N-CSR 1 delawaregroupeq_ncsr.htm CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-4997

Exact name of registrant as specified in charter:
Delaware Group Equity Funds V

Address of principal executive offices:
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Name and address of agent for service:
David F. Connor, Esq.
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 523-1918

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

Date of reporting period: November 30, 2007

1


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders











                   
 
 
  Annual Report  Delaware 
   

Small Cap Value Fund

 
   

November 30, 2007 

     
     
     
     
 
   
 
 
 
 

Value equity mutual fund

 

 


Table of contents

     > Portfolio management review  1 
> Performance summary  4 
> Disclosure of Fund expenses  6 
> Sector allocation and top 10 holdings  7 
> Statement of net assets  8 
> Statement of operations  10 
> Statements of changes in net assets  11 
> Financial highlights  12 
> Notes to financial statements  17 
> Report of independent registered public accounting firm  22 
> Other Fund information  23 
> Board of trustees/directors and officers addendum  24 
> About the organization  26 















Funds are not FDIC insured and are not guaranteed. It is possible to lose the principal amount invested.

Mutual fund advisory services provided by Delaware Management Company, a series of Delaware Management
Business Trust, which is a registered investment advisor.

© 2008 Delaware Distributors, L.P.


Portfolio management review

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

Dec. 11, 2007

The managers of Delaware Small Cap Value Fund provided the answers to the questions below as a review of the Fund’s activities for the fiscal year that ended Nov. 30, 2007.

Please discuss the investment climate during the last 12 months.

The investment climate during the past year was a difficult one for small-capitalization equity investors. Despite slowing economic growth and increased market volatility, U.S. equity markets delivered modest gains during the first half of the fiscal period. Much of these gains were diminished, however, as concerns over problems in the subprime mortgage market began to surface in late July and early August 2007.

Subprime mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures climbed to extraordinary levels during the period, forcing a number of mortgage lenders to file for bankruptcy. As signs of mismanagement and poor mortgage underwriting practices began to surface, investors lost confidence in the underlying loans, which triggered a market selloff. Many financial institutions with subprime exposure suffered significant losses; the impact of these casualties led to a credit crunch, in which banks became reticent to lend to each other or to businesses or consumers. Central banks around the globe lowered interest rates during the latter half of the period in an attempt to inject liquidity back into the banking system and ease investor concerns.

Within U.S. markets, negative performance was most pronounced among consumer-related and interest rate-sensitive sectors. Stocks of homebuilders, banks, mortgage companies, and real estate companies fared the worst. On the other hand, the healthcare and technology sectors, which were largely unscathed by the troubled credit and housing markets, turned in relatively strong performances for the period. Commodities also continued to perform well, as growing global demand for oil and gold (demand was particularly notable in China) kept commodity prices high.

These macroeconomic conditions contributed to a flight to safety during the latter half of the period. Investors broadly migrated toward large-cap growth stocks, boosting their performance and effectively putting an end to a seven-year run in which small-cap stocks outpaced large caps.

How did the Fund perform relative to its benchmark index and peer group for the one-year period ended Nov. 30, 2007?

Class A shares of Delaware Small Cap Value Fund returned -6.90% at net asset value and -12.25% at their maximum offer price (both figures reflect all distributions reinvested). During the same 12-month period, the Fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, lost 8.22%, and its peer group as measured by the Lipper Small Cap Value Funds Average, returned -4.08% (source: Lipper). For the complete, annualized performance of Delaware Small Cap Value Fund, please see the table on page 4.

How did you manage the Fund over the past 12 months and what factors impacted performance?

We continued to extensively analyze companies within the small-capitalization universe in search of those with significant free cash flow. During the period, there were no fundamental changes made to our sector allocations. While the Fund turned in a positive performance during roughly the first half of the year, its gains were offset by significant market deterioration during the latter months of the period.

Despite a difficult year overall, the Fund performed slightly better than its benchmark index. We attribute its relative outperformance to successful stock selection. Specifically, we benefited from underweight positions versus the index in the market’s poorest performing sectors—REITs, financial services, and consumer cyclicals. In contrast, the Fund held overweight positions relative to the index in basic industries, healthcare, and technology, which were among the market’s strongest performing sectors.

The views expressed are current as of the date of this report and are subject to change.

(continues)     1


Portfolio management review

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

A healthy amount of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity took place during the first half of the fiscal year, and the Fund realized gains from the sale of several acquired holdings. The Fund benefited, for example, when holding IPSCO, a company that manufactures pipes for oil drilling, was acquired by SSAB, a leading Swedish steel producer. Williams Scotsman, a primary producer of mobile trailer parks for construction sites, benefited from its merger with Ristretto Group. In the financial arena, Fund holdings Ohio Casualty, a property casualty insurer, and First Republic Bank, a private bank and wealth management company, were also acquisition targets. A pronounced slowdown in the pace of M&A activity began during the summer months, stemming from heightened uncertainty and tighter credit policies among lenders.

Which stocks detracted from Fund returns?

Stress in the credit markets, coupled with slower growth, led to broadly disappointing performance among REITs during the period. Performance within the Fund was no exception as the Fund was most challenged by exposure to the sectors that were heavily impacted by the increasingly troubled credit markets. For example, Brandywine Realty Trust, a suburban office properties manager, failed to meet the expectations we had set for its stock; Brandywine Realty is one of many REITs that generated disappointing returns during the fiscal year period. We maintained our position, though, based on our belief that the company offers attractive dividend yields and strong long-term fundamentals.

Shares of Spokane, Washington-based commercial bank Sterling Financial also detracted from Fund returns. Sterling Financial’s stock dropped amid concerns about its loan exposure in the wake of the subprime crisis. We maintained the Fund’s holding in Sterling, however, because we believed that Sterling’s valuation continued to look attractive. Fund holding Provident Bancshares also was negatively impacted by credit woes. Despite an unfavorable environment, however, we believe that the company should recover. We also maintained the Fund’s position in this stock.

Within the consumer cyclicals sector, housing stocks continued to crumble. Fund holdings in homebuilders Beazer Homes USA and WCI Communities failed to meet our expectations. We exited both securities during the summer of 2007.

Also among consumer holdings, book retailer Borders reported earnings below expectations. The company had repurchased stock during the period and sold overseas assets in order to effectively focus on its chain of retail stores in the United States. Despite disappointing sales, we have not sold our position because we believe that the company’s slowdown in sales is temporary and that Borders could be well-positioned for a recovery.

Which stocks contributed notably to Fund performance during the period?

Despite many disappointments, the Fund had several noteworthy holdings. FMC, a leading manufacturer of agricultural, specialty, and industrial chemicals, delivered strong returns. The company’s stock was boosted by a healthy global agricultural cycle as well as its successful execution of debt-reduction measures and balance sheet management. The Fund owned this security at the close of the fiscal year. In the technology sector, the portfolio also benefited from strong earnings in communications network provider Commscope. Commscope’s stock price exceeded our expectations, and we sold the stock at a profit following the company’s announcement that it planned to acquire Andrew Corp. We believed that such a deal did not offer long-term value.

Fund holdings within the healthcare sector also contributed positively to Fund performance. Our position in Service Corporation International, the nation’s largest provider of funeral, cremation, and cemetery services, generated strong returns. Late in the fiscal year, we reduced our position in this holding in an attempt to take profits. Pediatrix Medical Group was another notable performer in this sector. Pediatrix provides treatment for high-risk pregnancies, premature infants, and critically ill newborns and children.

2


How did you position the portfolio at period end?

During the last few months of the fiscal year, we began to trim our overweight position relative to the index in basic industries. Given expectations for further deterioration in the credit markets, we planned to continue to closely monitor our weightings in other economically sensitive sectors such as consumer discretionary and financials.

Despite a challenging year for small-cap stocks, we do not plan to alter our investment strategy and will continue to focus on small companies generating strong cash flows that we believe can deliver positive long-term value through stock repurchase, dividend growth, and debt reduction.

3


Performance summary

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

The performance data quoted represent past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Please obtain the performance data for the most recent month end by calling 800 523-1918 or visiting our Web site at www.delawareinvestments.com/performance. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment company carefully before investing. The Delaware Small Cap Value Fund prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please request a prospectus through your financial advisor or by calling 800 523-1918 or visiting our Web site at www.delawareinvestments.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Fund performance         
Average annual total returns         
Through Nov. 30, 2007   1 year  5 years  10 years  Lifetime
Class A (Est. June 24, 1987)         
Excluding sales charge    -6.90%  +14.29%  +8.45%  +12.54%
Including sales charge   -12.25%  +12.95%  +7.81%  +12.22%
 
Class B (Est. Sept. 6, 1994)         
Excluding sales charge    -7.59%  +13.48%  +7.84%  +10.97%
Including sales charge   -10.97%  +13.20%  +7.84%  +10.97%
 
Class C (Est. Nov. 29, 1995)         
Excluding sales charge     -7.56%  +13.48%  +7.70%  +10.73%
Including sales charge     -8.41%  +13.48%  +7.70%  +10.73%

Returns reflect the reinvestment of all distributions and any applicable sales charges as noted in the following paragraphs.

Performance for Class B and C shares, excluding sales charges, assumes either that contingent deferred sales charges did not apply or that the investment was not redeemed.

The Fund offers Class A, B, C, R, and Institutional Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of up to 5.75%, and have an annual distribution and service fee of up to 0.30% of average daily net assets, but such a fee is currently subject to a contractual cap of 0.25% of average daily net assets through March 31, 2008.

Class B shares may be purchased through dividend reinvestment and certain permitted exchanges. As described in the prospectus, Class B shares have a contingent deferred sales charge that declines from 4.00% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately eight years after purchase. They are also subject to an annual distribution and service fee of up to 1.00% of average daily net assets. Ten-year and lifetime performance figures for Class B shares reflect conversion to Class A shares after eight years.

Effective at the close of business on May 31, 2007, no new or subsequent investments are allowed in Class B shares of the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds, except through a reinvestment of dividends or capital gains or permitted exchanges. Please see the prospectus for additional information.

Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed during the first 12 months. They are also subject to an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets.

Please see the fee table in the prospectus and your financial professional for a more complete explanation of sales charges.

The Fund’s net expense ratios for Class A, B, C, and R shares are 1.38%, 2.13%, 2.13%, and 1.63%, respectively, as disclosed in the most recent prospectus. Without the fee waiver, total operating expenses for Class A, B, C, and R shares would have been 1.43%, 2.13%, 2.13%, and 1.73%, respectively. The total annual fund operating expenses for Institutional Class shares are 1.13%.

The average annual total returns for the 1-year and lifetime (since June 2, 2003) periods ended Nov. 30, 2007, for Delaware Small Cap Value Fund Class R shares were -7.11% and 13.19%, respectively.

Class R shares were first made available June 2, 2003, and are available only for certain retirement plan products. They are sold without a sales charge and have an annual distribution and service fee of up to 0.60% of average daily net assets, but such fee is currently subject to a contractual cap of 0.50% of average daily net assets through March 31, 2008.

The average annual total returns for the 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, and lifetime (since June 24, 1987) periods ended Nov. 30, 2007, for Delaware Small Cap Value Fund Institutional Class shares were -6.65%, 14.62%, 8.78%, and 12.79%, respectively.

4


Institutional Class shares were first made available Nov. 9, 1992, and are available without sales or asset-based distribution charges only to certain eligible institutional accounts. Institutional Class performance prior to Nov. 9, 1992 is based on Class A performance and was adjusted to eliminate the sales charges, but not the asset-based distribution charge of Class A shares.

The performance table on the previous page and the graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes the shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemptions of Fund shares.

Funds that invest in small and/or medium-sized company stocks typically involve greater risk, particularly in the short term, than those investing in larger, more established companies.

Fund basics 
As of Nov. 30, 2007 
 
Fund objective 
The Fund seeks capital appreciation. 
 
Total Fund net assets 
$589 million 
 
Number of holdings 
104 

Fund start date     
June 24, 1987     
 
  Nasdaq symbols  CUSIPs 
Class A  DEVLX  246097109 
Class B  DEVBX  246097307 
Class C  DEVCX  246097406 
Class R  DVLRX  246097505 
Institutional Class  DEVIX  246097208 

Performance of a $10,000 Investment
Nov. 30, 1997, through Nov. 30, 2007

  Starting value (Nov. 30, 1997)  Ending value (Nov. 30, 2007) 

Russell 2000 Value Index    $10,000  $24,819 

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund — Class A Shares     $9,425  $21,213 

The chart assumes $10,000 invested in the Fund on Nov. 30, 1997, and includes the effect of a 5.75% front-end sales charge and the reinvestment of all distributions.

Performance of other Fund classes will vary due to different charges and expenses.

The chart also assumes $10,000 invested in the Russell 2000 Value Index as of Nov. 30, 1997. The Russell 2000 Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000 Index tracks the stocks of 2,000 small U.S. companies. An index is unmanaged and does not reflect the costs of operating a mutual fund, such as the costs of buying, selling, and holding securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The prospectus sets forth details about charges, expenses, investment objectives, and operating policies of the investment company.

5


Disclosure of Fund expenses

For the period June 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period June 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the table shown, “Actual Fund Return,” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section of the table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second section of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. The Fund’s expenses shown in the table reflect fee waivers in effect for Class A and Class R. The expenses shown in the table assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund
Expense Analysis of an Investment of $1,000

        Expenses
  Beginning Ending   Paid During
   Account Account    Annualized   Period
  Value Value Expense 6/1/07 to
  6/1/07      11/30/07      Ratios      11/30/07*
Actual Fund Return         
Class A $1,000.00 $847.00 1.38% $ 6.39
Class B 1,000.00 843.90 2.13%      9.85
Class C 1,000.00 844.00 2.13%    9.85
Class R 1,000.00 846.10 1.63%    7.54
Institutional Class 1,000.00   848.10   1.13%      5.24
With Hypothetical 5% Return (5% return before expenses)
Class A $1,000.00 $1,018.15 1.38% $ 6.98
Class B 1,000.00   1,014.39 2.13%  10.76
Class C 1,000.00 1,014.39   2.13%  10.76
Class R 1,000.00 1,016.90 1.63%    8.24
Institutional Class 1,000.00    1,019.40   1.13%      5.72

* “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

6


Sector allocation and top 10 holdings

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

As of November 30, 2007

Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other Fund materials.

   Percentage 
Sector   of Net Assets 
Common Stock  99.40%  
Basic Industry  11.47%  
Business Services  2.81%  
Capital Spending  8.72%  
Consumer Cyclical  0.88%  
Consumer Services  12.25%  
Consumer Staples  2.59%  
Energy  7.36%  
Financial Services  20.08%  
Health Care  7.22%  
Real Estate  4.03%  
Technology  14.09%  
Transportation  4.40%  
Utilities  3.50%   
Securities Lending Collateral  25.34%  
Total Value of Securities  124.74%  
Obligation to Return Securities Lending Collateral    (25.34% ) 
Receivables and Other Assets Net of Liabilities  0.60%  
Total Net Assets  100.00%  
 
Holdings are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time.
They are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security.
 
   Percentage 
Top 10 Holdings   of Net Assets 
Whiting Petroleum  2.04%  
Kirby  1.80%  
Bank of Hawaii  1.75%  
Brink’s  1.72%  
FMC  1.65%  
Crown Holdings  1.65%  
Quanex  1.57%  
Platinum Underwriters Holdings  1.57%  
Newfield Exploration  1.55%  
Albemarle  1.54%   

7


Statement of net assets

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

November 30, 2007

   Number of   
    Shares    Value
Common Stock – 99.40%                    
Basic Industry – 11.47%    
    *AbitibiBowater 145,964    $ 3,278,351
    *Albemarle 204,800 9,039,872
    *Arch Coal 113,300 4,289,538
    †Crown Holdings 377,700 9,691,782
     Cytec Industries 115,200 7,066,368
     FMC 177,200 9,696,385
  *†Griffon 116,560   1,505,955
     Hercules 174,900 3,394,809
    *Quanex 184,700 9,242,388
    *Texas Industries 75,000 5,203,500
    †Trimas 71,500 793,650
    *Valspar 191,200   4,309,648
      67,512,246
Business Services – 2.81%    
     Brink’s 158,700 10,153,626
   *†United Stationers 125,759   6,370,951
      16,524,577
Capital Spending – 8.72%    
    *Actuant Class A 272,300   8,623,741
    †Casella Waste Systems 151,000 2,260,470
    †Gardner Denver 181,100 5,996,221
    *Harsco 130,300 7,827,121
    *Insteel Industries 182,600 2,076,162
    *Mueller Industries 138,200 4,177,786
    *Mueller Water Products Class B 167,888 1,680,559
     Timken 168,100 5,360,709
    *Wabtec 223,600 7,588,984
    *Walter Industries 164,900   5,720,381
      51,312,134
Consumer Cyclical – 0.88%    
    *MDC Holdings 146,800   5,195,252
      5,195,252
Consumer Services – 12.25%    
    *Belo Class A 203,700 3,373,272
    *Borders Group 311,600 3,898,116
    *Cato Class A 338,000 5,090,280
   *†CEC Entertainment 171,100 4,876,350
   *†Dollar Tree Stores 209,200 5,995,672
    *Men’s Wearhouse 150,500 5,195,260
    *Meredith 124,200 6,837,210
    *PETsMART 166,500 4,741,920
    *Ross Stores 232,800 6,141,264
    *Ruby Tuesday 219,500 2,877,645
    *Stage Stores 298,850 5,056,542
    *Thor Industries 109,300 3,852,825
   *†Warnaco Group 103,100 3,804,390
    *Wolverine World Wide 219,350 5,433,300
   *†Zale 277,100   4,957,319
      72,131,365
Consumer Staples – 2.59%      
     American Greetings Class A 205,900   4,789,234
  *†Constellation Brands Class A 238,800   5,623,740
     Del Monte Foods 547,800    4,820,640
      15,233,614
Energy – 7.36%      
   *†Grey Wolf  652,600   3,315,208
   *†Hercules Offshore 215,176   5,381,552
   *†Newfield Exploration 182,800   9,112,580
     Southwest Gas 197,800   5,720,376
   *†W-H Energy Services 154,200   7,787,100
    †Whiting Petroleum 228,300    12,035,976
      43,352,792
Financial Services – 20.08%      
    *Bank of Hawaii 197,700   10,294,238
    *BankUnited Financial Class A 261,800   2,089,164
     Berkley (W.R.) 271,600   8,305,528
    *Boston Private Financial Holdings 292,600   8,058,204
    *Colonial BancGroup 437,900   6,971,368
    *East West Bancorp 183,500   4,945,325
    *First Midwest Bancorp 152,900   4,999,830
    *Hancock Holding 122,400   4,799,304
    *Harleysville Group 166,800   5,838,000
    *Independent Bank 113,400   3,281,796
     Infinity Property & Casualty 141,800   5,542,962
    *NBT Bancorp 142,100   3,542,553
     Platinum Underwriters Holdings 254,000   9,225,280
     Protective Life 164,900   6,823,562
    *Provident Bankshares 223,300   5,236,385
    *Selective Insurance Group 367,700   8,674,043
     StanCorp Financial Group 164,000   8,542,760
    *Sterling Bancshares 461,500   5,694,910
    *Sterling Financial 299,368    5,367,668
       118,232,880
Health Care – 7.22%      
   *†AMERIGROUP  184,600   6,344,702
    *Owens & Minor 218,600   8,584,422
   *†Pediatrix Medical Group 107,700   6,963,882
    *Service Corp International 580,700   7,711,696
    *STERIS 261,200   7,303,152
    *Universal Health Services Class B 110,400   5,624,880
      42,532,734
Real Estate – 4.03%      
    *Ashford Hospitality Trust 367,600   2,845,224
    *Brandywine Realty Trust 292,937   6,005,209
    *Education Realty Trust 203,400   2,438,766
    *Highwoods Properties 168,900   5,359,197
    *Washington Real Estate      
          Investment Trust 220,100    7,052,004
       23,700,400

8



   Number of  
   Shares              Value
Common Stock (continued)             
Technology – 14.09%    
    †Bell Microproducts 346,300 $ 1,939,280  
   *†Brocade Communications Systems 507,100 3,696,759  
   *†Checkpoint Systems 253,100 6,013,656  
    †Cirrus Logic 703,700 4,011,090  
    †Compuware 878,800 7,258,888  
   *†Emulex 373,200 6,251,100  
   *†Entegris  431,000 3,732,460  
   *†Insight Enterprises 225,300 4,463,193  
   *†Parametric Technology 471,700 7,877,389  
   *†Premiere Global Services 325,150 4,480,567  
    *QAD 237,400 2,020,274  
   *†Sybase 237,200 6,081,808  
   *†Sykes Enterprises 358,200 6,612,372  
   *†Syniverse Holdings 250,700 3,915,934  
    †Synopsys 303,200 7,461,752  
   *†Vishay Intertechnology 569,500   7,113,055  
      82,929,577  
Transportation – 4.40%    
    *Alexander & Baldwin 173,400 8,909,292  
   *†Kirby 220,200 10,585,014  
   *†Saia 103,600 1,350,944  
    *SkyWest 193,000   5,077,830  
      25,923,080  
Utilities – 3.50%    
    *Black Hills 86,500 3,603,590  
   *†El Paso Electric 269,500 6,928,845  
    *FairPoint Communications 158,600 2,366,312  
    *Otter Tail 124,800 4,182,048  
    *PNM Resources 157,800   3,500,004  
      20,580,799  
Total Common Stock     
     (cost $486,718,178)     585,161,450  
 
Total Value of Securities Before     
     Securities Lending Collateral – 99.40%   
     (cost $486,718,178)     585,161,450  
 
Securities Lending Collateral** – 25.34%         
     Investment Companies    
          Mellon GSL DBT II Collateral Fund 149,183,031   149,183,031  
Total Securities Lending Collateral     
     (cost $149,183,031)     149,183,031  
 
Total Value of Securities – 124.74%     
     (cost $635,901,209)   734,344,481 ©
Obligation to Return Securities     
     Lending Collateral** – (25.34%)    (149,183,031 ) 
Receivables and Other Assets     
     Net of Liabilities – 0.60%        3,513,985  
Net Assets Applicable to 16,740,605       
     Shares Outstanding – 100.00%    $ 588,675,435  
Net Asset Value – Delaware Small Cap Value Fund  
     Class A ($389,129,378 / 10,808,303 Shares) $36.00
Net Asset Value – Delaware Small Cap Value Fund  
     Class B ($54,683,621 / 1,664,043 Shares) $32.86
Net Asset Value – Delaware Small Cap Value Fund  
     Class C ($97,428,467 / 2,966,237 Shares) $32.85
Net Asset Value – Delaware Small Cap Value Fund  
     Class R ($21,125,781 / 594,659 Shares) $35.53
Net Asset Value – Delaware Small Cap Value Fund  
     Institutional Class ($26,308,188 / 707,363 Shares)   $37.19
 
Components of Net Assets at November 30, 2007:   
Shares of beneficial interest   
     (unlimited authorization – no par)  $ 435,118,877
Accumulated net realized gain on investments  55,113,286
Net unrealized appreciation of investments    98,443,272
Total net assets  $ 588,675,435

  Non-income producing security for the year ended November 30, 2007. 
 
 * Fully or partially on loan. 
 
 ** See Note 8 in “Notes to Financial Statements.” 
 
 © Includes $143,002,279 of securities loaned. 

Net Asset Value and Offering Price Per Share –   
     Delaware Small Cap Value Fund   
Net asset value Class A (A)  $36.00
Sales charge (5.75% of offering price) (B)  2.20
Offering price $38.20

(A)      Net asset value per share, as illustrated, is the amount which would be paid upon redemption or repurchase of shares.
 
(B) See the current prospectus for purchases of $50,000 or more.

See accompanying notes

9


Statement of operations

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

Year Ended November 30, 2007

Investment Income:     
     Dividends  $ 8,396,670    
     Interest  455,750    
     Securities lending income  365,028    
     Foreign tax withheld  (4,589 )       $ 9,212,859  
 
Expenses:     
     Management fees  5,409,180    
     Distribution expenses – Class A  1,417,396    
     Distribution expenses – Class B  768,385    
     Distribution expenses – Class C  1,290,825    
     Distribution expenses – Class R  145,011    
     Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses  2,081,480    
     Accounting and administration expenses  294,779    
     Reports and statements to shareholders  171,055    
     Legal and professional fees  90,754    
     Registration fees  87,192    
     Audit and tax fees  48,478    
     Trustees’ fees and benefits  35,673    
     Insurance fees  15,787    
     Consulting fees  12,710    
     Custodian fees  11,912    
     Taxes (other than taxes on income)  6,694    
     Dues and services  5,755    
     Trustees’ expenses  4,274    
     Pricing fees  2,944   11,900,284  
     Less waiver of distribution expenses – Class A    (236,233 ) 
     Less waiver of distribution expenses – Class R    (24,168 ) 
     Less expenses paid indirectly    (5,107 ) 
     Total expenses        11,634,776  
Net Investment Loss      (2,421,917 ) 
 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currencies:     
     Net realized gain on:     
         Investments    56,029,476  
         Foreign currencies      45  
     Net realized gain    56,029,521  
     Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments      (97,258,265 ) 
Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments      (41,228,744 ) 
 
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations          $ (43,650,661 ) 

See accompanying notes

10


Statements of changes in net assets

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

   Year Ended
   11/30/07       11/30/06
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:     
     Net investment loss  $ (2,421,917 )  $ (2,607,853 ) 
     Net realized gain on investments and foreign currencies  56,029,521   65,387,672  
     Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments    (97,258,265 )    48,589,690  
     Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations    (43,650,661 )    111,369,509  
 
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:     
     Net realized gain on investments:     
          Class A  (38,697,231 )  (32,439,821 ) 
          Class B  (7,487,846 )  (8,943,393 ) 
          Class C  (12,118,767 )  (10,293,335 ) 
          Class R  (1,670,691 )  (867,999 ) 
          Institutional Class    (2,825,209 )    (2,440,490 ) 
    (62,799,744 )    (54,985,038 ) 
 
Capital Share Transactions:     
     Proceeds from shares sold:     
          Class A  58,097,755   125,942,610  
          Class B  1,197,141   6,039,544  
          Class C  6,957,838   32,923,286  
          Class R  15,645,466     12,295,960  
          Institutional Class  7,208,827   13,937,387  
 
     Net asset value of shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:     
          Class A    36,524,727     30,500,487  
          Class B  6,972,418   8,309,204  
          Class C  11,396,318   9,675,322  
          Class R  1,670,616   865,472  
          Institutional Class    2,798,205     2,425,287  
    148,469,311     242,914,559  
     Cost of shares repurchased:     
          Class A  (131,609,980 )  (109,663,657 ) 
          Class B  (36,484,190 )  (36,107,010 ) 
          Class C  (46,345,644 )  (26,385,778 ) 
          Class R  (13,383,734 )  (4,587,529 ) 
          Institutional Class    (16,190,231 )    (13,595,454 ) 
    (244,013,779 )    (190,339,428 ) 
Increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions    (95,544,468 )    52,575,131  
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets  (201,994,873 )  108,959,602  
 
Net Assets:     
     Beginning of year    790,670,308     681,710,706  
     End of year (there was no undistributed net investment income at either year end)  $ 588,675,435   $ 790,670,308  

See accompanying notes

11


Financial highlights

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund Class A

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

   Year Ended
     11/30/07       11/30/06       11/30/05       11/30/04       11/30/03
Net asset value, beginning of period      $41.970    $39.110      $39.640    $35.220    $27.120  
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:           
Net investment loss1   (0.050 )   (0.047 )   (0.075 )   (0.105 )   (0.136 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (2.647 )   5.960    4.170    6.879    9.079  
Total from investment operations   (2.697 )   5.913    4.095    6.774    8.943  
 
Less dividends and distributions:           
From net realized gain on investments   (3.273 )   (3.053 )   (4.625 )   (2.354 )    (0.843 ) 
Total dividends and distributions   (3.273 )   (3.053 )   (4.625 )   (2.354 )   (0.843 ) 
  
Net asset value, end of period     $36.000      $41.970      $39.110    $39.640       $35.220  
 
Total return2   (6.90% )   16.26%    11.42%    20.52%    34.17%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:           
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)     $389,129      $493,193      $409,567    $270,332      $240,322  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.37%    1.41%    1.44%    1.54%    1.63%  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets           
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly     1.42%    1.44%    1.44%   1.54%    1.63%  
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.12% )   (0.12% )   (0.20% )   (0.30% )   (0.47% ) 
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets           
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly  (0.17% )     (0.15% )     (0.20% )     (0.30% )  (0.47% ) 
Portfolio turnover   23%   36%   33%    35%    42%  
 

1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.
Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the distributor, as applicable. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

See accompanying notes

12


Delaware Small Cap Value Fund Class B

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

      Year Ended      
     11/30/07        11/30/06        11/30/05        11/30/04        11/30/03   
Net asset value, beginning of period  $38.860   $36.690   $37.690   $33.820   $26.260  
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:           
Net investment loss1  (0.314 ) (0.306 ) (0.311 ) (0.334 ) (0.327 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments  (2.413 ) 5.529   3.936   6.558   8.730  
Total from investment operations  (2.727 ) 5.223   3.625   6.224   8.403  
 
Less dividends and distributions from:               
Net realized gain on investments    (3.273 ) (3.053 )   (4.625 )   (2.354 )   (0.843 ) 
Total dividends and distributions  (3.273 ) (3.053 ) (4.625 ) (2.354 ) (0.843 ) 
 
Net asset value, end of period  $32.860   $38.860   $36.690   $37.690     $33.820  
 
Total return2  (7.59% ) 15.38%   10.68%   19.69%   33.21%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:           
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $54,684   $94,495   $110,684   $111,348   $107,136  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets  2.12%   2.14%   2.14%   2.24%   2.33%  
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets  (0.87% ) (0.85% ) (0.90% ) (1.00% ) (1.17% ) 
Portfolio turnover  23%   36%   33%   35%   42%  
 

1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge.


