hotel company) since 1990, Dow Chemical Company since 1988, KMart Corporation (a discount consumer products company) since 1985, Sara Lee Corporation (a food/consumer products company) since 1983, and Alliance Bank since 1980. Mr. Davis has been a trustee of the University of Chicago since 1980 and Marquette University since 1988. Since 1977, Mr. Davis has been President and Chief Executive Officer of All Pro Broadcasting, Inc. Mr. Davis was a Director of WICOR, Inc. (a utility company) from 1990 until 2000 and the Fireman's Fund (an insurance company) from 1975 until 1990. STANLEY KRITZIK (DOB 1/9/30), Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Strong Funds. Mr. Kritzik has been a Partner of Metropolitan Associates since 1962, a Director of Aurora Health Care since 1987 and of Wisconsin Health Information Network since November 1997, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Snowmass Village Resort Association since October 1999. He was a Director of Health Network Ventures, Inc. from 1992 until April 2000. WILLIAM F. VOGT (DOB 7/19/47), Director and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committee of the Strong Funds. Mr. Vogt has been Senior Vice President of IDX Systems Corporation since June 2001. Mr. Vogt was the President of Vogt Management Consulting, Inc. from 1990 to June 2001. From 1982 until 1990, he served as Executive Director of University Physicians of the University of Colorado. Mr. Vogt is the Past President of the Medical Group Management Association and a Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives. NEAL MALICKY (DOB 9/14/34), Director of the Strong Funds. Mr. Malicky has been President Emeritus of Baldwin-Wallace College since July 2000. From July 1999 to June 2000, he served as Chancellor of Baldwin-Wallace College. From 1981 to June 1999, he served as President of Baldwin-Wallace College. Mr. Malicky has been a Director of Aspire Learning Corporation since June 2000. He is a Trustee of Southwest Community Health Systems, Cleveland Scholarship Program, and The National Conference for Community Justice and President of the Reserve Homeowners Association. He is also the Past President of the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church, the Past Chairperson of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, and the Past Secretary of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. RHONDA K. HAIGHT (DOB 11/13/64), Assistant Treasurer of the Strong Funds since December 1998. Ms. Haight has been an Accountant in the Corporate Finance Department of the Advisor since July 2001. Ms. Haight was Manager of the Mutual Fund Accounting Department of the Advisor from January 1994 to June 2001. From May 1990 to January 1994, Ms. Haight was a supervisor in the Mutual Fund Accounting Department of the Advisor. From June 1987 to May 1990, Ms. Haight was a Mutual Fund Accountant of the Advisor. SUSAN A. HOLLISTER (DOB 7/8/68), Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the Strong Funds since July 2000. Ms. Hollister has been Assistant Executive Vice President of the Advisor since April 2001, Assistant Secretary of the Advisor since August 2000, and Associate Counsel of the Advisor since July 1999. From August 2000 to April 2001, Ms. Hollister was Vice President of the Advisor. From August 1996 until May 1999, Ms. Hollister completed a Juris Doctor at the University of Wisconsin Law School. From December 1993 until August 1996, Ms. Hollister was Deposit Operations Supervisor for First Federal Savings Bank, La Crosse - Madison. RICHARD W. SMIRL (DOB 4/18/67), Secretary of the Strong Funds. Mr. Smirl has been Senior Counsel of the Advisor since July 2000. From September 1992 to July 2000, Mr. Smirl was a partner at Keesal, Young and Logan. GILBERT L. SOUTHWELL III (DOB 4/13/54), Assistant Secretary of the Strong Funds since July 2001. Mr. Southwell has been Associate Counsel of the Advisor since April 2001. From October 1999 to March 2001, Mr. Southwell was a partner at Michael, Best & Friedrich, LLP, a Milwaukee law firm. From November 1984 to September 1999, Mr. Southwell was Assistant General Counsel of Firstar Bank, National Association and/or certain of its subsidiaries. DENNIS A. WALLESTAD (DOB 11/3/62), Vice President of the Strong Funds since October 1999. Mr. Wallestad has been Assistant Executive Vice President of the Advisor since April 2001 and Director of Finance and Operations of the Advisor since November 1999. From November 1999 to April 2001, Mr. Wallestad was Senior Vice President of the Advisor. From April 1997 to February 1999, Mr. Wallestad was the Chief Financial Officer of The Ziegler Companies, Inc. From November 1996 to April 1997, Mr. Wallestad was the Chief Administrative Officer of Calamos Asset Management, Inc. From July 1994 to November 1996, Mr. Wallestad was Chief Financial Officer for Firstar Trust and Investments Group. From September 1991 to June 1994 and from September 1985 to August 1989, Mr. Wallestad was an Audit Manager for Arthur Andersen & Co., LLP in Milwaukee. Mr. Wallestad completed a Masters of Accountancy from the University of Oklahoma from September 1989 to August 1991. JOHN W. WIDMER (DOB 1/19/65), Treasurer of the Strong Funds since April 1999. Mr. Widmer has been Treasurer of the Advisor since April 1999. From May 1997 to April 1999, Mr. Widmer was the Manager of Financial Management and Sales Reporting Systems. From May 1992 to May 1997, Mr. Widmer was an Accounting and Business Advisory Manager in the Milwaukee office of Arthur Andersen LLP. From June 1987 to May 1992, Mr. Widmer was an accountant at Arthur Andersen LLP. THOMAS M. ZOELLER (DOB 2/21/64), Vice President of the Strong Funds since October 1999. Mr. Zoeller has been Executive Vice President of the Advisor since April 2001, Chief Financial Officer of the Advisor since February 1998, and a member of the Office of the Chief Executive since November 1998. From February 1998 to April 2001, Mr. Zoeller was Senior Vice President of the Advisor. From October 1991 to February 1998, Mr. Zoeller was the Treasurer and Controller of the Advisor, and from August 1991 to October 1991, he was the Controller. From August 1989 to August 1991, Mr. Zoeller was the Assistant Controller of the Advisor. From September 1986 to August 1989, Mr. Zoeller was a Senior Accountant at Arthur Andersen & Co. Except for Messrs. Nevins, Davis, Kritzik, Vogt, and Malicky, the address of all of the above persons is P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, WI 53201. Mr. Nevins' address is 6075 Pelican Bay Boulevard #1006, Naples, FL 34108. Mr. Davis' address is 161 North La Brea, Inglewood, CA 90301. Mr. Kritzik's address is 1123 North Astor Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Mr. Vogt's address is 55 North Holden Road, P.O. Box 7657, Avon, CO 81620. Mr. Malicky's address is, 4608 Turnberry Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047.
Aggregate Compensation Table(1) DIRECTOR(2) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND Willie D. Davis Stanley Kritzik(3) NealMalicky Marvin E. Nevins William F. Vogt(4) ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ------------------ ------------------ Dividend Income Fund 10/31/00 $825 $826 $825 $725 $897 12/31/00(5) $92 $92 $92 $92 $101 Balanced Fund 10/31/00 $1,336 $1,338 $1,336 $1,236 $1,459 12/31/00(5) $157 $159 $157 $157 $171 Balanced Stock Fund 9/30/00 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 12/31/00(6) $157 $159 $157 $91 $171 Blue Chip Fund 10/31/00 $2,024 $2,029 $2,024 $1,924 $2,215 12/31/00(5) $250 $250 $250 $250 $272 Energy Fund 10/31/00 $192 $192 $192 $92 $194 12/31/00(5) $51 $51 $51 $51 $51 Growth and Income Fund 10/31/00 $3,453 $3,461 $3,453 $3,353 $3,785 12/31/00(5) $440 $440 $440 $440 $479 Strong Funds(7) $117,094 $117,360 $98,490 $114,194 $126,368
(1) Aggregate compensation includes compensation for service by the disinterested directors on the Board of Directors, Independent Directors Committee, and Audit Committee. Each disinterested director is also reimbursed by the Fund for travel and other expenses incurred in connection with each of their attendance at regular and special meetings. (2) Interested directors, officers, and employees of the Fund receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund. (3) Aggregate compensation paid to Mr. Kritzik includes an amount in addition to that paid to other disinterested directors in return for his service as Chairman of the Fund's Audit Committee. (4) Aggregate compensation paid to Mr. Vogt includes an amount in addition to that paid to other disinterested directors in return for his service as Chairman of the Fund's Independent Director's Committee. (5) For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. (6) For the three-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. (7) The Strong Funds include 27 registered open-end management investment companies consisting of 64 mutual funds, including both the Strong Funds and the Strong Advisor Funds. Aggregate compensation includes the amount paid to the Directors by the Strong Funds during each of their most recently completed 12-month fiscal period. Unless otherwise noted below, as of November 30, 2001, the officers and directors of the Fund in the aggregate beneficially owned less than 1% of any class of the Fund's then outstanding shares.
FUND CLASS/SHARES PERCENT ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ---------------------- Balanced Stock Investor - 10,000 1.92% Blue Chip Investor - 3,860,168 14.00% Growth and Income Investor - 2,990,151 6.90%
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS Unless otherwise noted below, as of November 30, 2001 no persons owned of record or are known to own of record or beneficially more than 5% of any class of the Fund's then outstanding shares.
NAME AND ADDRESS FUND/CLASS/SHARES PERCENT ----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- Emre & Co. Balanced - Investor - 3,498,879 21.89% P.O. Box 1408 Milwaukee, WI 53201-1408 U.S. Clearing Balanced Stock - Investor - 69,194 13.32% 26 Broadway New York, NY 10004-1703 Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Balanced Stock - Investor - 33,080 6.37% 101 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 Strong Investments, Inc. Blue Chip - Investor - 3,845,608 13.95% 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-4400 Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Blue Chip - Investor - 3,235,140 11.74% 101 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Blue Chip - Advisor - 308,185 99.44% 101 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Dividend Income - Investor - 6,760,575 41.30% 101 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 U.S. Clearing Energy - Investor - 164,345 10.80% 26 Broadway New York, NY 10004-1703 Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Energy - Investor - 163,958 10.78% 101 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 Charles B. Levinson & Sara M. Levinson Energy - Investor - 80,206 5.27% Community Property 14044 W. Rico Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375-2801 Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Growth and Income - Investor - 7,400,896 17.07% 101 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 Emre & Co. Growth and Income - Investor - 5,207,082 12.01% P.O. Box 1408 Milwaukee, WI 53201-1408 Strong Investments, Inc. Growth and Income - Investor - 2,982,102 6.88% 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-4400 Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Growth and Income - Advisor - 491,269 71.03% 101 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 Kemper Service Company Growth and Income - Advisor - 185,747 26.85% 811 Main St # Dept Kansas City, MO 64105-2005 Emre & Co. Growth and Income - Institutional - 1,291,640 56.83% P.O. Box 1408 Milwaukee, WI 53201-1408 Chase Manhattan Bank Growth and Income - Institutional - 916,583 40.33% 3 Chase Metro Tech Center Brooklyn, NY 11245
INVESTMENT ADVISOR The Fund entered into an Advisory Agreement with Strong Capital Management, Inc. ("Advisor"). Mr. Strong controls the Advisor due to his stock ownership of the Advisor. Mr. Strong is the Chief Investment Officer, Chairman, and a Director of the Advisor, Ms. Haight is an Accountant in the Corporate Finance Department of the Advisor, Ms. Hollister is Assistant Executive Vice President, Associate Counsel, and Assistant Secretary of the Advisor, Mr. Smirl is Senior Counsel of the Advisor, Mr. Southwell is Associate Counsel of the Advisor, Mr. Wallestad is Assistant Executive Vice President of the Advisor, Mr. Widmer is Treasurer of the Advisor, and Mr. Zoeller is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Advisor. As of October 31, 2001, the Advisor had over $43 billion under management. The Advisory Agreement is required to be approved annually by either the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act). In either case, each annual renewal must be approved by the vote of a majority of the Fund's directors who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement is terminable, without penalty, on 60 days written notice by the Board of Directors of the Fund, by vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, or by the Advisor, and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The Board of Directors last reviewed the Advisory Agreement for the Strong Balanced Fund, Strong Balanced Stock Fund, Strong Blue Chip Fund, Strong Energy Fund, and Strong Growth and Income Fund on May 4, 2001. In its review, the Board of Directors was provided materials relating to and considered and evaluated, with respect to each Fund, (i) the terms of the Advisory Agreement, including the nature and scope of services to be provided to the Fund by the Advisor, the structure and rates of the investment advisory fees to be charged for those services, and the extent to which those fees include breakpoints or otherwise appropriately reflect economies of scale that may be realized by the Advisor; (ii) the fees and expenses that would be paid by the Fund as compared to the fees and expenses paid by similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the management fee rates and payment arrangements, the proposed changes in the scope of services to be provided to the Fund by the Advisor and the impact of the proposed changes on each Fund's total expense ratio; (iv) the historical investment performance of each Fund, as compared to the performance of other funds currently available in the market not advised or managed by the Advisor, but having a similar investment focus and asset composition; (v) the type and scope of services that historically have been provided to the Fund by the Advisor and the ability of the Advisor to continue to provide high quality investment advisory services to the Fund, in light of the experience and qualifications of the Advisor and its personnel, the Advisor's financial condition and the terms of the Advisory Agreement, and, with respect to the non-investment advisory services that the Advisor would no longer provide the Fund under the Advisory Agreement, the ability of the Fund to continue to obtain the same type and quality of services on fair and reasonable terms, including cost, from affiliates of the Advisor or other service providers; and (vi) the current and projected profitability of the Advisor and other benefits that may be received by the Advisor or its affiliates as a result of serving as Advisor to the Fund (including soft dollar benefits received by the Advisor in addition to its management fee), both under the current and proposed revised management agreements and in light of other fees and expenses that would be paid by the Fund to the Advisor or to affiliates of the Advisor. On the basis of its review and analysis of the foregoing factors, the Board of Directors found that the terms of the Advisory Agreement were fair and reasonable and in the best interest of shareholders. The Board of Directors last reviewed the Advisory Agreement for the Strong Dividend Income Fund on September 13, 2001. In its review, the Board of Directors was provided materials relating to and considered and evaluated, with respect to the Fund, (i) the management fees and other expenses that would be paid by the Fund under an Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement as compared to those of similar funds (after the change in the Fund's investment strategy) managed by other investment advisors; (ii) the impact of the proposed change in management fee rates on the Fund's total expense ratio; (iii) the historical investment performance of the Fund, as well as performance information regarding other funds within the current market place not advised or managed by Strong, but having similar investment focus and asset types; (iv) its favorable experience with the nature and quality of investment advisory services provided by Strong to the Fund on an on-going basis; (v) current and projected profitability, including the financial viability of Strong, and related other benefits to Strong in providing investment advisory services to the Fund, both under the current and proposed management fee schedules; and (vi) possible economies of scale in managing the Fund, including in this regard the proposed management fee breakpoints for the Fund. On the basis of its review and analysis of the foregoing factors, the Board of Directors found that the terms of the Advisory Agreement were fair and reasonable and in the best interest of shareholders. Prior to this review, the Board last reviewed and approved the Advisory Agreement on May 4, 2001, under the same conditions discussed in the preceding paragraph. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor manages the Fund's investments subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors. The Advisor is responsible for investment decisions and supplies investment research and portfolio management. The Advisory Agreement authorizes the Advisor to delegate its investment advisory duties to a subadvisor in accordance with a written agreement under which the subadvisor would furnish such investment advisory services to the Advisor. In that situation, the Advisor continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services furnished by the subadvisor under the subadvisory agreement. At its expense, the Advisor provides office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment, and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund. The Advisor places all orders for the purchase and sale of the Fund's portfolio securities at the Fund's expense. Except for expenses assumed by the Advisor, as set forth above, or by Strong Investments, Inc. ("Distributor") with respect to the distribution of the Fund's shares, the Fund is responsible for all its other expenses, including, without limitation, interest charges, taxes, brokerage commissions, and similar expenses; distribution and shareholder servicing expenses; expenses of issue, sale, repurchase, or redemption of shares; expenses of registering or qualifying shares for sale with the states and the SEC; expenses for printing and distribution of prospectuses to existing shareholders; charges of custodians (including fees as custodian for keeping books and similar services for the Fund), transfer agents (including the printing and mailing of reports and notices to shareholders), registrars, auditing and legal services, and clerical services related to recordkeeping and shareholder relations; printing of stock certificates; fees for directors who are not "interested persons" of the Advisor; expenses of indemnification; extraordinary expenses; and costs of shareholder and director meetings. On January 28, 2000, for the Balanced Fund, Blue Chip Fund, Dividend Income Fund, Energy Fund and the Growth and Income Fund and on May 4, 2001 for the Balanced Stock Fund, the Board of Directors of the Fund determined that certain administrative services provided by the Advisor under the then-current Advisory Agreement should be provided pursuant to a separate administration agreement, which would more clearly delineate the nature of the administrative services to be provided and the cost to the Fund associated with those administrative services. The Board of Directors also approved an amendment to the Advisory Agreement ("Amended Advisory Agreement") that would remove all references in the Advisory Agreement regarding the provision of administrative services and approved the adoption of a separate administration agreement with the Advisor. The advisory and administrative services provided under the Amended Advisory Agreement and the administration agreement for the then-existing class of shares is, at a minimum, the same services as those provided under the then-current Advisory Agreement for the then-existing class of shares, the quality of those services is the same. As a result of these arrangements, the management fee paid by each Fund was reduced by 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the Fund, effective February 29, 2000 for the Balanced Fund, Blue Chip Fund, Dividend Income Fund, Energy Fund, and the Growth and Income Fund, and effective May 4, 2001 for the Balanced Stock Fund. The Advisor Class shares of the Blue Chip Fund and the Advisor and Institutional Class shares of the Growth and Income Fund were not affected by these advisory and administrative agreements because those classes of shares were first offered for sale on February 29, 2000. On May 4, 2001, the Board of Directors approved the following changes to the Amended Advisory Agreement, which were approved by shareholders on July 20, 2001. The revised Advisory Agreement calls for the management fee to be calculated using breakpoints, which provide for lower management fees on Fund net assets above specified asset levels for the Dividend Income and Energy Funds. The specific asset levels at which management fees are reduced are described below. The revised Advisory Agreement eliminated a 2% cap on expenses, which had been included in the Amended Advisory Agreement under a state law requirement that has since been repealed. In addition, under the revised Advisory Agreement, the management fee is accrued and payable daily, while under the Amended Advisory Agreement the management fee was accrued and payable monthly. The Advisor reserves the right, however, to receive payment of the management fee on a less frequent basis at its discretion. On September 13, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Dividend Income Fund approved the following changes to the Amended Advisory Agreement, which were approved by shareholders of the Dividend Income Fund on December 7, 2001. The annual advisory fee increased by a maximum of 0.20% to account for the change in the Fund's investment strategy from a non-diversified utilities fund to a diversified large cap value fund. However, the revised Advisory Agreement still includes breakpoints, whereby the annual advisory fee paid by the Fund decreases at certain asset levels (see table below). In addition, the increase in the annual advisory fee may be lower than 0.20% if the fees paid by the Advisor to the Fund's Subadvisor are reduced pursuant to the terms of the revised Subadvisory Agreement (see "Investment Subadvisor" section below). As compensation for its advisory services, the Fund pays to the Advisor a management fee at the annual rate specified below of the average daily net asset value of the Fund. From time to time, the Advisor may voluntarily waive all or a portion of its management fee and may voluntarily absorb expenses for the Fund. Prior to July 23, 2001, the management fee was accrued and payable monthly to the Advisor. Effective July 23, 2001, the fee is accrued and payable daily, although the Advisor reserves the right to receive payment of the management fee on a less frequent basis at its discretion.
