File No. 333-76607 CIK#1025294
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 Focus Portfolios, Series 155
(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: A. Thomas Smith III, General Counsel 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 August 25, 2000 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OPPORTUNITY TRUST, 1999 SERIES
Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 155
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Focus Portfolios, Series 155 is comprised of one unit
investment trust, Financial Institutions Opportunity Trust, 1999 Series (the
"Trust"). The Trust seeks to increase the value of your investment and provide
dividend income by investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks primarily
issued by banks, thrifts and consumer finance companies selected by Robert W.
Baird & Co. Incorporated.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED
OF THE UNITS OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Date of this Prospectus is August 25, 2000
Baird/
Financial Institutions Opportunity Trust, 1999 Series
Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 155
Summary of Essential Financial Information
As of June 5, 2000
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
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial
Institutions
Opportunity
Trust
----------------
General Information
<S> <C>
Number of Units 1,367,316.654
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust per Unit 1/1,367,316.654
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Securities in Portfolio (1) $ 11,657,689.49
Aggregate Value of Securities per Unit (including accumulated dividends) $ 8.5260
Sales charge 3.5% (3.627% of Aggregate Value of Securities excluding
principal cash) per Unit(3) $ .3051
Public Offering Price per Unit (2)(3) $ 8.8311
Redemption Price per Unit $ 8.5260
Secondary Market Repurchase Price per Unit $ 8.5260
Excess of Public Offering Price per Unit Over Redemption Price per Unit $ .3051
</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 May 25, 1999
Mandatory Termination Date May 24, 2002
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 $.21963
Trustee's Annual fee $.008 per Unit
Income Distribution Record Date TENTH day of June and December.
Income Distribution Date TWENTY-FIFTH day of June and December.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Equity Securities are valued at the closing sale price, or if no such price
exists, at the closing bid price thereof.
(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 May 25, the secondary sales charge will decrease by .5 of
1% to a minimum sales charge of 3.0%.
PER UNIT INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 (1)
------------
<S> <C>
Net asset value per Unit at beginning of period........................................................ $ 9.90
============
Net asset value per Unit at end of period.............................................................. $ 7.50
============
Distributions to Unitholders of investment income including accumulated dividends paid
on Units redeemed (average Units outstanding for entire period)..................................... $ 0.12
============
Distributions to Unitholders from Equity Security redemption proceeds (average Units
outstanding for entire period)...................................................................... $ --
============
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Equity Securities (per Unit outstanding at end of period).... $ (2.05)
============
Distributions of investment income by frequency of payment
Semiannual.......................................................................................... $ 0.12
Units outstanding at end of period..................................................................... 1,367,317
</TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For the period from May 25, 1999 (date of deposit) through April 30,
2000.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of Van Kampen Funds Inc. and the Unitholders of
Financial Institutions Opportunity Trust, 1999 Series (Van Kampen Focus
Portfolios, Series 155):
We have audited the accompanying statements of condition (including the
analyses of net assets) and the related portfolio of Financial Institutions
Opportunity Trust, 1999 Series (Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 155) as of
April 30, 2000 and the related statements of operations and changes in net
assets for the period from May 25, 1999 (date of deposit) through April 30,
2000. 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 auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 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 April
30, 2000 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 Financial Institutions
Opportunity Trust, 1999 Series (Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 155) as of
April 30, 2000 and the results of operations and changes in net assets for the
period from May 25, 1999 (date of deposit) through April 30, 2000, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
GRANT THORNTON LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 16, 2000
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OPPORTUNITY TRUST, 1999 SERIES
Statements of Condition
April 30, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial
Institutions
Opportunity
Trust
---------------
Trust property
<S> <C>
Cash $ 413,851
Securities at market value, (cost $13,018,903) (note 1) 10,220,654
Accumulated dividends 19,495
Receivable for securities sold --
---------------
$ 10,654,000
===============
Liabilities and interest to Unitholders
Cash overdraft $ --
Redemptions payable --
Payables for Securities Purchased 402,755
Interest to Unitholders 10,251,245
---------------
$ 10,654,000
===============
Analyses of Net Assets
Interest of Unitholders (1,367,317 Units of fractional
undivided interest outstanding)
Cost to original investors of 1,376,577 Units (note 1) $ 14,201,753
Less initial underwriting commission (note 3) 588,719
---------------
13,613,034
Less redemption of 9,260 Units 65,437
---------------
13,547,597
Undistributed net investment income
Net investment income 226,930
Less distributions to Unitholders 158,391
---------------
68,539
Realized gain (loss) on Security sale (212,563)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Securities (note 2) (2,798,249)
Distributions to Unitholders of Security sale proceeds --
Deferred Sales Charge (354,079)
---------------
Net asset value to Unitholders $ 10,251,245
===============
Net asset value per Unit (1,367,317 Units outstanding) $ 7.50
===============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OPPORTUNITY TRUST, 1999 SERIES
Statements of Operations
Period from May 25, 1999 (date of deposit) through April 30, 2000
2000
--------------
Investment income
<S> <C>
Dividend income.................................................................................. $ 274,841
Expenses
Trustee fees and expenses..................................................................... 11,192
Evaluator fees................................................................................ 2,850
Organizational fees........................................................................... 31,312
Supervisory fees.............................................................................. 2,557
--------------
Total expenses............................................................................. 47,911
Net investment income......................................................................... 226,930
Realized gain (loss) for Securities sale
Proceeds......................................................................................... 776,425
Cost............................................................................................. 988,988
--------------
Realized gain (loss).......................................................................... (212,563)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Securities.................................. (2,798,249)
--------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS............................... $ (2,783,882)
==============
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Period from May 25, 1999 (date of deposit) through April 30, 2000
2000
--------------
Increase (decrease) in net assets Operations:
Net investment income............................................................................ $ 226,930
Realized gain (loss) on Securities............................................................... (212,563)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Securities............................... (2,798,249)
--------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations............................... (2,783,882)
Distributions to Unitholders from:
Net investment income............................................................................ (158,391)
Security sale proceeds........................................................................... --
Redemption of Units.............................................................................. (65,437)
Deferred sales charge............................................................................ (354,079)
--------------
Total increase (decrease)..................................................................... (3,361,789)
Net asset value to Unitholders
Beginning of period.............................................................................. 143,063
Additional Securities purchased from the proceeds of Unit Sales.................................. 13,469,971
--------------
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $68,589)......................... $ 10,251,245
==============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OPPORTUNITY TRUST, 1999 SERIES PORTFOLIO as of April 30, 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valuation of
Number Market Value Securities
of Shares Name of Issuer Per Share (Note 1)
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
12,268 AMCORE Financial, Inc. $ 19.9375 $ 244,593
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18,218 AmSouth Bancorporation 14.5625 265,300
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16,597 Anchor Bancorp Wisconsin, Inc. 15.7500 261,403
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15,332 Associated Banc-Corp 25.5625 391,924
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,620 Associates First Capital Corporation 22.1875 302,194
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9,561 Bank One Corporation 30.5000 291,611
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14,341 BB&T Corporation 26.6250 381,829
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,820 Capital One Financial Corporation 43.7500 473,375
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20,362 Charter One Financial, Inc. 20.3125 413,603
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,125 Chase Manhattan Corporation 72.0625 513,445
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11,440 F.N.B. Corporation 19.7500 225,940
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9,380 First Federal Capital Corporation 11.5000 107,870
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,351 First Tennessee National Corporation 19.0000 253,669
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9,111 Gold Banc Corporation, Inc. 6.1875 56,374
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15,604 KeyCorp 18.5000 288,674
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,954 MAF Bancorp, Inc. 18.7500 111,638
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,937 Marshall & Illsley Corporation 46.3750 368,078
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15,604 Mellon Bank Corporation 32.1250 501,278
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,577 Merrill Lynch & Company 101.9375 772,380
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11,366 MGIC Investment Corporation 47.8125 543,437
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,709 SouthTrust Corporation 23.8750 327,302
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6,767 St. Francis Capital Corporation 14.1875 96,007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8,210 SunTrust Banks, Inc. 50.7500 416,658
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26,787 Synovuus Financial Corporation 18.5625 497,234
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19,121 TCF Financial Corporation 23.3750 446,953
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,078 Union Planters Corporation 28.3125 370,271
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17,226 U.S. Bancorp 20.3125 349,903
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6,315 Wachnovia Corporation 62.6875 395,872
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,439 Wells Fargo Company 41.0625 551,839
--------------- ---------------
370,220 $ 10,220,654
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OPPORTUNITY TRUST, 1999 SERIES
Notes to Financial Statements
April 30, 2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Security Valuation - Securities are valued at the last closing sales price
or, if no such price exists, at the closing bid price thereof.
