File No. 333-33087
CIK #0001025210
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D. C. 20549-1004
Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1
to
Form S-6
For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of
Securities of Unit Investment Trusts Registered on
Form N-8B-2
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 64
(Exact Name of Trust)
Van Kampen Funds Inc.
(Exact Name of Depositor)
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
(Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices)
Van Kampen Funds Inc. Chapman and Cutler
Attention: Don G. Powell Attention: Mark J. Kneedy
One Parkview Plaza 111 West Monroe Street
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 Chicago, Illinois 60603
(Name and complete address of agents for service)
( X ) Check if it is proposed that this filing will become effective
on November 23, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITY TRUST, SERIES 64
Great International Firms Trust, Series 3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS PART ONE
NOTE: Part I of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part II.
Please retain both parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE TRUST
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 64 (the
"Fund") is comprised of one unit investment trust, Great International Firms
Trust, Series 3 (the "Trust"). The Trust offers investors the opportunity to
purchase Units representing proportionate interests in a fixed, globally
diversified portfolio of equity securities primarily issued by blue chip
international companies all of which are common stocks of foreign issuers,
certain of which are in American Depositary Receipt ("ADRs") form (Securities"
or "Securities"). Unless terminated earlier, the Trust will terminate on
February 19, 2003 and any Securities liquidated at termination will be sold at
then current market value for such securities; therefore, the amount
distributable in cash to a Unitholder upon termination may be more or less than
the amount such Unitholder paid for his Units.
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
The Public Offering Price per Unit is equal to the aggregate underlying
value of the Securities plus or minus cash, if any, in the Capital and Income
Accounts plus the applicable sales charge as described herein, divided by the
number of Units outstanding. See "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in
this Part One.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Date of this Prospectus is November 23, 1998
Van Kampen
<TABLE>
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITY TRUST, SERIES 64
Great International Firms Trust, Series 3
Summary of Essential Financial Information
As of September 4, 1998
Sponsor: Van Kampen Funds Inc.
Supervisor: Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp.
(An affiliate of the Sponsor)
Evaluator: American Portfolio Evaluation Services
(A division of an affiliate of the Sponsor)
Trustee: The Bank of New York
<CAPTION>
Great
International
Firms
Trust
----------------
<S> <C>
General Information
Number of Units 1,869,072.928
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust per Unit 1/1,869,072.928
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Securities in Portfolio (1) $ 18,433,022
Aggregate Value of Securities per Unit (including accumulated dividends) $ 9.86
Sales charge 4.0% (4.167% of Aggregate Value of Securities excluding principal cash) per Unit (3) $ .41
Public Offering Price per Unit (2)(3) $ 10.27
Redemption Price per Unit $ 9.86
Secondary Market Repurchase Price per Unit $ 9.86
Excess of Public Offering Price per Unit Over Redemption Price per Unit $ .41
</TABLE>
Supervisor's Annual Supervisory Fee Maximum of $.0025 per Unit
Evaluator's Annual Fee Maximum of $.0025 per Unit
Evaluation Time Close of the New York Stock Exchange
Initial Date of Deposit August 19, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date February 19, 2003
Minimum Termination Value The Trust may be terminated if the net asset value
of such Trust is less than $500,000 unless the net
asset value of such Trust deposits has exceeded
$15,000,000, then the Trust Agreement may be
terminated if the net asset value of such Trust is
less than $3,000,000.
Estimated Annual Dividends per Unit $.12302
Trustee's Annual fee $.008 per Unit
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses (4) $.0055 per Unit
Income Distribution Record Date TENTH day of March, June,
September and December.
Income Distribution Date TWENTY-FIFTH day of March,
June, September and December.
Capital Account Record Date TENTH day of December.
Capital Account Distribution Date TWENTY-FIFTH day of December.
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(1)Equity Securities listed on a national or foreign securities exchange are
valued at the closing sale price, or if no such price exists, or if the
Equity Securities are not listed, at the closing bid price thereof. The
aggregate value of Securities of foreign issuers represents the U.S. dollar
value of the bid side value of the related currency exchange rates at the
valuation Time.
(2)Anyone ordering Units will have added to the Public Offering Price a pro
rata share of any cash in the Income and Capital Accounts.
(3)Effective on each August 19, the secondary sales charge will decrease by .5
of 1% to a minimum sales charge of 3.0%. See "Public Offering-Offering
Price" in Part Two.
(4)The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
organizational costs (including costs 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 and the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee but not
including the expenses incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures
and other advertising materials and any other selling expenses) as is common
for mutual funds. Total organizational expenses will be amortized over five
years. See "Expenses of the Trust" in Part Two and "Statement of Condition."
Historically, the sponsors of unit investment trusts have paid all the costs
of establishing such trusts.
PORTFOLIO
Great International Firms Trust consists of 28 different issues of Equity
Securities which are primarily issued by blue chip international companies, all
of which are common stocks of foreign issuers. All of the Equity Securities are
listed on a national or foreign securities exchange or are traded in the
over-the-counter market as of the Initial Date of Deposit.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER UNIT INFORMATION
1998 (1)
------------
<S> <C>
Net asset value per Unit at beginning of period........................................................ $ 9.66
============
Net asset value per Unit at end of period.............................................................. $ 11.25
============
Distributions to Unitholders of investment income including accumulated dividends paid
on Units redeemed (average Units outstanding for entire period)..................................... $ 0.26
============
Distributions to Unitholders from Security sales proceeds (average Units
outstanding for entire period)...................................................................... $ 0.24
============
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Equity Securities (per Unit outstanding
at end of period)................................................................................... $ 2.12
============
Distributions of investment income by frequency of payments
Quarterly........................................................................................... $ 0.21
Units outstanding at end of period..................................................................... 2,069,352
</TABLE>
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(1) For the period from August 19, 1997 (date of deposit) through July 31,
1998.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of Van Kampen Funds Inc. and the Unitholders of Van
Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 64 (Great International
Firms Trust, Series 3):
We have audited the accompanying statements of condition (including the
analyses of net assets) and the related portfolio of Van Kampen American Capital
Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 64 (Great International Firms Trust, Series 3)
as of July 31, 1998 and the related statements of operations and changes in net
assets for the period from August 19, 1997 (date of deposit) through July 31,
1998. These statements are the responsibility of the Trustee and the Sponsor.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on such statements based on our
audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities owned at July 31, 1998 by correspondence with the
Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by the Trustee and the Sponsor, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Van Kampen American Capital
Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 64 (Great International Firms Trust, Series 3)
as of July 31, 1998 and the results of operations and changes in net assets for
the period from August 19, 1997 (date of deposit) through July 31, 1998, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
GRANT THORNTON LLP
Chicago, Illinois
September 25, 1998
<TABLE>
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITY TRUST, SERIES 64
Statements of Condition
July 31, 1998
<CAPTION>
Great
International
Firms
Trust
---------------
<S> <C>
Trust property
Cash $ --
Securities at market value, (cost $19,195,396) (note 1) 23,580,186
Accumulated dividends 63,221
Receivable for securities sold 126,901
Organizational Expense 45,250
---------------
$ 23,815,558
===============
Liabilities and interest to Unitholders
Cash overdraft $ 230,862
Accrued organizational costs 14,713
Redemptions payable 295,589
Interest to Unitholders 23,274,394
---------------
$ 23,815,558
===============
Analyses of Net Assets
Interest of Unitholders (2,069,352 Units of fractional undivided interest outstanding)
Cost to original investors of 2,667,935 Units (note 1) $ 27,348,487
Less initial underwriting commission (note 3) 1,236,891
---------------
26,111,596
Less redemption of 598,583 Units 6,515,079
---------------
19,596,517
Undistributed net investment income
Net investment income 640,412
Less distributions to Unitholders 536,236
---------------
104,176
Realized gain (loss) on Security sale (326,560)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Securities (note 2) 4,384,790
Distributions to Unitholders of Security sale proceeds (484,529)
---------------
Net asset value to Unitholders $ 23,274,394
===============
Net asset value per Unit (2,069,352 Units outstanding) $ 11.25
===============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<TABLE>
GREAT INTERNATIONAL FIRMS TRUST, SERIES 3
Statements of Operations
Period from August 19, 1997 (date of deposit) through July 31, 1998
<CAPTION>
1998
--------------
<S> <C>
Investment income
Dividend income $ 680,649
Expenses
Trustee fees and expenses 18,273
Evaluator fees 5,338
Organizational fees 11,313
Supervisory fees 5,313
Deferred Sales Charge --
--------------
Total expenses 40,237
--------------
Net investment income 640,412
Realized gain (loss) from Securities sale
Proceeds 6,592,638
Cost 6,919,198
--------------
Realized gain (loss) (326,560)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Securities 4,384,790
--------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS $ 4,698,642
==============
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Period from August 19, 1997 (date of deposit) through July 31, 1998
1998
--------------
Increase (decrease) in net assets Operations:
Net investment income $ 640,412
Realized gain (loss) on Securities (326,560)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Securities 4,384,790
--------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
4,698,642 Distributions to Unitholders from:
Net investment income (536,236)
Security sale proceeds (484,529)
Redemption of Units (6,515,079)
--------------
Total increase (decrease) (2,837,202)
Net asset value to Unitholders
Beginning of period 26,111,596
Additional Securities purchased from the proceeds of Unit Sales --
--------------
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $104,176) $ 23,274,394
==============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GREAT INTERNATIONAL FIRMS TRUST, SERIES 3 PORTFOLIO as of July 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valuation of
Number Market Value Securities
of Shares Name of Issuer Per Share (Note 1)
- --------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
18,010 Akzo Nobel, N.V. $ 51.0005 $ 918,520
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11,628 AXA-UAP 137.1265 1,594,508
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35,000 Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. 9.9806 349,322
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47,371 Bass Plc 16.2069 767,740
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18,790 Bayer, AG 45.4110 853,274
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
65,444 British Airways Plc 6.2100 663,305
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47,004 British Petroleum Company Plc 8.1300 623,702
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9,513 Daimler-Benz, AG 182.0000 974,265
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11,421 Deutsche Bank, AG 140.0000 899,747
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36,872 Deutsche Lufthansa, AG 27.4604 1,012,522
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46,539 Electrolux, AB 15.9808 743,734
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22,000 Honda Motor Company, Ltd. 37.2803 820,169
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43,638 Imperial Chemicals Industries Plc 12.8937 562,657
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
108,000 Komatsu, Ltd. 5.0145 541,569
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31,965 LM Ericsson, AB 28.0609 896,967
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,972 L'Oreal, SA 588.7881 1,161,090
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
609 Nestle, SA 2,075.0670 1,263,716
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
163,071 News Corporation, Ltd. 7.2718 1,185,827
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17,469 Nokia, AB 87.5569 1,529,532
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
492 Novartis, AG 1,684.9865 829,013
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11,829 Polygram, N.V. 54.4438 644,016
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52,555 Reuters Holdings Plc 9.9396 522,376
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12,788 Royal Dutch Petroleum Company 51.1003 653,471
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6,956 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics N.V. 65.5085 455,678
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
81,629 Smithkline Beecham Plc 11.6043 947,253
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,900 Sony Corporation 85.0048 671,538
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125,000 Toshiba Corporation 4.0877 510,963
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,737 Unilever, N.V. 71.6103 983,712
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,049,202 $ 23,580,186
=============== ================
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITY TRUST, SERIES 64
Notes to Financial Statements
July 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Security Valuation - Securities listed on a national or foreign securities
exchange are valued at the last closing sales price or, if no such price exists,
or if the Equity Securities are not listed at the closing bid price thereof. The
aggregate value of Securities of foreign issuers represents the U.S. dollar
value on the basis of the bid side value of the related currency exchange rates
at the Evaluation Time.
