<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 30, 1996.
REGISTRATION NOS. 2-21819
811-2423
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 66 [X]
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. 23 [X]
</TABLE>
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND FUND
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN DECLARATION OF TRUST)
ONE PARKVIEW PLAZA, OAKBROOK TERRACE, ILLINOIS 60181
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
(630) 684-6000
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
RONALD A. NYBERG, ESQ.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL, INC.
ONE PARKVIEW PLAZA
OAKBROOK TERRACE, ILLINOIS 60181
(NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
---------------------
COPY TO:
WAYNE W. WHALEN, ESQ.
THOMAS A. HALE, ESQ.
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS)
333 W. WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
(312) 407-0700
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable following
effectiveness of this Registration Statement.
---------------------
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
DECLARATION PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2
REGISTRANT HAS REGISTERED AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF SHARES UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933 PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 AND
INTENDS TO FILE WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION A FORM 24F-2 FOR ITS
FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 1997 ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 30, 1997.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A ITEM
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART A PROSPECTUS CAPTION
-------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
1. Cover Page................................. Cover Page
2. Synopsis................................... Shareholder Transaction Expenses; Annual
Fund Operating Expenses and Example;
Prospectus Summary
3. Condensed Financial Information............ Financial Highlights
4. General Description of Registrant.......... Investment Objectives and Policies;
Investment Practices; The Fund; Description
of Shares of the Fund
5. Management of the Fund..................... The Fund; Investment Practices; Investment
Advisory Services; Inside Back Cover
6. Capital Stock and Other Securities......... Alternative Sales Arrangements; Shareholder
Services; Distribution Plans; The Fund;
Redemption of Shares; Distributions from
the Fund; Tax Status; Inside Back Cover
7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered....... Alternative Sales Arrangements; Shareholder
Services; Distribution Plans; Purchase of
Shares
8. Redemption or Repurchase................... Shareholder Services; Redemption of Shares
9. Legal Proceedings.......................... Inapplicable
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART B STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAPTION
-------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
10. Cover Page................................. Cover Page
11. Table of Contents.......................... Table of Contents
12. General Information and History............ General Information
13. Investment Objectives and Policies......... Investment Restrictions; Options, Futures
Contracts and Related Options
14. Management of the Registrant............... Investment Advisory Agreement; General
Information; Trustees and Officers
15. Control Persons and Principal Holders of
Securities............................... Investment Advisory Agreement; Trustees and
Officers; General Information
16. Investment Advisory and Other Services..... Investment Advisory Agreement; Distributor;
Transfer Agent; Portfolio Transactions
and Brokerage; Other Information
17. Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices... Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
18. Capital Stock and Other Securities......... Purchase and Redemption of Shares
19. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
Securities Being Offered................. Determination of Net Asset Value; Purchase
and Redemption of Shares; Alternative Sales
Arrangements
20. Tax Status................................. Dividends, Distributions and Federal Taxes
21. Underwriters............................... Distributor
22. Calculation of Performance Data............ Fund Performance
23. Financial Statements....................... Financial Statements
</TABLE>
PART C
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate item in Part C of this registration statement.
<PAGE> 3
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. An
amendment to the registration statement relating to these securities has
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities
may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time such
amendment to the registration statement becomes effective. This prospectus
shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to
buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State in which
such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION--DATED OCTOBER 30, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
CORPORATE BOND FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Corporate Bond Fund (the "Fund") is a mutual
fund whose primary objective is to seek to provide current income with
preservation of capital. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective which is
sought only when consistent with the Fund's primary objective. The Fund invests
primarily in a diversified portfolio of corporate debt securities. There is no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
The Fund's investment adviser is Van Kampen American Capital Asset
Management, Inc. This Prospectus sets forth certain information that a
prospective investor should know before investing in the Fund. Please read it
carefully and retain it for future reference. The address of the Fund is One
Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, and its telephone number is
(800) 421-5666.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR STATE REGULATORS NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR STATE
REGULATORS PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------------
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK OR DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION; FURTHER, SUCH SHARES ARE NOT
FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL
RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. SHARES OF THE FUND INVOLVE
INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
A Statement of Additional Information, dated December 29, 1996, containing
additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and is hereby incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus. A copy of the Statement of Additional Information may be
obtained without charge by calling (800) 421-5666 or, for Telecommunications
Device For the Deaf, (800) 772-8889.
------------------
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL (SM)
------------------
THIS PROSPECTUS IS DATED DECEMBER 29, 1996.
<PAGE> 4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary............................................... 3
Shareholder Transaction Expenses................................. 5
Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Example....................... 6
Financial Highlights............................................. 8
The Fund......................................................... 10
Investment Objectives and Policies............................... 10
Investment Practices............................................. 13
Investment Advisory Services..................................... 17
Alternative Sales Arrangements................................... 18
Purchase of Shares............................................... 22
Shareholder Services............................................. 32
Redemption of Shares............................................. 36
Distribution Plans............................................... 40
Distributions from the Fund...................................... 42
Tax Status....................................................... 42
Fund Performance................................................. 44
Description of Shares of the Fund................................ 46
Additional Information........................................... 47
Appendix -- Ratings of Commercial Paper and Senior Securities.... 48
</TABLE>
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND, THE ADVISER OR THE DISTRIBUTOR. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER BY THE FUND OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR TO
SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY
IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR THE FUND TO MAKE
SUCH AN OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
2
<PAGE> 5
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND. Van Kampen American Capital Corporate Bond Fund (the "Fund") is a
diversified open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware
business trust.
MINIMUM PURCHASE. $500 minimum initial investment and $25 minimum for each
subsequent investment (or less as described under "Purchase of Shares").
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES. Current income consistent with preservation of capital.
Capital appreciation is a secondary objective. There is, however, no assurance
that the Fund will be successful in achieving its objectives.
INVESTMENT POLICY. Investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of corporate
debt securities which in the opinion of the investment adviser will provide an
adequate return and yet be subject to reasonable credit risk.
ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS. The Fund offers three classes of shares to the
general public, each with its own sales charge structure: Class A shares, Class
B shares and Class C shares. Each class has distinct advantages and
disadvantages for different investors, and investors may choose the class of
shares that best suits their circumstances and objectives. See "Alternative
Sales Arrangements -- Factors for Consideration." Each class of shares
represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund. The per
share dividends on Class B and Class C shares will be lower than the per share
dividends on Class A shares. See "Alternative Sales Arrangements." For
information on redeeming shares see "Redemption of Shares."
Class A Shares. These shares are offered at net asset value per share plus a
maximum initial sales charge of 4.75% of the offering price. Investments of $1
million or more are not subject to any sales charge at the time of purchase, but
a contingent deferred sales charge of one percent may be imposed on certain
redemptions made within one year of the purchase. The Fund pays an annual
service fee of up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets attributable to such
class of shares. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class A Shares" and "Distribution
Plans."
Class B Shares. These shares are offered at net asset value per share and are
subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of four percent of
redemption proceeds during the first and second year, declining each year
thereafter to zero after the fifth year. See "Redemption of Shares." The Fund
pays a combined annual distribution fee and service fee of up to one percent of
its average daily net assets attributable to such class of shares. See "Purchase
of Shares -- Class B Shares" and "Distribution Plans." Class B shares will
convert automatically to Class A shares eight years after the end of the
calendar month in which the shareholder's order to purchase was accepted. See
"Alternative Sales Arrangements -- Conversion Feature."