Security Cost - The original cost to the Trust of the Securities was based,
for Securities listed on a national securities exchange on the closing sale
prices on the exchange or the closing asked prices if not listed. 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 as described
in Note 1 and (3) accumulated dividends thereon, less accrued expenses of the
Trust, if any.
Federal Income Taxes - Each Unitholder is considered to be the owner of a pro
rata portion of the trust and, accordingly, no provision has been made for
Federal Income Taxes.
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.
NOTE 2 - PORTFOLIO
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation - An analysis of net unrealized
appreciation (depreciation) at April 30, 2000 is as follows:
Financial
Institutions
Opportunity
Trust
----------------
Unrealized Appreciation $ 248,078
Unrealized Depreciation (3,046,327)
----------------
$ (2,798,249)
================
NOTE 3- OTHER
Marketability - Although it is not obligated to do so, the Sponsor or the
Managing Underwriter 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 or the Managing
Underwriter 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 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. Effective on each May 25, commencing May 25, 2000, the
secondary sales charge 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 and 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 April 30, 2000, 9,260 Units were presented for
redemption.
Baird
Financial Institutions Opportunity Trust, 1999 Series
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 155 includes the unit investment trust
described above (the "Trust"). The Trust seeks to increase the value of your
investment and provide dividend income by investing in a diversified portfolio
of stocks primarily issued by banks, thrifts and consumer finance companies
selected by Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Of course, we cannot guarantee
that the Trust will achieve its objective.
Prospectus Part II
This prospectus contains two parts.
No one may use this Prospectus Part II unless accompanied by Prospectus Part I.
You should read this prospectus and retain it for future reference.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of the
Units or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any contrary
representation is a criminal offense.
THE TRUST
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trust was created under the laws of the State of New York pursuant to a
Trust Indenture and Trust Agreement (the "Trust Agreement"), dated the Initial
Date of Deposit, among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as Sponsor, Van Kampen Investment
Advisory Corp. as Supervisor, The Bank of New York, as Trustee, and American
Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van Kampen Investment Advisory
Corp., as Evaluator.
The Trust offers the opportunity to purchase Units representing proportionate
interests in a portfolio of stocks. The Trust may be an appropriate medium for
investors who desire to participate in a portfolio of stocks with greater
diversification than they might be able to acquire individually.
On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited delivery statements
relating to contracts for the purchase of the Securities and an irrevocable
letter of credit in the amount required for these purchases with the Trustee. In
exchange for these contracts the Trustee 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 any remaining Securities will be liquidated or distributed
by the Trustee within a reasonable time. As used in this Prospectus the term
"Securities" means the securities (including contracts to purchase these
securities) listed in "Portfolio" in Part One and any additional securities
deposited into the Trust.
Additional Units may be issued at any time by depositing in the Trust (i)
additional Securities, (ii) contracts to purchase Securities together with cash
or irrevocable letters of credit or (iii) cash (or a letter of credit or the
equivalent) with instructions to purchase additional Securities. As additional
Units are issued by the Trust, the aggregate value of the Securities will be
increased and the fractional undivided interest represented by each Unit will be
decreased. The Sponsor may continue to make additional deposits into the Trust
following the Initial Date of Deposit provided that the additional deposits will
be in amounts which will maintain, as nearly as practicable, the same
proportionate relationship among the number of shares of each Security in the
Trust's portfolio that existed immediately prior to the subsequent deposit.
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 deposit and the purchase of the Securities and because
the Trust will pay the associated brokerage or acquisition fees.
Each Unit initially offered represents an undivided interest in the Trust. To
the extent that any Units are redeemed by the Trustee or additional Units are
issued as a result of additional Securities being deposited by the Sponsor, the
fractional undivided interest in the Trust represented by each unredeemed Unit
will increase or decrease accordingly, although the actual interest in the Trust
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.
The Trust consists of (a) the Securities (including contracts for the
purchase thereof) listed under the "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 related Income and Capital Accounts. Neither the Sponsor nor
the Trustee shall be liable in any way for any failure in any of the Securities.
OBJECTIVES AND SECURITIES SELECTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trust seeks to increase the value of your investment and provide dividend
income by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of stocks issued by
banks, thrifts and consumer finance companies. These companies generally have
operations in the midwestern United States or Florida. A team of experienced
financial professionals at Robert W. Baird selected the Trust portfolio using
database screening techniques and fundamental analysis. Certain trends may
suggest that bank and thrift stocks offer a potential for growth, such as:
o An increased number of consolidations and mergers
o Growing assets under management
o Deregulation of the banking sector
o Relatively stable interest rates
o Low inflationary expectations
o Steady economic growth
o Strong credit quality
o Technology-driven operational efficiencies
o Demographic shifts that demand wide-ranging investment products and
services
o Potential for continued investment in financial markets
o Increased demand for private banking and asset management
Deregulation of the banking industry has given rise to a wave of
consolidation over the last three to five years. Many expect this consolidation
to provide financial benefits from economies of scale and cost-cutting. Intense
competition between U.S. banks has led to the need to broaden offerings of
banking services to better withstand various lending, interest rate and economic
cycles. Banks are typically interest-rate sensitive businesses. Any change in
the difference between the rate at which banks lend and borrow money will impact
their financial well-being. Many consider the historically low and stable
interest rate environment of recent years to be an advantage to U.S. banks.
As with any investment, we cannot guarantee that the Trust will achieve its
objective. The value of your Units may fall below the price you paid for the
Units. You should read the "Risk Factors" section before you invest.
About Robert W. Baird & Co. Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated is the
Underwriter of your Trust. Baird is one of the nation's largest
regionally-headquartered investment bankers, serving individuals, corporations,
municipalities and institutional investors. Founded in Milwaukee in 1919, Baird
has developed a strong presence in the Midwest and has expanded into major
markets outside America's Heartland. The firm has 75 offices in 14 states.
Baird's research department is widely known and respected for its equity
research providing broad comprehensive coverage for its clients. Baird's special
expertise includes:
o Offering individuals a full range of high-quality investment services.
o Serving as a leading underwriter for corporations and municipalities.
o Offering a broad range of asset management services to individuals,
pension and profit- sharing plans, foundations and others.
o Providing highly-regarded investment research that enjoys an
international reputation.
o Working with institutional investors around the world.
Since 1982, Baird has been a member of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
family of companies. Baird is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and other
principal exchanges, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and
the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. You can contact Baird at (800)
792-2473 or visit their website at www.rwbaird.com.
The Underwriter uses the list of Securities in its independent capacity as a
broker-dealer and investment adviser to various individuals and entities. The
Underwriter may also distribute this information to various individuals and
entities. The Underwriter may recommend or effect transactions in the
Securities. This may have an adverse effect on the prices of the Securities.
This also may have an impact on the price the Trust pays for the Securities and
the price received upon Unit redemptions or Trust termination.
The Underwriter acts as agent or principal in connection with the purchase
and sale of equity securities, including the Securities, and may act as a market
maker in the Securities. The Underwriter also issues reports and makes
recommendations on the Securities. The Underwriter's research department may
receive compensation based on commissions generated by research and/or sales of
Units.
You should note that the Underwriter applied the selection criteria to the
Securities for inclusion in the Trust as of the Initial Date of Deposit. After
this date, the Securities may no longer meet the selection criteria. Should a
Security no longer meet the selection criteria, we will generally not remove the
Security from the portfolio.
RISK FACTORS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price Volatility. The Trust invests in common stocks of U.S. companies. The
value of Units will fluctuate with the value of these stocks and may be more or
less than the price you originally paid for your Units. The market value of
common stocks sometimes moves up or down rapidly and unpredictably. Because the
Trust is unmanaged, the Trustee will not sell stocks in response to market
fluctuations as is common in managed investments. As with any investment, we
cannot guarantee that the performance of the Trust will be positive over any
period of time.
Dividends. Common stocks represent ownership interests in the issuers and are
not obligations of the issuers. Accordingly, common stockholders have a right to
receive dividends only after the company has provided for payment of its
creditors, bondholders and preferred stockholders. Common stocks do not assure
dividend payments. Dividends are paid only when declared by an issuer's board of
directors and the amount of any dividend may vary over time.
Financial Institutions. The Trust primarily invests in banks, thrifts and
their holding companies. Banks, thrifts and their holding companies are
especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession; volatile
interest rates; portfolio concentrations in geographic markets and in commercial
and residential real estate loans; and competition from new entrants in their
fields of business. In addition, banks, thrifts and their holding companies are
extensively regulated at both the federal and state level and may be adversely
affected by increased regulations.