See accompanying notes

(continues)     13


Financial highlights

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund Class C

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

  Year Ended
     11/30/07        11/30/06        11/30/05        11/30/04        11/30/03   
Net asset value, beginning of period  $38.840   $36.670   $37.680   $33.810   $26.250  
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:             
Net investment loss1  (0.314 )   (0.306 )   (0.313 )   (0.333 ) (0.326 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    (2.403 ) 5.529   3.928   6.557     8.729  
Total from investment operations  (2.717 ) 5.223   3.615   6.224   8.403  
 
Less dividends and distributions from:           
Net realized gain on investments  (3.273 ) (3.053 ) (4.625 ) (2.354 ) (0.843 ) 
Total dividends and distributions  (3.273 ) (3.053 ) (4.625 ) (2.354 ) (0.843 ) 
 
Net asset value, end of period  $32.850   $38.840   $36.670   $37.680   $33.810  
 
Total return2  (7.56% ) 15.39%   10.65%   19.69%   33.22%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:           
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $97,428   $145,385   $119,968   $66,313     $48,453  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets  2.12%   2.14%   2.14%   2.24%   2.33%  
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets  (0.87% ) (0.85% ) (0.90% ) (1.00% ) (1.17% ) 
Portfolio turnover  23%   36%   33%   35%   42%  
 

1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge.


See accompanying notes

14


Delaware Small Cap Value Fund Class R

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

          6/2/031  
  Year Ended to  
     11/30/07        11/30/06        11/30/05        11/30/04        11/30/03   
Net asset value, beginning of period  $41.550   $38.840   $39.480   $35.190   $29.000  
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:             
Net investment loss2  (0.146 ) (0.138 ) (0.169 )   (0.209 )   (0.160 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments  (2.601 )   5.901     4.154   6.853   6.350  
Total from investment operations  (2.747 ) 5.763   3.985   6.644   6.190  
 
Less dividends and distributions from:           
Net realized gain on investments  (3.273 ) (3.053 ) (4.625 ) (2.354 )  
Total dividends and distributions  (3.273 ) (3.053 ) (4.625 ) (2.354 )  
 
Net asset value, end of period  $35.530   $41.550   $38.840   $39.480   $35.190  
 
Total return3  (7.11% ) 15.97%   11.15%   20.15%   21.35%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:           
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $21,126   $20,564   $10,574   $4,539     $1,740  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets  1.62%   1.64%   1.70%   1.84%   1.97%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets           
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly  1.72% 1.74% 1.74%   1.84%   1.97%  
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets  (0.37% ) (0.35% ) (0.46% ) (0.60% ) (0.97% ) 
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets           
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly  (0.47% ) (0.45% ) (0.50% ) (0.60% ) (0.97% ) 
Portfolio turnover  23% 36% 33%   35%   42% 4 
 

1 Date of commencement of operations; ratios have been annualized and total return has not been annualized.

2 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

3 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the distributor, as applicable. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

4 The portfolio turnover is representative of the Fund for the entire year.


See accompanying notes

(continues)     15


Financial highlights

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund Institutional Class

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

  Year Ended
     11/30/07        11/30/06        11/30/05        11/30/04        11/30/03   
Net asset value, beginning of period  $43.140   $40.020   $40.350   $35.700   $27.400  
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:           
Net investment income (loss)1  0.049   0.058   0.036     (0.050 ) 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments  (2.726 ) 6.115   4.259   7.004   9.193  
Total from investment operations  (2.677 ) 6.173   4.295   7.004   9.143  
 
Less dividends and distributions:           
From net realized gain on investments    (3.273 )   (3.053 )   (4.625 )   (2.354 )   (0.843 ) 
Total dividends and distributions  (3.273 ) (3.053 ) (4.625 )   (2.354 ) (0.843 ) 
 
Net asset value, end of period  $37.190   $43.140   $40.020   $40.350   $35.700  
 
Total return2  (6.65% ) 16.56%   11.77% 20.88% 34.57%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:           
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $26,308   $37,033   $30,918   $23,731     $33,387  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets  1.12%   1.14%   1.14% 1.24% 1.33%  
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets  0.13%   0.15%   0.10%   (0.17% ) 
Portfolio turnover  23%   36%   33% 35%   42%
 

1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value.


See accompanying notes

16


Notes to financial statements

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

November 30, 2007

Delaware Group Equity Funds V (Trust) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and offers three series: Delaware Dividend Income Fund, Delaware Small-Cap Core Fund, and Delaware Small Cap Value Fund. These financial statements and the related notes pertain to Delaware Small Cap Value Fund (Fund). The Trust is an open-end investment company. The Fund is considered diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and offers Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, and Institutional Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75%. Class A share purchases of $1,000,000 or more will incur a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of up to 1% if redeemed during the first year and 0.50% during the second year, provided that Delaware Distributors, L.P. (DDLP) paid a financial advisor a commission on the purchase of those shares. Effective June 1, 2007, Class B shares may only be purchased through dividend reinvestment and certain permitted exchanges. Prior to June 1, 2007, Class B shares were sold with a CDSC that declined from 4% to zero depending upon the period of time the shares were held. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately eight years after purchase. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1%, if redeemed during the first twelve months. Class R and Institutional Class shares are not subject to a sales charge and are offered for sale exclusively to certain eligible investors.

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation.

1. Significant Accounting Policies

The following accounting policies are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are consistently followed by the Fund.

Security Valuation — Equity securities, except those traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (Nasdaq), are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the time of the regular close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on the valuation date. Securities traded on the Nasdaq are valued in accordance with the Nasdaq Official Closing Price, which may not be the last sales price. If on a particular day an equity security does not trade, then the mean between the bid and the asked prices will be used. Short-term debt securities having less than 60 days to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Securities lending collateral, which is invested in a collective investment vehicle, is valued at unit value per share. Generally, other securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In determining whether market quotations are readily available or fair valuation will be used, various factors will be taken into consideration, such as market closures, or with respect to foreign securities, aftermarket trading or significant events after local market trading (e.g., government actions or pronouncements, trading volume or volatility on markets, exchanges among dealers, or news events).

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (Statement 157). Statement 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework, and expands disclosures about the use of fair value measurements. Statement 157 is intended to increase consistency and comparability among fair value estimates used in financial reporting. Statement 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management does not expect the adoption of Statement 157 to have a material impact on the amounts reported in the financial statements.

Federal Income Taxes — The Fund intends to continue to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been made in the financial statements.

On July 13, 2006, the FASB released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidance allows implementing FIN 48 in fund net asset value calculations as late as the fund’s last net asset value calculation in the first required financial statement reporting period. As a result, the Fund will incorporate FIN 48 in its semiannual report on May 31, 2008. Although the Fund’s tax positions are currently being evaluated, management does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements.

Class Accounting — Investment income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments are allocated to the various classes of the Fund on the basis of daily net assets of each class. Distribution expenses relating to a specific class are charged directly to that class.

Repurchase Agreements — The Fund may invest in a pooled cash account along with other members of the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC. The aggregate daily balance of the pooled cash account is invested in repurchase agreements secured by obligations of the U.S. government. The respective collateral is held by the Fund’s custodian bank until the maturity of the respective repurchase agreements. Each repurchase agreement is at least 102% collateralized. However, in the event of default or bankruptcy by the counterparty to the agreement, realization of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. At November 30, 2007, the Fund held no investments in repurchase agreeements.

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

(continues)     17


Notes to financial statements

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

 

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Other — Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged directly to the Fund. Other expenses common to various funds within the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds are generally allocated amongst such funds on the basis of average net assets. Management fees and some other expenses are paid monthly. Security transactions are recorded on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date) for financial reporting purposes. Costs used in calculating realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Distributions received from investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are recorded as dividend income on the ex-dividend date, subject to reclassification upon notice of the character of such distributions by the issuer. The financial statements reflect an estimate of the reclassification of the distribution character. The Fund declares and pays dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains on investments, if any, annually.

Subject to seeking best execution, the Fund may direct certain security trades to brokers who have agreed to rebate a portion of the related brokerage commission to the Fund in cash. Such commission rebates are included in realized gain on investments in the accompanying financial statements and totaled $502 for the year ended November 30, 2007. In general, best execution refers to many factors, including the price paid or received for a security, the commission charged, the promptness and reliability of execution, the confidentiality and placement accorded the order, and other factors affecting the overall benefit obtained by the Fund on the transaction.

The Fund receives earnings credits from its custodian when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset custody fees. The expense paid under this arrangement is included in custodian fees on the Statement of operations with the corresponding expense offset shown as “expense paid indirectly.”

2. Investment Management, Administration Agreements and Other Transactions with Affiliates

In accordance with the terms of its investment management agreement, the Fund pays Delaware Management Company (DMC), a series of Delaware Management Business Trust and the investment manager, an annual fee which is calculated daily at the rate of 0.75% on the first $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.70% on the next $500 million, 0.65% on the next $1.5 billion, and 0.60% on average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion.

Effective October 1, 2007, Delaware Service Company, Inc. (DSC), an affiliate of DMC, provides fund accounting and financial administration oversight services to the Fund. For these services, the Fund pays DSC fees based on the aggregate daily net assets of the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds at the following annual rate: 0.0050% of the first $30 billion; 0.0045% of the next $10 billion; 0.0040% of the next $10 billion; and 0.0025% of aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $50 billion. The fees payable to DSC under the service agreement described above are allocated among all funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds on a relative net asset value basis. Prior to October 1, 2007, DSC provided fund accounting and administrative services to the Fund and received a fee at an annual rate of 0.04% of average daily net assets. For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund was charged $ 257,737 for these services.

DSC also provides dividend disbursing and transfer agency services. The Fund pays DSC a monthly fee based on the number of shareholder accounts for dividend disbursing and transfer agent services.

Pursuant to a distribution agreement and distribution plan, the Fund pays DDLP, the distributor and an affiliate of DMC, an annual distribution and service fee not to exceed 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares, 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class B and C shares and 0.60% of the average daily net assets of Class R shares. Institutional Class shares pay no distribution and service expenses. DDLP has contracted to waive distribution and service fees through March 31, 2008, in order to prevent distribution and service fees of Class A and Class R shares from exceeding 0.25% and 0.50%, respectively, of average daily net assets.

At November 30, 2007, the Fund had liabilities payable to affiliates as follows:

Investment management fee payable to DMC  $ 367,143
Dividend disbursing, transfer agent fees     
     and other expenses payable to DSC  173,425
Distribution fees payable to DDLP  218,398
Other expenses payable to DMC and affiliates*  15,631
 
*DMC, as part of its administrative services, pays operating expenses on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed on a periodic basis. Such expenses include items such as printing of shareholder reports, fees for audit, legal, and tax services, registration fees and trustees’ fees.

As provided in the investment management agreement, the Fund bears the cost of certain legal and tax services, including internal legal and tax services provided to the Fund by DMC and/or its affiliates employees. For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund was charged $37,257 for internal legal and tax services provided by DMC and/or its affiliates employees.

For the year ended November 30, 2007, DDLP earned $22,763 for commissions on sales of the Fund’s Class A shares. For the year ended November 30, 2007, DDLP received gross CDSC of $2,121, $110,332 and $8,364 on redemption of the Fund’s Class A, Class B, and Class C shares, respectively, and these commissions were entirely used to offset up-front commissions previously paid by DDLP to broker-dealers on sales of those shares.

Trustee’s fees and benefits include expenses accrued by the Fund for each Trustee’s retainer and per meeting fees. Certain officers of DMC, DSC and DDLP are officers and/or Trustees of the Trust. These officers and Trustees are paid no compensation by the Fund.

18


3. Investments

For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund made purchases of $165,462,095 and sales of $310,986,130 of investment securities other than short-term investments.

At November 30, 2007, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $636,026,647. At November 30, 2007, net unrealized appreciation was $98,317,834 of which $140,899,013 related to unrealized appreciation of investments and $42,581,179 related to unrealized depreciation of investments.

4. Dividend and Distribution Information

Income and long-term capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Additionally, net short term gains on sales of investment securities are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:

  Year Ended
  11/30/07      11/30/06
Ordinary income  $ 14,551,917 $ 5,424,775
Long-term capital gain    48,247,827   49,560,263
Total  $ 62,799,744 $ 54,985,038

5. Components of Net Assets on a Tax Basis

As of November 30, 2007, the components of net assets on a tax basis were as follows:

Shares of beneficial interest  $ 435,118,877
Undistributed long-term capital gains  55,238,724
Unrealized appreciation of investments    98,317,834
Net assets  $ 588,675,435

The differences between book basis and tax basis components of net assets are primarily attributable to tax deferral of losses on wash sales. The undistributed earnings for the Fund are estimated pending final notification of the tax character of distributions received from investments in REITs.

For financial reporting purposes, capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Reclassifications are primarily due to tax treatment of net operating losses and dividends and distributions. Results of operations and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications. For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund recorded the following reclassifications.

Accumulated net investment loss  $ 2,421,917  
Accumulated net realized gain  (801,206 )
Paid-in capital  (1,620,711 )

6. Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

  Year Ended
  11/30/07      11/30/06
Shares sold:     
     Class A  1,463,749   3,248,371  
     Class B  32,759   167,238  
     Class C  192,771   913,427  
     Class R  397,624   317,280  
     Institutional Class  177,796   352,145  
 
Shares issued upon reinvestment of     
     dividends and distributions:     
     Class A  952,637   832,528  
     Class B  197,855   243,243  
     Class C  323,483   283,381  
     Class R  44,056   23,806  
     Institutional Class  70,822   64,569  
  3,853,552   6,445,988  
Shares repurchased:     
     Class A  (3,360,466 ) (2,799,853 )
     Class B  (998,258 ) (995,799 )
     Class C  (1,292,964 ) (725,220 )
     Class R  (341,947 ) (118,418 )
     Institutional Class  (399,673 ) (330,803 )
  (6,393,308 ) (4,970,093 )
Net increase (decrease)  (2,539,756 ) 1,475,895  

For the years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006, 357,349 Class B shares were converted to 328,289 Class A shares valued at $13,268,291 and 413,129 Class B shares were converted to 384,420 Class A shares valued at $14,931,874, respectively. The respective amounts are included in Class B redemptions and Class A subscriptions in the table above and the Statements of changes in net assets.

7. Line of Credit

The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds (Participants), participates in a $225,000,000 revolving line of credit facility to be used for temporary or emergency purposes as an additional source of liquidity to fund redemptions of investor shares. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee, which is allocated across the Participants on the basis of each Participant’s allocation of the entire facility. The Participants may borrow up to a maximum of one third of their net assets under the agreement. The Fund had no amounts outstanding as of November 30, 2007, or at any time during the year then ended.

(continues)     19


Notes to financial statements

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

 

8. Securities Lending

The Fund, along with other funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds, may lend its securities pursuant to a security lending agreement (Lending Agreement) with Mellon Bank, N.A. (Mellon). With respect to each loan, if the aggregate market value of the collateral held on any business day is less than the aggregate market value of the securities which are the subject of such loan, the borrower will be notified to provide additional collateral not less than the applicable collateral requirements. Cash collateral received is invested in a collective investment vehicle (Collective Trust) established by Mellon for the purpose of investment on behalf of clients participating in its securities lending programs. The Collective Trust invests in fixed income securities with a weighted average maturity not to exceed 90 days, rated in one of the top two tiers by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities. However, in the event of default or bankruptcy by the lending agent, realization and/or retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. In the event the borrower fails to return loaned securities and the collateral received is insufficient to cover the value of the loaned securities and provided such collateral shortfall is not the result of investment losses, the lending agent has agreed to pay the amount of the shortfall to the Fund, or at the discretion of the lending agent, replace the loaned securities. The Fund continues to record dividends or interest, as applicable, on the securities loaned and is subject to change in value of the securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan. The Fund has the right under the Lending Agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. The security lending agent and the borrower retain a portion of the earnings from the collateral investments. The Fund records security lending income net of such allocation.

At November 30, 2007, the market value of securities on loan was $143,002,279, for which cash collateral was received and invested in accordance with the Lending Agreement. Such investments are presented on the Statement of net assets under the caption “Securities Lending Collateral.”

9. Credit and Market Risk

The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in small companies and may be subject to certain risks associated with ownership of securities of such companies. Investments in small-sized companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies for a number of reasons, which include more limited financial resources or a dependence on narrow product lines.

The Fund invests in REITs and is subject to some of the risks associated with that industry. If the Fund holds real estate directly as a result of defaults or receives rental income directly from real estate holdings, its tax status as a regulated investment company may be jeopardized. There were no direct holdings during the year ended November 30, 2007. The Fund’s REIT holdings are also affected by interest rate changes, particularly if the REITs it holds use floating rate debt to finance their ongoing operations.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which may include securities with contractual restrictions on resale, securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and other securities which may not be readily marketable. The relative illiquidity of these securities may impair the Fund from disposing of them in a timely manner and at a fair price when it is necessary or desirable to do so. While maintaining oversight, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has delegated to DMC the day-to-day functions of determining whether individual securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid assets. As of November 30, 2007, there were no Rule 144A securities and no securities have been determined to be illiquid under the Fund’s Liquidity Procedures.

10. Contractual Obligations

The Fund enters into contracts in the normal course of business that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

11. Termination of New Share Purchases of Class B Shares

As of the close of business on May 31, 2007, each fund in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds no longer accepts new or subsequent investments in Class B shares of the funds, other than a reinvestment of dividends or capital gains or permitted exchanges. Existing shareholders of Class B shares may continue to hold their Class B shares, reinvest dividends into Class B shares, and exchange their Class B shares of one Delaware Investments® Fund (each a Fund) for Class B shares of another Fund, as permitted by existing exchange privileges. Existing Class B shareholders wishing to make subsequent purchases in a Fund’s shares will be permitted to invest in other classes of the Fund, subject to that class’ pricing structure and eligibility requirements, if any.

For Class B shares outstanding as of May 31, 2007 and Class B shares acquired upon reinvestment of dividends or capital gains, all Class B share attributes, including the CDSC schedules, conversion to Class A schedule, and distribution and service (12b-1) fees, will continue in their current form. However, as of the close of business on May 31, 2007, reinvestment of redeemed shares with respect to Class B shares (which, as described in the prospectus, permits you to reinvest within 12 months of selling your shares and have any CDSC you paid on such shares credited back to your account) has been discontinued. In addition, because the Fund’s or its distributor’s ability to assess certain sales charges and fees is dependent on the sale of new shares, the termination of new purchases of Class B shares could ultimately lead to the elimination and/or reduction of such sales charges and fees. The Fund may not be able to provide shareholders with advance notice of the reduction in these sales charges and fees. You will be notified via a Prospectus Supplement if there are any changes to any attributes, sales charges, or fees.

20


12. Change in Custodian

On August 2, 2007, Mellon Bank, One Mellon Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15258, became the Fund’s custodian. Prior to August 2, 2007, JPMorgan Chase served as the Fund’s custodian.

13. Tax Information (Unaudited)

The information set forth below is for the Fund’s fiscal year as required by federal laws. Shareholders, however, must report distributions on a calendar year basis for income tax purposes, which may include distributions for portions of two fiscal years of a fund. Accordingly, the information needed by shareholders for income tax purposes will be sent to them in January of each year. Please consult your tax advisor for proper treatment of this information.

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund designates distributions paid during the year as follows:

(A)   (B)    
Long-Term   Ordinary    
Capital Gain   Income   Total   (C)
Distributions   Distributions*   Distributions   Qualifying
(Tax Basis)      (Tax Basis)      (Tax Basis)      Dividends(1)
77%    23%   100%   7%

(A) and (B) are based on a percentage of the Fund’s total distributions.

(C) is based on a percentage of ordinary income of the Fund.

(1) Qualifying dividends represent dividends which qualify for the corporate dividends received deduction.

* For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007, certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund intends to designate up to a maximum amount of $5,453,382 to be taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. Complete information will be computed and reported in conjunction with your 2007 Form 1099-DIV.

21


Report of independent
registered public accounting firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees
Delaware Group Equity Funds V – Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets of Delaware Small Cap Value Fund (one of the series constituting Delaware Group Equity Funds V) (the “Fund”) as of November 30, 2007, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2007, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Delaware Small Cap Value Fund of Delaware Group Equity Funds V at November 30, 2007, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and its financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 22, 2008

22


Other Fund information (unaudited)

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund

 

Fund management

Christopher S. Beck, CFA
Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager

Christopher S. Beck leads the firm’s Small/Mid-Cap Value team. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 1997, he served as a vice president at Pitcairn Trust from 1995 to 1997, where he managed small-capitalization stocks and analyzed equity sectors. Before that he was chief investment officer of the University of Delaware from 1992 to 1995 and held management positions during his seven years at Cypress Capital Management and four years at Wilmington Trust. Beck earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Delaware and an MBA from Lehigh University, and he is a member of The CFA Society of Philadelphia.

Michael E. Hughes, CFA
Vice President, Senior Equity Analyst

Michael E. Hughes is responsible for the analysis, purchase, and sale recommendations of consumer staples, healthcare, and technology securities for the firm’s Small-Cap Value and Mid-Cap Value portfolios. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 2002, Hughes was a vice president of equity research at Raymond James & Associates and a limited partner of equity research at J.C. Bradford. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Siena College and an MBA from Vanderbilt University.

Kent P. Madden, CFA
Equity Analyst

Kent P. Madden is responsible for equity research of consumer services, consumer cyclicals, transportation, and business services stocks for the firm’s Small-Cap Value and Mid-Cap Value portfolios. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 2004, he was an equity analyst at Gartmore Global Investments, where he specialized in technology and telecommunications. He has also worked as an equity analyst for Federated Investors, where he gained experience covering small-capitalization consumer stocks, and Lehman Brothers as a corporate finance analyst. Madden holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from DePauw University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Kelley A. McKee, CFA
Equity Analyst

Kelley A. McKee joined Delaware Investments in July 2005 as an equity analyst for the firm’s Small-Cap Value and Mid-Cap Value portfolios, where she assists the portfolio manager with financial modeling and coverage of various sectors. For the three years prior, she participated in Lincoln Financial Group’s rotational Professional Development Program. McKee earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Georgetown University.

23


Board of trustees/directors
and officers addendum

Delaware Investments® Family of Funds

A mutual fund is governed by a Board of Trustees/Directors (“Trustees”), which has oversight responsibility for the management of a fund’s business affairs. Trustees establish procedures and oversee and review the performance of the investment manager, the distributor, and others who perform services for the fund. The independent fund trustees, in particular, are advocates for shareholder interests. Each trustee has served in that capacity since he or she was elected to or appointed to the Board of Trustees, and will continue to serve until his or her retirement or the election of a new trustee in his or her place. The following is a list of the Trustees and Officers with certain background and related information.

        Number of    
        Portfolios in Fund    Other
 Name,       Complex Overseen    Directorships
 Address,  Position(s)  Length of  Principal Occupation(s) by Trustee    Held by
 and Birth Date  Held with Fund(s)  Time Served  During Past 5 Years or Officer    Trustee or Officer
 Interested Trustees           
 Patrick P. Coyne1  Chairman,  Chairman and Trustee  Patrick P. Coyne has served in   84  Director —
 2005 Market Street  President,  since August 16, 2006  various executive capacities     Kaydon Corp. 
 Philadelphia, PA  Chief Executive    at different times at     
 19103  Officer, and  President and  Delaware Investments.2     
   Trustee  Chief Executive Officer      
 April 14, 1963    since August 1, 2006       
 Independent Trustees           
 Thomas L. Bennett  Trustee  Since  Private Investor —  84  Director —
 2005 Market Street    March 2005  (March 2004–Present)  Bryn Mawr
 Philadelphia, PA          Bank Corp. (BMTC)
 19103      Investment Manager —  (April 2007–Present)
       Morgan Stanley & Co.    
 October 4, 1947      (January 1984–March 2004)     
 John A. Fry  Trustee  Since  President —  84  Director —
 2005 Market Street    January 2001  Franklin & Marshall College  Community Health 
 Philadelphia, PA      (June 2002–Present)    Systems
 19103          
       Executive Vice President —    Director —
 May 28, 1960      University of Pennsylvania    Allied Barton
       (April 1995–June 2002)    Security Holdings
 Anthony D. Knerr  Trustee  Since  Founder and Managing Director —  84  None
 2005 Market Street    April 1990  Anthony Knerr & Associates    
 Philadelphia, PA      (Strategic Consulting)    
 19103      (1990–Present)    
 
 December 7, 1938          
 Lucinda S. Landreth  Trustee  Since  Chief Investment Officer —  84  None
 2005 Market Street    March 2005  Assurant, Inc.    
 Philadelphia, PA      (Insurance)    
 19103      (2002–2004)    
 
 June 24, 1947          
 Ann R. Leven  Trustee  Since  Consultant —  84  Director and
 2005 Market Street    October 1989  ARL Associates    Audit Committee
 Philadelphia, PA      (Financial Planning)    Chairperson — Andy
 19103      (1983–Present)  Warhol Foundation
 
 November 1, 1940         Director and Audit
          Committee Chair —
           Systemax, Inc.

24



         Number of  
         Portfolios in Fund  Other
 Name,        Complex Overseen   Directorships 
 Address,  Position(s)  Length of  Principal Occupation(s)  by Trustee  Held by
 and Birth Date  Held with Fund(s)  Time Served   During Past 5 Years  or Officer  Trustee or Officer
 Independent Trustees (continued)         
 Thomas F. Madison  Trustee  Since  President and Chief  84  Director —
 2005 Market Street    May 19973  Executive Officer —    CenterPoint Energy
 Philadelphia, PA      MLM Partners, Inc.    
 19103      (Small Business Investing    Director and Audit
       and Consulting)    Committee Chair —
 February 25, 1936      (January 1993–Present)    Digital River, Inc.
 
           Director and Audit
         Committee Member — 
           Rimage
           Corporation
 
           Director — Valmont
           Industries, Inc.
 Janet L. Yeomans  Trustee  Since  Treasurer   84   None
 2005 Market Street    April 1999  (January 2006–Present)    
 Philadelphia, PA      Vice President — Mergers & Acquisitions     
 19103      (January 2003–January 2006), and    
       Vice President     
 July 31, 1948      (July 1995–January 2003)    
       3M Corporation    
 
       Ms. Yeomans has held    
       various management positions    
       at 3M Corporation since 1983.    
 J. Richard Zecher  Trustee  Since  Founder —  84  Director and Audit
 2005 Market Street    March 2005  Investor Analytics  Committee Member —
 Philadelphia, PA      (Risk Management)    Investor Analytics
 19103      (May 1999–Present)    
           Director and Audit
 July 3, 1940      Founder —  Committee Member —
       Sutton Asset Management    Oxigene, Inc.
       (Hedge Fund)    
       (September 1996–Present)    
 Officers           
 David F. Connor  Vice President,  Vice President since  David F. Connor has served as   84  None4
 2005 Market Street  Deputy General  September 2000  Vice President and Deputy    
 Philadelphia, PA  Counsel, and Secretary  and Secretary  General Counsel of    
 19103    since  Delaware Investments    
     October 2005  since 2000.    
 December 2, 1963           
 Daniel V. Geatens  Vice President  Treasurer  Daniel V. Geatens has served  84  None4
 2005 Market Street  and Treasurer   since  in various capacities at    
 Philadelphia, PA    October 25, 2007  different times at     
 19103      Delaware Investments.    
           
 October 26, 1972           
 David P. O’Connor  Senior Vice  Senior Vice President,  David P. O’Connor has served in  84  None4
 2005 Market Street  President,  General Counsel, and  various executive and legal    
 Philadelphia, PA  General Counsel,  Chief Legal Officer  capacities at different times    
 19103  and Chief  since  at Delaware Investments.    
   Legal Officer  October 2005      
 February 21, 1966           
 Richard Salus  Senior  Chief Financial  Richard Salus has served in  84  None4
 2005 Market Street  Vice President  Officer since  various executive capacities    
 Philadelphia, PA  and  November 2006  at different times at    
 19103  Chief Financial    Delaware Investments.    
   Officer        
 October 4, 1963          

1 Patrick P. Coyne is considered to be an “Interested Trustee” because he is an executive officer of the Fund’s(s’) investment advisor.
2 Delaware Investments is the marketing name for Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the Fund’s(s’) investment advisor, principal underwriter, and its transfer agent.
3 In 1997, several funds managed by Voyageur Fund Managers, Inc. (the “Voyageur Funds”) were incorporated into the Delaware Investments Family of Funds. Mr. Madison served as a director of the Voyageur Funds from 1993 until 1997.
4 David F. Connor, Daniel V. Geatens, David P. O’Connor, and Richard Salus serve in similar capacities for the six portfolios of the Optimum Fund Trust, which have the same investment advisor, principal underwriter, and transfer agent as the registrant.

