<Page>

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 22, 2004
1933 ACT FILE NO. _________
1940 ACT FILE NO. 811 - 03763

================================================================================

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

-----------------------

REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM S-6

------------------------

FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS
REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2

A. EXACT NAME OF TRUST: CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 172

B. NAME OF DEPOSITOR: CLAYMORE SECURITIES, INC.

C. COMPLETE ADDRESS OF DEPOSITOR'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:

Claymore Securities, Inc.
210 North Hale Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187

D. NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE:

Copies to:

NICHOLAS DALMASO, ESQ. ERIC F. FESS
Senior Managing Director and
General Counsel
Claymore Securities, Inc. Chapman and Cutler LLP
210 North Hale Street 111 West Monroe Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187 Chicago, Illinois 60603
(630) 784-6300 (312) 845-3000

<Page>

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate
box)

|_| immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

|_| on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

|_| 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)

|_| on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485 or 486

|_| This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.

E. TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED: Units of fractional undivided
beneficial interest.

F. APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after
the effective date of the
Registration Statement.

|_| Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on
(date) at (time) pursuant to Rule 487.

================================================================================

The registration hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a)
may determine.
<Page>

THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 22, 2004 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 172

PREFERRED SECURITIES PORTFOLIO, SERIES 6
PREFERRED PLUS PORTFOLIO, SERIES 4

[CLAYMORE LOGO]

PROSPECTUS PART A DATED MARCH , 2004

PORTFOLIOS OF SECURITIES SELECTED BY CLAYMORE SECURITIES, INC.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or
disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy
or accuracy of this prospectus.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

<Page>

INVESTMENT SUMMARY

OVERVIEW

Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 172 is a unit investment
trust that consists of the Preferred Securities Portfolio, Series 6 (the
"PREFERRED SECURITIES TRUST") and the Preferred Plus Portfolio, Series 4 (the
"PREFERRED PLUS TRUST") (the Preferred Securities Trust and the Preferred Plus
Trust are collectively referred to as the "TRUSTS" and individually referred to
as a "TRUST"). Claymore Securities, Inc. ("CLAYMORE" or the "SPONSOR") serves as
the sponsor of the trusts.

The trusts are scheduled to terminate in approximately 5 years.

PREFERRED SECURITIES PORTFOLIO, SERIES 6

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The trust seeks to provide high current income.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The trust consists of a diversified portfolio of preferred stocks and/or
trust preferred securities (the "SECURITIES"). The trust may include domestic
and foreign securities of various issuers including telecommunications companies
and financial services providers.

SECURITY SELECTION

For the trust, the sponsor has selected preferred stocks and/or trust
preferred securities believed to have the best potential for high current
income. The sponsor believes that an investment in a portfolio of preferred
stocks and/or trust preferred securities offers investors an opportunity to
receive many of the income flow advantages of bonds. The trust is carefully
diversified across the preferred market, with close attention paid to dividend
yield, credit quality, call protection, diversification and liquidity. Each of
the securities included in the trust are rated, as of the Inception Date, in the
category of "Baa" or better by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("MOODY'S"), or
in the category of "BBB" or better by Standard & Poor's, a division of The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("STANDARD & POOR'S"). In addition, as of the
initial date of deposit (the "INCEPTION DATE"), all of the securities selected
for the trust have an average weighted call protection of at least years, with
the exception of certain extraordinary events. The sponsor believes that this
should help protect against disruption of monthly income distributions.

As of the Inception Date, the securities in the trust are approximately
equally dollar weighted.

PREFERRED STOCK. As of the Inception Date, % of the trust consists of
preferred stocks. Similar to bonds, many preferred stocks offer a fixed rate of
return paid in the form of a dividend and are traded on the basis of their
current yield.

Like common stock, most preferred stocks are equity securities representing
ownership in a company. Preferred stocks are generally considered "senior
securities" and preferred stockholders enjoy preference over common stockholders
with regard to dividends and liquidations. For the prospect of a higher yield,
preferred stockholders may forfeit or at least be limited in their voting
rights. The preferred

2
<Page>

stocks included in the trust, if applicable, are traded on the major stock
exchanges.

TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES. As of the Inception Date, % of the trust
consists of trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities are
limited-life preferred securities typically issued by corporations, generally in
the form of interest-bearing notes or preferred securities, or by an affiliated
business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interests
in subordinated debentures issued by the corporation, or similarly structured
securities. Dividend payments of the trust preferred securities generally
coincide with interest payments on the underlying obligations. Unlike preferred
stocks, distributions for trust preferred securities are generally treated as
interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes and therefore,
are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Trust preferred
securities and the underlying subordinated debentures typically rank senior to
the company's common and preferred stock and junior to the company's senior
debt, subordinated debt and other indebtedness.

Certain trust preferred securities have maturity dates. The maturities of
the trust preferred securities included in the trust range from to years.

PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION
(AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE)

<Table>
<Caption>
APPROXIMATE
PORTFOLIO
SECTOR PERCENTAGE
- ------ -----------

%
------
Total 100.00%
======
</Table>

PRINCIPAL RISKS

You can lose money by investing in the trust. In addition, the trust may
not perform as well as you hope. These things can happen for various reasons,
including:

- SHARE PRICES CAN BE VOLATILE. The value of your investment may fall
over time.

- RISING INTEREST RATES WILL GENERALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF YOUR UNITS.
Typically, securities with longer periods before maturity are more
sensitive to interest rate changes.

- AN ISSUER MAY BE UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO MAKE PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS AND/OR
TO DECLARE DIVIDENDS IN THE FUTURE, OR MAY REDUCE THE LEVEL OF
DIVIDENDS DECLARED. This may result in a reduction in the value of
your units.

- THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF AN ISSUER MAY WORSEN OR ITS CREDIT RATINGS
MAY DROP, RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN THE VALUE OF YOUR UNITS. This
may occur at any point in time, including during the primary offering
period.

- THE TRUST WILL RECEIVE EARLY RETURNS OF PRINCIPAL IF SECURITIES ARE
CALLED OR SOLD BEFORE THEY MATURE. If this happens your income will
decline and you may not be able to reinvest the money you receive at
as high a yield or as long a maturity.

- WE DO NOT ACTIVELY MANAGE THE PORTFOLIO. The trust will generally
hold, and may continue to buy, the same securities even though the
security's outlook or rating or its market value or yield may have
changed.

- CERTAIN OF THE SECURITIES MAY BE RATED AS INVESTMENT GRADE BY ONLY ONE
RATING AGENCY. As a result, such split-rated securities may have more
speculative characteristics and are more subject to a greater risk of
default than securities

3
<Page>

rated as investment grade by both Moody's and Standard & Poor's.

- The trust is considered to be concentrated in preferred stocks and/or
trust preferred securities. A concentration makes the trust subject to
more risk. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds
and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure in terms
of priority to corporate income and therefore will be subject to
greater risk than those debt instruments. Additional risks associated
with these securities are described in "Investment Risks."

See "Risk Factors" in Part B of the prospectus and "Investment Risks" in
Part A of the prospectus for additional information.

WHO SHOULD INVEST

You should consider this investment if:

- You are seeking to own preferred securities in one convenient package;

- You want current income and diversification;

- The trust represents only a portion of your overall investment
portfolio; and

- The trust is part of a longer term investment strategy.

You should not consider this investment if:

- You are unwilling to take the risks involved with owning preferred
securities; or

- You are seeking an aggressive high-growth investment strategy.

[SIDENOTE]

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
(AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE)

<Table>

UNIT PRICE AT INCEPTION (PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE) $10.00

INCEPTION DATE
(INITIAL DATE OF DEPOSIT) March , 2004

TERMINATION DATE March , 2009

DISTRIBUTION DATE 25th day of each month
commencing , 2004

RECORD DATES 15th day of each month
commencing , 2004

CUSIP NUMBERS

CASH DISTRIBUTIONS (ALL ACCOUNTS)

REINVESTED DISTRIBUTIONS
Standard Accounts
Fee Accounts

TICKER

SUMMARY OF RATINGS
Standard & Poor's
AAA %
AA
AA-
A+
A
A-
BBB+
BBB
--------
%
========

Moody's
Aaa %
Aa2
Aa3
A1
A2
A3
Baa1
Baa2
Baa3
NA
--------
%
========

MINIMUM INVESTMENT
Standard accounts $1,000/100 units

Retirement accounts and
Custodial accounts for minors $250/25 units
</Table>

4
<Page>

FEES AND EXPENSES

The amounts below are estimates of the direct and indirect expenses that
you may incur based on a $10 unit price. Actual expenses may vary.

<Table>
<Caption>
PERCENTAGE AMOUNT
OF PUBLIC PER $1,000
INVESTOR FEES OFFERING PRICE INVESTED(4)
- ------------- -------------- -----------

INITIAL SALES FEE PAID ON
PURCHASE(1) 1.00% $ 10.00

DEFERRED SALES FEE(2) 3.45 34.50

CREATION AND
DEVELOPMENT FEE(3) 0.50 5.00
---- --------

MAXIMUM SALES FEES
(including creation and
development fee) 4.95% $ 49.50
==== ========

ESTIMATED ORGANIZATION COSTS
(amount per 100 units paid
by trust at end of initial
offering period or after six
months, at the discretion of
the sponsor) $ 5.00
======
</Table>

<Table>
<Caption>
ANNUAL FUND APPROXIMATE
OPERATING % OF PUBLIC AMOUNT PER
EXPENSES OFFERING PRICE(4) 100 UNITS
- -------- ----------------- ---------

Trustee's fee 0.095% $ 0.9500

Sponsor's supervisory
fee 0.030 0.3000

Evaluator's fee 0.035 0.3500

Bookkeeping and
administrative fee 0.035 0.3500

Estimated other trust
operating expenses(5) 0.0162 0.1615
------ --------
Total 0.2112% $ 2.1115
====== ========
</Table>

(1) The initial sales fee provided above is based on the unit price on the
Inception Date. Because the initial sales fee equals the difference between
the maximum sales fee and the sum of the remaining deferred sales fee and
the creation and development fee ("C&D FEE") (as described below), the
percentage and dollar amount of the initial sales fee will vary as the unit
price varies and after deferred charges begin. Despite the variability of
the initial sales fee, each investor is obligated to pay the entire
applicable maximum sales fee.

(2) The deferred sales fee is fixed at $0.345 per unit and is deducted in
monthly installments of $0.115 per unit on the last business day of each
month from , 2004 through , 2004. The percentage provided is based on
a $10 unit as of the Inception Date and the percentage amount will vary
over time.

(3) The C&D Fee compensates the sponsor for creating and developing your trust.
The actual C&D Fee is $0.05 per unit and is paid to the sponsor at the
close of the initial offering period, which is expected to be six months to
one year from the Inception Date. The percentages provided are based on a
$10 unit as of the Inception Date and the percentage amount will vary over
time. If the unit price exceeds $10.00 per unit, the C&D Fee will be less
than 0.50% of the Public Offering Price; if the unit price is less than
$10.00 per unit, the C&D Fee will exceed 0.50% of the Public Offering
Price.

(4) Based on 100 units with a $10 per unit Public Offering Price as of the
Inception Date.

(5) Other operating expenses do not include brokerage costs and other
transactional fees.

EXAMPLE

5
<Page>

will vary. Based on these assumptions, you would pay these expenses for every
$10,000 you invest:

<Table>

1 year $
3 years
Life of trust
</Table>

These amounts are the same regardless of whether you sell your investment
at the end of a period or continue to hold your investment. The example does not
consider any brokerage fees the trust pays or any transaction fees that
broker-dealers may charge for processing redemption requests.

See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.

ESTIMATED ANNUAL INCOME DISTRIBUTIONS

The portfolio's estimated annual income distributions are $ per unit
for the first year. The amount of distributions may increase or decrease as
securities in the portfolio mature, are called or are sold, as the dividends
received change or as fees and expenses increase or decrease. Estimated
distributions assume that all of the securities and expected dividends are
delivered to the portfolio. These figures are estimates as of the business day
prior to the Inception Date; actual payments may vary.

See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.

6
<Page>

TRUST PORTFOLIO

CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 172
PREFERRED SECURITIES PORTFOLIO, SERIES 6
THE TRUST PORTFOLIO AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE, MARCH , 2004

<Table>
RATINGS(2)
-----------------
STANDARD OPTIONAL PER
NUMBER OF AND REDEMPTION SHARE COST TO
SHARES COMPANY NAME(1) SECTOR MOODY'S POOR'S PROVISIONS(3) PRICE PORTFOLIO(4)(5)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</Table>

7
<Page>

<Table>
RATINGS(2)
-----------------
STANDARD OPTIONAL PER
NUMBER OF AND REDEMPTION SHARE COST TO
SHARES COMPANY NAME(1) INDUSTRY MOODY'S POOR'S PROVISIONS(3) PRICE PORTFOLIO(4)(5)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</Table>

Notes to Portfolio

(1) All securities are represented entirely by contracts to purchase
securities, which were entered into by the sponsor on March , 2004. All
contracts for domestic securities are expected to be settled by the initial
settlement date for the purchase of units.

(2) See "Description of Ratings" in Part B of the prospectus for a brief
description of the rating symbols and their meanings.

(3) The securities are first redeemable on such date and at such price as
listed above. Optional redemption provisions, which may be exercised in
whole or in part, are at prices of par or stated value. Optional redemption
provisions generally will occur at times when the redeemed securities have
an offering side evaluation which represents a premium over par or stated
value. To the extent that the securities were acquired at a price higher
than the redemption price, this will generally represent a loss of capital
when compared with the Public Offering Price of the Units when acquired.
Distributions will generally be reduced by the amount of the dividends
which otherwise would have been paid with respect to redeemed securities,
and any principal amount received on such redemption after satisfying any
redemption requests for units received by the trust will generally be
distributed to unitholders. Certain of the securities have provisions which
would allow for their redemption prior to the earliest stated call date
pursuant to the occurrence of certain extraordinary events.

(4) Valuation of securities by the trustee was made using the market value per
share as of the Evaluation Time on March , 2004. Subsequent to inception,
securities are generally valued, for securities quoted on a national or
foreign securities exchange or Nasdaq National Market System, at the
closing sales price.

(5) There was a $ loss to the sponsor on the Inception Date.

8
<Page>

PREFERRED PLUS PORTFOLIO, SERIES 4

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The Preferred Plus Trust seeks to provide high current income.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The Preferred Plus Trust consists of a diversified portfolio of preferred
stocks and/or trust preferred securities (the "SECURITIES"). The trust includes
domestic securities of various issuers including manufacturers,
telecommunications companies, financial services providers and utilities.
Certain of the securities may be rated below investment grade (Baa or BBB) as
determined by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("MOODY'S") and/or Standard &
Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("STANDARD & POOR'S"). The
trust will be concentrated in securities of companies in the financial services
industry.

SECURITY SELECTION

The sponsor has selected for the portfolio preferred stocks and/or trust
preferred securities believed to have the best potential to achieve the trust's
investment objective. Preferred securities have characteristics of both debt and
equity. The sponsor believes that an investment in a portfolio of preferred
securities offers investors an opportunity to receive the income flow advantages
of bonds while still enjoying the liquidity benefits of equity securities. The
trust is carefully diversified across the preferred market, with close attention
paid to dividend yield, credit quality, call protection, diversification and
liquidity.

As of the trust's inception date (the "INCEPTION DATE"), approximately % of
the securities included in the trust are rated, as of the Inception Date, in the
category of "Baa" or better by Moody's or in the category of "BBB" or better by
Standard & Poor's.

On the Inception Date, approximately % of the trust's portfolio is
invested in securities that are rated below investment grade by both Moody's and
Standard & Poor's. High-yield or "junk" securities, the generic names for
securities rated below the category of "BBB" by Standard & Poor's and the
category of "Baa" by Moody's, are frequently issued by corporations in the
growth stage of their development or by established companies who are highly
leveraged or whose operations or industries are depressed. Securities that are
rated investment grade by either Standard & Poor's and Moody's will be deemed to
be investment grade for purposes of the trust even if the security has received
a below investment grade rating by either party. Obligations rated below
investment grade should be considered speculative as these ratings indicate a
quality of less than investment grade. Because high-yield securities are
generally subordinated obligations and are perceived by investors to be riskier
than higher rated securities, their prices tend to fluctuate more than higher
rated securities and are affected by short-term credit developments to a greater
degree.

Like common stock, most preferred stocks are equity securities representing
ownership in

9
<Page>

a company. Preferred stocks are generally considered "senior securities" and
preferred stockholders enjoy preference over common stockholders with regard to
dividends and liquidations. For the prospect of a higher yield, preferred
stockholders may forfeit or at least be limited in their voting rights. The
preferred stocks included in the trust, if applicable, are traded on the major
stock exchanges.

TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES. As of the Inception Date, % of the trust
consists of trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities are limited
life preferred securities typically issued by corporations, generally in the
form of interest bearing notes or preferred securities, or by an affiliated
business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interests
in subordinated debentures issued by the corporation, or similarly structured
securities. Dividend payments of the trust preferred securities generally
coincide with interest payments on the underlying obligations. Unlike preferred
stocks, distributions for trust preferred securities are generally treated as
interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes and therefore,
are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Trust preferred
securities and the underlying subordinated debentures typically rank senior to
the company's common and preferred stock and junior to the company's senior
debt, subordinated debt and other indebtedness.

Certain trust preferred securities have maturity dates. The maturities of
the trust preferred securities included in the trust range from approximately
to years.

As of the Inception Date, the securities in the trust are approximately
equally dollar weighted.

See "Description of Ratings" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information regarding the ratings criteria.

PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION
(AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE)

<Table>
<Caption>
APPROXIMATE
PORTFOLIO
SECTOR PERCENTAGE
- ------ ----------

%
------
Total 100.00%
======
</Table>

PRINCIPAL RISKS

You can lose money by investing in the trust. The trust also might not
perform as well as you expect. This can happen for reasons such as these:

- SHARE PRICES CAN BE VOLATILE. The value of your investment may fall
over time.