--------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- FUND CURRENT ANNUAL RATE ANNUAL RATE ANNUAL RATE ANNUAL RATE PRIOR TO 12/8/01 PRIOR TO PRIOR TO 2/29/00 7/23/01 --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- Balanced Fund 0.60% on the first $35 N/A N/A 0.85% on the first million of assets; $35 million of 0.55% on all assets assets; 0.80% on thereafter all assets thereafter --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- Balanced Stock Fund 0.75% for assets under N/A 1.00% 1.00% $4 billion; 0.725% for the next $2 billion in assets; and 0.70% for assets of $6 billion and above --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- Blue Chip Fund 0.50% N/A N/A 0.75% --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- Dividend Income Fund 0.70% for assets under 0.50% for assets under 0.50% 0.75% $4 billion; 0.675% for $4 billion; 0.475% for the next $2 billion in the next $2 billion in assets; and 0.65% for assets; and 0.45% for assets of $6 billion assets of $6 billion and above(1) and above --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- Energy Fund 0.75% for assets under N/A 0.75% 1.00% $4 billion; 0.725% for the next $2 billion in assets; and 0.70% for assets of $6 billion and above --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- Growth and Income 0.55% N/A N/A 0.80% Fund --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- --------------------
(1) The annual advisory fee actually paid by the Dividend Income Fund may be lower than these figures. See "Investment Subadvisor" section below. The Fund paid the following management fees for the time periods indicated:
MANAGEMENT FEE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MANAGEMENT FEE ($) WAIVER($) AFTER WAIVER ($) ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Balanced Fund 10/31/98 2,329,813 0 2,329,813 10/31/99 2,645,959 0 2,645,959 10/31/00 2,314,030 0 2,314,030 12/31/00(1) 332,556 0 332,556 Balanced Stock Fund 9/30/98(2) 59,756 0 59,756 9/30/99 71,747 0 71,747 9/30/00 45,529 0 45,529 12/31/00(3) 9,470 0 9,470 Blue Chip Fund 10/31/98 307,768 281,313 26,455 10/31/99 2,605,272 0 2,605,272 10/31/00 3,429,671 0 3,429,671 12/31/00(1) 457,480 0 457,480 Dividend Income Fund 10/31/98 1,414,323 0 1,414,323 10/31/99 1,822,191 0 1,822,191 10/31/00 1,282,430 0 1,282,430 12/31/00(1) 232,985 0 232,985 Energy Fund 10/31/98 54,363 17,840 36,523 10/31/99 57,185 0 57,185 10/31/00 62,886 0 62,886 12/31/00(1) 15,672 0 15,672 Growth and Income Fund 10/31/98 2,555,813 0 2,555,813 10/31/99 5,169,305 0 5,169,305 10/31/00 6,929,319 0 6,929,319 12/31/00(1) 1,087,823 0 1,087,823
(1) For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. (2) For the nine-month fiscal period ended September 30, 1998. (3) For the three-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. The organizational expenses for the Fund which were advanced by the Advisor and which will be reimbursed by the Fund over a period of not more than 60 months from the Fund's date of inception are listed below.
FUND ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENSES ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------- Balanced Stock Fund $13,259 Blue Chip Fund $2,027 Energy Fund $6,005
On July 12, 1994, the SEC filed an administrative action ("Order") against the Advisor, Mr. Strong, and another employee of the Advisor in connection with conduct that occurred between 1987 and early 1990. In re Strong/Corneliuson Capital Management, Inc., et al. Admin. Proc. File No. 3-8411. The proceeding was settled by consent without admitting or denying the allegations in the Order. The Order found that the Advisor and Mr. Strong aided and abetted violations of Section 17(a) of the 1940 Act by effecting trades between mutual funds, and between mutual funds and Harbour Investments Ltd. ("Harbour"), without complying with the exemptive provisions of SEC Rule 17a-7 or otherwise obtaining an exemption. It further found that the Advisor violated, and Mr. Strong aided and abetted violations of, the disclosure provisions of the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by misrepresenting the Advisor's policy on personal trading and by failing to disclose trading by Harbour, an entity in which principals of the Advisor owned between 18 and 25 percent of the voting stock. As part of the settlement, the respondents agreed to a censure and a cease and desist order and the Advisor agreed to various undertakings, including adoption of certain procedures and a limitation for six months on accepting certain types of new advisory clients. On June 6, 1996, the Department of Labor ("DOL") filed an action against the Advisor for equitable relief alleging violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") in connection with cross trades that occurred between 1987 and late 1989 involving certain pension accounts managed by the Advisor. Contemporaneous with this filing, the Advisor, without admitting or denying the DOL's allegations, agreed to the entry of a consent judgment resolving all matters relating to the allegations. Reich v. Strong Capital Management, Inc., (U.S.D.C. E.D. WI) ("Consent Judgment"). Under the terms of the Consent Judgment, the Advisor agreed to reimburse the affected accounts a total of $5.9 million. The settlement did not have any material impact on the Advisor's financial position or operations. The Fund, the Advisor, and the Distributor have adopted a Code of Ethics ("Code") that governs the personal trading activities of all "Access Persons" of the Advisor and the Distributor. Access Persons include every director and officer of the Advisor, the Distributor, and the investment companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund, as well as certain employees of the Advisor and the Distributor who have access to information relating to the purchase or sale of securities by the Advisor on behalf of accounts managed by it. The Code is based upon the principal that such Access Persons have a fiduciary duty to place the interests of the Fund and the Advisor's and Distributor's other clients ahead of their own. The Code requires Access Persons (other than Access Persons who are independent directors of the investment companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund) to, among other things, preclear their securities transactions (with limited exceptions, such as transactions in shares of mutual funds, direct obligations of the U.S. government, and certain options on broad-based securities market indexes) and to execute such transactions through the Advisor's trading department. The Code, which applies to all Access Persons (other than Access Persons who are independent directors of the investment companies managed by the Advisor, including the Fund), includes a ban on acquiring any securities in an initial public offering, other than a new offering of a registered open-end investment company, and a prohibition from profiting on short-term trading in securities. In addition, no Access Person may purchase or sell any security that is contemporaneously being purchased or sold, or to the knowledge of the Access Person, is being considered for purchase or sale, by the Advisor on behalf of any mutual fund or other account managed by it. Finally, the Code provides for trading "black out" periods of seven calendar days during which time Access Persons may not trade in securities that have been purchased or sold by any client for which the Advisor serves as an investment advisor or subadvisor, renders investment advice, makes investment decisions, or places orders through its Trading Department. The Advisor provides investment advisory services for multiple clients through different types of investment accounts (E.G., mutual funds, hedge funds, separately managed accounts, etc.) who may have similar or different investment objectives and investment policies (E.G., some accounts may have an active trading strategy while others follow a "buy and hold" strategy). In managing these accounts, the Advisor seeks to maximize each account's return, consistent with the account's investment objectives and investment strategies. While the Advisor's policies are designed to ensure that over time similarly-situated clients receive similar treatment, to the maximum extent possible, because of the range of the Advisor's clients, the Advisor may give advice and take action with respect to one account that may differ from the advice given, or the timing or nature of action taken, with respect to another account (the Advisor and its principals and associates also may take such actions in their personal securities transactions, to the extent permitted by and consistent with the Code). For example, the Advisor may use the same investment style in managing two accounts, but one may have a shorter-term horizon and accept high-turnover while the other may have a longer-term investment horizon and desire to minimize turnover. If the Advisor reasonably believes that a particular security may provide an attractive opportunity due to short-term volatility but may no longer be attractive on a long-term basis, the Advisor may cause accounts with a shorter-term investment horizon to buy the security at the same time it is causing accounts with a longer-term investment horizon to sell the security. The Advisor takes all reasonable steps to ensure that investment opportunities are, over time, allocated to accounts on a fair and equitable basis relative to the other similarly-situated accounts and that the investment activities of different accounts do not unfairly disadvantage other accounts. From time to time, the Advisor votes the shares owned by the Fund according to its Statement of General Proxy Voting Policy ("Proxy Voting Policy"). The general principal of the Proxy Voting Policy is to vote any beneficial interest in an equity security prudently and solely in the best long-term economic interest of the Fund and its beneficiaries considering all relevant factors and without undue influence from individuals or groups who may have an economic interest in the outcome of a proxy vote. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the Proxy Voting Policy upon request from the Advisor. The Advisor also provides two programs of custom portfolio management called Strong Advisor and Strong Private Client. These programs are designed to determine an investment approach that fits an investor's financial needs and then provide the investor with a custom built portfolio of Strong Funds and certain other unaffiliated mutual funds, in the case of Strong Advisor, and Strong Funds and individual stocks and bonds, in the case of Strong Private Client, based on that allocation. The Advisor, on behalf of participants in the Strong Advisor and Strong Private Client programs, may determine to invest a portion of the program's assets in any one Strong Fund, which investment, particularly in the case of a smaller Strong Fund, could represent a material portion of the Fund's assets. In such cases, a decision to redeem the Strong Advisor or Strong Private Client program's investment in a Fund on short notice could raise a potential conflict of interest for the Advisor, between the interests of participants in the Strong Advisor or Strong Private Client program and of the Fund's other shareholders. In general, the Advisor does not expect to direct the Strong Advisor or Strong Private Client program to make redemption requests on short notice. However, should the Advisor determine this to be necessary, the Advisor will use its best efforts and act in good faith to balance the potentially competing interests of participants in the Strong Advisor and Strong Private Client program and the Fund's other shareholders in a manner the Advisor deems most appropriate for both parties in light of the circumstances. From time to time, the Advisor may make available to third parties current and historical information about the portfolio holdings of the Advisor's mutual funds. Release may be made to entities such as fund ratings entities, industry trade groups, and financial publications. Generally, the Advisor will release this type of information only where it is otherwise publicly available. This information may also be released where the Advisor reasonably believes that the release will not be to the detriment of the best interests of its clients. For more complete information about the Advisor, including its services, investment strategies, policies, and procedures, please call 1-800-368-3863 and ask for a copy of Part II of the Advisor's Form ADV. INVESTMENT SUBADVISOR BALANCED STOCK FUND The Advisor entered into a Subadvisory Agreement with Schafer Capital Management, Inc. ("Subadvisor") with respect to the Fund. Pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement, on January 10, 2001, the Advisor gave 60-days written notice to the Subadvisor to terminate the Subadvisory Agreement. As a result, March 11, 2001 was the last day the Subadvisor served as the subadvisor of the Fund. Under the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadvisor furnished investment advisory and portfolio management services to the Fund with respect to its investments. The Subadvisor was responsible for decisions to buy and sell the Fund's investments and all other transactions related to investment and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any, except that the Advisor was responsible for managing the cash equivalent investments maintained by the Fund in the ordinary course of its business and which, on average, were expected to equal approximately five percent of the Fund's total assets. During the term of the Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadvisor was responsible for all expenses incurred by it in connection with its services under such agreement. The Subadvisory Agreement required the Advisor, not the Fund, to pay the Subadvisor a fee, computed and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net asset value. The Subadvisor received the following subadvisory fees from the Advisor for the time periods indicated.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SUBADVISORY FEE ($) ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------- 9/30/98(1) 26,571 9/30/99 35,874 9/30/00 23,873 12/31/00(2) 18,959
(1) Commenced operations on December 31, 1997. (2) For the three-month fiscal period ending December 31, 2000. The Subadvisor has adopted a Code of Ethics that is substantially similar to the Code discussed above under "Investment Advisor", except, under the Subadvisor's Code, the seven-day black out period only pertains to Portfolio Managers rather than Access Persons and Access Persons are not prohibited from profiting on the short-term trading of securities. The Advisor had an additional relationship with the Subadvisor that was not related to the subadvisory arrangement for the Fund. The Subadvisor and the Advisor were the sole members of Strong Schafer Capital Management, L.L.C. (the "LLC"), an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The LLC was the investment advisor to the Strong Multi Cap Value Fund (formerly Strong Schafer Value Fund), another mutual fund in the Strong Family of Funds. The Subadvisor acted as the managing member of the LLC. The Advisor exercised its option to purchase the Subadvisor's interest in the LLC ("Purchase"), on January 10, 2001. The Purchase was completed on May 14, 2001. The Advisor, together with its subsidiary, Strong Investments, Inc., acted as distributor of the Multi Cap Value Fund and paid for and provided marketing assistance. The Advisor also provided transfer agency and fund accounting services to the Multi Cap Value Fund. The Advisor still provides these services to the Multi Cap Value Fund. In addition to the Fund, the Subadvisor served as an investment subadvisor to certain other accounts for which the Advisor acted as either investment advisor or subadvisor. DIVIDEND INCOME FUND The Advisor has entered into a Subadvisory Agreement with W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc. ("Subadvisor") with respect to the Dividend Income Fund. Under the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadvisor furnishes investment advisory and portfolio management services to the Fund with respect to its investments. The Subadvisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell the Fund's investments and all other transactions related to investments and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any, except that the Advisor is responsible for managing the cash equivalent investments maintained by the Fund in the ordinary course of its business and which, on average, are expected to equal approximately five to seven percent of the Fund's total assets. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected through brokers who charge a negotiated commission for their services. However, because the Subadvisor is a member of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), it is anticipated that the Subadvisor will directly effect purchases and sales of securities on the NYSE and be paid a commission for such services commensurate with the commissions charged by unaffiliated brokers in arm's length transactions. (See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.") During the term of the Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadvisor will bear all expenses incurred by it in connection with its services under the Subadvisory Agreement. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on 60 days written notice to the Subadvisor. The Subadvisory Agreement may also be terminated by the Advisor for breach upon 20 days notice, immediately in the event that the Subadvisor becomes unable to discharge its duties and obligations, and upon 60 days notice for any reason. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated by the Subadvisor upon 180 days notice for any reason. The Subadvisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its unauthorized assignment. Prior to December 8, 2001, the Subadvisory Agreement required the Advisor, not the Fund, to pay the Subadvisor a fee, based on the Fund's average daily net asset value, computed and paid monthly, at an annual rate of (i) 0.50% of the first $200 million of the Fund's net assets, (ii) 0.30% of the Fund's net assets over $200 million and up to $1.0 billion, (iii) 0.375% of the Fund's net assets over $1.0 billion and up to $1.5 billion, and (iv) 0.30% of the Fund's net assets over $1.5 billion. The Subadvisor's fee was reduced by 50% of any payments the Advisor was obligated to make to third party financial intermediaries for various administrative services such third party intermediaries provide for the Fund's shareholders who invest through them. On September 13, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Dividend Income Fund approved the following changes to the Subadvisory Agreement, which were approved by shareholders of the Dividend Income Fund on December 7, 2001. The revised Subadvisory Agreement requires the Advisor, not the Fund, to pay the Subadvisor a fee, based on the Fund's average daily net asset value, computed and paid monthly, at an annual rate of (i) 0.585% of the first $200 million of the Fund's net assets, (ii) 0.36% on the next $100 million of assets between $200 million and $300 million; (iii) 0.27% on the next $300 million of assets between $300 million and $600 million; (iv) 0.225% on the next $200 million of assets between $600 million and $800 million; (v) 0.18% on the next $200 million of assets between $800 million and $1.0 billion; (vi) 0.16% on the next $500 million of assets between $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion; (vii) 0.135% on the next $500 million of assets between $1.5 billion and $2.0 billion; (viii) 0.115% on the next $500 million of assets between $2.0 billion and $2.5 billion; and (ix) 0.09% on assets over $2.5 billion. These fees are subject to adjustment upward or downward depending on the Fund's performance measured against a benchmark (the "Benchmark"). The Benchmark will be 90% of the performance of the Russell 1000 Value Index. Specifically, the Subadvisor will be paid a fee that is 11% higher (rounded to the nearest two decimal places) than the fees listed above if the Fund's performance during a rolling twelve month period, determined at the end of each month, is equal to or greater than the performance of the Benchmark. However, if the Fund's performance is less than the performance of the Benchmark for the same calculation period, then the Subadvisor will be paid a fee that is 11% less (rounded to the nearest two decimal places) than the fees listed above. During the first year of the revised Subadvisory Agreement, there will be less than twelve months of performance for the Fund under its new investment strategy. Therefore, for purposes of determining the fee paid to the Subadvisor during the first year, the Fund's performance will be compared to the Benchmark's performance for the cumulative number of months from the inception of the revised Subadvisory Agreement to the end of each calculation month. Under the new Subadvisory Agreement, the Advisor and Subadvisor shall share, in proportion to the fees they receive under their respective Fund advisory or subadvisory agreement, in the amount of payments the Advisor is obligated to make to third party intermediaries who provide various administrative services for Fund shareholders who invest through them. The Subadvisor received the following subadvisory fees from the Advisor for the time periods indicated.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SUBADVISORY FEE ($) ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------- 10/31/98 $940,175 10/31/99 $1,074,706 10/31/00 $982,571 12/31/00(1) $176,863