Banks and thrifts will face increased competition from nontraditional lending
sources as regulatory changes, such as the recently enacted financial services
overhaul legislation, permit new entrants to offer various financial products.
Technological advances such as the Internet allow these nontraditional lending
sources to cut overhead and permit the more efficient use of customer data.
Banks are already facing tremendous pressure from mutual funds, brokerage firms
and other financial service providers in the competition to furnish services
that were traditionally offered by banks.
No FDIC Guarantee. An investment in your Trust is not a deposit of any bank
and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
PUBLIC OFFERING
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General. Units are offered at the Public Offering Price which includes the
underlying value of the Securities, the sales charge, and cash, if any, in the
Income and Capital Accounts. The "Summary of Essential Information" in Part One
describes the sales charge. On May 25, 2000, the secondary market sales charge
will be 3.50% and will not include deferred payments. This sales charge will
reduce by 0.5% on each following May 25 to a minimum of 3.00%.
Any sales charge reduction is borne by the selling broker, dealer or agent.
Units may be purchased in the primary or secondary market at the Public
Offering Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows to brokers and
dealers for purchases 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 brokerage services, 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 or children under 21 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.
Employees, officers and directors (including their spouses, children,
grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law,
sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the
benefit of such persons) of Van Kampen Funds 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.
The minimum purchase is 100 Units (or $1,000) but may vary by selling firm.
However, 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.
Offering Price. The Public Offering Price of Units will vary from the amounts
stated under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in Part One in
accordance with fluctuations in the prices of the underlying Securities in the
Trust. The initial price of the Securities was determined by Interactive Data
Corporation, a firm regularly engaged in the business of evaluating, quoting or
appraising comparable securities. The Evaluator will generally determine the
value of the Securities as of the Evaluation Time on each business day and will
adjust the Public Offering Price of Units accordingly. This Public Offering
Price will be effective for all orders received prior to the Evaluation Time on
each business day. The Evaluation Time is the close of the New York Stock
Exchange on each Trust business day. Orders received by the Trustee or Sponsor
for purchases, sales or redemptions after that time, or on a day which is not a
business day, will be held until the next determination of price. The term
"business day", as used herein and under "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of
Units", excludes Saturdays, Sundays and holidays observed by the New York Stock
Exchange.
The aggregate underlying value of the Securities during the initial offering
period is determined on each business day by the Evaluator in the following
manner: If the Securities are listed on a national or foreign securities
exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., this evaluation is generally based on
the closing sale prices on that exchange or market 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 or market, at the closing asked prices. If
the Securities are not listed on a national or foreign securities exchange or
the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. or, if so listed and the principal market therefor
is other than on the exchange or market, the evaluation shall generally be based
on the current asked price on the over-the-counter market (unless it is
determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If
current asked prices are unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a)
on the basis of current asked prices for comparable securities, (b) by
appraising the value of the Securities on the asked side of the market or (c) by
any combination of the above. The value of any foreign securities is based on
the applicable currency exchange rate as of the Evaluation Time. The value of
the Securities for purposes of secondary market transactions and redemptions is
described under "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units".
In offering the Units to the public, neither the Sponsor nor any
broker-dealers are recommending any of the individual Securities 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 Units for sale in a number of states. Brokers,
dealers and others will be allowed a concession or agency commission in
connection with the distribution of Units equal to 70% of the applicable sales
charge.
Any discount provided to investors will be borne by the selling dealer or
agent as indicated under "General" above. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, in no case shall the total of any concessions, agency
commissions and any additional compensation allowed or paid to any broker,
dealer or other distributor of Units with respect to any individual transaction
exceed the total sales charge applicable to such transaction. 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.
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
of 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.
Sponsor and Underwriter Compensation. The Underwriter will receive a gross
sales commission equal to the total sales charge applicable to each transaction.
The Sponsor will receive from the Underwriter the difference between the gross
sales commission and an amount equal to the broker concessions or agency
commissions described under "Unit Distribution". Any sales charge discount
provided to investors will be borne by the selling dealer or agent. In addition,
the Sponsor will realize a profit or loss as a result of the difference between
the price paid for the Securities by the Sponsor and the cost of the 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. The Sponsor or Underwriter may realize profit or loss as
a result of the possible fluctuations in the market value of the Securities,
since all proceeds received from purchasers of Units are retained by the Sponsor
or Underwriter. In maintaining a secondary market, the Underwriter will realize
profits or 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) or from a redemption of repurchased Units
at a price above or below the purchase price. Cash, if any, made available to
the Sponsor or Underwriter prior to the date of settlement for the purchase of
Units may be used in the Sponsor's or Underwriter's business and may be deemed
to be a benefit to the Sponsor, subject to the limitations of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
An affilliate of the Sponsor may have participated in a public offering of
one or more of the Securities. The Sponsor, an affiliate or their employees may
have a long or short position in these Securities. An affiliate may act as a
specialist or market marker for these Securities. An officer, director or
employee of the Sponsor or an affiliate may be an officer or director for
issuers of the Securities.
Market for Units. Although it is not obligated to do so, the Underwriter
currently intends to maintain a market for Units and to purchase Units at the
secondary market repurchase price (which is described under "Right of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units"). The Underwriter may discontinue purchases of
Units or discontinue purchases at this price at any time. In the event that a
secondary market is not maintained, a Unitholder will be able to dispose of
Units by tendering them to the Trustee for redemption at the Redemption Price.
See "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". Unitholders should contact
their broker to determine the best price for Units in the secondary market. The
Trustee will notify the Underwriter of any Units tendered for redemption. If the
Underwriter's bid in the secondary market equals or exceeds the Redemption Price
per Unit, it may purchase the Units not later than the day on which Units would
have been redeemed by the Trustee. The Underwriter may sell repurchased Units at
the secondary market Public Offering Price per Unit.
Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans. Units are available for purchase in
connection with certain types of tax-sheltered retirement plans, including
Individual Retirement Accounts for the individuals, Simplified Employee Pension
Plans for employees, qualified plans for self-employed individuals, and
qualified corporate pension and profit sharing plans for employees. The minimum
purchase for qualified retirement plans is 25 Units but may vary by selling
firm. The purchase of Units may be limited by the plans' provisions and does not
itself establish such plans.
RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions. Dividends, interest and any net proceeds from the sale of
Securities received by the Trust will generally be distributed to Unitholders on
each Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the preceding Record Date.
These dates appear under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in Part
One. A person becomes a Unitholder of record on the date of settlement
(generally three business days after Units are ordered). Unitholders may elect
to receive distributions in cash or to have distributions reinvested into
additional Units. You may also reinvest distributions in certain Van Kampen
mutual funds. See "Rights of Unitholders--Reinvestment Option".
Dividends and interest received by the Trust are credited to the Income
Account of the Trust. Other receipts (e.g., capital gains, proceeds from the
sale of Securities, etc.) are credited to the Capital Account. Proceeds received
on the sale of any Securities, to the extent not used to meet redemptions of
Units or pay deferred sales charges, fees or expenses, will be distributed to
Unitholders. Proceeds received from the disposition of any 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. Any
distribution to Unitholders consists of each Unitholder's pro rata share of the
estimated annual income to be received by the Trust and any available amounts in
the Capital Account as of the related Record Date.
Reinvestment Option. Unitholders may have distributions automatically
reinvested in additional Units under the Automatic Reinvestment Option (to the
extent Units may be lawfully offered for sale in the state in which the
Unitholder resides) through two options. Brokers and dealers can use the
Dividend Reinvestment Service through Depository Trust Company or purchase the
Automatic Reinvestment Option CUSIP. To participate in this reinvestment option,
a Unitholder must file with the Trustee a written notice of election, together
with any certificate representing Units and other documentation that the Trustee
may then require, at least five days prior to the related Record Date. A
Unitholder's election will apply to all Units owned by the Unitholder and will
remain in effect until changed by the Unitholder. If Units are unavailable for
reinvestment, distributions will be paid in cash. Purchases of additional Units
made pursuant to the reinvestment plan will be made at the net asset value for
Units as of the Evaluation Time on the Distribution Date.
Under the Guaranteed Reinvestment Option Unitholders may elect to have
distributions automatically reinvested in certain Van Kampen mutual funds (the
"Reinvestment Funds"). Each Reinvestment Fund has investment objectives which
differ from those of the Trust. The prospectus relating to each Reinvestment
Fund describes its investment policies and how to begin reinvestment. A
Unitholder may obtain a prospectus for the Reinvestment Funds from the Sponsor.
Purchases of shares of a Reinvestment Fund will be made at a net asset value
computed on the Distribution Date. Unitholders with an existing Guaranteed
Reinvestment Option account (whereby a sales charge is imposed on distribution
reinvestments) may transfer their existing account into a new account which
allows purchases of Reinvestment Fund shares at net asset value.