3
<PAGE> 6
Class C Shares. These shares are offered at net asset value per share and are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of one percent on redemptions made
within one year of purchase. See "Redemption of Shares." The Fund pays a
combined annual distribution fee and service fee of up to one percent of its
average daily net assets attributable to such class of shares. See "Purchase of
Shares -- Class C Shares" and "Distribution Plans." Class C shares will convert
automatically to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month in
which the shareholder's order to purchase was accepted. See "Alternative Sales
Arrangements -- Conversion Feature."
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE FUND. Income dividends are distributed monthly; any
capital gains are distributed at least annually. All dividends and distributions
are automatically reinvested in shares of the Fund at net asset value per share,
without sales charge, unless payment in cash is requested. See "Distributions
from the Fund."
INVESTMENT ADVISER. Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc. (the
"Adviser") is the investment adviser to the Fund.
DISTRIBUTOR. Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor").
RISK FACTORS. The market prices of corporate debt securities generally fluctuate
with changes in interest rates, and the Fund's net asset value per share will
increase and decrease with changes in the value of its portfolio. Generally
corporate bonds with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are
subject to greater market fluctuation as a result of changes in interest rates
("market risk") than corporate bonds with shorter maturities. Lower rated
corporate debt securities, commonly referred to as junk bonds, generally provide
a higher yield than higher rated corporate debt securities of similar maturity
but are subject to a greater degree of risk with respect to the ability of the
issuer to meet its principal and interest obligations ("credit risk"). Up to 40%
of the Fund's total assets may be invested in securities rated Ba by Moody's
Investors Service ("Moody's") or BB by Standard and Poor's Corporation ("S&P").
Such securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the
issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligation. The Fund may seek to hedge market risk through
transactions in options, futures contracts and related options. Such
transactions involve certain risks. See "Investment Practices."
The foregoing is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed
information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
4
<PAGE> 7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B(1) CLASS C(1)
SHARES SHARES SHARES
------- ----------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on
purchases (as a percentage of
offering price)................. 4.75%(1) None None
Maximum sales charge imposed on
reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of offering price)... None None None
Deferred sales charge (as a
percentage of the lesser of
original purchase price or
redemption proceeds)............ None(2) Year 1--4.00% Year 1--1.00%
Year 2--4.00% After--None
Year 3--3.00%
Year 4--2.5 %
Year 5--1.5 %
After--None
Redemption fees (as a percentage
of amount redeemed)............. None None None
Exchange fee...................... None None None
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Reduced for purchases of $100,000 and over. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class
A Shares."
(2) Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to any sales charge at the
time of purchase, but a contingent deferred sales charge of one percent may
be imposed on certain redemptions made within one year of the purchase.
5
<PAGE> 8
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES AND EXAMPLE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees (as a percentage of average
daily net assets)........................ % % %
12b-1 Fees (as a percentage of average
daily net assets)(1)..................... % %(3) %(3)
Other Expenses (as a percentage of average
daily net assets)(2)..................... % % %
Total Fund Operating Expenses (as a
percentage of average daily net
assets).................................. % % %
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Up to 0.25% for Class A shares and one percent for Class B and C shares. See
"Distribution Plans."
(2) See "Investment Advisory Services."
(3) Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the
maximum front-end sales charges permitted by NASD Rules.
6
<PAGE> 9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE THREE FIVE TEN
EXAMPLE: YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
You would pay the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming (i) an
operating expense ratio of % for
Class A shares, % for Class B shares
and % for Class C shares, (ii) a 5%
annual return and (iii) redemption at the
end of each time period:
Class A............................... $ $ $ $
Class B............................... $ $ $ $ *
Class C............................... $ $ $ $
An investor would pay the following
expenses on the same $1,000 investment
assuming no redemption at the end of
each time period:
Class A............................... $ $ $ $
Class B............................... $ $ $ $ *
Class C............................... $ $ $ $
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Based on conversion to Class A shares after eight years.
The purpose of the foregoing tables is to assist an investor in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly
or indirectly. The "Example" reflects expenses based on the "Annual Fund
Operating Expenses" table as shown above carried out to future years and are
included to provide a means for the investor to compare expense levels of funds
with different fee structures over varying investment periods. To facilitate
such comparison, all funds are required to utilize a five percent annual return
assumption. Class B shares acquired through the exchange privilege are subject
to the deferred sales charge schedule relating to the Class B shares of the fund
from which the purchase of Class B shares was originally made. Accordingly,
future expenses as projected could be higher than those determined in the above
table if the investor's Class B shares were exchanged from a fund with a higher
contingent deferred sales charge. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ABOVE TABLE
SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL
EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. For a more complete
description of such costs and expenses, see "Purchase of Shares," "Investment
Advisory Services" and "Redemption of Shares."
7
<PAGE> 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Selected data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each of the periods indicated)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information has been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This information
should be read in conjunction with the related financial statements and notes
thereto included in the Statement of Additional Information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
---------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993(1) 1992 1991
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of period................. $6.62 $7.36 $6.98 $6.57 $6.34
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- -------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Investment income.................................... .55 .57 .58 .60 .64
Expenses............................................. (.07) (.08) (.07) (.07) (.06)
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- -------- ----------
Net investment income................................ .48 .49 .51 .53 .58
Net realized and unrealized gains or losses on
securities.......................................... .32 (.745) .3875 .44 .2425
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- -------- ----------
Total from investment operations..................... .80 (.255) .8975 .97 .8225
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- -------- ----------
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME............. (.48) (.485) (.5175) (.56) (.5925)
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- -------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period....................... $6.94 $6.62 $7.36 $6.98 $6.57
========= ========== ========== =========== ========= ===========
TOTAL RETURN(4)...................................... 2.71% (3.55%) 13.48% 15.38% 13.61%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (millions)................. $169.0 $160.0 $190.8 $191.8 $184.6
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
Expenses............................................ 1.13% 1.09% 1.05% 1.00% 1.00%
Net investment income............................... 7.22% 7.06% 7.24% 7.90% 9.03%
Portfolio turnover rate.............................. 25% 0% 19% 37% 15%
<CAPTION>
1990 1989 1988 1987
--------- -------- --------- --------
<S> <<C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of period................. $6.78 $7.04 $7.12 $7.23
--------- -------- --------- --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Investment income.................................... .715 .77 .78 .81
Expenses............................................. (.06) (.05) (.05) (.05)
--------- -------- --------- --------
Net investment income................................ .655 .72 .73 .76
Net realized and unrealized gains or losses on
securities.......................................... (.46) (.25) (.035) (.06)
--------- -------- --------- --------
Total from investment operations..................... .195 .47 .695 .70
--------- -------- --------- --------
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME............. (.635) (.73) (.775) (.81)
--------- -------- --------- --------
Net asset value, end of period....................... $6.34 $6.78 $7.04 $7.12
========== ========= ========== =========
TOTAL RETURN(4)...................................... 2.94% 7.00% 10.37% 10.05%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (millions)................. $191.2 $239.6 $206.8 $156.4
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
Expenses............................................ .94% .75% .74% .72%
Net investment income............................... 10.07% 10.21% 10.46% 10.63%
Portfolio turnover rate.............................. 54% 18% 56% 28%
</TABLE>
(Continued on following page)
8
<PAGE> 11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B
---------------------------------
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992(2)
--------------------------------- THROUGH AUGUST 31,
1996 1995 1994 1993(1)
---------------------
---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of period............................... $6.62 $7.36 $7.05
-------- ----- ------ ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Investment income.................................................. .55 .57 .56
Expenses........................................................... (.13) (.13) (.13)
-------- ----- ------ ------
Net investment income.............................................. .42 .44 .43
Net realized and unrealized gains or losses on securities.......... .33 (.755) .3465
-------- ----- ------ ------
Total from investment operations................................... .75 (.315) .7765
-------- ----- ------ ------
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME........................... (.43) (.425) (.4665)
-------- ----- ------ ------
Net asset value, end of period..................................... $6.94 $6.62 $7.36
======== ===== ====== ======
TOTAL RETURN(4).................................................... 11.86% (4.38%) 11.54%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (millions)............................... $19.2 $13.5 $8.4
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
Expenses.......................................................... 1.94% 1.90% 1.96%
Net investment income............................................. 6.40% 6.29% 6.21%
Portfolio turnover rate............................................ 25% 0% 19%
<CAPTION>
CLASS C
-----------------------------------
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
-----------------------------------
1996 1995 1994(1)
-----------------------------------
<S> <<C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of period............................... $6.62 $7.36(3)
-------- ----- ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Investment income.................................................. .55 .57
Expenses........................................................... (.13) (.13)
-------- ----- ------
Net investment income.............................................. .42 .44
Net realized and unrealized gains or losses on securities.......... .32 (.755)
-------- ----- ------
Total from investment operations................................... .74 (.315)
-------- ----- ------
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME........................... (.43) (.425)
-------- ----- ------
Net asset value, end of period..................................... $6.93 $6.62
======== ====== ======
TOTAL RETURN(4).................................................... 11.70% (4.51%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (millions)............................... $4.1 $2.3
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
Expenses.......................................................... 1.93% 1.93%
Net investment income............................................. 6.40% 6.49%
Portfolio turnover rate............................................ 25% 0%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Based on average month-end shares outstanding.