Security Cost - The original cost to the Trust of the Securities was based,
for Securities listed on a national or foreign securities exchange or the
relevant stock exchanges on the closing sale prices on the exchange. The cost
was determined on the day of the various Dates of Deposit.
Unit Valuation - The redemption price per Unit is the pro rata share of each
Unit based upon (1) the cash on hand in the Trust or monies in the process of
being collected, (2) the Securities in the Trust based on the value determined
in Note 1 and (3) accumulated dividends thereon, less accrued expenses of the
Trust, if any.
Federal Income Taxes - The Trust has elected and intends to qualify on a
contimuing basis for federal income tax treatment as a "regulated investment
company" under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). If the Trust so qualifies
and timely distributes to Unitholders 90% or more of its taxable income (without
regard of its net capital gain, i.e. the excess of its net long-term capital
gain over its net short-term capital loss), it will not be subject to federal
income tax on the portion of its taxable income (including any net capital gain)
that it distributes to Unitholders.
Other - The financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of
accounting. Any realized gains or losses from securities transactions are
reported on an identified cost basis.
Organizational Costs - The trust will bear all or a portion of its
organizational costs, which will be deferred and amoritized over five years.
NOTE 2 - PORTFOLIO
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation - An analysis of net unrealized
appreciation (depreciation) at July 31, 1998 is as follows:
Unrealized Appreciation $ 5,316,293
Unrealized Depreciation (931,503)
--------------
$ 4,384,790
==============
NOTE 3- OTHER
Marketability - Although it is not obligated to do so, the Sponsor intends to
maintain a market for Units and to continuously offer to purchase Units at
prices, subject to change at any time, based upon the value of the Securities in
the portfolio of the Trust valued as described in Note 1, plus accumulated
dividends to the date of settlement. If the supply of Units exceeds demand, or
for other business reasons, the Sponsor may discontinue purchases of Units at
such prices. In the event that a market is not maintained for the Units, a
Unitholder desiring to dispose of his Units may be able to do so only by
tendering such Units to the Trustee for redemption at the redemption price.
Cost to Investors - The cost to original investors was based on adding to the
underlying value of the Securities per Unit on the date of an investor's
purchase, plus an amount equal to the difference between the maximum sales
charge of 4.0% of the public offering price which is equivalent to 4.167% of the
aggregate underlying value of the Securities and the maximum deferred sales
charge of ($.20 per Unit). These investors paid a deferred sales charge of $.20
per Unit. Effective on each August 19, commencing August 19, 1998, the secondary
sales charge does not include deferred payments but will instead include only a
one-time initial sales charge of 4.0% of the public offering price and will
decrease by .5 of 1% to a minimum sales charge of 3.0%.
Compensation of Evaluator and Supervisor - The Supervisor receives a fee for
providing portfolio supervisory services for the Trust ($.0025 per Unit, not to
exceed the aggregate cost of the Supervisor for providing such services to all
applicable Trusts). The Evaluator receives an annual fee for regularly
evaluating the Trust's portfolio. Both fees may be adjusted for increases under
the category "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price Index.
NOTE 4 - REDEMPTION OF UNITS
During the period ended July 31, 1998 598,583 Units were presented for
redemption.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
Great International Firms Trust Prospectus Part Two
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund. Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust (the "Fund")
is comprised of separate and distinct unit investment trusts, including series
of the Great International Firms Trust, (the "Trust"). The Trust offers
investors the opportunity to purchase Units representing proportionate interests
in a fixed, globally diversified portfolio of equity securities primarily issued
by blue chip international companies, all of which are common stocks of foreign
issuers ("Equity Securities" or "Securities"). Unless terminated earlier, the
Trust will terminate on the Mandatory Termination Date set forth under "Summary
of Essential Financial Information" in Part One and any Securities then held
will, within a reasonable time thereafter, be liquidated or distributed by the
Trustee. Any Securities liquidated at termination will be sold at the then
current market value for such Securities; therefore, the amount distributable in
cash to a Unitholder upon termination may be more or less than the amount such
Unitholder paid for his Units.
Attention Foreign Investors. If you are not a United States citizen or
resident, distributions from the Trust may be subject to U.S. federal
withholding. See "Federal Taxation." Such investors should consult their tax
advisers regarding the imposition of U.S. withholding on distributions.
Objective of the Trust. The objective of the Trust is to provide the
potential for capital appreciation by investing in a globally diversified
portfolio of equity securities primarily issued by blue chip international
companies. See "Objectives and Securities Selection." There is, of course, no
guarantee that the objective of the Trust will be achieved.
Public Offering Price. The Public Offering Price of the Units of the Trust
includes the aggregate underlying value of the Securities in the Trust's
portfolio, the applicable sales charge, and cash, if any, in the Income and
Capital Accounts held or owned by the Trust. The Public Offering Price is based
on the aggregate value of the Securities computed on the basis of the bid side
value of the exchange rate for the relevant currency expressed in U.S. dollars.
For sales charges in the secondary market, see "Public Offering." The minimum
purchase is 100 Units except for certain transactions described under "Public
Offering--Unit Distribution". See "Public Offering."
Units of the Trust are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by, any bank and are not federally insured or otherwise protected by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any
other agency and involve investment risk, including the possible loss of
principal.
NOTE: THIS PROSPECTUS MAY BE USED ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY PART ONE.
Both parts of this Prospectus should be retained for future reference.
This Prospectus is dated as of the date of the Prospectus Part
I accompanying this Prospectus Part II.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Dividend and Capital Distributions. Distributions of dividends and capital,
if any, received by the Trust will be paid in cash on the applicable
Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the record date as set forth in
the "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in Part One. Any distribution
of income and/or capital will be net of the expenses of the Trust. See "Federal
Taxation." Additionally, upon termination of the Trust, the Trustee will
distribute, upon surrender of Units for redemption, to each Unitholder his pro
rata share of the Trust's assets, less expenses, in the manner set forth under
"Rights of Unitholders--Distributions of Income and Capital."
Secondary Market for Units. Although not obligated to do so, the Sponsor
intends to maintain a market for Units of the Trust and offer to repurchase such
Units at prices which are based on the aggregate underlying value of Equity
Securities in the Trust (generally determined by the closing sale or bid prices
of the Securities) plus or minus cash, if any, in the Capital and Income
Accounts of the Trust. If a secondary market is not maintained, a Unitholder may
redeem Units through redemption at prices based upon the aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities in the Trust plus or minus a pro rata share of
cash, if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units."
Termination. Commencing on the Mandatory Termination Date Equity Securities
will begin to be sold in connection with the termination of the Trust. The
Sponsor will determine the manner, timing and execution of the sale of the
Equity Securities. Written notice of any termination of the Trust specifying the
time or times at which Unitholders may surrender their certificates for
cancellation shall be given by the Trustee to each Unitholder at his address
appearing on the registration books of the Trust maintained by the Trustee. At
least 30 days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date the Trustee will provide
written notice thereof to all Unitholders. Unitholders will receive a cash
distribution from the sale of the remaining Securities within a reasonable time
after the Trust is terminated. See "Trust Administration--Amendment or
Termination."
Reinvestment Option. Unitholders of any Van Kampen American Capital-sponsored
unit investment trust may utilize their redemption or termination proceeds to
purchase units of any other Van Kampen American Capital trust in the initial
offering period accepting rollover investments subject to a reduced sales charge
to the extent stated in the related prospectus (which may be deferred in certain
cases).
Unitholders will have the opportunity to have their distributions reinvested
into additional Units of the Trust, subject to any remaining deferred sales
charge payments, if Units are available at the time of reinvestment, or, upon
request, reinvested into an open-end management investment company as described
herein. See "Rights of Unitholders--Reinvestment Option."
Risk Factors. An investment in the Trust should be made with an understanding
of the risks associated therewith, including the possible deterioration of
either the financial condition of the issuers or the general condition of the
stock market and currency fluctuations, the lack of adequate financial
information concerning an issuer and exchange control restrictions impacting
foreign issuers. See "Risk Factors" and "Trust Portfolio."
THE TRUST
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust is comprised of separate
and distinct unit investment trusts, including series of the Great International
Firms Trust. The Trust was created under the laws of the State of New York
pursuant to a Trust Indenture and Agreement (the "Trust Agreement"), dated the
Initial Date of Deposit, among Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.,
as Sponsor, American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van Kampen
American Capital Investment Advisory Corp., as Evaluator, Van Kampen American
Capital Investment Advisory Corp., as Supervisor, and The Bank of New York, as
Trustee.
On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited with the Trustee the
Securities, including delivery statements relating to contracts for the purchase
of certain such Securities and an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a
financial institution in the amount required for such purchases. Thereafter, the
Trustee, in exchange for such Securities (and contracts) so deposited, delivered
to the Sponsor documentation evidencing the ownership of Units of the Trust.
Unless otherwise terminated as provided in the Trust Agreement, the Trust will
terminate on the Mandatory Termination Date and Securities then held will within
a reasonable time thereafter be liquidated or distributed by the Trustee.
Each Unit of the Trust initially offered represents an undivided interest in
the Trust. To the extent that any Units are redeemed by the Trustee, the
fractional undivided interest in the Trust represented by each unredeemed Unit
will increase accordingly, although the actual interest in the Trust represented
by such fraction will remain unchanged. Units will remain outstanding until
redeemed upon tender to the Trustee by Unitholders, which may include the
Sponsor, or until the termination of the Trust Agreement.