The Statement of Additional Information for the Fund(s) includes additional information about the Trustees and Officers and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 800 523-1918.

25


About the organization

This annual report is for the information of Delaware Small Cap Value Fund shareholders, but it may be used with prospective investors when preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for Delaware Small Cap Value Fund and the Delaware Investments® Performance Update for the most recently completed calendar quarter. The prospectus sets forth details about charges, expenses, investment objectives, and operating policies of the investment company. You should read the prospectus carefully before you invest. The figures in this report represent past results that are not a guarantee of future results. The return and principal value of an investment in the investment company will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Board of trustees

Patrick P. Coyne
Chairman, President, and
Chief Executive Officer

Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Thomas L. Bennett
Private Investor
Rosemont, PA

John A. Fry
President
Franklin & Marshall College
Lancaster, PA

Anthony D. Knerr
Founder and Managing Director
Anthony Knerr & Associates
New York, NY

Lucinda S. Landreth
Former Chief Investment Officer
Assurant, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA

Ann R. Leven
Consultant
ARL Associates
New York, NY

Thomas F. Madison
President and Chief Executive Officer
MLM Partners, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN

Janet L. Yeomans
Vice President and Treasurer
3M Corporation
St. Paul, MN

J. Richard Zecher
Founder
Investor Analytics
Scottsdale, AZ

Affiliated officers

David F. Connor
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel,
and Secretary
Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Daniel V. Geatens
Vice President and Treasurer
Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

David P. O’Connor
Senior Vice President, General Counsel,
and Chief Legal Officer
Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Richard Salus
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Contact information

Investment manager
Delaware Management Company, a series
of Delaware Management Business Trust
Philadelphia, PA

National distributor
Delaware Distributors, L.P.
Philadelphia, PA

Shareholder servicing, dividend
disbursing, and transfer agent

Delaware Service Company, Inc.
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094

For shareholders
800 523-1918

For securities dealers and financial
institutions representatives only

800 362-7500

Web site
www.delawareinvestments.com

Delaware Investments is the marketing name of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q, as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities are available without charge (i) upon request, by calling 800 523-1918; and (ii) on the Commission’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities and the Fund’s Schedule of Investments are available without charge on the Fund’s Web site at http://www.delawareinvestments.com. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800 SEC-0330.

Information (if any) regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recently disclosed 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (i) through the Fund’s Web site at http://www.delawareinvestments.com; and (ii) on the Commission’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

26



 
 
 
 
 






 

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(2585) 

Printed in the USA 
AR-021 [11/07] CGI 1/08  MF-07-12-019 PO12523 


 











 
 
 
   
                Annual Report  Delaware 
      Small Cap Core Fund 
 
November 30, 2007 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
     
 
 
 

                                          Core equity mutual fund

 

 



Table of contents

      > Portfolio management review        1
> Performance summary  4
> Disclosure of Fund expenses  6
> Sector allocation and top 10 holdings  7
> Statement of net assets  8
> Statement of operations  11
> Statements of changes in net assets  12
> Financial highlights  13
> Notes to financial statements  17
> Report of independent registered public accounting firm  21
> Other Fund information  22
> Board of trustees/directors and officers addendum  23
> About the organization  25

 

 

 


 

Funds are not FDIC insured and are not guaranteed. It is possible to lose the principal amount invested.

Mutual fund advisory services provided by Delaware Management Company, a series of Delaware Management
Business Trust, which is a registered investment advisor.
© 2008 Delaware Distributors, L.P.


Portfolio management review

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

Dec. 11, 2007

The managers of Delaware Small Cap Core Fund provided the answers to the questions below as a review of the Fund’s activities for the fiscal year that ended Nov. 30, 2007.

How did the Fund perform over the last year?

Class A shares of Delaware Small Cap Core Fund returned -3.62% at net asset value and -9.13% at the maximum offer price (both figures represent all dividends reinvested). The Fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, returned -1.17%, while the Fund’s peer group, the Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Average, returned -0.11% (source: Lipper). Please see page 4 for a complete performance summary and disclosure.

Please discuss the investment environment during the period.

After several years of strong performance, small-capitalization stocks endured a challenging year. Early in the Fund’s fiscal period, the macroeconomic environment was marked by a weak dollar, higher energy prices, and rising import costs — all historically negative factors for small-cap stocks.

Equity markets experienced a brief but sharp correction in late February and early March, as investors around the globe came to terms with weaker-than-expected economic data in the United States and increasing signs of trouble in the subprime mortgage market. Subprime mortgages are loans made to low income borrowers with blemished credit histories. Mortgage defaults spiked during the year as many adjustable-rate home loans were increased from their initially low interest rate. Problems in the subprime market had negative repercussions for the economy and for virtually all equity markets, regardless of market capitalization.

During the summer months, investors, already nervous about rising energy prices and other pressures on consumer spending, began to focus more intently on the difficult conditions for homeowners and homebuilders. In mid-July, for example, the markets were rattled as the number of financial institutions with mortgage-debt write-offs escalated. Growing unease from the resulting credit squeeze and real estate slump fueled market-wide selloffs, particularly within the financial sector. But the fallout from the subprime crisis spread globally, notably impacting the consumer sectors, among other areas.

Within this environment, market fundamentals shifted in favor of large-cap stocks and away from their small-cap counterparts. The relative resurgence in large-cap stocks reflected investors’ growing concern about the U.S. economy and their appetite for global revenue diversification.

What factors influenced Fund performance?

Throughout the year, we sought to identify companies with strong balance sheets and healthy cash flow. We held an overweight position versus the Russell 2000 Index in technology over the fiscal year as this sector continued to boast strong growth rates driven by favorable product cycles and international exposure. We also held a significant position in healthcare, which continues to benefit from positive secular trends, such as aging populations.

As the year progressed, we anticipated that the economy would continue to slow and remained cautiously optimistic through the end of the period. The Fund’s underweight position in consumer discretionary stocks compared to the benchmark reflected our view that discretionary spending would face headwinds as rising energy prices, falling home values, and increased economic uncertainty weighed on consumer sentiment.

Can you discuss your investment process? How do you go about finding what you believe are the best available small-cap stocks?

We employ a rigorous approach and dynamic process to identify promising opportunities in the market. We begin with a quantitative screen that ranks the entire universe of small-cap stocks (or those in the Russell 2000 Index) on a sector level and at the universe level. These rankings, which are used to determine the relative attractiveness of a stock versus the Russell 2000, are assigned based on a variety of factors: valuation (using both traditional financial ratio analysis and present value calculations),

The views expressed are current as of the date of this report and are subject to change.

(continues)     1


Portfolio management review

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

expectations (based on earnings revisions and price momentum), and quality (such as cash flow analysis and share repurchases).

The rankings generated by the quantitative model are used to narrow down the investment universe to a manageable range of names on which we perform fundamental research. When performing fundamental analysis, we fully evaluate a company’s financial statements and products, and identify catalysts that we believe should move the stock higher (i.e. pricing power, industry position, technological advantage, etc.). We are able to add the most value through this step in the investment process due to the forward-looking nature of the analysis.

While the first two steps focus on idea generation, the third step in the investment process involves the construction of the portfolio. We aim to ensure that stock selection is the key driver behind Fund performance while minimizing the impact of any unintended risks within the portfolio.

The last step of the process involves our sell discipline. We will reduce or sell a stock if the company grows beyond the market cap limit of the Russell 2000 Index or if it experiences a breakdown in the quantitative model. Additionally, we will reduce or sell a stock if the fundamental thesis or catalyst no longer exists, or if the stock achieves the fundamental target we determine for its price.

Which holdings failed to meet your expectations?

Repercussions from the subprime mortgage crisis affected companies throughout the financials sector. Within the Fund, private mortgage insurance provider Triad Guaranty detracted from returns. Triad was affected by investor concern that claims payouts would increase in the wake of rising mortgage defaults. Despite our belief that the company could survive the downturn in the mortgage market, we exited our position completely as we became concerned that negative market sentiment would continue to push the stock lower.

Our position in BankUnited Financial Corporation also decreased Fund returns. The Florida-based bank suffered from deteriorating credit quality and exposure to Florida’s weakening real estate market. Despite these circumstances, we remain optimistic about BankUnited’s future business prospects and believe that the market has unfairly penalized this company. We continued to hold a position in this stock at the end of the period.

The Fund’s holding in Wet Seal, a women’s discount clothing chain, fell on concerns that weakness in the lower income demographic would hamper sales. We completely sold out of our position as we saw no upside catalysts to the stock over the near term.

Which holdings strengthened the portfolio during the 12-month period?

In the business services sector, FTI Consulting, a firm that specializes in legal, financial, and reputation issues, posted strong gains. The company has consistently exceeded earnings expectations, driven by strong contributions from its restructuring and bankruptcy business, an area we anticipate could benefit from continued economic weakness.

Technology company Synaptics was another notable performer. Synaptics provides interface solutions for mobile computers, communications and entertainment devices. Synaptics’ new touch-screen technology is being utilized by a growing number of mobile phone manufacturers, which we believe bodes well for the company’s future business prospects.

The stock of Armor Holdings, which provides security products and vehicle armor systems to the U.S. military and major aerospace and defense contractors, also delivered strong positive performance. The company benefited during the year from increased demand for its products due to the war in Iraq. We sold the Fund’s position in Armor Holdings, however, when the stock reached our set target price following its acceptance of a buyout offer from BEA Systems.

Within the healthcare sector, United Therapeutics contributed notably to Fund performance. United Therapeutics’ stock appreciated during the fiscal year when the company received FDA approval for Viveta, the inhaled formulation of the drug Remodulin, a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension. We owned the stock at period end because we believed that the company’s pipeline for new drug development appeared promising.

2


Performance summary

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

The performance data quoted represent past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Please obtain the performance data for the most recent month end by calling 800 523-1918 or visiting our Web site at www.delawareinvestments.com/performance. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment company carefully before investing. The Delaware Small Cap Core Fund prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please request a prospectus through your financial advisor or by calling 800 523-1918 or visiting our Web site at www.delawareinvestments.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Fund performance   
Average annual total returns   
Through Nov. 30, 2007   1 year   5 years   Lifetime 
Class A (Est. Dec. 29, 1998)   
Excluding sales charge   -3.62%    +14.90%    +12.78% 
Including sales charge   -9.13%    +13.54%    +12.03% 
 
Class C (Est. Aug. 1, 2005)   
Excluding sales charge   -4.37%  N/A    +3.64% 
Including sales charge   -5.30%  N/A    +3.64% 

Returns reflect the reinvestment of all distributions and any applicable sales charges as noted in the following paragraphs.

Performance for Class C shares, excluding sales charges, assumes either that contingent deferred sales charges did not apply or that the investment was not redeemed.

An expense limitation was in effect for all classes during the periods shown in the Fund performance chart above and in the Performance of a $10,000 Investment chart on the next page. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

The Fund offers Class A, C, R, and Institutional Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of up to 5.75%, and have an annual distribution and service fee of up to 0.30% of average daily net assets, but such a fee is currently subject to a contractual cap of 0.25% of average daily net assets through March 31, 2008.

Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed during the first 12 months. They are also subject to an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets.

Please see the fee table in the prospectus and your financial professional for a more complete explanation of sales charges.

Management has contracted to reimburse expenses and/or waive its management fees from April 1, 2007, through March 31, 2008, as disclosed in the most recent prospectus.

The Fund’s net expense ratios for Class A, C, R, and Institutional Class shares are 1.30%, 2.05%, 1.55%, and 1.05%, respectively, as disclosed in the most recent prospectus. Without the fee waiver, total operating expenses for Class A, C, R, and Institutional Class shares would have been 1.72%, 2.42%, 2.02%, and 1.42%, respectively.

The average annual total returns for the 1-year and lifetime (since Aug. 1, 2005) periods ended Nov. 30, 2007, for Delaware Small Cap Core Fund Class R shares were -3.86% and 4.19%, respectively.

Class R shares were first made available Aug. 1, 2005, and are available only for certain retirement plan products. They are sold without a sales charge and have an annual distribution and service fee of up to 0.60% of average daily net assets, but such fee is currently subject to a contractual cap of 0.50% of average daily net assets through March 31, 2008.

The average annual total returns for the 1-year, 5-year, and lifetime (since Dec. 29, 1998) periods ended Nov. 30, 2007, for Delaware Small Cap Core Fund Institutional Class shares were -3.38%, 15.03%, and 12.85%, respectively.

Institutional Class shares were first made available Dec. 29, 1998, and are available without sales or asset-based distribution charges only to certain eligible institutional accounts.

The performance table above and the graph on the next page do not reflect the deduction of taxes the shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemptions of Fund shares.

Funds that invest in small and/or medium-sized company stocks typically involve greater risk, particularly in the short term, than those investing in larger, more established companies.

4



Fund basics 
As of Nov. 30, 2007 
 
Fund objective 
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. 
 
Total Fund net assets 
$94.8 million 
 
Number of holdings 
160 

Fund start date 
Dec. 29, 1998 
 
  Nasdaq symbols  CUSIPs 
Class A  DCCAX  24610B883 
Class C  DCCCX  24610B867 
Class R  DCCRX  24610B834 
Institutional Class  DCCIX  24610B859 

Performance of a $10,000 Investment
Dec. 29, 1998 (Fund’s inception), through Nov. 30, 2007

  Starting value (Dec. 29, 1998)  Ending value (Nov. 30, 2007) 

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund — Class A Shares    $9,425  $27,566 

Russell 2000 Index  $10,000  $21,052 

The chart assumes $10,000 invested in the Fund on Dec. 29, 1998, and includes the effect of a 5.75% front-end sales charge and the reinvestment of all distributions.

Performance of other Fund classes will vary due to different charges and expenses.

The chart also assumes $10,000 invested in the Russell 2000 Index as of Dec. 29, 1998. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index. An index is unmanaged and does not reflect the costs of operating a mutual fund, such as the costs of buying, selling, and holding securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The prospectus sets forth details about charges, expenses, investment objectives, and operating policies of the investment company.

5


Disclosure of Fund expenses

For the period June 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period June 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the table shown, “Actual Fund Return,” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section of the table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second section of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. The Fund’s actual expenses shown in the table reflect fee waivers in effect. The expenses shown in the table assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund
Expense Analysis of an Investment of $1,000

       Expenses 
   Beginning     Ending     Paid During 
   Account     Account     Annualized   Period 
   Value     Value     Expense   6/1/07 to 
       6/1/07       11/30/07       Ratio       11/30/07* 
Actual Fund Return     
Class A    $1,000.00     $885.60    1.31%    $6.19  
Class C  1,000.00   882.50    2.06%  9.72  
Class R  1,000.00   884.40    1.56%  7.37  
Institutional Class    1,000.00      886.50      1.06%      5.01  
With hypothetical 5% return (5% return before expenses)  
Class A    $1,000.00   $ 1,018.50    1.31%  $ 6.63  
Class C  1,000.00   1,014.74    2.06%  10.40  
Class R  1,000.00   1,017.25    1.56%  7.89  
Institutional Class    1,000.00       1,019.75      1.06%      5.37  

* “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

6


Sector allocation and top 10 holdings

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

As of November 30, 2007

Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other Fund materials.

   Percentage 
Sector          of Net Assets 
Common Stock  96.75%  
Basic Materials  5.87%  
Business Services  6.33%  
Capital Goods  7.54%  
Communication Services  0.62%  
Consumer Discretionary    6.15%  
Consumer Services  3.35%  
Consumer Staples  2.99%  
Credit Cyclicals  1.60%  
Energy  5.52%  
Financials  12.68%  
Health Care  14.83%  
Media  2.23%  
Real Estate  4.90%  
Technology  19.50%  
Transportation  1.03%  
Utilities    1.61%  
Discount Note    0.59%  
Securities Lending Collateral    24.14%  
Total Value of Securities    121.48%  
Obligation to Return Securities Lending Collateral   (24.14% )
Receivables and Other Assets Net of Liabilities    2.66%  
Total Net Assets    100.00%  
 
Holdings are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time.
They are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security.
 
   Percentage 
Top 10 Holdings          of Net Assets 
Rofin-Sinar Technologies  1.04%  
United Therapeutics  1.01%  
Terra Industries  0.92%  
Bio-Rad Laboratories Class A  0.91%  
Aspen Insurance Holdings  0.89%  
Casey’s General Stores  0.88%  
Waddell & Reed Financial Class A  0.88%  
Black Hills  0.88%  
RLI  0.87%  
Senior Housing Properties Trust    0.87%  

7


Statement of net assets

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

November 30, 2007

   Number of     
   Shares         Value 
Common Stock – 96.75%       
Basic Materials – 5.87%      
   *†Century Aluminum 13,950   $    799,893
     Ferro 35,410   750,338
     Hercules 35,410   687,308
    †PolyOne 90,880   569,818
   *†Rockwood Holdings 19,040   641,267
    †RTI International Metals 10,370   761,573
   *†Terra Industries 23,100   872,717
     Wausau Paper 51,150   482,345
      5,565,259
Business Services – 6.33%      
     Administaff 16,600   542,488
   *†AMN Healthcare Services 33,870   571,726
    *Arbitron 12,590   501,712
   *†FTI Consulting 12,600   718,199
    †Harris Interactive 117,950   494,211
    *Healthcare Services Group 29,275   641,122
     Heidrick & Struggles International 11,700   424,359
   *†Kforce 37,700   409,045
     McGrath RentCorp 23,200   616,888
     UniFirst 12,760   476,841
    †United Stationers 12,000   607,920
      6,004,511
Capital Goods – 7.54%      
    *AAON 24,100   458,623
    *Acuity Brands 11,930   471,116
    *Applied Industrial Technologies 18,920   571,573
     Barnes Group 20,540   635,918
    †Columbus McKinnon 19,700   613,064
     Crane 13,790   619,723
    *DRS Technologies 13,620   806,440
   *†Force Protection 23,350   252,414
   *†Kadant 17,250   508,185
     Lincoln Electric Holdings 9,700   676,769
   *†Rofin-Sinar Technologies 10,850   987,784
   *†URS 9,570   550,179
      7,151,788
Communication Services – 0.62%      
     Alaska Communications      
          Systems Group 39,350   590,250
      590,250
Consumer Discretionary – 6.15%      
   *†Aeropostale 26,895   687,167
   *†DSW Class A 22,540   506,925
   *†Fossil 13,200   572,088
   *†Jos A Bank Clothiers 18,100   468,609
     Phillips-Van Heusen 8,530   361,843
   *†Quiksilver 51,090   541,554
     Stage Stores 41,470   701,672
    *Tempur-Pedic International 25,270   750,266
    †True Religion Apparel 30,800   536,536
    †ULTA Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance 6,950   178,893
    †Warnaco Group Class A 14,400   531,360
      5,836,913
Consumer Services – 3.35%      
    †AFC Enterprises 34,550   376,941
    †Buffalo Wild Wings 21,000   607,110
     CKE Restaurants 44,220   646,495
    *IHOP 7,690   390,191
    †Papa John’s International 27,150   639,383
   *†Shuffle Master 38,550   515,414
      3,175,534
Consumer Staples – 2.99%      
     Alberto-Culver 24,580   628,265
    *Casey’s General Stores 28,850   836,650
     Longs Drug Stores 13,190   698,015
   *†NutriSystem 11,300   284,195
    *Seaboard 260   392,340
      2,839,465
Credit Cyclicals – 1.60%      
     Granite Construction 18,190   746,154
    †Tenneco 25,950   767,860
      1,514,014
Energy – 5.52%      
    †Bristow Group 12,530   689,150
   *†Hercules Offshore 27,750   694,027
     Penn Virginia 16,430   683,817
    †Petrohawk Energy 42,620   694,705
    †Petroquest Energy 48,930   650,280
   *†SandRidge Energy 17,130   543,878
    *St. Mary Land & Exploration 15,780   620,154
    †W-H Energy Services 12,970   654,985
      5,230,996
Financials – 12.68%      
    *ADVANTA 32,100   321,321
     Aspen Insurance Holdings 29,410   847,007
     Assured Guaranty 27,600   622,932
     Bancfirst 14,900   696,724
     BankUnited Financial Class A 41,650   332,367
    *Center Financial 33,600   413,280
     Citizens Republic Bancorp 38,250   543,915
    *City Bank 22,650   471,120
     City Holding 18,250   656,635
     Dime Community Bancshares 46,400   629,648
     FBL Financial Group Class A 13,140   487,100
     First Niagara Financial Group 50,950   633,309
   *†FirstFed Financial 14,540   509,191
     Max Capital Group 23,950   678,025
    *Provident Bankshares 21,900   513,555
    †RAM Holdings 47,250   274,050
     RLI 13,840   825,279
    *South Financial Group 32,950   590,464
    *Trustmark 23,350   594,491
    †United America Indemnity 27,750   549,450
     Waddell & Reed Financial Class A 24,360   832,625
      12,022,488

8



   Number of     
   Shares         Value 
Common Stock (continued)      
Health Care – 14.83%      
   *†Align Technology 37,050   $     625,775
   *†Alkermes 52,200   744,372
    †Applera-Celera Group 47,710   721,375
    †Bio-Rad Laboratories Class A 8,540   861,770
    †Cardiome Pharma 35,700   355,929
    †Eurand 37,500   556,875
   *†Gen-Probe 6,650   444,819
   *†Geron 59,200   383,024
   *†Healthways 12,850   750,054
    †Medarex 47,600   604,520
    *Mentor 19,400   729,246
   *†MGI PHARMA 17,700   612,597
    †NightHawk Radiology Holdings 23,850   504,189
   *†Noven Pharmaceuticals 28,050   444,032
   *†Progenics Pharmaceuticals 20,750   402,550
   *†Psychiatric Solutions 20,400   745,212
    †Regeneron Pharmaceuticals 22,950   499,851
    †Res-Care 26,850   611,643
   *†Sciele Pharma 23,550   525,636
    †Sun Healthcare Group 43,650   724,154
    †Techne 9,350   609,153
    †United Therapeutics 9,550   955,763
     Vital Signs 12,400   656,084
      14,068,623
Media – 2.23%      
     Entercom Communications Class A 20,490   333,782
     infoUSA 63,150   544,985
     National CineMedia 26,950   745,976
   *†Scholastic 13,800   486,312
      2,111,055
Real Estate – 4.90%      
    *First Industrial Realty Trust 16,430   600,024
    *First Potomac Realty Trust 17,840   336,462
    *Home Properties 13,190   596,056
    *Maguire Properties 15,950   403,216
     Nationwide Health Properties 21,730   679,714
    *Pennsylvania Real Estate      
          Investment Trust 16,600   573,198
     Senior Housing Properties Trust 37,250   822,853
    *Sovran Self Storage 14,540   635,543
      4,647,066
Technology – 19.50%      
   *†Anixter International 8,590   554,055
   *†Aspen Technology 31,050   526,608
   *†Blackboard 14,450   563,550
    †Chordiant Software 44,400   445,332
   *†Cymer 14,200   583,194
    †DealerTrack Holdings 10,750   457,305
   *†Digital River 13,400   518,178
   *†Dionex 8,100   684,207
   *†Glu Mobile 34,900   190,554
    †Harris Stratex Networks Class A 35,550   612,171
    †j2 Global Communications 27,200   661,504
   *†Kulicke & Soffa Industries 61,500   435,420
   *†Lawson Software 62,000   602,640
   *†MIPS Technologies 81,850   464,908
   *†MTC Technologies 21,600   353,160
   *†Netgear 19,600   664,244
   *†OmniVision Technologies 24,300   452,466
   *†ON Semiconductor 62,100   570,699
    †Progress Software 21,850   691,115
    *Quality Systems 12,050   356,560
   *†SAVVIS 20,750   664,830
   *†Secure Computing 53,650   486,606
   *†SI International 20,700   537,372
   *†Smith Micro Software 48,150   385,682
   *†SPSS 18,100   654,134
   *†Synaptics 12,650   702,580
    †Synchronoss Technologies 11,500   378,580
   *†Tekelec 46,650   573,795
    †Tessera Technologies 17,200   664,264
     United Online 37,750   567,760
    †Universal Electronics 20,000   738,999
    †Viasat 20,550   685,343
   *†Virgin Mobile USA 25,920   188,698
    †Virtusa 26,000   459,420
    †Wind River Systems 41,000   418,610
      18,494,543
Transportation – 1.03%      
    †HUB Group 22,400   584,192
     Pacer International 28,750   395,600
      979,792
Utilities – 1.61%      
     Black Hills 19,950   831,117
     Otter Tail 20,800   697,008
      1,528,125
Total Common Stock       
     (cost $96,908,718)     91,760,422
 
   Principal     
   Amount     
¹ Discount Note – 0.59%       
     Federal Home Loan Bank      
          3.801% 12/3/07 $561,177   561,059
Total Discount Note       
     (cost $561,059)     561,059
 
Total Value of Securities Before       
     Securities Lending Collateral – 97.34%     
     (cost $97,469,777)     92,321,481

(continues)     9


Statement of net assets

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

   Number of   
   Shares         Value   
Securities Lending Collateral** – 24.14%            
     Investment Companies     
          Mellon GSL DBT II Collateral Fund  22,899,153 $22,899,153  
Total Securities Lending Collateral     
     (cost $22,899,153)    22,899,153  
 
Total Value of Securities – 121.48%     
     (cost $120,368,930)    115,220,634 ©
Obligation to Return Securities     
     Lending Collateral** – (24.14%)    (22,899,153 ) 
Receivables and Other Assets     
     Net of Liabilities – 2.66%    2,522,385  
Net Assets Applicable to 7,827,698     
     Shares Outstanding – 100.00%    $94,843,866  
 
Net Asset Value – Delaware Small Cap Core Fund     
     Class A ($41,870,482 / 3,446,944 Shares)      $12.15  
Net Asset Value – Delaware Small Cap Core Fund     
     Class C ($18,696,681 / 1,566,117 Shares)      $11.94  
Net Asset Value – Delaware Small Cap Core Fund     
     Class R ($3,100,416 / 256,507 Shares)      $12.09  
Net Asset Value – Delaware Small Cap Core Fund     
     Institutional Class ($31,176,287 / 2,558,130 Shares)      $12.19  
 
Components of Net Assets at November 30, 2007:     
Shares of beneficial interest     
     (unlimited authorization – no par)    $96,432,543  
Accumulated net realized gain on investments    3,559,619  
Net unrealized depreciation of investments    (5,148,296 ) 
Total net assets    $94,843,866  

Non-income producing security for the year ended November 30, 2007.
 
¹ The rate shown is the effective yield at the time of purchase.
 
* Fully or partially on loan.
 
** See Note 8 in “Notes to financial statements.”
 
© Includes $22,036,609 of securities loaned.

Net Asset Value and Offering Price Per Share – 
     Delaware Small Cap Core Fund 
Net asset value Class A (A)  $12.15
Sales charge (5.75% of offering price) (B)  0.74
Offering price  $12.89

(A) Net asset value per share, as illustrated, is the amount which would be paid upon redemption or repurchase of shares.
     
(B) See the current prospectus for purchase of $50,000 or more.

