What information does a prospectus provide to potential investors?

A prospectus is a formal legal document that is filed with regulatory authorities and provides essential information to potential investors about a particular investment opportunity, such as mutual funds or other types of securities. Option B is correct because the prospectus outlines key details that are necessary for investors to make informed decisions. This includes information about the investment strategy, risks involved, fees and expenses, management team, and financial performance, which are all crucial for understanding what to expect from the investment.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of a prospectus. The historical stock price (first option) is often available through market data but not a fundamental component of the prospectus. A prospectus does not provide guarantees on returns or safety (third option) since it emphasizes the risks and uncertainties inherent in investing. Lastly, while regulatory compliance is important, the prospectus itself typically does not delve deeply into the company's compliance history (fourth option); instead, it focuses on providing clear, relevant information about the investment product being offered.