OBJECTIVES AND SECURITIES SELECTION
The objective of the Trust is to provide the potential for capital
appreciation. The portfolio is described below under "Trust Portfolio" and in
"Portfolio" in Part One. In selecting the Securities, the Sponsor considered the
following factors, among others: the extent to which the issuers are global
leaders in their respective markets and industries; the extent to which the
issuers are leading companies within their home markets; the attractiveness of
the Securities based on an evaluation of return on equity, price to earnings
ratios and price to cash flows; and the diversification of the Trust portfolio
by countries and industries. The Sponsor attempted to select companies from
developed, industrialized countries that are well-capitalized world and market
leaders, exhibit attractive balance sheets and offer a diversified line of
products and/or services.
The Trust seeks to provide investors with the potential for greater rewards
from a diversified international investment portfolio. In the past eleven years,
the U.S. stock market (as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index) has
ranked among the top five markets in total return only one time and, as
illustrated in the table below, has never ranked first. As illustrated in the
table below, many global equity markets have outperformed the U.S. market in
past years. International firms across the globe are expanding their business,
exporting to more countries and becoming better known to the investment
community. By investing in international stocks, an investor may benefit from
greater growth potential and added diversity than by concentrating in U.S.
securities alone. If an investor invested only in a portfolio of U.S.
securities, a negative turn in that market could adversely affect the portfolio.
By dedicating a portion of an investment portfolio to global investments, an
investor can be better protected against negative movements in a single market.
The Trust seeks to provide a convenient and efficient way to take advantage of
the growth potential of international investing by offering a diversified
portfolio of blue chip, industry-leading companies in countries around the
world.
The table below illustrates that no single stock market has dominated over
time and that foreign markets have generally offered returns superior to those
available in the U.S. The table shows the total returns of the top performing
stock markets in developed countries for each of the years indicated (as
represented by Morgan Stanley Capital International indices) compared with the
U.S. market (as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index).
Total Return Total Return
Top Performing Market United States Market
--------------------- -------------------
1986 112.77% (Spain) 13.42%
1987 55.96% (Finland) 0.61%
1988 50.19% (Denmark) 11.64%
1989 101.12% (Austria) 26.92%
1990 5.99% (United Kingdom) (5.59)%
1991 42.77% (Hong Kong) 27.17%
1992 27.42% (Hong Kong) 4.16%
1993 109.91% (Hong Kong) 7.02%
1994 51.29% (Finland) (0.85%)
1995 42.42% (Switzerland) 34.74%
1996 41.27% (Spain) 22.90%
The table represents historical performance of unmanaged indices which are
composites of equity securities considered representative of equity performance
in the countries specified. The historical performance is shown for illustrative
purposes only, represents past performance which is not indicative of future
performance of the Trust and does not include sales charges or expenses which
are imposed on Trust Units.
General. An investor will be subject to taxation on the dividend income
received from the Trust and on gains from the sale or liquidation of Securities
(see "Federal Taxation"). Investors should be aware that there is not any
guarantee that the objectives of the Trust will be achieved because they are
subject to the continuing ability of the respective Security issuers to continue
to declare and pay dividends and because the market value of the Securities can
be affected by a variety of factors. Common stocks may be especially susceptible
to general stock market movements and to volatile increases and decreases of
value as market confidence in and perceptions of the issuers change. Investors
should be aware that there can be no assurance that the value of the underlying
Securities will increase or that the issuers of the Equity Securities will pay
dividends on outstanding common shares. Any distributions of income will
generally depend upon the declaration of dividends by the issuers of the
Securities and the declaration of any dividends depends upon several factors
including the financial condition of the issuers and general economic
conditions.
Investors should note that the above criteria were applied to the Equity
Securities selected for inclusion in the Trust as of the Initial Date of
Deposit. Subsequent to the Initial Date of Deposit, the Securities may no longer
meet such criteria. Should an Equity Security no longer meet such criteria, such
Equity Security will not, simply as a result of such fact, be removed from the
portfolio of the Trust.
Investors should be aware that the Trust is not a "managed" fund and as a
result the adverse financial condition of a company will not result in its
elimination from the portfolio except under extraordinary circumstances (see
"Trust Administration--Portfolio Administration"). In addition, Securities will
not be sold by the Trust to take advantage of market fluctuations or changes in
anticipated rates of appreciation. Investors should note in particular that the
Securities were selected by the Sponsor as of the Initial Date of Deposit. 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 and, if the evaluation were performed again at that time, the
Securities would not be selected for the Trust.
TRUST PORTFOLIO
The Trust consists of Equity Securities which are primarily issued by blue
chip international companies, all of which are common stocks of foreign issuers.
All of the Equity Securities are listed on a national or foreign securities
exchange or are traded in the over-the-counter market.
General. The Trust consists of (a) the Securities listed under "Portfolio" in
Part One 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 Income and Capital Accounts.
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 hereunder 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.
Because certain of the Equity Securities from time to time may be sold under
certain circumstances described herein, and because the proceeds from such
events will in most cases be distributed to Unitholders and will not be
reinvested, no assurance can be given that the Trust will retain for any length
of time its present size and composition. Although the portfolio is not managed,
the Sponsor may instruct the Trustee to sell Equity Securities under certain
limited circumstances. See "Trust Administration--Portfolio Administration."
Equity Securities, however, will not be sold by the Trust to take advantage of
market fluctuations or changes in anticipated rates of appreciation or
depreciation.
RISK FACTORS
General. An investment in Units should be made with an understanding of the
risks which an investment in common stocks entails, including the risk that the
financial condition of the issuers of the Equity Securities or the general
condition of the common stock market may worsen and the value of the Equity
Securities and therefore the value of the Units may decline. Common stocks are
especially 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, and global or
regional political, economic or banking crises. Shareholders of common stocks
have rights to receive payments from the issuers of those common stocks that are
generally subordinate to those of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations
or preferred stocks of, such issuers. Shareholders of common stocks of the type
held by the Trust have a right to receive dividends only when and if, and in the
amounts, declared by the issuer's board of directors and have a right to
participate in amounts available for distribution by the issuer only after all
other claims on the issuer have been paid or provided for. Common 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 preferred stock will
create prior claims for payment of principal, interest 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. The value of
common stocks is subject to market fluctuations for as long as the common stocks
remain outstanding, and thus the value of the Equity Securities in the portfolio
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 or at the time a
Unitholder purchases Units.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than 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 stocks
issued by, the issuer. 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 stockholders are also generally entitled to rights on liquidation
which are senior to those of common stockholders.
Whether or not the Equity Securities are listed on a national securities
exchange, the principal trading market for the Equity Securities may be in the
over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading market
for the Equity Securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in
the Equity Securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made for
any of the Equity Securities, that any market for the Equity Securities will be
maintained or of the liquidity of the Equity Securities in any markets made. In
addition, the Trust may be restricted under the Investment Company Act of 1940
from selling Equity Securities to the Sponsor. The price at which the Equity
Securities may be sold to meet redemptions, and the value of the Trust, will be
adversely affected if trading markets for the Equity Securities are limited or
absent.
The Trust Agreement authorizes the Sponsor to increase the size of the 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 the 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 the Trust
will pay the associated brokerage fees. To minimize this effect, the Trust will
attempt to purchase the Securities as close to the Evaluation Time or as close
to the evaluation prices as possible.
Unitholders will be unable to dispose of any of the Equity Securities in the
portfolio, as such, and will not be able to vote the Equity Securities. As the
holder of the Equity Securities, the Trustee will have the right to vote all of
the voting stocks in the Trust and will vote such stocks in accordance with the
instructions of the Sponsor. In the absence of any such instructions by the
Sponsor, the Trustee will vote such stocks so as to insure that the stocks are
voted as closely as possible in the same manner and same general proportion as
are shares held by owners other than the Trust.
Foreign Equity Risks. Since the Equity Securities consist of securities of
foreign issuers, an investment in the Trust involves certain investment risks
that are different in some respects from an investment in a trust which invests
entirely in the securities of domestic issuers. These investment risks include
future political or governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the
payment or receipt of payment of dividends on the relevant Equity Securities,
the possibility that the financial condition of the issuers of the Equity
Securities may become impaired or that the general condition of the relevant
stock market may worsen (both of which would contribute directly to a decrease
in the value of the Equity Securities and thus in the value of the Units), the
limited liquidity and relatively small market capitalization of the relevant
securities market, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, economic
uncertainties and foreign currency devaluations and fluctuations. 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. The securities of many foreign issuers are less liquid and their prices
more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. In addition, fixed
brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on foreign securities
exchanges are generally higher than in the United States and there is generally
less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers in
foreign countries than there is in the United States. However, due to the nature
of the issuers of the Equity Securities, the Sponsor believes that adequate
information will be available to allow the Supervisor to provide portfolio
surveillance for the Trust.
Equity securities issued by non-U.S. issuers generally pay dividends in
foreign currencies and are principally traded in foreign currencies. Therefore,
there is a risk that the United States dollar value of these securities will
vary with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar foreign exchange rates for the various
Equity Securities. See "Exchange Rate" below.
On the basis of the best information available to the Sponsor at the present
time, none of the Equity Securities are subject to exchange control restrictions
under existing law which would materially interfere with payment to the Trust of
dividends due on, or proceeds from the sale of, the Equity Securities. However,
there can be no assurance that exchange control regulations might not be adopted
in the future which might adversely affect payment to the Trust. In addition,
the adoption of exchange control regulations and other legal restrictions could
have an adverse impact on the marketability of international securities in the
Trust and on the ability of the Trust to satisfy its obligation to redeem Units
tendered to the Trustee for redemption.
Investors should be aware that it may not be possible to buy all Equity
Securities at the same time because of the unavailability of any Equity
Security, and restrictions applicable to the Trust relating to the purchase of
an Equity Security by reason of the federal securities laws or otherwise.
Foreign securities generally have not been registered under the Securities
Act of 1933 and may not be exempt from the registration requirements of such
Act. Sales of non-exempt Equity Securities by the Trust in the United States
securities markets are subject to severe restrictions and may not be
practicable. Accordingly, sales of these Equity Securities by the Trust will
generally be effected only in foreign securities markets. Although the Sponsor
does not believe that the Trust will encounter obstacles in disposing of the
Equity Securities, investors should realize that the Equity Securities may be
traded in foreign countries where the securities markets are not as developed or
efficient and may not be as liquid as those in the United States. The value of
the Equity Securities will be adversely affected if trading markets for the
Equity Securities are limited or absent.
Exchange Rate. The Trust is concentrated in Equity Securities that are
principally traded in foreign currencies and as such involves investment risks
that are substantially different from an investment in a fund which invests in
securities that are principally traded in United States dollars. The United
States dollar value of the portfolio (and hence of the Units) and of the
distributions from the portfolio will vary with fluctuations in the United
States dollar foreign exchange rates for the related foreign currencies. 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 rate of inflation in the respective economies compared to the United States,
the impact of interest rate differentials between different currencies on the
movement of foreign currency rates, the balance of imports and exports of goods
and services, 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.