(2) Commencement of offering of sales.
(3) Sales of Class C shares commenced on August 30, 1993 at a net asset value of
$7.40 per share. At August 31, 1993, there were 68 Class C shares
outstanding with a per share net asset value of $7.36. The decrease in net
asset value was due principally to a $.0375 dividend, which was declared as
of August 31, 1993. Other financial highlights for the Class C shares for
this short period are not presented as they are not meaningful.
9
(4) Total return for periods of less than one full year are not annualized.
Total return does not consider the effect of sales charges.
10
<PAGE> 12
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company. This type
of company is commonly known as a mutual fund. A mutual fund provides, for those
who have similar investment goals, a practical and convenient way to invest in a
diversified portfolio of securities by combining their resources in an effort to
achieve such goals.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's primary objective is to seek to provide current income consistent
with preservation of capital. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective
which is sought only when consistent with the Fund's primary objective. The Fund
attempts to achieve these objectives by investing primarily in corporate debt
securities, including convertible securities. There is no assurance that these
objectives will be achieved and yields may fluctuate over time.
The Fund expects that at all times at least 65% of its total assets will be
invested in corporate bonds. For these purposes a corporate bond is defined as
any corporate debt security with an original term to maturity of greater than
one year. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in preferred stocks. See
"Investment Practices -- Preferred Stocks." The Fund may invest up to 20% of its
assets in convertible securities which includes convertible debentures as well
as convertible preferred stocks. In order to hedge against changes in interest
rates, the Fund may invest in or write options on U.S. Government securities and
engage in transactions involving interest rate futures and options on such
contracts. See "Investment Practices -- Options, Futures Contracts and Related
Options" and the Statement of Additional Information for discussion of options,
futures contracts and related options.
The Fund is not limited as to the maturities of the corporate debt securities
in which it invests. Most preferred stocks have no stated maturity. The weighted
average maturity, which is likely to vary from time to time, of the corporate
bonds owned by the Fund on August 31, 1996, was [16.53] years. Corporate bonds
with longer maturities generally tend to produce higher yields and are subject
to greater market risk than debt securities with shorter maturities. When
interest rates increase, prices of outstanding corporate bonds and preferred
stocks generally decline. Conversely, prices of outstanding corporate bonds and
preferred stocks generally increase when interest rates fall.
The Fund invests in three categories of securities:
I. (a) securities rated at the time of purchase Baa or higher by Moody's or
BBB or higher by S&P;
10
<PAGE> 13
(b) securities issued, or guaranteed by the U. S. Government, its agencies
or instrumentalities;
(c) commercial paper rated Prime by Moody's or A by S&P; and
(d) cash and cash equivalents.
II. Securities rated Ba by Moody's or BB by S&P.
III. Securities rated B or below by Moody's and S&P or nonrated (excluding
nonrated U.S. Government agency obligations).
The above specified ratings apply to preferred stocks as well as corporate
bonds.
At least 60% of the Fund's assets must, and up to 100% may, be invested in
category I securities. No more than 20% may be invested in category III
securities. The remaining zero to 40% of the Fund's assets are invested in
category II securities (commonly referred to as junk bonds). Although the Fund
may invest up to 40% of its assets in securities rated Ba by Moody's or BB by
S&P, it currently intends to limit such investments to less than 35% of its
assets.
The above percentage limitations apply to the Fund's investment portfolio
excluding options, futures contracts and related options. This is a fundamental
policy of the Fund which may not be changed without approval by a majority (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's shareholders.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the average percentage of the
Fund's assets invested in debt securities (or preferred stocks) within the
various rating categories (based on the higher of the S&P or Moody's ratings),
and the nonrated debt securities, determined on a dollar weighted average, were
as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AAA/Aaa.................................................... %
AA/Aa...................................................... %
A/A........................................................ %
BBB/Baa.................................................... %
BB/Ba...................................................... %
Preferred Stocks........................................... %
Cash and Equivalents....................................... %
--------
Total Net Assets....................................... 100.00%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Generally, lower rated debt securities provide a higher yield than higher
rated debt securities of similar maturity but are subject to greater market risk
and credit risk. Lower rated debt securities generally are more speculative with
respect to the capacity of the issuer to make interest and principal payments.
For example, debt securities rated BB/Ba or B are regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the
11
<PAGE> 14
terms of the obligation. It is the current operating policy of the Fund not to
purchase debt securities rated below B by both Moody's and S&P or nonrated
securities considered by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. The ratings of
Moody's and S&P represent their opinions of the quality of the securities they
undertake to rate, but not the market value risk of such securities. It should
be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards
of quality. Credit ratings are also subject to a risk that the rating agencies
may fail to timely change the ratings to reflect subsequent events. A
description of the bond, commercial paper and preferred stock ratings of Moody's
and S&P is contained in the Appendix. Investors should consider carefully the
additional risks associated with investment in lower rated securities, which are
not generally meant for short-term investment.
The market value of lower rated securities may fluctuate more than the market
value of higher rated securities, since the former tend to reflect short-term
corporate and market developments to a greater extent than higher rated
securities, which fluctuate primarily in response to the general level of
interest rates, assuming that there has been no change in the fundamental
quality of such securities. Investment results of the Fund's lower rated
securities may be more dependent upon the Adviser's credit analysis than the
results from investments in higher rated securities. Lower rated securities may
be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive
industry conditions than investment grade securities. A projection of an
economic downturn, for example, could cause a decline in prices of lower rated
securities because the advent of a recession could lessen the ability of a
highly leveraged company to make principal and interest payments on its senior
securities. In addition, the secondary trading market for lower rated securities
may be less liquid than the market for higher grade securities.
Prices of lower rated debt securities may decline rapidly in the event a
significant number of holders decide to sell. Changes in expectations regarding
an individual issuer, an industry or lower rated debt securities generally could
reduce market liquidity for such securities and make their sale by the Fund more
difficult, at least in the absence of price concessions. An economic downturn or
an increase in interest rates could severely disrupt the market for high yield
bonds and adversely affect the value of outstanding bonds and the ability of the
issuers to repay principal and interest. See "Risk Factors" in the Statement of
Additional Information for a further discussion of risk factors associated with
investments in lower rated securities.