See accompanying notes

10


Statement of operations

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

Year Ended November 30, 2007

Investment Income:                 
     Dividends   $867,796  
     Interest 100,139  
     Securities Lending Income 54,394   $ 1,022,329  
 
Expenses:     
     Management fees 632,235  
     Distribution expenses – Class A 114,161  
     Distribution expenses – Class C 171,747  
     Distribution expenses – Class R 9,578  
     Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses 192,923  
     Registration fees 49,523  
     Accounting and administration expenses 33,714  
     Reports and statements to shareholders 29,975  
     Audit and tax 15,928  
     Legal fees 10,002  
     Custodian fees 6,530  
     Trustees’ fees and benefits 3,766  
     Dues and services 2,810  
     Insurance fees 2,703  
     Pricing fees 2,608  
     Consulting fees 1,224  
     Trustees’ expenses 487  
     Taxes (other than taxes on income) 134 1,280,048  
     Less expenses absorbed or waived   (107,324 )
     Less waived distribution expenses – Class A   (19,027 )
     Less waived distribution expenses – Class R   (1,592 )
     Less expense paid indirectly   (1,953 )
     Total operating expenses   1,150,152  
Net Investment Loss    (127,823 )
 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:     
     Net realized gain on investments   3,714,671  
     Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments   (8,787,702 )
Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments    (5,073,031 )
 
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations      $(5,200,854 )

See accompanying notes

11


Statements of changes in net assets

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

   Year Ended 
         11/30/07         11/30/06 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:     
     Net investment loss   $    (127,823 )   $     (46,670 )
     Net realized gain on investments 3,714,671   1,809,516  
     Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments (8,787,702 ) 2,920,035  
     Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations (5,200,854 ) 4,682,881  
 
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:     
     Net investment income:    
          Institutional Class   (17,577 )
 
     Net realized gain on investments:    
          Class A (868,326 ) (87,278 )
          Class C (403,007 ) (26,712 )
          Class R (7,399 )  
          Institutional Class (501,650 ) (134,760 )
  (1,780,382 ) (266,327 )
 
Capital Share Transactions:     
     Proceeds from shares sold:    
          Class A 30,154,046   21,560,413  
          Class C 11,425,330   10,578,306  
          Class R 3,777,371   258,219  
          Institutional Class 24,312,531   7,820,895  
 
     Net asset value of shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:    
          Class A 774,260   70,540  
          Class C 374,810   24,266  
          Class R 7,399    
          Institutional Class 501,495   152,337  
  71,327,242   40,464,976  
     Cost of shares repurchased:    
          Class A (11,280,461 ) (2,172,311 )
          Class C (3,460,754 ) (472,381 )
          Class R (693,644 ) (51,844 )
          Institutional Class (6,761,739 ) (864,699 )
  (22,196,598 ) (3,561,235 )
Increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions 49,130,644   36,903,741  
Net Increase in Net Assets  42,149,408   41,320,295  
 
Net Assets:     
     Beginning of year 52,694,458   11,374,163  
     End of year (there was no undistributed net investment income at either year end)   $ 94,843,866     $52,694,458  

See accompanying notes

12


Financial highlights

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund Class A

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

   Year Ended 
         11/30/07         11/30/06         11/30/05         11/30/04         11/30/03 
Net asset value, beginning of period    $13.030     $11.380     $14.600     $13.080     $10.290  
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:           
Net investment income (loss)1  (0.010 )  (0.015 )  0.022   0.026   0.036  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments  (0.450 )  1.895   1.035   2.481   3.350  
Total from investment operations  (0.460 )  1.880   1.057   2.507   3.386  
 
Less dividends and distributions from:           
Net investment income      (0.025 )  (0.044 )  (0.075 ) 
Net realized gain on investments  (0.420 )  (0.230 )  (4.252 )  (0.943 )  (0.521 ) 
Total dividends and distributions  (0.420 )  (0.230 )  (4.277 )  (0.987 )  (0.596 ) 
 
Net asset value, end of period    $12.150     $13.030     $11.380     $14.600     $13.080  
 
Total return2  (3.62% )  16.83%   9.04%   20.62%   35.19%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:           
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)    $41,871     $25,220     $3,863     $20     $13  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets  1.29%   1.26%   1.02%   0.75%   0.75%  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets           
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly  1.47%   1.73%   2.53%   1.30%   1.34%  
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets  (0.07% )  (0.13% )  0.20%   0.20%   0.33%  
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets           
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly  (0.25% )  (0.60% )  (1.31% )  (0.35% )  (0.26% ) 
Portfolio turnover  104%   121%   104%   136%   44%  
 

1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.
2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the manager and distributor. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

See accompanying notes

(continues)     13


Financial highlights

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund Class C

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

8/1/051
Year Ended to
            11/30/07                     11/30/06                     11/30/05
Net asset value, beginning of period   $12.910     $11.360     $11.590  
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment loss2 (0.105 ) (0.106 ) (0.021 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.445 ) 1.886 (0.209 )
Total from investment operations (0.550 ) 1.780 (0.230 )
 
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net realized gain on investments (0.420 ) (0.230 )
Total dividends and distributions (0.420 ) (0.230 )
 
Net asset value, end of period $11.940 $12.910 $11.360
 
Total return3 (4.37% ) 15.97% (1.98% )
 
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $18,697 $11,777 $866
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 2.04% 2.01% 2.00%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
      prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 2.17% 2.43% 5.14%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.82% ) (0.88% ) (0.56% )
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
      prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly (0.95% ) (1.30% ) (3.71% )
Portfolio turnover 104% 121% 104% 4
 

1Date of commencement of operations; ratios have been annualized and total return has not been annualized.
2The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.
3Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return reflects a waiver and payment of fees by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.
4The portfolio turnover is representative of the Fund for the entire year.

See accompanying notes

14


Delaware Small Cap Core Fund Class R

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

Year Ended
               11/30/07                     11/30/061               
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 13.000 $ 11.360
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment loss2 (0.042 ) (0.047 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.448 ) 1.917
Total from investment operations (0.490 ) 1.870
 
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net realized gain on investments (0.420 ) (0.230 )
Total dividends and distributions (0.420 ) (0.230 )
 
Net asset value, end of period $ 12.090 $ 13.000
 
Total return3 (3.86% ) 16.78%
 
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)   $3,100   $215
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.54% 1.51%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
       prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 1.77% 2.03%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.32% ) (0.38% )
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
       prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly (0.55% ) (0.90% )
Portfolio turnover 104% 121%
 

1As of November 30, 2005, the Delaware Small Cap Core fund Class R had one share outstanding, representing the initial seed purchase. Shareholder data for this class prior to December 1, 2005 is not disclosed because management does not believe it to be meaningful.
2The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.
3Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the manager and distributor. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

See accompanying notes

(continues)     15


Financial highlights

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund Institutional Class

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

Year Ended
 11/30/07         11/30/06         11/30/05         11/30/04         11/30/03 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $13.040     $11.390     $14.600     $13.080     $10.290  
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income1 0.023 0.015 0.031 0.026 0.036
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.453 ) 1.895 1.036 2.481 3.350
Total from investment operations (0.430 ) 1.910 1.067 2.507 3.386
 
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income (0.030 ) (0.025 ) (0.044 ) (0.075 )
Net realized gain on investments (0.420 ) (0.230 ) (4.252 ) (0.943 ) (0.521 )
Total dividends and distributions (0.420 ) (0.260 ) (4.277 ) (0.987 ) (0.596 )
 
Net asset value, end of period $12.190 $13.040 $11.390 $14.600 $13.080
 
Total return2 (3.38% ) 17.13% 9.14% 20.62% 35.19%
 
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $31,176 $15,482 $6,645 $4,765 $3,948
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.04% 1.01% 0.94% 0.75% 0.75%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
       prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 1.17% 1.43% 2.23% 1.00% 1.04%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.18% 0.12% 0.28% 0.20% 0.33%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
       prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 0.05% (0.30% ) (1.01% ) (0.05% ) 0.04%
Portfolio turnover 104% 121% 104% 136% 44%
   

1The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.
2Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

See accompanying notes

16


Notes to financial statements

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

November 30, 2007

 

Delaware Group Equity Funds V (Trust) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and offers three series: Delaware Dividend Income Fund, Delaware Small Cap Core Fund and Delaware Small Cap Value Fund. These financial statements and the related notes pertain to Delaware Small Cap Core Fund (Fund). The Trust is an open-end investment company. The Fund is considered diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and offers Class A, Class C, Class R and Institutional Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75%. Class A share purchases of $1,000,000 or more will incur a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1% if redeemed during the first year and 0.50% during the second year, provided that Delaware Distributors, L.P. (DDLP) paid a financial advisor a commission on the purchase of those shares. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1%, if redeemed during the first 12 months. Class R and Institutional Class shares are not subject to a sales charge and are offered for sale exclusively to certain eligible investors.

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

1. Significant Accounting Policies

The following accounting policies are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are consistently followed by the Fund.

Security Valuation — Equity securities, except those traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (Nasdaq), are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the time of the regular close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on the valuation date. Securities traded on the Nasdaq are valued in accordance with the Nasdaq Official Closing Price, which may not be the last sales price. If on a particular day an equity security does not trade, then the mean between the bid and asked prices will be used. Short-term debt securities having less than 60 days to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Securities lending collateral, which is invested in a collective investment vehicle, is valued at unit value per share. Generally, other securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In determining whether market quotations are readily available or fair valuation will be used, various factors will be taken into consideration, such as market closures, or with respect to foreign securities, aftermarket trading or significant events after local market trading (e.g., government actions or pronouncements, trading volume or volatility on markets, exchanges among dealers, or news events).

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (Statement 157). Statement 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework, and expands disclosures about the use of fair value measurements. Statement 157 is intended to increase consistency and comparability among fair value estimates used in financial reporting. Statement 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management does not expect the adoption of Statement 157 to have a material impact on the amounts reported in the financial statements.

Federal Income Taxes — The Fund intends to continue to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been made in the financial statements.

On July 13, 2006, the FASB released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidance allows implementing FIN 48 in fund net asset value calculations as late as the fund’s last net asset value calculation in the first required financial statement reporting period. As a result, the Fund will incorporate FIN 48 in its semiannual report on May 31, 2008. Although the Fund’s tax positions are currently being evaluated, management does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements.

Class Accounting — Investment income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments are allocated to the various classes of the Fund on the basis of daily net assets of each class. Distribution expenses relating to a specific class are charged directly to that class.

Repurchase Agreements — The Fund may invest in a pooled cash account along with members of the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC. The aggregate daily balance of the pooled cash account is invested in repurchase agreements secured by obligations of the U.S. government. The respective collateral is held by the Fund’s custodian bank until the maturity of the respective repurchase agreements. Each repurchase agreement is at least 102% collateralized. However, in the event of default or bankruptcy by the counterparty to the agreement, realization of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. At November 30, 2007, the Fund held no investments in repurchase agreements.

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

Other — Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged directly to the Fund. Other expenses common to various funds within the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds are generally allocated amongst such funds on the basis of average net assets. Management fees and some other expenses are paid monthly. Security transactions are recorded on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date) for financial

(continues)     17


Notes to financial statements

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

 

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

reporting purposes. Costs used in calculating realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Distributions received from investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are recorded as dividend income on ex-dividend date, subject to reclassification upon notice of the character of such distributions by the issuer. The financial statements reflect an estimate of the reclassification of the distribution character. The Fund declares and pays dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains on investments, if any, annually.

Subject to seeking best execution, the Fund may direct certain security trades to brokers who have agreed to rebate a portion of the related brokerage commission to the Fund in cash. Such commission rebates are included in realized gain on investments in the accompanying financial statements and totaled $549 for the year ended November 30, 2007. In general, best execution refers to many factors, including the price paid or received for a security, the commission charged, the promptness and reliability of execution, the confidentiality and placement accorded the order, and other factors affecting the overall benefit obtained by the Fund on the transaction.

The Fund receives earnings credits from its custodian when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset custody fees. The expense paid under this arrangement is included in custodian fees on the Statement of operations with the corresponding expense offset shown as “expense paid indirectly.”

2. Investment Management, Administration Agreements and Other Transactions with Affiliates

In accordance with the terms of its investment management agreement, the Fund pays Delaware Management Company (DMC), a series of Delaware Management Business Trust and the investment manager, an annual fee which is calculated daily at the rate of 0.75% on the first $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.70% on the next $500 million, 0.65% on the next $1.5 billion, and 0.60% on average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion.

Effective April 1, 2007, DMC has contractually agreed to waive that portion, if any, of its management fee and reimburse the Fund to the extent necessary to ensure that total annual operating expenses, exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage fees, 12b-1 plan expenses, certain insurance costs and non-routine expenses or costs including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations, do not exceed 1.05% of average daily net assets of the Fund through March 31, 2008. Prior to April 1, 2007, annual operating expenses were limited to 1.00% of average daily net assets of the Fund.

Effective October 1, 2007, Delaware Service Company, Inc. (DSC), an affiliate of DMC, provides fund accounting and financial administration oversight services to the Fund. For these services, the Fund pays DSC fees based on the aggregate daily net assets of the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds at the following annual rate: 0.0050% of the first $30 billion; 0.0045% of the next $10 billion; 0.0040% of the next $10 billion; and 0.0025% of aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $50 billion. The fees payable to DSC under the service agreement described above are allocated among all funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds on a relative net asset value basis. Prior to October 1, 2007, DSC provided fund accounting and administrative services to the Fund and received a fee at an annual rate of 0.04% of average daily net assets. For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund was charged $27,911 for these services.

DSC also provides dividend disbursing and transfer agency services. The Fund pays DSC a monthly fee based on the number of shareholder accounts for dividend disbursing and transfer agent services.

Pursuant to a distribution agreement and distribution plan, the Fund pays DDLP, the distributor and an affiliate of DMC, an annual distribution and service fee not to exceed 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares, 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class C shares and 0.60% of the average daily net assets of Class R shares. Institutional Class shares pay no distribution and service expenses. DDLP has contracted to waive distribution and service fees through March 31, 2008 in order to prevent distribution and service fees of Class A and Class R shares from exceeding 0.25% and 0.50%, respectively, of average daily net assets.

At November 30, 2007, the Fund had liabilities payable to affiliates as follows:

Investment management fee payable to DMC $ 43,206
Dividend disbursing, transfer agent fees
       and other expenses payable to DSC 21,410
Distribution fees payable to DDLP 25,365
Other expenses payable to DMC and affiliates* 7,454

*   DMC, as part of its administrative services, pays operating expenses on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed on a periodic basis. Such expenses include items such as printing of shareholder reports, fees for audit, legal and tax services, registration fees and trustees’ fees.

As provided in the investment management agreement, the Fund bears the cost of certain legal and tax services, including internal legal and tax services provided to the Fund by DMC and/or its affiliates’ employees. For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund was charged $4,491 for internal legal and tax services provided by DMC and/or its affiliates’ employees.

For the year ended November 30, 2007, DDLP earned $37,462 for commissions on sales of the Fund’s Class A shares. For the year ended November 30, 2007, DDLP received gross CDSC commissions of $51 and $2,402 on redemption of the Fund’s Class A and Class C shares, respectively, and these commissions were entirely used to offset up-front commissions previously paid by DDLP to broker-dealers on sales of those shares.

Trustees’ fees and benefits include expenses accrued by the Fund for each Trustee’s retainer and per meeting fees. Certain officers of DMC, DSC and DDLP are officers and/or Trustees of the Trust. These officers and Trustees are paid no compensation by the Fund.

18


3. Investments

For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund made purchases of $131,152,226 and sales of $84,714,729 of investment securities other than short-term investments.

At November 30, 2007, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $120,529,841. At November 30, 2007, net unrealized depreciation was $5,309,207, of which $6,256,155 related to unrealized appreciation of investments and $11,565,362 related to unrealized depreciation of investments.

4. Dividends and Distribution Information

Income and long-term capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Additionally, net short-term gains on sales of investment securities are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:

Year Ended
11/30/07       11/30/06
Ordinary income $ 1,022,198   $ 204,444
Long-term capital gain 758,184 61,883
Total $ 1,780,382 $ 266,327

5. Components of Net Assets on a Tax Basis

As of November 30, 2007, the components of net assets on a tax basis were as follows:

Shares of beneficial interest $ 96,432,543
Undistributed ordinary income 1,031,356
Undistributed long-term capital gains 2,689,174
Unrealized depreciation of investments (5,309,207 )
Net assets $ 94,843,866

The difference between book basis and tax basis components of net assets are primarily attributable to tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

The undistributed earnings for the Fund are estimated pending final notification of the tax character of distributions received from REITs.

For financial reporting purposes, capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Reclassifications are primarily due to tax treatment of net operating losses. Results of operations and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications. For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund recorded the following reclassifications.

Accumulated net investment loss $ 127,823  
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) (127,823 )

6. Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

Year Ended
11/30/07       11/30/06
Shares sold:
     Class A 2,325,110     1,767,689  
     Class C 897,859 872,680
     Class R 294,043 20,770
     Institutional Class 1,857,057 658,523
 
Shares issued upon reinvestment of
     dividends and distributions:
     Class A 62,038 6,253
     Class C 30,325 2,157
     Class R 594
     Institutional Class 40,120 13,517
5,507,146 3,341,589
Shares repurchased:
     Class A (875,119 ) (178,469 )
     Class C (274,351 ) (38,810 )
     Class R (54,664 ) (4,237 )
     Institutional Class (525,920 ) (68,557 )
(1,730,054 ) (290,073 )
Net increase 3,777,092 3,051,516

7. Line of Credit

The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds (Participants), participates in a $225,000,000 revolving line of credit facility to be used for temporary or emergency purposes as an additional source of liquidity to fund redemptions of investor shares. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee, which is allocated across the Participants on the basis of each Participant’s allocation of the entire facility. The Participants may borrow up to a maximum of one third of their net assets under the agreement. The Fund had no amounts outstanding as of November 30, 2007, or at any time during the year then ended.

8. Securities Lending

The Fund, along with other funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds, may lend its securities pursuant to a security lending agreement (Lending Agreement) with Mellon Bank, N.A. (Mellon). With respect to each loan, if the aggregate market value of the collateral held on any business day is less than the aggregate market value of the securities which are the subject of such loan, the borrower will be notified to provide additional collateral not less than the applicable collateral requirements. Cash collateral received is invested in a collective investment vehicle (Collective Trust) established by Mellon for the purpose of investment on behalf of clients participating in its securities lending programs. The Collective Trust invests in fixed income securities

(continues)     19


Notes to financial statements

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

 

8. Securities Lending (continued)

with a weighted average maturity not to exceed 90 days, rated in one of the top two tiers by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities. However, in the event of default or bankruptcy by the lending agent, realization and/or retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. In the event the borrower fails to return loaned securities and the collateral received is insufficient to cover the value of the loaned securities and provided such collateral shortfall is not the result of investment losses, the lending agent has agreed to pay the amount of the shortfall to the Fund, or at the discretion of the lending agent, replace the loaned securities. The Fund continues to record dividends or interest, as applicable, on the securities loaned and is subject to change in value of the securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan. The Fund has the right under the Lending Agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. The security lending agent and the borrower retain a portion of the earnings from the collateral investments. The Fund records security lending income net of such allocation.

At November 30, 2007, the market value of securities on loan was $22,036,609, for which cash collateral was received and invested in accordance with the Lending Agreement. Such investments are presented on the Statement of net assets under the caption “Securities Lending Collateral.”

9. Credit and Market Risk

The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in small companies and may be subject to certain risks associated with ownership of securities of such companies. Investments in small-sized companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies for a number of reasons, which include limited financial resources or a dependence on narrow product lines.

The Fund invests in REITs and is subject to some of the risks associated with that industry. If the Fund holds real estate directly as a result of defaults or receives rental income directly from real estate holdings, its tax status as a regulated investment company may be jeopardized. There were no direct real estate holdings during the year ended November 30, 2007. The Fund’s REIT holdings are also affected by interest rate changes, particularly if the REITs it holds use floating rate debt to finance their ongoing operations.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which may include securities with contractual restrictions on resale, securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and other securities which may not be readily marketable. The relative illiquidity of these securities may impair the Fund from disposing of them in a timely manner and at a fair price when it is necessary or desirable to do so. While maintaining oversight, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has delegated to DMC the day-to-day functions of determining whether individual securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid assets. As of November 30, 2007, there were no Rule 144A securities and no securities have been determined to be illiquid under the Fund’s Liquidity Procedures.

10. Contractual Obligations

The Fund enters into contracts in the normal course of business that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

11. Change in Custodian

On August 2, 2007, Mellon Bank, One Mellon Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15258, became the Fund’s custodian. Prior to August 2, 2007, JPMorgan Chase served as the Fund’s custodian.

12. Tax Information (Unaudited)

The information set forth below is for the Fund’s fiscal year as required by federal laws. Shareholders, however, must report distributions on a calendar year basis for income tax purposes, which may include distributions for portions of two fiscal years of a fund. Accordingly, the information needed by shareholders for income tax purposes will be sent to them in January of each year. Please consult your tax advisor for proper treatment of this information.

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund designates dividends and distributions paid during the year as follows:

(A)   (B)        
Long-Term Ordinary
Capital Gain Income Total (C)
Distributions Distributions* Distributions Qualifying
(Tax Basis)           (Tax Basis)           (Tax Basis)           Dividends1
43% 57% 100% 96%

(A) and (B) are based on a percentage of the Fund’s total distributions.

(C) is based on percentage of ordinary income distributions.

1Qualifying dividends represent dividends which qualify for the corporate dividends received reduction.

*   For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007, certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund intends to designate up to a maximum amount of $552,349 to be taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. Complete information will be computed and reported in conjunction with your 2007 Form 1099-DIV.

20


Report of independent
registered public accounting firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees
Delaware Group Equity Funds V – Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets of Delaware Small Cap Core Fund (one of the series constituting Delaware Group Equity Funds V) (the “Fund”) as of November 30, 2007, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2007, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Delaware Small Cap Core Fund of Delaware Group Equity Funds V at November 30, 2007, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and its financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 22, 2008

21


Other Fund information (unaudited)

Delaware Small Cap Core Fund

 

Fund management

Francis X. Morris
Senior Vice President,

Chief Investment Officer — Core Equity

Francis X. Morris joined Delaware Investments in 1997 and is currently the chief investment officer for Core Equity investments. Prior to joining the firm, Morris served as vice president and director of equity research at PNC Asset Management. He received a bachelor’s degree from Providence College and holds an MBA from Widener University. Morris is a past president of The CFA Society of Philadelphia and is a member of the CFA Institute. In addition, he is a former officer of the National Association of Petroleum Investment Analysts.

Christopher S. Adams, CFA
Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Senior Equity Analyst

Christopher S. Adams is a portfolio manager on the firm’s Core Equity team. He also performs analysis and research to support the portfolio management function. From 1995 to 1998, he served as the firm’s vice president, strategic planning. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 1995, Adams had approximately 10 years of experience in the financial services industry in the U.S. and U.K., including positions with Coopers & Lybrand, The Sumitomo Bank, Bank of America, and Lloyds Bank. Adams holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history and economics from Oxford University, England, and received an MBA with dual concentrations in finance and insurance/risk management from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a director and past president of The CFA Society of Philadelphia.

Donald G. Padilla, CFA
Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Senior Equity Analyst

Donald G. Padilla joined Delaware Investments in 1994 and is a portfolio manager on the firm’s Core Equity team. He also performs analysis and research to support the portfolio management function. Padilla joined Delaware Investments as an assistant controller in the firm’s treasury function, responsible for managing corporate cash investments, developing financial models, and overseeing the financial operations of the Lincoln Life 401(k) annuities segment. Prior to joining Delaware Investments, he held various positions at The Vanguard Group. Padilla holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lehigh University, and he is a member of The CFA Society of Philadelphia.

Michael S. Morris, CFA
Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Senior Equity Analyst

Michael S. Morris, who joined Delaware Investments in 1999, is a portfolio manager on the firm’s Core Equity team. He also performs analysis and research to support the portfolio management function. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a senior equity analyst at Newbold’s Asset Management, covering financial stocks. Morris began his investment career in 1993 at Ohio Casualty. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University and an MBA with a concentration in finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Bank and Financial Analysts Association.

22


Board of trustees/directors
and officers addendum

Delaware Investments® Family of Funds

A mutual fund is governed by a Board of Trustees/Directors (“Trustees”), which has oversight responsibility for the management of a fund’s business affairs. Trustees establish procedures and oversee and review the performance of the investment manager, the distributor, and others who perform services for the fund. The independent fund trustees, in particular, are advocates for shareholder interests. Each trustee has served in that capacity since he or she was elected to or appointed to the Board of Trustees, and will continue to serve until his or her retirement or the election of a new trustee in his or her place. The following is a list of the Trustees and Officers with certain background and related information.

        Number of    
        Portfolios in Fund    Other
 Name,       Complex Overseen    Directorships
 Address,  Position(s)  Length of  Principal Occupation(s) by Trustee    Held by
 and Birth Date  Held with Fund(s)  Time Served  During Past 5 Years or Officer    Trustee or Officer
 Interested Trustees           
 Patrick P. Coyne1  Chairman,  Chairman and Trustee  Patrick P. Coyne has served in   84  Director —
 2005 Market Street  President,  since August 16, 2006  various executive capacities     Kaydon Corp. 
 Philadelphia, PA  Chief Executive    at different times at     
 19103  Officer, and  President and  Delaware Investments.2     
   Trustee  Chief Executive Officer      
 April 14, 1963    since August 1, 2006       
 Independent Trustees           
 Thomas L. Bennett  Trustee  Since  Private Investor —  84  Director —
 2005 Market Street    March 2005  (March 2004–Present)  Bryn Mawr
 Philadelphia, PA          Bank Corp. (BMTC)
 19103      Investment Manager —  (April 2007–Present)
       Morgan Stanley & Co.    
 October 4, 1947      (January 1984–March 2004)     
 John A. Fry  Trustee  Since  President —  84  Director —
 2005 Market Street    January 2001  Franklin & Marshall College  Community Health 
 Philadelphia, PA      (June 2002–Present)    Systems
 19103          
       Executive Vice President —    Director —
 May 28, 1960      University of Pennsylvania    Allied Barton
       (April 1995–June 2002)    Security Holdings
 Anthony D. Knerr  Trustee  Since  Founder and Managing Director —  84  None
 2005 Market Street    April 1990  Anthony Knerr & Associates    
 Philadelphia, PA      (Strategic Consulting)    
 19103      (1990–Present)    
 
 December 7, 1938          
 Lucinda S. Landreth  Trustee  Since  Chief Investment Officer —  84  None
 2005 Market Street    March 2005  Assurant, Inc.    
 Philadelphia, PA      (Insurance)    
 19103      (2002–2004)    
 
 June 24, 1947          
 Ann R. Leven  Trustee  Since  Consultant —  84  Director and
 2005 Market Street    October 1989  ARL Associates    Audit Committee
 Philadelphia, PA      (Financial Planning)    Chairperson — Andy
 19103      (1983–Present)  Warhol Foundation
 
 November 1, 1940         Director and Audit
          Committee Chair —
           Systemax, Inc.

(continues)     23



         Number of  
         Portfolios in Fund  Other
 Name,        Complex Overseen   Directorships 
 Address,  Position(s)  Length of  Principal Occupation(s)  by Trustee  Held by
 and Birth Date  Held with Fund(s)  Time Served   During Past 5 Years  or Officer  Trustee or Officer
 Independent Trustees (continued)         
 Thomas F. Madison  Trustee  Since  President and Chief  84  Director —
 2005 Market Street    May 19973  Executive Officer —    CenterPoint Energy
 Philadelphia, PA      MLM Partners, Inc.    
 19103      (Small Business Investing    Director and Audit
       and Consulting)    Committee Chair —
 February 25, 1936      (January 1993–Present)    Digital River, Inc.
 
           Director and Audit
         Committee Member — 
           Rimage
           Corporation
 
           Director — Valmont
           Industries, Inc.
 Janet L. Yeomans  Trustee  Since  Treasurer  84   None
 2005 Market Street    April 1999  (January 2006–Present)    
 Philadelphia, PA      Vice President — Mergers & Acquisitions     
 19103      (January 2003–January 2006), and    
       Vice President    
 July 31, 1948      (July 1995–January 2003)    
       3M Corporation    
 
       Ms. Yeomans has held    
       various management positions    
       at 3M Corporation since 1983.    
 J. Richard Zecher  Trustee  Since  Founder —  84  Director and Audit
 2005 Market Street    March 2005  Investor Analytics  Committee Member —
 Philadelphia, PA      (Risk Management)    Investor Analytics
 19103      (May 1999–Present)    
           Director and Audit
 July 3, 1940      Founder —  Committee Member —
       Sutton Asset Management    Oxigene, Inc.
       (Hedge Fund)    
       (September 1996–Present)    
 Officers           
 David F. Connor  Vice President,  Vice President since  David F. Connor has served as   84  None4
 2005 Market Street  Deputy General  September 2000  Vice President and Deputy    
 Philadelphia, PA  Counsel, and Secretary  and Secretary  General Counsel of    
 19103    since  Delaware Investments    
     October 2005  since 2000.    
 December 2, 1963           
 Daniel V. Geatens  Vice President  Treasurer  Daniel V. Geatens has served  84  None4
 2005 Market Street  and Treasurer   since  in various capacities at    
 Philadelphia, PA    October 25, 2007  different times at     
 19103      Delaware Investments.    
           
 October 26, 1972           
 David P. O’Connor  Senior Vice  Senior Vice President,  David P. O’Connor has served in  84  None4
 2005 Market Street  President,  General Counsel, and  various executive and legal    
 Philadelphia, PA  General Counsel,  Chief Legal Officer  capacities at different times    
 19103  and Chief  since  at Delaware Investments.    
   Legal Officer  October 2005      
 February 21, 1966           
 Richard Salus  Senior  Chief Financial  Richard Salus has served in  84  None4
 2005 Market Street  Vice President  Officer since  various executive capacities    
 Philadelphia, PA  and  November 2006  at different times at    
 19103  Chief Financial    Delaware Investments.    
   Officer        
 October 4, 1963          

1Patrick P. Coyne is considered to be an “Interested Trustee” because he is an executive officer of the Fund’s(s’) investment advisor.
2Delaware Investments is the marketing name for Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the Fund’s(s’) investment advisor, principal underwriter, and its transfer agent.
3In 1997, several funds managed by Voyageur Fund Managers, Inc. (the “Voyageur Funds”) were incorporated into the Delaware Investments Family of Funds. Mr. Madison served as a director of the Voyageur Funds from 1993 until 1997.
4David F. Connor, Daniel V. Geatens, David P. O’Connor, and Richard Salus serve in similar capacities for the six portfolios of the Optimum Fund Trust, which have the same investment advisor, principal underwriter, and transfer agent as the registrant.