The post-World War II international monetary system was, until 1973,
dominated by the Bretton Woods Treaty, which established a system of fixed
exchange rates and the convertibility of the United States dollar into gold
through foreign central banks. Starting in 1971, growing volatility in the
foreign exchange markets caused the United States to abandon gold convertibility
and to effect a small devaluation of the United States dollar. In 1973, the
system of fixed exchange rates between a number of the most important industrial
countries of the world, among them the United States and most western European
countries, was completely abandoned. Subsequently, major industrialized
countries have adopted "floating" exchange rates, under which daily currency
valuations depend on supply and demand in a freely fluctuating international
market. Many smaller or developing countries have continued to "peg" their
currencies to the United States dollar although there has been some interest in
recent years in "pegging" currencies to "baskets" of other currencies or to a
Special Drawing Right administered by the International Monetary Fund.
Currencies are generally traded by leading international commercial banks and
institutional investors (including corporate treasurers, money managers, pension
funds and insurance companies). From time to time, central banks in a number of
countries also are major buyers and sellers of foreign currencies, mostly for
the purpose of preventing or reducing substantial exchange rate fluctuations.
Exchange rate fluctuations are partly dependent on a number of economic
factors including economic conditions within countries, the impact of actual and
proposed government policies on the value of currencies, interest rate
differentials between the currencies and the balance of imports and exports of
goods and services and transfers of income and capital from one country to
another. These economic factors are influenced primarily by a particular
country's monetary and fiscal policies (although the perceived political
situation in a particular country may have an influence as well--particularly
with respect to transfers of capital). Investor psychology may also be an
important determinant of currency fluctuations in the short run. Moreover,
institutional investors trying to anticipate the future relative strength or
weakness of a particular currency may sometimes exercise considerable
speculative influence on currency exchange rates by purchasing or selling large
amounts of the same currency or currencies. However, over the long term, the
currency of a country with a low rate of inflation and a favorable balance of
trade should increase in value relative to the currency of a country with a high
rate of inflation and deficits in the balance of trade.
The Evaluator will estimate the current exchange rate for the appropriate
foreign currencies based on activity in the related currency exchange market.
However, since this market may be volatile and is constantly changing, depending
on the activity at any particular time of the large international commercial
banks, various central banks, large multi-national corporations, speculators and
other buyers and sellers of foreign currencies, and since actual foreign
currency transactions may not be instantly reported, the exchange rates
estimated by the Evaluator may not be indicative of the amount in United States
dollars the Trust would receive had the Trustee sold any particular currency in
the market. The foreign exchange transactions of the Trust will be concluded by
the Trustee with foreign exchange dealers acting as principals on a spot (i.e.,
cash) buying basis. Although foreign exchange dealers trade on a net basis, they
do realize a profit based upon the difference between the price at which they
are willing to buy a particular currency (bid price) and the price at which they
are willing to sell the currency (offer price).
FEDERAL TAXATION
The Trust has elected and intends to qualify on a continuing basis for
special federal income tax treatment as a "regulated investment company" under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). If the Trust so
qualifies and timely distributes to Unitholders 90% or more of its taxable
income (without regard to its net capital gain, i.e., the excess of its net
long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss), it will not be
subject to federal income tax on the portion of its taxable income (including
any net capital gain) that it distributes to Unitholders. In addition, to the
extent the Trust timely distributes to Unitholders at least 98% of its taxable
income (including any net capital gain), it will not be subject to the 4% excise
tax on certain undistributed income of "regulated investment companies." Because
the Trust intends to timely distribute its taxable income (including any net
capital gain), it is anticipated that the Trust will not be subject to federal
income tax or the excise tax. Although all or a portion of the Trust's taxable
income (including any net capital gain) for the taxable year may be distributed
to Unitholders shortly after the end of the calendar year, such a distribution
will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having been received by
Unitholders during the calendar year just ended.
Distributions to Unitholders of the Trust's taxable income (other than its
net capital gain) will be taxable as ordinary income to Unitholders. To the
extent that distributions to a Unitholder in any year exceed the Trust's current
and accumulated earnings and profits, they will be treated as a return of
capital and will reduce the Unitholder's basis in his Units and, to the extent
that they exceed his basis, will be treated as a gain from the sale of his Units
as discussed below. It should be noted that certain legislative proposals have
been made which could affect the calculation of basis for Unitholders holding
securities that are substantially identical to the Trust's equity securities.
Unitholders should consult their own tax advisors with regard to the calculation
of basis.
Distributions of the Trust's net capital gain which are properly designated
as capital gain dividends by the Trust will be taxable to Unitholders as
long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the Units have been
held by a Unitholder. A Unitholder may recognize a taxable gain or loss if the
Unitholder sells or redeems his Units. Any gain or loss arising from (or treated
as arising from) the sale or redemption of Units will generally be a capital
gain or loss, except in the case of a dealer or a financial institution. For
taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gains are presently subject to a
maximum stated marginal tax rate of 28%. However, it should be noted that
legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that affect tax rates and
could affect relative differences at which ordinary income and capital gains are
taxed. A capital loss is long-term if the asset is held for more than one year
and short-term if held for one year or less. If a Unitholder holds Units for six
months or less and subsequently sells such Units at a loss, the loss will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent that any long-term capital
gain distribution is made with respect to such Units during the six-month period
or less that the Unitholder owns the Units. Legislative proposals have been made
that would treat certain transactions designed to reduce or eliminate risk of
loss and opportunities for gain as constructive sales for purposes of
recognition of gain (but not loss). Unitholders should consult their own
advisors with regard to any constructive sales rules.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 (the "Act") raised tax rates on
ordinary income while capital gains remain subject to a 28% maximum stated rate
for taxpayers other than corporations. Because some or all capital gains are
taxed at a comparatively lower rate under the Act, the Act includes a provision
that recharacterizes capital gains as ordinary income in the case of certain
financial transactions that are "conversion transactions" effective for
transactions entered into after April 30, 1993. Unitholders and prospective
investors should consult with their tax advisers regarding the potential effect
of this provision on their investment in Units.
Distributions which are taxable as ordinary income to Unitholders will
constitute dividends for federal income tax purposes. To the extent dividends
received by the Trust are attributable to foreign corporations, a corporation
that owns Units will not be entitled to the dividends received deduction with
respect to its pro rata portion of such dividends, since the dividends received
deduction is generally available only with respect to dividends paid by domestic
corporations. The Trust will provide each Unitholder with information annually
concerning what part of the Trust distributions are eligible for the dividends
received deduction.
The Trust may elect to pass through to the Unitholders the foreign income and
similar taxes paid by the Trust in order to enable such Unitholders to take a
credit (or deduction) for foreign income taxes paid by the Trust. If such an
election is made, Unitholders of the Trust, because they are deemed to own a pro
rata portion of the foreign securities held by the Trust, must include in their
gross income, for federal income tax purposes, both their portion of dividends
received by the Trust and also their portion of the amount which the Trust deems
to be the Unitholders' portion of foreign income taxes paid with respect to, or
withheld from, dividends, interest or other income of the Trust from its foreign
investments. Unitholders may then subtract from their federal income tax the
amount of such taxes withheld, or else treat such foreign taxes as deductions
from gross income; however, as in the case of investors receiving income
directly from foreign sources, the above described tax credit or deduction is
subject to certain limitations. Legislative proposals have been made which would
impose a required holding period (both with respect to the Unitholder's holding
of Units in the Trust and the Trust's holding of foreign securities) for such
credit. Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding this election
and its consequences to them.
Under the Code, certain miscellaneous itemized deductions, such as investment
expenses, tax return preparation fees and employee business expenses, will be
deductible by individuals only to the extent they exceed 2% of adjusted gross
income. Miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this limitation under
present law do not include expenses incurred by the Trust so long as the Units
are held by or for 500 or more persons at all times during the taxable year or
another exception is met. In the event the Units are held by fewer than 500
persons, additional taxable income may be realized by the individual (and other
noncorporate) Unitholders in excess of the distributions received from the
Trust.
Distributions reinvested into additional Units of the Trust will be taxed to
a Unitholder in the manner described above (i.e., as ordinary income, long-term
capital gain or as a return of capital).
As discussed in "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units", under certain
circumstances a Unitholder who owns at least 1,000 Units may request an In Kind
Distribution of any Securities traded in a U.S. securities market upon the
redemption of Units or the termination of the Trust. Unitholders electing an In
Kind Distribution of shares of such Securities should be aware that the exchange
is subject to taxation and Unitholders will recognize gain or loss based on the
value of the Securities received.
The federal tax status of each year's distributions will be reported to
Unitholders and to the Internal Revenue Service. Each Unitholder will be
requested to provide the Unitholder's taxpayer identification number to the
Trustee and to certify that the Unitholder has not been notified that payments
to the Unitholder are subject to back-up withholding. If the proper taxpayer
identification number and appropriate certification are not provided when
requested, distributions by the Trust to such Unitholder (including amounts
received upon the redemption of Units) will be subject to back-up withholding.
The foregoing discussion relates only to the federal income tax status of the
Trust and to the tax treatment of distributions by the Trust to United States
Unitholders.
A Unitholder who is a foreign investor (i.e., an investor other than a United
States citizen or resident or a United States corporation, partnership, estate
or trust) should be aware that, generally, subject to applicable tax treaties,
distributions from the Trust which constitute dividends for Federal income tax
purposes (other than dividends which the Trust designates as capital gain
dividends) will be subject to United States income taxes, including withholding
taxes. However, distributions received by a foreign investor from the Trust that
are designated by the Trust as capital gain dividends should not be subject to
United States Federal income taxes, including withholding taxes, if all of the
following conditions are met (i) the capital gain dividend is not effectively
connected with the conduct by the foreign investor of a trade or business within
the United States, (ii) the foreign investor (if an individual) is not present
in the United States for 183 days or more during his or her taxable year, and
(iii) the foreign investor provides all certification which may be required of
his status (foreign investors may contact the Sponsor to obtain a Form W-8 which
must be filed with the Trustee and refiled every three calendar years
thereafter). Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers with respect to
United States tax consequences of ownership of Units. Units in the Trust and
Trust distributions may also be subject to state and local taxation and
Unitholders should consult their tax advisers in this regard.
Unitholders desiring to purchase Units for tax-deferred plans and IRAs should
consult their broker-dealers for details on establishing such accounts. Units
may also be purchased by persons who already have self-directed plans
established.
TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES
Compensation of Sponsor and Evaluator. The Sponsor will not receive any fees
in connection with its activities relating to the Trust. However, Van Kampen
American Capital Investment Advisory Corp., which is an affiliate of the
Sponsor, will receive an annual supervisory fee, which is not to exceed the
amount set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in Part One
for providing portfolio supervisory services for the Trust. Such fee (which is
based on the number of Units outstanding on January 1 of each year for which
such compensation relates) may exceed the actual costs of providing such
supervisory services for this Trust, but at no time will the total amount
received for portfolio supervisory services rendered to all unit investment
trusts sponsored by the Sponsor for which the Supervisor provides portfolio
supervisory services in any calendar year exceed the aggregate cost to the
Supervisor of supplying such services in such year. In addition, the Evaluator,
which is a division of Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp.,
shall receive the annual per Unit evaluation fee set forth under "Summary of
Essential Financial Information" in Part One (which amount is based on the
number of Units outstanding on January 1 of each year for which such
compensation relates) for regularly evaluating the Trust portfolio. The
foregoing fees are payable as described under "General" below. Both of the
foregoing fees may be increased without approval of the Unitholders by amounts
not exceeding proportionate increases under the category "All Services Less Rent
of Shelter" in the Consumer Price Index published by the United States
Department of Labor or, if such category is no longer published, in a comparable
category. The Sponsor will receive sales commissions and may realize other
profits (or losses) in connection with the sale of Units and the deposit of the
Securities as described under "Public Offering--Sponsor Compensation."
Trustee's Fee. For its services the Trustee will receive the annual per Unit
fee from the Trust set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial Information"
in Part One (which amount is based on the number of Units outstanding on January
1 of each year for which such compensation relates). The Trustee's fees are
payable as described under "General" below. 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 the Trust is expected to result from
the use of these funds. Such fees may be increased without approval of the
Unitholders by amounts not exceeding proportionate increases under the category
"All Services Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price Index published by the
United States Department of Labor or, if such category is no longer published,
in a comparable category. For a discussion of the services rendered by the
Trustee pursuant to its obligations under the Trust Agreement, see "Rights of
Unitholders--Reports Provided" and "Trust Administration."
Miscellaneous Expenses. Expenses incurred in establishing the Trust,
including the cost of the initial preparation of documents relating to the Trust
(including the Prospectus, Trust Agreement and certificates), federal and state
registration fees, the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee, legal and
accounting expenses, payment of closing fees and any other out-of-pocket
expenses, will be paid by the Trust and amortized over the life of the Trust.
The following additional charges are or may be incurred by the Trust: (a) normal
expenses (including the cost of mailing reports to Unitholders) incurred in
connection with the operation of the Trust, (b) fees of the Trustee for
extraordinary services, (c) expenses of the Trustee (including legal and
auditing expenses) and of counsel designated by the Sponsor, (d) various
governmental charges, (e) expenses and costs of any action taken by the Trustee
to protect the Trust and the rights and interests of Unitholders, (f)
indemnification of the Trustee for any loss, liability or expenses incurred in
the administration of the Trust without negligence, bad faith or wilful
misconduct on its part, (g) foreign custodial and transaction fees, (h) accrual
of costs associated with liquidating securities, and (i) expenditures incurred
in contacting Unitholders upon termination of the Trust. The fees and expenses
set forth herein are payable as described under "General" below.
General. The fees and expenses set forth herein are payable monthly out of
the Income Account of the Trust or, if insufficient, from the Capital Account.
When such fees and expenses are paid by or owing to the Trustee, they are
secured by a lien on the Trust's portfolio. Since the Equity Securities are all
common stocks, and the income stream produced by dividend payments is
unpredictable, the Sponsor cannot provide any assurance that dividends will be
sufficient to meet any or all expenses of the Trust. If the balance in the
Income and Capital Accounts is insufficient to provide for amounts payable by
the Trust, the Trustee has the power to sell Equity Securities to pay such
amounts. These sales may result in capital gains or losses to Unitholders. See
"Federal Taxation."
PUBLIC OFFERING
General. Units are offered at the Public Offering Price. The Public Offering
Price is based on the aggregate underlying value of the Securities in the
Trust's portfolio, the applicable sales charge described below, and cash, if
any, in the Income and Capital Accounts held or owned by the Trust. The sales
charge is described under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" and will
be reduced by .5% of 1% annually to a minimum sales charge of 3.4% for Series 1
and 3.0% for Series 2 and subsequent series. The Sponsor currently does not
intend to maintain a secondary market for Units during the last six months of a
Trust's term. The Public Offering Price per Unit is based on the U.S. dollar
value of the Securities based on the bid side value of the related currency
exchange rate as of the Evaluation Time for secondary market transactions.
Any sales charge reduction will primarily be the responsibility of the
selling broker, dealer or agent.
Employees, officers and directors (including their spouses, children,
grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law,
sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for
the benefit of such persons) of Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
and its affiliates, dealers and their affiliates, and vendors providing services
to the Sponsor may purchase Units at the Public Offering Price less the
applicable dealer concession.
Units may be purchased in the primary or secondary market at the Public
Offering Price (for purchases which do not qualify for a sales charge reduction
for quantity purchases) less the concession the Sponsor typically allows to
brokers and dealers for purchases (see "Public Offering--Unit Distribution") by
(1) investors who purchase Units through registered investment advisers,
certified financial planners and registered broker-dealers who in each case
either charge periodic fees for financial planning, investment advisory or asset
management service, or provide such services in connection with the
establishment of an investment account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee"
charge is imposed, (2) bank trust departments investing funds over which they
exercise exclusive discretionary investment authority and that are held in a
fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, (3) any person who for at
least 90 days, has been an officer, director or bona fide employee of any firm
offering Units for sale to investors or their spouses and children and (4)
officers and directors of bank holding companies that make Units available
directly or through subsidiaries or bank affiliates. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Prospectus, such investors, bank trust departments, firm
employees and bank holding company officers and directors who purchase Units
through this program will not receive sales charge reductions for quantity
purchases.
Offering Price. The Public Offering Price of the Units will vary from the
amounts stated under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in accordance
with fluctuations in the prices of the underlying Securities in the Trust. The
Public Offering Price is based on the aggregate value of the Securities computed
on the basis of the bid side value of the related currency exchange rate at the
Evaluation Time expressed in U.S. dollars during the secondary market.
As indicated above, the price of the Units was established by adding to the
determination of the aggregate underlying value of the Securities an amount
equal to the total sales charge imposed on Units and dividing the sum so
obtained by the number of Units outstanding. The Public Offering Price shall
also include the proportionate share of any cash held in the Capital Account.
This computation produced a gross underwriting profit equal to the total sales
charge. Such price determination as of the close of business on the day before
the Initial Date of Deposit was made on the basis of an evaluation of the
Securities in the Trust prepared by Interactive Data Corporation, a firm
regularly engaged in the business of evaluating, quoting or appraising
comparable securities. After the close of business on the day before the Initial
Date of Deposit, the Evaluator will appraise or cause to be appraised daily the
value of the underlying Securities as of the Evaluation Time on days the New
York Stock Exchange is open (except as stated below) and will adjust the Public
Offering Price of the Units commensurate with such valuation. Such Public
Offering Price will be effective for all orders received prior to the next
computation of net asset value on each such day. Orders received by the Trustee
or Sponsor 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. No such evaluation will be made on any date on which Securities
representing greater than 33% (20% in the case of Series 1) of the aggregate
value of the Trust are not traded on the principal trading exchange for such
Securities due to a customary business holiday on such exchange. Accordingly,
purchases or redemptions of Units on such a day will be based on the next
determination of price of the Securities (and the price of such Units would be
the next computed Unit price).
The aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities is determined on each
business day by the Evaluator in the following manner: if the Equity Securities
are listed on a national or foreign securities exchange this evaluation is
generally based on the closing sale prices on that exchange (unless it is
determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis for valuation) or, if
there is no closing sale price on that exchange, at the closing bid prices. The
evaluation of a Security traded on a foreign securities exchange will take into
consideration any event or announcement occurring after the close of the related
foreign securities exchange and prior to the Evaluation Time which could have a
material affect on the value of such Security. If the Equity Securities are not
listed on a national or foreign securities exchange or, if so listed and the
principal market therefor is other than on the exchange, the evaluation shall
generally be based on the current bid price on the over-the-counter market
(unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis for
evaluation). If current bid prices are unavailable, the evaluation is generally
determined (a) on the basis of current bid prices for comparable securities, (b)
by appraising the value of the Equity Securities on the bid side of the market
or (c) by any combination of the above. The value of the Equity Securities is
based on the bid side value of the currency exchange rate expressed in U.S.
dollars as of the Evaluation Time.
In offering the Units to the public, neither the Sponsor nor any
broker-dealers are recommending any of the individual Securities in the Trust
but rather the entire pool of Securities, taken as a whole, which are
represented by the Units.
Unit Distribution. Units will be distributed to the public by the Sponsor,
broker-dealers and others at the Public Offering Price. Units repurchased in the
secondary market, if any, may be offered by this Prospectus at the secondary
market Public Offering Price in the manner described above.
The Sponsor intends to qualify the Units for sale in a number of states. Any
discount provided to investors will be borne by the selling dealer or agent as
indicated under "General" above. For secondary market transactions, the
broker-dealer concession or agency commission will amount to 70% of the sales
charge applicable to the transaction. The breakpoint concessions or agency
commissions are applied on either a Unit or a dollar basis utilizing a
breakpoint equivalent of $10 per Unit and will be applied on whichever basis is
more favorable to the broker-dealer. The breakpoints will be adjusted to take
into consideration purchase orders stated in dollars which cannot be completely
fulfilled due to the requirement that only whole Units be issued.
Certain commercial banks are making Units of the Trust available to their
customers on an agency basis. A portion of the sales charge (equal to the agency
commission referred to above) is retained by or remitted to the banks. Under the
Glass-Steagall Act, banks are prohibited from underwriting Trust Units; however,
the Glass-Steagall Act does permit certain agency transactions and the banking
regulators have not indicated that these particular agency transactions are not
permitted under such Act. In addition, state securities laws on this issue may
differ from the interpretations of federal law expressed herein and banks and
financial institutions may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state
law.
To facilitate the handling of transactions, sales of Units shall normally be
limited to transactions involving a minimum of 100 Units except as stated
herein. In connection with fully disclosed transactions with the Sponsor, the
minimum purchase requirement will be that number of Units set forth in the
contract between the Sponsor and the related broker or agent. The Sponsor
reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order for the purchase of
Units and to change the amount of the concession or agency commission to dealers
and others from time to time.