- RISING INTEREST RATES WILL GENERALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF YOUR UNITS.
Typically, securities with longer periods before maturity are more
sensitive to interest rate changes.

- THE TRUST WILL RECEIVE EARLY RETURNS OF PRINCIPAL IF SECURITIES ARE
CALLED OR SOLD BEFORE THEY MATURE. If this happens

10
<Page>

your income will decline and you may not be able to reinvest the money
you receive at as high a yield or as long a maturity.

- CERTAIN OF THE SECURITIES ARE RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE AND ARE
CONSIDERED TO BE "JUNK" SECURITIES. Below investment grade obligations
are considered to be speculative and are subject to greater market and
credit risks, and accordingly, the risk of non-payment or default is
higher than investment grade securities. In addition, such securities
may be more sensitive to interest rate changes and more likely to
receive early returns of principal.

- CERTAIN OF THE SECURITIES ARE RATED AS INVESTMENT GRADE BY ONLY ONE
RATING AGENCY. As a result, such split-rated securities may have more
speculative characteristics and are more subject to a greater risk of
default than securities rated as investment grade by both Moody's and
Standard & Poor's.

- The trust is considered to be concentrated in preferred stocks and/or
trust preferred securities. A concentration makes the trust subject to
more risk. The risks associated with these securities are described in
"Investment Risks."

WHO SHOULD INVEST

You should consider this investment if:

- You are seeking to own preferred securities in one convenient package;

- You want current income and diversification;

- The trust represents only a portion of your overall investment
portfolio; and

- The trust is part of a longer term investment strategy.

You should not consider this investment if:

- You are unwilling to take the risks involved with owning
higher-yielding preferred securities;

- You are seeking an aggressive high-growth investment strategy; or

- You are unwilling to take the increased risks involved with owning
non-investment grade or "junk" securities.

11
<Page>

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
(AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE)

<Table>

UNIT PRICE AT INCEPTION (PUBLIC OFFERING
PRICE) $10.00

INCEPTION DATE (INITIAL DATE OF DEPOSIT) March , 2004

TERMINATION DATE March , 2009

DISTRIBUTION DATES 25th day of each month
commencing , 2004

RECORD DATES 15th day of each month commencing
, 2004

CUSIP NUMBERS
Cash distributions (all accounts)
Reinvested distributions
Standard Accounts
Fee Account

SUMMARY OF RATINGS:
Standard & Poor's
%
--------
100.00%
Moody's
%
--------
100.00%

TICKER

MINIMUM INVESTMENT
Standard accounts $1,000/100 units

Retirement accounts and
custodial accounts for minors $250/25 units
</Table>

FEES AND EXPENSES

The amounts below are estimates of the direct and indirect expenses that
you may incur based on a $10 unit price. Actual expenses may vary.

<Table>
<Caption>
PERCENTAGE AMOUNT
OF PUBLIC PER $1,000
INVESTOR FEES OFFERING PRICE INVESTED(4)
- ------------- -------------- -----------

INITIAL SALES FEE PAID ON
PURCHASE(1) 1.00% $ 10.00

DEFERRED SALES FEE(2) 3.45 34.50

CREATION AND
DEVELOPMENT FEE(3) 0.50 5.00
---- ---------

MAXIMUM SALES FEES
(including creation and
development fee) 4.95% $ 49.50
==== =========

ESTIMATED ORGANIZATION COSTS
(amount per 100 units paid by trust at
end of initial offering period or after
six months, at the discretion of the
sponsor) $ 8.00
=========
</Table>

<Table>
<Caption>
APPROXIMATE AMOUNT
ANNUAL FUND % OF PUBLIC PER
OPERATING EXPENSES OFFERING PRICE(4) 100 UNITS
- ------------------ ----------------- ---------

Trustee's fee 0.0950% $ 0.950
Sponsor's supervisory fee 0.0300 0.300
Evaluator's fee 0.0350 0.350
Bookkeeping and
administrative fee 0.0350 0.350
Estimated other trust
operating expenses(5) 0.0162 0.162
------ --------
Total 0.2112% $ 2.112
====== ========
</Table>

12
<Page>

obligated to pay the entire applicable maximum sales fee.

(3) The C&D Fee compensates the sponsor for creating and developing your trust.
The actual C&D Fee is $0.05 per unit and is paid to the sponsor at the
close of the initial offering period, which is expected to be approximately
six to twelve months from the Inception Date. The percentages provided are
based on a $10 unit as of the Inception Date and the percentage amount will
vary over time. If the unit price exceeds $10.00 per unit, the C&D Fee will
be less than 0.50%; if the unit price is less than $10.00 per unit, the C&D
Fee will exceed 0.50%.

(4) Based on 100 units with a $10.00 per unit Public Offering Price as of the
Inception Date.

(5) Other operating expenses do not include brokerage cost and other
transactional fees.

EXAMPLE

This example helps you compare the costs of this trust with other unit
trusts and mutual funds. In the example we assume that the expenses do not
change and the trust's annual return is 5%. Your actual returns and expenses
will vary. Based on these assumptions, you would pay these expenses for every
$10,000 you invest:

<Table>

1 year $
3 years $
Life of Trust $
</Table>

These amounts are the same regardless of whether you sell your investment
at the end of a period or continue to hold your investment. The example does not
consider any brokerage fees or transaction fees that broker-dealers may charge
for processing redemption requests.

See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.

ESTIMATED ANNUAL INCOME DISTRIBUTIONS

The portfolio's estimated annual income distributions are $ per unit
for the first year. The amount of distributions may increase or decrease as
securities in the portfolio mature, are called or are sold, as the dividends
received change or as fees and expenses increase or decrease. Estimated
distributions assume that all of the securities and expected dividends are
delivered to the portfolio. These figures are estimates as of the business
day prior to the Inception Date; actual payments may vary.

See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.

13
<Page>

TRUST POSTFOLIO

CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 172
PREFERRED PLUS PORTFOLIO, SERIES 4
THE TRUST PORTFOLIO AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE, MARCH , 2004

<Table>
<Caption>
RATINGS(2)
------------------- OPTIONAL PER
NUMBER OF STANDARD & REDEMPTION SHARE COST TO
SHARES(1) COMPANY NAME SECTOR MOODY'S POOR'S PROVISION(3) PRICE PORTFOLIO(4)(5)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</Table>
14
<Page>

</Table>

15
<Page>

Notes to Portfolio

(2) See "Description of Ratings" in Part B of the prospectus for a brief
description of the rating symbols and their meanings.

(4) Valuation of securities by the trustee was made using the market value per
share as of the Evaluation Time on March , 2004. Subsequent to inception,
securities are valued, for securities quoted on a national securities
exchange or Nasdaq National Market System, or a foreign securities
exchange, at the closing sales price.

(5) There was a $ loss to the sponsor on the Inception Date.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INVESTMENT

HOW TO BUY UNITS

You can buy units of your trust on any business day by contacting your
financial professional. Public offering price are available daily on the
Internet at www.claymoresecurities.com. The unit price includes:

- the value of the stocks,

- the initial sales fee, and

- cash and other net assets in the portfolio.

We often refer to the purchase price of units as the "OFFER PRICE" or the
"PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE." We must receive your order to buy units prior to the
close of the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) to give
you the price for that day. If we receive your order after this time, you will
receive the price computed on the next business day.

VALUE OF THE STOCKS. The sponsor serves as the evaluator of your trust (the
"EVALUATOR"). We determine the value of the stocks as of the close of the New
York Stock Exchange on each day that the exchange is open (the "EVALUATION
TIME").

PRICING THE STOCKS. We generally determine the value of stocks using the
last sale price for stocks traded on a national or foreign securities exchange
or the Nasdaq Stock Market. In some cases we will price a stock based on the
last asked or bid price in the over-the-counter market or by using other
recognized pricing methods. We will only do this if a stock is not principally
traded on a national or foreign securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market,
or if the market quotes are unavailable or inappropriate.

The sponsor determined the initial prices of the stocks shown in "Trust
Portfolio" for your trust in this prospectus. The sponsor determined these
initial prices as described above at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on
the business day before the date of this prospectus. On the first day we sell
units we will compute the unit price as of the close of the New York Stock
Exchange or the time the registration statement filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission becomes effective, if later.

ORGANIZATION COSTS. During the initial offering period, part of your
purchase price includes a per unit amount sufficient to reimburse us for some or
all of the costs of creating your trust. These costs include the costs of
preparing the registration statement and legal documents, legal fees, federal
and state registration fees and the initial fees and expenses of the trustee.
Your trust will sell stocks to reimburse us for these costs at the end of the
initial offering period or after six months, at the discretion of the sponsor.

TRANSACTIONAL SALES FEE. You pay a fee when you buy units. We refer to this
fee as the "TRANSACTIONAL SALES FEE." The transactional sales fee has both an
initial and a deferred component and is 4.45% of the Public Offering Price based
on a $10 unit. This percentage amount of the transactional sales fee is based on
the unit price on the Inception Date. Because the transactional sales fee equals
the difference between the maximum sales fee and the C&D Fee, the percentage and
dollar amount of the transactional sales fee will vary as the unit price varies.
The transactional sales fee does not include the C&D Fee which is described
under "Expenses of the

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Trust" in Part B of the Prospectus and in "Fees and Expenses" in Part A of the
prospectus.

INITIAL SALES FEE. Based on a $10 unit, the initial sales fee is initially
1% of the Public Offering Price. The initial sales fee, which you will pay at
the time of purchase, is equal to the difference between the maximum sales
charge (4.95% of the Public Offering Price) and the sum of the maximum remaining
deferred sales fees and the C&D Fee (initially $0.395 per unit). The dollar
amount and percentage amount of the initial sales fee will vary over time.

DEFERRED SALES FEE. To keep your money working longer, we defer payment of
the rest of the transactional sales fee through the deferred sales fee ($0.345
per unit).

REDUCING YOUR SALES FEE. We offer a variety of ways for you to reduce the
maximum sales fee you pay. It is your financial professional's responsibility to
alert us of any discount when you order units. Since the deferred sales fee and
the C&D Fee are a fixed dollar amount per unit, your trust must charge the
deferred sales fee and the C&D Fee per unit regardless of any discounts.
However, if you are eligible to receive a discount such that your total maximum
sales fee is less than the fixed dollar amount of the deferred sales fee and the
C&D Fee, we will credit you the difference between your maximum sales fee and
the sum of the deferred sales fee and the C&D Fee at the time you buy units.

LARGE PURCHASES. You can reduce your maximum sales fee by increasing the
size of your investment.

INVESTORS WHO MAKE LARGE PURCHASES ARE ENTITLED TO THE FOLLOWING SALES
CHARGE REDUCTIONS:

<Table>
<Caption>
SALES CHARGE
REDUCTIONS
(AS A % OF THE
PUBLIC
PURCHASE AMOUNT(1) OFFERING PRICE)
------------------ ---------------

Less than $50,000 0%
$50,000 - $99,999 0.25
$100,000 - $249,999 0.50
$250,000 - $499,999 1.00
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00
$1,000,000 or more 2.90
</Table>

(1) Sales charge reductions are computed both on a dollar basis and on the
basis of the number of units purchased, at any point of purchase, using the
equivalent of 5,000 units to $50,000, 10,000 units to $100,000 etc., and
will be applied on that basis which is more favorable to you.

You may AGGREGATE unit purchases by the same person on any single day from
any one broker-dealer to qualify for a purchase level. You can include these
purchases as your own for purposes of this aggregation:

- purchases by your spouse or minor children and

- purchases by your trust estate or fiduciary accounts.

You may also use a LETTER OF INTENT to combine purchases over time to
qualify for a purchase level. Under this option, you must give us a letter of
intent to purchase a specified amount of units of any Claymore unit trust over a
specified time period. The letter must specify a time period of no more than 13
months. Once you sign a letter of intent, we will reduce your fee based on your
total purchase commitment as shown in the table

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<Page>

above. If your purchases exceed the level specified in your letter, you will
still receive the additional fee reduction for your purchases shown in the table
above (we will not cap your discount). If your total purchases are less than the
level specified in your letter, you must pay the fee difference to us. We
reserve the right to redeem your units if you do not pay the difference.

The discounts described above apply only during the initial offering
period.

ADVISORY AND FEE ACCOUNTS. We eliminate your transactional sales fee for
purchases made through registered investment advisers, certified financial
planners or registered broker-dealers who charge periodic fees in lieu of
commissions or who charge for financial planning or for investment advisory or
asset management services or provide these services as part of an investment
account where a comprehensive "wrap fee" is imposed (a "FEE ACCOUNT").

This discount applies during the initial offering period and in the
secondary market. Your financial professional may purchase units with the Fee
Account CUSIP number to facilitate purchases under this discount, however, we do
not require that you buy units with this CUSIP number to qualify for the
discount. If you purchase units with this special CUSIP number, you should be
aware that all distributions will automatically reinvest into additional units
of your trust. We reserve the right to limit or deny purchases of units not
subject to the transactional sales charge by investors whose frequent trading
activity we determine to be detrimental to your trust. We, as sponsor, will
receive and you will pay the C&D Fee. See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of
the prospectus.

EXCHANGE OR ROLLOVER OPTION. If you are buying units of the trust in the
primary market with redemption or termination proceeds from any other Claymore
unit trust, you may purchase units at 99% of the maximum Public Offering Price,
which may include an upfront sales charge and a deferred sales charge. You may
also buy units with this reduced sales fee if you are purchasing units in the
primary market with (1) the termination proceeds from a non-Claymore unit trust
with a similar investment strategy or (2) the redemption proceeds from a
non-Claymore trust if such trust has a similar investment strategy and the
corresponding Claymore trust provides a periodic update of that investment
strategy. Such purchases entitled to this sales charge reduction may be
classified as "ROLLOVER PURCHASES."

Rollover Purchases are also subject to the C&D Fee. See "Expenses of the
Trust" in Part B of the prospectus.

EMPLOYEES. We do not charge the portion of the transactional sales fee that
we would normally pay to your financial professional for purchases made by
officers, directors and employees and their family members (spouses, children
and parents) of Claymore and its affiliates, or by registered representatives of
selling firms and their family members (spouses, children and parents). You pay
only the portion of the fee that the sponsor retains. Such purchases are also
subject to the C&D Fee. This discount applies during the initial offering period
and in the secondary market.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN. We do not charge any transactional sales fee
when you reinvest distributions from your trust into additional units of the
trust. Since the deferred sales fee is a fixed dollar amount per unit, your
trust

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<Page>

must charge the deferred sales fee per unit regardless of this discount. If you
elect the distribution reinvestment plan, we will credit you with additional
units with a dollar value sufficient to cover the amount of any remaining
deferred sales fee that will be collected on such units at the time of
reinvestment. The dollar value of these units will fluctuate over time. This
discount applies during the initial offering period and in the secondary market.

See "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units" in Part B of the prospectus
for more information regarding buying units.

HOW WE DISTRIBUTE UNITS. We sell units to the public through broker-dealers
and other firms. We pay part of the sales fee you pay to these distribution
firms when they sell units. The distribution fee paid for a given transaction is
as follows:

<Table>
<Caption>
CONCESSION PER UNIT:
PURCHASE AMOUNT/ (AS A % OF PUBLIC
FORM OF PURCHASE: OFFERING PRICE):
----------------- --------------------

Less than $50,000 3.60%
$50,000 - $99,999 3.35
$100,000 - $249,999 3.10
$250,000 - $499,999 2.60
$500,000 - $999,999 1.60
$1,000,000 or more 1.00
Rollover Purchases 2.60
Fee Account and
Employee Purchases 0
</Table>

We apply these amounts as a percent of the unit price per transaction at
the time of the transaction. We also apply the different distribution levels on
a unit basis using a $10 unit equivalent. For example, if a firm executes a
transaction between 10,000 and 24,999 units, it earns 3.10% of the unit price.

We generally register units for sale in various states in the U.S. We do
not register units for sale in any foreign country. It is your financial
professional's responsibility to make sure that units are registered or exempt
from registration if you are a foreign investor or if you want to buy units in
another country. This prospectus does not constitute an offer of units in any
state or country where units cannot be offered or sold lawfully. We may reject
any order for units in whole or in part.

We may gain or lose money when we hold units in the primary or secondary
market due to fluctuations in unit prices. The gain or loss is equal to the
difference between the price we pay for units and the price at which we sell or
redeem them. We may also gain or lose money when we deposit securities to create
units. For example, we lost $ and $ on the initial deposit of stocks into the
Preferred Securities Trust and the Preferred Plus Trust, respectively.

See "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units" in Part B of the prospectus
for additional information.

HOW TO SELL YOUR UNITS

You can sell your units on any business day by contacting your financial
professional or, in some cases, the trustee. Unit prices are available daily on
the Internet at www.claymoresecurities.com or through your financial
professional. We often refer to the sale price of units as the "BID PRICE." You
pay any remaining deferred sales fee when you sell or redeem your units. Certain
broker-dealers may charge a transaction fee for processing unit redemptions or
sale requests.

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Until the end of the initial offering period or six months after the
Inception Date, at the discretion of the sponsor, the price at which the trustee
will redeem units and the price at which the sponsor may repurchase units
include estimated organization costs. After such period, the amount paid will
not include such estimated organization costs.

SELLING UNITS. We intend to, but are not obligated to, maintain a secondary
market for units. This means that if you want to sell your units, we may buy
them at the current price which is based on their net asset value. We may then
resell the units to other investors at the public offering price or redeem them
for the redemption price. Our secondary market repurchase price is generally the
same as the redemption price. Certain broker-dealers might also maintain a
secondary market in units. You should contact your financial professional for
current unit prices to determine the best price available. We may discontinue
our secondary market at any time without notice. Even if we do not make a
market, you will be able to redeem your units with the trustee on any business
day for the current price.