In soliciting corporate debt securities, the Adviser evaluates the issuer of
such security based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, the
issuer's financial strength, its earnings potential, its operating history and
management skills.
12
<PAGE> 15
Common stocks may be temporarily acquired in the portfolio as a result of
conversion of convertible securities into such common stocks or upon exercise of
warrants attached to or included in a unit with a debt security purchased by the
Fund.
The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in United States dollar
denominated securities of foreign governments and other foreign issuers.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
domestic banks or broker-dealers in order to earn a return on temporarily
available cash. A repurchase agreement is a short-term investment in which the
purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires ownership of a debt security and the seller
agrees to repurchase the obligation at a future time and set price, thereby
determining the yield during the purchaser's holding period. The Fund will not
invest in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days if any such
investment, together with any other illiquid securities held by the Fund, would
exceed ten percent of the value of its net assets. In the event of a bankruptcy
or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could
experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and loss
including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during
the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, (b) possible lack
of access to income on the underlying security during this period, and (c)
expenses of enforcing its rights.
For the purpose of investing in repurchase agreements, the Adviser may
aggregate the cash that substantially all of the funds advised or subadvised by
the Adviser would otherwise invest separately into a joint account. The cash in
the joint account is then invested and the funds that contributed to the joint
account share pro rata in the net revenue generated. The Adviser believes that
the joint account produces greater efficiencies and economies of scale that may
contribute to reduced transaction costs, higher returns, higher quality
investments and greater diversity of investments for the Fund than would be
available to the Fund investing separately. The manner in which the joint
account is managed is subject to conditions set forth in the SEC order obtained
by the Fund authorizing this practice, which conditions are designed to ensure
the fair administration of the joint account and to protect the amounts in that
account.
PREFERRED STOCKS. Preferred stocks may provide a higher dividend rate than the
interest yield on debt securities of the same issuer, but are subject to greater
risk of fluctuation in market value and greater risk of non-receipt of income.
Preferred stocks are in many ways like perpetual debt securities, providing a
stream of income but without stated maturity date. Because they lack a fixed
13
<PAGE> 16
maturity date, preferred stocks are likely to fluctuate substantially in price
when interest rates change. Such fluctuations generally are comparable to or
exceed those of long-term government or corporate bonds (those with maturities
of fifteen to thirty years).
Preferred stocks have claims on assets and earnings of the issuer which are
subordinate to the claims of all creditors but senior to the claims of common
stockholders. A preferred stock rating differs from a bond rating because it
applies to an equity issue which is intrinsically different from, and
subordinated to, a debt issue. Preferred stock ratings generally represent an
assessment of the capacity and willingness of an issuer to pay preferred stock
dividends and any applicable sinking fund obligations.
OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. The investment policies of the
Fund permit the Fund to invest in or write options, futures contracts and
related options. Thus, the Fund may engage in transactions in futures contracts
on U.S. Government securities.
The Fund presently expects to utilize options, futures contracts and options
thereon in several different ways, depending upon the status of the Fund's
portfolio and the Adviser's expectations concerning the securities markets. See
the Statement of Additional Information for discussion of options, futures
contracts and related options.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. The
purchase and sale of options and futures contracts involve risks different from
those involved with direct investments in securities. While utilization of
options, futures contracts and similar instruments may be advantageous to the
Fund, if the Adviser is not successful in employing such instruments in managing
the Fund's investments, the Fund's performance will be worse than if the Fund
did not make such investments. In addition, the Fund would pay commissions and
other costs in connection with such investments, which may increase the Fund's
expenses and reduce its return.
The Fund may write or purchase options in privately negotiated transactions
("OTC Options") as well as listed options. OTC Options can be closed out only by
agreement with the other party to the transaction. Thus, any OTC Options
purchased by the Fund will be considered an illiquid security. Any OTC Options
written by the Fund will be with a qualified dealer pursuant to an agreement
under which the Fund may repurchase the option at a formula price. Such options
will be considered illiquid to the extent that the formula price exceeds the
intrinsic value of the option. The Fund may not purchase or sell futures
contracts or related options for which the aggregate initial margin and premiums
exceed five percent of the fair market value of the Fund's assets. In order to
prevent leverage in connection with the purchase of futures contracts or call
options thereon by the Fund, an amount of
14
<PAGE> 17
cash, cash equivalents or liquid high grade debt securities equal to the market
value of the obligation under the futures contracts or options (less any related
margin deposits) will be maintained in a segregated account with the Custodian.
The Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net assets in illiquid securities
and repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days. A
more complete discussion of the potential risks involved in transactions in
options or futures contracts and related options is contained in the Statement
of Additional Information.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund is authorized to lend portfolio
securities to broker-dealers and financial institutions in an amount up to 10%
of its net assets, provided that such loans are at all times callable by the
Fund and are at all times secured by cash collateral that is at least equal to
the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. During the period
of the loan, the Fund receives the income on both the loaned securities and the
collateral and thereby increases its yield after payment of lending fees.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE PRACTICES. The Adviser is responsible for
the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for
the Fund and the negotiation of the price of, and any commissions on, such
transactions. Most transactions made by the Fund are with dealers acting as
principals. Broker-dealers are selected on the basis of their professional
capability for the type of transaction and the value and quality of execution
services rendered on a continuing basis. The Adviser is authorized to place
portfolio transactions with broker-dealers participating in the distribution of
shares of the Fund and other Van Kampen American Capital mutual funds if it
reasonably believes that the quality of the execution and any commission are
comparable to that available from other qualified firms. The Adviser is
authorized to place portfolio transactions with broker-dealers that provide it
with investment and research information and to pay higher than the lowest
available commission if the Adviser determines that the cost is reasonable in
relation to the overall services provided. The information received may be used
by the Adviser in managing the assets of other advisory accounts as well as in
the management of the assets of the Fund.
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total
assets in United States dollar denominated debt issues of foreign governments
and other foreign issuers.
The Adviser believes that in many instances such foreign debt securities may
provide higher yields than securities of domestic issuers which have similar
maturities. Such securities may be subject to foreign government taxes which
would reduce the effective yield. Such securities may be less liquid than the
securities of the U.S. corporations, and are certainly less liquid than
securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies.
15
<PAGE> 18
The above described foreign investments involve certain risks, which should be
considered carefully by an investor in the Fund. These risks include political
or economic instability of the issuer or the country of issue, the difficulty of
predicting international trade patterns and the possibility of imposition of
exchange controls. Such securities may also be subject to greater fluctuations
in price than securities of U.S. corporations or of the U.S. Government. In
addition, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign
company than about a domestic company. Foreign companies generally are not
subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
comparable to those applicable to domestic companies. There is generally less
government regulation of stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies abroad
than in the United States, and, with respect to certain foreign countries, there
is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, or diplomatic
developments which could affect investment in those countries. Finally, in the
event of a default on any such foreign debt obligations, it may be more
difficult for the Fund to obtain or to enforce a judgment against the issuers of
such securities. Such investments will be made only when the Adviser believes
that higher yields justify the attendant risks.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. The Fund is subject to the following restrictions
which, like the investment objective, may not be changed without the approval of
a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's shareholders. These
restrictions provide, among other things, that the Fund may not:
1. Invest more than 5% of its total assets at market value in any one issuer
or purchase more than 10% of any class of securities of any issuer
(excluding in both cases the U.S. Government), except that the Fund may
purchase securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted
by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and
regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other
relief from the provisions of the 1940 Act.
2. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in companies having a
record, together with predecessors, of less than three years of continuous
operation, except that the Fund may purchase securities of other investment
companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time
to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or
(iii) an exemption or other relief from the provisions of the 1940 Act.
3. Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes, and then not in
excess of five percent of its total assets taken at cost, or mortgage,
pledge or hypothecate its assets to secure such borrowing except in an
amount taken at market not exceeding ten percent of its total assets taken
at cost. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund may engage in transactions
in options, futures contracts and related options, segregate or deposit
assets to cover or
16
<PAGE> 19
secure options written and make margin deposits and payments for futures
contracts and related options.
4. Underwrite securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund may be
deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 in
the resale of any unregistered securities owned by the Fund; provided,
however, the Fund shall not purchase any unregistered securities if
immediately after and as a result of such purchase of such securities,
together with any other illiquid securities held by the Fund, would
constitute more than 10% of the Fund's total assets.
5. Lend any of its assets except for the following types of transactions: (a)
loans of portfolio securities up to ten percent of the value of the Fund's
net assets, taken at market, collateralized at 100% each business day,
subject to immediate termination if the collateral is not maintained, or on
five business days' notice by the Fund or not less than one business day's
notice by the borrower, on which the Fund will receive all income accruing
on the borrowed securities during the loan as described under "Investment
Practices -- Loans of Portfolio Securities"; (b) the purchase of debt
securities publicly distributed or of a type customarily purchased by
institutional investors; and (c) the purchase of securities subject to
repurchase agreements. See "Investment Practices -- Repurchase Agreements."
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ADVISER. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Van Kampen American
Capital, Inc. ("Van Kampen American Capital"). Van Kampen American Capital is a
diversified asset management company with more than two million retail investor
accounts, extensive capabilities for managing institutional portfolios, and more
than $57 billion under management or supervision. Van Kampen American Capital's
more than 40 open-end and 38 closed-end funds and more than 2,800 unit
investment trusts are professionally distributed by leading financial advisers
nationwide.
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc., the distributor of the Fund
and the sponsor of the funds mentioned above, is also a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Van Kampen American Capital. Van Kampen American Capital is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc. VK/AC Holding, Inc. is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of MSAM Holdings II, Inc. which, in turn, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Group Inc. The Adviser's principal office is
located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181.
Morgan Stanley Group Inc. and various of its directly or indirectly owned
subsidiaries, including Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, a registered
broker-dealer
17
<PAGE> 20
and investment manager adviser, and Morgan Stanley International, are engaged in
a wide range of financial services. Their principal businesses include
securities underwriting, distribution and trading; merger, acquisition,
restructuring and other corporate finance advisory activities; merchant banking;
stock brokerage and research services; asset management; trading of futures,
options, foreign exchange, commodities and swaps (involving foreign exchange,
commodities, indices and interest rates); real estate advice, financing and
investing; and global custody, securities clearance services and securities
lending.
ADVISORY AGREEMENTS. The Fund retains the Adviser to manage the investment of
its assets and to place orders for the purchase and sale of its portfolio
securities. Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the
Fund (the "Advisory Agreement"), the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee
computed on average daily net assets of the Fund at the annual rate of 0.50% of
the first $150 million of net assets; 0.45% of the next $100 million of net
assets; 0.40% of the next $100 million of net assets; and 0.35% of net assets
over $350 million. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund also reimburses the
Adviser for the cost of the Fund's accounting services, which include
maintaining its financial books and records and calculating its daily net asset
value. Operating expenses paid by the Fund include shareholder service agency
fees, service fees, distribution fees, custodial fees, legal and accounting
fees, the costs of reports and proxies to shareholders, trustees' fees, and all
other business expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. Advisory
(management) fees, and total operating expense, ratios are shown under the
caption "Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Example" herein.
From time to time, as the Adviser and/or the Distributor may deem appropriate,
they may voluntarily undertake to reduce the Fund's expenses by reducing the
fees payable to them to the extent of, or bearing expenses in excess of, such
limitations as they may establish.
The Adviser may utilize, at its own expense, credit analysis, research and
trading support services provided by its affiliate, Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp.
PERSONAL INVESTING POLICIES. The Fund and the Adviser have adopted Codes of
Ethics designed to recognize the fiduciary relationship between the Fund and the
Adviser and its employees. The Codes permit directors/trustees, officers and
employees to buy and sell securities for their personal accounts subject to
certain restrictions. Persons with access to certain sensitive information are
subject to pre-clearance and other procedures designed to prevent conflicts of
interest.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT. David R. Troth is primarily responsible for the day-to-
day management of the Fund's investment portfolio. He has served in that role
18
<PAGE> 21
since 1979. Mr. Troth is Vice President of the Fund and Senior Vice President of
the Adviser.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Alternative Sales Arrangements permits an investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares that is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase and
the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares.
CLASS A SHARES. Class A shares are sold at net asset value plus an initial
maximum sales charge of up to 4.75% of the offering price. Investments of $1
million or more are not subject to any sales charge at the time of purchase, but
a contingent deferred sales charge of one percent may be imposed on certain
redemptions made within one year of the purchase. Class A shares are subject to
an ongoing service fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's aggregate
average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares. Certain purchases
of Class A shares qualify for reduced initial sales charges. See "Purchase of
Shares -- Class A Shares."
CLASS B SHARES. Class B shares are sold at net asset value and are subject to
a deferred sales charge if they are redeemed within five years of purchase.
Class B shares are subject to an ongoing service fee at an annual rate of up to
0.25% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class
B shares and an ongoing distribution fee at an annual rate of up to 0.75% of the
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares.
Class B shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor's dollars to
work from the time the investment is made. The ongoing distribution fee paid by
Class B shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay
lower dividends than those related to Class A shares. See "Purchase of
Shares -- Class B Shares." Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A
shares eight years after the end of the calendar month in which the
shareholder's order to purchase was accepted. See "Conversion Feature" below for
discussion on applicability of the conversion feature to Class B shares.
CLASS C SHARES. Class C shares are sold at net asset value and are subject to
a deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class C shares
are subject to an ongoing service fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class C shares and
an ongoing distribution fee at an annual rate of up to 0.75% of the Fund's
aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class C shares. Class C
shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor's dollars to work
from the time the investment is made. The ongoing distribution fee paid by Class
C shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower
dividends than those related to Class A shares. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class
C Shares." Class C shares will convert
19
<PAGE> 22
automatically to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month in
which the shareholder's order to purchase was accepted. See "Conversion Feature"
herein for discussion on applicability of the conversion feature to Class C
shares.
CONVERSION FEATURE. Class B shares and Class C shares will automatically
convert to Class A shares six years or ten years, respectively, after the end of
the calendar month in which the shares were purchased and will no longer be
subject to the distribution fee. Such conversion will be on the basis of the
relative net asset values per share, without the imposition of any sales load,
fee or other charge. The purpose of the conversion feature is to relieve the
holders of the Class B shares and Class C shares that have been outstanding for
a period of time sufficient for the Distributor to have been substantially
compensated for distribution expenses related to the Class B shares or Class C
shares as the case may be, from the burden of the ongoing distribution fee.
For purposes of conversion to Class A, shares purchased through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions paid on Class B shares and Class C
shares in a shareholder's Fund account will be considered to be held in a
separate sub-account. Each time any Class B shares or Class C shares in the
shareholder's Fund account (other than those in the sub-account) convert to
Class A, an equal pro rata portion of the Class B shares or Class C shares in
the sub-account will also convert to Class A.