(1) For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. The Subadvisor has also adopted a Code of Ethics (Reave's Code), which governs the personal trading activities of all employees of the Subadvisor. Reave's Code is based upon the principal that employees must avoid serving their own personal interests ahead of the interests of the clients. Reave's Code permits employees to invest in securities, including securities held by the Fund, subject to specific conditions. Trades for all personal and related accounts will be approved on a trade by trade basis prior to the order being placed. The trade will only be approved if the security is not held by the Fund or if it already has an established position in the Fund's portfolio. The trade will not be approved when the security is in the process of being established in, or liquidated from, the Fund's portfolio. Under no condition will an employee receive a better price on a security than the Fund receives, on orders placed on the same day. All short-term trades for personal or related accounts with a holding period of less than 60 days (Short-Term Trades) must be reviewed by the Compliance Officer. Reave's Code also provides several situations in which employees are prohibited from investing in securities. Portfolio managers and research analysts taking same direction transactions for their personal or related accounts (within his or her sector of responsibility) within seven calendar days of the establishment or liquidation of a position in the same security, or equivalent security, by an advisory account is prohibited, as well as Short-Term Trades. In addition, an employee who is a trader in a stock in which the firm is a market maker may not purchase or sell, for his or her personal or related account, any security in which he or she makes a market or any related financial instrument. ENERGY FUND The Advisor has entered into a Subadvisory Agreement with Scarborough Investment Advisers, LLC ("Subadvisor") with respect to the Energy Fund. Under the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadvisor furnishes investment advisory and portfolio management services to the Fund with respect to its investments. The Subadvisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell the Fund's investments and all other transactions related to investment and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any, except that the Advisor is responsible for managing the cash equivalent investments maintained by the Fund in the ordinary course of its business and which, on average, are expected to equal approximately five percent of the Fund's total assets. During the term of the Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadvisor will bear all expenses incurred by it in connection with its services under the Subadvisory Agreement. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on 60 days written notice to the Subadvisor. The Subadvisory Agreement may also be terminated by the Advisor for breach upon 20 days notice, immediately in the event that the Subadvisor becomes unable to discharge its duties and obligations, and upon 60 days notice for any reason. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated by the Subadvisor upon 180 days notice for any reason. The Subadvisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its unauthorized assignment. The Subadvisory Agreement requires the Advisor, not the Fund, to pay the Subadvisor a fee, computed and paid monthly, at an annual rate of (i) 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net asset value on the first $250 million of the Fund's net assets, (ii) 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net asset value on the Fund's net assets over $250 million and up to $1.25 billion, and (iii) 0.35% of the Fund's average daily net asset value on the Fund's net assets over $1.25 billion. The continuation of the Subadvisory Agreement was last approved by the Board of Directors on May 4, 2001. In its review, the Board of Directors was provided materials relating to and considered and evaluated, with respect to each Fund, (i) the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement; (ii) the fees and expenses that would be paid by the Fund as compared to the fees and expenses paid by similar funds managed by other investment advisers; and (iii) the historical investment performance of the Fund, as compared to the performance of other funds currently available in the market not advised or managed by the Subadvisor, but having a similar investment focus and asset composition. On the basis of its review and analysis of the foregoing, the Board of Directors found that the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement were fair and reasonable and in the best interest of shareholders. The Subadvisor received the following subadvisory fees from the Advisor for the time periods indicated.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SUBADVISORY FEE ($) ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------- 10/31/98 $26,683 10/31/99 $28,076 10/31/00 $36,185 12/31/00(1) $9,884
(1) For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. The Subadvisor has adopted a Code of Ethics (Scarborough's Code), which governs the personal trading activities of all "Access Persons" of the Subadvisor. Access Persons include any officer or employee of Scarborough, who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of a security by the Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales of Scarborough Investment Advisers. Scarborough's Code is based upon the principal that it is the duty at all times to place the interests of Fund shareholders first. Scarborough's Code permits employees to invest in securities for his or her own account, or the account of an immediate family member, only through the use of a broker-dealer. Every employee and immediate family member must also obtain prior approval from the Chief Investment Officer before executing any personal securities transactions for his or her own account. A securities transaction will only be approved if no registered investment company or series thereof for which Scarborough is subadvisor (Investment Company) has a pending "buy" or "sell"' order in, if it does not appear on any "restricted" list of Scarborough, and if such transaction is not short selling or option trading that is economically opposite any pending transaction for any Investment Company. After preclearance has been granted, the Compliance Department will continue to monitor any activity to ascertain that such activity conforms to the preclearance granted and the provisions of Scarborough's Code. Scarborough's Code also lists several restrictions to the trades of employees and immediate family members. Such persons are prohibited from acquiring any securities in an initial public offering, and from acquiring securities in private placements without prior written approval. In addition, the decision to purchase securities of a related issuer for a trust or fund is subject to an independent review by investment personnel with no personal interest in the related issuer. ADMINISTRATOR Effective November 30, 2001, the Fund entered into an administration agreement ("Administration Agreement") with Strong Investor Services, Inc. ("Administrator"), for administration services to the Fund that previously were provided by the Advisor under the same terms and conditions as the Administration Agreement. Each Fund, except the Balanced Stock Fund, which only offers Investor Class shares, has adopted a Rule 18f-3 Plan under the 1940 Act ("Multi-Class Plan"). The Multi-Class Plan permits the Fund to have multiple classes of shares. Each multi-classed Fund has entered into separate Administration Agreements with the Administrator for each of its separate class of shares. The Growth and Income Fund is permitted to offer four classes of shares: Investor Class shares, Advisor Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Class K shares. The Blue Chip Fund is permitted to offer two classes of shares: Investor Class and Advisor Class shares. The Dividend Income Fund currently offers two classes of shares: Investor Class shares and Class K shares. The Balanced, and Energy Funds currently offer only one class of shares: Investor Class shares. The fees received and the services provided by the Administrator are in addition to fees received and services provided by the Administrator under the Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement. ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT - INVESTOR CLASS Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides or makes provision for certain administrative functions for the Investor Class shares of the Fund, including: (i) authorizing expenditures and approving bills for payment on behalf of the Fund and the Investor Class shares; (ii) supervising preparation of the periodic updating of the Fund's registration statements with respect to the Investor Class shares, including Investor Class prospectuses and statements of additional information, for the purpose of filings with the SEC and state securities administrators and monitoring and maintaining the effectiveness of such filings, as appropriate; (iii) supervising preparation of shareholder reports, notices of dividends, capital gains distributions and tax credits for the Fund's Investor Class shareholders, and attending to routine correspondence and other communications with individual Investor Class shareholders; (iv) supervising the daily pricing of the Fund's investment portfolios and the publication of the respective net asset values of the Investor Class shares of the Fund, earnings reports and other financial data; (v) monitoring relationships with organizations providing services to the Fund, with respect to the Investor Class shares, including the Custodian, DST and printers; (vi) supervising compliance by the Fund, with respect to the Investor Class Shares, with recordkeeping requirements under the 1940 Act and regulations thereunder, maintaining books and records for the Fund (other than those maintained by the Custodian and the Fund's transfer agent) and preparing and filing of tax reports other than the Fund's income tax returns; (vii) answering shareholder inquiries regarding account status and history, the manner in which purchases and redemptions of the Investor Class shares may be effected, and certain other matters pertaining to the Investor Class shares; (viii) assisting shareholders in designating and changing dividend options, account designations and addresses; (ix) providing necessary personnel and facilities to coordinate the establishment and maintenance of shareholder accounts and records with the Fund's transfer agent; (x) transmitting shareholders' purchase and redemption orders to the Fund's transfer agent; (xi) arranging for the wiring or other transfer of funds to and from shareholder accounts in connection with shareholder orders to purchase or redeem Investor Class shares; (xii) verifying purchase and redemption orders, transfers among and changes in shareholder-designated accounts; (xiii) informing the distributor of the gross amount of purchase and redemption orders for Investor Class shares; and (xiv) providing such other related services as the Fund or a shareholder may reasonably request, to the extent permitted by applicable law. For its services for the Investor Class shares of the Fund under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator receives a fee from the Fund at the annual rate of 0.30% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Investor Class shares. This fee is computed and payable daily or as otherwise agreed by the Fund and the Administrator. Prior to July 23, 2001, the Advisor received a fee from the Fund at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Investor Class shares. Prior to April 12, 2001, the fee was computed and payable monthly or as otherwise agreed by the Fund and the Advisor. ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT - ADVISOR CLASS Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides or makes provision for certain administrative functions for the Advisor Class shares of the Fund, including: (i) authorizing expenditures and approving bills for payment on behalf of the Fund and the Advisor Class shares; (ii) supervising preparation of the periodic updating of the Fund's registration statements with respect to the Advisor Class shares, including Advisor Class prospectuses and statements of additional information, for the purpose of filings with the SEC and state securities administrators and monitoring and maintaining the effectiveness of such filings, as appropriate; (iii) supervising preparation of shareholder reports, notices of dividends, capital gains distributions and tax credits for the Fund's Advisor Class shareholders, and attending to routine correspondence and other communications with individual shareholders; (iv) supervising the daily pricing of the Fund's investment portfolios and the publication of the respective net asset values of the Advisor Class shares of the Fund, earnings reports and other financial data; (v) monitoring relationships with organizations providing services to the Fund, with respect to the Advisor Class shares, including the Custodian, DST and printers; (vi) supervising compliance by the Fund, with respect to the Advisor Class shares, with recordkeeping requirements under the 1940 Act and regulations thereunder, maintaining books and records for the Fund (other than those maintained by the Custodian and the Fund's transfer agent) and preparing and filing of tax reports other than the Fund's income tax returns; (vii) providing necessary personnel and facilities to coordinate the establishment and maintenance of shareholder accounts and records with the Fund's transfer agent; (viii) transmitting shareholders' purchase and redemption orders to the Fund's transfer agent; (ix) arranging for the wiring or other transfer of funds to and from shareholder accounts in connection with shareholder orders to purchase or redeem Advisor Class shares; (x) verifying purchase and redemption orders, transfers among and changes in shareholder-designated accounts; (xi) informing the distributor of the gross amount of purchase and redemption orders for Advisor Class shares; and (xii) providing such other related services as the Fund or a shareholder may reasonably request, to the extent permitted by applicable law. For its services for the Advisor Class shares of the Fund under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator receives a fee from the Fund at the annual rate of 0.30% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Advisor Class shares. This fee is computed and payable daily or as otherwise agreed by the Fund and the Administrator. Prior to July 23, 2001, the Advisor received a fee from the Fund at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Advisor Class shares. Prior to April 12, 2001, the fee was computed and payable monthly or as otherwise agreed by the Fund and the Advisor. ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT - INSTITUTIONAL CLASS Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides or makes provision for certain administrative functions for the Institutional Class shares of the Fund, including: (i) authorizing expenditures and approving bills for payment on behalf of the Fund and the Institutional Class shares; (ii) supervising preparation of the periodic updating of the Fund's registration statements with respect to the Institutional Class shares, including Institutional Class prospectuses and statements of additional information, for the purpose of filings with the SEC and state securities administrators and monitoring and maintaining the effectiveness of such filings, as appropriate; (iii) supervising preparation of shareholder reports, notices of dividends, capital gains distributions and tax credits for the Fund's Institutional Class shareholders, and attending to routine correspondence and other communications with individual shareholders; (iv) supervising the daily pricing of the Fund's investment portfolios and the publication of the respective net asset values of the Institutional Class shares of the Fund, earnings reports and other financial data; (v) monitoring relationships with organizations providing services to the Fund, with respect to the Institutional Class shares, including the Custodian, DST and printers; (vi) supervising compliance by the Fund, with respect to the Institutional Class shares, with recordkeeping requirements under the 1940 Act and regulations thereunder, maintaining books and records for the Fund (other than those maintained by the Custodian and the Fund's transfer agent) and preparing and filing of tax reports other than the Fund's income tax returns; (vii) transmitting shareholders' purchase and redemption orders to the Fund's transfer agent; (viii) arranging for the wiring or other transfer of funds to and from shareholder accounts in connection with shareholder orders to purchase or redeem Institutional Class shares; (ix) verifying purchase and redemption orders, transfers among and changes in shareholder-designated accounts; (x) informing the distributor of the gross amount of purchase and redemption orders for Institutional Class shares; and (xi) providing such other related services as the Fund or a shareholder may reasonably request, to the extent permitted by applicable law. For its services for the Institutional Class shares of the Fund under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator receives a fee from the Fund at the annual rate of 0.02% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Institutional Class shares. This fee is computed and payable daily or as otherwise agreed by the Fund and the Administrator. Prior to April 12, 2001, the fee was computed and payable monthly or as otherwise agreed by the Fund and the Advisor. The fund paid the following administrative fees for the time periods indicated. NOTE: THE FOLLOWING TABLE DOES NOT CONTAIN INFORMATION ON THE INVESTOR CLASS SHARES OF THE BALANCED STOCK FUND BECAUSE THOSE SHARES WERE NOT SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATION FEES UNTIL JUNE 12, 2001.
ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FISCAL YEAR ENDED ADMINISTRATIVE FEE ($) WAIVER($) AFTER WAIVER ($) ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Balanced Fund - Investor Class(1) 10/31/00(2) $614,824 0 $614,824 12/31/00(3) $149,555 0 $149,555 Blue Chip Fund - Investor Class(1) 10/31/00(2) $1,038,895 0 $1,038,895 12/31/00(3) $228,431 0 $228,431 Blue Chip Fund - Advisor Class(4) 10/31/00(2) $53 0 $53 12/31/00(3) $309 0 $309 Dividend Income Fund - Investor Class(1) 10/31/00(2) $367,862 0 $367,862 12/31/00(3) $116,493 0 $116,493 Energy Fund - Investor Class(1) 10/31/00(2) $14,589 0 $14,589 12/31/00(3) $5,224 0 $5,224 Growth and Income Fund - Investor Class(1) 10/31/00(2) $1,979,847 0 $1,979,847 12/31/00(3) $487,177 0 $487,177 Growth and Income Fund - Advisor Class(4) 10/31/00(2) $297 0 $297 12/31/00(3) $571 0 $571 Growth and Income Fund - Institutional Class(4) 10/31/00(2) $57 0 $57 12/31/00(3) $537 0 $537
(1) First applicable on February 29, 2000. (2) For the eight-month fiscal period ended October 31, 2000. (3) For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. (4) First offered on February 29, 2000. DISTRIBUTOR Under a Distribution Agreement with the Fund ("Distribution Agreement"), Strong Investments, Inc. ("Distributor"), P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, WI 53201, acts as underwriter of the Fund's shares. The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor will use its best efforts to distribute the Fund's shares. The Distribution Agreement further provides that the Distributor will bear the additional costs of printing prospectuses and shareholder reports that are used for selling purposes, as well as advertising and any other costs attributable to the distribution of the Fund's shares. The Distributor is an affiliated company of the Advisor. The Distribution Agreement is subject to the same termination and renewal provisions as are described above with respect to the Advisory Agreement. The shares of the fund are offered on a "no-load" basis, which means that no sales commissions are charged on the purchases of those shares. Pursuant to a distribution plan adopted on behalf of the Advisor Class shares of the Growth and Income Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 ("Rule 12b-1 Plan") under the 1940 Act, the Distribution Agreement for the Advisor Class shares of these Funds authorizes the Fund to bear the costs of preparing and mailing prospectuses and shareholder reports that are used for selling purposes as well as advertising and other costs attributable to the distribution of those shares. Under the Distribution Agreement for the Advisor Class shares of the Fund, payments to the Distributor under the Rule 12b-1 Plan are limited to payment at an annual rate equal of 0.25% of average daily net assets attributable to Advisor Class shares. The Distributor has adopted a Code of Ethics. See the Investment Advisor section for details. From time to time, the Distributor may hold in-house sales incentive programs for its associated persons under which these persons may receive compensation awards in connection with the sale and distribution of the Fund's shares. These awards may include items such as, but not limited to, cash, gifts, merchandise, gift certificates, and payment of travel expenses, meals, and lodging. Any in-house sales incentive program will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). THE FOLLOWING SECTION APPLIES TO THE ADVISOR CLASS SHARES OF THE BLUE CHIP FUND AND THE GROWTH AND INCOME FUND ONLY. DISTRIBUTION PLAN The Fund has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, on behalf of the Advisor Class shares of the Fund. The Rule 12b-1 Plan authorizes the Fund, with respect to its Advisor Class shares, to make payments to the Distributor in connection with the distribution of its Advisor Class shares at an annual rate of up to 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to its Advisor Class shares. However, under the Distribution Agreement for the Advisor Class shares of the Fund, payments to the Distributor under the Rule 12b-1 Plan are limited to payment at an annual rate equal of 0.25% of average daily net assets attributable to Advisor Class shares. Amounts received by the Distributor under the Distribution Agreement for the Advisor Class shares of the Fund may be spent by the Distributor for any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Advisor Class shares or the servicing of shareholders, including, but not limited to: compensation and expenses, including overhead and telephone expenses, of employees of the Distributor who engage in or support the distribution of Advisor Class shares; printing and distribution of prospectuses, statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, and shareholder reports to persons other than existing shareholders; preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials; holding seminars and sales meetings with wholesale and retail sales personnel, which are designed to promote the distribution of Advisor Class shares; and compensation of broker-dealers. The Distributor may determine the services to be provided by the broker-dealer to shareholders in connection with the sale of Advisor Class shares. All or any portion of the compensation paid to the Distributor may be reallocated by the Distributor to broker-dealers who sell Advisor Class shares. The Rule 12b-1 Plan is known as a "compensation" plan because payments under the Rule 12b-1 Plan are made for services rendered to the Fund with respect to its Advisor Class shares regardless of the level of expenditures by the Distributor. The Board of Directors of the Fund, however, will take into account any expenditures made by the Distributor for purposes of both their quarterly review of the operation of the Rule 12b-1 Plan and in connection with their annual consideration of the Rule12b-1 Plan's renewal. The Rule 12b-1 Plan will continue in effect from year to year, provided that such continuance is approved annually by a vote of the Board of Directors of the Fund, and a majority of the Directors of the Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Rule 12b-1 Plan or any agreements related to the Rule 12b-1 Plan ("Rule 12b-1 Independent Directors"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Rule 12b-1 Plan. The Rule 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for the services described in the Rule 12b-1 Plan without the approval of the Advisor Class shareholders of the Fund, and all material amendments to the Rule 12b-1 Plan must also be approved by the Directors in the manner described above. The Rule 12b-1 Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of a penalty, by a vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Independent Directors, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) on not more than 60 days' written notice to any other party to the Rule 12b-1 Plan. The Board of Directors of the Fund and the Rule 12b-1 Independent Directors have determined that, in their judgment, there is a reasonable likelihood that the Rule 12b-1 Plan will benefit the Fund and its Advisor Class shareholders. Under the Rule 12b-1 Plan, the Distributor will provide the Board of Directors of the Fund and the Directors will review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended under the Rule 12b-1 Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. As part of their quarterly review of the Rule 12b-1 Plan, the Directors will consider the continued appropriateness of the Rule 12b-1 Plan and the level of compensation provided thereunder. The Fund paid the following distribution and service fees under its Rule 12b-1 Plan:
RETAINED BY FISCAL YEAR ENDED PAID BY FUND DISTRIBUTORS PAID TO DEALERS -------------------------------- ------------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------------------- Blue Chip Fund - Advisor Class(1) 10/31/00(2) $53 0 $53 12/31/00(3) $309 0 $309 Growth and Income Fund - Advisor Class(1) 10/31/00(2) $297 0 $297 12/31/00(3) $571 0 $571
--------------------------------- (1) First offered on February 29, 2000. (2) For the eight-month fiscal period ended October 31, 2000. (3) For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE The Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's investment business and the negotiation of the commissions to be paid on such transactions. References in this section to the Advisor also refer to the Subadvisor unless indicated otherwise. It is the policy of the Advisor to seek the best execution at the best security price available with respect to each transaction, in light of the overall quality of brokerage and research services provided to the Advisor or the Fund. In OTC transactions, orders are placed directly with a principal market maker unless it is believed that a better price and execution can be obtained using a broker. The best price to the Fund means the best net price without regard to the mix between purchase or sale price and commissions, if any. In selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Advisor considers a variety of factors, including best price and execution, the full range of brokerage services provided by the broker, as well as its capital strength and stability, and the quality of the research and research services provided by the broker. Brokerage will not be allocated based on the sale of any shares of the Strong Funds. The Advisor has adopted procedures that provide generally for the Advisor to seek to bunch orders for the purchase or sale of the same security for the Fund, other mutual funds managed by the Advisor, and other advisory clients (collectively, "client accounts"). The Advisor will bunch orders when it deems it to be appropriate and in the best interest of the client accounts. When a bunched order is filled in its entirety, each participating client account will participate at the average share price for the bunched order on the same business day, and transaction costs shall be shared pro rata based on each client's participation in the bunched order. When a bunched order is only partially filled, the securities purchased will be allocated on a pro rata basis to each client account participating in the bunched order based upon the initial amount requested for the account, subject to certain exceptions, and each participating account will participate at the average share price for the bunched order on the same business day. Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, ("Section 28(e)") permits an investment advisor, under certain circumstances, to cause an account to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. Brokerage and research services include (1) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (2) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of accounts; and (3) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody). In carrying out the provisions of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor may cause the Fund to pay a broker, who provides brokerage and research services to the Advisor, a commission for effecting a securities transaction in excess of the amount another broker would have charged for effecting the transaction. The Advisor believes it is important to its investment decision-making process to have access to independent research. The Advisory Agreement provides that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund unless (1) the Advisor determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the services in terms of the particular transaction or in terms of the Advisor's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which it exercises investment discretion; (2) such payment is made in compliance with the provisions of Section 28(e), other applicable state and federal laws, and the Advisory Agreement; and (3) in the opinion of the Advisor, the total commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long term. The investment management fee paid by the Fund under the Advisory Agreement is not reduced as a result of the Advisor's receipt of research services. To request a copy of the Advisor's Soft Dollar Practices, please call 1-800-368-3863. The Advisor may engage in "step-out" and "give-up" brokerage transactions subject to best price and execution. In a step-out or give-up trade, an investment advisor directs trades to a broker-dealer who executes the transactions while a second broker-dealer clears and settles part or all of the transaction. The first broker-dealer then shares part of its commission with the second broker-dealer. The Advisor engages in step-out and give-up transactions primarily (1) to satisfy directed brokerage arrangements of certain of its client accounts and/or (2) to pay commissions to broker-dealers who supply research or analytical services. When deemed appropriate or advisable by the Advisor, registered mutual funds managed by the Advisor ("Strong Fund") may purchase from, or sell to, any other Strong Fund, a portfolio security that is consistent with the fund's investment objectives, policies and limitations. Such trades between mutual funds are conducted pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These transactions may benefit the Strong Funds by providing them with greater investment flexibility, including the ability to invest or raise cash without incurring transaction costs. The Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, has approved procedures governing these transactions with respect to all of the Strong Funds. Generally, research services provided by brokers may include information on the economy, industries, groups of securities, individual companies, statistical information, accounting and tax law interpretations, political developments, legal developments affecting portfolio securities, technical market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk measurement analysis, performance analysis, and analysis of corporate responsibility issues. Such research services are received primarily in the form of written reports, telephone contacts, and personal meetings with security analysts. In addition, such research services may be provided in the form of access to various computer-generated data, computer hardware and software, and meetings arranged with corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians, and government representatives. In some cases, research services are generated by third parties but are provided to the Advisor by or through brokers. Such brokers may pay for all or a portion of computer hardware and software costs relating to the pricing of securities. Where the Advisor itself receives both administrative benefits and research and brokerage services from the services provided by brokers, it makes a good faith allocation between the administrative benefits and the research and brokerage services, and will pay for any administrative benefits with cash. In making good faith allocations between administrative benefits and research and brokerage services, a conflict of interest may exist by reason of the Advisor's allocation of the costs of such benefits and services between those that primarily benefit the Advisor and those that primarily benefit the Fund and other advisory clients. From time to time, the Advisor may purchase new issues of securities for the Fund in a fixed income price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling the securities to the Fund and other advisory clients, provide the Advisor with research. The NASD has adopted rules expressly permitting these types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the seller will provide research "credits" in these situations at a rate that is higher than that which is available for typical secondary market transactions. These arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e). At least annually, the Advisor considers the amount and nature of research and research services provided by brokers, as well as the extent to which such services are relied upon, and attempts to allocate a portion of the brokerage business of the Fund and other advisory clients on the basis of that consideration. In addition, brokers may suggest a level of business they would like to receive in order to continue to provide such services. The actual brokerage business received by a broker may be more or less than the suggested allocations, depending upon the Advisor's evaluation of all applicable considerations. The Advisor has informal arrangements with various brokers whereby, in consideration for providing research services and subject to Section 28(e), the Advisor allocates brokerage to those firms, provided that the value of any research and brokerage services was reasonable in relationship to the amount of commission paid and was subject to best execution. In no case will the Advisor make binding commitments as to the level of brokerage commissions it will allocate to a broker, nor will it commit to pay cash if any informal targets are not met. The Advisor anticipates it will continue to enter into such brokerage arrangements. The Advisor may direct the purchase of securities on behalf of the Fund and other advisory clients in secondary market transactions, in public offerings directly from an underwriter, or in privately negotiated transactions with an issuer. When the Advisor believes the circumstances so warrant, securities purchased in public offerings may be resold shortly after acquisition in the immediate aftermarket for the security in order to take advantage of price appreciation from the public offering price or for other reasons. Short-term trading of securities acquired in public offerings, or otherwise, may result in higher portfolio turnover and associated brokerage expenses. With respect to the Fund's foreign equity investing, the Advisor is responsible for selecting brokers in connection with foreign securities transactions. The fixed commissions paid in connection with most foreign stock transactions are usually higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. stock transactions. Foreign stock exchanges and brokers are subject to less government supervision and regulation as compared with the U.S. exchanges and brokers. In addition, foreign security settlements may in some instances be subject to delays and related administrative uncertainties. The Advisor places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts, including other mutual funds managed by the Advisor. Research services furnished by firms through which the Fund effects its securities transactions may be used by the Advisor in servicing all of its accounts; not all of such services may be used by the Advisor in connection with the Fund. In the opinion of the Advisor, it is not possible to measure separately the benefits from research services to each of the accounts managed by the Advisor. Because the volume and nature of the trading activities of the accounts are not uniform, the amount of commissions in excess of those charged by another broker paid by each account for brokerage and research services will vary. However, in the opinion of the Advisor, such costs to the Fund will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the Fund on a continuing basis. The Advisor seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund and another advisory account. In some cases, this procedure could have an adverse effect on the price or the amount of securities available to the Fund. In making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the main factors considered by the Advisor are the respective investment objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment, the size of investment commitments generally held, and the opinions of the persons responsible for recommending the investment. From time to time, the Advisor may invest for a client in securities being offered in an initial public offering ("IPO"), if the portfolio manager team responsible for the account believes the investment is appropriate and desirable for that client. In making this judgment, the team generally considers, among other things, the client's investment objectives and restrictions, tolerance for risk and high portfolio turnover and tax situation; the investment merits of the IPO; the account's current holdings and the availability of funds to make the investment; whether a meaningful position in the IPO securities could be obtained for the account; and expected transaction and other costs to the client making the investment. The team also may consider the account's past participation in IPOs and secondary offerings; brokerage commissions and mark-ups or mark-downs generated by trading for the account; and any other indicators of the client's contribution to the availability of the IPO investment opportunity. After weighing these and other relevant factors, the portfolio manager team may decide to invest in a particular IPO for some but not all clients, or for no clients. IPO investments made by a team for two or more clients may be in amounts that are not equal or proportionate to the participating account's asset size. Other portfolio manager teams may make different investment decisions for their clients about the same IPO. When a Fund is small, IPOs may greatly increase the Fund's total returns. But, as the Fund grows larger, the Fund is unlikely to achieve the same level of returns from IPOs. Investing in IPOs is risky, and the prices of stocks purchased in IPOs tend to fluctuate more widely than stocks of more established companies. "Hot issues" are IPOs that trade at a premium when secondary market trading begins. Typically, the demand for "hot issues" exceeds the supply, and the amount of any "hot issue" IPO made available to an investment manager like the Advisor usually is limited. In addition, IPO underwriters tend to offer "hot issues" on a priority basis to investors that have invested or are likely to invest in other offerings underwritten by the same firm or that have executed a significant volume of trades through the firm. A portfolio manager team may buy larger amounts of "hot issue" IPOs for those clients whose past trading, investing and other activities have contributed to the availability of specific "hot issue" IPOs or "hot issue" IPOs generally to the Advisor. Each portfolio manager team places its clients' orders for a particular IPO with the Advisor's trading desk, and the trading desk seeks to fill those orders together. If the trading desk is not able to obtain the total amount of securities needed to fill all orders, the shares actually obtained are allocated by the trading desk among the participating portfolio manager teams in accordance with pre-established percentages for each team. The trading desk then reallocates each team's percentage among those team clients participating in the order PRO RATA according to the number of shares ordered for each client, subject to rounding up or down to eliminate odd lots or de minimis amounts. The percentages of each limited availability IPO, typically a "hot issue," allocated to each team are fixed in advance, based on the amount of assets under management by each team and other indicators of a team's overall contribution to IPO deal flow, including brokerage generated and the team's overall trading and investing pattern. Team allocation percentages are periodically reevaluated and adjusted if appropriate, generally at intervals of six months or more. In addition, a separate, fixed portion of the percentage allocation of the portfolio manager team that manages the Advisor's private investment companies, or "hedge funds," is specifically designated to go to the hedge funds. Like the team level allocations, the amount designated for the hedge funds is determined in advance and is subject to periodic reevaluation and adjustment. It is designed to recognize the significant contribution made by the trading and investing of the hedge funds to IPO deal flow to the Advisor. The Advisor's policy and procedures for allocating IPO investment opportunities, including "hot issues," are designed to ensure that all clients are treated fairly and equitably over time. The Advisor does not, however, allocate IPO investment opportunities among its clients in equal amounts or PRO RATA based on the size of an account's assets. Under the Advisor's IPO allocation procedures, certain clients, including the hedge funds, may receive a greater share than other clients (in proportion to the size of their account assets) of the IPO investment opportunities available to the Advisor, including "hot issue" IPOs. These differences in IPO allocations result from, among other things, (1) different judgments made by each portfolio manager team at the time an IPO investment opportunity arises as to whether it would be a desirable and appropriate investment for each particular client and (2) the fact that the Advisor's IPO allocation procedures permit those clients who contribute more to "hot issue" deal flow to receive greater allocations of limited availability "hot issue" IPOs in proportion to the size of their accounts than may be allocated to other clients. The Advisor also has a policy of blocking further purchases of IPOs for certain client accounts when the portion of the account's total return for the trailing four-calendar-quarter period-to-date that is attributable to IPO investments exceeds certain percentage limits. The restriction remains in place until IPO-driven performance falls below the percentage limits. This policy is designed to help ensure that the Advisor does not attract separate account clients or fund investors on the basis of IPO-driven performance that the Advisor may not be able to sustain or replicate. The blocking policy is applied only to those registered investment companies and separate account clients whose performance is advertised or included in composites of account performance used to market the Advisor's services. The hedge funds managed by the Advisor are not subject to these limits. The Advisor's policies and procedures generally result in greater IPO allocations (as a percentage of client assets under management) to the hedge funds and to other clients whose accounts are actively traded, have high portfolio turnover rates or invest heavily in all types of IPOs and secondary offerings. As do the hedge funds, these clients may pay the Advisor higher account management fees, including performance fees. Transactions in futures contracts are executed through futures commission merchants ("FCMs"). The Fund's procedures in selecting FCMs to execute the Fund's transactions in futures contracts are similar to those in effect with respect to brokerage transactions in securities. At such time as the Advisor deems it advisable, the Fund may participate in a program with State Street Brokerage Services, Inc. ("State Street Brokerage") under which the Fund would receive a credit for part of the brokerage commission paid in any brokerage transaction directed to participating brokers. The credit is applied to Fund expenses payable to the Fund's third-party service providers other than the Advisor or its affiliates. The credit may be applied to the fees of the Fund's custodian, which is an affiliate of State Street Brokerage. Neither the Advisor nor its affiliates receive any direct or indirect benefit from this arrangement. The Fund paid the following brokerage commissions for the time periods indicated:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS ($) ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------- Balanced Fund 10/31/98 530,274 10/31/99 170,667 10/31/00 274,330 12/31/00(1) 81,721 Balanced Stock Fund 9/30/98(2) 15,399 9/30/99 19,907 9/30/00 9,824 12/31/00(3) 174 Blue Chip Fund 10/31/98 29,075 10/31/99 416,604 10/31/00 362,245 12/31/00(1) 111,085 Dividend Income Fund 10/31/98 410,867 10/31/99 488,513 10/31/00 673,582 12/31/00(1) 77,334 Energy Fund 10/31/98 15,465 10/31/99 16,957 10/31/00 20,975 12/31/00(1) 5,636 Growth and Income Fund 10/31/98 904,787 10/31/99 963,568 10/31/00 2,348,258 12/31/00(1) 638,741
(1) For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. (2) For the nine-month fiscal period ended September 30, 1998. (3) For the three-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. With respect to the Dividend Income Fund only, because Reaves is a member of the NYSE, it expects to act as a broker for transactions in the Fund's securities. In order for Reaves to effect any portfolio transactions for the Fund on an exchange, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by Reaves must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on an exchange during a comparable period of time. This standard allows Reaves to receive no more than the remuneration that would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker in a commensurate arm's-length transaction. For the periods indicated in the brokerage commission table above, the Fund paid Reaves the full amount of the brokerage commissions indicated in the table. The payments made to Reaves during the indicated time periods represented 99.9% of the Fund's aggregate brokerage commissions. For the period November 1, 1999 to December 31, 2000, 99.9% of the Fund's aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions were effected through W.H. Reaves and Company, Inc.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS PAID TO REAVES($) ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------- 10/31/98 410,867 10/31/99 488,513 10/31/00 673,402 12/31/00(1) 77,334
(1) For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. Unless otherwise noted below, the Fund has not acquired securities of its regular brokers or dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents.