REDEEMING UNITS. You may also be able to redeem your units directly with
the trustee, The Bank of New York, on any day the New York Stock Exchange is
open. The trustee must receive your completed redemption request prior to the
close of the New York Stock Exchange for you to receive the unit price for a
particular day. (For what constitutes a completed redemption request, see
"Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units - Redemption" in the Part B of the
prospectus.) If your request is received after that time or is incomplete in any
way, you will receive the next price computed after the trustee receives your
completed request. Rather than contacting the trustee directly, your financial
professional may also be able to redeem your units by using the Investors'
Voluntary Redemptions and Sales (IVORS) automated redemption service offered
through Depository Trust Company.

If you redeem your units, the trustee will generally send you a payment for
your units no later than three business days after it receives all necessary
documentation.

You can generally request an in-kind distribution of the stocks underlying
your units if you own units worth at least $25,000 or you originally paid at
least that amount for your units. This option is generally available only for
stocks traded and held in the United States. You may not request this option in
the last five business days of your trust's life. We may modify or discontinue
this option at any time without notice.

EXCHANGE OPTION. You may be able to exchange your units for units of other
Claymore unit trusts at a reduced sales fee. You can contact your financial
professional or Claymore for more information about trusts currently available
for exchanges. Before you exchange units, you should read the prospectus
carefully and understand the risks and fees. You should then discuss this option
with your financial professional to determine whether your investment goals have
changed, whether current trusts suit you and to discuss tax consequences. To
qualify for a reduced sales fee, you must purchase units in a subsequent trust
on the same day that you redeem units of your current trust. We may discontinue
this option at any time.

For more complete information regarding selling or redeeming your units,
see "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units" in Part B of the prospectus.

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<Page>

DISTRIBUTIONS

DIVIDENDS. Your trust generally pays dividends from its net investment
income along with any excess capital on each distribution date to unitholders of
record on the preceding record date. You can elect to:

- reinvest distributions in additional units of your trust at no fee, or

- receive distributions in cash.

You may change your election by contacting your financial professional or
the trustee. Once you elect to participate in a reinvestment program, the
trustee will automatically reinvest your distributions into additional units at
their net asset value on the distribution date. We waive the sales fee for
reinvestments into units of your trust. We cannot guarantee that units will
always be available for reinvestment. If units are unavailable, you will receive
cash distributions. We may discontinue these options at any time without notice.

In some cases, your trust might pay a special distribution if it holds an
excessive amount of principal pending distribution. For example, this could
happen as a result of a merger or similar transaction involving a company whose
stock is in your portfolio. The amount of your distributions will vary from time
to time as companies change their dividends or trust expenses change.

REINVEST IN YOUR TRUST. You can keep your money working by electing to
reinvest your distributions in additional units of your trust. The easiest way
to do this is to have your financial professional purchase units with one of the
Reinvestment CUSIP numbers listed in the "Investment Summary" section of this
prospectus. You may also make or change your election by contacting your
financial professional or the trustee.

REPORTS. The trustee will send your financial professional a statement
showing income and other receipts of your trust for each distribution. Each year
the trustee will also provide an annual report on your trust's activity and
certain tax information. You can request copies of stock evaluations to enable
you to complete your tax forms and audited financial statements for your trust,
if available.

See "Administration of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for
additional information.

INVESTMENT RISKS

ALL INVESTMENTS INVOLVE RISK. This section describes the main risks that
can impact the value of the stocks in your trust. You should understand these
risks before you invest. Recently, equity markets have experienced significant
volatility. If the value of the stocks falls, the value of your units will also
fall. We cannot guarantee that your trust will achieve its objective or that
your investment return will be positive over any period.

MARKET RISK. Market risk is the risk that the value of the stocks will
fluctuate. This could cause the value of your units to fall below your purchase
price. Market value fluctuates in response to various factors. These can include
stock market movements, purchases or sales of securities by the trust,
government policies, litigation, and changes in interest rates, inflation, the
financial condition of the stock's issuer or even perceptions of the issuer.
Even though we carefully supervise your portfolio, you should remember that we
do not manage your portfolio. Your trust will not sell a stock solely because
the market value falls as is possible in a managed fund.

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<Page>

High yield or "junk" securities that are rated below investment grade are
generally more susceptible to this risk than investment grade securities.

INTEREST RATE RISK. Interest rate risk is the risk that securities in your
trust will decline in value because of a rise in interest rates. Generally,
securities that pay fixed rates of return will increase in value when interest
rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Typically,
securities that pay fixed rates of return with longer periods before maturity
are more sensitive to interest rate changes. High yield or "junk" securities
that are rated below investment grade are generally more susceptible to this
risk than investment grade securities.

CREDIT AND DIVIDEND PAYMENT RISK. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of
a security in a trust is unable or unwilling to make dividend and/or principal
payments. Trust preferred securities are subject to unique risks which include
the fact that dividend payments will only be paid if interest payments on the
underlying obligations are made. Such interest payments are dependent on the
financial condition of the issuer. Dividend payments for both preferred stocks
and trust preferred securities may not be paid at all or may generally be
deferred for up to 20 consecutive quarters. High yield or "junk" securities that
are rated below investment grade are generally more susceptible to this risk
than investment grade securities.

CALL RISK. Call risk is the risk that securities can be prepaid or "called"
by the issuer before their stated maturity. If securities are called, your
income will decline and you may not be able to reinvest the money you receive at
as high a yield. Also, an early call at par of a security trading at a premium
will reduce your return. Securities in the your trust are more likely to be
called when interest rates decline. This would result in early returns of
principal to you and may result in early termination of the trust. The dates and
prices upon which the securities are first subject to optional calls are
provided in "The Trust Portfolio." The securities may also be subject to special
or extraordinary call provisions and "mandatory put" features that may cause the
securities to be removed from the your trust prior to maturity or stated call
dates. High yield or "junk" securities that are rated below investment grade are
generally more susceptible to this risk than investment grade securities.

SECURITY QUALITY RISK. Security quality risk is the risk that a reduction
in a securities rating may decrease its value and the value of your investment
in a trust. Securities ratings may be reduced at any time, including during the
primary offering period of a trust. High yield or "junk" securities that are
rated below investment grade are generally more susceptible to this risk than
investment grade securities.

SPLIT RATINGS RISK. Split-rated securities are those securities that, at
the time of investment, are rated below investment grade by Moody's or Standard
& Poor's, so long as at least one rating agency rates such securities within the
four highest grades (i.e., investment grade quality). This means that a
split-rated security may be regarded by one rating agency as having
predominately speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity
to pay interest and repay principal, and accordingly subject to a greater risk
of default. The prices of split-rated securities, in the view of one but not all
rating agencies, may be more sensitive than securities without a split-rating to
negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer's revenues or a general
economic new downturn.

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<Page>

Preferred securities are subordinated borrowing to bonds and other debt
instruments in a company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate
income, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt
instruments.

HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK. On the Inception Date approximately % of the
securities in Preferred Plus Trust's portfolio are "high yield" or "junk"
securities rated below investment grade by both Moody's and Standard & Poor's.
High yield, high risk securities are subject to greater market fluctuations and
risk of loss than securities with higher investment ratings. The value of these
securities will decline significantly with increases in interest rates, not only
because increase in rates generally decrease values, but also because increased
rates may indicate an economic slowdown. An economic slowdown, or a reduction in
an issuer's creditworthiness, may affect an issuer's ability to make dividend
payments.

High yield or "junk" securities, the general names for securities rated
below "BBB" by Standard & Poor's and "Baa" by Moody's, are frequently issued by
corporations in the growth state of their development or by established
companies who are highly leveraged or whose operations or industries are
depressed. Obligations rated below investment grade should be considered
speculative as these ratings indicate a quality of less than investment grade.
Because high-yield securities are generally subordinated obligations and are
perceived by investors to be riskier than higher rated securities, their prices
tend to fluctuate more than higher rated securities and are affected by
short-term credit developments to a greater degree. Also the market for
high-yield securities is generally smaller and less liquid than that for
investment grade securities.

INFLATION RISK. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or
income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the
value of money.

TAX AND TAX LEGISLATION RISK. Tax legislation or positions taken by the
Internal Revenue Service could affect the value of the Preferred Securities
Trust and the Preferred Plus Trust by changing the tax characterizations of
preferred stocks and trust preferred securities or the securities underlying the
trust preferred securities. Congress has considered such proposals in the past
and may do so in the future.

LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION RISK. Your trust is also subject to litigation
and legislation risk. From time to time, various legislative initiatives are
proposed in the United States and abroad which may have a negative impact on
certain of the companies represented in the trust. In addition, litigation
regarding any of the issuers of the securities such as that concerning Altria
Group, Incorporated, or of the industries represented by these issuers, may
raise potential bankruptcy concerns and may negatively impact the share prices
of these securities. We cannot predict what impact any pending or threatened
litigation or any bankruptcy concerns will have on the share prices of the
securities.

CONCENTRATION RISK. When securities in a particular industry make up 25% or
more of a trust, it is said to be "concentrated" in that industry which makes
the trust subject to more market risk. The Preferred Securities Trust and the
Preferred Plus Trust are concentrated in preferred stocks and/or trust preferred
securities.

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<Page>

PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK. Here is what you should know about a
concentration in preferred securities, including preferred stock and trust
preferred securities. In addition to the risks set forth above, preferred
securities are also subject to the following risks:

- Similar to bonds, preferred stocks typically offer a fixed rate of
return paid in the form of a dividend. Like common stock, most
preferred stocks are equity securities representing ownership in a
company. Preferred stocks are generally considered "senior securities"
and preferred stockholders enjoy preference over common stockholders
with regard to dividends and liquidations. For the prospect of a
higher yield, preferred stockholders may forfeit or at least be
limited in their voting rights. Preferred stocks are generally traded
on major stock exchanges. Preferred securities are typically
subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's
capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income and
therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt
instruments.

- Trust preferred securities are limited-life securities typically
issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing
notes or preferred securities, or by an affiliated business trust of a
corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interest in
subordinated debentures issued by the corporation, or similarly
structured securities. Dividend payments of the trust preferred
securities generally coincide with interest payments on the underlying
obligations. Trust preferred securities and the underlying
subordinated debentures typically rank senior to the company's common
and preferred stock and junior to the company's senior debt,
subordinated debt and other indebtedness.

- Trust preferred securities are designed to create the same business
risk for an investor as if the investor had bought the securities
underlying the trust preferred securities. A corporation's ability to
pay distributions on the trust preferred securities is generally
dependent on whether the corporation issuing the securities is able to
pay interest on the underlying securities.

- Unitholders have no right to accelerate the trust preferred securities
or the underlying securities for non-payment.

- A corporation issuing the underlying securities may elect to defer
interest payments on those securities at any time during the life of
the trust preferred securities for up to 20 consecutive quarters. If
such an election is made, distributions on the trust preferred
securities will not be made during the deferral period. During any
deferral period investors may be taxed as if the trust had received
current income. In such a case, unitholders will have income taxes
due, but will not have received income distributions to pay the taxes.

- Tax or regulatory changes may change the tax characterization of the
trust preferred securities or the underlying securities, and, as a
result, may effect the value of your units.

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<Page>

- Trust preferred securities may be subject to redemption after a
certain call date or as a result of certain tax or regulatory events.
This may occur prior to maturity or the trust's termination.

See "Risk Factors" in Part B of the prospectus for additional information.

HOW THE TRUST WORKS

YOUR TRUST. Your trust is a unit investment trust registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933. We created the
trust under a trust agreement between Claymore Securities, Inc. (as sponsor,
evaluator and supervisor) and The Bank of New York (as trustee). To create your
trust, we deposited contracts to purchase stocks with the trustee along with an
irrevocable letter of credit or other consideration to pay for the stocks. In
exchange, the trustee delivered units of your trust to us. Each unit represents
an undivided interest in the assets of your trust. These units remain
outstanding until redeemed or until your trust terminates.

CHANGING YOUR PORTFOLIO. Your trust is not a managed fund. Unlike a managed
fund, we designed your portfolio to remain relatively fixed after its inception.
Your trust will generally buy and sell stocks:

- to pay expenses,

- to issue additional units or redeem units,

- in limited circumstances to protect the trust,

- to make required distributions or avoid imposition of taxes on the
trust, or

- as permitted by the trust agreement.

Your trust will generally reject any offer for securities or property other
than cash in exchange for the stocks in its portfolio. However, if a public
tender offer has been made for a stock or a merger or acquisition has been
announced affecting a stock, your trust may either sell the stock or accept a
tender offer for cash if the supervisor determines that the sale or tender is in
the best interest of unitholders. The trustee will distribute any cash proceeds
to unitholders. If your trust receives securities or property other than cash,
it may either hold the securities or property in its portfolio or sell the
securities or property and distribute the proceeds. For example, this could
happen in a merger or similar transaction.

We will increase the size of your trust as we sell units. When we create
additional units, we will seek to replicate the existing portfolio. When your
trust buys stocks, it will pay brokerage or other acquisition fees. You could
experience a dilution of your investment because of these fees and fluctuations
in stock prices between the time we create units and the time your trust buys
the stocks. When your trust buys or sells stocks, we may direct that it place
orders with and pay brokerage commissions to brokers that sell units or are
affiliated with your trust. We may consider whether a firm sells units of our
trusts when we select firms to handle these transactions.

TERMINATION OF YOUR TRUST. Your trust will terminate no later than the
termination date listed in the "Investment Summary" section of this prospectus.
The trustee may terminate your trust early if the value of the trust is less
than 20% of the value of the stocks in the trust at the end of the initial
offering period. At this size, the expenses of your trust may create an undue
burden on your investment. Investors owning two-thirds of the units in your
trust may also

26
<Page>

vote to terminate the trust early. We may also terminate your trust in other
limited circumstances.

The trustee will notify you of any termination and sell any remaining
stocks. The trustee will send your final distribution to you within a reasonable
time following liquidation of all the stocks after deducting final expenses.
Your termination distribution may be less than the price you originally paid for
your units. You may be able to request an in-kind distribution of the stocks
underlying your units at termination. Please refer to the section entitled "How
to Sell Your Units - Redeeming Units" for information on in-kind distributions.

See "Administration of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for
additional information.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLAYMORE. Claymore Securities, Inc. specializes in the creation,
development and distribution of investment solutions for advisors and their
valued clients. In November 2001, we changed our name from Ranson & Associates,
Inc. to Claymore Securities, Inc. During our history we have been active in
public and corporate finance and have distributed bonds, mutual funds and unit
trusts in the primary and secondary markets. We are a registered broker-dealer
and member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. If we fail to
or cannot perform our duties as sponsor or become bankrupt, the trustee may
replace us, continue to operate your trust without a sponsor, or terminate your
trust. You can contact us at our headquarters at 210 North Hale Road, Wheaton,
Illinois 60187 or by using the contacts listed on the back cover of this
prospectus. Claymore personnel may from time to time maintain a position in
certain stocks held by the trust.

Claymore and your trust have adopted a code of ethics requiring Claymore's
employees who have access to information on trust transactions to report
personal securities transactions. The purpose of the code is to avoid potential
conflicts of interest and to prevent fraud, deception or misconduct with respect
to your trust.

See "Administration of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for
additional information.

THE TRUSTEE. The Bank of New York is the trustee of your trust. It is a
trust company organized under New York law. You can contact the trustee by
calling the telephone number on the back cover of this prospectus or write to
Unit Investment Trust Division, 101 Barclay Street, 20th Fl., New York, New York
10286. We may remove and replace the trustee in some cases without your consent.
The trustee may also resign by notifying Claymore and investors.

See "Administration of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for
additional information.

EXPENSES

Your trust will pay various expenses to conduct its operations. The
"Investment Summary" section of this prospectus shows the estimated amount of
these expenses.

Your trust will pay a fee to the trustee for its services. The trustee also
benefits when it holds cash for your trust in non-interest bearing accounts.
Your trust will reimburse us as supervisor and evaluator for providing portfolio
supervisory services and for evaluating your portfolio. Our reimbursements may
exceed the costs of the services we provide to your trust but will not exceed
the costs of services provided to all Claymore unit investment

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<Page>

trusts in any calendar year. All of these fees may adjust for inflation without
your approval.

Your trust will pay a fee to the sponsor for creating and developing the
trust, including determining the trust objective, policies, composition and
size, selecting service providers and information services, and for providing
other similar administrative and ministerial functions. Your trust pays this
"creation and development fee" of $0.05 per unit from the assets of the trust as
of the close of the initial public offering period. The sponsor does not use the
fee to pay distribution expenses or as compensation for sales efforts.

Your trust will also pay its general operating expenses, including any
licensing fees. Your trust may pay expenses such as trustee expenses (including
legal and auditing expenses), various governmental charges, fees for
extraordinary trustee services, costs of taking action to protect your trust,
costs of indemnifying the trustee and Claymore, legal fees and expenses,
expenses incurred in contacting you and costs incurred to reimburse the trustee
for advancing funds to meet distributions. Your trust may pay the costs of
updating its registration statement each year. The trustee may sell securities
to pay trust expenses.