Sponsor Compensation. The Sponsor will receive a gross sales commission equal
to the total sales charge imposed on Units, less any reduced sales charge (as
described under "General" above). Any discount provided to investors will be
borne by the selling broker, dealer or agent as indicated under "General" above.
In addition, the Sponsor realized a profit or will sustained a loss, as the
case may be, as a result of the difference between the price paid for the
Securities by the Sponsor and the cost of such Securities to the Trust on the
Initial Date of Deposit as well as on subsequent deposits. The Sponsor has not
participated as sole underwriter or as manager or as a member of the
underwriting syndicates or as an agent in a private placement for any of the
Securities in the Trust portfolio. The Sponsor may have further realized
additional profit or loss during the initial offering period as a result of the
possible fluctuations in the market value of the Securities in the Trust after a
date of deposit, since all proceeds received from purchasers of Units (excluding
dealer concessions and agency commissions allowed, if any) will be retained by
the Sponsor.
Broker-dealers of the Trust, banks and/or others may be eligible to
participate in a program in which such firms receive from the Sponsor a nominal
award for each of their representatives who have sold a minimum number of units
or unit investment trusts created by the Sponsor during a specified time period.
In addition, at various times the Sponsor may implement other programs under
which the sales forces of brokers, dealers, banks and/or others may be eligible
to win other nominal awards for certain sales efforts, or under which the
Sponsor will reallow to such brokers, dealers, banks and/or others that sponsor
sales contests or recognition programs conforming to criteria established by the
Sponsor, or participate in sales programs sponsored by the Sponsor, an amount
not exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by such
persons 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 entities for certain services or
activities which are primarily intended to result in sales of Units of the
Trust. Such payments are made by the Sponsor out of its own assets, and not out
of the assets of the Trust. These programs will not change the price Unitholders
pay for their Units or the amount that the Trust will receive from the Units
sold.
A person will become the owner of Units on the date of settlement provided
payment has been received. Cash, if any, made available to the Sponsor prior to
the date of settlement for the purchase of Units may be used in the Sponsor's
business and may be deemed to be a benefit to the Sponsor, subject to the
limitations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
As stated under "Public Market" below, the Sponsor intends to maintain a
secondary market for Units of the Trust for the period indicated. In so
maintaining a market, the Sponsor will also realize profits or sustain losses in
the amount of any difference between the price at which Units are purchased and
the price at which Units are resold (which price includes the applicable sales
charge). In addition, the Sponsor will also realize profits or sustain losses
resulting from a redemption of such repurchased Units at a price above or below
the purchase price for such Units, respectively.
Public Market. Although it is obligated to do so, the Sponsor intends to
maintain a market for the Units offered hereby and offer continuously to
purchase Units at prices, subject to change at any time, based upon the
aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust. The aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities is computed on the basis of the bid
side value of the exchange rate for the relevant currency expressed in U.S.
dollars. If the supply of Units exceeds demand or if some other business reason
warrants it, the Sponsor may either discontinue all purchases of Units or
discontinue purchases of Units at such prices. It is the current intention of
the Sponsor not to maintain a market for Units during the last six months of a
Trust's term. In the event that a market is not maintained for the Units and the
Unitholder cannot find another purchaser, a Unitholder desiring to dispose of
his Units may be able to dispose of such Units only by tendering them to the
Trustee for redemption at the Redemption Price. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units." A Unitholder who wishes to dispose of his
Units should inquire of his 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. Units sold prior to such time as the
entire deferred sales charge on such Units has been collected will be assessed
the amount of the remaining deferred sales charge at the time of sale.
Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans. Units of the Trust are available for purchase
in connection with certain types of tax-sheltered retirement plans, including
Individual Retirement Accounts for individuals, Simplified Employee Pension
Plans for employees, qualified plans for self-employed individuals, and
qualified corporate pension and profit sharing plans for employees. The purchase
of Units of the Trust may be limited by the plans' provisions and does not
itself establish such plans.
RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS
Certificates. The Trustee is authorized to treat as the record owner of Units
that person who is registered as such owner on the books of the Trustee.
Ownership of Units of the Trust will be evidenced by certificates unless a
Unitholder or the Unitholder's registered broker-dealer makes a written request
to the Trustee that ownership be in book entry form. Units are transferable by
making a written request to the Trustee and, in the case of Units evidenced by a
certificate, by presentation and surrender of such certificate to the Trustee
properly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer. A Unitholder must sign such written request, and such certificate or
transfer instrument, exactly as his name appears on the records of the Trustee
and on the face of any certificate representing the Units to be transferred with
the signature guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents
Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other signature guarantee program in
addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP as may be accepted by the Trustee. In
certain instances the Trustee may require additional documents such as, but not
limited to, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor
or administrator or certificates of corporate authority. Certificates will be
issued in denominations of one Unit or any whole multiple thereof.
Although no such charge is now made or contemplated, the Trustee may require
a Unitholder to pay a reasonable fee for each certificate reissued or
transferred and to pay any governmental charge that may be imposed in connection
with each such transfer or interchange. Destroyed, stolen, mutilated or lost
certificates will be replaced upon delivery to the Trustee of satisfactory
indemnity, evidence of ownership and payment of expenses incurred. Mutilated
certificates must be surrendered to the Trustee for replacement.
Distributions of Income and Capital. Any dividends received by the Trust with
respect to the Equity Securities therein are credited by the Trustee to the
Income Account. Other receipts (e.g., capital gains, proceeds from the sale of
Securities, etc.) are credited to the Capital Account of the Trust. Proceeds
from the sale of Securities made to meet redemptions of Units shall be
segregated within the Capital Account of the Trust from proceeds from the sale
of Securities made to satisfy the fees, expenses and charges of the Trust.
Amounts to be credited to such Accounts are first converted into U.S. dollars at
the exchange rate for the relevant currency on the bid side value during the
secondary market.
The Trustee will distribute any net income received with respect to any of
the Securities in the Trust on or about the Income Distribution Dates to
Unitholders of record on the preceding Income Record Dates. See "Summary of
Essential Financial Information"in Part One. Proceeds received on the sale of
any Securities in the Trust, to the extent not used to meet redemptions of Units
or pay expenses or sales charges, will be distributed annually on the Capital
Account Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the preceding Capital
Account Record Date. 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 such Capital Account. 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 distribution to Unitholders as of each record date will be made on the
following distribution date or shortly thereafter and shall consist of each
Unitholder's pro rata share of the cash in the Income Account after deducting
estimated expenses. Because dividends are not received by the Trust at a
constant rate throughout the year, such distributions to Unitholders are
expected to fluctuate from distribution to distribution. Persons who purchase
Units will commence receiving distributions only after such person becomes a
record owner. 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.
On or before the twenty-fifth day of each month, the Trustee will deduct from
the Income Account and, to the extent funds are not sufficient therein, from the
Capital Account amounts necessary to pay the expenses of the Trust. See "Trust
Operating Expenses". 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 the Trust. Amounts so withdrawn shall not be
considered a part of the 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 such amounts as
may be necessary to cover redemptions of Units.
Reinvestment Option. Unitholders may elect to have each such distribution of
dividend income, capital gains and/or principal on their Units automatically
reinvested in additional Units of the Trust (to the extent Units may be lawfully
offered for sale in the state in which the Unitholder resides). To participate
in the reinvestment plan, a Unitholder may either contact his or her broker or
agent or file with the Trustee a written notice of election at least five days
prior to the Record Date for which the first distribution is to apply. A
Unitholder's election to participate in the reinvestment plan will apply to all
Units of the Trust owned by such Unitholder and such election will remain in
effect until changed by the Unitholder.
Reinvestment plan distributions may be reinvested in Units already held in
inventory by the Sponsor (see "Public Offering--Public Market") or, until such
time as additional Units cease to be issued by the Trust (see "The Trust"),
distributions may be reinvested in such additional Units. If Units are
unavailable in the secondary market, distributions which would otherwise have
been reinvested shall be paid in cash to the Unitholder on the applicable
Distribution Date.
Purchases of additional Units made pursuant to the reinvestment plan will be
made subject to any remaining deferred sales charge based on the net asset value
for Units of the Trust as of the Evaluation Time on the related Distribution
Dates. Under the reinvestment plan, the Trust will pay the Unitholder's
distributions to the Trustee which in turn will purchase for such Unitholder
full and fractional Units of the Trust and will send such Unitholder a statement
reflecting the reinvestment.
Unitholders may also elect to have each distribution of income, capital gains
and/or capital on their Units automatically reinvested in shares of any Van
Kampen American Capital mutual funds (except for B shares) which are registered
in the Unitholder's state of residence. Such mutual funds are hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "Reinvestment Funds".
Each Reinvestment Fund has investment objectives which differ in certain
respects from those of the Trust. The prospectus relating to each Reinvestment
Fund describes the investment policies of such fund and sets forth the
procedures to follow to commence reinvestment. A Unitholder may obtain a
prospectus for the respective Reinvestment Funds from Van Kampen American
Capital Distributors, Inc. at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
60181. Texas residents who desire to reinvest may request that a broker-dealer
registered in Texas send the prospectus relating to the respective fund.
After becoming a participant in a reinvestment plan, each distribution of
income, capital gains and/or capital on the participant's Units will, on the
applicable distribution date, automatically be applied, as directed by such
person, as of such distribution date by the Trustee to purchase shares (or
fractions thereof) of the applicable Reinvestment Fund at a net asset value as
computed as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on such date.
Unitholders with an existing Guaranteed Reinvestment Option (GRO) Program
account (whereby a sales charge is imposed on distribution reinvestments) may
transfer their existing account into a new GRO account which allows purchases of
Reinvestment Fund shares at net asset value as described above. Confirmations of
all reinvestments by a Unitholder into a Reinvestment Fund will be mailed to the
Unitholder by such Reinvestment Fund.
A participant may at any time prior to five days preceding the next
succeeding distribution date, by so notifying the Trustee in writing, elect to
terminate his or her reinvestment plan and receive future distributions on his
or her Units in cash. There will be no charge or other penalty for such
termination. The Sponsor, each Reinvestment Fund, and its investment adviser
shall have the right to suspend or terminate the reinvestment plan at any time.
Reports Provided. The Trustee shall furnish Unitholders in connection with
each distribution a statement of the amount of income and the amount of other
receipts (received since the preceding distribution), if any, being distributed,
expressed in each case as a dollar amount representing the pro rata share of
each Unit outstanding. For as long as the Sponsor deems it to be in the best
interest of the Unitholders, the accounts of the Trust shall be audited, not
less frequently than annually, by independent certified public accountants, and
the report of such accountants shall be furnished by the Trustee to Unitholders
upon 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 registered Unitholder a statement (i) as to the Income
Account: income received, deductions for applicable taxes and for fees and
expenses of the Trust, for redemptions of Units, if any, and 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; (ii) as
to the Capital Account: the dates of disposition of any Securities and the net
proceeds received therefrom, deductions for payment of applicable taxes, fees
and expenses of the Trust held for distribution to Unitholders of record as of a
date prior to the determination and 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; (iii) a list of the Securities held and
the number of Units outstanding on the last business day of such calendar year;
(iv) the Redemption Price per Unit based upon the last computation thereof made
during such calendar year; and (v) amounts actually distributed during such
calendar year from the Income and Capital Accounts, separately stated, expressed
as total dollar amounts.