The Statement of Additional Information for the Fund(s) includes additional information about the Trustees and Officers and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 800 523-1918.

24


About the organization

This annual report is for the information of Delaware Small Cap Core Fund shareholders, but it may be used with prospective investors when preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for Delaware Small Cap Core Fund and the Delaware Investments® Performance Update for the most recently completed calendar quarter. The prospectus sets forth details about charges, expenses, investment objectives, and operating policies of the investment company. You should read the prospectus carefully before you invest. The figures in this report represent past results that are not a guarantee of future results. The return and principal value of an investment in the investment company will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Board of trustees

Patrick P. Coyne
Chairman, President, and
Chief Executive Officer

Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Thomas L. Bennett
Private Investor
Rosemont, PA

John A. Fry
President
Franklin & Marshall College
Lancaster, PA

Anthony D. Knerr
Founder and Managing Director
Anthony Knerr & Associates
New York, NY

Lucinda S. Landreth
Former Chief Investment Officer
Assurant, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA

Ann R. Leven
Consultant
ARL Associates
New York, NY

Thomas F. Madison
President and Chief Executive Officer
MLM Partners, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN

Janet L. Yeomans
Vice President and Treasurer
3M Corporation
St. Paul, MN

J. Richard Zecher
Founder
Investor Analytics
Scottsdale, AZ

Affiliated officers

David F. Connor
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel,
and Secretary
Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Daniel V. Geatens
Vice President and Treasurer
Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

David P. O’Connor
Senior Vice President, General Counsel,
and Chief Legal Officer
Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Richard Salus
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Contact information

Investment manager
Delaware Management Company, a series
of Delaware Management Business Trust
Philadelphia, PA

National distributor
Delaware Distributors, L.P.
Philadelphia, PA

Shareholder servicing, dividend
disbursing, and transfer agent

Delaware Service Company, Inc.
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094

For shareholders
800 523-1918

For securities dealers and financial
institutions representatives only

800 362-7500

Web site
www.delawareinvestments.com

 

Delaware Investments is the marketing name of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q, as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities are available without charge (i) upon request, by calling 800 523-1918; and (ii) on the Commission’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities and the Fund’s Schedule of Investments are available without charge on the Fund’s Web site at http://www.delawareinvestments.com. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800 SEC-0330.

Information (if any) regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recently disclosed 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (i) through the Fund’s Web site at http://www.delawareinvestments.com; and (ii) on the Commission’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

25



 
 
 
 
 






 

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(2588) 

Printed in the USA 
AR-480 [11/07] CGI 1/08  MF-07-12-021 PO12525 



 











 
 
 
   
                Annual Report  Delaware 
      Dividend Income Fund 
November 30, 2007  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
     
 
 
 
 
 

Value equity mutual fund

 
 
 


 


Table of contents

     > Portfolio management review  1
> Performance summary  4
  > Disclosure of Fund expenses  6
> Sector allocation and top 10 holdings  7
> Statement of net assets  9
> Statement of operations  19
> Statements of changes in net assets  20
> Financial highlights  21
> Notes to financial statements  26
> Report of independent registered public accounting firm  31
> Other Fund information  32
> Board of trustees/directors and officers addendum  34
> About the organization  36

 

 

 

 

 

Funds are not FDIC insured and are not guaranteed. It is possible to lose the principal amount invested.
 
Mutual fund advisory services provided by Delaware Management Company, a series of Delaware Management
Business Trust, which is a registered investment advisor.
 
©
2008 Delaware Distributors, L.P.


Portfolio management review

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

Dec. 11, 2007

The managers of Delaware Dividend Income Fund provided the answers to the questions below as a review of the Fund’s activities for the fiscal year that ended Nov. 30, 2007.

How would you describe the investment environment during the year ended Nov. 30, 2007?

Stocks turned in only moderate gains during the past fiscal year — in the face of a slowing economy, declining corporate earnings growth, and a weaker housing market. Equity markets rose steadily early in the period. The sanguine conditions were interrupted, however, by a brief but sharp correction in late February and early March as investors around the globe came to terms with weaker-than-expected economic data in the U.S.

Stocks recovered throughout the spring, but conditions deteriorated during the summer months as investors, already concerned about rising energy prices and other pressures on consumer spending, began to focus more intently on the difficult conditions for homeowners and homebuilders. Falling home prices and rising interest rates triggered an increase in mortgage defaults and substantial losses for banks and home lenders. Financial institutions that had invested in securities backed by the riskiest loans faced some of the steepest losses. Lenders responded by dramatically tightening their borrowing requirements.

In this environment, nervous investors fled the stock market between mid-July and mid-August, while the bond market also went through a period of severe stagnation over several weeks in the summer.

Equity markets staged a temporary recovery in September after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates several times. The Fed’s interest rate cuts weren’t enough to satisfy investor anxiety, however. Markets fell sharply again during the fiscal period’s final month, overcome by losses associated with subprime mortgages, as well as potentially meager consumer spending.

After several years of strong performance, REITs underperformed other stocks for the period. The FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index (which tracks the performance of U.S. REITs) returned -12.62% for the year ended Nov. 30, 2007.

Noninvestment grade, high yield bonds managed a positive performance of 2.69% for the same one-year period, despite the severe market conditions in August and a focus by investors on higher-quality investments as the year progressed (source: Lehman).

How did the Fund perform during the 12 months ending Nov. 30, 2007?

For its fiscal year ended Nov. 30, 2007, Delaware Dividend Income Fund returned -0.72% at net asset value and -6.44% at its maximum offer price (both figures are for Class A shares and reflect all distributions reinvested). For the complete, annualized performance of Delaware Dividend Income Fund, please see the table on page 4. By comparison, the Fund’s all-equity benchmark — the S&P 500 Index — advanced 7.72% for the same period. The Fund’s peer group, as measured by the Lipper Mixed Asset Target Allocation Moderate Funds Average, advanced 7.50% over that period.

What factors influenced the Fund’s fiscal year performance?

In the equity portion of the Fund, an underweight allocation (relative to the index) in the energy sector had a negative impact on performance as rising commodity prices propelled energy sector shares during the period. Likewise, an underweight position versus the S&P 500 Index (which we use as our benchmark index for equity sector weightings) in the cyclically oriented industrials sector detracted from Fund returns. Disappointing stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector also hurt Fund returns relative to the performance benchmark.

Our decision to underweight companies within the financial sector helped the Fund’s performance, because financial companies as a whole were negatively affected by the subprime mortgage crisis. Yet, several of our individual financial services holdings still hurt performance.

The views expressed are current as of the date of this report and are subject to change.

(continues)    1


Portfolio management review

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

 

We generally sought to reduce risk within the Fund. We believed a more defensive posture was best in light of slowing economic and corporate earnings growth.

In general, we favored stocks with higher dividend yields, lower valuations, and potential for more predictable earnings over time.

We were overweight versus the S&P 500 Index in healthcare,telecommunication services and, for part of the period, consumer staples stocks because we believe company earnings within these sectors have tended to be relatively stable when the economy has experienced a slowdown. We were underweight in cyclical (economically sensitive) sectors such as energy and industrials. Finally, we continued to focus on undervalued companies with stronger balance sheets, whose increased financial flexibility can be valuable to investors during difficult economic times.

As part of its strategy aimed at generating income from multiple asset types, Delaware Dividend Income Fund holds a significant allocation to equity REITs, an asset class that struggled this year, detracting from Fund performance compared to the S&P 500 Index.

REITs were relatively stable at the outset, but their stock prices fell sharply through most of 2007. During the five years leading up to this slowdown, domestic REITs enjoyed strong annual compound returns relative to other major domestic stock indices. REIT returns in these prior periods were fueled by historically low interest rates and massive injections of liquidity engineered by the Federal Reserve as it sought to stimulate the economy. The actions created a boom in residential real estate markets. In REIT markets, this led to a major inflow of capital, fueling acquisitions and privatizations and pushing valuations ever higher. By February 2007, the REIT market had peaked, with valuations hitting all-time highs.

The downturn that followed was spurred by surging default rates on subprime mortgages. These defaults were accompanied by softening home sales, failing mortgage companies, and dramatic write-downs by major investment and money-center banks. The result was a tightening of credit standards and a drying up of the liquidity that had fueled acquisition and buyout activity earlier in the period.

Going forward, we have overweighted the regional mall, offices, lodging, and mixed-use sectors when comparing the allocation of our REIT investments to the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index. Similarly, we’re underweighting the healthcare sector — where we believe valuations have peaked — as well as specialty, freestanding, and apartment REITs. We’re keeping a neutral weight in industrial REITs.

With regard to the Fund’s fixed income investments, the higher credit quality sectors (e.g., BB-rated bonds in particular) outperformed lower credit quality sectors (CCC-rated bonds) during the fiscal period. The high yield sectors that contributed to performance were integrated energy, health insurance, and life insurance. The worst-performing areas of the market were home builders, brokerage, and financials. We believe the subprime crisis contributed to a deterioration in liquidity in the high yield market and a negative trend in technicals. This caused an almost complete cessation of new-deal issuance in July and a pronounced deterioration in secondary market trading. This situation was exacerbated by the $350 billion backlog of leverage buyout (LBO) financing that has yet to be issued. Furthermore, issuance of collateralized loan obligations all but dried up, making it more difficult to issue the bank-loan portion of the LBO calendar. During September, liquidity improved and there was a resurgence in the new-issue market, as some seasoned issuers brought to market bond deals that were well received.

We generally favored B-rated credits over higher-quality credits, given the additional yield compensation for the risk accepted. The utility, energy, and capital goods sectors were the strongest relative contributors to performance.

Could you name specific equity securities that influenced performance?

Our equity investment in Washington Mutual, whose business is heavily tied to mortgage lending, detracted from performance. The stock of midwest-based bank Huntington Bancshares was another disappointment.

2


We believe the combination of challenging interest rate conditions in recent years, along with its exposure to the slower mid-west economy and troubled U.S. auto industry conspired to hurt Huntington’s stock price. We continued to hold both stocks at the end of the fiscal year.

The Fund’s healthcare investments, such as Baxter International, contributed to performance. Baxter International performed well thanks to growing sales and earnings.

Could you provide examples of REITs that influenced performance?

Office REITs, such as Alexandria Real Estate Equities, and industrial REITs, such as ProLogis, helped us post positive results in a sector that experienced a setback during the period.

Our weakest performers on the year included Apartment Investment and Management Company, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Brandywine Realty Trust, Mack-Cali Realty, and Duke Realty, each of which we continued to hold at the end of the fiscal year. Our stock picks detracted in the specialty and diversified sectors.

3


Performance summary

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

The performance data quoted represent past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Please obtain the performance data for the most recent month end by calling 800 523-1918 or visiting our Web site at www.delawareinvestments.com/performance. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment company carefully before investing. The Delaware Dividend Income Fund prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please request a prospectus through your financial advisor or by calling 800 523-1918 or visiting our Web site at www.delawareinvestments.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Effective July 31, 2007, portfolio management responsibilities for the Fund changed. Please see the prospectus, as supplemented, which contains important information regarding the investment management for the Fund.

Fund performance         
Average annual total returns        
Through Nov. 30, 2007 1 year 5 years 10 years Lifetime
Class A (Est. Dec. 2, 1996)        
Excluding sales charge -0.72% +10.59%   +7.18%   +9.70%
Including sales charge -6.44% +9.29%   +6.55%   +9.11%
 
Class B (Est. Oct. 1, 2003)        
Excluding sales charge -1.38% NA NA +8.01%
Including sales charge -5.20% NA NA +7.59%
 
Class C (Est. Oct. 1, 2003)        
Excluding sales charge -1.38% NA NA +8.01%
Including sales charge -2.33% NA NA +8.01%

Returns reflect the reinvestment of all distributions and any applicable sales charges as noted in the following paragraphs.

Performance for Class B and C shares, excluding sales charges, assumes either that contingent deferred sales charges did not apply or that the investment was not redeemed.

An expense limitation was in effect for all classes during the periods shown in the Fund performance chart above and in the Performance of a $10,000 Investment chart on the next page.

Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

The Fund offers Class A, B, C, R, and Institutional Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of up to 5.75%, and have an annual distribution and service fee of up to 0.30% of average daily net assets, but such a fee is currently subject to a contractual cap of 0.25% of average daily net assets through March 31, 2008.

Class B shares may be purchased through dividend reinvestment and certain permitted exchanges. As described in the prospectus, Class B shares have a contingent deferred sales charge that declines from 4.00% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately eight years after purchase. They are also subject to an annual distribution and service fee of up to 1.00% of average daily net assets.

Effective at the close of business on May 31, 2007, no new or subsequent investments are allowed in Class B shares of the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds, except through a reinvestment of dividends or capital gains or permitted exchanges. Please see the prospectus for additional information.

Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed during the first 12 months. They are also subject to an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets.

Please see the fee table in the prospectus and your financial professional for a more complete explanation of sales charges.

Management has contracted to reimburse expenses and/or waive its management fees from April 1, 2007, until such time as the waivers are discontinued, as described in the most recent prospectus.

The Fund’s net expense ratios for Class A, B, C, R, and Institutional Class shares are 1.00%, 1.75%, 1.75%, 1.25%, and 0.75%, respectively as disclosed in the most recent prospectus. Without the fee waivers, total operating expenses for Class A, B, C, R, and Institutional Class shares were designated as 1.22%, 1.92%, 1.92%, 1.52%, and 0.92%, respectively.

The average annual total returns for the 1-year, 3-year, and lifetime (since Oct. 1, 2003) periods ended Nov. 30, 2007, for Delaware Dividend Income Fund Class R shares were -0.88%, 6.95%, and 8.51%, respectively.

Class R shares were first made available Oct. 1, 2003, and are available only for certain retirement plan products. They are sold without a sales charge and have an annual distribution and service fee of up to 0.60% of average daily net assets, but such fee is currently subject to a contractual cap of 0.50% of average daily net assets from April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008.

4


The average annual total returns for the 1-year, 5-year, 10-year and lifetime (since Dec. 2, 1996) periods ended Nov. 30, 2007, for Delaware Dividend Income Fund Institutional Class shares were -0.46%, 10.83%, 7.31%, and 9.81%, respectively.

Institutional Class shares were first made available Dec. 2, 1996, and are available without sales or asset-based distribution charges only to certain eligible institutional accounts.

The performance table on the previous page and the graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes the shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemptions of Fund shares.

Funds that invest in REITs are subject to many of the risks associated with direct real estate ownership and, as such, may be adversely affected by declines in real-estate values and general and local economic conditions.

High yielding noninvestment grade bonds (“junk bonds”) involve higher risk than investment grade bonds. Adverse conditions may affect the issuer’s ability to pay interest and principal on these securities.

Fund basics 
As of Nov. 30, 2007 
 
Fund objective 
The Fund seeks to provide high current income and an investment that has the potential for capital appreciation.
 
Total Fund net assets 
$944 million 
 
Number of holdings 
390 
 
Fund start date      
Dec. 2, 1996      
 
  Nasdaq symbols  CUSIPs 
Class A  DDIAX  24610B107 
Class B  DDDBX  24610B206 
Class C  DDICX  24610B305 
Class R  DDDRX  24610B842 
Institutional Class  DDIIX  24610B404 

Performance of a $10,000 Investment
Nov. 30, 1997 through Nov. 30, 2007

  Starting value (Nov. 30, 1997)         Ending value (Nov. 30, 2007) 

  Delaware Dividend Income Fund — Class A Shares    $9,425    $18,856 

  S&P 500 Index  $10,000     $18,185 

Chart assumes $10,000 invested in the Fund on Nov. 30, 1997 and includes the effect of a 5.75% front-end sales charge and the reinvestment of all distributions.

Performance of other Fund classes will vary due to different charges and expenses.

The chart also assumes $10,000 invested in the S&P 500 Index as of Nov. 30, 1997. The S&P 500 Index measures the performance of 500 widely held, mostly large-cap common stocks weighted by market value. An index is unmanaged and does not reflect the costs of operating a mutual fund, such as the costs of buying, selling, and holding securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

The FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index is an all-inclusive index of publicly traded REITs.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The prospectus sets forth details about charges, expenses, investment objective, and operating policies of the investment company.

5


Disclosure of Fund expenses

For the period June 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period June 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the table shown, “Actual Fund Return,” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section of the table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second section of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. The Fund’s expenses shown in the table reflect fee waivers in effect. The expenses shown in the table assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.

Delaware Dividend Income Fund
Expense Analysis of an Investment of $1,000

                         Expenses
  Beginning   Ending     Paid During
  Account   Account   Annualized    Period
  Value   Value   Expense 6/1/07 to
  6/1/07    11/30/07   Ratio   11/30/07*
Actual Fund Return         
Class A  $ 1,000.00   $ 922.50   1.00 %      $ 4.82  
Class B  1,000.00   919.70   1.75 % 8.42  
Class C  1,000.00   919.00   1.75 % 8.42  
Class R  1,000.00   922.00   1.25 % 6.02  
Institutional Class    1,000.00     923.70   0.75 %     3.62  
Hypothetical 5% Return (5% return before expenses)    
Class A  $ 1,000.00   $ 1,020.05   1.00 %   $ 5.06  
Class B  1,000.00   1,016.29   1.75 % 8.85  
Class C  1,000.00   1,016.29   1.75 % 8.85  
Class R  1,000.00   1,018.80   1.25 % 6.33  
Institutional Class    1,000.00      1,021.31    0.75 %     3.80  

* “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

6


Sector allocation and top 10 holdings

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

As of November 30, 2007

 

Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other Fund materials.

  Percentage 
Sector  of Net Assets 
Common Stock  56.89 %
Consumer Discretionary  3.77 % 
Consumer Staples  5.56 % 
Diversified REITs  1.64 % 
Energy  2.73 % 
Financials  9.97 % 
Health Care  7.96 % 
Health Care REITs  1.22 % 
Hotel REITs  0.83 % 
Industrial REITs  1.41 % 
Industrials  3.39 % 
Information Technology  5.23 % 
Mall REITs  2.61 % 
Manufactured Housing REITs  0.28 % 
Materials  1.33 % 
Mortgage REITs  0.14 % 
Multifamily REITs  1.31 % 
Office REITs  1.76 % 
Self-Storage REITs  0.47 % 
Shopping Center REITs  1.24 % 
Specialty REITs  0.20 % 
Telecommunications  2.53 % 
Transportation  0.00 % 
Utilities  1.31 % 
Convertible Preferred Stock  3.63 %
Automobiles & Automotive Parts  0.19 % 
Banking, Finance & Insurance  1.00 % 
Basic Materials  0.54 % 
Cable, Media & Publishing  0.15 % 
Energy  0.44 % 
Health Care & Pharmaceuticals  0.34 % 
Telecommunications  0.36 % 
Utilities  0.61 % 
Convertible Bonds  12.06 %
Aerospace & Defense  0.56 % 
Banking, Finance & Insurance  0.23 % 
Basic Industries  0.09 % 
Cable, Media & Publishing  0.54 % 
Computers & Technology  2.95 % 
Electronics & Electrical Equipment  0.73 % 
Energy  1.23 % 
Health Care & Pharmaceuticals  2.05 % 
Leisure, Lodging & Entertainment  0.38 % 
Real Estate  1.06 % 
Retail  0.62 % 
Telecommunications  1.02 % 
Transportation  0.36 % 
Utilities  0.24 % 
Corporate Bonds  18.79 %
Basic Industries  1.87 % 
Brokerage  0.30 % 
Capital Goods  1.17 % 
Consumer Cyclical  1.86 % 
Consumer Non-Cyclical  0.94 % 
Energy  2.78 % 
Finance & Investments  0.27 % 
Media  1.65 % 
Real Estate  0.31 % 
Services Cyclical  2.54 % 
Services Non-Cyclical  1.23 % 
Technology & Electronics  0.24 % 
Telecommunications  2.60 % 
Utilities  1.03 % 
Leveraged Non-Recourse Securities  0.00 %
Exchange Traded Fund  0.09 %
Preferred Stock  0.36 %
Leisure, Lodging & Entertainment  0.04 % 
Real Estate  0.32 % 
Residual Interest Trust Certificate  0.05 %
Warrant  0.00 %
Senior Secured Loans  3.44 %
Discount Note  3.24 %
Securities Lending Collateral  12.57 %
Total Value of Securities  111.12 %
Obligation to Return Securities Lending Collateral (12.57 %)
Receivables and Other Assets Net of Liabilities  1.45 %
Total Net Assets  100.00 %


(continues)    7


Sector allocation and top 10 holdings

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

 

Holdings are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time.  
They are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security.   
 
  Percentage 
Top 10 Holdings   of Net Assets 
Abbott Laboratories  1.42%  
Chubb  1.39%
Hartford Financial Services Group  1.39%
Heinz (H.J.)  1.39%
Intel  1.38%
Safeway  1.37%
Baxter International  1.36%
Bristol-Myers Squibb  1.36%
Gap  1.35%
Simon Property Group  1.34%  

8


Statement of net assets

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

November 30, 2007

Number of       
  Shares   Value
Common Stock – 56.89%        
Consumer Discretionary – 3.77%
     Gap 623,600 $ 12,721,440
    *Limited Brands 525,100 10,544,008
     Mattel 508,100 10,151,838
     Starwood Hotels & Resorts
          Worldwide 40,100 2,152,568
    †Time Warner Cable Class A 12   314
  35,570,168
Consumer Staples – 5.56%
     B&G Foods Class A 193,400 2,067,446
     Heinz (H.J.) 276,400 13,073,720
    *Kimberly-Clark 169,200 11,811,852
     Kraft Foods Class A 364,600 12,596,930
    *Safeway 370,500   12,893,400
  52,443,348
Diversified REITs – 1.64%
    *iStar Financial 140,600 4,115,362
    *Liberty Property Trust 58,900 1,844,159
     Vornado Realty Trust 86,800 7,812,000
    *Washington Real Estate
          Investment Trust  53,000   1,698,120
  15,469,641
Energy – 2.73%
     Chesapeake Energy 31,481 1,191,537
     Chevron 142,300 12,489,671
     ConocoPhillips 150,800   12,070,032
  25,751,240
Financials – 9.97%
     Allstate 246,500 12,601,080
     Chubb 240,800 13,135,639
    *Discover Financial Services 659,950 11,463,332
     Hartford Financial Services Group 137,300 13,087,436
     Highland Distressed Opportunities 94,100 890,186
    *Huntington Bancshares 684,000 10,731,960
     Morgan Stanley 210,100 11,076,472
     Wachovia 281,500 12,104,500
    *Washington Mutual 459,100   8,952,450
  94,043,055
Health Care – 7.96%
    *Abbott Laboratories 233,200 13,411,332
     Baxter International 214,900 12,866,063
     Bristol-Myers Squibb 432,700 12,820,901
     Johnson & Johnson 170,800 11,569,992
     Pfizer 513,800 12,207,888
     Wyeth 247,700   12,162,070
  75,038,246
Health Care REITs – 1.22%
     HCP 83,500 2,793,075
    *Health Care REIT 44,900 2,011,969
    *Nationwide Health Properties 65,400 2,045,712
     Ventas 106,800   4,656,480
  11,507,236
Hotel REITs – 0.83%  
    *Ashford Hospitality Trust 150,500     1,164,870
     Hersha Hospitality Trust  330,800 3,367,544
    *Host Hotels & Resorts 169,200   3,246,948
  7,779,362
Industrial REITs – 1.41%
     AMB Property 68,500 4,189,460
     First Potomac Realty Trust  63,500 1,197,610
    *ProLogis 120,900   7,909,278
  13,296,348
Industrials – 3.39%
     Donnelley (R.R.) & Sons 303,600 11,129,976
     Genesis Lease ADR 241,500 4,467,750
     Grupo Aeroportuario del 
          Centro Norte ADR 47,942 1,297,790
     Macquarie Infrastructure  60,000 2,418,000
 =@†ÕPort Townsend 1,110 692,640
     Waste Management 349,400   11,991,408
  31,997,564
Information Technology – 5.23%
     Intel 499,400 13,024,352
    *International Business Machines 115,600 12,158,808
     Motorola 772,700 12,340,019
     Xerox 701,500   11,841,320
  49,364,499
Mall REITs – 2.61%
     General Growth Properties  143,600 6,668,784
    *Macerich 69,300 5,381,145
     Simon Property Group 128,000   12,601,600
  24,651,529
Manufactured Housing REITs – 0.28%
     Equity Lifestyle Properties 40,600 1,883,434
    *Sun Communities 31,900   780,912
  2,664,346
Materials – 1.33%
     duPont (E.I.) deNemours  271,300   12,520,495
  12,520,495
Mortgage REITs – 0.14%
    †Chimera Investment 86,000   1,333,860
  1,333,860
Multifamily REITs – 1.31%
    *American Campus Communities 55,600 1,437,816
    *Apartment Investment &
          Management 34,600 1,376,042
     AvalonBay Communities 19,500 1,939,080
     Camden Property Trust 31,800 1,672,998
     Equity Residential 137,700 5,123,817
    *UDR 35,300   777,659
  12,327,412
Office REITs – 1.76%
    *Alexandria Real Estate Equities 38,700 3,801,501
     Brandywine Realty Trust  87,856 1,801,048
    *Duke Realty 80,900 2,126,861

(continues)     9


Statement of net assets

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

Number of       
  Shares   Value
Common Stock (continued)      
Office REITs (continued)
     Highwoods Properties 59,300 $  1,881,589
     Mack-Cali Realty 42,800 1,527,532
    *Parkway Properties 43,300 1,713,381
     PS Business Parks 22,300   1,203,085
     SL Green Realty 24,400   2,535,160
  16,590,157
Self-Storage REITs – 0.47%  
     Public Storage 57,300   4,431,582
  4,431,582
Shopping Center REITs – 1.24%
     Cedar Shopping Centers 127,400 1,490,580
     Developers Diversified Realty 104,800 4,654,168
    *Equity One 80,900 1,914,903
    *Federal Realty Investment Trust 43,600   3,627,084
  11,686,735
Specialty REITs – 0.20%
    *Entertainment Properties Trust 35,200   1,875,808
  1,875,808
Telecommunications – 2.53%
     AT&T 308,200 11,776,322
    †Century Communications 1,625,000 1,056
    *Verizon Communications 279,700   12,085,837
  23,863,215
Transportation – 0.00%
   *†Northwest Airlines 918   16,689
  16,689
Utilities – 1.31%
    *†Mirant 448 17,288
    *Progress Energy 253,200   12,361,224
  12,378,512
Total Common Stock
     (cost $531,454,773)   536,601,047
 
Convertible Preferred Stock – 3.63%        
Automobiles & Automotive Parts – 0.19%
     General Motors 5.25%
          exercise price $64.90,
          expiration date 3/6/32 88,650   1,770,341
  1,770,341
Banking, Finance & Insurance – 1.00%
     Aspen Insurance 5.625%
          exercise price $29.28,
          expiration date 12/31/49 37,800 2,116,800
    ·Citigroup Funding 4.853%
          exercise price $29.50,
          expiration date 9/27/08 155,000 4,040,849
     E Trade Group 6.125%
          exercise price $21.82,
          expiration date 11/18/08 75,500 604,000
     Sovereign Capital Trust IV 
          4.375% exercise price
          $29.16, expiration date
          3/1/34 35,700 1,294,125 
     XL Capital 7.00%
          exercise price $80.59,
          expiration date 2/15/09 64,400   1,379,448
  9,435,222
Basic Materials – 0.54%
     Freeport-McMoRan
          Copper & Gold 6.75%
          exercise price $73.50,
          expiration date 5/1/10 16,200 2,365,200
     Huntsman 5.00%
          exercise price $27.90,
          expiration date 2/16/08 56,100   2,699,813
  5,065,013
Cable, Media & Publishing – 0.15%
    #Interpublic Group144A 5.25%
          exercise price $13.66,
          expiration date 12/31/49 1,500   1,385,813
  1,385,813
Energy – 0.44%
     Chesapeake Energy 4.50% 
          exercise price $44.17,
          expiration date 12/31/49 17,075 1,797,144
     El Paso Energy
          Capital Trust I 4.75%
          exercise price $41.59,
          expiration date 3/31/28 39,900 1,572,060
     McMoRan Exploration 6.75% 
          exercise price $12.40,
          expiration date 11/15/10 8,600   825,600
  4,194,804
Health Care & Pharmaceuticals – 0.34%
     Schering-Plough 6.00%
          exercise price $33.69,
          expiration date 8/13/10 12,000   3,247,500
  3,247,500
Telecommunications – 0.36%
     Lucent Technologies
          Capital Trust I 7.75%
          exercise price $24.80,
          expiration date 3/15/17 3,640   3,375,645
  3,375,645
Utilities – 0.61%
    ·CenterPoint Energy 2.00%
          exercise price $40.88,
          expiration date 9/15/29 26,000 884,000
     Entergy 7.625%
          exercise price $87.46,
          expiration date 2/17/09 40,750 2,913,625
     NRG Energy 5.75%
          exercise price $30.23,
          expiration date 3/16/09 5,335   1,961,946
  5,759,571
Total Convertible Preferred Stock
     (cost $36,770,862)   34,233,909