See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part B of the prospectus for additional
information.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

UNITHOLDERS
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 172

We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition, including
the trust portfolios set forth on pages and of this prospectus, of Claymore
Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 172, as of March , 2004, the initial
date of deposit. These statements of financial condition are the responsibility
of the trusts' sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
statements of financial condition based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
statements of financial condition are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the statements of financial condition. Our procedures included
confirmation with The Bank of New York, trustee, of cash deposited for the
purchases of securities, as shown in the statements of financial condition as of
March , 2004. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by the sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall
statement of financial condition presentation. We believe that our audit of the
statements of financial condition provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the statements of financial condition referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Claymore
Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 172 as of March , 2004, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Grant Thornton LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March , 2004

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CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 172

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AS OF THE INCEPTION DATE, MARCH , 2004

<Table>
<Caption>
PREFERRED PREFERRED
SECURITIES PLUS
TRUST TRUST
---------- ---------

INVESTMENT IN STOCKS
Sponsor's contracts to purchase underlying stocks
backed by cash deposited(1)(2)
---------- ---------

========== =========

LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF INVESTORS
Liabilities:
Organization costs(3)
Deferred sales fee(4)
---------- ---------
Interest of investors:
Cost to investors(5)
Less: gross underwriting commission and
organization costs(3)(4)(5)(6)
---------- ---------
Net interest of investors
---------- ---------
Total
========== =========
Number of units
========== =========
Net Asset Value per Unit
========== =========
</Table>

- ----------
(1) Aggregate cost of the securities is based on the closing sale price
evaluations as determined by the trustee.
(2) Cash and/or a letter of credit has been deposited with The Bank of New
York, trustee, covering each fund (aggregating $ and $ ) necessary for
the purchase of the securities in the Preferred Securities Trust and the
Preferred Plus Trust respectively, represented by purchase contracts.
(3) A portion of the Public Offering Price represents an amount sufficient to
pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing the trusts.
These costs have been estimated at $5.00 per 100 units for each trust. A
distribution will be made as of the close of the initial offering period or
six months after the initial date of deposit (at the discretion of the
sponsor) to an account maintained by the trustee from which this obligation
of the investors will be satisfied. To the extent that actual organization
costs are greater than the estimated amount, only the estimated
organization costs added to the public offering price will be deducted from
the assets of a trust.
(4) The total transactional sales fee consists of an initial sales fee and a
deferred sales fee. The initial sales fee is equal to the difference
between the maximum sales fee and the sum of the remaining deferred sales
fee and the C&D Fee. On the Inception Date, the total transactional sales
fee is 4.45% (equivalent to % of the net amount invested). The deferred
sales fee is equal to $0.345 per unit.
(5) The aggregate cost to investors includes the applicable transactional sales
fee assuming no reduction of transactional sales fees for quantity
purchases.
(6) Each trust is committed to pay a creation and development fee of $5.00 per
100 units at the close of the initial public offering period.

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<Page>

CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS
PROSPECTUS PART B DATED MARCH , 2004

THE PROSPECTUS FOR A CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIO (A "TRUST") IS
DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS. PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS RELATES EXCLUSIVELY TO A
PARTICULAR TRUST OR TRUSTS AND PROVIDES SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING EACH
TRUST'S PORTFOLIO, STRATEGIES, INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, EXPENSES, FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS, INCOME AND CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS, HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION, RISK FACTORS AND OPTIONAL FEATURES. PART B OF THE PROSPECTUS
PROVIDES MORE GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED
PORTFOLIOS. YOU SHOULD READ BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN THEM FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS, THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PART B WILL APPLY TO EACH TRUST.

CONTENTS

<Table>

General Information 2
Investment Policies 2
Risk Factors 3
Administration of the Trust 10
Expenses of the Trust 15
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage Allocation 16
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Units 16
Taxes 20
Experts 23
Performance Information 23
Description of Ratings 23
</Table>

<Page>

GENERAL INFORMATION

Each trust is one of a series of separate unit investment trusts created
under the name Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios and registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933. Each trust was
created as a common law trust on the inception date described in the prospectus
under the laws of the state of New York. Each trust was created under a trust
agreement among Claymore Securities, Inc. (as sponsor, evaluator and supervisor)
and The Bank of New York (as trustee).

When your trust was created, the sponsor delivered to the trustee
securities or contracts for the purchase thereof for deposit in the trust and
the trustee delivered to the sponsor documentation evidencing the ownership of
units of the trust. After your trust is created, the sponsor may deposit
additional securities in the trust, contracts to purchase additional securities
along with cash (or a bank letter of credit in lieu of cash) to pay for such
contracted securities or cash (including a letter of credit) with instructions
to purchase additional securities. Such additional deposits will be in amounts
which will seek to maintain, for the first 90 days, as closely as possible the
same original percentage relationship among the number of shares of each
security in the trust established by the initial deposit of securities and,
thereafter, the same percentage relationship that existed on such 90th day. If
the sponsor deposits cash, existing and new investors may experience a dilution
of their investments and a reduction in their anticipated income because of
fluctuations in the prices of the securities between the time of the cash
deposit and the purchase of the securities and because the trust will pay the
associated brokerage fees.

A trust consists of (a) the securities listed under "Trust Portfolio" in
the prospectus as may continue to be held from time to time in the trust, (b)
any additional securities acquired and held by the trust pursuant to the
provisions of the trust agreement and (c) any cash held in the accounts of the
trust. Neither the sponsor nor the trustee shall be liable in any way for any
failure in any of the securities. However, should any contract for the purchase
of any of the securities initially deposited in a trust fail, the sponsor will,
unless substantially all of the moneys held in the trust to cover such purchase
are reinvested in substitute securities in accordance with the trust agreement,
refund the cash and sales charge attributable to such failed contract to all
unitholders on the next distribution date.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

The trust is a unit investment trust and is not an "actively managed" fund.
Traditional methods of investment management for a managed fund typically
involve frequent changes in a portfolio of securities on the basis of economic,
financial and market analysis. The portfolio of a trust, however, will not be
actively managed and therefore the adverse financial condition of an issuer will
not necessarily require the sale of its securities from a portfolio.

The trust agreement provides that the sponsor may (but need not) direct the
trustee to dispose of a security in certain events such as the issuer having
defaulted on the payment on any of its outstanding obligations or the price of a
security has declined to such an extent or other such credit factors exist so
that in the opinion of the sponsor the retention of such securities would be
detrimental to the trust. If a public tender offer has been made for a security
or a merger or acquisition has been announced affecting a security, the trustee
may either sell the security or accept a tender offer for cash if the supervisor
determines that the sale or tender is in the best interest of unitholders. The
trustee will distribute any cash proceeds to unitholders. Pursuant to the trust
agreement and with limited exceptions, the trustee may sell any securities or
other properties acquired in exchange for securities such as those acquired in
connection with a merger or other transaction. If offered such new or exchanged
securities or property other than cash, the trustee shall reject the offer.
However, in the event such securities or property are nonetheless acquired by
the trust, they may be accepted for deposit in a trust and either sold by the
trustee or held in a trust pursuant to the direction of the sponsor. Proceeds
from the sale of securities (or any securities or other property received by the
trust in exchange for securities) are credited to the Capital Account for
distribution to unitholders or to meet redemptions.

Except as stated in the trust agreement, or in the prospectus, the
acquisition by the trust of any securities other than the portfolio securities
is prohibited. The trustee may sell securities, designated by the sponsor, from
the trust for
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the purpose of redeeming units of a trust tendered for redemption and the
payment of expenses and for such other purposes as permitted under the trust
agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the trustee is authorized to reinvest any
funds held in the Capital or Income Accounts, pending distribution, in U.S.
Treasury obligations which mature on or before the next applicable distribution
date. Any obligations so acquired must be held until they mature and proceeds
therefrom may not be reinvested.

Proceeds from the sale of securities (or any securities or other property
received by a trust in exchange for securities) are credited to the Capital
Account of a trust for distribution to unitholders or to meet redemptions.
Except for failed securities and as provided in the prospectus or in the trust
agreement, the acquisition by a trust of any securities other than the portfolio
securities is prohibited. The trustee may sell securities from a trust for
limited purposes, including redeeming units tendered for redemption and the
payment of expenses.

RISK FACTORS

STOCKS. An investment in units of a trust should be made with an
understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in equity securities,
including the risk that the financial condition of issuers of the securities may
become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may worsen
(both of which may contribute directly to a decrease in the value of the
securities and thus, in the value of the units) or the risk that holders of
common stock have a right to receive payments from the issuers of those stocks
that is generally inferior to that of creditors of, or holders of debt
obligations issued by, the issuers and that the rights of holders of common
stock generally rank inferior to the rights of holders of preferred stock.
Common stocks are especially susceptible to general stock market movements and
to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and
perceptions of the issuers change. These perceptions are based on unpredictable
factors including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and
fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or
contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.

Holders of common stock incur more risk than the holders of preferred
stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the
entity, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in
comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or
preferred stock issued by the issuer. Holders of common stock of the type held
by a trust have a right to receive dividends only when and if, and in the
amounts, declared by the issuer's board of directors and to participate in
amounts available for distribution by the issuer only after all other claims on
the issuer have been paid or provided for. By contrast, holders of preferred
stock have the right to receive dividends at a fixed rate when and as declared
by the issuer's board of directors, normally on a cumulative basis, but do not
participate in other amounts available for distribution by the issuing
corporation. Cumulative preferred stock dividends must be paid before common
stock dividends and any cumulative preferred stock dividend omitted is added to
future dividends payable to the holders of cumulative preferred stock. Preferred
stocks are also entitled to rights on liquidation which are senior to those of
common stocks. Moreover, common stocks do not represent an obligation of the
issuer and therefore do not offer any assurance of income or provide the degree
of protection of capital debt securities. Indeed, the issuance of debt
securities or even preferred stock will create prior claims for payment of
principal, interest, liquidation preferences and dividends which could adversely
affect the ability and inclination of the issuer to declare or pay dividends on
its common stock or the rights of holders of common stock with respect to assets
of the issuer upon liquidation or bankruptcy. Further, unlike debt securities
which typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value,
however, will be subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), common stocks
have neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity and have values which are
subject to market fluctuations for as long as the stocks remain outstanding. The
value of the securities in a portfolio thus may be expected to fluctuate over
the entire life of a trust to values higher or lower than those prevailing at
the time of purchase.

The sponsor's buying and selling of the securities, especially during the
initial offering of units of the trust or to satisfy redemptions of units may
impact upon the value of the underlying securities and the units. The
publication of the list of the securities selected for the trust may also cause
increased buying activity in certain of the stocks comprising

3
<Page>

the portfolio. After such announcement, investment advisory and brokerage
clients of the sponsor and its affiliates may purchase individual securities
appearing on the list during the course of the initial offering period or may
purchase warrants issued by the sponsor or its affiliates which are based on the
performance of the securities on the list. The sponsor or its affiliates may
also purchase securities as a hedge against its risk on the warrants (although
generally the sponsor and its affiliates will not purchase securities for their
own account until after the trust portfolio has been acquired). Such buying
activity in the stock of these companies or issuance of the warrants prior to
the purchase of the securities by the trust may cause the trust to purchase
stocks at a higher price than those buyers who effect purchases by the trust.

FIXED PORTFOLIO. Investors should be aware that the trust is not "managed"
and as a result, the adverse financial condition of a company will not result in
the elimination of its securities from the portfolio of the trust except under
extraordinary circumstances. Investors should note in particular that the
securities were selected on the basis of the criteria set forth in the
prospectus and that the trust may continue to purchase or hold securities
originally selected through this process even though the evaluation of the
attractiveness of the securities may have changed. A number of the securities in
the trust may also be owned by other clients of the sponsor. However, because
these clients may have differing investment objectives, the sponsor may sell
certain securities from those accounts in instances where a sale by the trust
would be impermissible, such as to maximize return by taking advantage of market
fluctuations. In the event a public tender offer is made for a security or a
merger or acquisition is announced affecting a security, the sponsor may
instruct the trustee to tender or sell the security on the open market when, in
its opinion, it is in the best interest of the unitholders of the unit to do so.
Although the portfolio is regularly reviewed and evaluated and the sponsor may
instruct the trustee to sell securities under certain limited circumstances,
securities will not be sold by the trust to take advantage of market
fluctuations or changes in anticipated rates of appreciation. As a result, the
amount realized upon the sale of the securities may not be the highest price
attained by an individual security during the life of the trust. The prices of
single shares of each of the securities in the trust vary widely, and the effect
of a dollar of fluctuation, either higher or lower, in stock prices will be much
greater as a percentage of the lower-price stocks' purchase price than as a
percentage of the higher-price stocks' purchase price.

LIQUIDITY. Whether or not the securities are listed on a national
securities exchange, the principal trading market for the securities may be in
the over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading
market for the securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in
the securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made for any of
the securities, that any market for the securities will be maintained or of the
liquidity of the securities in any markets made. In addition, a trust is
restricted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 from selling securities to
the sponsor. The price at which the securities may be sold to meet redemptions
and the value of a trust will be adversely affected if trading markets for the
securities are limited or absent.

ADDITIONAL DEPOSITS. The trust agreement authorizes the sponsor to increase
the size of a trust and the number of units thereof by the deposit of additional
securities, or cash (including a letter of credit) with instructions to purchase
additional securities, in such trust and the issuance of a corresponding number
of additional units. If the sponsor deposits cash, existing and new investors
may experience a dilution of their investments and a reduction in their
anticipated income because of fluctuations in the prices of the securities
between the time of the cash deposit and the purchase of the securities and
because a trust will pay the associated brokerage fees. To minimize this effect,
the trusts will attempt to purchase the securities as close to the evaluation
time or as close to the evaluation prices as possible.

Some of the securities may have limited trading volume. The trustee, with
directions from the sponsor, will endeavor to purchase securities with deposited
cash as soon as practicable reserving the right to purchase those securities
over the 20 business days following each deposit in an effort to reduce the
effect of these purchases on the market price of those stocks. This could,
however, result in the trusts' failure to participate in any appreciation of
those stocks before the cash is invested. If any cash remains at the end of this
period (and such date is within the 90-day period following the inception date)
and cannot be invested in one or more stocks, at what the sponsor considers
reasonable prices, it intends to use that cash to purchase each of the other
securities in the original proportionate relationship among those securities.
Similarly, at termination of the trust, the sponsor reserves the right to sell
securities over a period of up to

4
<Page>

20 business days to lessen the impact of its sales on the market price of the
securities. The proceeds received by unitholders following termination of the
trust will reflect the actual sales proceeds received on the securities, which
will likely differ from the closing sale price on the termination date.

LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION. At any time litigation may be initiated on a
variety of grounds, or legislation may be enacted with respect to the securities
in a trust or the issuers of the securities. There can be no assurance that
future litigation or legislation will not have a material adverse effect on the
trust or will not impair the ability of issuers to achieve their business goals.

TOBACCO INDUSTRY. Certain of the issuers of securities in the trust may be
involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of tobacco products. Pending
litigation proceedings against such issuers in the United States and abroad
cover a wide range of matters including product liability and consumer
protection. Damages claimed in such litigation alleging personal injury (both
individual and class actions), and in health cost recovery cases brought by
governments, labor unions and similar entities seeking reimbursement for health
care expenditures, aggregate many billions of dollars.

In November 1998, certain companies in the U.S. tobacco industry entered
into a negotiated settlement with several states which would result in the
resolution of significant litigation and regulatory issues affecting the tobacco
industry generally. The proposed settlement, while extremely costly to the
tobacco industry, would significantly reduce uncertainties facing the industry
and increase stability in business and capital markets. Future litigation and/or
legislation could adversely affect the value, operating revenues and financial
position of tobacco companies. The sponsor is unable to predict the outcome of
litigation pending against tobacco companies or how the current uncertainty
concerning regulatory and legislative measures will ultimately be resolved.
These and other possible developments may have a significant impact upon both
the price of such securities and the value of units of a trust containing such
securities.

FINANCIAL SERVICES RISKS. Certain of the issuers of securities in a trust
may be involved in the financial services industry. An investment in units of a
trust containing securities of such issuers should be made with an understanding
of the problems and risks inherent in the financial services industry in
general.

Banks, thrifts and their holding companies are especially subject to the
adverse effects of economic recession, volatile interest rates, portfolio
concentrations in geographic markets and in commercial and residential real
estate loans, and competition from new entrants in their fields of business.
Banks and thrifts are highly dependent on net interest margin. Recently, bank
profits have come under pressure as net interest margins have contracted, but
volume gains have been strong in both commercial and consumer products. There is
no certainty that such conditions will continue. Bank and thrift institutions
had received significant consumer mortgage fee income as a result of activity in
mortgage and refinance markets. As initial home purchasing and refinancing
activity subsided, this income diminished. Economic conditions in the real
estate markets, which have been weak in the past, can have a substantial effect
upon banks and thrifts and their holding companies are subject to extensive
federal regulation and, when such institutions are state-chartered, to state
regulation as well. Such regulations impose strict capital requirements and
limitations on the nature and extent of business activities that banks and
thrifts may pursue. Furthermore, bank regulators have a wide range of discretion
in connection with their supervisory and enforcement authority and may
substantially restrict the permissible activities of a particular institution if
deemed to pose significant risks to the soundness of such institution or the
safety of the federal deposit insurance fund. Regulatory actions, such as
increases in the minimum capital requirements applicable to banks and thrifts
and increases in deposit insurance premiums required to be paid by banks and
thrifts to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), can negatively
impact earnings and the ability of a company to pay dividends. Neither federal
insurance of deposits nor governmental regulations, however, insures the
solvency or profitability of banks or their holding companies, or insures
against any risk of investment in the securities issued by such institutions.

The statutory requirements applicable to and regulatory supervision of
banks, thrifts and their holding companies have undergone substantial change in
recent years. The recently enacted Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act repealed most of the
barriers set up by the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act which separated the banking,
insurance and securities industries. Now

5
<Page>

banks, insurance companies and securities firms can merge to form one-stop
financial conglomerates marketing a wide range of financial service products to
investors. This legislation will likely result in increased merger activity and
heightened competition among existing and new participants in the field.
Starting in mid-1997, banks have been allowed to turn existing banks into
branches. Consolidation is likely to continue. The Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Financial Accounting Standards Board require the expanded use
of market value accounting by banks and have imposed rules requiring market
accounting for investment securities held in trading accounts or available for
sale. Adoption of additional such rules may result in increased volatility in
the reported health of the industry, and mandated regulatory intervention to
correct such problems. Additional legislative and regulatory changes may be
forthcoming. In addition, from time to time the deposit insurance system is
reviewed by Congress and federal regulators, and proposed reforms of that system
could, among other things, further restrict the ways in which deposited moneys
can be used by banks or reduce the dollar amount or number of deposits insured
for any depositor. Such reforms could reduce profitability as investment
opportunities available to bank institutions become more limited and as
consumers look for savings vehicles other than bank deposits. Banks and thrifts
face significant competition from other financial institutions such as mutual
funds, credit unions, mortgage banking companies and insurance companies, and
increased competition may result from legislative broadening of regional and
national interstate banking powers as has been recently enacted. Among other
benefits, the legislation allows banks and bank holding companies to acquire
across previously prohibited state lines and to consolidate their various bank
subsidiaries into one unit. The sponsor makes no prediction as to what, if any,
manner of bank and thrift regulatory actions might ultimately be adopted or what
ultimate effect such actions might have on the trust's portfolio.