A participant may elect to terminate his or her reinvestment plan and receive
future distributions in cash by notifying the Trustee in writing no later than
five days before a distribution date. The Sponsor, each Reinvestment Fund, and
its investment adviser shall have the right to suspend or terminate the
reinvestment plan at any time.
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. Certificates must be tendered to the
Trustee, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with
signature guaranteed (or by providing satisfactory indemnity in connection with
lost, stolen or destroyed certificates) and by payment of applicable
governmental charges, if any. On the seventh day following the tender, the
Unitholder will be entitled to receive in cash an amount for each Unit equal to
the Redemption Price per Unit next computed on the date of tender. The "date of
tender" is deemed to be the date on which Units are received by the Trustee,
except that with respect to Units received by the Trustee after the Evaluation
Time or on a day which is not a Trust business day, the date of tender is deemed
to be the next business day.
Unitholders tendering 1,000 or more Units (or $10,000) of the Trust for
redemption may request an in kind distribution of equity securities equal to the
Redemption Price per Unit on the date of tender. An in kind distribution will be
made by the Trustee through the distribution of each of the euquity securities
in book-entry form to the account of the Unitholder's broker-dealer at
Depository Trust Company. Amounts representing fractional shares will be
distributed in cash. The Trustee may adjust the nujmber of shares of any
Security included in a Unitholder's in kind distribution of whole shares.
The Trustee may sell Securities to satisfy Unit redemptions. 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
at the time of redemption.
The Redemption Price per Unit and the secondary market repurchase price per
Unit are equal to the pro rate share of each Unit in each 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 Securities in the Trust
trading ex-dividend as of the date of computation, less (a) amounts representing
taxes or other governmental charges payable out of the Trust, (b) the accrued
expenses of the Trust and (c) any unpaid deferred sales charge payments. During
the initial offering period, the redemption price and the secondary market
repurchase price will also include estimated organizational costs. For these
purposes, the Evaluator may determine the value of the Securities in the
following manner: If the Securities are listed on a national or foreign
securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., this evaluation is
generally based on the closing sale prices on that exchange or market (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 or market, at the closing bid
prices. If the Securities are not so listed or, if so listed and the principal
market therefor is other than on the exchange or market, the evaluation may be
based on the current bid price on the over-the-counter market. If current bid
prices are unavailable or inappropriate, the evaluation may be determined (a) on
the basis of current bid prices for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the
Securities on the bid side of the market or (c) by any combination of the above.
The value of any foreign securities is based on the applicable currency exchange
rate 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 SEC determines that
trading on that Exchange is restricted or an emergency exists, as a result of
which disposal or evaluation of the Securities is not reasonably practicable, or
for other periods as the SEC may permit.
Certificates. Ownership of Units is evidenced in book entry form unless a
Unitholder makes a written request to the Trustee that ownership be in
certificate form. Units are transferable by making a written request to the
Trustee and, in the case of Units in certificate form, by presentation of the
certificate to the Trustee properly endorsed or accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unitholder must sign the written
request, and certificate or transfer instrument, exactly as his name appears on
the records of the Trustee and on the face of any certificate with the signature
guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program
("STAMP") or a signature guarantee program 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. Fractional Units will not
be issued. 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 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.
Reports Provided. Unitholders will receive a statement of dividends, interest
and other amounts received by the Trust for each distribution. Within a
reasonable time after the end of each year, each person who was a Unitholder
during that year will receive a statement describing dividends, interest and
capital received, actual Trust distributions, Trust expenses, a list of the
Securities and other Trust information. Unitholders may obtain the Evaluator's
evaluations of the Securities upon request.
TRUST ADMINISTRATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio Administration. The Trust is not a managed fund and, except as
provided in the Trust Agreement, Securities generally will not be sold or
replaced. The Sponsor may, however, direct that Securities be sold in certain
limited circumstances to protect the Trust based on advice from the Supervisor.
These situations may include events such as the issuer having defaulted on
payment of any of its outstanding obligations or the price of a Security has
declined to such an extent or other credit factors exist so that in the opinion
of the Sponsor retention of the Security would be detrimental to the Trust. In
addition, the Trustee may sell Securities to redeem Units or pay Trust expenses
or deferred sales charges. The Trustee must reject any offer for securities or
property in exchange for the Securities. If securities or property are
nonetheless acquired by the Trust, the Sponsor may direct the Trustee to sell
the securities or property and distribute the proceeds to Unitholders or to
accept the securities or property for deposit in the Trust. Should any contract
for the purchase of any of the Securities fail, the Sponsor will (unless
substantially all of the moneys held in the Trust to cover the purchase are
reinvested in substitute Securities in accordance with the Trust Agreement)
refund the cash and sales charge attributable to the failed contract to all
Unitholders on or before the next distribution date.
When your Trust sells Securities, the composition and diversity of the
Securities in the Trust 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 Securities are to be sold. In
effecting purchases and sales of the Trust's portfolio securities, the Sponsor
may direct that orders be placed with and brokerage commissions be paid to
brokers, including brokers which may be affiliated with the Trust, the Sponsor
or dealers participating in the offering of Units. In addition, in selecting
among firms to handle a particular transaction, the Sponsor may take into
account whether the firm has sold or is selling units of unit investment trusts
which it sponsors.
Amendment of the Trust Agreement. The Trustee and the Sponsor may amend the
Trust Agreement without the consent of Unitholders to correct any provision
which may be defective or to make other provisions that will not adversely
affect Unitholders (as determined in good faith by the Sponsor and the Trustee).
The Trust Agreement may not be amended to increase the number of Units or permit
acquisition of securities in addition to or substitution for the Securities
(except as provided in the Trust Agreement). The Trustee will notify Unitholders
of any amendment.
Termination. The Trust will terminate on the Mandatory Termination Date or
upon the sale or other disposition of the last Security held in the Trust. The
Trust may be terminated at any time with consent of Unitholders representing
two-thirds of the outstanding Units or by the Trustee when the value of the
Trust is less than $500,000 ($3,000,000 if the value of the Trust has exceeded
$15,000,000) (the "Minimum Termination Value"). Unitholders will be notified of
any termination. The Trustee may begin to sell Securities in connection with a
Trust termination during a period beginning nine business days before, and no
later than, the Mandatory Termination Date. Approximately thirty days before
this date, the Trustee will notify Unitholders of the termination. Unitholders
will receive a final cash distribution within a reasonable time after the
Mandatory Termination Date. All distributions will be net of Trust expenses and
costs. Unitholders will receive a final distribution statement following
termination. The Information Supplement contains further information regarding
termination of the Trust. See "Additional Information".
Limitations on Liabilities. The Sponsor, Evaluator, Supervisor and Trustee
are under no liability 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 is 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 is not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith under
the Trust Agreement. The Trustee is not liable for any taxes or other
governmental charges imposed on the Securities, on it as Trustee under the Trust
Agreement or on 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
and Supervisor may rely on any evaluation furnished by the Evaluator and have no
responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator shall
be made in good faith upon the basis of the best information available to it.
Sponsor. Van Kampen Funds Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the Sponsor of the
Trust. The Sponsor is an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
Van Kampen Funds 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 its principal offices at 1 Parkview Plaza, P.O. Box 5555, Oakbrook
Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555, (630) 684-6000. As of November 30, 1999, the total
stockholders' equity of Van Kampen Funds Inc. was $141,554,861 (audited). The
Information Supplement contains additional information about the Sponsor.
If the Sponsor fails to perform any of its duties under the Trust Agreement
or becomes incapable of acting or declares bankruptcy 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. Additional information
regarding the Trustee is set forth in the Information Supplement, including the
Trustee's qualifications and duties, its ability to resign, the effect of a
merger involving the Trustee and the Sponsor's ability to remove and replace the
Trustee. See "Additional Information".
Performance Information. The Sponsor and Underwriter may from time to time in
advertising and sales materials compare the current returns on the Trust and
returns over specified time periods on other similar trusts (which may show
performance net of expenses and charges which the Trust would have charged) with
returns on other investments such as the common stocks comprising the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, the S&P 500, other investment indices, corporate or U.S.
government bonds, bank CDs, money market accounts or money market funds, or with
performance data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar
Publications, Inc. or various publications, each of which has characteristics
that may differ from those of the Trust. Information on percentage changes in
the dollar value of Units may be included from time to time in advertisements,
sales literature, reports and other information furnished to current or
prospective Unitholders. Total return figures may not be averaged and may not
reflect deduction of the sales charge, which would decrease return. No provision
is made for any income taxes payable. Past performance may not be indicative of
future results. The Trust portfolio is not managed and Unit price and return
fluctuate with the value of the securities in the portfolio, so there may be a
gain or loss when Units are sold. As with other performance data, performance
comparisons should not be considered representative of the Trust's relative
performance for any future period.
TAXATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a general discussion of certain of the federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Units of your
Trust. The summary is limited to investors who hold the Units as "capital
assets" (generally, property held for investment within the meaning of Section
1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code")). Unitholders should
consult their tax advisers in determining the federal, state, local and any
other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Units in
the Trust. For purposes of the following discussion and opinion, it is assumed
that each Security in the Trust is equity for federal income tax purposes.
In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, special counsel for the Sponsor, under
existing law:
1. The Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes; each Unitholder will be treated as the owner of a pro rata
portion of each of the assets of the Trust under the Code; and the income of the
Trust will be treated as income of the Unitholders thereof under the Code. Each
Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro rata share of income
derived from each Security when such income is considered to be received by the
Trust.
2. Each Unitholder will have a taxable event when the Trust disposes of a
Security (whether by sale, exchange, liquidation, redemption, or otherwise) or
upon the sale or redemption of Units by such Unitholder (except to the extent an
in kind distribution of stock is received by such Unitholder as described
below). The price a Unitholder pays for his Units, generally including sales
charges, is allocated among his pro rata portion of each Security held by the
Trust (in proportion to the fair market values thereof on the valuation date
nearest the date the Unitholder purchase his Units) in order to determine his
initial tax basis for his pro rata portion of each Security held by the Trust.
Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to calculation of
basis. For federal income tax purposes, a Unitholder's pro rata portion of
dividends as defined by Section 316 of the Code paid by a corporation with
respect to a Security held by the Trust are taxable as ordinary income to the
extent of such corporation's current and accumulated "earnings and profits". A
Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends paid on such Security which exceeds
such current and accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce a
Unitholder's tax basis in such Security, and to the extent that such dividends
exceed a Unitholder's tax basis in such Equity Security shall generally be
treated as capital gain. In general, the holding period for such capital gain
will be determined by the period of time a Unitholder has held his Units.
3. A Unitholder's portion of gain, if any, upon the sale or redemption of
Units or the disposition of Securities held by the Trust will generally be
considered a capital gain, except in the case of a dealer or a financial
institution. A Unitholder's portion of loss, if any, upon the sale or redemption
of Units or the disposition of Securities held by the Trust will generally be
considered a capital loss (except in the case of a dealer or a financial
institution). Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the
recognition of such capital gains and losses for federal income tax purposes.
Dividends Received Deduction. A Unitholder will be considered to have
received all of the dividends paid on his pro rata portion of each Security when
such dividends are received by the Trust regardless of whether such dividends
are used to pay a portion of a deferred sales charge. Unitholders will be taxed
in this manner regardless of whether distributions from the Trust are actually
received by the Unitholder or are automatically reinvested. A corporation that
owns Units will generally be entitled to a 70% dividends received deduction with
respect to such Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends received by the Trust
(to the extent such dividends are taxable as ordinary income, as discussed
above, and are attributable to domestic corporations) in the same manner as if
such corporation directly owned the Securities paying such dividends (other than
corporate Unitholders, such as "S" corporations, which are not eligible for the
deduction because of their special characteristics and other than for purposes
of special taxes such as the accumulated earnings tax and the personal holding
corporation tax). However, a corporation owning Units should be aware that
Sections 246 and 246A of the Code impose additional limitations on the
eligibility of dividends for the 70% dividends received deduction. These
limitations include a requirement that stock (and therefore Units) must
generally be held at least 46 days (as determined under Section 246(c) of the
Code). Final regulations have been issued which address special rules that must
be considered in determining whether the 46 day holding requirement is met.
Moreover, the allowable percentage of the deduction will be reduced from 70% if
a corporate Unitholder owns certain stock (or Units) the financing of which is
directly attributable to indebtedness incurred by such corporation.
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. Unitholders should
consult with their tax advisers with respect to the limitations on and possible
modifications to the dividends received deduction.
Limitations on Deductibility of Trust Expenses by Unitholders. Each
Unitholder's pro rata share of each expense paid by the Trust is deductible by
the Unitholder to the same extent as though the expense had been paid directly
by him. As a result of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, certain miscellaneous
itemized deductions, such as investment expenses, tax return preparation fees
and employee business expenses will be deductible by an individual only to the
extent they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted gross income. Unitholders
may be required to treat some or all of the expenses of the Trust as
miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this limitation. Unitholders should
consult with their own tax advisers regarding the deductibility of Trust
expenses.
Recognition of Taxable Gain or Loss Upon Disposition of Securities by the
Trust or Disposition of Units. As discussed above, a Unitholder may recognize
taxable gain (or loss) when a Security is disposed of by the Trust or if the
Unitholder disposes of a Unit. The Internal Revenue Service Restructing and
Reform Act of 1998 (the "1998 Tax Act") provides that for taxpayers other than
corporations, net capital gain (which is defined as net long-term capital gain
over net short-term capital loss for the taxable year) realized from property
(with certain exclusions) is subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate of
20% (10% in the case of certain taxpayers in the lowest tax bracket). Capital
gain or loss is long-term if the holding period for the asset is more than one
year, and is short-term if the holding period for the asset is one year or less.
The date on which a Unit is acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded for
purposes of determining the holding period of the Unit. Capital gains realized
from assets held for one year or less are taxed at the same rates as ordinary
income.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "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.
If a Unitholder disposes of a Unit he is deemed thereby to have disposed of
his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the Trust including his pro rata
portion of all Securities represented by a Unit.
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Tax Act") includes provisions that
treat certain transactions designed to reduce or eliminate risk of loss and
opportunities for gain (e.g., short sales, offsetting notional principal
contracts, futures or forward contracts or similar transactions) as constructive
sales for purposes of recognition of gain (but not of loss) and for purposes of
determining the holding period. Unitholders should consult their own tax
advisers with regard to any such constructive sales rules.
Special Tax Consequences of In Kind
Distributions Upon Redemption of Units or
Termination of the Trust. As discussed in "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of
Units", under certain circumstances a Unitholder tendering Units for redemption
may request an in kind distribution. A Unitholder may also under certain
circumstances request an in kind distribution upon the termination of the Trust.
See "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units. As previously discussed, prior
to the redemption of Units or the termination of the Trust, a Unitholder is
considered as owning a pro rata portion of each of the Trust's assets for
federal income tax purposes. The receipt of an in kind distribution will result
in a Unitholder receiving whole shares of stock plus, possibly, cash.
The potential tax consequences that may occur under an in kind distribution
with respect to each Security held by the Trust will depend on whether or not a
Unitholder receives cash in addition to Securities. A "Security" for this
purpose is a particular class of stock issued by a particular corporation. A
Unitholder will not recognize gain or loss if a Unitholder only receives
Securities in exchange for his or her pro rata portion in the Securities held by
the Trust. However, if a Unitholder also receives cash in exchange for a
fractional share of such Security held by the Trust, such Unitholder will
generally recognize gain or loss based upon the difference between the amount of
cash received by the Unitholder and his tax basis in such fractional share of a
Security held by the Trust.
Because the Trust will own many Securities, a Unitholder who requests an in
kind distribution will have to analyze the tax consequences with respect to each
Security owned by the Trust. The amount of taxable gain (or loss) recognized
upon such exchange will generally equal the sum of the gain (or loss) recognized
under the rules described above by such Unitholder with respect to each Security
owned by the Trust. Unitholders who request an in kind distribution are advised
to consult their tax advisers in this regard.
Computation of the Unitholder's Tax Basis. Initially, a Unitholder's tax
basis in his Units will generally equal the price paid by such Unitholder of his
Units. The cost of the Units is allocated among the Securities held in the Trust
in accordance with the proportion of the fair market values of such Securities
on the valuation date nearest the date the Units are purchased in order to
determine such Unitholder's tax basis for his pro rata portion of each Security.
A Unitholder's tax basis in his Units and his pro rata portion of a Security
held by the Trust will be reduced to the extent dividends paid with respect to
such Security are received by the Trust which are not taxable as ordinary income
as described above.
Other Matters. 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. Distributions by the Trust (other than those
that are not treated as United States source income, if any) will generally be
subject to United States income taxation and withholding in the case of Units
held by non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations or other non-United
States persons. Such persons should consult their tax advisers.
In general, income that is not effectively connected to the conduct of a
trade or business within the United States that is earned by non-U.S.