10



Principal      
  Amount   Value
Convertible Bonds – 12.06%          
Aerospace & Defense – 0.56%
    #AAR 144A 1.75% 2/1/26
          exercise price $29.43,
          expiration date 2/1/26 $ 1,150,000 $ 1,482,063
    *EDO 4.00% 11/15/25
          exercise price $34.19,
          expiration date 11/15/25 1,175,000 1,960,781
    #L-3 Communications 144A
          3.00% 8/1/35
          exercise price $101.70,  
          expiration date 8/1/35 1,500,000   1,869,375
  5,312,219
Banking, Finance & Insurance – 0.23%
    ·U.S. Bancorp
         *3.838% 9/20/36
          exercise price $38.28,  
          expiration date 9/20/36 500,000 501,350
         #144A 3.838% 9/20/36
          exercise price $38.28,
          expiration date 9/20/36 1,625,000   1,629,388
  2,130,738
Basic Industries – 0.09%
    #Apex Silver Mines 144A
          2.875% 3/15/24
          exercise price $28.62,
          expiration date 3/15/24 1,000,000   826,250
  826,250
Cable, Media & Publishing – 0.54%
     Liberty Media 3.25% 3/15/31
          exercise price $53.86,
          expiration date 3/8/31 3,000,000 2,261,250
    #Playboy Enterprises 144A
          3.00% 3/15/25
          exercise price $17.02,
          expiration date 3/15/25 3,240,000   2,887,650
  5,148,900
Computers & Technology – 2.95%
     Advanced Micro Devices
         *6.00% 5/1/15
          exercise price $28.08,
          expiration date 5/1/15 2,430,000 1,940,963
         #144A 6.00% 5/1/15
          exercise price $28.08,
          expiration date 5/1/15 3,385,000 2,703,769
     Electronic Data Systems 
          3.875% 7/15/23
          exercise price $34.14,
          expiration date 7/15/23 3,200,000 3,204,000
     Euronet Worldwide
          3.50% 10/15/25
          exercise price $40.48,
          expiration date 10/15/25 3,445,000 3,742,130
     Fairchild Semiconductor 
          5.00% 11/1/08
          exercise price $30.00,
          expiration date 11/1/08 1,950,000 1,940,250 
     Hutchinson Technology
          3.25% 1/15/26
          exercise price $36.43,
          expiration date 1/15/26   1,540,000 1,499,575
    #Informatica 144A
          3.00% 3/15/26
          exercise price $20.00,
          expiration date 3/15/26 2,315,000 2,572,544
     Intel 2.95% 12/15/35
          exercise price $31.53,
          expiration date 12/15/35 500,000 535,000
         #144A 2.95% 12/15/35
          exercise price $31.53,
          expiration date 12/15/35 1,140,000 1,219,800
    *ON Semiconductor
          2.625% 12/15/26
          exercise price $10.50,
          expiration date 12/15/26 2,725,000 3,058,813
    *SanDisk 1.00% 5/15/13
          exercise price $82.36,
          expiration date 5/15/13 3,870,000 3,279,824
    #Sybase 144A 1.75% 2/22/25
          exercise price $25.22,
          expiration date 2/22/25 1,875,000   2,167,969
  27,864,637
Electronics & Electrical Equipment – 0.73% 
    *Fisher Scientific International
          3.25% 3/1/24
          exercise price $40.20,
          expiration date 3/1/24 1,500,000 2,332,500
    *Flextronics International
          1.00% 8/1/10
          exercise price $15.53,
          expiration date 8/1/10 3,450,000 3,519,000
     Vishay Intertechnology
          3.625% 8/1/23
          exercise price $21.28,
          expiration date 8/1/23 1,000,000   1,015,000
  6,866,500
Energy – 1.23%
     Halliburton 3.125% 7/15/23 
          exercise price $18.76,
          expiration date 7/15/23 1,750,000 3,438,750
    *Peabody Energy 4.75% 12/15/41
          exercise price $58.45,
          expiration date 12/15/41 2,365,000 2,843,913
     Pride International
          3.25% 5/1/33
          exercise price $25.70,
          expiration date 5/1/33 1,080,000 1,441,800
     Schlumberger 2.125% 6/1/23 
          exercise price $40.00,
          expiration date 6/1/23 1,645,000   3,857,524
  11,581,987

(continues)     11


Statement of net assets

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

Principal      
  Amount   Value
Convertible Bonds (continued)          
Health Care & Pharmaceuticals – 2.05%
     Allergan 1.50% 4/1/26
          exercise price $63.33,
          expiration date 4/1/26 $ 600,000   $  728,250
         #144A 1.50% 4/1/26  
          exercise price $63.33,  
          expiration date 4/1/26 1,935,000 2,348,605
     Amgen
         *0.375% 2/1/13
          exercise price $79.48,  
          expiration date 2/1/13 1,680,000 1,572,900
         #144A 0.375% 2/1/13
          exercise price $79.48,
          expiration date 2/1/13 775,000 725,594
    ·Bristol-Myers Squibb
          5.194% 9/15/23
          exercise price $41.28,
          expiration date 9/15/23 1,600,000 1,593,600
     CV Therapeutics
          3.25% 8/16/13
          exercise price $27.00,
          expiration date 8/16/13 530,000 431,288
     Encysive Pharmaceuticals 
          2.50% 3/15/12
          exercise price $13.95,
          expiration date 3/15/12 200,000 101,500
         #144A 2.50% 3/15/12
          exercise price $13.95,
          expiration date 3/15/12 2,000,000 1,015,000
     LifePoint Hospitals
          3.50% 5/15/14
          exercise price $51.79,
          expiration date 5/14/14 850,000 777,750
     Lincare Holdings
          3.00% 6/15/33
          exercise price $53.33,
          expiration date 6/15/33 2,000,000 1,987,500
     Medtronic
          1.50% 4/15/11
          exercise price $56.08,
          expiration date 4/15/11 1,000,000 1,082,500
          1.625% 4/15/13
          exercise price $56.08,
          expiration date 4/15/13 2,000,000 2,172,500
     Teva Pharmaceutical Finance
          0.25% 2/1/26
          exercise price $47.06,
          expiration date 2/1/26 1,535,000 1,577,213
   *·Wyeth 4.886% 1/15/24
          exercise price $60.09,
          expiration date 1/15/24 3,000,000   3,204,509
  19,318,709
Leisure, Lodging & Entertainment – 0.38%
    #International Game Technology
          144A 2.60% 12/15/36
          exercise price $61.78,
          expiration date 12/15/36 3,490,000   3,555,438
  3,555,438
Real Estate – 1.06%
    #General Growth Properties
          144A 3.98% 4/15/27
          exercise price $88.72,
          expiration date 4/15/27   3,590,000   3,100,862
     Health Care REIT
          4.75% 12/1/26
          exercise price $47.82,
          expiration date 12/1/26 2,150,000 2,281,688
     MeriStar Hospitality
          9.50% 4/1/10
          exercise price $10.18,
          expiration date 4/1/10 1,685,000 1,729,653
     *#Weingarten Realty Investors
          144A 3.95% 8/1/26
          exercise price $49.01,
          expiration date 8/1/26 3,000,000   2,887,500
  9,999,703
Retail – 0.62%
     Pantry 3.00% 11/15/12
          exercise price $50.10,
          expiration date 11/15/12 1,755,000 1,612,406
    #Saks 144A 2.00% 3/15/24
          exercise price $11.97,
          expiration date 3/15/24 1,135,000 2,006,113
     Sonic Automotive 5.25% 5/7/09
          exercise price $46.87,
          expiration date 5/7/09 1,000,000 985,000
    #United Auto Group 144A
          3.50% 4/1/26
          exercise price $23.69,
          expiration date 4/1/26 1,150,000   1,219,000
  5,822,519
Telecommunications – 1.02%
     Amdocs 0.50% 3/15/24
          exercise price $43.12,
          expiration date 3/15/24 2,000,000 2,040,000
     Level 3 Communications
          3.50% 6/15/12
          exercise price $5.46,
          expiration date 6/15/12 2,425,000 2,212,812
    *NII Holdings 3.125% 6/15/12
          exercise price $118.32,
          expiration date 6/15/12 3,435,000 3,048,562
    #Nortel Networks 144A
          1.75% 4/15/12
          exercise price $32.00,
          expiration date 4/15/12 845,000 710,856
          2.125% 4/15/14
          exercise price $32.00,
          expiration date 4/15/14 845,000 688,675
     Qwest Communications
          International 3.50% 11/15/25
          exercise price $5.90,
          expiration date 11/15/25 750,000   972,188
  9,673,093

12 



Principal      
  Amount   Value
Convertible Bonds (continued)          
Transportation – 0.36%
   *#ExpressJet Holdings 144A
          4.25% 8/1/23
          exercise price $18.20,  
          expiration date 8/1/23 $ 750,000   $ 721,875
     JetBlue Airways
          3.50% 7/15/33
          exercise price $28.33,
          expiration date 7/15/33 1,625,000 1,586,406
          3.75% 3/15/35
          exercise price $17.10,
          expration date 3/15/35 1,195,000   1,060,563
  3,368,844
Utilities – 0.24%
     CenterPoint Energy
          3.75% 5/15/23
          exercise price $11.18,
          expiration date 5/15/23 400,000 640,500
         #144A 3.75% 5/15/23
          exercise price $11.18,
          expiration date 5/15/23 1,030,000   1,649,288
  2,289,788
Total Convertible Bonds
     (cost $110,104,278)   113,759,325
 
Corporate Bonds – 18.79%          
Basic Industries – 1.87%
    *AK Steel 7.75% 6/15/12 915,000 917,288
   *#Algoma Acqusition 144A
          9.875% 6/15/15 425,000 342,125
     Foundation Pennsylvania Coal
          7.25% 8/1/14 1,445,000 1,398,037
     Freeport McMoRan Copper &
          Gold 8.25% 4/1/15 720,000 770,400
     Georgia-Pacific
          7.70% 6/15/15 685,000 669,588
          8.875% 5/15/31 1,365,000 1,330,874
    #GTL Trade Finance 144A
          7.25% 10/20/17 470,000 481,822
     Hexion US Finance
          9.75% 11/15/14 1,180,000 1,274,400
   *#Ineos Group Holdings 144A
          8.50% 2/15/16 700,000 633,500
     Lyondell Chemical
          8.00% 9/15/14 935,000 1,063,563
          8.25% 9/15/16 310,000 365,025
          10.50% 6/1/13 100,000 107,500
    #MacDermid 144A
          9.50% 4/15/17 1,755,000 1,601,437
    #Momentive Performance
          Materials 144A
          9.75% 12/1/14 950,000 885,875
    #Norske Skogindustrier 144A
          7.125% 10/15/33 175,000 148,794 
    ‡Port Townsend Paper
          0.00% 8/15/12 532,800 532,800
     Potlatch 13.00% 12/1/09  1,075,000 1,226,502
   ·#Ryerson 144A
          12.574% 11/1/14 675,000 653,063
    #Sappi Papier Holding 144A
          6.75% 6/15/12 1,460,000 1,441,012
    #Steel Dynamics 144A
          6.75% 4/1/15 500,000 480,000
          7.375% 11/1/12 335,000 334,163
     Verso Paper Holdings
          9.125% 8/1/14 630,000 629,213
          Witco 6.875% 2/1/26 460,000   372,600
  17,659,581
Brokerage – 0.30%
    #HUB International Holdings
          144A 10.25% 6/15/15 500,000 431,250
     LaBranche
          9.50% 5/15/09 1,100,000 1,105,500
          11.00% 5/15/12 1,310,000   1,300,175
  2,836,925
Capital Goods – 1.17%
    *Berry Plastics Holding
          8.875% 9/15/14 1,165,000 1,130,050
          CPG International I
          10.50% 7/1/13 935,000 902,275
    *Graham Packaging
          9.875% 10/15/14 775,000 714,938
          Graphic Packaging International
          8.50% 8/15/11 910,000 900,900
    *Greenbrier 8.375% 5/15/15 210,000 201,075
   *#Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition
          144A 9.75% 4/1/17 915,000 926,438
     Interface 10.375% 2/1/10  1,130,000 1,189,324
     Intertape Polymer
          8.50% 8/1/14 825,000 756,938
     KB HOME 8.625% 12/15/08  615,000 604,238
     Koppers Industries
          9.875% 10/15/13 585,000 617,175
    ·NXP Funding
          7.993% 10/15/13 615,000 583,481
    *Smurfit-Stone Container
          Enterprises 8.00% 3/15/17 1,020,000 984,300
     Trimas 9.875% 6/15/12 1,526,000   1,510,739
  11,021,871
Consumer Cyclical – 1.86%
   *#Allison Transmission 144A
          11.00% 11/1/15 730,000 706,275
    #Cardtronics 144A
          9.25% 8/15/13 625,000 603,125
    *Carrols 9.00% 1/15/13 675,000 626,063
     Ford Motor 7.45% 7/16/31  1,510,000 1,147,600

(continues)     13


Statement of net assets

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

Principal      
  Amount   Value
Corporate Bonds (continued)          
Consumer Cyclical (continued)
     Ford Motor Credit
          7.375% 10/28/09 $ 525,000 $  497,283
         *7.80% 6/1/12 2,500,000 2,230,087
         ·7.993% 1/13/12 450,000   392,440
    *General Motors  
          8.375% 7/15/33 2,100,000 1,753,500
    *Global Cash Access
          8.75% 3/15/12 1,525,000 1,383,938
     GMAC
         *4.375% 12/10/07 385,000 384,670
         ·6.119% 5/15/09 1,235,000 1,157,580
          6.875% 9/15/11 1,300,000 1,136,717
          6.875% 8/28/12 1,150,000 978,603
     Lear 8.75% 12/1/16 2,645,000 2,446,624
    *Neiman Marcus Group PIK
          9.00% 10/15/15 1,145,000 1,196,525
   *#Tenneco 144A
          8.125% 11/15/15 395,000 395,988
    #USI Holdings 144A
          9.75% 5/15/15 580,000   487,200
  17,524,218
Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.94%
     ACCO Brands
          7.625% 8/15/15 565,000 508,500
     American Achievement
          8.25% 4/1/12 310,000 303,800
     Chiquita Brands International
          8.875% 12/1/15 1,290,000 1,193,250
    *Constellation Brands
          8.125% 1/15/12 910,000 910,000
     Cott Beverages
          8.00% 12/15/11 915,000 841,800
     Jarden 7.50% 5/1/17 1,261,000 1,141,205
     National Beef Packing
          10.50% 8/1/11 895,000   870,388
     Pilgrim’s Pride 8.375% 5/1/17 2,350,000   2,314,749
    #Seminole Indian Tribe of
          Florida 144A
          7.804% 10/1/20 775,000   807,845
  8,891,537
Energy – 2.78%
     AmeriGas Partners
          7.125% 5/20/16 1,015,000 979,475
     Chesapeake Energy
         *6.375% 6/15/15 100,000 96,500
          6.625% 1/15/16 1,225,000 1,194,375
     Compton Petroleum Finance 
          7.625% 12/1/13 2,030,000 1,908,200
     Dynergy Holdings
          7.75% 6/1/19 3,170,000 2,868,849
     El Paso
          6.875% 6/15/14 1,145,000 1,154,083
         *7.00% 6/15/17 1,195,000 1,203,568
    #El Paso Performance-Linked
          Trust 144A 7.75% 7/15/11 525,000 552,421
     Energy Partners
          9.75% 4/15/14   1,200,000 1,152,000
     Ferrellgas Finance Escrow 
          6.75% 5/1/14 520,000 507,000
     Geophysique-Veritas
          7.50% 5/15/15 155,000 156,938
          7.75% 5/15/17 670,000 676,700
    #Hilcorp Energy I 144A
          7.75% 11/1/15 1,100,000 1,069,750
          9.00% 6/1/16 455,000 466,375
     Inergy Finance
          6.875% 12/15/14 350,000 339,500
          8.25% 3/1/16 200,000 207,500
     KCS Energy 7.125% 4/1/12  465,000 449,888
    #Key Energy Services 144A
          8.375% 12/1/14 720,000 725,400
     Kinder Morgan Finance
          5.35% 1/5/11 75,000 72,731
     Mariner Energy
          8.00% 5/15/17 1,175,000 1,116,250
     Massey Energy
          6.625% 11/15/10 310,000 303,025
          6.875% 12/15/13 1,015,000 964,250
    #OPTI Canada 144A
          7.875% 12/15/14 485,000 475,300
          8.25% 12/15/14 200,000 198,000
     PetroHawk Energy
          9.125% 7/15/13 1,325,000 1,397,875
     Plains Exploration & 
          Production 7.00% 3/15/17 705,000 673,275
     Regency Energy Partners 
          8.375% 12/15/13 844,000 886,200
     Seitel 9.75% 2/15/14 1,090,000 948,300
    #Stallion Oilfield Services 144A
          9.75% 2/1/15 625,000 578,125
     Whiting Petroleum
          7.25% 5/1/13 935,000 916,300
     Williams 7.50% 1/15/31 1,785,000   1,945,650
  26,183,803
Finance & Investments – 0.27%
     Leucadia National
          8.125% 9/15/15 1,300,000 1,299,999
    #Nuveen Investments 144A
          10.50% 11/15/15 1,185,000 1,176,113
     Unum Group 5.859% 5/15/09  50,000   50,985
  2,527,097
Media – 1.65%
    *CCH I Holdings
          13.50% 1/15/14 195,000 150,150
     Charter Communication
          Holdings 13.50% 1/15/11 3,095,000 2,646,224
    *Dex Media West
          9.875% 8/15/13 995,000 1,036,044

14



  Principal        
  Amount   Value
Corporate Bonds (continued)          
Media (continued)    
     Idearc 8.00% 11/15/16 $ 2,420,000   $ 2,274,800
    *Insight Communications    
          12.25% 2/15/11 550,000 575,438
     Insight Midwest Capital       
          9.75% 10/1/09 461,000 462,153
     Intelsat Bermuda    
          11.25% 6/15/16 1,145,000 1,190,800
    #Lamar Media 144A    
          6.625% 8/15/15 455,000 434,525
    #LBI Media 144A 8.50% 8/1/17 625,000 606,250
     Mediacom Capital    
          9.50% 1/15/13 820,000 766,700
    #Quebecor Media 144A    
          7.75% 3/15/16 1,220,000 1,143,750
    #Quebecor World 144A    
          9.75% 1/15/15   1,295,000 1,036,000
     RH Donnelley    
          8.875% 1/15/16 640,000 608,000
         #144A 8.875% 10/15/17 1,440,000 1,364,400
     Time Warner Telecom    
          Holdings 9.25% 2/15/14 660,000 678,150
   *#Univision Communications PIK    
          144A 9.75% 3/15/15 590,000   551,650
      15,525,034
Real Estate – 0.31%    
     BF Saul REIT 7.50% 3/1/14  1,251,000 1,194,705
     Host Marriott 7.125% 11/1/13 1,170,000 1,178,775
     Rouse 7.20% 9/15/12 550,000   528,871
      2,902,351
Services Cyclical – 2.54%    
     Aramark Services    
          8.50% 2/1/15 1,710,000 1,724,963
     Corrections Corporation of     
          America 7.50% 5/1/11 650,000 661,375
     FTI Consulting    
          7.625% 6/15/13 1,550,000 1,588,750
    #Galaxy Entertainment Finance    
          144A 9.875% 12/15/12 1,550,000 1,635,250
     Gaylord Entertainment    
          8.00% 11/15/13 1,275,000 1,275,000
     Harrah’s Operating    
          6.50% 6/1/16 883,000 672,089
     Hertz 8.875% 1/1/14 1,810,000 1,819,050
     Kansas City Southern de     
          Mexico 9.375% 5/1/12 2,025,000 2,146,499
     Kansas City Southern Railway    
          9.50% 10/1/08 600,000 616,500
     Majestic Star Casino    
          9.50% 10/15/10 1,900,000 1,838,250
     Mandalay Resort Group    
          9.375% 2/15/10 1,070,000 1,110,125
          9.50% 8/1/08 1,205,000 1,235,125
    #Mobile Services Group 144A      
          9.75% 8/1/14   600,000   549,000
    ‡Northwest Airlines      
          10.00% 2/1/09 265,000   11,594
    #Penhall International 144A      
          12.00% 8/1/14 565,000   522,625
    #Pokagon Gaming Authority      
          144A 10.375% 6/15/14 1,880,000   2,021,000
     Rental Services 9.50% 12/1/14 1,160,000   1,081,700
     Seabulk International      
          9.50% 8/15/13 469,000   498,899
     Station Casinos      
          6.625% 3/15/18 1,540,000   1,174,250
     Wheeling Island Gaming      
          10.125% 12/15/09 1,755,000   1,763,775
      23,945,819
Services Non-Cyclical – 1.23%      
     Allied Waste North America       
          7.375% 4/15/14 625,000   629,688
          7.875% 4/15/13 1,170,000   1,208,025
     Casella Waste Systems      
          9.75% 2/1/13 2,010,000   2,060,250
     Community Health Systems       
          8.875% 7/15/15 1,740,000   1,766,100
     CRC Health 10.75% 2/1/16  2,350,000   2,479,249
     HCA PIK 9.625% 11/15/16  1,655,000   1,725,338
     Omnicare 6.875% 12/15/15  1,050,000   971,250
    #Universal Hospital Services PIK      
          144A 8.50% 6/1/15 800,000   804,000
      11,643,900
Technology & Electronics – 0.24%      
     Freescale Semiconductor       
          8.875% 12/15/14 1,295,000   1,189,781
     Sungard Data Systems      
          9.125% 8/15/13 845,000   864,013
          10.25% 8/15/15 215,000   222,525
      2,276,319
Telecommunications – 2.60%      
    ‡Allegiance Telecom      
          11.75% 2/15/08 10,000   5,225
     American Tower      
          7.125% 10/15/12 1,150,000   1,173,000
         #144A 7.00% 10/15/17 1,135,000   1,160,538
    #Broadview Networks Holdings      
          144A 11.375% 9/1/12 860,000   905,325
    ·Centennial Communications      
          10.981% 1/1/13 1,110,000   1,140,525
     Citizens Communications       
          7.125% 3/15/19 1,795,000   1,723,199
     Cricket Communications      
          9.375% 11/1/14 1,335,000   1,248,225
    #Digicel 144A 9.25% 9/1/12 1,380,000   1,393,800

(continues)    15


Statement of net assets

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

  Principal          
  Amount   Value
Corporate Bonds (continued)      
Telecommunications (continued)      
   ·#Hellas Telecommunications      
          Luxembourg II 144A      
          10.993% 1/15/15 $ 870,000 $ 835,200
     Hughes Network Systems      
          9.50% 4/15/14 1,685,000   1,706,062
    Inmarsat Finance      
          10.375% 11/15/12 1,465,000   1,417,387
     Level 3 Financing      
          9.25% 11/1/14 1,270,000   1,146,175
     Lucent Technologies      
          6.45% 3/15/29 1,144,000     926,640
     MetroPCS Wireless      
          9.25% 11/1/14 1,745,000   1,662,112
   ·#Nortel Networks 144A      
          9.493% 7/15/11 1,375,000   1,344,063
     NTL Cable 9.125% 8/15/16 770,000   770,000
    #PAETEC Holding 144A      
          9.50% 7/15/15 540,000   538,650
    *Qwest 7.50% 10/1/14 1,020,000   1,037,850
     Qwest Capital Funding      
          7.25% 2/15/11 1,255,000   1,245,588
     Rural Cellular      
          9.875% 2/1/10 915,000   953,888
         ·10.661% 11/1/12 325,000   333,125
     Triton PCS 8.50% 6/1/13 630,000   659,925
     Windstream 8.125% 8/1/13 1,150,000   1,188,813
      24,515,315
Utilities – 1.03%      
     AES 7.75% 3/1/14 690,000   681,375
         #144A 8.00% 10/15/17 730,000   730,000
   ‡#Calpine 144A      
          8.496% 7/15/09 625,600   647,496
     Elwood Energy      
          8.159% 7/5/26 925,958   979,594
     Midwest Generation      
          8.30% 7/2/09 821,737   834,063
     Mirant Americas Generation      
          8.30% 5/1/11 1,460,000   1,463,650
     Mirant North America      
          7.375% 12/31/13 1,195,000   1,203,963
     NRG Energy 7.375% 2/1/16 2,180,000   2,141,850
     Orion Power Holdings      
          12.00% 5/1/10 956,000   1,046,820
      9,728,811
Total Corporate Bonds       
     (cost $182,967,502)     177,182,581
 
Leveraged Non-Recourse Securities – 0.00%     
  @#wJPMorgan Fixed Income Pass      
          Through Trust 2007 144A       
          8.845% 1/15/87 1,300,000   0
 
Number of
  Shares    
  @#wMerrill Lynch Preferred Pass      
          Through Trust 2007 144A 40,000 400
Total Leveraged Non-Recourse Securities     
     (cost $2,164,837)     400
 
Exchange Traded Fund – 0.09%       
     *iShares Dow Jones U.S. Real      
          Estate Index Fund 12,300   861,861
Total Exchange Traded Fund       
     (cost $874,940)     861,861
 
Preferred Stock – 0.36%       
Leisure, Lodging & Entertainment – 0.04%     
     Red Lion Hotels Capital      
          Trust 9.50%  17,479   429,983
      429,983
Real Estate – 0.32%      
     Equity Inns Series B 8.75% 21,700   402,806
     SL Green Realty 7.625% 108,900   2,599,444
      3,002,250
Total Preferred Stock       
     (cost $3,741,803)     3,432,233
 
Residual Interest Trust Certificate – 0.05%     
  @#wFreddie Mac Auction Pass       
          Through Trust 144A 1,000,000   459,700
Total Residual Interest Trust Certificate     
     (cost $1,088,378)     459,700
 
Warrant – 0.00%       
   †#Solutia 144A,      
          exercise price $7.59,      
          expiration date 7/15/09 12   0
Total Warrant       
     (cost $1,021)     0
 
  Principal    
  Amount      
« Senior Secured Loans – 3.44%       
     AlixPartners 0.00% 10/12/13 $ 595,000   582,356
     ALLTEL 7.69% 12/21/14 630,000   601,650
     Aramark      
          7.08% 1/26/14  1,401,406   1,333,088
          7.485% 1/26/14 98,594   93,911
     Bausch & Lomb 8.34% 4/11/15  780,000   776,929
     BNY ConvergEx Group      
          7.39% 9/29/13  1,050,000   1,022,438
     Building Materials      
          8.256% 2/22/14 1,350,397   1,155,156
     Coffeyville Resources      
          Credit Linked       
          5.26% 12/28/10 122,133   117,858
          8.365% 12/28/13 398,317   386,865

16



   Principal          
   Amount   Value
« Senior Secured Loans (continued)              
     Community Health Systems       
          7.61% 7/2/14 $ 2,387,510 $ 2,293,287
          7.61% 8/25/14 62,490   60,024
     Dynegy Holdings      
          7.28% 4/2/13 1,235,000   1,162,450
     Energy Futures Holdings       
          7.565% 10/10/14 2,730,000   2,676,259
          8.39% 10/10/14 2,155,000   2,113,258  
     Ford Motor 8.36% 11/29/13  768,190   717,470
     Freescale Semiconductor       
          7.37% 12/1/13 1,047,362   980,320
     General Motors      
          7.745% 11/17/13 496,250   469,810
     Goodyear Tire & Rubber       
          7.47% 4/30/14 550,000   517,000
     HCA 7.12% 11/18/13 1,170,000   1,124,563
     Idearc 7.35% 11/1/14 299,246   286,965
     Jarden 7.67% 1/24/12 683,244   656,768
     MacDermid 7.45% 4/12/14  511,003   500,783
     Michaels Stores      
          7.625% 10/11/13 1,267,720   1,167,494
     NE Energy 7.87% 11/1/13  245,528   233,099
     Selector Remedy      
          8.36% 7/31/14 1,000,000   880,000
     Spirit Finance 8.36% 5/23/13 550,000   488,584
     Surgical Care Affiliates       
          8.31% 12/29/14 498,750   458,850
     Talecris Biotherapeutics 2nd Lien      
          11.85% 12/6/14 780,000   776,100
     Telesat Canada 9.00% 2/14/08 1,500,000   1,455,000
     Time Warner Telecom Holdings      
          7.62% 1/7/13 645,000   620,813
     Travelport 8.13% 8/1/13  632,446   602,142
     Tribune 8.698% 5/30/14 375,000   327,000
     Univision Communications       
          7.60% 9/15/14 1,350,000   1,244,410
     US Airways Group      
          8.05% 3/23/14 225,000   210,468
     USI Holdings 8.11% 5/4/14  997,500   951,366
     Venetian Macau      
          7.10% 5/26/13 1,500,000   1,440,000
     Windstream Term Loan B      
          8.36% 7/17/13 1,995,000   1,955,928 
Total Senior Secured Loans      
     (cost $33,676,158)     32,440,462
 
¹Discount Note – 3.24%          
     Federal Home Loan Bank      
          3.801% 12/3/07   30,571,648   30,565,194 
Total Discount Note      
     (cost $30,565,194)     30,565,194
 
Total Value of Securities Before      
     Securities Lending Collateral – 98.55%    
     (cost $933,409,746)     929,536,712
 
  Number of  
  Shares      
Securities Lending Collateral** – 12.57%  
     Investment Companies    
          Mellon GSL DBT II    
          Collateral Fund 118,532,455   118,532,455  
Total Securities Lending Collateral  
     (cost $118,532,455)     118,532,455  
 
Total Value of Securities – 111.12%  
     (cost $1,051,942,201)   1,048,069,167 ©
Obligation to Return Securities    
     Lending Collateral** – (12.57%) (118,532,455 )
Receivables and Other Assets    
     Net of Liabilities – 1.45%     13,704,721  
Net Assets Applicable to 78,426,520  
     Shares Outstanding – 100.00% $ 943,241,433  
 
Net Asset Value – Delaware Dividend Income Fund   
     Class A ($450,619,791 / 37,460,221 Shares)   $12.03  
Net Asset Value – Delaware Dividend Income Fund   
     Class B ($78,234,993 / 6,507,355 Shares)   $12.02  
Net Asset Value – Delaware Dividend Income Fund   
     Class C ($402,782,001 / 33,494,247 Shares)   $12.03  
Net Asset Value – Delaware Dividend Income Fund   
     Class R ($6,220,247 / 517,343 Shares)   $12.02  
Net Asset Value – Delaware Dividend Income Fund   
     Institutional Class ($5,384,401 / 447,354 Shares)   $12.04  
 
Components of Net Assets at November 30, 2007:  
Shares of beneficial interest    
     (unlimited authorization – no par)   $925,408,861  
Undistributed net investment income 7,228,971  
Accumulated net realized gain on investments 14,476,635  
Net unrealized depreciation of investments   (3,873,034 )
Total net assets     $943,241,433  


 

Non-income producing security for the year ended November 30, 2007.