In order to comply with federal and state tax reporting requirements,
Unitholders will be furnished, upon request to the Trustee, evaluations of the
Securities in the Trust furnished to it by the Evaluator.
Redemption of Units. A Unitholder may redeem all or a portion of his Units by
tender to the Trustee at its Unit Investment Trust Division, 101 Barclay Street,
20th Floor, New York, New York 10286 and, in the case of Units evidenced by a
certificate, by tendering such certificate to the Trustee, duly endorsed or
accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with signature guaranteed (or by
providing satisfactory indemnity, as in connection with lost, stolen or
destroyed certificates) and by payment of applicable governmental charges, if
any. No redemption fee will be charged. On the third business day following such
tender, the Unitholder will receive in cash an amount for each Unit equal to the
Redemption Price per Unit next computed after receipt by the Trustee of such
tender of Units and converted into U.S. dollars as of the Evaluation Time set
forth under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in Part One. The "date
of tender" is deemed to be the date of the next computation of the net asset
value per Unit after Units are received by the Trustee for redemption. No such
computation will be made on any day on which Securities representing greater
than 33% (20% in the case of Series 1) of the aggregate value of the Trust are
not traded on the principal trading exchange for such Securities due to a
customary business holiday on such exchange. Accordingly, purchases or
redemptions of Units on such a day will be based on the next determination of
price of the Securities (and the price of such Units would be the next computed
Unit price). In addition, foreign securities exchanges are open for trading on
certain days which are U.S. holidays on which the Trust will not transact
business. The Securities will continue to trade on those days and thus the value
of Units may be significantly affected on days when a Unitholder cannot sell or
redeem Units.
The Trustee is empowered to sell Securities in order to make funds available
for redemption if funds are not otherwise available in the Capital and Income
Accounts to meet redemptions. The Securities to be sold will be selected by the
Trustee from those designated on a current list provided by the Supervisor for
this purpose. Units so redeemed shall be cancelled.
In the event the Trust acquires any Securities traded in a United States
securities market, Unitholders tendering 1,000 or more Units for redemption may
request from the Trustee an in kind distribution ("In Kind Distribution") of an
amount and value of such Securities per Unit and cash representing the pro rata
portion of all foreign-traded Securities equal to the Redemption Price per Unit
as determined as of the evaluation next following the tender. An In Kind
Distribution on redemption of Units will be made by the Trustee through the
distribution of each of the U.S.-traded Securities in book-entry form to the
account of the Unitholder's bank or broker-dealer at Depository Trust Company.
The tendering Unitholder will receive cash representing his pro rata portion of
the foreign market-traded Securities and his pro rata number of whole shares of
each of the U.S.-traded Securities comprising the Trust portfolio and cash from
the Capital Account equal to the fractional shares to which the tendering
Unitholder is entitled. The Trustee may adjust the number of shares of any issue
of Securities included in a Unitholder's In Kind Distribution to facilitate the
distribution of whole shares, such adjustment to be made on the basis of the
value of Securities on the date of tender. If funds in the Capital Account are
insufficient to cover the required cash distribution to the tendering
Unitholder, the Trustees may sell Securities according to the criteria discussed
above.
To the extent that Securities are redeemed in-kind or sold, the size of the
Trust will be, and the diversity of the Trust may be, reduced. 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.
Special federal income tax consequences will result if a Unitholder requests an
In Kind Distribution. See "Federal Taxation."
The Redemption Price per Unit (as well as the secondary market Public
Offering Price) will be determined on the basis of the aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities in the Trust, plus or minus cash, if any, in the
Income and Capital Accounts. On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Public Offering
Price per Unit (which includes the sales charge) exceeded the values at which
Units could have been redeemed by the amounts shown under "Summary of Essential
Financial Information." While the Trustee has the power to determine the
Redemption Price per Unit when Units are tendered for redemption, such authority
has been delegated to the Evaluator which determines the price per Unit on a
daily basis. The Redemption Price per Unit is the pro rata share of each Unit in
the Trust determined on the basis of (i) the cash on hand in the Trust, (ii) the
value of the Securities in the Trust and (iii) dividends receivable on the
Equity Securities trading ex-dividend as of the date of computation, less (a)
amounts representing taxes or other governmental charges payable out of the
Trust and (b) the accrued sales charges or expenses of the Trust. The Evaluator
may determine the value of the Equity Securities in the Trust in the following
manner: if the Equity Securities are listed on a national or foreign securities
exchange this evaluation is generally based on the closing sale prices on that
exchange (unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis
for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that exchange, at the
closing bid prices. If the Equity Securities are not so listed or, if so listed
and the principal market therefore is other than on the exchange, the evaluation
shall generally be based on the current bid price on the over-the-counter market
(unless these prices are inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current
bid prices are unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the
basis of current bid prices for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the
value of the Equity Securities on the bid side of the market or (c) by any
combination of the above. The value of the Equity Securities for redemptions and
secondary market transactions is based on the U.S. dollar value of the
Securities computed on the basis of the bid side value of the exchange rate for
the relevant currency as of the Evaluation Time.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any period
during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than for customary
weekend and holiday closings, or any period during which the Securities and
Exchange Commission determines that trading on that Exchange is restricted or an
emergency exists, as a result of which disposal or evaluation of the Securities
in the Trust is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the
Securities and Exchange Commission may by order permit.
TRUST ADMINISTRATION
Sponsor Purchases of Units. The Trustee shall notify the Sponsor of any
tender of Units for redemption. If the Sponsor's bid in the secondary market at
that time equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per Unit, it may purchase such
Units by notifying the Trustee before the close of business on the next
succeeding business day and by making payment therefor to the Unitholder not
later than the day on which the Units would otherwise have been redeemed by the
Trustee. Units held by the Sponsor may be tendered to the Trustee for redemption
as any other Units.
The offering price of any Units acquired by the Sponsor will be in accord
with the Public Offering Price described in the then currently effective
prospectus describing such Units. Any profit resulting from the resale of such
Units will belong to the Sponsor which likewise will bear any loss resulting
from a lower offering or redemption price subsequent to its acquisition of such
Units.
Portfolio Administration. The portfolio of the Trust is not "managed" by the
Sponsor, Supervisor or the Trustee; their activities described herein are
governed solely by the provisions of the Trust Agreement. 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 analyses.
The Trust, however, will not be managed. The Trust Agreement, however, provides
that the Sponsor may (but need not) direct the Trustee to dispose of an Equity
Security in certain events such as the issuer having defaulted on the payment on
any of its outstanding obligations or the price of an Equity 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. In addition, the Sponsor will instruct the Trustee to dispose of
certain Securities and to take such further action as may be needed from time to
time to ensure that the Trust continues to satisfy the qualifications of a
regulated investment company, including the requirements with respect to
diversification under Section 851 of the Internal Revenue Code. Pursuant to the
Trust Agreement, the Sponsor is not authorized to direct the reinvestment of the
proceeds of the sale of Securities in replacement securities except in the event
the sale is the direct result of serious adverse credit factors affecting the
issuer of the Security which, in the opinion of the Sponsor, would make the
retention of such Security detrimental to the Trust. If such factors exist, the
Sponsor is authorized, but is not obligated, to direct the reinvestment of the
proceeds of the sale of such Securities in any other securities which meet the
criteria necessary for inclusion in the Trust on the Initial Date of Deposit
(including other Securities already deposited in the Trust). Pursuant to the
Trust Agreement and with limited exceptions, the Trustee may sell any securities
or other properties acquired in exchange for Equity Securities such as those
acquired in connection with a merger or other transaction. If offered such new
or exchanged securities or property, 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 the Trust and either sold by the
Trustee or held in the Trust pursuant to the direction of the Sponsor (who may
rely on the advice of the Supervisor). Therefore, except as stated under "Trust
Portfolio" for failed securities and as provided in this paragraph, the
acquisition by the Trust of any securities other than the Securities is
prohibited. Proceeds from the sale of Securities (or any securities or other
property received by the Trust in exchange for Equity Securities), unless held
for reinvestment as herein provided, are credited to the Capital Account for
distribution to Unitholders or to meet redemptions.
As indicated under "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units" above, the
Trustee may also sell Securities designated by the Supervisor, or if not so
directed, in its own discretion, for the purpose of redeeming Units of the Trust
tendered for redemption and the payment of expenses.
The Supervisor, in designating Equity Securities to be sold by the Trustee,
will generally make selections in order to maintain, to the extent practicable,
the proportionate relationship among the number of shares of individual issues
of Equity Securities. To the extent this is not practicable, the composition and
diversity of the Equity Securities may be altered. In order to obtain the best
price for the Trust, it may be necessary for the Supervisor to specify minimum
amounts (generally 100 shares) in which blocks of Equity Securities are to be
sold.
Amendment or 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 thereof which may be
defective or inconsistent, or (2) to make such other provisions as shall not
adversely affect the Unitholders (as determined in good faith by the Sponsor and
the Trustee), provided, however, that the Trust Agreement may not be amended to
increase the number of Units (except as provided in the Trust Agreement). The
Trust Agreement may also be amended in any respect by the Trustee and Sponsor,
or any of the provisions thereof may be waived, with the consent of the holders
of 51% of the Units then outstanding, provided that no such amendment or waiver
will reduce the interest in the Trust of any Unitholder 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. The Trustee
shall advise the Unitholders of any amendment promptly after execution thereof.
The Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of Unitholders
representing 66 2/3% of the Trust Units then outstanding or by the Trustee when
the value of the Trust, as shown by any evaluation, is less than that amount set
forth under Minimum Termination Value in "Summary of Essential Financial
Information" in Part One. The Trust Agreement will terminate upon the sale or
other disposition of the last Security held thereunder, but in no event will it
continue beyond the Mandatory Termination Date stated under "Summary of
Essential Financial Information" in Part One.