Companies involved in the insurance industry are engaged in underwriting,
reinsuring, selling, distributing or placing of property and casualty, life or
health insurance. Other growth areas within the insurance industry include
brokerage, reciprocals, claims processors and multi-line insurance companies.
Insurance company profits are affected by interest rate levels, general economic
conditions, and price and marketing competition. Property and casualty insurance
profits may also be affected by weather catastrophes and other disasters. Life
and health insurance profits may be affected by mortality and morbidity rates.
Individual companies may be exposed to material risks including reserve
inadequacy and the inability to collect from reinsurance carriers. Insurance
companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, including the
imposition of maximum rate levels, which may not be adequate for some lines of
business. Proposed or potential tax law changes may also adversely affect
insurance companies' policy sales, tax obligations, and profitability. In
addition to the foregoing, profit margins of these companies continue to shrink
due to the commoditization of traditional businesses, new competitors, capital
expenditures on new technology and the pressures to compete globally.

In addition to the normal risks of business, companies involved in the
insurance industry are subject to significant risk factors, including those
applicable to regulated insurance companies, such as: (i) the inherent
uncertainty in the process of establishing property-liability loss reserves,
particularly reserves for the cost of environmental, asbestos and mass tort
claims, and the fact that ultimate losses could materially exceed established
loss reserves which could have a material adverse effect on results of
operations and financial condition; (ii) the fact that insurance companies have
experienced, and can be expected in the future to experience, catastrophe losses
which could have a material adverse impact on their financial condition, results
of operations and cash flow; (iii) the inherent uncertainty in the process of
establishing property-liability loss reserves due to changes in loss payment
patterns caused by new claims settlement practices; (iv) the need for insurance
companies and their subsidiaries to maintain appropriate levels of statutory
capital and surplus, particularly in light of continuing scrutiny by rating
organizations and state insurance regulatory authorities, and in order to
maintain acceptable financial strength or claims-paying ability rating; (v) the
extensive regulation and supervision to which insurance companies' subsidiaries
are subject, various regulatory initiatives that may affect insurance companies,
and regulatory and other legal actions; (vi) the adverse impact that increases
in interest rates could have on the value of an insurance company's investment
portfolio and on the attractiveness of certain of its products; (vii) the need
to adjust the effective duration of the assets and liabilities of life insurance
operations in order to meet the anticipated cash flow requirements of its
policyholder obligations; and (vii) the uncertainty involved in estimating the
availability of reinsurance and the collectibility of reinsurance recoverables.

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<Page>

The state insurance regulatory framework has, during recent years, come
under increased federal scrutiny, and certain state legislatures have considered
or enacted laws that alter and, in many cases, increase state authority to
regulate insurance companies and insurance holding company systems. Further, the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") and state insurance
regulators are re-examining existing laws and regulations, specifically focusing
on insurance companies, interpretations of existing laws and the development of
new laws. In addition, Congress and certain federal agencies have investigated
the condition of the insurance industry in the United States to determine
whether to promulgate additional federal regulations. The sponsor is unable to
predict whether any state or federal legislation will be enacted to change the
nature or scope of regulation of the insurance industry, or what effect, if any,
such legislation would have on the industry.

All insurance companies are subject to state laws and regulations that
require diversification of their investment portfolios and limit the amount of
investments in certain investment categories. Failure to comply with these laws
and regulations could cause non-conforming investments to be treated as
non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus and, in some
instances, would require divestiture.

Environmental pollution clean-up is the subject of both federal and state
regulation. By some estimates, there are thousands of potential waste sites
subject to clean up. The insurance industry is involved in extensive litigation
regarding coverage issues. The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability Act of 1980 ("SUPERFUND") and comparable state statutes
("MINI-SUPERFUND") govern the clean-up and restoration by "Potentially
Responsible Parties" ("PRP'S"). Superfund and the mini-Superfunds
("ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN-UP LAWS" or "ECLS") establish a mechanism to pay for
clean-up of waste sites if PRPs fail to do so, and to assign liability to PRPs.
The extent of liability to be allocated to a PRP is dependent on a variety of
factors. The extent of clean-up necessary and the assignment of liability has
not been established. The insurance industry is disputing many such claims. Key
coverage issues include whether Superfund response costs are considered damages
under the policies, when and how coverage is triggered, applicability of
pollution exclusions, the potential for joint and several liability and
definition of an occurrence. Similar coverage issues exist for clean up and
waste sites not covered under Superfund. To date, courts have been inconsistent
in their rulings on these issues. An insurer's exposure to liability with regard
to its insureds which have been, or may be, named as PRPs is uncertain.
Superfund reform proposals have been introduced in Congress, but none have been
enacted. There can be no assurance that any Superfund reform legislation will be
enacted or that any such legislation will provide for a fair, effective and
cost-efficient system for settlement of Superfund related claims.

While current federal income tax law permits the tax-deferred accumulation
of earnings on the premiums paid by an annuity owner and holders of certain
savings-oriented life insurance products, no assurance can be given that future
tax law will continue to allow such tax deferrals. If such deferrals were not
allowed, consumer demand for the affected products would be substantially
reduced. In addition, proposals to lower the federal income tax rates through a
form of flat tax or otherwise could have, if enacted, a negative impact on the
demand for such products.

Companies engaged in investment banking/brokerage and investment management
include brokerage firms, broker/dealers, investment banks, finance companies and
mutual fund companies. Earnings and share prices of companies in this industry
are quite volatile, and often exceed the volatility levels of the market as a
whole. Recently, ongoing consolidation in the industry and the strong stock
market has benefited securities which investors believe will benefit from
greater investor and issuer activity. Major determinants of future earnings of
these companies are the direction of the stock market, investor confidence,
equity transaction volume, the level and direction of long-term and short-term
interest rates, and the outlook for emerging markets. Negative trends in any of
these earnings determinants could have a serious adverse effect on the financial
stability, as well as on the stock prices, of these companies. Furthermore,
there can be no assurance that the issuers of the equity securities included in
the trust will be able to respond in a timely manner to compete in the rapidly
developing marketplace. In addition to the foregoing, profit margins of these
companies continue to shrink due to the commoditization of traditional
businesses, new competitors, capital expenditures on new technology and the
pressures to compete globally.

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FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK. Certain of the securities in one or more of the
trusts may be of foreign issuers, and therefore, an investment in such a trust
involves some investment risks that are different in some respects from an
investment in a trust that invests entirely in securities of domestic issuers.
Those investment risks include future political and governmental restrictions
which might adversely affect the payment or receipt of payment of dividends on
the relevant securities, currency exchange rate fluctuations, exchange control
policies, and the limited liquidity and small market capitalization of such
foreign countries' securities markets. In addition, for foreign issuers that are
not subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, there may be less publicly available information than is available from a
domestic issuer. Also, foreign issuers are not necessarily subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic issuers. However, due to
the nature of the issuers of the securities included in the trust, the sponsor
believes that adequate information will be available to allow the sponsor to
provide portfolio surveillance.

Certain of the securities in one or more of the Trusts may be in ADR or GDR
form. ADRs, American Depositary Receipts and GDRs, Global Depositary Receipts,
represent common stock deposited with a custodian in a depositary. American
Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts (collectively, the
"Depositary Receipts") are issued by a bank or trust company to evidence
ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. These
instruments may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities into which they may be converted. For purposes of the discussion
herein, the terms ADR and GDR generally include American Depositary Shares and
Global Depositary Shares, respectively.

Depositary Receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. In an unsponsored
facility, the depositary initiates and arranges the facility at the request of
market makers and acts as agent for the Depositary Receipts holder, while the
company itself is not involved in the transaction. In a sponsored facility, the
issuing company initiates the facility and agrees to pay certain administrative
and shareholder-related expenses. Sponsored facilities use a single depositary
and entail a contractual relationship between the issuer, the shareholder and
the depositary; unsponsored facilities involve several depositaries with no
contractual relationship to the company. The depositary bank that issues
Depositary Receipts generally charges a fee, based on the price of the
Depositary Receipts, upon issuance and cancellation of the Depositary Receipts.
This fee would be in addition to the brokerage commissions paid upon the
acquisition or surrender of the security. In addition, the depositary bank
incurs expenses in connection with the conversion of dividends or other cash
distributions paid in local currency into U.S. dollars and such expenses are
deducted from the amount of the dividend or distribution paid to holders,
resulting in a lower payout per underlying shares represented by the Depositary
Receipts than would be the case if the underlying share were held directly.
Certain tax considerations, including tax rate differentials and withholding
requirements, arising from the application of the tax laws of one nation to
nationals of another and from certain practices in the Depositary Receipts
market may also exist with respect to certain Depositary Receipts. In varying
degrees, any or all of these factors may affect the value of the Depositary
Receipts compared with the value of the underlying shares in the local market.
In addition, the rights of holders of Depositary Receipts may be different than
those of holders of the underlying shares, and the market for Depositary
Receipts may be less liquid than that for the underlying shares. Depositary
Receipts are registered securities pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and
may be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.

For the securities that are Depositary Receipts, currency fluctuations will
affect the United States dollar equivalent of the local currency price of the
underlying domestic share and, as a result, are likely to affect the value of
the Depositary Receipts and consequently the value of the securities. The
foreign issuers of securities that are Depositary Receipts may pay dividends in
foreign currencies which must be converted into dollars. Most foreign currencies
have fluctuated widely in value against the United States dollar for many
reasons, including supply and demand of the respective currency, the soundness
of the world economy and the strength of the respective economy as compared to
the economies of the United States and other countries. Therefore, for any
securities of issuers (whether or not they are in Depositary Receipt form) whose
earnings are stated in foreign currencies, or which pay dividends in foreign
currencies or which are traded in foreign currencies, there is a risk that their
United States dollar value will vary with fluctuations in the United States
dollar foreign exchange rates for the relevant currencies.

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On January 1, 1999, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain (eleven of the fifteen
member countries of the European Union ("EU")) established fixed conversion
rates between their existing sovereign currencies and the euro. On such date the
euro became the official currency of these eleven countries. As of January 1,
1999, the participating countries no longer control their own monetary policies
by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. Instead, the
authority to direct monetary policy, including money supply and official
interest rates for the euro, is exercised by the new European Central Bank. The
conversion of the national currencies of the participating countries to the euro
could negatively impact the market rate of the exchange between such currencies
(or the newly created euro) and the U.S. dollar. In addition, European
corporations, and other entities with significant markets or operations in
Europe (whether or not in the participating countries), face strategic
challenges as these entities adapt to a single transnational currency. The euro
conversion may have a material impact on revenues, expenses or income from
operations; increase competition due to the increased price transparency of EU
markets; effect issuers' currency exchange rate risk and derivatives exposure;
disrupt current contracts; cause issuers to increase spending on information
technology updates required for the conversion; and result in potential adverse
tax consequences. The sponsor is unable to predict what impact, if any, the euro
conversion will have on any of the issuers of securities contained in a trust.

PREFERRED STOCK RISKS. Certain securities in a trust may be preferred
stock. If this is the case, an investment in units should be made with an
understanding of the risks which an investment in preferred stocks entails,
including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the securities
or the general condition of the preferred stock market may worsen, and the value
of the preferred stocks and therefore the value of the units may decline.
Preferred stocks may be susceptible to general stock market movements and to
volatile increases and decreases of value as market confidence in and
perceptions of the issuers change. These perceptions are based on unpredictable
factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and
fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or
contraction, market liquidity, and global or regional political, economic or
banking crises. Preferred stocks are also vulnerable to congressional reductions
in the dividends-received deduction which would adversely affect the after-tax
return to the investors who can take advantage of the deduction. Such a
reduction might adversely affect the value of preferred stocks in general.
Holders of preferred stocks, as owners of the entity, have rights to receive
payments from the issuers of those preferred stocks that are generally
subordinate to those of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or, in some
cases, other senior preferred stocks of, such issuers. Preferred stocks do not
represent an obligation of the issuer and, therefore, do not offer any assurance
of income or provide the same degree of protection of capital as do debt
securities. The issuance of additional debt securities or senior preferred
stocks will create prior claims for payment of principal and interest and senior
dividends which could adversely affect the ability and inclination of the issuer
to declare or pay dividends on its preferred stock or the rights of holders of
preferred stock with respect to assets of the issuer upon liquidation or
bankruptcy. The value of preferred stocks is subject to market fluctuations for
as long as the preferred stocks remain outstanding, and thus the value of the
securities may be expected to fluctuate over the life of the trust to values
higher or lower than those prevailing on the initial date of deposit.

TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES RISKS. Holders of trust preferred securities
incur risks in addition to or slightly different than the typical risks of
holding preferred stocks. Trust preferred securities are limited-life preferred
securities that are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of
interest-bearing notes or preferred securities issued by corporations, or by an
affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial
interests in subordinated debentures issued by the corporation, or similarly
structured securities. The maturity and dividend rate of the trust preferred
securities are structured to match the maturity and coupon interest rate of the
interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures. Trust
preferred securities usually mature on the stated maturity date of the
interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures and may
be redeemed or liquidated prior to the stated maturity date of such instruments
for any reason on or after their stated call date or upon the occurrence of
certain circumstances at any time. Trust preferred securities generally have a
yield advantage over traditional preferred stocks, but unlike preferred stocks,
distributions on the trust preferred securities are generally treated as
interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes. Unlike most
preferred stocks, distributions received from trust preferred securities are
generally not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Certain of the
risks unique to trust preferred securities include: (i) distributions on trust
preferred securities will be made only if interest payments

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on the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures
are made; (ii) a corporation issuing the interest-bearing notes, preferred
securities or subordinated debentures may defer interest payments on these
instruments for up to 20 consecutive quarters and if such election is made,
distributions will not be made on the trust preferred securities during the
deferral period; (iii) certain tax or regulatory events may trigger the
redemption of the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated
debentures by the issuing corporation and result in prepayment of the trust
preferred securities prior to their stated maturity date; (iv) future
legislation may be proposed or enacted that may prohibit the corporation from
deducting its interest payments on the interest-bearing notes, preferred
securities or subordinated debentures for tax purposes, making redemption of
these instruments likely; (v) a corporation may redeem the interest-bearing
notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures in whole at any time or
in part from time to time on or after a stated call date; (vi) trust preferred
securities holders have very limited voting rights; and (vii) payment of
interest on the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated
debentures, and therefore distributions on the trust preferred securities, is
dependent on the financial condition of the issuing corporation.

MARKET DISCOUNTS OR PREMIUMS. Certain of the securities may have been
deposited at a market discount or premium principally because their dividend
rates are lower or higher than prevailing rates on comparable securities. The
current returns of market discount securities are lower than comparably rated
securities selling at par because discount securities tend to increase in market
value as they approach maturity. The current returns of market premium
securities are higher than comparably rated securities selling at par because
premium securities tend to decrease in market value as they approach maturity.
Because part of the purchase price is returned through current income payments
and not at maturity, an early redemption at par of a premium security will
result in a reduction in yield to the trust. Market premium of discount
attributable to dividend rate changes does not indicate market confidence or
lack of confidence in the issue.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST

DISTRIBUTIONS TO UNITHOLDERS. Income received by a trust is credited by the
trustee to the Income Account of the trust. Other receipts are credited to the
Capital Account of a trust. Income received by a trust will be distributed on or
shortly after the distribution dates each year shown in the prospectus on a pro
rata basis to unitholders of record as of the preceding record date shown in the
prospectus. All distributions will be net of applicable expenses. There is no
assurance that any actual distributions will be made since all dividends
received may be used to pay expenses. In addition, excess amounts from the
Capital Account of a trust, if any, will be distributed at least annually to the
unitholders then of record. Proceeds received from the disposition of any of the
securities after a record date and prior to the following distribution date will
be held in the Capital Account and not distributed until the next distribution
date applicable to the Capital Account. The trustee shall be required to make a
distribution from the Capital Account if the cash balance on deposit therein
available for distribution shall be sufficient to distribute at least $1.00 per
100 units. The trustee is not required to pay interest on funds held in the
Capital or Income Accounts (but may itself earn interest thereon and therefore
benefits from the use of such funds). The trustee is authorized to reinvest any
funds held in the Capital or Income Accounts, pending distribution, in U.S.
Treasury obligations which mature on or before the next applicable distribution
date. Any obligations so acquired must be held until they mature and proceeds
therefrom may not be reinvested.

The distribution to the unitholders as of each record date will be made on
the following distribution date or shortly thereafter and shall consist of an
amount substantially equal to such portion of the unitholders' pro rata share of
the dividend distributions then held in the Income Account after deducting
estimated expenses. Because dividends are not received by a trust at a constant
rate throughout the year, such distributions to unitholders are expected to
fluctuate. Persons who purchase units will commence receiving distributions only
after such person becomes a record owner. A person will become the owner of
units, and thereby a unitholder of record, on the date of settlement provided
payment has been received. Notification to the trustee of the transfer of units
is the responsibility of the purchaser, but in the normal course of business
such notice is provided by the selling broker-dealer.

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The trustee will periodically deduct from the Income Account of a trust
and, to the extent funds are not sufficient therein, from the Capital Account of
a trust amounts necessary to pay the expenses of a trust. The trustee also may
withdraw from said accounts such amounts, if any, as it deems necessary to
establish a reserve for any governmental charges payable out of a trust. Amounts
so withdrawn shall not be considered a part of a trust's assets until such time
as the trustee shall return all or any part of such amounts to the appropriate
accounts. In addition, the trustee may withdraw from the Income and Capital
Accounts of a trust such amounts as may be necessary to cover redemptions of
units.

DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT. Unitholders may elect to have distributions of
capital (including capital gains, if any) or dividends or both automatically
invested into additional units of their trust without a sales fee.

Your trust will pay any deferred sales fee per unit regardless of any sales
fee discounts. However, if you elect to have distributions on your units
reinvested into additional units of your trust, you will be credited the amount
of any remaining deferred sales charge on such additional units at the time of
reinvestment.

Unitholders who are receiving distributions in cash may elect to
participate in distribution reinvestment by filing with the Program Agent an
election to have such distributions reinvested without charge. Such election
must be received by the Program Agent at least ten days prior to the record date
applicable to any distribution in order to be in effect for such record date.
Any such election shall remain in effect until a subsequent notice is received
by the Program Agent.

The Program Agent is The Bank of New York. All inquiries concerning
participating in distribution reinvestment should be directed to The Bank of New
York at its Unit Investment Trust Division office.

STATEMENTS TO UNITHOLDERS. With each distribution, the trustee will furnish
to each unitholder a statement of the amount of income and the amount of other
receipts, if any, which are being distributed, expressed in each case as a
dollar amount per unit.

The accounts of a trust will not be audited annually unless the sponsor
determines that such an audit would be in the best interest of the unitholders
of the trust. If an audit is conducted, it will be done at the related trust's
expense, by independent public accountants designated by the sponsor. The
accountants' report will be furnished by the trustee to any unitholder upon
written request. Within a reasonable period of time after the end of each
calendar year, the trustee shall furnish to each person who at any time during
the calendar year was a unitholder of a trust a statement, covering the calendar
year, generally setting forth for the trust:

(A) As to the Income Account:

(1) Income received;

(2) Deductions for applicable taxes and for fees and expenses of the
trust and for redemptions of units, if any; and

(3) The balance remaining after such distributions and deductions,
expressed in each case both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar
amount representing the pro rata share of each unit outstanding on
the last business day of such calendar year; and

(B) As to the Capital Account:

(1) The dates of disposition of any securities and the net proceeds
received therefrom;

(2) Deductions for payment of applicable taxes and fees and expenses of
the trust held for distribution to unitholders of record as of a
date prior to the determination; and

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(3) The balance remaining after such distributions and deductions
expressed both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar amount
representing the pro rata share of each unit outstanding on the last
business day of such calendar year; and

(1) A list of the securities as of the last business day of such
calendar year;

(2) The number of units outstanding on the last business day of such
calendar year;

(3) The redemption price based on the last evaluation made during such
calendar year;

(4) The amount actually distributed during such calendar year from the
Income and Capital Accounts separately stated, expressed both as
total dollar amounts and as dollar amounts per unit outstanding on
the record dates for each such distribution.

RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS. A unitholder may at any time tender units to the
trustee for redemption. The death or incapacity of any unitholder will not
operate to terminate a trust nor entitle legal representatives or heirs to claim
an accounting or to bring any action or proceeding in any court for partition or
winding up of a trust. No unitholder shall have the right to control the
operation and management of a trust in any manner, except to vote with respect
to the amendment of the trust agreement or termination of a trust.

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The trust agreement may be amended by the
trustee and the sponsor without the consent of any of the unitholders: (1) to
cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision which may be
defective or inconsistent; (2) to change any provision thereof as may be
required by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor governmental
agency; or (3) to make such provisions as shall not adversely affect the
interests of the unitholders. The trust agreement with respect to any trust may
also be amended in any respect by the sponsor and the trustee, or any of the
provisions thereof may be waived, with the consent of the holders of units
representing 66 2/3% of the units then outstanding of the trust, provided that
no such amendment or waiver will reduce the interest of any unitholder thereof
without the consent of such unitholder or reduce the percentage of units
required to consent to any such amendment or waiver without the consent of all
unitholders of the trust. In no event shall the trust agreement be amended to
increase the number of units of a trust issuable thereunder or to permit the
acquisition of any securities in addition to or in substitution for those
initially deposited in the trust, except in accordance with the provisions of
the trust agreement. The trustee shall promptly notify unitholders of the
substance of any such amendment.

The trust agreement provides that a trust shall terminate upon the
liquidation, redemption or other disposition of the last of the securities held
in the trust but in no event is it to continue beyond the mandatory termination
date set forth in Part A of the prospectus. If the value of a trust shall be
less than the applicable minimum value stated in the prospectus (generally 20%
of the total value of securities deposited in the trust during the initial
offering period), the trustee may, in its discretion, and shall, when so
directed by the sponsor, terminate the trust. A trust may be terminated at any
time by the holders of units representing 66 2/3% of the units thereof then
outstanding. In addition, the sponsor may terminate a trust if it is based on a
security index and the index is no longer maintained.

Beginning nine business days prior to, but no later than, the mandatory
termination date described in the prospectus, the trustee may begin to sell all
of the remaining underlying securities on behalf of unitholders in connection
with the termination of the trust. The sponsor may assist the trustee in these
sales and receive compensation to the extent permitted by applicable law. The
sale proceeds will be net of any incidental expenses involved in the sales.

The trustee will attempt to sell the securities as quickly as it can during
the termination proceedings without in its judgment materially adversely
affecting the market price of the securities, but it is expected that all of the
securities will in any event be disposed of within a reasonable time after a
trust's termination. The sponsor does not anticipate that

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the period will be longer than one month, and it could be as short as one day,
depending on the liquidity of the securities being sold. The liquidity of any
security depends on the daily trading volume of the security and the amount that
the sponsor has available for sale on any particular day. Of course, no
assurances can be given that the market value of the securities will not be
adversely affected during the termination proceedings.

Approximately thirty days prior to termination of certain trusts, the
trustee will notify unitholders of the termination and provide a form allowing
qualifying unitholders to elect an in-kind distribution (a "DISTRIBUTION IN
KIND"). A unitholder who owns the minimum number of units shown in Part A of the
prospectus may request a Distribution In Kind from the trustee instead of cash.
The trustee will make a Distribution In Kind through the distribution of each of
the securities of the trust in book entry form to the account of the
unitholder's bank or broker-dealer at Depository Trust Company. The unitholder
will be entitled to receive whole shares of each of the securities comprising
the portfolio of a trust and cash from the Capital Account equal to the
fractional shares to which the unitholder is entitled. The trustee may adjust
the number of shares of any security included in a unitholder's Distribution In
Kind to facilitate the distribution of whole shares. The sponsor may terminate
the Distribution In Kind option at any time upon notice to the unitholders.
Special federal income tax consequences will result if a unitholder requests a
Distribution In Kind.

Within a reasonable period after termination, the trustee will sell any
securities remaining in a trust and, after paying all expenses and charges
incurred by the trust, will distribute to unitholders thereof (upon surrender
for cancellation of certificates for units, if issued) their pro rata share of
the balances remaining in the Income and Capital Accounts of the trust.

The sponsor currently intends, but is not obligated, to offer for sale
units of a subsequent series of certain trusts at approximately one year after
the inception date of such trusts. If the sponsor does offer such units for
sale, unitholders may be given the opportunity to purchase such units at a
public offering price which includes a reduced sales fee. There is, however, no
assurance that units of any new series of a trust will be offered for sale at
that time, or if offered, that there will be sufficient units available for sale
to meet the requests of any or all unitholders.

THE TRUSTEE. The trustee is The Bank of New York, a trust company organized
under the laws of New York. The Bank of New York has its Unit Investment Trust
Division offices at 101 Barclay Street, 20th Fl., New York, New York 10286,
telephone 1-800-701-8178. The Bank of New York is subject to supervision and
examination by the Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York and the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and its deposits are insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to the extent permitted by law.

The trustee, whose duties are ministerial in nature, has not participated
in selecting the portfolio of any trust. In accordance with the trust agreement,
the trustee shall keep records of all transactions at its office. Such records
shall include the name and address of, and the number of units held by, every
unitholder of a trust. Such books and records shall be open to inspection by any
unitholder at all reasonable times during usual business hours. The trustee
shall make such annual or other reports as may from time to time be required
under any applicable state or federal statute, rule or regulation. The trustee
shall keep a certified copy or duplicate original of the trust agreement on file
in its office available for inspection at all reasonable times during usual
business hours by any unitholder, together with a current list of the securities
held in each trust. Pursuant to the trust agreement, the trustee may employ one
or more agents for the purpose of custody and safeguarding of securities
comprising a trust.

Under the trust agreement, the trustee or any successor trustee may resign
and be discharged of a trust created by the trust agreement by executing an
instrument in writing and filing the same with the sponsor. The trustee or
successor trustee must mail a copy of the notice of resignation to all
unitholders then of record, not less than sixty days before the date specified
in such notice when such resignation is to take effect. The sponsor upon
receiving notice of such resignation is obligated to appoint a successor trustee
promptly. If, upon such resignation, no successor trustee has been appointed and
has accepted the appointment within thirty days after notification, the retiring
trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor. The sponsor may at any time remove the trustee, with or without
cause, and appoint a successor trustee as provided in the trust agreement.
Notice of such

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removal and appointment shall be mailed to each unitholder by
the sponsor. Upon execution of a written acceptance of such appointment by such
successor trustee, all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of the
original trustee shall vest in the successor. The trustee must be a corporation
organized under the laws of the United States, or any state thereof, be
authorized under such laws to exercise trust powers and have at all times an
aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $5,000,000.

THE SPONSOR. Claymore Securities, Inc. specializes in the creation,
development and distribution of investment solutions for advisors and their
valued clients. Claymore Securities, Inc. was created as Ranson & Associates,
Inc., in 1995 and is the successor sponsor to unit investment trusts formerly
sponsored by EVEREN Unit Investment Trusts, a service of EVEREN Securities, Inc.
Claymore Securities, Inc. is also the sponsor and successor sponsor of Series of
Ranson Unit Investment Trusts and The Kansas Tax-Exempt Trust and Multi-State
Series of The Ranson Municipal Trust. On October 29, 2001, Ranson & Associates,
Inc. was acquired by Claymore Group LLC. The sale to Claymore Group LLC was
financed by a loan from The Bank of New York, the trustee. In November 2001, the
sponsor changed its name from Ranson & Associates, Inc. to Claymore Securities,
Inc. Claymore Securities, Inc. has been active in public and corporate finance
and has sold bonds and unit investment trusts and maintained secondary market
activities relating thereto. At present, Claymore Securities, Inc. which is a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., is the sponsor
to each of the above-named unit investment trusts. The sponsor's offices are
located at 210 North Hale Street, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, at 1952 McDowell
Road, Suite 340, Naperville, Illinois 60563 and at 620 West Germantown Pike,
Suite 440, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania 19462.

If at any time the sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under
the trust agreement or shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a
bankrupt or insolvent or shall have its affairs taken over by public
authorities, then the trustee may (a) appoint a successor sponsor at rates of
compensation deemed by the trustee to be reasonable and not exceeding such
reasonable amounts as may be prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or (b) terminate the trust agreement and liquidate any trust as
provided therein, or (c) continue to act as trustee without terminating the
trust agreement.

THE SUPERVISOR AND THE EVALUATOR. Claymore Securities, Inc., the sponsor,
also serves as evaluator and supervisor. The evaluator and supervisor may resign
or be removed by the trustee in which event the trustee is to use its best
efforts to appoint a satisfactory successor. Such resignation or removal shall
become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor evaluator. If
upon resignation of the evaluator no successor has accepted appointment within
thirty days after notice of resignation, the evaluator may apply to a court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor. Notice of such
registration or removal and appointment shall be mailed by the trustee to each
unitholder.

LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY. The sponsor is liable for the performance of its
obligations arising from its responsibilities under the trust agreement, but
will be under no liability to the unitholders for taking any action or
refraining from any action in good faith pursuant to the trust agreement or for
errors in judgment, except in cases of its own gross negligence, bad faith or
willful misconduct or its reckless disregard for its duties thereunder. The
sponsor shall not be liable or responsible in any way for depreciation or loss
incurred by reason of the sale of any securities.

The trust agreement provides that the trustee shall be under no liability
for any action taken in good faith in reliance upon prima facie properly
executed documents or for the disposition of moneys, securities or certificates
except by reason of its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct,
or its reckless disregard for its duties under the trust agreement, nor shall
the trustee be liable or responsible in any way for depreciation or loss
incurred by reason of the sale by the trustee of any securities. In the event
that the sponsor shall fail to act, the trustee may act and shall not be liable
for any such action taken by it in good faith. The trustee shall not be
personally liable for any taxes or other governmental charges imposed upon or in
respect of the securities or upon the interest thereof. In addition, the trust
agreement contains other customary provisions limiting the liability of the
trustee.

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The trustee and unitholders may rely on any evaluation furnished by the
evaluator and shall have no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. The trust
agreement provides that the determinations made by the evaluator shall be made
in good faith upon the basis of the best information available to it, provided,
however, that the evaluator shall be under no liability to the trustee or
unitholders for errors in judgment, but shall be liable for its gross
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct or its reckless disregard for its
obligations under the trust agreement.

EXPENSES OF THE TRUST

The sponsor does not charge a trust an annual advisory fee. The sponsor
will receive a portion of the sale commissions paid in connection with the
purchase of units and will share in profits, if any, related to the deposit of
securities in the trust. The sponsor and/or its affiliates do, also, receive an
annual fee as set forth in Part A of the prospectus for maintaining surveillance
over the portfolio and for performing certain administrative services for the
Trust (the "SPONSOR'S SUPERVISORY FEE"). In providing such supervisory services,
the sponsor may purchase research from a variety of sources, which may include
dealers of the trusts. If so provided in Part A of the prospectus, the sponsor
may also receive an annual fee for providing bookkeeping and administrative
services for a trust (the "BOOKKEEPING AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEE"). Such services
may include, but are not limited to, the preparation of various materials for
unitholders and providing account information to the unitholders. If so provided
in Part A of the prospectus, the evaluator may also receive an annual fee for
performing evaluation services for the trusts (the "EVALUATOR'S FEE"). In
addition, if so provided in Part A of the prospectus, a trust may be charged an
annual licensing fee to cover licenses for the use of service marks, trademarks,
trade names and intellectual property rights and/or for the use of databases and
research. The trust will bear all operating expenses. Estimated annual trust
operating expenses are as set forth in Part A of the prospectus; if actual
expenses are higher than the estimate, the excess will be borne by the trust.
The estimated expenses include listing fees but do not include the brokerage
commissions and other transactional fees payable by the trust in purchasing and
selling securities.

The trustee receives for its services that fee set forth in Part A of the
prospectus. The trustee's fee, which is calculated monthly, is based on the
largest number of units of a trust outstanding at any time during the primary
offering period. After the primary offering period, the fee shall accrue daily
and be based on the number of units outstanding on the first business day of
each calendar year in which the fee is calculated or the number of units
outstanding at the end of the primary offering period, as appropriate. The
Sponsor's Supervisory Fee, the Bookkeeping and Administrative Fee and the
Evaluator's Fee are calculated monthly and are based on the largest number of
units outstanding at any time during the period for which such compensation is
being computed. The trustee benefits to the extent there are funds for future
distributions, payment of expenses and redemptions in the Capital and Income
Accounts since these Accounts are non-interest bearing and the amounts earned by
the trustee are retained by the trustee. Part of the trustee's compensation for
its services to a trust is expected to result from the use of these funds. In
addition, the Sponsor's Supervisory Fee, Bookkeeping and Administrative Fee,
Evaluator's Fee and the Trustee's Fee may be adjusted in accordance with the
cumulative percentage increase of the United States Department of Labor's
Consumer Price Index entitled "All Services Less Rent" since the establishment
of the trust. In addition, with respect to any fees payable to the sponsor or an
affiliate of the sponsor for providing bookkeeping and other administrative
services, supervisory services and evaluation services, such individual fees may
exceed the actual costs of providing such services for a trust, but at no time
will the total amount received for such services, in the aggregate, rendered to
all unit investment trusts of which Claymore is the sponsor in any calendar year
exceed the actual cost to the sponsor or its affiliates of supplying such
services, in the aggregate, in such year.

The trust will also will pay a fee to the sponsor for creating and
developing the trust, including determining the trust objective, policies,
composition and size, selecting service providers and information services, and
for providing other similar administrative and ministerial functions. Your trust
pays this "creation and development fee" as a fixed dollar amount at the close
of the initial offering period. The sponsor does not use the fee to pay
distribution expenses or as compensation for sales efforts.

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The following additional charges are or may be incurred by the trust: (a)
fees for the trustee's extraordinary services; (b) expenses of the trustee
(including legal and auditing expenses, but not including any fees and expenses
charged by an agent for custody and safeguarding of securities) and of counsel,
if any; (c) various governmental charges; (d) expenses and costs of any action
taken by the trustee to protect the trust or the rights and interests of the
unitholders; (e) indemnification of the trustee for any loss, liability or
expense incurred by it in the administration of the trust not resulting from
gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part; (f)
indemnification of the sponsor for any loss, liability or expense incurred in
acting in that capacity without gross negligence, bad faith or willful
malfeasance or its reckless disregard for its obligations under the trust
agreement; (g) any offering costs incurred after the end of the initial offering
period; and (h) expenditures incurred in contacting unitholders upon termination
of the trust. The fees and expenses set forth herein are payable out of a trust
and, when owing to the trustee, are secured by a lien on the trust. Since the
income stream produced by dividend payments, if any, is unpredictable, the
sponsor cannot provide any assurance that dividends will be sufficient to meet
any or all expenses of a trust. If the balances in the Income and Capital
Accounts are insufficient to provide for amounts payable by the trust, the
trustee has the power to sell securities to pay such amounts. These sales may
result in capital gains or losses to unitholders. It is expected that the income
stream produced by dividend payments may be insufficient to meet the expenses of
a trust and, accordingly, it is expected that securities will be sold to pay all
of the fees and expenses of the trust.