REGULAR BROKER OR DEALER (OR PARENT) ISSUER VALUE OF SECURITIES OWNED AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------- J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. $1,808,000 (Balanced) Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. $9,021,000 (Balanced) Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter & Co. $4,755,000 (Balanced) Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. $24,651,000 (Blue Chip) Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter & Co. $2,948,000 (Blue Chip) Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. $1,827,000 (Blue Chip) Goldman, Sachs & Co. $1,583,000 (Blue Chip) Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. $38,169,000 (Growth and Income) Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter & Co. $26,787,000 (Growth and Income)
CUSTODIAN As custodian of the Fund's assets, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64105, has custody of all securities and cash of the Fund, delivers and receives payment for securities sold, receives and pays for securities purchased, collects income from investments, and performs other duties, all as directed by officers of the Fund. The custodian is in no way responsible for any of the investment policies or decisions of the Fund. TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT The Administrator, P.O. Box 2936, Milwaukee, WI 53201, acts as transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent for the Fund. The Administrator is compensated as follows:
-------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND TYPE/SHARE CLASS FEE(1) -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investor Class shares $27.00 annual open account fee, $4.20 annual closed account fee. -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advisor Class shares 0.20% of the average daily net asset value of all Advisor Class shares. -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Institutional Class shares 0.015% of the average daily net asset value of all Institutional Class shares. -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) PLUS OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES, SUCH AS POSTAGE AND PRINTING EXPENSES IN CONNECTION WITH SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS. The fees received and the services provided by the Administrator as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund are in addition to those received and provided by the Administrator under the Administration Agreement. The fees received and services provided as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent are in addition to those received and provided by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreements. From time to time, the Fund, directly or indirectly through arrangements with the Administrator, and/or the Administrator may pay fees to third parties that provide transfer agent type services and other administrative services to persons who beneficially own interests in the Fund, such as participants in 401(k) plans and shareholders who invest through other financial intermediaries. These services may include, among other things, sub-accounting services, transfer agent type activities, answering inquiries relating to the Fund, transmitting proxy statements, annual reports, updated prospectuses, other communications regarding the Fund, and related services as the Fund or beneficial owners may reasonably request. In such cases, the Fund will not pay fees based on the number of beneficial owners at a rate that is greater than the rate the Fund is currently paying the Administrator for providing these services to Fund shareholders; however, the Administrator may pay to the third party amounts in excess of such limitation out of its own profits. The Fund paid the following amounts for the time periods indicated for transfer agency and dividend disbursing and printing and mailing services:
OUT-OF-POCKET PRINTING/MAILING TOTAL COST AFTER FUND FEE ($) EXPENSES ($) SERVICES ($) WAIVER ($) WAIVER ($) --------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Balanced Fund - Investor Class 10/31/98 549,162 42,169 5,796 0 597,127 10/31/99 603,750 57,314 4,175 0 665,239 10/31/00 665,047 34,929 1,907 0 701,883 12/31/00(1) 125,686 1,039 0 0 126,725 Balanced Stock Fund - Investor Class 9/30/98(2) 19,675 3,601 232 7,823 15,685 9//30/99 26,583 6,367 198 413 32,735 9/30/00 20,490 3,947 83 7,263 17,257 12/30/00(3) 4,875 0 6,750 4,443 7,182 Blue Chip Fund - Investor Class 10/31/98 89,060 14,039 1,230 52,540 51,789 10/31/99 909,100 128,550 6,062 0 1,043,712 10/31/00 1,463,258 109,011 5,059 0 1,577,328 12/31/00(1) 264,960 4,212 0 0 269,172 Blue Chip Fund - Advisor Class(4) 10/31/00(5) 42 1 0 0 43 12/31/00(1) 247 0 0 0 247 Dividend Income Fund - Investor Class 10/31/98 361,440 27,101 2,816 0 391,357 10/31/99 465,020 42,604 2,796 0 570,420 10/31/00 422,380 20,836 1,114 0 444,330 12/31/00(1) 80,772 622 0 0 81,394 Energy Fund - Investor Class 10/31/98 8,916 2,962 98 0 11,976 10/31/99 14,488 2,337 96 128 16,793 10/31/00 22,031 2,956 49 0 25,036 12/31/00(1) 10,203 760 0 0 10,963 Growth and Income Fund - Investor Class 10/31/98 725,914 79,134 9,198 0 814,246 10/31/99 1,510,500 171,490 10,404 0 1,692,394 10/31/00 2,289,133 133,893 6,446 0 2,429,472 12/31/00(1) 420,729 4,778 0 0 425,507 Growth and Income Fund - Advisor Class(4) 10/31/00(5) 238 1 0 0 239 12/31/00(1) 456 0 0 0 456 Growth and Income Fund - Institutional Class(4) 10/31/00(5) 43 49 0 0 92 12/31/00(1) 403 47 0 0 450
(1) For the two-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. (2) For the nine-month fiscal period ended September 30, 1998. (3) For the three-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2000. (4) First offered on February 29, 2000. (5) For the eight-month fiscal period ended October 31, 2000. TAXES GENERAL The Fund intends to qualify annually for treatment as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the IRC. If so qualified, the Fund will not be liable for federal income tax on earnings and gains distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner. This qualification does not involve government supervision of the Fund's management practices or policies. The following federal tax discussion is intended to provide you with an overview of the impact of federal income tax provisions on the Fund or its shareholders. These tax provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action at the federal, state, or local level, and any changes may be applied retroactively. Any such action that limits or restricts the Fund's current ability to pass-through earnings without taxation at the Fund level, or otherwise materially changes the Fund's tax treatment, could adversely affect the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. Because the Fund's taxes are a complex matter, you should consult your tax adviser for more detailed information concerning the taxation of the Fund and the federal, state, and local tax consequences to shareholders of an investment in the Fund. In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the IRC, the Fund must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (consisting generally of taxable net investment income, net short-term capital gains, and net gains from certain foreign currency transactions, if applicable) ("Distribution Requirement") and must meet several additional requirements. These requirements include the following: (1) the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities (or foreign currencies if applicable) or other income (including gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in securities ("Income Requirement"); (2) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with these other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities; and (3) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer. There is a 30-day period after the end of each calendar year quarter in which to cure any non-compliance with these requirements. From time to time the Advisor may find it necessary to make certain types of investments for the purpose of ensuring that the Fund continues to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the IRC. If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for 12 months or less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received on those shares. The Fund's distributions are taxable in the year they are paid, whether they are taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, except that certain distributions declared in the last three months of the year and paid in January are taxable as if paid on December 31. The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax ("Excise Tax") to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts. The Fund may make additional distributions if necessary to avoid imposition of the Excise Tax on undistributed income and gains. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS The use of derivatives strategies, such as purchasing and selling (writing) options and futures and entering into forward currency contracts, if applicable, involves complex rules that will determine for income tax purposes the character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes in connection therewith. Gains from the disposition of foreign currencies, if any (except certain gains therefrom that may be excluded by future regulations), and income from transactions in options, futures, and forward currency contracts, if applicable, derived by the Fund with respect to its business of investing in securities or foreign currencies, if applicable, will qualify as permissible income under the Income Requirement. For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is required to recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on options, futures, or forward currency contracts, if any, that are subject to section 1256 of the IRC ("Section 1256 Contracts") and are held by the Fund as of the end of the year, as well as gains and losses on Section 1256 Contracts actually realized during the year. Except for Section 1256 Contracts that are part of a "mixed straddle" and with respect to which the Fund makes a certain election, any gain or loss recognized with respect to Section 1256 Contracts is considered to be 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, without regard to the holding period of the Section 1256 Contract. FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS Dividends and interest received by the Fund may be subject to income, withholding, or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions that would reduce the yield on its securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes, however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by foreign investors. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, it will be eligible to, and may, file an election with the Internal Revenue Service that would enable its shareholders, in effect, to receive the benefit of the foreign tax credit with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by it. The Fund would treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders and each shareholder would be required to (1) include in gross income, and treat as paid by the shareholder, the shareholder's proportionate share of those taxes, (2) treat the shareholder's share of those taxes and of any dividend paid by the Fund that represents income from foreign or U.S. possessions sources as the shareholder's own income from those sources, and (3) either deduct the taxes deemed paid by the shareholder in computing the shareholder's taxable income or, alternatively, use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax credit against the shareholder's federal income tax. The Fund will report to its shareholders shortly after each taxable year their respective shares of its income from sources within, and taxes paid to, foreign countries and U.S. possessions if it makes this election. The Fund holding foreign securities in its investment portfolio maintains its accounts and calculates its income in U.S. dollars. In general, gain or loss (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies and forward currency contracts, (2) from the disposition of foreign-currency-denominated debt securities that are attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the date the securities are acquired and their disposition date, and (3) attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the Fund accrues interest or other receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects those receivables or pays those liabilities, will be treated as ordinary income or loss. A foreign-currency-denominated debt security acquired by the Fund may bear interest at a high normal rate that takes into account expected decreases in the value of the principal amount of the security due to anticipated currency devaluations; in that case, the Fund would be required to include the interest in income as it accrues but generally would realize a currency loss with respect to the principal only when the principal was received (through disposition or upon maturity). The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment companies" ("PFICs") in accordance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions. A PFIC is a foreign corporation that, in general, meets either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive or (2) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" received on the stock or of any gain on disposition of the stock (collectively, "PFIC income"), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent that income is distributed to its shareholders. If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a "qualified electing fund," then in lieu of the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Fund will be required to include in income each year its pro rata share of the qualified electing fund's annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) -- which probably would have to be distributed to its shareholders to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax -- even if those earnings and gain were not received by the Fund. In most instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof. PASS-THROUGH INCOME TAX EXEMPTION Most state laws provide a pass-through to mutual fund shareholders of the state and local income tax exemption afforded owners of direct U.S. government obligations. You will be notified annually of the percentage of a Fund's income that is derived from U.S. government securities. PURCHASES IN KIND Shares of the Fund may be purchased "in kind," subject to the Advisor's approval and its determination that the securities are acceptable investments for the Fund and that they have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Fund's valuation policies. In an in kind purchase, investors transfer securities to the Fund in exchange for Fund shares. Securities accepted by the Fund in an in kind purchase will be valued at market value. An in kind purchase may result in adverse tax consequences under certain circumstances to: (1) investors transferring securities for shares ("In Kind Investors"), (2) investors who acquire shares of the Fund after a transfer ("new shareholders") or (3) investors who own shares at the time of transfer ("current shareholders"). As a result of an in kind purchase, the Fund may acquire securities that have appreciated in value or depreciated in value from the date they were acquired. If appreciated securities were to be sold after an in kind purchase, the amount of the gain would be taxable to new shareholders, current shareholders and In Kind Investors. The effect of this for current shareholders or new shareholders would be to tax them on a distribution that represents an increase in the value of their investment. The effect on In Kind Investors would be to reduce their potential liability for tax on capital gains by spreading it over a larger asset base. The opposite may occur if the Fund acquires securities having an unrealized capital loss. In that case, In Kind Investors will be unable to utilize the loss to offset gains, but, because an in kind purchase will not result in any gains, the inability of In Kind Investors to utilize unrealized losses will have no immediate tax effect. For new shareholders or current shareholders, to the extent that unrealized losses are realized by the Fund, new shareholders or current shareholders may benefit by any reduction in net tax liability attributable to the losses. The Advisor cannot predict whether securities acquired in any in kind purchase will have unrealized gains or losses on the date of the in kind purchase. Consistent with its duties, the Advisor will, however, take tax consequences to investors into account when making decisions to sell portfolio assets, including the impact of realized capital gains on shareholders of the Fund. USE OF TAX-LOT ACCOUNTING When sell decisions are made by the Fund's portfolio manager, the Advisor generally sells the tax lots of the Fund's securities that results in the lowest amount of taxes to be paid by the shareholders on the Fund's capital gain distributions. The Advisor uses tax-lot accounting to identify and sell the tax lots of a security that have the highest cost basis and/or longest holding period to minimize adverse tax consequences to the Fund's shareholders. However, if the Fund has a capital loss carry forward position, the Advisor would reverse its strategy and sell the tax lots of a security that have the lowest cost basis and/or shortest holding period to maximize the use of the Fund's capital loss carry forward position. ZERO-COUPON, STEP-COUPON, AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES The Fund may acquire zero-coupon, step-coupon, or other securities issued with original issue discount. As a holder of those securities, the Fund must include in its income the original issue discount that accrues on the securities during the taxable year, even if the Fund receives no corresponding payment on the securities during the year. Similarly, the Fund must include in its income securities it receives as "interest" on pay-in-kind securities. Because the Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income, including any original issue discount and other non-cash income, to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax, it may be required in a particular year to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually receives. Those distributions may be made from the proceeds on sales of portfolio securities, if necessary. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses from those sales, which would increase or decrease its investment company taxable income or net capital gain, or both. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE Generally, when an investor makes any purchases, sales, or exchanges, the price of the investor's shares will be the net asset value ("NAV") next determined after the transfer agent receives a request in proper form (which includes receipt of all necessary and appropriate documentation and subject to available funds). If the transfer agent receives such a request prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") on a day on which the NYSE is open, the share price will be the NAV determined that day. The NAV for each Fund or each class of shares is normally determined as of 3:00 p.m. Central Time ("CT") each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is open for trading Monday through Friday except New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a Saturday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday, and when any such holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist, such as the ending of a monthly or yearly accounting period. The Fund reserves the right to change the time at which purchases, redemptions, and exchanges are priced if the NYSE closes at a time other than 3:00 p.m. CT or if an emergency exists. The NAV of each Fund or of each class of shares of a Fund is calculated by taking the fair value of the Fund's total assets attributable to that Fund or class, subtracting all its liabilities attributable to that Fund or class, and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding of that Fund or class. Expenses are accrued daily and applied when determining the NAV. The Fund's portfolio securities are valued based on market quotations or at fair value as determined by the method selected by the Fund's Board of Directors. Equity securities are valued at the last sales price on the NASDAQ or, if not traded on the NASDAQ, at the last sales price on the national securities exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ for which there were no transactions on a given day or securities not listed on an exchange or NASDAQ are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. Other exchange-trade securities (generally foreign securities) will be valued based on market quotations. Securities quoted in foreign currency are valued daily in U.S. dollars at the foreign currency exchange rates that are prevailing at the time the daily NAV per share is determined. Although the Fund values its foreign assets in U.S. dollars on a daily basis, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. Foreign currency exchange rates are generally determined prior to the close of trading on the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the value of foreign investments and such exchange rates occur between the time at which they are determined and the close of trading on the NYSE. Such events would not normally be reflected in a calculation of the Fund's NAV on that day. If events that materially affect the value of the Fund's foreign investments or the foreign currency exchange rates occur during such period, the investments will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. Debt securities are valued by a pricing service that utilizes electronic data processing techniques to determine values for normal institutional-sized trading units of debt securities without regard to sale or bid prices when such techniques are believed to more accurately reflect the fair market value for such securities. Otherwise, sale or bid prices are used. Any securities or other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Fund. Debt securities having remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued by the amortized cost method when the Fund's Board of Directors determines that the fair value of such securities is their amortized cost. Under this method of valuation, a security is initially valued at its acquisition cost, and thereafter, amortization of any discount or premium is assumed each day, regardless of the impact of the fluctuating rates on the market value of the instrument. ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION ADDRESS CHANGES BY TELEPHONE If you notify us by phone of your address change, your account(s) will be subject to a 15-day hold period to ensure that the change of address is genuine. During this period, you will not be able to make redemptions to your new address by phone. You can still request a redemption be sent to an unchanged bank address. Dividend checks will be sent to the new address. If you need to make a redemption to your new address during this hold period, please call for instructions. BROKERS RECEIPT OF PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION ORDERS The Fund has authorized certain brokers to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund's behalf. These brokers are, in turn, authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund's behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts the order. Purchase and redemption orders received in this manner will be priced at the Fund's net asset value next computed after they are accepted by an authorized broker or the broker's authorized designee. DEPOSIT OF UNSPECIFIED FUNDS FOR INVESTMENT When all or a portion of a purchase is received for investment without a clear fund designation or for investment in one of our closed classes or funds, we will deposit the undesignated portion or the entire amount, as applicable, into the Strong Money Market Fund and attempt to contact you to clarify your investment decision. We will mail you a letter, in addition to your confirmation statement, to confirm the purchase of the Strong Money Market Fund and provide you with your investment options. Unless you later direct Strong to purchase shares of another Strong Fund (see the "Exchange Option" in your prospectus) or redeem shares of the Strong Money Market Fund and return the proceeds to you (see the "Redemption Option" in your prospectus), we will treat your inaction as approval of the purchase and your investment will remain in the Strong Money Market Fund. DOLLAR COST AVERAGING Strong Funds' Automatic Investment Plan, Payroll Direct Deposit Plan, and Automatic Exchange Plan are methods of implementing dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging is an investment strategy that involves investing a fixed amount of money at regular time intervals. By always investing the same set amount, an investor will be purchasing more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high. Ultimately, by using this principle in conjunction with fluctuations in share price, an investor's average cost per share may be less than the average transaction price. A program of regular investment cannot ensure a profit or protect against a loss during declining markets. Since such a program involves continuous investment regardless of fluctuating share values, investors should consider their ability to continue the program through periods of both low and high share-price levels. These methods are unavailable for Institutional Class accounts. FEE WAIVERS The Fund reserves the right to waive some or all fees in certain conditions where the application of the fee would not serve its purpose. FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES If an investor purchases or redeems shares of the Fund through a financial intermediary, certain features of the Fund relating to such transactions may not be available or may be modified. In addition, certain operational policies of the Fund, including those related to settlement and dividend accrual, may vary from those applicable to direct shareholders of the Fund and may vary among intermediaries. Please consult your financial intermediary for more information regarding these matters. In addition, the Fund may pay, directly or indirectly through arrangements with the Advisor, amounts to financial intermediaries that provide transfer agent type and/or other administrative services to their customers. The Fund will not pay more for these services through intermediary relationships than it would if the intermediaries' customers were direct shareholders in the Fund; however, the Advisor may pay to the financial intermediary amounts in excess of such limitation out of its own profits. Certain financial intermediaries may charge an advisory, transaction, or other fee for their services. Investors will not be charged for such fees if investors purchase or redeem Fund shares directly from the Fund without the intervention of a financial intermediary. FUND REDEMPTIONS Shareholders (except Advisor and Institutional Class