The conversion of Class B shares and Class C shares to Class A shares is
subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of counsel to the effect
that (i) the assessment of the distribution fee and higher transfer agency costs
with respect to Class B shares and Class C shares does not result in the Fund's
dividends or distributions constituting "preferential dividends" under the
Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the "Code"), and (ii) the conversion of
shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law. The
conversion of Class B shares and Class C shares may be suspended if such an
opinion is no longer available. In that event, no further conversions of Class B
shares or Class C shares would occur, and shares might continue to be subject to
the distribution fee for an indefinite period which may extend beyond the period
ending six years or ten years, respectively, after the end of the calendar month
in which the shareholder's order to purchase was accepted.
FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION. In deciding which class of shares to purchase,
investors should take into consideration their investment goals, present and
anticipated purchase amounts, time horizons and temperaments. Investors should
consider whether, during the anticipated life of their investment in the Fund,
the accumulated distribution fees and contingent deferred sales charges on Class
B shares or Class C shares prior to conversion would be less than the initial
sales charge on Class A shares purchased at the same time, and to what extent
such differential would be offset by the higher dividends per share on Class A
shares. To
20
<PAGE> 23
assist investors in making this determination, the table under the caption "
Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Example" sets forth examples of the charges
applicable to each class of shares. In this regard, Class A shares may be more
beneficial to the investor who qualifies for reduced initial sales charges or
purchases at net asset value, as described herein under "Purchase of
Shares -- Class A Shares." For these reasons, the Distributor will reject any
order of $500,000 or more for Class B shares or any order of $1 million or more
for Class C shares.
Class A shares are not subject to an ongoing distribution fee and,
accordingly, receive correspondingly higher dividends per share. However,
because initial sales charges are deducted at the time of purchase for accounts
under $1 million, investors in Class A shares do not have all their funds
invested initially and, therefore, initially own fewer shares. Other investors
might determine that it is more advantageous to purchase either Class B shares
or Class C shares and have all their funds invested initially, although
remaining subject to ongoing distribution fees and, for a five-year or one-year
period, respectively, being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
Ongoing distribution fees on Class B shares and Class C shares will be offset to
the extent of the additional funds originally invested and any return realized
on those funds. However, there can be no assurance as to the return, if any,
which will be realized on such additional funds. For investments held for ten
years or more, the relative value upon liquidation of the three classes tends to
favor Class A or Class B shares, rather than Class C shares.
Class A shares may be appropriate for investors who prefer to pay the sales
charge up front, want to take advantage of the reduced sales charges available
on larger investments, wish to maximize their current income from the start,
prefer not to pay redemption charges and/or have a longer-term investment
horizon. In addition, the check writing privilege is only available for Class A
shares (See "Shareholder Services -- Shareholder Services Applicable to Class A
Shareholders Only -- Check Writing Privilege"). Class B shares may be
appropriate for investors who wish to avoid a front-end sales charge, put 100%
of their investment dollars to work immediately, and/or have a longer-term
investment horizon. Class C shares may be appropriate for investors who wish to
avoid a front-end sales charge, put 100% of their investment dollars to work
immediately, have a shorter term investment horizon and/or desire a short
contingent deferred sales charge schedule.
The distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the
sale of the shares will be reimbursed, in the case of Class A shares, from the
proceeds of the initial sales charge and, in the case of Class B shares and
Class C shares, from the proceeds of the ongoing distribution fee and any
contingent deferred sales charge incurred upon redemption within five years or
one year, respectively, of purchase. Sales personnel of broker-dealers
distributing the Fund's shares and other persons entitled to receive
compensation for selling such shares may receive differing compensation for
selling such shares. INVESTORS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THE
21
<PAGE> 24
PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE AND ONGOING
DISTRIBUTION FEE WITH RESPECT TO THE CLASS B SHARES AND CLASS C SHARES ARE THE
SAME AS THOSE OF THE INITIAL SALES CHARGE WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES. See
"Distribution Plans."
GENERAL. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to Class A, Class B and Class
C shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time on the same day,
except that the distribution fees and any incremental transfer agency costs
relating to Class B or Class C shares will be borne by the respective class. See
"Distributions from the Fund." Shares of the Fund may be exchanged, subject to
certain limitations, for shares of the same class of other mutual funds advised
by the Adviser. See "Shareholder Services -- Exchange Privilege."
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE OF SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL
The Fund offers three classes of shares to the general public on a continuous
basis through the Distributor as principal underwriter, which is located at One
Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181. Shares are also offered
through members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD")
who are acting as securities dealers ("dealers") and NASD members or eligible
non-NASD members who are acting as brokers or agents for investors ("brokers").
The term "dealers" and "brokers" are sometimes referred to herein as "authorized
dealers." Class A shares are sold with an initial sales charge; Class B shares
and Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge and are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge upon certain redemptions. See "Alternative
Sales Arrangements" for a discussion of factors to consider in selecting which
class of shares to purchase. Contact the Investor Services Department at (800)
421-5666 for further information and appropriate forms.
Initial investments must be at least $500 and subsequent investments must be
at least $25. Both minimums may be waived by the Distributor for plans involving
periodic investments. Shares of the Fund may be sold in foreign countries where
permissible. The Fund and the Distributor reserve the right to refuse any order
for the purchase of shares. The Fund also reserves the right to suspend the sale
of the Fund's shares in response to conditions in the securities markets or for
other reasons.
Shares may be purchased on any business day through authorized dealers. Shares
may also be purchased by completing the application accompanied by this
Prospectus and forwarding the application, through the designated dealer, to the
shareholder service agent, ACCESS Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Van Kampen American Capital ("ACCESS"). When purchasing shares of
the
22
<PAGE> 25
Fund, investors must specify whether the purchase is for Class A, Class B or
Class C shares.
Shares are offered at the next determined net asset value per share, plus a
front-end or contingent deferred sales charge depending on the method of
purchasing shares chosen by the investor, as shown in the tables herein. Net
asset value per share is determined once daily as of the close of trading on the
New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time)
each day the Exchange is open. Net asset value per share for each class is
determined by dividing the value of the Fund's securities, cash and other assets
(including accrued interest) attributable to such class, less all liabilities
(including accrued expenses) attributable to such class, by the total number of
shares of the class outstanding. Securities listed or traded principally on a
national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price. Unlisted
securities and listed securities for which the last sale price is not available
are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price. Securities
for which market quotations are not readily available and other assets are
valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees of the Fund.
Short-term securities are valued in the manner described in the notes to the
financial statements included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Generally, the net asset values per share of the Class A, Class B and Class C
shares are expected to be substantially the same. Under certain circumstances,
however, the per share net asset values of the Class A, Class B and Class C
shares may differ from one another, reflecting the daily expense accruals of the
distribution and the higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to the
Class B and Class C shares and the differential in the dividends paid on the
classes of shares. The price paid for shares purchased is based on the next
calculation of the net asset value plus applicable Class A sales charges after
an order is received by a dealer provided such order is transmitted to the
Distributor prior to the Distributor's close of business on such day. Orders
received by dealers after the close of the Exchange are priced based on the next
close provided they are received by the Distributor prior to the Distributor's
close of business on such day. It is the responsibility of dealers to transmit
orders received by them to the Distributor so they will be received prior to
such time. Orders of less than $500 are mailed by the dealer and processed at
the offering price next calculated after acceptance by ACCESS.
Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of
investments of the Fund, has the same rights and is identical in all respects,
except that (i) Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of the deferred
sales arrangement and any expenses (including the distribution fee and
incremental transfer agency costs) resulting from such sales arrangement, (ii)
generally, each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to approvals of
the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan pursuant to which its distribution fee and/or
service fee is paid which relate to a specific class, and (iii) Class B and
Class C shares are subject to a conversion feature. Each
23
<PAGE> 26
class has different exchange privileges and certain different shareholder
service options available. See "Distribution Plans" and "Shareholder
Services -- Exchange Privilege." The net income attributable to Class B and
Class C shares and the dividends payable on Class B and Class C shares will be
reduced by the amount of the distribution fee and incremental expenses
associated with such distribution fees. Sales personnel of broker-dealers
distributing the Fund's shares and other persons entitled to receive
compensation for selling such shares may receive differing compensation for
selling Class A, Class B or Class C shares.
Agreements are in place which provide, among other things and subject to
certain conditions, for certain favorable distribution arrangements for shares
of the Fund with subsidiaries of The Travelers Inc.
The Distributor may from time to time implement programs under which a broker,
dealer or financial intermediary's sales force may be eligible to win nominal
awards for certain sales efforts or under which the Distributor will reallow to
any broker, dealer or financial intermediary that sponsors sales contests or
recognition programs conforming to criteria established by the Distributor, or
participates in sales programs sponsored by the Distributor, an amount not
exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by the
broker, dealer or financial intermediaries at the public offering price during
such programs. Other programs provide, among other things and subject to certain
conditions, for certain favorable distribution arrangements for shares of the
Fund. Also, the Distributor in its discretion may from time to time, pursuant to
objective criteria established by the Distributor, pay fees to, and sponsor
business seminars for, qualifying brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries
for certain services or activities which are primarily intended to result in
sales of shares of the Fund. Fees may include payment for travel expenses,
including lodging, incurred in connection with trips taken by invited registered
representatives and members of their families to locations within or outside of
the United States for meetings or seminars of a business nature. Such fees paid
for such services and activities with respect to the Fund will not exceed in the
aggregate 1.25% of the average total daily net assets of the Fund on an annual
basis. The Distributor may provide additional compensation to Edward D. Jones &
Co. or an affiliate thereof based on a combination of its sales of shares and
increases in assets under management. All of the foregoing payments are made by
the Distributor out of its own assets. These programs will not change the price
an investor will pay for shares or the amount that a Fund will receive from such
sale.
24
<PAGE> 27
CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price of Class A shares is the next determined net asset
value plus a sales charge, as set forth below.
SALES CHARGE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REALLOWED TO
DEALERS (AS
AS % OF AS % OF A %
SIZE OF NET AMOUNT OFFERING OF OFFERING
INVESTMENT INVESTED PRICE PRICE)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $100,000............... 4.99% 4.75% 4.25%
$100,000 but less than
$250,000....................... 3.90% 3.75% 3.25%
$250,000 but less than
$500,000....................... 2.83% 2.75% 2.25%
$500,000 but less than
$1,000,000..................... 2.04% 2.00% 1.75%
$1,000,000 and over.............. * * *
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1
million or more, although for such investments the Fund imposes a contingent
deferred sales charge of one percent in the event of certain redemptions
within one year of the purchase. The contingent deferred sales charge incurred
upon redemption is paid to the Distributor in reimbursement for
distribution-related expenses. A commission will be paid to dealers who
initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1 million or more as follows:
1.00% on sales to $2 million, plus 0.80% on the next million, and 0.50% on the
excess over $3 million.
In addition to the reallowance from the applicable public offering price
described above, the Distributor may, from time to time, pay or allow additional
reallowances or promotional incentives, in the form of cash or other
compensation, to dealers that sell shares of the Fund. The Distributor may pay
dealers through whom purchases are made at net asset value as described in
clause (e) herein an amount equal to 0.40% of the amount invested. Dealers which
are reallowed all or substantially all of the sales commissions may be deemed to
be underwriters for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act").
The Distributor may also pay financial institutions, which may include banks,
and other industry professionals that provide services to facilitate
transactions in shares of the Fund for their clients a transaction fee up to the
level of the reallowance allowable to dealers described herein. Such financial
institutions, other industry professionals and dealers are hereinafter referred
to as "Service Organizations." Banks are currently prohibited under the
Glass-Steagall Act from providing certain underwriting or distribution services.
If banking firms were prohibited from acting in any capacity or providing any of
the described services, the Distributor would consider what action, if any,
would be appropriate. The Distributor does not believe that termination of a
relationship with a bank would result in any material adverse consequences to
the Fund. State securities laws regarding registration of banks and
25
<PAGE> 28
other financial institutions may differ from the interpretations of federal law
expressed herein, and banks and other financial institutions may be required to
register as dealers pursuant to certain state laws.
QUANTITY DISCOUNTS
Investors purchasing Class A shares may under certain circumstances be
entitled to pay reduced sales charges. The circumstances under which such
investors may pay reduced sales charges are described below.
Investors, or their brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries, must notify
the Fund whenever a quantity discount is applicable to purchases. Upon such
notification, an investor will receive the lowest applicable sales charge.
Quantity discounts may be modified or terminated at any time. For more
information about quantity discounts, investors should contact their broker,
dealer or financial intermediary or the Distributor.
A person eligible for a reduced sales charge includes an individual, their
spouse and minor children and any corporation, partnership or sole
proprietorship which is 100% owned, either alone or in combination, by any of
the foregoing; a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single fiduciary
account, or a "company" as defined in Section 2(a)(8) of the 1940 Act.
As used herein, "Participating Funds" refers to all open-end investment
companies distributed by the Distributor other than Van Kampen American Capital
Tax Free Money Fund ("Tax Free Money Fund"), Van Kampen American Capital Reserve
Fund ("Reserve Fund") and The Govett Funds, Inc.
Volume Discounts. The size of investment shown in the preceding table applies
to the total dollar amount being invested by any person in shares of the
indicated Fund, or in any combination of shares of such Funds and shares of
other Participating Funds, although other Participating Funds may have different
sales charges.
Cumulative Purchase Discount. The size of investment shown in the preceding
table may also be determined by combining the amount being invested in shares of
the Participating Funds plus the current offering price of all shares of the
Participating Funds which have been previously purchased and are still owned.
Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent provides an opportunity for an investor
to obtain a reduced sales charge by aggregating the investments over a 13-month
period to determine the sales charge as outlined in the preceding table. The
size of investment shown in the preceding table also includes purchases of
shares of the Participating Funds over a 13-month period based on the total
amount of intended purchases plus the value of all shares of the Participating
Funds previously purchased and still owned. An investor may elect to compute the
13-month period
26
<PAGE> 29
starting up to 90 days before the date of execution of a Letter of Intent. Each
investment made during the period receives the reduced sales charge applicable
to the total amount of the investment goal. If the goal is not achieved within
the period, the investor must pay the difference between the charges applicable
to the purchases made and the charges previously paid. The initial purchase must
be for an amount equal to at least five percent of the minimum total purchase
amount of the level selected. If trades not initially made under a Letter of
Intent subsequently qualify for a lower sales charge through the 90-day
back-dating provisions, an adjustment will be made at the expiration of the
Letter of Intent to give effect to the lower charge. Such adjustment in sales
charge will be used to purchase additional shares for the shareholder at the
applicable discount category. Additional information is contained in the
application accompanied by this Prospectus.
OTHER PURCHASE PROGRAMS
Purchasers of Class A shares may be entitled to reduced initial sales charges
in connection with unit trust reinvestment programs and purchases by registered
representatives of selling firms or purchases by persons affiliated with the
Fund or the Distributor. The Fund reserves the right to modify or terminate
these arrangements at any time.