Unitholders and derived from dividends of foreign corporations will not be
subject to U.S. withholding tax provided that less than 25 percent of the gross
income of the foreign corporations for a three-year period ending with the close
of its taxable year preceding payment was effectively connected to the conduct
of a trade or business within the United States. In addition, such earnings may
be exempt from U.S. withholding pursuant to a specific treaty between the United
States and a foreign country. Non-U.S. Unitholders should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the imposition of U.S. withholding on distributions from the
Trust.
It should be noted that payments to the Trust of dividends on Securities that
are attributable to foreign corporations may be subject to foreign withholding
taxes and Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the potential
tax consequences relating to the payment of any such withholding taxes by the
Trust. Any dividends withheld as a result thereof will nevertheless be treated
as income to the Unitholders. Because, under the grantor trust rules, an
investor is deemed to have paid directly his share of foreign taxes that have
been paid or accrued, if any, an investor may be entitled to a foreign tax
credit or deduction for United States tax purposes with respect to such taxes.
The 1997 Tax Act imposes a required holding period for such credits. Investors
should consult their tax advisers with respect to foreign withholding taxes and
foreign tax credits.
At the termination of the Trust, the Trustee will furnish to each Unitholder
of the Trust a statement containing information relating to the dividends
received by the Trust on the Securities, the gross proceeds received by the
Trust from the disposition of any Security (resulting from redemption or the
sale of any Security), and the fees and expenses paid by the Trust. The Trustee
will also furnish annual information returns to Unitholders and to the Internal
Revenue Service.
In the opinion of special counsel to the Trust for New York tax matters, the
Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of the Trust
will be treated as the income of the Unitholders under the existing income tax
laws of the State and City of New York.
The foregoing discussion relates only to the tax treatment of U.S.
Unitholders ("U.S. Unitholders") with regard to federal and certain aspects of
New York State and City income taxes. Unitholders may be subject to taxation in
New York or in other jurisdictions and should consult their own tax advisers in
this regard. As used herein, the term "U.S. Unitholder" means an owner of a Unit
of the Trust that (a) is (i) for United States federal income tax purposes a
citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or
other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or
of any political subdivision thereof, or (iii) an estate or trust the income of
which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its
source or (b) does not qualify as a U.S. Unitholder in paragraph (a) but whose
income from a Unit is effectively connected with such Unitholder's conduct of a
United States trade or business. The term also includes certain former citizens
of the United States whose income and gain on the Units will be taxable.
Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding potential foreign, state
or local taxation with respect to the Units.
TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation of Sponsor, Supervisor and Evaluator. The Sponsor will not
receive any fees in connection with its activities relating to the Trust.
However, the Evaluator, which is an affiliate of the Sponsor, will receive the
annual fee for evaluation services set under "Summary of Essential Financial
Information" in Part One. The Supervisor, which is also an affiliate of the
Sponsor, will receive the annual fee described under "Summary of Essential
Financial Information" in Part One for portfolio supervisory services for the
Trust. These fees may exceed the actual costs of providing these services to the
Trust but at no time will the total amount received for supervisory and
evaluation services rendered to all Van Kampen unit investment trusts in any
calendar year exceed the aggregate cost of providing these services in that
year.
Trustee's Fee. For its services the Trustee will receive the fee from the
Trust set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in Part One
(which includes the estimated amount of miscellaneous Trust expenses). The
Trustee benefits to the extent there are funds in the Capital and Income
Accounts since these Accounts are non-interest bearing to Unitholders 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.
Miscellaneous Expenses. 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) costs
associated with liquidating the securities held in the Trust portfolio, (i) any
offering costs incurred after the end of the initial offering period and (j)
expenditures incurred in contacting Unitholders upon termination of the Trust.
The Trust may pay the expenses of updating its registration statement each year.
Unit investment trust sponsors have historically paid these expenses.
General. During the initial offering period, all of the fees and expenses of
the Trust will accrue on a daily basis and will be charged to the Trust at the
end of the initial offering period. After the initial offering period, all of
the fees and expenses of the Trust will accrue on a daily basis and will be
charged to the Trust on a monthly basis.
The fees and expenses are generally paid out of the Capital Account. When
these amounts are paid by or owing to the Trustee, they are secured by a lien on
the Trust's portfolio. Securities may be sold to pay these amounts which will
result in capital gains or losses to Unitholders. See "Taxation". The
Supervisor's, Evaluator's and Trustee's 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 or, if
this category is not published, in a comparable category.
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. Winston & Strawn has acted as counsel to the Trustee
and as special counsel for New York tax matters.
Independent Certified Public Accountants. The statement of condition and the
related portfolio 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
Registration Statement filed by the Trust with the SEC. The Information
Supplement, which has been filed with the SEC, includes more detailed
information concerning the Securities, investment risks and general information
about the Trust. Information about your Trust (including the Information
Supplement) can be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. You may obtain information about the Public Reference Room by
calling 1-202-942-8090. Reports and other information about your Trust are
available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a
duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address:
[email protected] or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0102.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title Page
----- ----
The Trust................................... A-2
Objectives and Securities Selection......... A-2
Risk Factors................................ A-4
Public Offering............................. A-4
Rights of Unitholders....................... A-7
Trust Administration........................ A-9
Taxation.................................... A-11
Trust Operating Expenses.................... A-14
Other Matters............................... A-15
Additional Information...................... A-15
PROSPECTUS
PART II
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Institutions
Opportunity Trust,
1999 Series
Baird / (logo)
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
1-800-RW-BAIRD
(1-800-792-2473)
www.rwbaird.com
Please retain this prospectus for future reference.
Information Supplement
Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 155
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Information Supplement provides additional information concerning the
risks and operations of the Trust which is not described in the Prospectus. This
Information Supplement should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. This
Information Supplement is not a prospectus, does not include all of the
information that an investor should consider before investing in the Trust and
may not be used to offer or sell Units without the Prospectus. Copies of the
Prospectus can be obtained by contacting the Sponsor at 1 Parkview Plaza, P.O.
Box 5555, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555 or by contacting your broker.
This Information Supplement is dated as of the date of the Prospectus and all
capitalized terms have been defined in the Prospectus.
Table of Contents
Page
Risk Factors 2
Sponsor Information 6
Trustee Information 7
Trust Termination 8
RISK FACTORS
Price Volatility. Because the Trust invests in common stocks, you should
understand the risks of investing in common stocks before purchasing Units.
These risks include the risk that the financial condition of the company or the
general condition of the stock market may worsen and the value of the stocks
(and therefore Units) will fall. Common stocks are especially susceptible to
general stock market movements. The value of common stocks often rises or falls
rapidly and unpredictably as market confidence and perceptions of companies
change. These perceptions are based on factors including expectations regarding
government economic policies, inflation, interest rates, economic expansion or
contraction, political climates and economic or banking crises. The value of
Units will fluctuate with the value of the stocks in a Trust and may be more or
less than the price you originally paid for your Units. As with any investment,
we cannot guarantee that the performance of a Trust will be positive over any
period of time. Because the Trust is unmanaged, the Trustee will not sell stocks
in response to market fluctuations as is common in managed investments. In
addition, because some Trusts hold a relatively small number of stocks, you may
encounter greater market risk than in a more diversified investment.
Dividends. Common stocks represent ownership interests in a company and are
not obligations of the company. Accordingly, common stockholders have a right to
receive payments from the company that is subordinate to the rights of
creditors, bondholders or preferred stockholders of the company. This means that
common stockholders have a right to receive dividends only if a company's board
of directors declares a dividend and the company has provided for payment of all
of its creditors, bondholders and preferred stockholders. If a company issues
additional debt securities or preferred stock, the owners of these securities
will have a claim against the company's assets before common stockholders if the
company declares bankruptcy or liquidates its assets even though the common
stock was issued first. As a result, the company may be less willing or able to
declare or pay dividends on its common stock.
Liquidity. Whether or not the stocks in a Trust are listed on a stock
exchange, the stocks may delist from the exchange or principally trade in an
over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading market
could depend on whether dealers will make a market in the stocks. We cannot
guarantee that dealers will maintain a market or that any market will be liquid.
The value of the stocks could fall if trading markets are limited or absent.
Additional Units. The Sponsor may create additional Units of a Trust by
depositing into the Trust additional stocks or cash with instructions to
purchase additional stocks. A cash deposit could result in a dilution of your
investment and anticipated income because of fluctuations in the price of the
stocks between the time of the deposit and the purchase of the stocks and
because the Trust will pay brokerage fees.
Voting. Only the Trustee may sell or vote the stocks in a Trust. While you
may sell or redeem your Units, you may not sell or vote the stocks in your
Trust. The Sponsor will instruct the Trustee how to vote the stocks. The Trustee
will vote the stocks in the same general proportion as shares held by other
shareholders if the Sponsor fails to provide instructions.