shareholders) can gain access to the money in their accounts by selling (also called redeeming) some or all of their shares by mail, telephone, computer, automatic withdrawals, through a broker-dealer, or by writing a check (assuming these options are available for the Fund and all the appropriate documents and requirements have been met for these account options). Advisor and Institutional Class shareholders may redeem some or all of their shares by telephone or by faxing a written request. After a redemption request is processed, the proceeds from the sale will normally be sent on the next business day but, in any event, no more than seven days later. If no direction is provided as to how the proceeds should be sent, we will mail a check to the address on your account. MOVING ACCOUNT OPTIONS AND INFORMATION When establishing a new account (other than an Institutional Class account) by exchanging funds from an existing Strong Funds account, some account options (such as the exchange option, Express PurchaseSM, and the redemption option), if existing on the account from which money is exchanged, will automatically be made available on the new account unless the shareholder indicates otherwise, or the option is not available on the new account. Subject to applicable Strong Funds policies, other account options, including automatic investment, automatic exchange, and systematic withdrawal, may be moved to the new account at the request of the shareholder. These options are not available for Institutional Class accounts. If allowed by Strong Funds policies (i) once the account options are established on the new account, the shareholder may modify or amend the options, and (ii) account options may be moved or added from one existing account to another new or existing account. Account information, such as the shareholder's address of record and social security number, will be copied from the existing account to the new account. PROMOTIONAL ITEMS From time to time, the Advisor and/or Distributor may give de minimis gifts or other immaterial consideration to investors who open new accounts or add to existing accounts with the Strong Funds. In addition, from time to time, the Advisor and/or Distributor, alone or with other entities or persons, may sponsor, participate in conducting, or be involved with sweepstakes, give-aways, contests, incentive promotions, or other similar programs ("Give-Aways"). This is done in order to, among other reasons, increase the number of users of and visits to the Fund's Internet web site. As part of the Give-Aways, persons may receive cash or other awards including without limitation, gifts, merchandise, gift certificates, travel, meals, and lodging. Under the Advisor's and Distributor's standard rules for Give-Aways, their employees, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and members of their immediate families are not eligible to enter the Give-Aways. REDEMPTION IN KIND The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, which obligates the Fund to redeem shares in cash, with respect to any one shareholder during any 90-day period, up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the assets of the Fund. If the Advisor determines that existing conditions make cash payments undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in securities or other financial assets, valued for this purpose as they are valued in computing the NAV for the Fund's shares (a "redemption in kind"). Shareholders receiving securities or other financial assets in a redemption in kind may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences. If you expect to make a redemption in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's assets during any 90-day period and would like to avoid any possibility of being paid with securities in kind, you may do so by providing Strong Funds with an unconditional instruction to redeem at least 15 calendar days prior to the date on which the redemption transaction is to occur, specifying the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed and the date of the transaction (please call 1-800-368-3863). This will provide the Fund with sufficient time to raise the cash in an orderly manner to pay the redemption and thereby minimize the effect of the redemption on the interests of the Fund's remaining shareholders. Redemption checks in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's assets during any 90-day period may not be honored by the Fund if the Advisor determines that existing conditions make cash payments undesirable. RETIREMENT PLANS TRADITIONAL INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA): Everyone under age 70 1/2 with earned income may contribute to a tax-deferred Traditional IRA. The Strong Funds offer a prototype plan for you to establish your own Traditional IRA. For the year 2001, you are allowed to contribute up to the lesser of $2,000 or 100% of your earned income each year to your Traditional IRA (or up to $4,000 or 100% of earned income between your Traditional IRA and your non-working spouses' Traditional IRA, but no more than $2,000 in one account). Beginning in year 2002, the maximum annual contribution limit for Traditional IRA contributions will increase from the current maximum of $2,000 to: o $3,000 in years 2002 through 2004 o $4,000 in years 2005 through 2007 o $5,000 in 2008. After 2008, your maximum annual contribution limit may be adjusted for inflation in increments of $500. Under certain circumstances, your contribution will be deductible. Also, beginning in 2002, if you reach age 50 before the end of the taxable year, you can make additional "catch-up" contributions for that taxable year and each year thereafter. In addition to the maximum annual contribution limit, you will be able to contribute: o $500 for years 2002 through 2005 o $1,000 for 2006 and each year thereafter. ROTH IRA: Taxpayers, of any age, who have earned income and whose adjusted gross income ("AGI") does not exceed $110,000 (single) or $160,000 (joint) can contribute to a Roth IRA. Allowed contributions begin to phase-out at $95,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint). For the year 2001, you are allowed to contribute up to the lesser of $2,000 or 100% of earned income each year into a Roth IRA. Beginning in year 2002, your maximum annual contribution limit for Roth IRA contributions will increase from the current $2,000 up to: o $3,000 in years 2002 through 2004 o $4,000 in years 2005 through 2007 o $5,000 in 2008. After 2008, your maximum annual contribution limit may be adjusted for inflation in increments of $500. If you also maintain a Traditional IRA, the maximum contribution to your Roth IRA is reduced by any contributions that you make to your Traditional IRA. Distributions from a Roth IRA, if they meet certain requirements, may be federally tax free. If your AGI is $100,000 or less, you can convert your Traditional IRAs into a Roth IRA. Conversions of earnings and deductible contributions are taxable in the year of the distribution. The early distribution penalty does not apply to amounts converted to a Roth IRA even if you are under age 59 1/2. Beginning in 2002, if you reach age 50 before the end of the taxable year, you can make additional "catch-up" contributions for that taxable year and each year thereafter. In addition to the maximum annual contribution limit, you will be able to contribute: o $500 for years 2002 through 2005 o $1,000 for 2006 and each year thereafter. EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS: Taxpayers may contribute up to $500 per year into an Education Savings Account for the benefit of a child under age 18. Starting in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001, the annual contribution limit to Education Savings Accounts increases to $2,000. Total contributions to any one child cannot exceed the annual contribution limit, which is $500 per year for the year 2001. The contributor must have adjusted income under $110,000 (single) or $160,000 (joint) to contribute to an Education Savings Account. Allowed contributions begin to phase-out at $95,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint). Beginning in 2002, the phase out range for contributions made by joint taxpayers will increase to $190,000 and the maximum adjusted gross income will increase to $220,000. Also starting in 2002, corporations and non-profit entities may make Education IRA contributions and are not subject to the income limitations. Withdrawals from the Education IRA to pay qualified higher education expenses are federally tax free. Beginning in 2002, qualified education expenses will include qualified elementary and secondary education expenses, as well as post-secondary expenses. DIRECT ROLLOVER IRA: To avoid the mandatory 20% federal withholding tax on distributions, you must transfer the qualified retirement or IRC section 403(b) plan distribution directly into an IRA. Beginning in 2002, distributions from your qualified plan or 403(b) may be rolled over into a plan other than an IRA; however, it is not mandatory for your new plan to accept rollovers from outside plans. The distribution must be eligible for rollover. Not all distributions are eligible to be rolled over to another retirement plan. Contact your plan administrator to confirm rollover eligibility of your distribution from your current plan. The amount of your Direct Rollover IRA contribution will not be included in your taxable income for the year. SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLAN (SEP-IRA): A SEP-IRA plan allows an employer to make deductible contributions to separate IRA accounts established for each eligible employee. SALARY REDUCTION SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLAN (SAR SEP-IRA): A SAR SEP-IRA plan is a type of SEP-IRA plan in which an employer may allow employees to defer part of their salaries and contribute to an IRA account. These deferrals help lower the employees' taxable income. Please note that you may no longer establish new SAR SEP-IRA plans (since December 31, 1996). However, employers with SAR SEP-IRA plans that were established prior to January 1, 1997 may still open accounts for new employees. SIMPLIFIED INCENTIVE MATCH PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES (SIMPLE-IRA): A SIMPLE-IRA plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a percentage of their compensation, up to $6,500, for the year 2001, on a pre-tax basis, to a SIMPLE-IRA account. The SIMPLE IRA deferral limit will increase as follows: $7,000 in 2002 $8,000 in 2003 $9,000 in 2004 $10,000 in 2005. These annual deferral limits are indexed for inflation in $500 increments beginning in 2006. The employer is required to make annual contributions to eligible employees' accounts. All contributions grow tax-deferred. If you have reached age 50 before the end of the plan year, you may make "catch-up" contributions to your SIMPLE IRA. The catch-up limits for a SIMPLE IRA are as follows: $500 for 2002 $1,000 for 2003 $1,500 for 2004 $2,000 for 2005 $2500 for 2006 and thereafter. These limits are indexed to inflation in $500 increments in 2007 and thereafter. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN: A defined contribution plan allows self-employed individuals, partners, or a corporation to provide retirement benefits for themselves and their employees. Plan types include: profit-sharing plans, money purchase pension plans, and paired plans (a combination of a profit-sharing plan and a money purchase plan). 401(K) PLAN: A 401(k) plan is a type of profit-sharing plan that allows employees to have part of their salary contributed on a pre-tax basis to a retirement plan which will earn tax-deferred income. A 401(k) plan is funded by employee contributions, employer contributions, or a combination of both. 403(B)(7) PLAN: A 403(b)(7) plan is a tax-sheltered custodial account designed to qualify under section 403(b)(7) of the IRC and is available for use by employees of certain educational, non-profit, hospital, and charitable organizations. RIGHT OF SET-OFF To the extent not prohibited by law, the Fund, any other Strong Fund, and the Advisor, each has the right to set-off against a shareholder's account balance with a Strong Fund, and redeem from such account, any debt the shareholder may owe any of these entities. This right applies even if the account is not identically registered. SHARES IN CERTIFICATE FORM In the discretion of the officers of the Fund, certificates may be issued for Investor Class shares held in a Fund account. Certificates will not be issued for any other class of shares of any Fund. A shareholder will, however, have full shareholder rights whether or not a certificate is issued. SIGNATURE GUARANTEES A signature guarantee is designed to protect shareholders and the Fund against fraudulent transactions by unauthorized persons. In the following instances, the Fund will require a signature guarantee for all authorized owners of an account: o when requesting distributions be sent from a Strong mutual fund account ("First Account") to any other non-Strong account ("Second Account") if the Second Account is not registered in the same names as the First Account, unless the First Account is an individual account and you are also a registered holder of the Second Account; o when transferring the ownership of an account to another individual or organization; o when submitting a written redemption request for more than $100,000; o when requesting to redeem or redeposit shares that have been issued in certificate form; o if requesting a certificate after opening an account; o when requesting that redemption proceeds be sent to a different name or address than is registered on an account; o if adding/changing a name or adding/removing an owner on an account; and o if adding/changing the beneficiary on a transfer-on-death account. A signature guarantee may be obtained from any eligible guarantor institution, as defined by the SEC. These institutions include banks, savings associations, credit unions, brokerage firms, and others. Please note that a notary public stamp or seal is not acceptable. TELEPHONE AND ELECTRONIC EXCHANGE/REDEMPTION/PURCHASE PRIVILEGES The Fund employs reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone or electronically are genuine. The Fund may not be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Such procedures include but are not limited to requiring a form of personal identification prior to acting on instructions received by telephone or electronically, providing written confirmations of such transactions to the address of record, tape recording telephone instructions, and backing up electronic transactions. ORGANIZATION The Fund is a "Series" of common stock of a Corporation, as described in the chart below:
Incorporation Date Series Date Class Authorized Par Corporation Date Created Created Shares Value ($) ----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- --------------- Strong Balanced Fund, Inc.(1) 09/03/81 Indefinite .01 - Strong Balanced Fund 09/03/81 Indefinite .01 oInvestor Class(2) 09/03/81 Indefinite .01 Strong Balanced Stock Fund, Inc.(3) 12/28/90 Indefinite .00001 - Strong Balanced Stock Fund(4) 12/31/97 Indefinite .00001 oInvestor Class(5) 12/31/97 Indefinite .00001 Strong Conservative Equity Funds, 12/28/90 Indefinite .00001 Inc.(6) - Strong Advisor U.S. Value Fund(7) 10/27/95 oClass A 11/30/00 Indefinite .00001 oClass B 11/30/00 Indefinite .00001 oClass C 11/30/00 Indefinite .00001 oClass L 11/30/00 Indefinite .00001 oClass Z(8) 10/27/95 Indefinite .00001 - Strong Blue Chip Fund(9) 06/25/97 Indefinite .00001 oInvestor Class(10) 06/25/97 Indefinite .00001 oAdvisor Class 02/22/00 Indefinite .00001 - Strong Dividend Income Fund(11) 12/28/90 Indefinite .00001 oInvestor Class(12) 12/28/90 Indefinite .00001 - Strong Energy Fund(13) 08/14/97 Indefinite .00001 - Strong Growth and Income Fund 10/27/95 Indefinite .00001 oInvestor Class(10) 10/27/95 Indefinite .00001 oAdvisor Class 02/22/00 Indefinite .00001 oInstitutional Class 02/22/00 Indefinite .00001
(1) Prior to June 23, 2000, the Corporation's name was Strong Asset Allocation Fund, Inc. (2) Prior to April 9, 2001, the Investor Class shares of the Fund were designated as shares of common stock of the Fund. (3) Prior to December 11, 1997, the Corporation's name was Strong Insured Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. Prior to March 12, 2001, the Corporation's name was Strong Schafer Funds, Inc. (4) Prior to March 12, 2001, the Fund's name was Strong Schafer Balanced Fund. (5) Prior to April 9, 2001, the Investor Class shares of the Fund were designated as shares of common stock of the Fund. (6) Prior to October 27, 1995, the Corporation's name was Strong American Utilities Fund, Inc. (7) Prior to November 30, 2000, the Fund's name was Strong Equity Income Fund. The Fund is currently described in a different Prospectus and SAI. (8) Prior to November 30, 2000, the Class Z shares of the Fund were designated as shares of common stock of the Fund. (9) Prior to May 1, 2001, the Fund's name was Strong Blue Chip 100 Fund. (10) Prior to February 22, 2000, the Investor Class shares of the Fund were designated as shares of common stock of the Fund. (11) Prior to December 7, 2001, the Fund's name was Strong American Utilities Fund. (12) Prior to May 1, 2001, the Investor Class shares of the Fund were designated as shares of common stock of the Fund. (13) Prior to March 1, 2001, the Fund's name was Strong Limited Resources Fund. The Strong Balanced Fund is a diversified series of Strong Balanced Fund, Inc., which is an open-end management investment company. The Strong Balanced Stock Fund is a diversified series of Strong Balanced Stock Fund, Inc., which is an open-end management investment company. The Strong Dividend Income Fund, Strong Growth and Income Fund, Strong Blue Chip Fund, and Strong Energy Fund are diversified series of Strong Conservative Equity Funds, Inc., which is an open-end management investment company. The Corporation is a Wisconsin corporation that is authorized to offer separate series of shares representing interests in separate portfolios of securities, each with differing investment objectives. The shares in any one portfolio may, in turn, be offered in separate classes, each with differing preferences, limitations, or relative rights. However, the Articles of Incorporation for the Corporation provide that if additional series of shares are issued by the Corporation, such new series of shares may not affect the preferences, limitations, or relative rights of the Corporation's outstanding shares. In addition, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is authorized to allocate assets, liabilities, income, and expenses to each series and class. Classes within a series may have different expense arrangements than other classes of the same series and, accordingly, the net asset value of shares within a series may differ. Finally, all holders of shares of the Corporation may vote on each matter presented to shareholders for action except with respect to any matter that affects only one or more series or class, in which case only the shares of the affected series or class are entitled to vote. Each share of the Fund has one vote, and all shares participate equally in dividends and other capital gains distributions by the Fund and in the residual assets of the Fund in the event of liquidation. Fractional shares have the same rights proportionately as do full shares. Shares of the Corporation have no preemptive, conversion, or subscription rights. If the Corporation issues additional series, the assets belonging to each series of shares will be held separately by the custodian, and, in effect, each series will be a separate fund. SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS The Wisconsin Business Corporation Law permits registered investment companies, such as the Fund, to operate without an annual meeting of shareholders under specified circumstances if an annual meeting is not required by the 1940 Act. The Fund has adopted the appropriate provisions in its Bylaws and may, at its discretion, not hold an annual meeting in any year in which the election of directors is not required to be acted on by shareholders under the 1940 Act. The Fund's Bylaws allow for a director to be removed by its shareholders with or without cause, only at a meeting called for the purpose of removing the director. Upon the written request of the holders of shares entitled to not less than ten percent (10%) of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting, the Secretary of the Fund shall promptly call a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any director. The Secretary shall inform such shareholders of the reasonable estimated costs of preparing and mailing the notice of the meeting, and upon payment to the Fund of such costs, the Fund shall give not less than ten nor more than sixty days notice of the special meeting. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION The Strong Funds may advertise a variety of types of performance information as more fully described below. The Fund's performance is historical and past performance does not guarantee the future performance of the Fund. From time to time, the Advisor may agree to waive or reduce its management fee and/or to absorb certain operating expenses for the Fund. Waivers of management fees and absorption of expenses will have the effect of increasing the Fund's performance. A multiple class Fund will separately calculate performance information for each class of shares. The performance figures for each class of shares will vary based on differences in their expense ratios. Performance figures for Institutional Class shares of the Growth and Income Fund which were first offered to the public on February 29, 2000, include the historical performance of the Fund's Investor Class shares for the period from the Fund's inception through February 28, 2000. For the Advisor Class shares of the Blue Chip and Growth and Income Funds, which also were first offered to the public on February 29, 2000, performance is based on the historical performance of each Fund's Investor Class of shares, which has been recalculated to reflect the additional expenses imposed on the Advisor Class shares. The performance figures for each class of shares will vary based on differences in their expense ratios. Performance figures for the Dividend Income Fund are based on the historical performance of the Fund under its previous investment strategy (I.E., to primarily invest in U.S. public utility companies) from the inception of the Fund up to December 8, 2001. DISTRIBUTION RATE The distribution rate for the Fund is computed, according to a non-standardized formula, by dividing the total amount of actual distributions per share paid by the Fund over a twelve month period by the Fund's net asset value on the last day of the period. The distribution rate differs from the Fund's yield because the distribution rate includes distributions to shareholders from sources other than dividends and interest, such as short-term capital gains. Therefore, the Fund's distribution rate may be substantially different than its yield. Both the Fund's yield and distribution rate will fluctuate. AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN The Fund's average annual total return quotation is computed in accordance with a standardized method prescribed by rules of the SEC. The average annual total return for the Fund for a specific period is calculated by first taking a hypothetical $10,000 investment ("initial investment") in the Fund's shares on the first day of the period and computing the "redeemable value" of that investment at the end of the period. The redeemable value is then divided by the initial investment, and this quotient is taken to the Nth root (N representing the number of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted from the result, which is then expressed as a percentage. The calculation assumes that all income and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period. Average annual total returns reflect the impact of sales charges, if any. TOTAL RETURN Calculation of the Fund's total return is not subject to a standardized formula. Total return performance for a specific period is calculated by first taking an investment (assumed below to be $10,000) ("initial investment") in the Fund's shares on the first day of the period and computing the "ending value" of that investment at the end of the period. The total return percentage is then determined by subtracting the initial investment from the ending value and dividing the remainder by the initial investment and expressing the result as a percentage. The calculation assumes that all income and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been reinvested at net asset value of the Fund on the reinvestment dates during the period. Total return may also be shown as the increased dollar value of the hypothetical investment over the period. Total returns reflect the impact of sales charges, if any. CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN Cumulative total return represents the simple change in value of an investment over a stated period and may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount. Total returns and cumulative total returns may be broken down into their components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship between these factors and their contributions to total return. Cumulative total returns reflect the impact of sales charges, if any. TOTAL RETURN BALANCED FUND - INVESTOR CLASS
----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Initial $10,000 Ending $ value Cumulative Average Annual Time Period Investment June 30, 2001 Total Return Total Return ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- One Year $10,000 $8,699 -13.01% -13.01% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Five Year $10,000 $15,311 53.11% 8.89% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Ten Year $10,000 $25,443 154.43% 9.79% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Life of Fund(1) $10,000 $99,250 892.50% 12.49% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------
(1) Commenced operations on December 30, 1981. BALANCED STOCK FUND - INVESTOR CLASS
----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Initial $10,000 Ending value Cumulative Average Annual Time Period Investment June 30, 2001 Total Return Total Return ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- One Year $10,000 $11,104 11.04% 11.04% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Life of Fund(1) $10,000 $12,019 20.19% 5.40% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------
(1) Commenced operations on December 31, 1997. BLUE CHIP FUND - INVESTOR CLASS
----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Initial $10,000 Ending $ value Cumulative Average Annual Time Period Investment June 30, 2001 Total Return Total Return ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- One Year $10,000 $6,529 -34.71% -34.71% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Life of Fund(1) $10,000 $14,885 48.85% 10.46% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- (1) Commenced operations on June 30, 1997.