   

Non-income producing security. Security is currently in default.

   
·

Variable rate security. The rate shown is the rate as of November 30, 2007.

   
¹

The rate shown is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

   

Step coupon bond. Indicates security that has a zero coupon that remains in effect until a predetermined date at which time the stated interest rate becomes effective.

   
w

Pass Through Agreement. Security represents the contractual right to receive a proportionate amount of underlying payments due to the counterparty pursuant to various agreements related to the rescheduling of obligations and the exchange of certain notes.

   
Õ

Restricted Security. Investment in a security not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This security has certain restrictions on resale which  may limit its liquidity. At November 30, 2007, the aggregate amount of the restricted security equaled $692,640, which represented 0.07% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 10 in “Notes to financial statements.”


(continues)     17


Statement of net assets

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

 

 

#

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. At November 30, 2007, the aggregate amount of Rule 144A securities equaled $74,658,445, which represented 7.92% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 10 in “Notes to financial statements.”

   

«

Senior Secured Loans generally pay interest at rates which are periodically redetermined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally: (i) the prime rate offered by one or more United States banks, (ii) the lending rate offered by one or more European banks such as the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR), and (iii) the certificate of deposit rate. Senior Secured Loans may be subject to restrictions on resale.

   

@

Illiquid security. At November 30, 2007, the aggregate amount of illiquid securities equaled $1,152,740, which represented 0.12% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 10 in “Notes to financial statements.”

   

=

Security is being fair valued in accordance with the Fund’s fair valuation policy. At November 30, 2007, the aggregate amount of fair valued securities equaled $692,640, which represented 0.07% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 1 in “Notes to financial statements.”

   

*

Fully or partially on loan.

   

**

See Note 9 in “Notes to financial statements.”

   
© Includes $115,005,495 of securities loaned.

Summary of Abbreviations:
ADR — American Depositary Receipts
PIK — Pay-in-kind
REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

Net Asset Value and Offering Price Per Share –   
     Delaware Dividend Income Fund   
Net asset value Class A (A)  $12.03
Sales charge (5.75% of offering price) (B)  0.73
Offering price  $12.76

(A) 

Net asset value per share, as illustrated, is the amount which would be paid upon redemption or repurchase of shares.

   

(B) 

See the current prospectus for purchases of $50,000 or more.

See accompanying notes

18


Statement of operations

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

Year Ended November 30, 2007

Investment Income:      
     Dividends $ 19,973,289
     Interest 24,450,165
     Security lending   216,536 $ 44,639,990
 
Expenses:
     Management fees 6,066,049
     Distribution expenses – Class A 1,469,460
     Distribution expenses – Class B 858,147
     Distribution expenses – Class C 3,883,005
     Distribution expenses – Class R 37,148
     Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses 1,429,843
     Accounting and administration expenses 388,508
     Reports and statements to shareholders 167,932
     Legal fees 120,676
     Audit and taxes 69,605
     Registration fees 59,645
     Trustees’ fees and benefits 45,817
     Insurance fees 25,986
     Custodian fees 16,099
     Consulting fees 15,612
     Pricing fees 11,520
     Trustees’ expenses 5,029
     Dues and services 4,469
     Taxes (other than taxes on income)   3,734 14,678,284
     Less expenses absorbed or waived (1,128,053 )
     Less waived distribution expenses – Class A (243,619 )
     Less waived distribution expenses – Class R (6,156 )
     Less expense paid indirectly   (9,350 )
     Total operating expenses   13,291,106
Net Investment Income   31,348,884
 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:
     Net realized gain (loss) on:
          Investments 30,838,554
          Swap contracts     (50,053 )
     Net realized gain 30,788,501
     Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments   (83,487,127 )
Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments     (52,698,626 )
 
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   $ (21,349,742 )

See accompanying notes

19


Statements of changes in net assets

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

Year Ended
11/30/07       11/30/06
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:
     Net investment income $ 31,348,884   $ 19,552,268  
     Net realized gain on investments 30,788,501 7,715,241
     Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments   (83,487,127 )   74,465,702
     Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (21,349,742 )   101,733,211
 
Dividends and Distributions to shareholders from:
     Net investment income:
          Class A (16,059,869 ) (12,346,220 )
          Class B (2,196,802 ) (2,012,242 )
          Class C (9,685,778 ) (6,099,994 )
          Class R (195,835 ) (102,054 )
          Institutional Class (167,153 ) (51,228 )
 
     Net realized gain on investments:
          Class A (1,953,956 ) (1,682,444 )
          Class B (378,723 ) (342,772 )
          Class C (1,353,820 ) (981,242 )
          Class R (26,721 ) (8,517 )
          Institutional Class   (13,824 )   (5,576 )
  (32,032,481 )   (23,632,289 )
Capital Share Transactions:
     Proceeds from shares sold:
          Class A 251,940,325 133,284,524
          Class B 19,193,290 21,478,794
          Class C 217,432,584 105,550,977
          Class R 7,282,256 2,559,798
          Institutional Class 6,330,417 1,573,726
 
     Net asset value of shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:
          Class A 13,895,633 10,288,514
          Class B 2,123,967 1,934,390
          Class C 9,394,214 5,828,929
          Class R 222,556 110,569
          Institutional Class   148,975   52,127
    527,964,217   282,662,348
 
     Cost of shares repurchased:
          Class A (188,208,309 ) (72,655,974 )
          Class B (16,879,537 ) (11,934,293 )
          Class C (69,641,978 ) (34,751,604 )
          Class R (5,325,318 ) (307,016 )
          Institutional Class   (3,371,741 )   (123,737 )
    (283,426,883 )   (119,772,624 )
Increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions   244,537,334   162,889,724
Net Increase in Net Assets 191,155,111 240,990,646
 
Net Assets:
     Beginning of year   752,086,322   511,095,676
     End of year (including undistributed net investment
          income of $7,228,971 and $3,893,574, respectively) $ 943,241,433 $ 752,086,322

See accompanying notes

20


Financial highlights

Delaware Dividend Income Fund Class A

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

Year Ended
  11/30/07         11/30/06         11/30/05         11/30/04         11/30/03  
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.590 $11.140 $11.050 $10.210 $ 9.030
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income1 0.456 0.422 0.450 0.345 0.450
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.529 ) 1.551 0.081 0.891 1.213
Total from investment operations (0.073 ) 1.973 0.531 1.236 1.663
 
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income (0.426 ) (0.457 ) (0.360 ) (0.362 ) (0.483 )
Net realized gain on investments (0.061 ) (0.066 ) (0.081 ) (0.034 )
Total dividends and distributions (0.487 ) (0.523 ) (0.441 ) (0.396 )   (0.483 )
 
Net asset value, end of period $12.030 $12.590 $11.140 $11.050 $10.210
 
Total return2 (0.72% ) 18.34%   4.89%   12.38%   19.45%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $450,620 $398,124 $285,159 $105,253 $5,821
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.00%   1.01%   1.00%   1.00%   0.79%  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 1.17%   1.23%   1.27%   1.32%   2.05%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 3.60%     3.64%     4.05%   3.26%   4.69%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets      
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 3.43%   3.42%   3.78%   2.94%   3.43%  
Portfolio turnover 52%   51%   85%   95%   212%  
 

1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the manager and distributor. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

See accompanying notes

(continues)     21


Financial highlights

Delaware Dividend Income Fund Class B

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

10/1/03 1 
Year Ended to  
  11/30/07         11/30/06         11/30/05         11/30/04         11/30/03  
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.580 $11.130 $11.040 $10.200 $ 9.950
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income2 0.360 0.335 0.367 0.267 0.051
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.528 ) 1.552 0.079 0.889 0.199
Total from investment operations (0.168 ) 1.887 0.446 1.156 0.250
 
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income (0.331 ) (0.371 ) (0.275 ) (0.282 )
Net realized gain on investments (0.061 ) (0.066 ) (0.081 ) (0.034 )  
Total dividends and distributions (0.392 ) (0.437 ) (0.356 ) (0.316 )
 
Net asset value, end of period $12.020 $12.580 $11.130 $11.040 $10.200
 
Total return3 (1.38% ) 17.46%   4.09%   11.54%   2.51%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $78,235 $77,757 $57,904 $32,165 $2,125
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.75%   1.76%   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 1.87%     1.93%   1.97%     2.02%   4.10%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.85%   2.89%   3.30%     2.51%   3.65%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets    
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 2.73%   2.72%   3.08%   2.25%   1.30%  
Portfolio turnover 52%   51%   85%   95%   212% 4
 

1 Date of commencement of operations; ratios have been annualized and total return has not been annualized.

2 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

3 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

4 Portfolio turnover is representative of the Fund for the entire year.

See accompanying notes

22


Delaware Dividend Income Fund Class C

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

10/1/03 1 
Year Ended to  
  11/30/07         11/30/06         11/30/05         11/30/04         11/30/03  
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.580 $11.130 $11.040 $10.200 $ 9.950  
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income2 0.360 0.335 0.367 0.267 0.051
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.518 ) 1.552 0.079 0.889 0.199
Total from investment operations (0.158 ) 1.887 0.446 1.156 0.250
 
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income (0.331 ) (0.371 ) (0.275 ) (0.282 )
Net realized gain on investments (0.061 ) (0.066 ) (0.081 ) (0.034 )
Total dividends and distributions (0.392 ) (0.437 ) (0.356 ) (0.316 )
 
Net asset value, end of period $12.030 $12.580 $11.130 $11.040 $10.200
 
Total return3 (1.38% ) 17.46%   4.09%   11.53%     2.51%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $402,782 $269,274   $165,663 $82,083 $4,341
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.75%     1.76%   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets  
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 1.87%   1.93%   1.97%   2.02%   4.10%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.85%   2.89%   3.30%     2.52%   3.65%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets      
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 2.73%   2.72%   3.08%   2.25%   1.30%  
Portfolio turnover 52%   51%   85%   95%   212% 4
 

1 Date of commencement of operations; ratios have been annualized and total return has not been annualized.

2 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

3 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

4 Portfolio turnover is representative of the Fund for the entire year.

See accompanying notes

(continues)     23


Financial highlights

Delaware Dividend Income Fund Class R

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

10/1/03 1 
Year Ended to  
  11/30/07         11/30/06         11/30/05         11/30/04         11/30/03  
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.580 $11.130 $11.040 $10.220 $ 9.950
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income2 0.424 0.394 0.416 0.308 0.056
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.528 ) 1.551 0.078 0.879 0.214
Total from investment operations (0.104 ) 1.945 0.494 1.187 0.270
 
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income (0.395 ) (0.429 ) (0.323 ) (0.333 )
Net realized gain on investments (0.061 ) (0.066 ) (0.081 ) (0.034 )
Total dividends and distributions (0.456 ) (0.495 ) (0.404 ) (0.367 )
 
Net asset value, end of period $12.020 $12.580 $11.130 $11.040 $10.220
 
Total return3 (0.88% ) 18.06%   4.55%   11.86%   2.71%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $6,220 $4,275 $1,429 $373 $3
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.25%   1.26%   1.30%   1.35%   1.35%  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets  
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 1.47%   1.53%   1.57%   1.62%   3.70%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 3.35%     3.39%     3.75%   2.89%   4.05%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets    
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 3.13%   3.12%   3.48%     2.62%   1.70%  
Portfolio turnover 52%   51%   85%     95%   212% 4
 

1 Date of commencement of operations; ratios have been annualized and total return has not been annualized.

2 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

3 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the manager and distributor. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

4 Portfolio turnover is representative of the Fund for the entire year.

See accompanying notes

24


Delaware Dividend Income Fund Institutional Class

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

Year Ended
  11/30/07         11/30/06         11/30/05         11/30/04         11/30/03  
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.600 $11.140 $11.050   $10.220 $ 9.030
 
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income1 0.488 0.452 0.477 0.371 0.453
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.528 ) 1.559 0.082 0.882 1.220
Total from investment operations (0.040 ) 2.011 0.559 1.253 1.673
 
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income (0.459 ) (0.485 ) (0.388 ) (0.389 ) (0.483 )
Net realized gain on investments (0.061 ) (0.066 ) (0.081 ) (0.034 )
Total dividends and distributions (0.520 ) (0.551 ) (0.469 ) (0.423 ) (0.483 )
 
Net asset value, end of period $12.040 $12.600 $11.140 $11.050 $10.220
 
Total return2 (0.46% ) 18.72%   5.16%   12.55%   19.56%  
 
Ratios and supplemental data:  
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $5,384 $2,656 $941 $102 $3,879
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 0.75%   0.76%   0.75%   0.75%   0.75%  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 0.87%   0.93%   0.97%   1.02%   1.75%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 3.85% 3.89%     4.30%   3.49%   4.73%  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets    
     prior to expense limitation and expense paid indirectly 3.73%   3.72%   4.08%   3.22%   3.73%  
Portfolio turnover 52%   51%   85%   95%   212%  
 

1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return reflects waivers and payment of fees by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the expense limitation not been in effect.

See accompanying notes

25


Notes to financial statements

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

November 30, 2007

Delaware Group Equity Funds V (Trust) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and offers three series: Delaware Dividend Income Fund, Delaware Small Cap Core Fund and Delaware Small Cap Value Fund. These financial statements and the related notes pertain to Delaware Dividend Income Fund (Fund). The Trust is an open-end investment company. The Fund is considered diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and offers Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Institutional Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75%. Class A share purchases of $1,000,000 or more will incur a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1% if redeemed during the first year and 0.50% during the second year, provided that Delaware Distributors, L.P. (DDLP) paid a financial advisor a commission on the purchase of those shares. Effective June 1, 2007, Class B shares may only be purchased through dividend reinvestment and certain permitted exchanges. Prior to June 1, 2007, Class B shares were sold with a CDSC that declined from 4% to zero depending upon the period of time the shares were held. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately eight years after purchase. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1%, if redeemed during the first 12 months. Class R and Institutional Class shares are not subject to a sales charge and are offered for sale exclusively to certain eligible investors.

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide high current income and an investment that has the potential for capital appreciation.

1. Significant Accounting Policies

The following accounting policies are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are consistently followed by the Fund.

Security Valuation — Equity securities, except those traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (Nasdaq), are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the time of the regular close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on the valuation date. Securities traded on the Nasdaq are valued in accordance with the Nasdaq Official Closing Price, which may not be the last sales price. If on a particular day an equity security does not trade, then the mean between the bid and asked prices will be used. Long-term debt securities, credit default swap contracts and interest rate swap contracts are valued by an independent pricing service or broker and such prices are believed to reflect the fair value of such securities. Short-term debt securities having less than 60 days to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Securities lending collateral, which is invested in a collective investment vehicle, is valued at unit value per share. Generally, total return swap contracts, spread swap contracts and other securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In determining whether market quotations are readily available or fair valuation will be used, various factors will be taken into consideration, such as market closures, or with respect to foreign securities, aftermarket trading or significant events after local market trading (e.g., government actions or pronouncements, trading volume or volatility on markets, exchanges among dealers, or news events).

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (Statement 157). Statement 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework, and expands disclosures about the use of fair value measurements. Statement 157 is intended to increase consistency and comparability among fair value estimates used in financial reporting. Statement 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management does not expect the adoption of Statement 157 to have a material impact on the amounts reported in the financial statements.

Federal Income Taxes — The Fund intends to continue to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been made in the financial statements.

On July 13 2006, the FASB released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidance allows implementing FIN 48 in fund net asset value calculations as late as the fund’s last net asset value calculation in the first required financial statement reporting period. As a result, the Fund will incorporate FIN 48 in its semiannual report on May 31, 2008. Although the Fund’s tax positions are currently being evaluated, management does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements.

Class Accounting — Investment income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments are allocated to the various classes of the Fund on the basis of daily net assets of each class. Distribution expenses relating to a specific class are charged directly to that class.

Repurchase Agreements — The Fund may invest in a pooled cash account along with other members of the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC. The aggregate daily balance of the pooled cash account is invested in repurchase agreements secured by obligations of the U.S. government. The respective collateral is held by the Fund’s custodian bank until the maturity of the respective repurchase agreements. Each repurchase agreement is at least 102% collateralized. However, in the event of default or bankruptcy by the counterparty to the agreement, realization of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. At November 30, 2007, the Fund held no investments in repurchase agreements.

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

26


1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Other — Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged directly to the Fund. Other expenses common to various funds within the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds are generally allocated amongst such funds on the basis of average net assets. Management fees and some other expenses are paid monthly. Security transactions are recorded on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date) for financial reporting purposes. Costs used in calculating realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on non-convertible bonds are amortized to interest income over the lives of the respective securities. Distributions received from investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are recorded as dividend income on ex-dividend date, subject to reclassification upon notice of the character of such distribution by the issuer. The financial statements reflect an estimate of the reclassification of the distribution character. The Fund declares and pays dividends from net investment income quarterly and distributions from net realized gains on investments, if any, annually.

Subject to seeking best execution, the Fund may direct certain security trades to brokers who have agreed to rebate a portion of the related brokerage commission to the Fund in cash. Such commission rebates are included in realized gain on investments in the accompanying financial statements and totaled $12,025 for the year ended November 30, 2007. In general, best execution refers to many factors, including the price paid or received for a security, the commission charged, the promptness and reliability of execution, the confidentiality and placement accorded the order, and other factors affecting the overall benefit obtained by the Fund on the transaction.

The Fund receives earnings credits from its custodian when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset custody fees. The expense paid under this arrangement is included in custodian fees on the Statement of operations with the corresponding expense offset shown as “expense paid indirectly.”

2. Investment Management, Administration Agreements and Other Transactions with Affiliates

In accordance with the terms of its investment management agreement, the Fund pays Delaware Management Company (DMC), a series of Delaware Management Business Trust and the investment manager, an annual fee which is calculated daily at the rate of 0.65% on the first $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.60% on the next $500 million, 0.55% on the next $1.5 billion, and 0.50% on average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion.

DMC has contractually agreed to waive that portion, if any, of its management fees and reimburse the Fund to the extent necessary to ensure that annual operating expenses, exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage fees, inverse floater program expenses, 12b-1 plan expenses, certain insurance costs and non-routine expenses or costs including but not limited to those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations, do not exceed 0.75% of average daily net assets through March 31, 2008.

Effective October 1, 2007, Delaware Service Company, Inc. (DSC), an affiliate of DMC, provides fund accounting and financial administration oversight services to the Fund. For these services, the Fund pays DSC fees based on the aggregate daily net assets of the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds at the following annual rate: 0.0050% of the first $30 billion; 0.0045% of the next $10 billion; 0.0040% of the next $10 billion; and 0.0025% of aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $50 billion. The fees payable to DSC under the service agreement described above are allocated among all Funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds on a relative net asset value basis. Prior to October 1, 2007, DSC provided fund accounting and administrative services to the Fund and received a fee at an annual rate of 0.04% of average daily net assets. For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund was charged $330,581 for these services.

DSC also provides dividend disbursing and transfer agency services. The Fund pays DSC a monthly fee based on the number of shareholder accounts for dividend disbursing and transfer agent services.

Pursuant to a distribution agreement and distribution plan, the Fund pays DDLP, the distributor and an affiliate of DMC, an annual distribution and service fee not to exceed 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares, 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class B and C shares and 0.60% of the average daily net assets of Class R shares. Institutional Class shares pay no distribution and service expenses. DDLP has contracted to limit distribution and service fees through March 31, 2008 in order to prevent distribution and service fees of Class A and Class R shares from exceeding 0.25% and 0.50%, respectively, of average daily net assets.

At November 30, 2007, the Fund had liabilities payable to affiliates as follows:

Investment management fee payable to DMC $348,154
Dividend disbursing, transfer agent fees
     and other expenses payable to DSC 135,061
Distribution fees payable to DDLP 494,874
Other expenses payable to DMC and affiliates* 51,258

*

DMC, as part of its administrative services, pays operating expenses on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed on a periodic basis. Such expenses include items such as printing of shareholder reports, fees for audit, legal and tax services, registration fees and trustees’ fees.

As provided in the investment management agreement, the Fund bears the cost of certain legal and tax services, including internal legal and tax services provided to the Fund by DMC and/or its affiliates’ employees. For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund was charged $50,761 for internal legal and tax services provided by DMC and/or its affiliates’ employees.

For the year ended November 30, 2007, DDLP earned $552,545 for commissions on sales of the Fund’s Class A shares. For the year ended November 30, 2007, DDLP received gross CDSC commissions of $397, $125,564 and $63,715 on redemption of the Fund’s Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, and these commissions were entirely used to offset up-front commissions previously paid by DDLP to broker-dealers on sales of those shares.

Trustees’ fees and benefits include expenses accrued by the Fund for each Trustees’ retainer and per meeting fees. Certain officers of DMC, DSC and DDLP are officers and/or Trustees of the Trust. These officers and Trustees are paid no compensation by the Fund.

(continues)     27


Notes to financial statements

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

 

3. Investments

For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund made purchases of $709,120,955 and sales of $470,651,574 of investment securities other than short-term investments.

At November 30, 2007, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,052,047,283. At November 30, 2007, the net unrealized depreciation was $3,978,116, of which $65,959,196 related to unrealized appreciation of investments and $69,937,312 related to unrealized depreciation of investments.

4. Dividend and Distribution Information

Income and long-term capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Additionally, net short-term gains on sales of investment securities are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:

Year Ended
11/30/07      11/30/06
Ordinary income $28,305,437   $21,284,131
Long-term capital gain 3,727,044   2,348,158
Total $32,032,481   $23,632,289

5. Components of Net Assets on a Tax Basis

As of November 30, 2007, the components of net assets on a tax basis were as follows:

Shares of beneficial interest $925,408,861  
Undistributed ordinary income 9,455,136  
Undistributed long-term capital gain 25,820,971  
Capital loss carryforwards as of 11/30/07* (11,239,254 )
Other temporary differences (2,226,165 )
Unrealized depreciation of investments (3,978,116 )
Net assets $943,241,433  
 
*The amount of this loss which can be utilized in subsequent years is subject to an annual limitation in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code due to the Fund merger with the Lincoln National Convertible Securities Fund in 2005.

The differences between book basis and tax basis components of net assets are primarily attributable to tax deferral of losses on wash sales, passive foreign investment companies (PFICS), tax treatment of market discount and premium on debt instruments, and contingent payment debt instruments.

The undistributed earnings for the Delaware Dividend Income Fund are estimated pending final notification of the tax character of distributions received from investments in REITs.

For financial reporting purposes, capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Reclassifications are primarily due to, credit default swaps (CDS) contracts, PFICS, and market discount and premium on certain debt instruments. Results of operations and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications. For the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund recorded the following reclassifications:

Undistributed net investment income $ 291,950  
Accumulated net realized gain (291,950 )

For federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Fund utilized $3,746,418 in 2007. Capital loss carryforwards remaining at November 30, 2007 will expire as follows: $3,174,810 expires in 2009 and $8,064,444 expires in 2010. The use of these losses are subject to an annual limitation in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code.

6. Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

Year Ended
11/30/07      11/30/06
Shares sold:    
     Class A 19,661,015   11,418,053  
     Class B 1,495,433   1,845,212  
     Class C 16,931,359   9,016,333  
     Class R 578,113   228,242  
     Institutional Class 491,799   132,589  
  
Shares issued upon reinvestment of    
     dividends and distributions:    
     Class A 1,097,573   909,798  
     Class B 167,811   171,290  
     Class C 741,787   515,139  
     Class R 17,602   9,703  
     Institutional Class 11,771   4,596  
  41,194,263   24,250,955  
Shares repurchased:      
     Class A (14,928,573 ) (6,305,076 )
     Class B (1,336,512 ) (1,038,106 )
     Class C (5,577,210 ) (3,013,453 )
     Class R (418,141 ) (26,556 )
     Institutional Class (267,061 ) (10,828 )
  (22,527,497 ) (10,394,019 )
Net increase 18,666,766   13,856,936  

For the years ended November 30, 2007 and 2006, 211,527 Class B shares were converted to 211,278 Class A shares valued at $2,703,112 and 136,491 Class B shares were converted to 136,372 Class A shares valued at $1,573,078, respectively. The respective amounts are included in Class B redemptions and Class A subscriptions in the table above and the Statements of changes in net assets.

28


7. Line of Credit

The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds (Participants), participates in a $225,000,000 revolving line of credit facility to be used for temporary or emergency purposes as an additional source of liquidity to fund redemptions of investor shares. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee, which is allocated across the Participants on the basis of each Participant’s allocation of the entire facility. The Participants may borrow up to a maximum of one third of their net assets under the agreement. The Fund had no amounts outstanding as of November 30, 2007, or at any time during the year then ended.

8. Swap Contracts

The Fund may enter into interest rate swap contracts, index swap contracts and credit default swap (CDS) contracts in accordance with its investment objectives. The Fund may use interest rate swaps to adjust the Fund’s sensitivity to interest rates or to hedge against changes in interest rates. Index swaps may be used to gain exposure to markets that the Fund invests in, such as the corporate bond market. The Fund may also use index swaps as a substitute for futures or options contracts if such contracts are not directly available to the Fund on favorable terms. The Fund may enter into CDS contracts in order to hedge against a credit event, to enhance total return or to gain exposure to certain securities or markets.

An interest rate swap involves payments received by the Fund from another party based on a variable or floating interest rate, in return for making payments based on a fixed interest rate. An interest rate swap can also work in reverse with the Fund receiving payments based on a fixed interest rate and making payments based on a variable or floating interest rate. Interest rate swaps may be used to adjust the Fund’s sensitivity to interest rates or to hedge against changes in interest rates. Periodic payments on such contracts are accrued daily and recorded as unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swap contracts. Upon periodic payment/receipt or termination of the contract, such amounts are recorded as realized gains or losses on swap contracts.

Index swaps involve commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market-linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent the total return of the security, instrument or basket of instruments underlying the transaction exceeds the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from the counterparty. To the extent the total return of the security, instrument or basket of instruments underlying the transaction falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will make a payment to the counterparty. The change in value of swap contracts outstanding, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation daily. A realized gain or loss is recorded on maturity or termination of the swap contract.

A CDS contract is a risk-transfer instrument through which one party (purchaser of protection) transfers to another party (seller of protection) the financial risk of a credit event, as it relates to a particular reference security or basket of securities (such as an index). In exchange for the protection offered by the seller of protection, the purchaser of protection agrees to pay the seller of protection a periodic amount at a stated rate that is applied to the notional amount of the CDS contract. In addition, an upfront payment may be made or received by the Fund in connection with an unwinding or assignment of a CDS contract. Upon the occurrence of a credit event, the seller of protection would pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of the referenced security (or basket of securities) to the counterparty.