Financial Services Issuers. An investment in Units of certain Trusts should
be made with an understanding of the problems and risks inherent in the bank and
financial services sector in general.
Banks, thrifts and their holding companies are especially subject to the
adverse effects of economic recession, volatile interest rates, portfolio
concentrations in geographic markets and in commercial and residential real
estate loans, and competition from new entrants in their fields of business.
Banks and thrifts are highly dependent on net interest margin. Recently, bank
profits have come under pressure as net interest margins have contracted, but
volume gains have been strong in both commercial and consumer products. There is
no certainty that such conditions will continue. Bank and thrift institutions
had received significant consumer mortgage fee income as a result of activity in
mortgage and refinance markets. As initial home purchasing and refinancing
activity subsided, this income diminished. Economic conditions in the real
estate markets, which have been weak in the past, can have a substantial effect
upon banks and thrifts because they generally have a portion of their assets
invested in loans secured by real estate. Banks, thrifts and their holding
companies are subject to extensive federal regulation and, when such
institutions are state- chartered, to state regulation as well. Such regulations
impose strict capital requirements and limitations on the nature and extent of
business activities that banks and thrifts may pursue. Furthermore, bank
regulators have a wide range of discretion in connection with their supervisory
and enforcement authority and may substantially restrict the permissible
activities of a particular institution if deemed to pose significant risks to
the soundness of such institution or the safety of the federal deposit insurance
fund. Regulatory actions, such as increases in the minimum capital requirements
applicable to banks and thrifts and increases in deposit insurance premiums
required to be paid by banks and thrifts to the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation ("FDIC"), can negatively impact earnings and the ability of a
company to pay dividends. Neither federal insurance of deposits nor governmental
regulations, however, insures the solvency or profitability of banks or their
holding companies, or insures against any risk of investment in the securities
issued by such institutions.
The statutory requirements applicable to and regulatory supervision of banks,
thrifts and their holding companies have increased significantly and have
undergone substantial change in recent years. To a great extent, these changes
are embodied in the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act;
enacted in August 1989, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement
Act of 1991, the Resolution Trust Corporation Refinancing, Restructuring, and
Improvement Act of 1991 and the regulations promulgated under these laws. Many
of the regulations promulgated pursuant to these laws have only recently been
finalized and their impact on the business, financial condition and prospects of
the Securities in the Trust's portfolio cannot be predicted with certainty. The
recently enacted financial-services overhaul legislation will allow banks,
securities firms and insurance companies to form one-stop financial
conglomerates marketing a wide range of financial service products to investors.
This legislation will likely result in increased merger activity and heightened
competition among existing and new participants in the field. Efforts to expand
the ability of federal thrifts to branch on an interstate basis have been
initially successful through promulgation of regulations, and legislation to
liberalize interstate banking has recently been signed into law. Under the
legislation, banks will be able to purchase or establish subsidiary banks in any
state, one year after the legislation's enactment. Since mid-1997, banks have
been allowed to turn existing banks into branches. Consolidation is likely to
continue. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Accounting
Standards Board require the expanded use of market value accounting by banks and
have imposed rules requiring market accounting for investment securities held in
trading accounts or available for sale. Adoption of additional such rules may
result in increased volatility in the reported health of the industry, and
mandated regulatory intervention to correct such problems. Additional
legislative and regulatory changes may be forthcoming. For example, the bank
regulatory authorities have proposed substantial changes to the Community
Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, rules and regulations, and there can be
no certainty as to the effect, if any, that such changes would have on the
Securities in the Trust's portfolio. In addition, from time to time the deposit
insurance system is reviewed by Congress and federal regulators, and proposed
reforms of that system could, among other things, further restrict the ways in
which deposited moneys can be used by banks or reduce the dollar amount or
number of deposits insured for any depositor. Such reforms could reduce
profitability as investment opportunities available to bank institutions become
more limited and as consumers look for savings vehicles other than bank
deposits. Banks and thrifts face significant competition from other financial
institutions such as mutual funds, credit unions, mortgage banking companies and
insurance companies, and increased competition may result from legislative
broadening of regional and national interstate banking powers as has been
recently enacted. Among other benefits, the legislation allows banks and bank
holding companies to acquire across previously prohibited state lines and to
consolidate their various bank subsidiaries into one unit. The Sponsor makes no
prediction as to what, if any, manner of bank and thrift regulatory actions
might ultimately be adopted or what ultimate effect such actions might have on
the Trust's portfolio.
The Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 generally prohibits a bank
holding company from (1) acquiring, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of a bank or bank holding
company, (2) acquiring control of a bank or another bank holding company, (3)
acquiring all or substantially all the assets of a bank, or (4) merging or
consolidating with another bank holding company, without first obtaining Federal
Reserve Board ("FRB") approval. In considering an application with respect to
any such transaction, the FRB is required to consider a variety of factors,
including the potential anti-competitive effects of the transaction, the
financial condition and future prospects of the combining and resulting
institutions, the managerial resources of the resulting institution, the
convenience and needs of the communities the combined organization would serve,
the record of performance of each combining organization under the Community
Reinvestment Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the prospective
availability to the FRB of information appropriate to determine ongoing
regulatory compliance with applicable banking laws. In addition, the federal
Change In Bank Control Act and various state laws impose limitations on the
ability of one or more individuals or other entities to acquire control of banks
or bank holding companies.
The FRB has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by
bank holding companies. In the policy statement, the FRB expressed its view that
a bank holding company experiencing earnings weaknesses should not pay cash
dividends which exceed its net income or which could only be funded in ways that
would weaken its financial health, such as by borrowing. The FRB also may impose
limitations on the payment of dividends as a condition to its approval of
certain applications, including applications for approval of mergers and
acquisitions. The Sponsor makes no prediction as to the effect, if any, such
laws will have on the Securities or whether such approvals, if necessary, will
be obtained.
Companies involved in the insurance industry are engaged in underwriting,
reinsuring, selling, distributing or placing of property and casualty, life or
health insurance. Other growth areas within the insurance industry include
brokerage, reciprocals, claims processors and multiline insurance companies.
Insurance company profits are affected by interest rate levels, general economic
conditions, and price and marketing competition. Property and casualty insurance
profits may also be affected by weather catastrophes and other disasters. Life
and health insurance profits may be affected by mortality and morbidity rates.
Individual companies may be exposed to material risks including reserve
inadequacy and the inability to collect from reinsurance carriers. Insurance
companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, including the
imposition of maximum rate levels, which may not be adequate for some lines of
business. Proposed or potential tax law changes may also adversely affect
insurance companies' policy sales, tax obligations, and profitability. In
addition to the foregoing, profit margins of these companies continue to shrink
due to the commoditization of traditional businesses, new competitors, capital
expenditures on new technology and the pressures to compete globally.
In addition to the normal risks of business, companies involved in the
insurance industry are subject to significant risk factors, including those
applicable to regulated insurance companies, such as: (i) the inherent
uncertainty in the process of establishing property-liability loss reserves,
particularly reserves for the cost of environmental, asbestos and mass tort
claims, and the fact that ultimate losses could materially exceed established
loss reserves which could have a material adverse effect on results of
operations and financial condition; (ii) the fact that insurance companies have
experienced, and can be expected in the future to experience, catastrophe losses
which could have a material adverse impact on their financial condition, results
of operations and cash flow; (iii) the inherent uncertainty in the process of
establishing property-liability loss reserves due to changes in loss payment
patterns caused by new claims settlement practices; (iv) the need for insurance
companies and their subsidiaries to maintain appropriate levels of statutory
capital and surplus, particularly in light of continuing scrutiny by rating
organizations and state insurance regulatory authorities, and in order to
maintain acceptable financial strength or claims-paying ability rating; (v) the
extensive regulation and supervision to which insurance companies' subsidiaries
are subject, various regulatory initiatives that may affect insurance companies,
and regulatory and other legal actions; (vi) the adverse impact that increases
in interest rates could have on the value of an insurance company's investment
portfolio and on the attractiveness of certain of its products; (vii) the need
to adjust the effective duration of the assets and liabilities of life insurance
operations in order to meet the anticipated cash flow requirements of its
policyholder obligations; and (vii) the uncertainty involved in estimating the
availability of reinsurance and the collectibility of reinsurance recoverables.