BLUE CHIP FUND - ADVISOR CLASS(2)
----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Initial $10,000 Ending $ value Cumulative Average Annual Time Period Investment June 30, 2001 Total Return Total Return ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- One Year $10,000 $6,518 -34.82% -34.82% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Life of Fund(1) $10,000 $14,778 47.78% 10.26% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------
(1) Commenced operations on June 30, 1997. (2) First offered on February 29, 2000. DIVIDEND INCOME FUND - INVESTOR CLASS
----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Initial $10,000 Ending $ value Cumulative Average Annual Time Period Investment June 30, 2001 Total Return Total Return ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- One Year $10,000 $11,620 16.20% 16.20% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Five Year $10,000 $19,780 98.00% 14.64% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Life of Fund(1) $10,000 $28,527 185.27% 14.00% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------
(1) Commenced operations on July 1, 1993. ENERGY FUND - INVESTOR CLASS
----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Initial $10,000 Ending $ value Cumulative Average Annual Time Period Investment June 30, 2001 Total Return Total Return ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- One Year $10,000 $11,322 13.22% 13.22% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Life of Fund(1) $10,000 $11,753 17.53% 4.40% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------
(1) Commenced operations on September 30, 1997. GROWTH AND INCOME FUND - INVESTOR CLASS
----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Initial $10,000 Ending $ value Cumulative Average Annual Time Period Investment June 30, 2001 Total Return Total Return ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- One Year $10,000 $7,703 -22.97% -22.97% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Five Year $10,000 $20,261 102.61% 15.17% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Life of Fund(1) $10,000 $23,414 134.14% 16.73% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------
(1) Commenced operations on December 29, 1995. GROWTH AND INCOME FUND - ADVISOR CLASS(2)
----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Initial $10,000 Ending $ value Cumulative Average Annual Time Period Investment June 30, 2001 Total Return Total Return ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- One Year $10,000 $7,684 -23.16% -23.16% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Five Year $10,000 $20,018 100.18% 14.89% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Life of Fund(1) $10,000 $23,105 131.05% 16.45% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------
(1) Commenced operations on December 29, 1995. (2) First offered on February 29, 2000. GROWTH AND INCOME FUND - INSTITUTIONAL CLASS(2)
----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Initial $10,000 Ending $ value Cumulative Average Annual Time Period Investment June 30, 2001 Total Return Total Return ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- One Year $10,000 $7,739 -22.61% -22.61% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Five Year $10,000 $20,390 103.90% 15.31% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------- Life of Fund(1) $10,000 $23,563 135.63% 16.86% ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------
(1) Commenced operations on December 29, 1995. (2) First offered on February 29, 2000. COMPARISONS U.S. TREASURY BILLS, NOTES, OR BONDS. Investors may want to compare the performance of the Fund to that of U.S. Treasury bills, notes, or bonds, which are issued by the U.S. Government. Treasury obligations are issued in selected denominations. Rates of Treasury obligations are fixed at the time of issuance and payment of principal and interest is backed by the full faith and credit of the Treasury. The market value of such instruments will generally fluctuate inversely with interest rates prior to maturity and will equal par value at maturity. Generally, the values of obligations with shorter maturities will fluctuate less than those with longer maturities. CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT. Investors may want to compare the Fund's performance to that of certificates of deposit offered by banks and other depositary institutions. Certificates of deposit may offer fixed or variable interest rates and principal is guaranteed and may be insured. Withdrawal of the deposits prior to maturity normally will be subject to a penalty. Rates offered by banks and other depositary institutions are subject to change at any time specified by the issuing institution. MONEY MARKET FUNDS. Investors may also want to compare performance of the Fund to that of money market funds. Money market fund yields will fluctuate and shares are not insured, but share values usually remain stable. LIPPER INC. ("LIPPER") AND OTHER INDEPENDENT RANKING ORGANIZATIONS. From time to time, in marketing and other fund literature, the Fund's performance may be compared to the performance of other mutual funds in general or to the performance of particular types of mutual funds with similar investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations. Among these organizations, Lipper, a widely used independent research firm that ranks mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives, and assets, may be cited. Lipper performance figures are based on changes in net asset value, with all income and capital gains dividends reinvested. Such calculations do not include the effect of any sales charges imposed by other funds. The Fund will be compared to Lipper's appropriate fund category, that is, by fund objective and portfolio holdings. The Fund's performance may also be compared to the average performance of its Lipper category. MORNINGSTAR, INC. The Fund's performance may also be compared to the performance of other mutual funds by Morningstar, Inc., which rates funds on the basis of historical risk and total return. Morningstar's ratings range from five stars (highest) to one star (lowest) and represent Morningstar's assessment of the historical risk level and total return of a fund as a weighted average for 3, 5, and 10 year periods. Ratings are not absolute and do not represent future results. OTHER SOURCES. The Fund's advertisements and supplemental sales literature may contain full or partial reprints of editorials or articles evaluating the Fund's management and performance from such sources as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's, Smart Money, Financial World, Business Week, U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street Journal, Mutual Fund Magazine, Barron's, and various investment newsletters. The Fund may also include testimonials from shareholders, clients, and others that describe their experiences with the Fund, the Advisor, or the Distributor, including descriptions of the Fund's performance, features, and attributes and the services, tools, and assistance provided by the Fund, the Advisor, or the Distributor. INDICES. The Fund may compare its performance to a wide variety of indices. There are differences and similarities between the investments that a Fund may purchase and the investments measured by the indices. HISTORICAL ASSET CLASS RETURNS. From time to time, marketing materials may portray the historical returns of various asset classes. Such presentations will typically compare the average annual rates of return of inflation, U.S. Treasury bills, bonds, common stocks, and small stocks. There are important differences between each of these investments that should be considered in viewing any such comparison. The market value of stocks will fluctuate with market conditions, and small-capitalization stock prices generally will fluctuate more than large-capitalization stock prices. Stocks are generally more volatile than bonds. In return for this volatility, stocks have generally performed better than bonds or cash over time. Bond prices generally will fluctuate inversely with interest rates and other market conditions, and the prices of bonds with longer maturities generally will fluctuate more than those of shorter-maturity bonds. Interest rates for bonds may be fixed at the time of issuance, and payment of principal and interest may be guaranteed by the issuer and, in the case of U.S. Treasury obligations, backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Funds offer a comprehensive range of conservative to aggressive investment options. The Funds and their investment objectives are listed below. FUND NAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE --------- --------------------
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH MANAGEMENT ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Advantage Fund Current income with a very low degree of share-price fluctuation. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Heritage Money Fund Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Investors Money Fund Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Money Market Fund Current income, a stable share price, and daily liquidity. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Municipal Advantage Fund Federally tax-exempt current income with a very low degree of share-price fluctuation. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Municipal Money Market Fund Federally tax-exempt current income, a stable share-price, and daily liquidity. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Tax-Free Money Fund Federally tax-exempt current income, a stable share-price, and daily liquidity. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- GROWTH AND INCOME ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Balanced Fund High total return consistent with reasonable risk over the long term. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Balanced Stock Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Blue Chip Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Dividend Income Fund Total return by investing for both income and capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Energy Fund Total return by investing for both capital growth and income. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Growth and Income Fund High total return by investing for capital growth and income. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Multi Cap Value Fund Long-term capital growth. Current income is a secondary objective. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- EQUITY ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Discovery Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Dow 30 Value Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Endeavor Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Enterprise Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Growth Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Growth 20 Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Index 500 Fund To approximate as closely as practicable (before fees and expenses) the capitalization-weighted total rate of return of that portion of the U.S. market for publicly traded common stocks composed of the larger capitalized companies. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Large Cap Core Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Large Cap Growth Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Mid Cap Disciplined Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Opportunity Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Technology 100 Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong U.S. Emerging Growth Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Value Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCOME ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Corporate Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Government Securities Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong High-Yield Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income and capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Short-Term Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a low degree of share-price fluctuation. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL EQUITY ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Asia Pacific Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Foreign MajorMarketsSM Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong International Stock Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Overseas Fund Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIFE STAGE SERIES ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Aggressive Portfolio Capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Conservative Portfolio Total return by investing primarily for income and secondarily for capital growth. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Moderate Portfolio Total return by investing primarily for capital growth and secondarily for income. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- MUNICIPAL INCOME ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current income. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current income. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Municipal Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Short-Term High Yield Municipal Total return by investing for a high Fund level of federally tax-exempt current income with a moderate degree of share-price fluctuation. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund Total return by investing for a high level of federally tax-exempt current income with a low degree of share-price fluctuation. ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund Total return by investing for a high level of current income that is exempt from federal and Wisconsin personal income taxes. ----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Advisor also serves as Advisor to several management investment companies, some of which fund variable annuity separate accounts of certain insurance companies. The Fund may from time to time be compared to other Strong Funds based on a risk/reward spectrum. In general, the amount of risk associated with any investment product is commensurate with that product's potential level of reward. The Strong Funds risk/reward continuum or any Fund's position on the continuum may be described or diagrammed in marketing materials. The Strong Funds risk/reward continuum positions the risk and reward potential of each Strong Fund relative to the other Strong Funds, but is not intended to position any Strong Fund relative to other mutual funds or investment products. Marketing materials may also discuss the relationship between risk and reward as it relates to an individual investor's portfolio. TYING TIME FRAMES TO YOUR GOALS. There are many issues to consider as you make your investment decisions, including analyzing your risk tolerance, investing experience, and asset allocations. You should start to organize your investments by learning to link your many financial goals to specific time frames. Then you can begin to identify the appropriate types of investments to help meet your goals. As a general rule of thumb, the longer your time horizon, the more price fluctuation you will be able to tolerate in pursuit of higher returns. For that reason, many people with longer-term goals select stocks or long-term bonds, and many people with nearer-term goals match those up with for instance, short-term bonds. The Advisor developed the following suggested holding periods to help our investors set realistic expectations for both the risk and reward potential of our funds. (See table below.) Of course, time is just one element to consider when making your investment decision. STRONG FUNDS SUGGESTED MINIMUM HOLDING PERIODS
UNDER 1 YEAR 1 TO 2 YEARS 4 TO 7 YEARS 5 OR MORE YEARS ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------- Heritage Money Fund Advantage Fund Conservative Portfolio Aggressive Portfolio Investors Money Fund Municipal Advantage Fund Corporate Bond Fund Asia Pacific Fund Money Market Fund Government Securities Fund Balanced Fund Municipal Money Market Fund 2 TO 4 YEARS High-Yield Bond Fund Balanced Stock Fund ------------ Tax-Free Money Fund Short-Term Bond Fund High-Yield Municipal Bond Blue Chip Fund Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund Discovery Fund Fund Intermediate Municipal Bond Dividend Income Fund Short-term High Yield Fund Dow 30 Value Fund Municipal Fund Municipal Bond Fund Endeavor Fund Short-Term Municipal Bond Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund Energy Fund Fund Enterprise Fund Foreign MajorMarketsSM Fund Growth Fund Growth 20 Fund Growth and Income Fund Index 500 Fund International Stock Fund Large Cap Core Fund Large Cap Growth Fund Mid Cap Disciplined Fund Moderate Portfolio Multi Cap Value Fund Opportunity Fund Overseas Fund Technology 100 Fund U.S. Emerging Growth Fund Value Fund
PRODUCT LIFE CYCLES. Discussions of product life cycles and their potential impact on the Fund's investments may be used in advertisements and sales materials. The basic idea is that most products go through a life cycle that generally consists of an early adoption phase, a rapid growth phase, and a maturity phase. The early adoption phase generally includes the time period during which the product is first being developed and marketed. The rapid growth phase usually occurs when the general public becomes aware of the new product and sales are rising. The maturity phase generally includes the time period when the public has been aware of the product for a period of time and sales have leveled off or declined. By identifying and investing in companies that produce or service products that are in the early adoption phase of their life cycle, it may be possible for the Fund to benefit if the product moves into a prolonged period of rapid growth that enhances the company's stock price. However, you should keep in mind that investing in a product in its early adoption phase does not provide any guarantee of profit. A product may experience a prolonged rapid growth and maturity phase without any corresponding increase in the company's stock price. In addition, different products have life cycles that may be longer or shorter than those depicted and these variations may influence whether the product has a positive effect on the company's stock price. For example, a product may not positively impact a company's stock price if it experiences an extremely short rapid growth or maturity phase because the product becomes obsolete soon after it is introduced to the general public. Other products may never move past the early adoption phase and have no impact on the company's stock price. ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS. In order to present a more complete picture of the Fund's portfolio, marketing materials may include various actual or estimated portfolio characteristics, including but not limited to median market capitalizations, earnings per share, alphas, betas, price/earnings ratios, returns on equity, dividend yields, capitalization ranges, growth rates, price/book ratios, top holdings, sector breakdowns, asset allocations, quality breakdowns, and breakdowns by geographic region. MEASURES OF VOLATILITY AND RELATIVE PERFORMANCE. Occasionally statistics may be used to specify fund volatility or risk. The general premise is that greater volatility connotes greater risk undertaken in achieving performance. Measures of volatility or risk are generally used to compare the Fund's net asset value or performance relative to a market index. One measure of volatility is beta. Beta is the volatility of a fund relative to the total market as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index. A beta of more than 1.00 indicates volatility greater than the market, and a beta of less than 1.00 indicates volatility less than the market. Another measure of volatility or risk is standard deviation. Standard deviation is a statistical tool that measures the degree to which a fund's performance has varied from its average performance during a particular time period. Standard deviation is calculated using the following formula: Standard deviation = the square root of (SIGMA)(xi - xm)2 --------- n-1 Where: (SIGMA) = "the sum of", xi = each individual return during the time period, xm = the average return over the time period, and n = the number of individual returns during the time period. Statistics may also be used to discuss the Fund's relative performance. One such measure is alpha. Alpha measures the actual return of a fund compared to the expected return of a fund given its risk (as measured by beta). The expected return is based on how the market as a whole performed, and how the particular fund has historically performed against the market. Specifically, alpha is the actual return less the expected return. The expected return is computed by multiplying the advance or decline in a market representation by the Fund's beta. A positive alpha quantifies the value that the fund manager has added, and a negative alpha quantifies the value that the fund manager has lost. Other measures of volatility and relative performance may be used as appropriate. However, all such measures will fluctuate and do not represent future results. GENERAL INFORMATION BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY The Advisor is an independent, Midwestern-based investment advisor, owned by professionals active in its management. Recognizing that investors are the focus of its business, the Advisor strives for excellence both in investment management and in the service provided to investors. This commitment affects many aspects of the business, including professional staffing, product development, investment management, and service delivery. The increasing complexity of the capital markets requires specialized skills and processes for each asset class and style. Therefore, the Advisor believes that active management should produce greater returns than a passively managed index. The Advisor has brought together a group of top-flight investment professionals with diverse product expertise, and each concentrates on their investment specialty. The Advisor believes that people are the firm's most important asset. For this reason, continuity of professionals is critical to the firm's long-term success. INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT Discussions of economic, social, and political conditions and their impact on the Fund may be used in advertisements and sales materials. Such factors that may impact the Fund include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, political developments, the competitive environment, consumer behavior, industry trends, technological advances, macroeconomic trends, and the supply and demand of various financial instruments. In addition, marketing materials may cite the portfolio management's views or interpretations of such factors. EIGHT BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESSFUL MUTUAL FUND INVESTING These common sense rules are followed by many successful investors. They make sense for beginners, too. If you have a question on these principles, or would like to discuss them with us, please contact us at 1-800-368-3863. 1. HAVE A PLAN - even a simple plan can help you take control of your financial future. Review your plan once a year, or if your circumstances change. 2. START INVESTING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Make time a valuable ally. Let it put the power of compounding to work for you, while helping to reduce your potential investment risk. 3. DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO. By investing in different asset classes - stocks, bonds, and cash - you help protect against poor performance in one type of investment while including investments most likely to help you achieve your important goals. 4. INVEST REGULARLY. Investing is a process, not a one-time event. By investing regularly over the long term, you reduce the impact of short-term market gyrations, and you attend to your long-term plan before you're tempted to spend those assets on short-term needs. 5. MAINTAIN A LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE. For most individuals, the best discipline is staying invested as market conditions change. Reactive, emotional investment decisions are all too often a source of regret - and principal loss. 6. CONSIDER STOCKS TO HELP ACHIEVE MAJOR LONG-TERM GOALS. Over time, stocks have provided the more powerful returns needed to help the value of your investments stay well ahead of inflation. 7. KEEP A COMFORTABLE AMOUNT OF CASH IN YOUR PORTFOLIO. To meet current needs, including emergencies, use a money market fund or a bank account - not your long-term investment assets. 