Commencing on the Mandatory Termination Date, Equity Securities will begin to
be sold in connection with the termination of the Trust. The Sponsor will
determine the manner, timing and execution of the sales of the Equity
Securities. The Sponsor shall direct the liquidation of the Securities in such
manner as to effectuate orderly sales and a minimal market impact. In the event
the Sponsor does not so direct, the Securities shall be sold within a reasonable
period and in such manner as the Trustee, in its sole discretion, shall
determine. Written notice of any termination specifying the time or times at
which Unitholders may surrender their certificates for cancellation, if any are
then issued and outstanding, shall be given by the Trustee to each Unitholder so
holding a certificate at his address appearing on the registration books of the
Trust maintained by the Trustee. At least 30 days before the Mandatory
Termination Date the Trustee will provide written notice thereof to all
Unitholders and will include with such notice a form to enable Unitholders
owning 1,000 or more Units to request an In Kind Distribution of any Securities
which are traded in a United States securities market and cash representing the
pro rata portion of the foreign-traded Securities upon the termination of the
Trust. To be effective, this request must be returned to the Trustee at least
five business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date. On the Mandatory
Termination Date (or on the next business day thereafter if a holiday) the
Trustee will deliver each requesting Unitholder's pro rata portion of cash
representing the foreign-traded Securities and his pro rata number of whole
shares of each of the U.S.-traded Securities in the Trust to the account of the
broker-dealer or bank designated by the Unitholder at Depository Trust Company.
The value of the Unitholder's fractional shares of Securities will be paid in
cash. Unitholders with less than 1,000 Units and Unitholders with 1,000 or more
Units not requesting In Kind Distribution will receive a cash distribution from
the sale of the remaining Securities within a reasonable time following the
Mandatory Termination Date. Regardless of the distribution involved, the Trustee
will deduct from the funds of the Trust any accrued costs, expenses, advances or
indemnities provided by the Trust Agreement, including estimated compensation of
the Trustee, costs of liquidation and any amounts required as a reserve to
provide for payment of any applicable taxes or other governmental charges. Any
sale of Equity Securities in the Trust upon termination may result in a lower
amount than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not required at such
time. The Trustee will then distribute to each Unitholder his pro rata share of
the balance of the Income and Capital Accounts.
Within 60 days of the final distribution Unitholders will be furnished a
final distribution statement, in substantially the same form as the annual
distribution statement, of the amount distributable. At such time as the Trustee
in its sole discretion will determine that any amounts held in reserve are no
longer necessary, it will make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the same
manner.
Limitations on Liabilities. The Sponsor, the Evaluator, the Supervisor and
the Trustee shall be under no liability to Unitholders for taking any action or
for refraining from taking any action in good faith pursuant to the Trust
Agreement, or for errors in judgment, but shall be liable only for their own
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence (negligence in the case of
the Trustee) in the performance of their duties or by reason of their reckless
disregard of their obligations and duties hereunder. The Trustee shall not be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the Trustee of
any of the Securities. In the event of the failure of the Sponsor to act under
the Trust Agreement, the Trustee may act thereunder and shall not be liable for
any action taken by it in good faith under the Trust Agreement.
The Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental charges
imposed upon or in respect of the Securities or upon the interest thereon or
upon it as Trustee under the Trust Agreement or upon or in respect of the Trust
which the Trustee may be required to pay under any present or future law of the
United States of America or of any other taxing authority having jurisdiction.
In addition, the Trust Agreement contains other customary provisions limiting
the liability of the Trustee.
The Trustee, Sponsor, Supervisor and Unitholders may rely on any evaluation
furnished by the Evaluator and shall have no responsibility for the accuracy
thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator under the Trust Agreement 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, Sponsor
or Unitholders for errors in judgment. This provision shall not protect the
Evaluator in any case of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.
Sponsor. Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, is the Sponsor of the Trust. The Sponsor is an indirect subsidiary
of VK/AC Holding, Inc. VK/AC Holding, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of MSAM
Holdings II, Inc., which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley
Group Inc.
On May 31, 1997, Morgan Stanley Group Inc. merged with and into Dean Witter,
Discover & Co. to create Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. ("MSDWD"),
a global financial services firm with a market capitalization of more than $21
billion. MSDWD, together with various of its directly and indirectly owned
subsidiaries, is engaged in a wide range of financial services through three
primary businesses: securities, asset management and credit services. These
principal businesses include securities underwriting, distribution and trading;
merger, acquisition, restructuring and other corporate finance advisory
activities; merchant banking; stock brokerage and research services; asset
management; trading of futures, options, foreign exchange commodities and swaps
(involving foreign exchange, commodities, indices and interest rates); real
estate advice, financing and investing; global custody, securities clearance
services and securities lending; and credit card services. As of June 2, 1997,
MSDWD, together with its affiliated investment advisory companies, had
approximately $270 billion of assets under management and fiduciary advice.
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. specializes in the
underwriting and distribution of unit investment trusts and mutual funds with
roots in money management dating back to 1926. The Sponsor is a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and has offices at One Parkview
Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, (630) 684-6000 and 2800 Post Oak
Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056, (713) 993-0500. It maintains a branch office in
Philadelphia and has regional representatives in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles,
New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa. As of November 30, 1996 the total
stockholders' equity of Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. was
$129,451,000 (unaudited). (This paragraph relates only to the Sponsor and not to
the Trust or to any other Series thereof. The information is included herein
only for the purpose of informing investors as to the financial responsibility
of the Sponsor and its ability to carry out its contractual obligations. More
detailed financial information will be made available by the Sponsor upon
request.)
As of March 31, 1997, the Sponsor and its Van Kampen American Capital
affiliates managed or supervised approximately $58.45 billion of investment
products, of which over $11.85 billion is invested in municipal securities. The
Sponsor and its Van Kampen American Capital affiliates managed $47 billion of
assets, consisting of $29.23 billion for 59 open-end mutual funds (of which 46
are distributed by Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.) $13.4 billion
for 37 closed-end funds and $4.97 billion for 106 institutional accounts. The
Sponsor has also deposited approximately $26 billion of unit investment trusts.
All of Van Kampen American Capital's open-end funds, closed-ended funds and unit
investment trusts are professionally distributed by leading financial firms
nationwide. Based on cumulative assets deposited, the Sponsor believes that it
is the largest sponsor of insured municipal unit investment trusts, primarily
through the success of its Insured Municipals Income Trust(R) or the IM-IT(R)
trust. The Sponsor also provides surveillance and evaluation services at cost
for approximately $13 billion of unit investment trust assets outstanding. Since
1976, the Sponsor has serviced over two million investor accounts, opened
through retail distribution firms.
If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the Trust
Agreement or become incapable of acting or shall become bankrupt or its affairs
are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (i) appoint a
successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the Trustee to be
reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (ii) terminate the Trust Agreement and liquidate the Trust as
provided therein or (iii) continue to act as Trustee without terminating the
Trust Agreement.
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, New York, New York 10286 (800) 221-7668.
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 duties of the Trustee are primarily ministerial in nature. It did not
participate in the selection of Securities for the Trust portfolio.
In accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Trustee shall keep proper books
of record and account of all transactions at its office for the Trust. Such
records shall include the name and address of, and the number of Units of the
Trust held by, every Unitholder of the Fund. Such books and records shall be
open to inspection by any Unitholder at all reasonable times during the 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 (see "Rights of Unitholders--Reports Provided"). The Trustee is
required to keep a certified copy or duplicate original of the Trust Agreement
on file in its office available for inspection at all reasonable times during
the usual business hours by any Unitholder, together with a current list of the
Securities held in the Trust.
Under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee or any successor trustee may resign
and be discharged of its responsibilities 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 60 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 30 days after notification, the retiring
Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor. The Sponsor may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee as
provided in the Trust Agreement at any time with or without cause. Notice of
such 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 resignation or removal of a Trustee becomes
effective only when the successor trustee accepts its appointment as such or
when a court of competent jurisdiction appoints a successor trustee.
Any corporation into which a Trustee may be merged or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to
which a Trustee shall be a party, shall be the successor trustee. The Trustee
must be a banking corporation organized under the laws of the United States or
any state and having at all times an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000.
OTHER MATTERS
Legal Opinions. The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon
by Chapman and Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, as
counsel for the Sponsor. Kroll & Tract LLP has acted as counsel for the Trustee.
Independent Certified Public Accountants. The statement of condition and the
related securities portfolio at the Initial Date of Deposit included in this
Prospectus have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public
accountants, as set forth in their report in this Prospectus, and are included
herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations
not contained in this Prospectus; and any information or representation not
contained herein must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust,
the Sponsor or dealers. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or
a solicitation of any offer to buy, securities in any state to any persons to
whom it is not lawful to make such offer in such state.
Table of Contents Page
----------------- ------
The Trust 2
Objectives and Securities Selection 2
Trust Portfolio 3
Risk Factors 3
Federal Taxation 5
Trust Operating Expenses 6
Public Offering 7
Rights of Unitholders 8
Trust Administration 11
Other Matters 13
This Prospectus contains information concerning the Fund and the Sponsor, but
does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statements
and exhibits relating thereto, which the Fund has filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. under the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which reference is hereby made.
PROSPECTUS Part Two
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust
Great International Firms Trust
Note: This Prospectus may be used only when accompanied by Part One.
Both parts of this Prospectus should be retained for future reference.
Dated as of the date of the Prospectus Part One accompanying this
Prospectus Part Two.
------ A Wealth of Knowledge oA Knowledge of Wealthsm ------
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
2800 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77056
Contents of Post-Effective Amendment
to Registration Statement
This Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement
comprises the following papers and documents:
The facing sheet
The prospectus
The signatures
The Consent of Independent Accountants
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 64,
certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this
Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to its
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized, and its seal to be hereunto affixed and
attested, all in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on the 23rd
day of November, 1998.
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust,
Series 64
(Registrant)
By Van Kampen Funds Inc.
(Depositor)
By Gina Costello
Assistant Secretary
(Seal)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below on November
23, 1998 by the following persons who constitute a majority of the Board
of Directors of Van Kampen Funds Inc.:
Signature Title
Don G. Powell Chairman and Chief )
Executive Officer )
John H. Zimmerman President and Chief Operating)
Officer )
Ronald A. Nyberg Executive Vice President and )
General Counsel )
William R. Rybak Senior Vice President and )
Chief Financial Officer )
Gina Costello ) (Attorney in Fact)*
____________________
* An executed copy of each of the related powers of attorney was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the
Registration Statement on Form S-6 of Van Kampen American Capital
Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 64 (File No. 333-33087) and Van
Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 87 (File
No. 333-44581) and the same are hereby incorporated herein by this
reference.
Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants
We have issued our report dated August 28, 1998 accompanying the
financial statements of Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust,
Series 64 as of July 31, 1998, and for the period then ended, contained in this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6.
We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the Post-
Effective Amendment and to the use of our name as it appears under the
caption "Auditors".
Grant Thornton LLP
Chicago, Illinois
November 23, 1998