The state insurance regulatory framework has, during recent years, come under
increased federal scrutiny, and certain state legislatures have considered or
enacted laws that alter and, in many cases, increase state authority to regulate
insurance companies and insurance holding company systems. Further, the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") and state insurance regulators
are re-examining existing laws and regulations, specifically focusing on
insurance companies, interpretations of existing laws and the development of new
laws. In addition, Congress and certain federal agencies have investigated the
condition of the insurance industry in the various regulatory initiatives that
may affect insurance companies, and regulatory and other legal actions; (vi) the
adverse impact that increases in interest rates could have on the value of an
insurance company's investment portfolio and on the attractiveness of certain of
its products; (vii) the need to adjust the effective duration of the assets and
liabilities of life insurance operations in order to meet the anticipated cash
flow requirements of its policyholder obligations; and (viii) the uncertainty
involved in estimating the availability of reinsurance and the collectibility of
reinsurance recoverables.
The state insurance regulatory framework has, during recent years, come under
increased federal scrutiny, and certain state legislatures have considered or
enacted laws that alter and, in many cases, increase state authority to regulate
insurance companies and insurance holding company systems. Further, the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") and state insurance regulators
are re-examining existing laws and regulations, specifically focusing on
insurance companies, interpretations of existing laws and the development of new
laws. In addition, Congress and certain federal agencies have investigated the
condition of the insurance industry in the United States to determine whether to
promulgate additional federal regulation. The Sponsor is unable to predict
whether any state or federal legislation will be enacted to change the nature or
scope of regulation of the insurance industry, or what effect, if any, such
legislation would have on the industry.
All insurance companies are subject to state laws and regulations that
require diversification of their investment portfolios and limit the amount of
investments in certain investment categories. Failure to comply with these laws
and regulations would cause non-conforming investments to be treated as
non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus and, in some
instances, would require divestiture. Environmental pollution clean-up is the
subject of both federal and state regulation. By some estimates, there are
thousands of potential waste sites subject to clean up. The insurance industry
is involved in extensive ligation regarding coverage issues. The Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("Superfund") and
comparable state statutes ("mini-Superfund") govern the clean-up and restoration
by "Potentially Responsible Parties" ("PRP's"). Superfund and the
mini-Superfunds ("Environmental Clean-up Laws or "ECLs") establish a mechanism
to pay for clean-up of waste sites if PRP's fail to do so, and to assign
liability to PRP's. The extent of liability to be allocated to PRP is dependent
on a variety of factors. Further, the number of waste sites subject to clean-up
is unknown. Very few sites have been subject to clean-up to date. The extent of
clean-up necessary and the assignment of liability has not been established. The
insurance industry is disrupting many such claims. Key coverage issues include
whether Superfund response costs are considered damages under the policies, when
and how coverage is triggered, applicability of pollution exclusions, the
potential for joint and several liability and definition of an occurrence.
Similar coverage issues exist for clean up and waste sites not covered under
Superfund. To date, courts have been inconsistent in their rulings on these
issues. An insurer's exposure to liability with regard to its insureds which
have been, or may be, named as PRPs is uncertain. Superfund reform proposals
have been introduced in Congress, but none have been enacted. There can be no
assurance that any Superfund reform legislation will be enacted or that any such
legislation will provide for a fair, effective and cost-efficient system for
settlement of Superfund related claims.
Proposed federal legislation which would permit banks greater participation
in the insurance business could, if enacted, present an increased level of
competition for the sale of insurance products. In addition, while current
federal income tax law permits the tax-deferred accumulation of earnings on the
premiums paid by an annuity owner and holders of certain savings-oriented life
insurance products, no assurance can be given that future tax law will continue
to allow such tax deferrals. If such deferrals were not allowed, consumer demand
for the affected products would be substantially reduced. In addition, proposals
to lower the federal income tax rates through a form of flat tax or otherwise
could have, if enacted, a negative impact on the demand for such products.
An investment in Units should also be made with an understanding of the
problems and risks of companies engaged in investment banking/brokerage and
investment management. Such companies include brokerage firms, broker/dealers,
investment banks, finance companies and mutual fund companies. Earnings and
share prices of companies in this industry are quite volatile, and often exceed
the volatility levels of the market as a whole. Recently, ongoing consolidation
in the industry and the strong stock market has benefited stocks which investors
believe will benefit from greater investor and issuer activity. Major
determinants of future earnings of these companies are the direction of the
stock market, investor confidence, equity transaction volume, the level and
direction of long-term and short-term interest rates, and the outlook for
emerging markets. Negative trends in any of these earnings determinants could
have a serious adverse effect on the financial stability, as well as the stock
prices, of these companies. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the
issuers of the Equity Securities will be able to respond in a timely manner to
compete in the rapidly developing marketplace. In addition to the foregoing,
profit margins of these companies continue to shrink due to the commoditization
of traditional businesses, new competitors, capital expenditures on new
technology and the pressures to compete globally.
Additional Units. The Sponsor may create additional Units of the Trust by
depositing into the Trust additional stocks or cash with instructions to
purchase additional stocks. A cash deposit could result in a dilution of your
investment and anticipated income because of fluctuations in the price of the
stocks between the time of the deposit and the purchase of the stocks and
because the Trust will pay brokerage fees.
Voting. Only the Trustee may sell or vote the stocks in the Trust. While
you may sell or redeem your Units, you may not sell or vote the stocks in the
Trust. The Sponsor will instruct the Trustee how to vote the stocks. The Trustee
will vote the stocks in the same general proportion as shares held by other
shareholders if the Sponsor fails to provide instructions.
SPONSOR INFORMATION
Van Kampen Funds Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the Sponsor of the Trust.
The Sponsor is an indirect subsidiary of Van Kampen Investments Inc. Van Kampen
Investments Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of MSAM Holdings II, Inc., which
in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
("MSDW").
MSDW, 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; credit
services; asset management; trading of futures, options, foreign exchange
commodities and swaps (involving foreign exchange, commodities, indices and
interest rates); and real estate advice, financing and investing.
Van Kampen Funds 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 its principal offices at 1 Parkview Plaza, P.O. Box 5555,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555, (630) 684-6000. As of November 30, 1999,
the total stockholders' equity of Van Kampen Funds Inc. was $141,554,861
(audited). (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, 2000, the Sponsor and its Van Kampen affiliates managed or
supervised more than $100 billion of investment products. The Sponsor and its
Van Kampen affiliates managed $84.2 billion of assets for more than 63 open-end
mutual funds, 39 closed-end funds and more than 2,700 unit trusts as of March
31, 2000. All of Van Kampen's open-end funds, closed-ended funds and unit
investment trusts are professionally distributed by leading financial firms
nationwide. Since 1976, the Sponsor has serviced over two million investor
accounts, opened through retail distribution firms.
If the Sponsor fails to perform any of its duties under the Trust Agreement
or becomes incapable of acting or becomes 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 INFORMATION
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. 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. 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.
TRUST TERMINATION
The Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of Unitholders
representing 66 2/3% of the Units of such Trust then outstanding or by the
Trustee when the value of the Securities owned by the Trust, as shown by any
evaluation, is less than $500,000 ($3,000,000 if the value of the Trust has
exceeded $15,000,000). The Trust will be liquidated by the Trustee in the event
that a sufficient number of Units of the Trust not yet sold are tendered for
redemption by the Sponsor, so that the net worth of such Trust would be reduced
to less than 40% of the value of the Securities at the time they were deposited
in the Trust. If the Trust is liquidated because of the redemption of unsold
Units by the Sponsor, the Sponsor will refund to each purchaser of Units the
entire sales charge paid by such purchaser. 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.
Commencing during the period beginning nine business days prior to, and no
later than, the Mandatory Termination Date, Securities may 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 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. At least 30 days before
the Mandatory Termination Date the Trustee will provide written notice of any
termination to all Unitholders of the appropriate Trust. Unitholders will
receive a cash distribution from the sale of the remaining Securities within a
reasonable time following the Mandatory Termination Date. 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 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 of each Trust 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 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.
EMSPRO155
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 Focus Portfolios, Series 155, 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 25th day of
August, 2000.
Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 155
(Registrant)
By Van Kampen Funds Inc.
(Depositor)
By: Christine K. Putong
Assistant Secretary
(Seal)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
to the Registration Statement has been signed below on August 25, 2000 by the
following persons who constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of Van
Kampen Funds Inc.:
SIGNATURE TITLE
Richard F. Powers III Chairman and Chief Executive Officer )
John H. Zimmermann III President )
A. Thomas Smith III Executive Vice President, )
General Counsel and Secretary )
Michael H. Santo Executive Vice President and Chief Operations )
and Technology Officer )
Christine K. Putong______________
(Attorney in Fact)*
--------------------
* An executed copy of each of the related powers of attorney is filed herewith
or was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the
Registration Statement on Form S-6 of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 136
(File No. 333-70897) and the same are hereby incorporated herein by this
reference.