The trust shall also bear the expenses associated with updating the trust's
registration statement and maintaining registration or qualification of the
units and/or a trust under federal or state securities laws subsequent to
initial registration. Such expenses shall include legal fees, accounting fees,
typesetting fees, electronic filing expenses and regulatory filing fees. The
expenses associated with updating registration statements have been historically
paid by a unit investment trust's sponsor.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION

When a trust sells securities, the composition and diversity of the
securities in the trust may be altered. In order to obtain the best price for a
trust, it may be necessary for the supervisor to specify minimum amounts (such
as 100 shares) in which blocks of securities are to be sold. In effecting
purchases and sales of a trust's portfolio securities, the sponsor may direct
that orders be placed with and brokerage commissions be paid to brokers,
including brokers which may be affiliated with the trust, the sponsor or dealers
participating in the offering of units. In addition, in selecting among firms to
handle a particular transaction, the sponsor may take into account whether the
firm has sold or is selling products which it sponsors.

PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF UNITS

PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE. Units of a trust are offered at the public offering
price (which is based on the aggregate underlying value of the securities in the
trust and includes the initial sales fee plus a pro rata share of any
accumulated amounts in the accounts of the trust). The initial sales fee is
equal to the difference between the maximum sales fee and the sum of the
remaining deferred sales fee and the creation and development fee ("C&D FEE").
The maximum sales fee is set forth in Part A of the prospectus. The deferred
sales fee and the C&DFee will be collected as described in this prospectus.
Units purchased subsequent to the initial deferred sales fee payment will be
subject to the initial sales fee, the remaining deferred sales fee payments and
the C&D Fee. Units sold or redeemed prior to such time as the entire applicable
deferred sales fee has been collected will be assessed the remaining deferred
sales fee at the time of such sale or redemption. During the initial offering
period, a portion of the public offering price includes an amount of securities
to pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing a trust
("ORGANIZATION COSTS"). These organization costs include the cost of preparing
the registration statement, the trust indenture and other closing documents,
registering units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the
initial audit of the trust portfolio, legal fees and the initial fees and
expenses of the trustee. These costs will be deducted from a trust as of the end
of the initial offering period or after six months, at the discretion of the
sponsor. As indicated above, the initial public offering price of the units was
established by dividing the aggregate underlying value of the securities by the
number

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of units outstanding. Such price determination as of the opening of business on
the date a trust was created was made on the basis of an evaluation of the
securities in the trust prepared by the evaluator. After the opening of business
on this date, the evaluator will appraise or cause to be appraised daily the
value of the underlying securities as of the close of the New York Stock
Exchange on days the New York Stock Exchange is open and will adjust the public
offering price of the units commensurate with such valuation. Such public
offering price will be effective for all orders properly received at or prior to
the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each such day. Orders
received by the trustee, sponsor or any dealer for purchases, sales or
redemptions after that time, or on a day when the New York Stock Exchange is
closed, will be held until the next determination of price.

The value of the securities is determined on each business day by the
evaluator based on the closing sale prices on a national securities exchange or
the Nasdaq National Market System or by taking into account the same factors
referred to under "Computation of Redemption Price."

PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION OF UNITS. During the initial offering period, units of
a trust will be distributed to the public at the public offering price thereof.
Upon the completion of the initial offering, units which remain unsold or which
may be acquired in the secondary market may be offered at the public offering
price determined in the manner provided above.

The sponsor intends to qualify units of a trust for sale in a number of
states. Units will be sold through dealers who are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and through others. Broker-dealers and
others will be allowed a concession or agency commission in connection with the
distribution of units during the initial offering period as set forth in the
prospectus.

Certain commercial banks may be making units of a trust available to their
customers on an agency basis. Furthermore, as a result of certain legislative
changes effective November 1999, banks are no longer prohibited from certain
affiliations with securities firms. This new legislation grants banks new
authority to conduct certain authorized activity, such as sales of Units,
through financial subsidiaries. A portion of the sales charge discussed above is
retained by or remitted to the banks or their financial subsidiaries for these
agency and brokerage transactions. The sponsor reserves the right to change the
concessions or agency commissions set forth in the prospectus from time to time.
In addition to such concessions or agency commissions, the sponsor may, from
time to time, pay or allow additional concessions or agency commissions, in the
form of cash or other compensation, to dealers employing registered
representatives who sell, during a specified time period, a minimum dollar
amount of units of unit investment trusts underwritten by the sponsor. At
various times the sponsor may implement programs under which the sales force of
a broker or dealer may be eligible to win nominal awards for certain sales
efforts, or under which the sponsor will reallow to any such broker or dealer
that sponsors sales contests or recognition programs conforming to criteria
established by the sponsor, or participates in sales programs sponsored by the
sponsor, an amount not exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales
generated by such person at the public offering price during such programs.
Also, the sponsor in its discretion may from time to time pursuant to objective
criteria established by the sponsor pay fees to qualifying brokers or dealers
for certain services or activities which are primarily intended to result in
sales of units of a trust. Such payments are made by the sponsor out of its own
assets, and not out of the assets of any trust. These programs will not change
the price unitholders pay for their units or the amount that a trust will
receive from the units sold. The difference between the discount and the sales
charge will be retained by the sponsor.

The sponsor reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order
for the purchase of units.

SPONSOR PROFITS. The sponsor will receive gross sales fees equal to the
percentage of the public offering price of the units of a trust described in the
prospectus. In addition, the sponsor may realize a profit (or sustain a loss) as
of the date a trust is created resulting from the difference between the
purchase prices of the securities to the sponsor and the cost of such securities
to the trust. Thereafter, on subsequent deposits the sponsor may realize profits
or sustain losses from such deposits. The sponsor may realize additional profits
or losses during the initial offering period on unsold units as a result of
changes in the daily market value of the securities in the trust.

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MARKET FOR UNITS. After the initial offering period, the sponsor may
maintain a market for units of a trust offered hereby and continuously offer to
purchase said units at prices, determined by the evaluator, based on the value
of the underlying securities. Unitholders who wish to dispose of their units
should inquire of their broker as to current market prices in order to determine
whether there is in existence any price in excess of the redemption price and,
if so, the amount thereof. Unitholders who sell or redeem units prior to such
time as the entire deferred sales fee on such units has been collected will be
assessed the amount of the remaining deferred sales fee at the time of such sale
or redemption. The offering price of any units resold by the sponsor will be in
accord with that described in the currently effective prospectus describing such
units. Any profit or loss resulting from the resale of such units will belong to
the sponsor. If the sponsor decides to maintain a secondary market, it may
suspend or discontinue purchases of units of the trust if the supply of units
exceeds demand, or for other business reasons.

REDEMPTION. A unitholder who does not dispose of units in the secondary
market described above may cause units to be redeemed by the trustee by making a
written request to the trustee at its Unit Investment Trust Division office in
the city of New York. Unitholders must sign the request, and such transfer
instrument, exactly as their names appear on the records of the trustee. If the
amount of the redemption is $500 or less and the proceeds are payable to the
unitholder(s) of record at the address of record, no signature guarantee is
necessary for redemptions by individual account owners (including joint owners).
Additional documentation may be requested, and a signature guarantee is always
required, from corporations, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians or
associations. The signatures must be guaranteed by a participant in the
Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other signature
guaranty program in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, as may be
accepted by the trustee.

Redemption shall be made by the trustee no later than the third business
day following the day on which a tender for redemption is received (the
"REDEMPTION DATE") by payment of cash equivalent to the redemption price,
determined as set forth below under "Computation of Redemption Price," as of the
close of the New York Stock Exchange next following such tender, multiplied by
the number of units being redeemed. Any units redeemed shall be canceled and any
undivided fractional interest in the related trust extinguished. The price
received upon redemption might be more or less than the amount paid by the
unitholder depending on the value of the securities in the trust at the time of
redemption. Unitholders who sell or redeem units prior to such time as the
entire deferred sales fee on such units has been collected will be assessed the
amount of the remaining deferred sales fee at the time of such sale or
redemption. Certain broker-dealers may charge a transaction fee for processing
redemption requests.

Under regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the trustee is
required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount of a unit
redemption if the trustee has not been furnished the redeeming unitholder's tax
identification number in the manner required by such regulations. Any amount so
withheld is transmitted to the Internal Revenue Service and may be recovered by
the unitholder only when filing a tax return. Under normal circumstances the
trustee obtains the unitholder's tax identification number from the selling
broker. However, any time a unitholder elects to tender units for redemption,
such unitholder should make sure that the trustee has been provided a certified
tax identification number in order to avoid this possible "back-up withholding."
In the event the trustee has not been previously provided such number, one must
be provided at the time redemption is requested. Any amounts paid on redemption
representing unpaid dividends shall be withdrawn from the Income Account of a
trust to the extent that funds are available for such purpose. All other amounts
paid on redemption shall be withdrawn from the Capital Account for a trust.

Unitholders tendering units for redemption may request a Distribution In
Kind from the trustee in lieu of cash redemption. A unitholder may request a
Distribution In Kind of an amount and value of securities per unit equal to the
redemption price per unit as determined as of the evaluation time next following
the tender, provided that the tendering unitholder is (1) entitled to receive at
least $25,000 of proceeds as part of his or her distribution or if he paid at
least $25,000 to acquire the units being tendered and (2) the unitholder has
elected to redeem at least thirty days prior to the termination of the trust. If
the unitholder meets these requirements, a Distribution In Kind will be made by
the trustee through the distribution of each of the securities of the trust in
book entry form to the account of the unitholder's bank or broker-dealer at
Depository Trust Company. The tendering unitholder shall be entitled to receive
whole shares of each

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of the securities comprising the portfolio of the trust and cash from the
Capital Account equal to the fractional shares to which the tendering unitholder
is entitled. The trustee shall make any adjustments necessary to reflect
differences between the redemption price of the units and the value of the
securities distributed in kind as of the date of tender. If funds in the Capital
Account are insufficient to cover the required cash distribution to the
tendering unitholder, the trustee may sell securities. The in-kind redemption
option may be terminated by the sponsor at any time. The trustee is empowered to
sell securities in order to make funds available for the redemption of units. To
the extent that securities are sold or redeemed in kind, the size of a trust
will be, and the diversity of a trust may be, reduced but each remaining unit
will continue to represent approximately the same proportional interest in each
security. Sales may be required at a time when securities would not otherwise be
sold and may result in lower prices than might otherwise be realized. The price
received upon redemption may be more or less than the amount paid by the
unitholder depending on the value of the securities in the portfolio at the time
of redemption.

The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for more
than three business days following the day on which tender for redemption is
made (1) for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed,
other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which (as
determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission) trading on the New York
Stock Exchange is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency
exists as a result of which disposal by the trustee of securities is not
reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable to fairly determine
the value of the underlying securities in accordance with the trust agreement;
or (3) for such other period as the Securities and Exchange Commission may by
order permit. The trustee is not liable to any person in any way for any loss or
damage which may result from any such suspension or postponement.

COMPUTATION OF REDEMPTION PRICE. The redemption price per unit (as well as
the secondary market public offering price) will generally be determined on the
basis of the last sale price of the securities in a trust. The redemption price
per unit is the pro rata share of each unit in a trust determined generally on
the basis of (i) the cash on hand in the trust or moneys in the process of being
collected and (ii) the value of the securities in the trust less (a) amounts
representing taxes or other governmental charges payable out of the trust, (b)
any amount owing to the trustee for its advances and (c) the accrued expenses or
remaining deferred sales fees of the trust. During the initial offering period,
the redemption price and the secondary market repurchase price will also include
estimated organizational costs. The evaluator may determine the value of the
securities in the trust in the following manner: if the securities are listed on
a national or foreign securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market System,
such evaluation shall generally be based on the last available sale price on or
immediately prior to the Evaluation Time on the exchange or Nasdaq National
Market System which is the principal market therefor, which shall be deemed to
be the New York Stock Exchange if the securities are listed thereon (unless the
evaluator deems such price inappropriate as a basis for evaluation) or, if there
is no such available sale price on such exchange, at the last available bid
prices (offer prices for primary market purchases) of the securities. Securities
not listed on the New York Stock Exchange but principally traded on the Nasdaq
National Market System will be valued at the Nasdaq National Market System's
official closing price. If the securities are not so listed or, if so listed,
the principal market therefor is other than on such exchange or there is no such
available sale price on such exchange, such evaluation shall generally be based
on the following methods or any combination thereof whichever the evaluator
deems appropriate: (i) on the basis of the current bid price (offer prices for
primary market purchases) for comparable securities (unless the evaluator deems
such price inappropriate as a basis for evaluation), (ii) by determining the
valuation of the securities on the bid side (offer side for primary market
purchases) of the market by appraisal or (iii) by any combination of the above.
If the trust holds securities denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars,
the evaluation of such security shall be converted to U.S. dollars based on
current bid side (offer side for primary market purchases) exchange rates
(unless the evaluator deems such prices inappropriate as a basis for valuation).

RETIREMENT PLANS. A trust may be well suited for purchase by Individual
Retirement Accounts, Keogh Plans, pension funds and other qualified retirement
plans. Generally, capital gains and income received under each of the foregoing
plans are deferred from federal taxation. All distributions from such plans are
generally treated as ordinary income but may, in some cases, be eligible for
special income averaging or tax deferred rollover treatment. Investors
considering participation in any such plan should review specific tax laws
related thereto and should consult their

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attorneys or tax advisers with respect to the establishment and maintenance of
any such plan. Such plans are offered by brokerage firms and other financial
institutions. The trust will lower the minimum investment requirement for IRA
accounts to $250. Fees and charges with respect to such plans may vary.

OWNERSHIP OF UNITS. Ownership of units will not be evidenced by
certificates. All evidence of ownership of units will be recorded in book entry
form either at Depository Trust Company("DTC") through an investor's brokers'
account or through registration of the units on the books of the trustee. Units
held through DTC will be registered in the nominee name of Cede & Co. Individual
purchases of beneficial ownership interest in the trust will be made in book
entry form through DTC or the trustee. Ownership and transfer of units will be
evidenced and accomplished by book entries made by DTC and its participants if
the units are evidenced at DTC, or otherwise will be evidenced and accomplished
by book entries made by the trustee. DTC will record ownership and transfer of
the units among DTC participants and forward all notices and credit all payments
received in respect of the units held by the DTC participants. Beneficial owners
of units will receive written confirmation of their purchases and sale from the
broker dealer or bank from whom their purchase was made. Units are transferable
by making a written request properly accompanied by a written instrument or
instruments of transfer which should be sent registered or certified mail for
the protection of the unitholder. Unitholders must sign such written request
exactly as their names appear on the records of the trust. The signatures must
be guaranteed by a participant in the STAMP or such other signature guaranty
program in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, as may be acceptable by
the trustee.

Units may be purchased in denominations of one unit or any multiple
thereof, subject to the minimum investment requirement. Fractions of units, if
any, will be computed to three decimal places.

TAXES

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax
consequences of owning units of the trust. This section is current as of the
date of this prospectus. Tax laws and interpretations change frequently, and
these summaries do not describe all of the tax consequences to all taxpayers.
For example, these summaries generally do not describe your situation if you are
a corporation, a non-U.S. person, a broker/dealer, or other investor with
special circumstances. In addition, this section does not describe your state or
foreign taxes. As with any investment, you should consult your own tax
professional about your particular consequences. In addition, the Internal
Revenue Service issued new withholding and reporting regulations effective
January 1, 2001. Foreign investors should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the tax consequences of these regulations.

ASSETS OF THE TRUST. The trust will hold one or more of the following: (i)
stock in domestic and foreign corporations (the "STOCKS") (ii) various debt
obligations (the "DEBT OBLIGATIONS") and (iii) equity interests in real estate
investment trusts (the "REIT SHARES"). All of the assets held by the trust
constitute the "TRUST ASSETS." For purposes of this federal tax discussion, it
is assumed that the Stocks constitute equity, the Debt Obligations constitute
debt the interest on which is included in gross income, and the REIT Shares
constitute qualifying shares in real estate investment trusts for federal income
tax purposes.

In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler LLP, counsel for the trust, under
existing law:

TRUST STATUS. The trust will not be taxed as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes. As a unit owner, you will be treated as the owner of a pro
rata portion of the Trust Assets and as such you will be considered to have
received a pro rata share of income (e.g., interest, accruals of original issue
discount, dividends and capital gains, if any) from each Trust Asset when such
income would be considered to be received by you if you directly owned the Trust
Assets. This is true even if you elect to have your distributions automatically
reinvested into additional units. In addition, the income from the trust which
you must take into account for federal income tax purposes is not reduced by
amounts used to pay trust expenses (including the deferred sales charge, if
any).

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YOUR TAX BASIS AND INCOME OR LOSS UPON DISPOSITION. If the trust disposes
of Trust Assets, you will generally recognize gain or loss. If you dispose of
your units or redeem your units for cash, you will also generally recognize gain
or loss. To determine the amount of this gain or loss, you must subtract your
tax basis in the related Trust Assets from your share of the total amount
received in the transaction. You can generally determine your initial tax basis
in each Trust Asset by apportioning the cost of your units, generally including
sales charges, among each Trust Asset ratably according to their value on the
date you purchase your units. In certain circumstances, however, you may have to
adjust your tax basis after you purchase your units (for example, in the case of
certain dividends that exceed a corporation's accumulated earnings and profits,
or in the case of accruals of original issue discount, market discount, premium
and accrued interest, as discussed below).

Under the recently enacted "Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act
of 2003" (the "TAX ACT"), if you are an individual, the maximum marginal federal
tax rate for net capital gain is generally 15% (generally 5% for certain
taxpayers in the 10% and 15% tax brackets). These new capital gains rates are
generally effective for taxable years ending on or after May 6, 2003 and
beginning before January 1, 2009. However, special effective date provisions are
set forth in the Tax Act. For example, there are special transition rules
provided with respect to gain properly taken into account for the portion of the
taxable year before May 6, 2003.