During the year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund entered into CDS contracts as a purchaser and seller of protection. Periodic payments on such contracts are accrued daily and recorded as unrealized losses on swap contracts. Upon payment, such amounts are recorded as realized losses on swap contracts. Upfront payments made or received in connection with CDS contracts are amortized over the expected life of the CDS contracts as realized losses (gains) on swap contracts. The change in value of CDS contracts is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation daily. A realized gain or loss is recorded upon a credit event (as defined in the CDS agreement) or the maturity or termination of the agreement.

Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund enters into a CDS contract as a purchaser of protection and no credit event occurs, its exposure is limited to the periodic payments previously made to the counterparty.

Because there is no organized market for swap contracts, the value of open swaps may differ from that which would be realized in the event the Fund terminated its position in the agreement. Risks of entering into these contracts include the potential inability of the counterparty to meet the terms of the contracts. This type of risk is generally limited to the amount of favorable movements in the value of the underlying security, instrument, or basket of instruments, if any, at the day of default. Risks also arise from potential losses from adverse market movements and such losses could exceed the unrealized amounts shown on the Statements of net assets. There were no open swap contracts at November 30, 2007.

9. Securities Lending

The Fund, along with other funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds, may lend its securities pursuant to a security lending agreement (Lending Agreement) with Mellon Bank, N.A. (Mellon). With respect to each loan, if the aggregate market value of the collateral held on any business day is less than the aggregate market value of the securities which are the subject of such loan, the borrower will be notified to provide additional collateral not less than the applicable collateral requirements. Cash collateral received is invested in a collective investment vehicle (Collective Trust) established by Mellon for the purpose of investment on behalf of clients participating in its securities lending programs. The Collective Trust invests in fixed income securities, with a weighted average maturity not to exceed 90 days, rated in one of the top two tiers by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities. However, in the event of default or bankruptcy by the lending agent, realization and/or retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. In the event the borrower fails to return loaned securities and the collateral received is insufficient to cover the value of the loaned securities and provided such collateral shortfall is not the result of investment losses, the lending agent has agreed to pay the amount of the shortfall to the Fund, or at the discretion of the lending agent, replace the loaned securities. The Fund continues to record dividends or interest, as applicable, on the securities loaned and is subject to change in value of the securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan. The Fund has the right under the Lending Agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. The security lending agent and the borrower retain a portion of the earnings from the collateral investments. The Fund records security lending income net of such allocation.

(continues)     29


Notes to financial statements

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

 

9. Securities Lending (continued)

At November 30, 2007, the market value of securities on loan was $115,005,495, for which cash collateral was received and invested in accordance with the Lending Agreement. Such investments are presented on the Statement of net assets under the caption “Securities Lending Collateral.”

10. Credit and Market Risk

The Fund invests a portion of its assets in high yield fixed income securities, which carry ratings of BBB or lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group and/or Baa or lower by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. Investments in these higher yielding securities are generally accompanied by a greater degree of credit risk than higher rated securities. Additionally, lower rated securities may be more susceptible to adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities.

The Fund invests in REITs and is subject to some of the risks associated with that industry. If the Fund holds real estate directly as a result of defaults or receives rental income directly from real estate holdings, its tax status as a regulated investment company may be jeopardized. There were no direct real estate holdings during the year ended November 30, 2007. The Fund’s REIT holdings are also affected by interest rate changes, particularly if the REITs it holds use floating rate debt to finance their ongoing operations.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which may include securities with contractual restrictions on resale, securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and other securities which may not be readily marketable. The relative illiquidity of these securities may impair the Fund from disposing of them in a timely manner and at a fair price when it is necessary or desirable to do so. While maintaining oversight, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has delegated to DMC the day-to-day functions of determining whether individual securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid assets. Illiquid and Rule 144A securities have been identified on the Statement of net assets.

11. Contractual Obligations

The Fund enters into contracts in the normal course of business that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

12. Termination of New Share Purchases of Class B Shares

As of the close of business on May 31, 2007, each fund in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds no longer accepts new or subsequent investments in Class B shares of the funds, other than a reinvestment of dividends or capital gains or permitted exchanges. Existing shareholders of Class B shares may continue to hold their Class B shares, reinvest dividends into Class B shares, and exchange their Class B shares of one Fund for Class B shares of another Fund, as permitted by existing exchange privileges. Existing Class B shareholders wishing to make subsequent purchases in a Fund’s shares will be permitted to invest in other classes of the Fund, subject to that class’ pricing structure and eligibility requirements, if any.

For Class B shares outstanding as of May 31, 2007 and Class B shares acquired upon reinvestment of dividends or capital gains, all Class B share attributes, including the CDSC schedules, conversion to Class A schedule, and distribution and service (12b-1) fees, will continue in their current form. However, as of the close of business on May 31, 2007, reinvestment of redeemed shares with respect to Class B shares (which, as described in the prospectus, permits you to reinvest within 12 months of selling your shares and have any CDSC you paid on such shares credited back to your account) has been discontinued. In addition, because a Fund’s or its distributor’s ability to assess certain sales charges and fees is dependent on the sale of new shares, the termination of new purchases of Class B shares could ultimately lead to the elimination and/or reduction of such sales charges and fees. A Fund may not be able to provide shareholders with advance notice of the reduction in these sales charges and fees. You will be notified via a Prospectus Supplement if there are any changes to any attributes, sales charges, or fees.

13. Change in Custodian

On August 2, 2007, Mellon Bank, One Mellon Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15285, became the Fund’s custodian. Prior to August 2, 2007, JPMorgan Chase served as the Fund’s custodian.

14. Tax Information (Unaudited)

The information set forth below is for the Fund’s fiscal year as required by federal laws. Shareholders, however, must report distributions on a calendar year basis for income tax purposes, which may include distributions for portions of two fiscal years of a fund. Accordingly, the information needed by shareholders for income tax purposes will be sent to them in January of each year. Please consult your tax advisor for proper treatment of this information.

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund designates distributions paid during the year as follows:

(A)   (B)    
Long-Term   Ordinary    
Capital Gain   Income   Total   (C)
Distributions   Distributions*   Distributions   Qualifying
(Tax Basis)   (Tax Basis)   (Tax Basis)   Dividends1
12% 88% 100% 35%

(A) and (B) are based on a percentage of the Fund’s total distributions.
 
(C) is based on percentage of ordinary income distributions.
 
1 Qualifying dividends represent dividends which qualify for the corporate dividends received reduction.
 
*For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007, certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund intends to designate up to a maximum amount of $11,843,033 to be taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. Complete information will be computed and reported in conjunction with your 2007 Form 1099-DIV.

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007, certain interest income paid by the Fund, determined to be Qualified Interest Income, may be subject to relief from U.S. withholding for foreign shareholders, as provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund has designated maximum distributions of Qualified Interest Income of $17,492,338.

30


Report of independent
registered public accounting firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees
Delaware Group Equity Funds V – Delaware Dividend Income Fund

We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets of Delaware Dividend Income Fund (one of the series constituting Delaware Group Equity Funds V) (the “Fund”) as of November 30, 2007, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2007, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Delaware Dividend Income Fund of Delaware Group Equity Funds V at November 30, 2007, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and its financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 22, 2008

31


Other Fund information (unaudited)

Delaware Dividend Income Fund

 

Fund management

Thomas H. Chow, CFA
Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager

Thomas H. Chow is a member of the firm’s taxable fixed income portfolio management team with primary responsibility for portfolio construction and strategic asset allocation. His experience includes significant exposure to asset liability management strategies and credit risk opportunities. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 2001, he was a trader of high grade and high yield securities, and was involved in the portfolio management of collateralized bond obligations (CBOs) and insurance portfolios at SunAmerica/AIG from 1997 to 2001. Before that, he was an analyst, trader, and portfolio manager at Conseco Capital Management from 1989 to 1997. Chow received a bachelor’s degree in business analysis from Indiana University, and he is a Fellow of Life Management Institute.

Kevin P. Loome, CFA
Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager,
Head of High Yield Investments

Kevin P. Loome is head of the High Yield fixed income team, responsible for portfolio construction and strategic asset allocation of all high yield fixed income assets. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in August 2007, Loome spent 11 years at T. Rowe Price, starting as an analyst and leaving the firm as a portfolio manager. He began his career with Morgan Stanley as a corporate finance analyst in the New York and London offices. Loome received his bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Virginia and earned an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

Babak (Bob) Zenouzi
Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager

Bob Zenouzi is the lead manager for the domestic and global REIT effort at Delaware Investments, which includes the team, its process, and its institutional and retail products, which he created during his prior time with the firm. He also focuses on opportunities in Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia for the firm’s global REIT product. Additionally, he serves as lead portfolio manager for the firm’s Dividend Income products, which he helped to create in the 1990s. He rejoined Delaware Investments in May 2006. In his first term with the firm, he spent seven years as an analyst and portfolio manager, leaving in 1999 to work at Chartwell Investment Partners, where from 1999 to 2006 he was a partner and senior portfolio manager on Chartwell’s Small-Cap Value portfolio. He began his career with The Boston Company, where he held several positions in accounting and financial analysis. Zenouzi earned a master’s degree in finance from Boston College and a bachelor’s degree from Babson College. He is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts and the Urban Land Institute.

Damon J. Andres, CFA
Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager

Damon J. Andres, who joined Delaware Investments in 1994, currently serves as a portfolio manager for REIT investments and convertibles. He also serves as a portfolio manager for the firm’s Dividend Income products. From 1991 to 1994, he performed investment-consulting services as a consulting associate with Cambridge Associates. Andres earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance and accounting from the University of Richmond.

D. Tysen Nutt Jr.
Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager,
Team Leader — Large-Cap Value Focus Equity

D. Tysen Nutt Jr. joined Delaware Investments in 2004 as senior vice president and senior portfolio manager for the firm’s Large-Cap Value Focus strategy. Before joining the firm, Nutt led the U.S. Active Large-Cap Value team within Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM), where he managed mutual funds and separate accounts for institutions and private clients. He departed MLIM as a managing director. Prior to joining MLIM in 1994, Nutt was with Van Deventer & Hoch (V&H) where he managed large-cap value portfolios for institutions and private clients. He began his investment career at Dean Witter Reynolds, where he eventually became vice president, investments. Nutt earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, and he is a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts and the CFA Institute.

32


Anthony A. Lombardi, CFA
Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager

Anthony A. Lombardi joined Delaware Investments in 2004 as a vice president and senior portfolio manager for the firm’s Large-Cap Value Focus strategy. Previously, Lombardi worked at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers from 1998 to 2004, where he rose to the position of director and portfolio manager for the U.S. Active Large-Cap Value team, managing mutual funds and separate accounts for institutions and private clients. Prior to that, he worked at Dean Witter Reynolds for seven years as a sell-side equity research analyst, and he began his career as an investment analyst with Crossland Savings in 1989. Lombardi graduated from Hofstra University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA with a concentration in finance. He is a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts and the CFA Institute.

Robert A. Vogel Jr., CFA
Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager

Robert A. Vogel Jr. joined Delaware Investments in 2004 as a vice president, senior portfolio manager for the firm’s Large-Cap Value Focus strategy. He previously worked at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers for more than seven years, where he rose to the position of director and portfolio manager within the U.S. Active Large-Cap Value team. He began his career in 1992 as a financial consultant at Merrill Lynch. Vogel graduated from Loyola College in Maryland, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance. He also earned an MBA with a concentration in finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and he is a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts and The CFA Society of Philadelphia.

Nikhil G. Lalvani, CFA
Vice President, Portfolio Manager

Nikhil G. Lalvani is a portfolio manager with the firm’s Large-Cap Value Focus team. At Delaware Investments, Lalvani has served as both a fundamental and quantitative analyst. Prior to joining the firm in 1997, he was a research associate with Bloomberg. Lalvani holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from The Pennsylvania State University and is a member of The CFA Society of Philadelphia.

Nashira S. Wynn
Vice President, Portfolio Manager

Nashira S. Wynn is a portfolio manager with the firm’s Large-Cap Value Focus team. Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 2004, she was an equity research analyst for Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, starting there in July 2001. Wynn earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, with a minor in economics, from The College of New Jersey, and she attended England’s Oxford University as a presidential scholar.

33


Board of trustees/directors and officers addendum

Delaware Investments® Family of Funds

A mutual fund is governed by a Board of Trustees/Directors (“Trustees”), which has oversight responsibility for the management of a fund’s business affairs. Trustees establish procedures and oversee and review the performance of the investment manager, the distributor, and others who perform services for the fund. The independent fund trustees, in particular, are advocates for shareholder interests. Each trustee has served in that capacity since he or she was elected to or appointed to the Board of Trustees, and will continue to serve until his or her retirement or the election of a new trustee in his or her place. The following is a list of the Trustees and Officers with certain background and related information.

        Number of    
        Portfolios in Fund    Other
 Name,       Complex Overseen    Directorships
 Address,  Position(s)  Length of  Principal Occupation(s) by Trustee    Held by
 and Birth Date  Held with Fund(s)  Time Served  During Past 5 Years or Officer    Trustee or Officer
 Interested Trustees           
 Patrick P. Coyne1  Chairman,  Chairman and Trustee  Patrick P. Coyne has served in   84 Director —
 2005 Market Street  President,  since August 16, 2006  various executive capacities    Kaydon Corp.
 Philadelphia, PA  Chief Executive    at different times at     
 19103  Officer, and  President and  Delaware Investments.2     
   Trustee  Chief Executive Officer      
 April 14, 1963    since August 1, 2006       
 Independent Trustees           
 Thomas L. Bennett  Trustee  Since  Private Investor —  84  Director —
 2005 Market Street    March 2005  (March 2004–Present)  Bryn Mawr
 Philadelphia, PA         Bank Corp. (BMTC)
 19103      Investment Manager —  (April 2007–Present)
       Morgan Stanley & Co.    
 October 4, 1947      (January 1984–March 2004)     
 John A. Fry  Trustee  Since  President —  84  Director —
 2005 Market Street    January 2001  Franklin & Marshall College  Community Health 
 Philadelphia, PA      (June 2002–Present)    Systems
 19103          
       Executive Vice President —    Director —
 May 28, 1960      University of Pennsylvania    Allied Barton
       (April 1995–June 2002)    Security Holdings
 Anthony D. Knerr  Trustee  Since  Founder and Managing Director —  84  None
 2005 Market Street    April 1990  Anthony Knerr & Associates    
 Philadelphia, PA      (Strategic Consulting)    
 19103      (1990–Present)    
 
 December 7, 1938          
 Lucinda S. Landreth  Trustee  Since  Chief Investment Officer —  84  None
 2005 Market Street    March 2005  Assurant, Inc.    
 Philadelphia, PA      (Insurance)    
 19103      (2002–2004)    
 
 June 24, 1947          
 Ann R. Leven  Trustee  Since  Consultant —  84  Director and
 2005 Market Street    October 1989  ARL Associates    Audit Committee
 Philadelphia, PA      (Financial Planning)    Chairperson — Andy
 19103      (1983–Present)  Warhol Foundation
 
 November 1, 1940         Director and Audit
          Committee Chair —
           Systemax, Inc.

34



         Number of  
         Portfolios in Fund  Other
 Name,        Complex Overseen   Directorships 
 Address,  Position(s)  Length of  Principal Occupation(s)  by Trustee  Held by
 and Birth Date  Held with Fund(s)  Time Served   During Past 5 Years  or Officer  Trustee or Officer
 Independent Trustees (continued)         
 Thomas F. Madison  Trustee  Since  President and Chief  84  Director —
 2005 Market Street    May 19973  Executive Officer —    CenterPoint Energy
 Philadelphia, PA      MLM Partners, Inc.    
 19103      (Small Business Investing    Director and Audit
       and Consulting)    Committee Chair —
 February 25, 1936      (January 1993–Present)    Digital River, Inc.
 
           Director and Audit
         Committee Member — 
           Rimage
           Corporation
 
           Director — Valmont
           Industries, Inc.
 Janet L. Yeomans  Trustee  Since  Treasurer  84   None
 2005 Market Street    April 1999  (January 2006–Present)    
 Philadelphia, PA      Vice President — Mergers & Acquisitions    
 19103      (January 2003–January 2006), and    
       Vice President    
     (July 1995–January 2003)    
       3M Corporation    
           
July 31, 1948      Ms. Yeomans has held    
       various management positions    
       at 3M Corporation since 1983.    
 J. Richard Zecher  Trustee  Since  Founder —  84  Director and Audit
 2005 Market Street    March 2005  Investor Analytics  Committee Member —
 Philadelphia, PA      (Risk Management)    Investor Analytics
 19103      (May 1999–Present)    
           Director and Audit
 July 3, 1940      Founder —  Committee Member —
       Sutton Asset Management    Oxigene, Inc.
       (Hedge Fund)    
       (September 1996–Present)    
 Officers           
 David F. Connor  Vice President,  Vice President since  David F. Connor has served as   84  None4
 2005 Market Street  Deputy General  September 2000  Vice President and Deputy    
 Philadelphia, PA  Counsel, and Secretary  and Secretary  General Counsel of    
 19103    since  Delaware Investments    
     October 2005  since 2000.    
 December 2, 1963           
 Daniel V. Geatens Vice President  Treasurer Daniel V. Geatens has served  84  None4
 2005 Market Street and Treasurer  since in various capacities at
 Philadelphia, PA October 25, 2007 different times at
 19103 Delaware Investments.
 October 26, 1972          
 David P. O’Connor  Senior Vice  Senior Vice President,  David P. O’Connor has served in  84  None4
 2005 Market Street  President,  General Counsel, and  various executive and legal    
 Philadelphia, PA  General Counsel,  Chief Legal Officer  capacities at different times    
 19103  and Chief  since  at Delaware Investments.    
   Legal Officer  October 2005      
 February 21, 1966           
 Richard Salus  Senior  Chief Financial  Richard Salus has served in  84  None4
 2005 Market Street  Vice President  Officer since  various executive capacities    
 Philadelphia, PA  and  November 2006  at different times at    
 19103  Chief Financial    Delaware Investments.    
   Officer        
 October 4, 1963          

1 Patrick P. Coyne is considered to be an “Interested Trustee” because he is an executive officer of the Fund’s(s’) investment advisor.
2 Delaware Investments is the marketing name for Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the Fund’s(s’) investment advisor, principal underwriter, and its transfer agent.
3 In 1997, several funds managed by Voyageur Fund Managers, Inc. (the “Voyageur Funds”) were incorporated into the Delaware Investments Family of Funds. Mr. Madison served as a director of the Voyageur Funds from 1993 until 1997.
4 David F. Connor, Daniel V. Geatens, David P. O’Connor, and Richard Salus serve in similar capacities for the six portfolios of the Optimum Fund Trust, which have the same investment advisor, principal underwriter, and transfer agent as the registrant.

The Statement of Additional Information for the Fund(s) includes additional information about the Trustees and Officers and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 800 523-1918.

35


About the organization

This annual report is for the information of Delaware Dividend Income Fund shareholders, but it may be used with prospective investors when preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for Delaware Dividend Income Fund and the Delaware Investments® Performance Update for the most recently completed calendar quarter. The prospectus sets forth details about charges, expenses, investment objectives, and operating policies of the investment company. You should read the prospectus carefully before you invest. The figures in this report represent past results that are not a guarantee of future results. The return and principal value of an investment in the investment company will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Board of trustees

Patrick P. Coyne
Chairman, President, and
Chief Executive Officer

Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Thomas L. Bennett
Private Investor
Rosemont, PA

John A. Fry
President
Franklin & Marshall College
Lancaster, PA

Anthony D. Knerr
Founder and Managing Director
Anthony Knerr & Associates
New York, NY

Lucinda S. Landreth
Former Chief Investment Officer
Assurant, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA

Ann R. Leven
Consultant
ARL Associates
New York, NY

Thomas F. Madison
President and Chief Executive Officer
MLM Partners, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN

Janet L. Yeomans
Vice President and Treasurer
3M Corporation
St. Paul, MN

J. Richard Zecher
Founder
Investor Analytics
Scottsdale, AZ

Affiliated officers

David F. Connor
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel,
and Secretary
Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Daniel V. Geatens
Vice President and Treasurer
Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

David P. O’Connor
Senior Vice President, General Counsel,
and Chief Legal Officer
Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

Richard Salus
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Philadelphia, PA

 

 

Contact information

Investment manager
Delaware Management Company, a series
of Delaware Management Business Trust
Philadelphia, PA

National distributor
Delaware Distributors, L.P.
Philadelphia, PA

Shareholder servicing, dividend
disbursing, and transfer agent

Delaware Service Company, Inc.
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094

For shareholders
800 523-1918

For securities dealers and financial
institutions representatives only

800 362-7500

Web site
www.delawareinvestments.com

Delaware Investments is the marketing name of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q, as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities are available without charge (i) upon request, by calling 800 523-1918; and (ii) on the Commission’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities and the Fund’s Schedule of Investments are available without charge on the Fund’s Web site at http://www.delawareinvestments.com. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800 SEC-0330.

Information (if any) regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recently disclosed 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (i) through the Fund’s Web site at http://www.delawareinvestments.com; and (ii) on the Commission’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

36




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Register for Account Access today! Please visit us at www.delawareinvestments.com, select Individual Investors, and click Account Access.

Please call our Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Eastern time, for assistance with any questions.

 





(2611)  Printed in the USA 
AR-129 [11/07] CGI 1/08 MF-07-12-016     PO12520

2


Item 2. Code of Ethics

     The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party. A copy of the registrant’s Code of Business Ethics has been posted on Delaware Investments’ internet website at www.delawareinvestments.com. Any amendments to the Code of Business Ethics, and information on any waiver from its provisions granted by the registrant, will also be posted on this website within five business days of such amendment or waiver and will remain on the website for at least 12 months.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

     The registrant’s Board of Trustees/Directors has determined that each member of the registrant’s Audit Committee is an audit committee financial expert, as defined below. For purposes of this item, an “audit committee financial expert” is a person who has the following attributes:

     a. An understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements;

     b. The ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals, and reserves;

     c. Experience preparing, auditing, analyzing, or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the registrant’s financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities;

     d. An understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and

     e. An understanding of audit committee functions.

An “audit committee financial expert” shall have acquired such attributes through:

     a. Education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, or auditor or experience in one or more positions that involve the performance of similar functions;

     b. Experience actively supervising a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor, or person performing similar functions;

3


     c. Experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing, or evaluation of financial statements; or

     d. Other relevant experience.

     The registrant’s Board of Trustees/Directors has also determined that each member of the registrant’s Audit Committee is independent. In order to be “independent” for purposes of this item, the Audit Committee member may not: (i) other than in his or her capacity as a member of the Board of Trustees/Directors or any committee thereof, accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from the issuer; or (ii) be an “interested person” of the registrant as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

     The names of the audit committee financial experts on the registrant’s Audit Committee are set forth below:

     Thomas L. Bennett 1
     
Thomas F. Madison
     Janet L. Yeomans
1
     
J. Richard Zecher

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     (a) Audit fees.

     The aggregate fees billed for services provided to the registrant by its independent auditors for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and for services normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $89,800 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007.

 

_______________________

1 The instructions to Form N-CSR require disclosure on the relevant experience of persons who qualify as audit committee financial experts based on “other relevant experience.” The Board of Trustees/Directors has determined that Mr. Bennett qualifies as an audit committee financial expert by virtue of his education, Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and his experience as a credit analyst, portfolio manager and the manager of other credit analysts and portfolio managers. The Board of Trustees/Directors has determined that Ms. Yeomans qualifies as an audit committee financial expert by virtue of her education and experience as the Treasurer of a large global corporation.

4


     The aggregate fees billed for services provided to the registrant by its independent auditors for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and for services normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $70,200 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.

     (b) Audit-related fees.

     The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services relating to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were $0 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007.

     The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services relating to the performance of the audit of the financial statements of the registrant’s investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $19,074 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2007. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%. These audit-related services were as follows: issuance of report concerning transfer agent's system of internal accounting control pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 of the Securities Exchange Act.

     The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services relating to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were $0 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.

     The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services relating to the performance of the audit of the financial statements of the registrant’s investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $33,700 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2006. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%. These audit-related services were as follows: issuance of report concerning transfer agent's system of internal accounting control pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 of the Securities Exchange Act; and issuance of agreed upon procedures reports to the registrant's Board in connection with the pass-through of internal legal cost relating to the operations of the registrant.

5


     (c) Tax fees.

     The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for tax-related services provided to the registrant were $34,650 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%. These tax-related services were as follows: review of income tax returns and review of annual excise distribution calculations.

     The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for tax-related services provided to the registrant’s investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $0 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2007.

     The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for tax-related services provided to the registrant were $13,700 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2006. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%. These tax-related services were as follows: review of income tax returns and review of annual excise distribution calculations.

     The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for tax-related services provided to the registrant’s adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $0 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.

     (d) All other fees.

     The aggregate fees billed for all services provided by the independent auditors to the registrant other than those set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Item were $0 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007.

     The aggregate fees billed for all services other than those set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Item provided by the registrant’s independent auditors to the registrant’s adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $0 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2007.

     The aggregate fees billed for all services provided by the independent auditors to the registrant other than those set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Item were $0 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.

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     The aggregate fees billed for all services other than those set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Item provided by the registrant’s independent auditors to the registrant’s adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $0 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.

     (e) The registrant’s Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures as permitted by Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(B) of Regulation S-X (the “Pre-Approval Policy”) with respect to services provided by the registrant’s independent auditors. Pursuant to the Pre-Approval Policy, the Audit Committee has pre-approved the services set forth in the table below with respect to the registrant up to the specified fee limits. Certain fee limits are based on aggregate fees to the registrant and other registrants within the Delaware Investments Family of Funds.

Service  Range of Fees 
Audit Services   
Statutory audits or financial audits for new Funds  up to $25,000 per Fund 
   
Services associated with SEC registration statements (e.g., Form N-1A, Form N-14,   
etc.), periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued   
in connection with securities offerings (e.g., comfort letters for closed-end Fund  up to $10,000 per Fund 
offerings, consents), and assistance in responding to SEC comment letters   
   
Consultations by Fund management as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of   
transactions or events and/or the actual or potential impact of final or proposed rules,   
standards or interpretations by the SEC, FASB, or other regulatory or standard-setting  up to $25,000 in the aggregate 
bodies (Note: Under SEC rules, some consultations may be considered “audit-related   
services” rather than “audit services”)   
   
Audit-Related Services   
Consultations by Fund management as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of   
transactions or events and /or the actual or potential impact of final or proposed rules,   
standards or interpretations by the SEC, FASB, or other regulatory or standard-setting  up to $25,000 in the aggregate 
bodies (Note: Under SEC rules, some consultations may be considered “audit services”   
rather than “audit-related services”)   
   
Tax Services   
U.S. federal, state and local and international tax planning and advice (e.g., consulting   
on statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, evaluation of Funds’ tax  up to $25,000 in the aggregate 
compliance function, etc.)   
   
U.S. federal, state and local tax compliance (e.g., excise distribution reviews, etc.)  up to $5,000 per Fund 
   
Review of federal, state, local and international income, franchise and other tax returns  up to $5,000 per Fund 
   

     Under the Pre-Approval Policy, the Audit Committee has also pre-approved the services set forth in the table below with respect to the registrant’s investment adviser and other entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provide ongoing services to the registrant (the “Control Affiliates”) up to the specified fee limit. This fee limit is based on aggregate fees to the investment adviser and its Control Affiliates.

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 Service  Range of Fees 
 Non-Audit Services   
 Services associated with periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC and    up to $10,000 in the aggregate 
 assistance in responding to SEC comment letters   

     The Pre-Approval Policy requires the registrant’s independent auditors to report to the Audit Committee at each of its regular meetings regarding all services initiated since the last such report was rendered, including those services authorized by the Pre-Approval Policy.

     (f) Not applicable.

     (g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services rendered to the registrant and to its investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser were $289,012 and $272,920 for the registrant’s fiscal years ended November 30, 2007 and November 30, 2006, respectively.

     (h) In connection with its selection of the independent auditors, the registrant’s Audit Committee has considered the independent auditors’ provision of non-audit services to the registrant’s investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser that were not required to be pre-approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X. The Audit Committee has determined that the independent auditors’ provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

     Not applicable.

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Item 6. Schedule of Investments

     Included as part of report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

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

     Not applicable.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

     Not applicable.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers

     Not applicable.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     Not applicable.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures

     The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing of this report and have concluded that they are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant in its reports or statements filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by the report to stockholders included herein (i.e., the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Item 12. Exhibits  
 
(a) (1) Code of Ethics
 
        Not applicable.
 
   (2) Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.
   
   (3) Written solicitations to purchase securities pursuant to Rule 23c-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
    
         Not applicable.
 
(b)   Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.906CERT.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf, by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Name of Registrant: DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS V

PATRICK P. COYNE           
By:    Patrick P. Coyne 
Title:  Chief Executive Officer       
Date:  January 7, 2008 

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

PATRICK P. COYNE   
By:    Patrick P. Coyne 
Title:  Chief Executive Officer 
Date:  January 7, 2008 
   
   
   
RICHARD SALUS   
By:  Richard Salus 
Title:  Chief Financial Officer       
Date:  January 7, 2008 

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