8. KNOW WHAT YOU'RE BUYING. Make sure you understand the potential risks and rewards associated with each of your investments. Ask questions...request information...make up your own mind. And choose a fund company that helps you make informed investment decisions. STRONG RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES Strong Retirement Plan Services offers a full menu of high quality, affordable retirement plan options, including traditional money purchase pension and profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, simplified employee pension plans, salary reduction plans, Keoghs, and 403(b) plans. Retirement plan specialists are available to help companies determine which type of retirement plan may be appropriate for their particular situation. TURNKEY APPROACH. The retirement plans offered by the Advisor are designed to be streamlined and simple to administer. To this end, the Advisor has invested heavily in the equipment, systems, technology, and people necessary to adopt or convert a plan, and to keep it running smoothly. The Advisor provides all aspects of the plan, including plan design, administration, recordkeeping, and investment management. To streamline plan design, the Advisor provides customizable IRS-approved prototype documents. The Advisor's services also include annual government reporting and testing as well as daily valuation of each participant's account. This structure is intended to eliminate the confusion and complication often associated with dealing with multiple vendors. It is also designed to save plan sponsors time and expense. The Advisor strives to provide one-stop retirement savings programs that combine the advantages of proven investment management, flexible plan design, and a wide range of investment options. RETIREMENT OPTIONS. The Advisor works closely with plan sponsors to design a comprehensive retirement program. The open architecture design of the plans allows for the use of the family of mutual funds managed by the Advisor as well as a stable asset value option. Large company plans may supplement these options with their company stock (if publicly traded) or funds from other well-known mutual fund families. EDUCATION. Participant education and communication are key to the success of any retirement program, and therefore are two of the most important services that the Advisor provides. The Advisor's goal is twofold: to make sure that plan participants fully understand their options and to educate them about the lifelong investment process. To this end, the Advisor provides attractive, readable print materials that are supplemented with audio and video tapes and retirement education programs. The Advisor will work with plan sponsors to identify participants' education needs. SERVICE. The Advisor's goal is to provide a world class level of service through the use of experienced retirement plan professionals and advanced technology. One aspect of that service is an experienced, knowledgeable team that provides ongoing support for plan sponsors, both at adoption or conversion and throughout the life of a plan. The Advisor is committed to delivering accurate and timely information, evidenced by straightforward, complete, and understandable reports, participant account statements, and plan summaries. The Advisor invests in the latest technology in order to provide plan sponsors and participants with superior service. The Advisor has designed both "high-tech" and "high-touch" systems, providing an automated telephone system and Internet access as well as professional personal contact. Participants can access daily account information, conduct transactions, or have questions answered in the way that is most comfortable for them. STRONG FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY GROUP The Strong Financial Intermediary Group is dedicated to helping financial advisors better serve their clients. Financial advisors receive regular updates on the mutual funds managed by the Advisor, access to portfolio managers through special conference calls, consolidated mailings of duplicate confirmation statements, access to the Advisor's network of regional representatives, and other specialized services. For more information on the Strong Financial Intermediary Group, call 1-800-368-1683. INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202, are the independent accountants for the Fund, providing audit services and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation of filings with the SEC. LEGAL COUNSEL Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., 780 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202, acts as legal counsel for the Fund. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Annual Report for the Fund that is attached to this SAI contains the following audited financial information: 1. Schedules of Investments in Securities. 2. Statements of Assets and Liabilities. 3. Statements of Operations. 4. Statements of Changes in Net Assets. 5. Notes to Financial Statements. 6. Financial Highlights. 7. Report of Independent Accountants. The Semi-Annual Report for the Fund that is attached to this SAI contains the following unaudited financial information: 1. Schedule of Investments in Securities. 2. Statement of Operations. 3. Statement of Assets and Liabilities. 4. Statements of Changes in Net Assets. 5. Notes to Financial Statements. 6. Financial Highlights. APPENDIX A- DEFINITION OF CREDIT RATINGS STANDARD & POOR'S ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. Issue credit ratings are based on current information furnished by the obligors or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any credit rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. Credit ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances. Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days - including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings. Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: 1. Likelihood of payment - capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; 2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation; 3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights. The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition. 'AAA' An obligation rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. 'AA' An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. 'A' An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. 'BBB' An obligation rated 'BBB' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Obligations rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC' and 'C' are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. 'BB' indicates the least degree of speculation and 'C' the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. 'BB' An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. 'B' An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. 'CCC' An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. 'CC' An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. 'C' A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated 'C' is CURRENTLY HIGHLY VULNERABLE to nonpayment. The 'C' rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A 'C' also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying. 'D' An obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. Plus (+) or minus (-) : The ratings from 'AA' to 'CCC' may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. r This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include: obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities; obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk - such as interest-only or principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky interest terms, such as inverse floaters. N.R. This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. MOODY'S LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues. Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities. A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future. Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small. Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest. Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings. C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing. FITCH, INC. ("FITCH") LONG-TERM NATIONAL CREDIT RATINGS AAA (xxx) 'AAA' national ratings denote the highest rating assigned by Fitch in its national rating scale for that country. This rating is assigned to the "best" credit risk relative to all other issuers or issues in the same country and will normally be assigned to all financial commitments issued or guaranteed by the sovereign state. AA (xxx) 'AA' national ratings denote a very strong credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. The credit risk inherent in these financial commitments differs only slightly from the country's highest rated issuers or issues. A (xxx) 'A' national ratings denote a strong credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. However, changes in circumstances or economic conditions may affect the capacity for timely repayment of these financial commitments to a greater degree than for financial commitments denoted by a higher rated category. BBB (xxx) 'BBB' national ratings denote an adequate credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. However, changes in circumstances or economic conditions are more likely to affect the capacity for timely repayment of these financial commitments than for financial commitments denoted by a higher rated category. BB (xxx) 'BB' national ratings denote a fairly weak credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Within the context of the country, payment of these financial commitments is uncertain to some degree and capacity for timely repayment remains more vulnerable to adverse economic change over time. B (xxx) 'B' national ratings denote a significantly weak credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Financial commitments are currently being met but a limited margin of safety remains and capacity for continued timely payments is contingent upon a sustained, favourable business and economic environment. CCC (xxx), CC (xxx), C (xxx) These categories of national ratings denote an extremely weak credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favourable business or economic developments. DDD (xxx), DD (xxx), D (xxx) These categories of national ratings are assigned to entities or financial commitments which are currently in default. A special identifier for the country concerned will be added to all national ratings. For illustrative purposes, (xxx) has been used, as above. "+" or "-" may be appended to a national rating to denote relative status within a major rating category. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA (xxx)' national rating category or to categories below 'CCC (xxx)'. SHORT-TERM RATINGS STANDARD & POOR'S SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS 'A-1' A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. 'A-2' A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. 'A-3' A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. 'B' A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. 'C' A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. 'D' A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. STANDARD & POOR'S SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. MOODY'S SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted. Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers: PRIME - 1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: o Leading market positions in well-established industries. o High rates of return on funds employed. o Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection. o Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation. o Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity. PRIME - 2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above, but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained. PRIME - 3 Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained. NOT PRIME Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories. FITCH, INC. ("FITCH") SHORT-TERM NATIONAL CREDIT RATINGS F1 (xxx) Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Under Fitch's national rating scale, this rating is assigned to the "best" credit risk relative to all others in the same country and is normally assigned to all financial commitments issued or guaranteed by the sovereign state. Where the credit risk is particularly strong, a "+" is added to the assigned rating. F2 (xxx) Indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. However, the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings. F3 (xxx) Indicates an adequate capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. However, such capacity is more susceptible to near-term adverse changes than for financial commitments in higher rated categories. B (xxx) Indicates an uncertain capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Such capacity is highly susceptible to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. C (xxx) Indicates a highly uncertain capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Capacity or meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment. D (xxx) Indicates actual or imminent payment default. A special identifier for the country concerned will be added to all national ratings. For illustrative purposes, (xxx) has been used, as above. "+" or "-" may be appended to a national rating to denote relative status within a major rating category. Such suffixes are not added to ratings other than 'F1 (xxx)'. In certain countries, regulators have established credit rating scales, to be used within their domestic markets, using specific nomenclature. In these countries, our rating definitions for F1+ (xxx), F1 (xxx), F2 (xxx) and F3 (xxx) may be substituted by the regulatory scales, E.G. A1+, A1, A2 and A3. APPENDIX B - ASSET COMPOSITION BY CREDIT RATINGS For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, the Fund's assets were invested in the credit categories shown below. Percentages are computed on a dollar-weighted basis and are an average of twelve monthly calculations. STRONG BALANCED FUND
RATED ADVISOR'S ASSESSMENT RATING SECURITIES(1) OF UNRATED SECURITIES -------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- AAA 17.8 0.0 AA 0.6 0.0 A 3.0 0.0 BBB 4.0 0.0 BB 1.4 0.0 B 9.8 0.4 CCC 2.6 0.2 CC 0.0 0.0 C 0.0 0.0 D 0.0 0.0 Subtotal 39.2 + 0.6 = 39.8 Equity Securities + 60.2 Total 100%
(1) The indicated percentages are based on the highest rating received from any one NRSRO. Each of the NRSROs utilizes rating categories that are substantially similar to those used in this chart (see Appendix A for the rating categories of several NRSROs). For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, the Fund's assets were invested in the credit categories shown below. Percentages are computed on a dollar-weighted basis and are an average of three monthly calculations. STRONG BALANCED STOCK FUND
RATED ADVISOR'S ASSESSMENT RATING SECURITIES(1) OF UNRATED SECURITIES -------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- AAA 36.1 0.0 AA 0.0 0.0 A 0.0 0.0 BBB 0.0 0.0 BB 0.0 0.0 B 0.0 0.0 CCC 0.0 0.0 CC 0.0 0.0 C 0.0 0.0 D 0.0 0.0 Subtotal 36.1 + 0.0 = 36.1 Equity Securities + 63.9 Total 100%
(1) The indicated percentages are based on the highest rating received from any one NRSRO. Each of the NRSROs utilizes rating categories that are substantially similar to those used in this chart (see Appendix A for the rating categories of several NRSROs). STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC. PART C OTHER INFORMATION Item 23. EXHIBITS
(a) Articles of Incorporation dated July 31, 1996(2) (a.1) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated June 24, 1997(3) (a.2) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated August 7, 1997(4) (a.3) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated February 22, 2000(6) (a.4) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated November 30, 2000(7) (a.5) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated May 1, 2001(9) (a.6) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated December 14, 2001 (b) Bylaws dated October 20, 1995(1) (b.1) Amendment to Bylaws dated May 1, 1998(5) (b.2) Amendment to Bylaws dated April 5, 2001(9) (c) Specimen Stock Certificate(7) (d) Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement (d.1) Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement (Strong Dividend Income Fund) (d.2) Subadvisory Agreement (Strong Energy Fund)(4) (e) Distribution Agreement(9) (e.1) Class B, Class C, and Class L Shares Distribution Agreement(9) (e.2) Mutual Fund Distribution and Shareholder Services Agreement(7) (e.3) Services Agreement(6) (f) Inapplicable (g) Custodian and Remote Access Agreement(9) (h) Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement (h.1) Investor Class Shares Administration Agreement (h.2) Advisor Class Shares Administration Agreement (h.3) Institutional Class Shares Administration Agreement (h.4) Class Z Shares Administration Agreement (h.5) Class A, B, C, and L Shares Administration Agreement (i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (j) Consent of Independent Accountants (k) Inapplicable (l) Inapplicable (m) Amended and Restated Rule 12b-1 Plan(10) (n) Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan(10) (p) Code of Ethics for Access Persons dated April 5, 2001(9) (p.1) Code of Ethics for Non-Access Persons dated November 9, 2000(7) (p.2) Subadvisor's Code of Ethics dated January 1, 1997 (Strong Energy Fund) (8) (p.3) Subadvisor's Code of Ethics dated February 17, 2000 (Strong Dividend Income Fund) (8) (q) Power of Attorney dated as of December 12, 2001 (r) Letter of Representation
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Registrant filed on or about December 13, 1995. (2) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or about December 30, 1996. (3) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or about June 27, 1997. (4) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or about September 26, 1997. (5) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or about December 31, 1998. (6) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or about February 25, 2000. (7) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or about November 29, 2000. (8) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or about February 26, 2001. (9) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or about April 12, 2001. (10) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant filed on or about August 3, 2001. Item 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT ------------------------------------------------------------- Registrant neither controls any person nor is under common control with any other person. Item 25. INDEMNIFICATION ---------------- Officers and directors of the Funds and its advisor and underwriter are insured under a joint directors and officers/errors and omissions insurance policy underwritten by a group of insurance companies in the aggregate amount of $150,000,000, subject to certain deductions. Pursuant to the authority of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law ("WBCL"), Article VII of Registrant's Bylaws provides as follows: ARTICLE VII. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS SECTION 7.01 MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation shall indemnify, to the full extent permitted by the WBCL, as in effect from time to time, the persons described in Sections 180.0850 through 180.0859 (or any successor provisions) of the WBCL or other provisions of the law of the State of Wisconsin relating to indemnification of directors and officers, as in effect from time to time. The indemnification afforded such persons by this section shall not be exclusive of other rights to which they may be entitled as a matter of law. SECTION 7.02. PERMISSIVE SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFITS. The Corporation may, but shall not be required to, supplement the right of indemnification under Section 7.01 by (a) the purchase of insurance on behalf of any one or more of such persons, whether or not the Corporation would be obligated to indemnify such person under Section 7.01; (b) individual or group indemnification agreements with any one or more of such persons; and (c) advances for related expenses of such a person. SECTION 7.03. AMENDMENT. This Article VII may be amended or repealed only by a vote of the shareholders and not by a vote of the Board of Directors. SECTION 7.04. INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. In no event shall the Corporation indemnify any person hereunder in contravention of any provision of the Investment Company Act. Item 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR AMERICAN UTILITIES AND ENERGY FUNDS The information contained under "Who are the funds' investment advisor and portfolio managers?" in the Prospectus and under "Directors and Officers," "Investment Advisor," "Investment Subadvisor," and "Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information is hereby incorporated by reference pursuant to Rule 411 under the Securities Act of 1933. BLUE CHIP, ADVISOR U.S. VALUE, AND GROWTH AND INCOME FUNDS The Information contained under "Who are the funds' investment advisor and portfolio managers?" in the Prospectus and under "Directors and Officers," "Investment Advisor," and "Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information is hereby incorporated by reference pursuant to Rule 411 under the Securities Act of 1933. Item 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS (a) Strong Investments, Inc., principal underwriter for Registrant, also serves as principal underwriter for Strong Advantage Fund, Inc.; Strong Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.; Strong Balanced Fund, Inc.; Strong Balanced Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.; Strong Corporate Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Discovery Fund, Inc.; Strong Equity Funds, Inc.; Strong Equity Funds II, Inc.; Strong Government Securities Fund, Inc.; Strong Heritage Reserve Series, Inc.; Strong High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Income Funds, Inc.; Strong Income Funds II, Inc.; Strong International Equity Funds, Inc.; Strong Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc.; Strong Life Stage Series, Inc.; Strong Money Market Fund, Inc.; Strong Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Municipal Funds, Inc.; Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc.; Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Global Bond Fund, Inc.; Strong Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.; and Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. (b)
Name and Principal Positions and Offices Positions and Offices BUSINESS ADDRESS WITH UNDERWRITER WITH FUND ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis A. Wallestad President and Director Vice President 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Richard W. Smirl Vice President and Secretary 100 Heritage Reserve Chief Compliance Officer Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Jahn Hanshaft Vice President none 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Randy Henze Vice President none 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Dana J. Russart Vice President none 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Michael W. Stefano Vice President none 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Lawrence B. Zuntz Vice President none 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Constance R. Wick Assistant Secretary none 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Thomas M. Zoeller Treasurer and Chief Vice President 100 Heritage Reserve Financial Officer Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Kevin J. Scott Assistant Treasurer none 100 Heritage Reserve Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
(c) None Item 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS All accounts, books, or other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated thereunder are in the physical possession of Registrant's Secretary, Richard W. Smirl, at Registrant's corporate offices, 100 Heritage Reserve, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051. Item 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES All management-related service contracts entered into by Registrant are discussed in Parts A and B of this Registration Statement. Item 30. UNDERTAKINGS None SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the Village of Menomonee Falls, and State of Wisconsin as of the 12th day of December 2001. STRONG CONSERVATIVE EQUITY FUNDS, INC. (Registrant) By: /S/ RICHARD W. SMIRL --------------------------------- Richard W. Smirl, Secretary Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and as of the date indicated.
NAME TITLE DATED AS OF Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive /S/ RICHARD S. STRONG Officer) and a Director December 12, 2001 ----------------------------------------------- Richard S. Strong Treasurer (Principal Financial and /S/ JOHN W. WIDMER Accounting Officer) December 12, 2001 ----------------------------------------------- John W. Widmer Director December 12, 2001 ----------------------------------------------- Marvin E. Nevins* Director December 12, 2001 ----------------------------------------------- Willie D. Davis* Director December 12, 2001 ----------------------------------------------- William F. Vogt* Director December 12, 2001 ----------------------------------------------- Stanley Kritzik* Director December 12, 2001 ----------------------------------------------- Neal Malicky*
* Gilbert L. Southwell III signs this document pursuant to powers of attorney filed with this Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A. By: /S/ GILBERT L. SOUTHWELL III --------------------------------- Gilbert L. Southwell III EXHIBIT INDEX
EDGAR EXHIBIT NO. EXHIBIT EXHIBIT NO. ----------- ------- ----------- (a.6) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated December 14, 2001 EX-99.a6 (d) Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement EX-99.d (d.1) Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement EX-99.d1 (h) Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement EX-99.h (h.1) Investor Class Shares Administration Agreement EX-99.h1 (h.2) Advisor Class Shares Administration Agreement EX-99.h2 (h.3) Institutional Class Shares Administration Agreement EX-99.h3 (h.4) Class Z Shares Administration Agreement EX-99.h4 (h.5) Class A, B, C, and L Shares Administration Agreement EX-99.h5 (i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel EX-99.i (j) Consent of Independent Accountants EX-99.j (q) Power of Attorney dated as of December 12, 2001 EX-99.q (r) Letter of Representation EX-99.r