Net capital gain equals net long-term capital gain minus net short-term
capital loss for the taxable year. Capital gain or loss is long-term if the
holding period for the asset is more than one year and is short-term if the
holding period for the asset is one year or less. You must exclude the date you
purchase your units to determine your holding period. The tax rates for capital
gains realized from assets held for one year or less are generally the same as
for ordinary income. The Internal Revenue Code, however, treats certain capital
gains as ordinary income in special situations. Capital gain received from
assets held for more than one year that is considered "unrecaptured Section 1250
gain" (which may be the case, for example, with some capital gains attributable
to the REIT Shares) is taxed at a maximum stated tax rate of 25%. In the case of
capital gains dividends, the determination of which portion of the capital gain
dividend, if any, that is subject to the 25% tax rate, will be made based on
regulations prescribed by the United States Treasury.

DIVIDENDS ON STOCKS. Certain dividends received with respect to the Stocks
may qualify to be taxed at the same new rates that apply to net capital gain (as
discussed above), provided certain holding requirements are satisfied. These
special rules relating to the taxation of dividends at capital gains rates
generally apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002 and beginning
before January 1, 2009.

DIVIDENDS FROM REIT SHARES. Some dividends on the REIT Shares may qualify
as "capital gain dividends," taxable to you as long-term capital gains. If you
hold a unit six months or less or if the trust holds a REIT Share for six months
or less, any loss incurred by you related to the disposition of such REIT Share
will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital
gain distributions received (or deemed to be received) with respect to such REIT
Share. Distributions of income or capital gains declared on REIT Shares in
October, November or December will be deemed to have been paid to you on
December 31 of the year they are declared, even when paid by the REIT during the
following January. Other dividends with respect to the REIT Shares will
generally be taxed as ordinary income, although in limited circumstances certain
of such dividends may be taxed at the same new rates that apply to net capital
gain (as discussed above.)

DIVIDENDS RECEIVED DEDUCTION. A corporation that owns units generally will
not be entitled to the dividends received deduction with respect to many
dividends received by the trust, because the dividends received deduction is not
available for dividends from most foreign corporations or from REITs, or for
dividends with respect to trust preferred securities that are treated as debt
for federal income tax purposes.

DISCOUNT, ACCRUED INTEREST AND PREMIUM ON DEBT OBLIGATIONS. Some Debt
Obligations may have been sold with original issue discount. This generally
means that the Debt Obligations were originally issued at a price below their
face (or par) value. Original issue discount accrues on a daily basis and
generally is treated as interest income for federal

21
<Page>

income tax purposes. Your basis of each Debt Obligation which was issued with
original issue discount must be increased as original issue discount accrues.

Some of the Debt Obligations may give the issuers a right to defer payments
on the Debt Obligations. Such Debt Obligations are subject to special treatment
under the original issue discount rules. Among other things, this treatment may
result in you being required to recognize income for federal income tax purposes
in a particular year with respect to a Debt Obligation even though the actual
cash payments on the Debt Obligation have been deferred to a later year.

Some Debt Obligations may have been purchased by you or the trust at a
market discount. Market discount is generally the excess of the stated
redemption price at maturity for the Debt Obligation over the purchase price of
the Debt Obligation. Market discount can arise based on the price the trust pays
for a Debt Obligation or on the price you pay for your units. Market discount is
taxed as ordinary income. You will recognize this income when the trust receives
principal payments on the Debt Obligation, when the Debt Obligation is disposed
of or redeemed, or when you sell or redeem your units. Alternatively, you may
elect to include market discount in taxable income as it accrues. Whether or not
you make this election will affect how you calculate your basis and the timing
of certain interest expense deductions.

Alternatively, some Debt Obligations may have been purchased by you or the
trust at a premium. Generally, if the tax basis of your pro rata portion of any
Debt Obligation, generally including sales charges, exceeds the amount payable
at maturity, such excess is considered premium. You may elect to amortize
premium. If you make this election, you may reduce your interest income received
on the Debt Obligation by the amount of the premium that is amortized and your
tax basis will be reduced.

If the price of your units includes accrued interest on a Debt Obligation,
you must include the accrued interest in your tax basis in that Debt Obligation.
When the trust receives this accrued interest, you must treat it as a return of
capital and reduce your tax basis in the Debt Obligation.

This discussion provides only the general rules with respect to the tax
treatment of original issue discount, market discount and premium. The rules,
however, are complex and special rules apply in certain circumstances. For
example, the accrual of market discount or premium may differ from the
discussion set forth above in the case of Debt Obligations that were issued with
original issue discount.

ROLLOVERS. If you elect to have your proceeds from the trust rolled over
into the next series of the trust, it is considered a sale for federal income
tax purposes, and any gain on the sale will be treated as a capital gain, and
any loss will be treated as a capital loss. However, any loss you incur in
connection with the exchange of your units of the trust for units of the next
series will generally be disallowed with respect to this deemed sale and
subsequent deemed repurchase, to the extent the two trusts have substantially
identical Trust Assets under the wash sale provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code.

IN-KIND DISTRIBUTIONS. Under certain circumstances, as described in this
prospectus, you may request an In-Kind distribution of Trust Assets when you
redeem your units or at the trust's termination. By electing to receive a
distribution of securities, you will receive whole Trust Assets plus, possibly,
cash.

You will not recognize gain or loss if you only receive Trust Assets in
exchange for your pro rata portion of the Trust Assets held by the trust.
However, if you also receive cash in exchange for a Trust Asset or a fractional
share of a Trust Asset, you will generally recognize gain or loss based on the
difference between the amount of cash you receive and your tax basis in such
Trust Assets or fractional share.

LIMITATIONS ON THE DEDUCTIBILITY OF TRUST EXPENSES. Generally, for federal
income tax purposes, you must take into account your full pro rata share of the
trust's income, even if some of that income is used to pay trust expenses. You
may deduct your pro rata share of each expense paid by the trust to the same
extent as if you directly paid the expense. You may, however, be required to
treat some or all of the expenses of the trust as miscellaneous itemized

22
<Page>

deductions. Individuals may only deduct certain miscellaneous itemized
deductions to the extent they exceed 2% of adjusted gross income.

FOREIGN, STATE AND LOCAL TAXES. If you are a foreign investor (i.e., an
investor other than a U.S. citizen or resident or a U.S. corporation,
partnership, estate or trust), you will not be subject to U.S. federal income
taxes, including withholding taxes, on some of the income from the trust or on
gain from the sale or redemption of your units, provided that certain conditions
are met. You should consult your tax advisor with respect to the conditions you
must meet in order to be exempt for U.S. tax purposes.

Some distributions by the trust may be subject to foreign withholding
taxes. Any income withheld will nevertheless be treated as income to you.
However, because you are deemed to have paid directly your share of foreign
taxes that have been paid by the trust, you may be entitled to a foreign tax
credit or deduction for U.S. tax purposes with respect to such taxes.

In the opinion of Emmet, Marvin & Martin, LLP, Special Counsel to the trust
for New York tax matters, under the existing income tax laws of the State of New
York, the trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of
the trust will be treated as the income of the unitholders thereof.

EXPERTS

LEGAL MATTERS. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60603, acts as counsel for the trusts and has passed upon the legality
of the units.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. The statements of financial condition, including the
Trust Portfolios, appearing herein, have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere
herein, and are included in reliance on such report given on the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Information contained in the prospectus, as it currently exists or as
further updated, may also be included from time to time in other prospectuses or
in advertising material. Information on the performance of a trust strategy or
the actual performance of a trust may be included from time to time in other
prospectuses or advertising material and may reflect sales charges and expenses
of a trust. The performance of a trust may also be compared to the performance
of money managers as reported in SEI Fund Evaluation Survey or of mutual funds
as reported by Lipper Analytical Services Inc. (which calculates total return
using actual dividends on ex-dates accumulated for the quarter and reinvested at
quarter end), Money Magazine Fund Watch (which rates fund performance over a
specified time period after sales charge and assuming all dividends reinvested)
or Wiesenberger Investment Companies Service (which states fund performance
annually on a total return basis) or of the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Index, the American Stock Exchange Index (unmanaged indices of stocks traded on
the New York and American Stock Exchanges, respectively), the Dow Jones
Industrial Average (an index of 30 widely traded industrial common stocks) or
the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (an unmanaged diversified index of 500 stocks)
or similar measurement standards during the same period of time.

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

STANDARD & POOR'S ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the
credit-worthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation,
a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program
(including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper programs).
It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of

23
<Page>

guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation
and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The
issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a
financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or
suitability for a particular investor. Issue credit ratings are based on current
information furnished by the obligors or obtained by Standard & Poor's from
other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit
in connection with any credit rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited
financial information. Credit ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as
a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on
other circumstances.

LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:

- Likelihood of payment-capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the
obligation;

- Nature of and provisions of the obligation;

- Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the
event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As
such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are
typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in
bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has
both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or
operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of
junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

AAA An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is extremely strong.

AA An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest rated obligations only
in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation is very strong.

A An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity
to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation. Obligations rated "BB", "B",
"CCC", "CC", and "C" are regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C"
the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large
uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which
could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

B An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations
rated "BB", but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or
economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or
willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

24
<Page>

CCC An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for
the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the
event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor
is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation.

CC An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

CA A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated "C" is CURRENTLY
HIGHLY VULNERABLE to nonpayment. The "C" rating may be used to cover a
situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action
taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A "C" also
will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or
sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

D An obligation rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is
used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's
believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The
"D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or
the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are
jeopardized.

Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.

r This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant
noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of
expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating.

N.R. This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard &
Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

MOODY'S PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS

Aaa Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the
best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are
generally referred to as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by
a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure.
While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes
as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong
position of such issues.

Aa Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Aa are judged to be of high
quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what
are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the
best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa
securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater
amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term
risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A Bonds and preferred stock which are rated A possess many favorable
investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade
obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are
considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a
susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.

Baa Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Baa are considered as medium-
grade obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly
secured). Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for
the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be
characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds
lack out standing investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
characteristics as well.

Ba Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Ba are judged to have
speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured.
Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very
moderate, and

25
<Page>

thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the
future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B Bonds and preferred stock which are rated B generally lack
characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and
principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over
any long period of time may be small.

Caa Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such
issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with
respect to principal or interest.

Ca Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Ca represent obligations which
are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or
have other marked shortcomings.

C Bonds and preferred stock which are rated C are the lowest rated class of
bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic
rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the
obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier
2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the
lower end of that generic rating category.

26
<Page>

CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS
PROSPECTUS-PART B
MARCH , 2004

WHERE TO LEARN MORE

You can contact us for free information about this and other investments.

VISIT US ON THE INTERNET
http://www.claymoresecurities.com

BY E MAIL
invest@claymoresecurities.com

CALL CLAYMORE
(800) 345-7999
Pricing Line (888) 248-4954

CALL THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(800) 701-8178 (investors)
(800) 647-3383 (brokers)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This prospectus does not contain all information filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. To obtain a copy of this information (a duplication fee
may be required):

E MAIL: publicinfo@sec.gov

WRITE: Public Reference Section
Washington, D.C. 20549-0102

VISIT: http://www.sec.gov (EDGAR Database)

CALL: 1-202-942-8090 (only for information on the operation
of the Public Reference System)

When units of the trust are no longer available, we may use this prospectus
as a preliminary prospectus for a future trust. In this case you should note
that:

THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE
TRUSTS AND MAY BE CHANGED. NO ONE MAY SELL UNITS OF A FUTURE TRUST UNTIL A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT IS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL UNITS AND IS NOT
SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY UNITS IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT
PERMITTED.

<Page>

(This page has been left blank intentionally.)

<Page>

(This page has been left blank intentionally.)

<Page>

CONTENTS

<Table>

Investment Summary

2 Overview
Preferred Securities Portfolio, Series 6

A CONCISE DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIOS
2 Investment Objective
2 Principal Investment Strategy
2 Security Selection
2 Future Trusts
3 Portfolio Diversification
3 Principal Risks
4 Essential Information
4 Who Should Invest
4 Fees and Expenses
5 Example
5 Estimated Annual Income Distributions
6 Trust Portfolio

Preferred Plus Portfolio, Series 4

8 Investment Objective
8 Principal Investment Strategy
8 Security Selection
9 Portfolio Diversification
9 Principal Risks
10 Who Should Invest
11 Essential Information
11 Fees and Expenses
12 Example
12 Estimated Annual Income Distributions
13 Trust Portfolio

Understanding Your Investment

DETAILED INFORMATION TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR INVESTMENT
17 How to Buy Units
20 How to Sell Your Units
22 Distributions
22 Investment Risks
26 How the Trust Works
27 General Information
28 Expenses
29 Report of Independent Auditors
30 Statements of Financial Condition
</Table>

FOR THE TABLE OF CONTENTS OF PART B, SEE PART B OF THE PROSPECTUS.
Where to Learn More

YOU CAN CONTACT US FOR FREE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS.

VISIT US ON THE INTERNET
http://www.claymoresecurities.com
BY E-MAIL
invest@claymoresecurities.com
CALL CLAYMORE (800) 345-7999
Pricing Line (888) 248-4954
CALL THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(800) 701-8178 (investors)
(800) 647-3383 (brokers)

Additional Information

This prospectus does not contain all information filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. To obtain or copy this information (a duplication fee may
be required):

E-MAIL: publicinfo@sec.gov
WRITE: Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102
VISIT: http://www.sec.gov (EDGAR Database)
CALL: 1-202-942-8090 (only for information on
the operation of the Public Reference Section)
REFER TO:
CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 172
Securities Act file number: 333-___________
Investment Company Act file number: 811-03763

When units of the trust are no longer available, we may use this prospectus as a
preliminary prospectus for a future trust. In this case you should note that:

THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE TRUSTS
AND MAY BE CHANGED. NO ONE MAY SELL UNITS OF A FUTURE TRUST UNTIL A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT IS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND IS EFFECTIVE.
THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL UNITS AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO
BUY UNITS IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

[GRAPHIC]

CLAYMORE SECURITIES
DEFINED PORTFOLIOS
SERIES 172

PROSPECTUS
DATED MARCH , 2004

PREFERRED SECURITIES
PORTFOLIO, SERIES 6

PREFERRED
PLUS PORTFOLIO, SERIES 4

[CLAYMORE LOGO]
<Page>

CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

A. Bonding Arrangements of Depositor:

The Depositor has obtained the following Securities Dealer Blanket Bond
for its officers, directors and employees:

<Table>
<Caption>
INSURER/POLICY NO. AMOUNT

National Union Fire Insurance
Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania $250,000
959-9000
</Table>

This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents.

The Facing Sheet
The Prospectus
The Signatures
Consents of Counsel

The following exhibits:

1.1 Reference Trust Agreement (to be supplied by amendment).

1.1.1 Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust (Reference is made to Exhibit
1.1.1 to Amendment No.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 for
Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 116 (File No. 333-72828
filed on December 18, 2001).

2.1 Code of Ethics (Reference is made to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-6 for Claymore Securities Deferred Portfolios, Series
171 (File No. 333-112575 filed on February 19, 2004).

3.1 Opinion of counsel as to legality of the securities being registered
including a consent to the use of its name in the Registration Statement
(to be supplied by amendment).

3.2 Opinion of counsel as to Federal Income tax status of the securities
being registered including a consent to the use of its name in the
Registration Statement (to be supplied by amendment).

3.3 Opinion of counsel as to New York Income tax status of the securities
being registered including a consent to the use of its name in the
Registration Statement (to be supplied by amendment).

3.4 Opinion of counsel as to the Trustee and the Trust (s) including a
consent to the use of its name in the Registration Statement (to be
supplied by amendment).

4.1 Consent of Independent Auditors (to be supplied by amendment).
<Page>

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios, Series 172 has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Wheaton, and State of Illinois, on the 22nd day
of March, 2004.

CLAYMORE SECURITIES DEFINED PORTFOLIOS,
SERIES 172, Registrant

By: CLAYMORE SECURITIES, INC., Depositor

By: /s/ Nicholas Dalmaso
---------------------------------
Nicholas Dalmaso

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registration Statement has been signed below on March 22, 2004 by the following
persons, who constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of Claymore
Securities, Inc.

<Table>
<Caption>
SIGNATURE* TITLE** DATE

) By: /s/ Nicholas Dalmaso
) ----------------------
) Nicholas Dalmaso
) Attorney-in-Fact*
)
DAVID HOOTEN* Chairman of the Board of ) March 22, 2004
Directors )
)

/s/ CHARLES MILLINGTON Chief Financial Officer March 22, 2004
- ----------------------
CHARLES MILLINGTON

/s/ NICHOLAS DALMASO Executive Vice President, March 22, 2004
- -------------------- Secretary, Treasurer and
NICHOLAS DALMASO Director
</Table>

- ----------

* An executed copy of the related power of attorney was filed as Exhibit 6.0
to Registration Statement No. 333-98345 on August 22, 2002.

** The titles of the persons named herein represent their capacity in and
relationship to Claymore Securities, Inc., the Depositor.
<Page>

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The consent of Grant Thronton LLP to the use of its report and to the
reference to such firm in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement
will be filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement.

CONSENT OF CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LLP

The consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be contained in its
opinions to be filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Registration Statement.

CONSENT OF EMMET, MARVIN & MARTIN LLP

The consent of Emmet, Marvin & Martin LLP to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be contained in its
opinions to be filed as Exhibits 3.3 and 3.4 to the Registration Statement.
<Page>

MEMORANDUM

Re: Claymore Securities Defined Portfolios

The list of securities comprising the trust of the fund, the evaluation,
record and distribution dates and other changes pertaining specifically to the
new series, such as size and number of units of the trust in the fund and the
statement of financial condition of the new fund will be filed by amendment.

1940 ACT

FORMS N-8A AND N-8B-2

Form N-8A and Form N-8B-2 were filed in respect of Claymore Securities
Defined Portfolios, Series 116 (and subsequent series) (File No. 811-03763).

1933 ACT

THE INDENTURE

The form of the proposed Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust is expected
to be in all respects consistent with the form of the Standard Terms and
Conditions of Trust dated December 18, 2001 relative to Claymore Securities
Defined Portfolios, Series 116.

CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March 22, 2004