Unit Trust Reinvestment Programs. The Fund permits unitholders of unit
investment trusts to reinvest distributions from such trusts in Class A shares
of the Fund, other Participating Funds, Tax Free Money Fund or Reserve Fund with
no minimum initial or subsequent investment requirement, and with a lower sales
charge if the administrator of an investor's unit investment trust program meets
certain uniform criteria relating to cost savings by the Fund and the
Distributor. The total sales charge for all investments made from unit trust
distributions will be one percent of the offering price (1.01% of net asset
value). Of this amount, the Distributor will pay to the broker, dealer or
financial intermediary, if any, through which such participation in the
qualifying program was initiated 0.50% of the offering price as a dealer
concession or agency commission. Persons desiring more information with respect
to this program, including the applicable terms and conditions thereof, should
contact their securities broker or dealer or the Distributor.
The administrator of such a unit investment trust must have an agreement with
the Distributor pursuant to which the administrator will (1) submit a single
bulk order and make payment with a single remittance for all investments in the
Fund during each distribution period by all investors who choose to invest in
the Fund through the program and (2) provide ACCESS with appropriate backup data
for each participating investor in a computerized format fully compatible with
ACCESS's processing system.
27
<PAGE> 30
As further requirements for obtaining these special benefits, the Fund also
requires that all dividends and other distributions by the Fund be reinvested in
additional shares without any systematic withdrawal program. There will be no
minimum for reinvestments from unit investment trusts. The Fund will send
account activity statements to such participants on a monthly basis only, even
if their investments are made more frequently. The Fund reserves the right to
modify or terminate this program at any time.
NAV Purchase Options. Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset
value, upon written assurance that the purchase is made for investment purposes
and that the shares will not be resold except through redemption by:
(1) Current or retired Trustees/Directors of funds advised by the Adviser, Van
Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp. or John Govett & Co.
Limited and such persons' families and their beneficial accounts.
(2) Current or retired directors, officers and employees of VK/AC Holding,
Inc. and any of its subsidiaries, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc.,
employees of an investment subadviser to any fund described in (1) above,
or an affiliate of such subadviser; and such persons' families and their
beneficial accounts.
(3) Directors, officers, employees and registered representatives of financial
institutions that have a selling group agreement with the Distributor and
their spouses and minor children when purchasing for any accounts they
beneficially own, or, in the case of any such financial institution, when
purchasing for retirement plans for such institution's employees.
(4) Registered investment advisers, trust companies and bank trust departments
investing on their own behalf or on behalf of their clients provided that
the aggregate amount invested in the Fund alone, or in any combination of
shares of the Fund and shares of other Participating Funds as described
herein under "Purchase of Shares -- Class A Shares -- Volume Discounts,"
during the 13-month period commencing with the first investment pursuant
hereto equals at least $1 million. The Distributor may pay Service
Organizations through which purchases are made an amount up to 0.50% of
the amount invested, over a 12-month period following such transaction.
(5) Trustees and other fiduciaries purchasing shares for retirement plans of
organizations with retirement plan assets of $10 million or more. The
Distributor may pay commissions of up to one percent for such purchases.
(6) Accounts as to which a bank or broker-dealer charges an account management
fee ("wrap accounts"), provided the bank or broker-dealer has a separate
agreement with the Distributor.
(7) Investors purchasing shares of the Fund with redemption proceeds from
other mutual fund complexes on which the investor has paid a front-end
28
<PAGE> 31
sales charge or was subject to a deferred sales charge, whether or not
paid, if such redemption has occurred no more than 30 days prior to such
purchase.
(8) Full service participant directed profit sharing and money purchase plans,
full service 401(k) plans, or similar full service recordkeeping programs
made available through Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company with at
least 50 eligible employees or investing at least $250,000 in
Participating Funds, Tax Free Money Fund or Reserve Fund. For such
investments the Fund imposes a contingent deferred sales charge of one
percent in the event of redemptions within one year of the purchase other
than redemptions required to make payments to participants under the terms
of the plan. The contingent deferred sales charge incurred upon certain
redemptions is paid to the Distributor in reimbursement for distribution-
related expenses. A commission will be paid to dealers who initiate and
are responsible for such purchases as follows: one percent on sales to $5
million, plus 0.50% on the next $5 million, plus 0.25% on the excess over
$10 million.
(9) Participants in any 405(b)(7) program of a college or university system
which permits only net asset value mutual fund investments and for which
Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company serves as custodian. In
connection with such purchases, the Distributor may pay, out of its own
assets, a commission to brokers, dealers, or financial intermediaries as
follows: one percent on sales up to $5 million, plus 0.50% on the next $5
million, plus 0.25% on the excess over $10 million.
(10) Individuals who are members of a "qualified group" may purchase Class A
Shares of the Fund without the imposition of a front end sales charge. For
this purpose, a qualified group is one which (i) has been in existence for
more than six months, (ii) has a purpose other than to acquire shares of
the Fund or similar investments, (iii) has given and continues to give its
endorsement or authorization, on behalf of the group, for purchase of
shares of the Fund and other funds in the Van Kampen American Capital
Family of Funds, (iv) has a membership that the authorized dealer can
certify as to the group's members and (v) satisfies other uniform criteria
established by the Distributor for the purpose of realizing economies of
scale in distributing such shares. A qualified group does not include one
whose sole organizational nexus, for example, is that its participants are
credit card holders of the same institution; policy holders of an
insurance company, customers of a bank or broker-dealer, clients of an
investment adviser or other similar groups. Shares purchased in each
group's participants account in connection with this privilege will be
subject to a CDSC of 1.00% in the event of redemption within one year of
purchase, and a commission will be paid to authorized dealers who initiate
and are responsible for such sales to each individual as follows: 1.00% on
sales to $2 million, plus 0.80% on the next million and 0.50% on the
excess over $3 million.
29
<PAGE> 32
The term "families" includes a person's spouse, minor children and
grandchildren, parents, and a person's spouse's parents.
Purchase orders made pursuant to clause (4) may be placed either through
authorized dealers as described above or directly with ACCESS by the investment
adviser, trust company or bank trust department, provided that ACCESS receives
federal funds for the purchase by the close of business on the next business day
following acceptance of the order. An authorized dealer or financial institution
may charge a transaction fee for placing an order to purchase shares pursuant to
this provision or for placing a redemption order with respect to such shares.
Service Organizations will be paid a service fee as described herein under
"Distribution Plans" on purchases made as described in (3) through (10) above.
The Fund may terminate, or amend the terms of, offering shares of the Fund at
net asset value to such groups at any time.
CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares are offered at the next determined net asset value. Class B
shares which are redeemed within five years of purchase are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge at the rates set forth in the following table
charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. The charge is
assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the then current market value or
the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no sales charge is imposed
on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition,
no charge is assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains distributions.
The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, varies depending
on the number of years from the time of payment for the purchase of Class B
shares until the time of redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of
determining the number of years from the time of any payment for the purchase of
shares, all payments during a month are aggregated and deemed to have been made
on the last day of the month.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTINGENT DEFERRED
SALES CHARGE AS A
PERCENTAGE OF
DOLLAR AMOUNT
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE SUBJECT TO CHARGE
<S> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
First................................................................ 4.0%
Second............................................................... 4.0%
Third................................................................ 3.0%
Fourth............................................................... 2.5%
Fifth................................................................ 1.5%
Sixth.................................................................None
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30
<PAGE> 33
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is applicable to a
redemption, it is assumed that the redemption is first, of any shares in the
shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge, second, of shares held for over five years or shares acquired pursuant
to reinvestment of dividends or distributions and third, of shares held longest
during the five-year period.
To provide an example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 per
share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the second year after purchase, the net asset
value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor has acquired ten
additional shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time the investor makes
his or her first redemption of 50 shares (proceeds of $600), ten shares will not
be subject to charge because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the
remaining 40 shares, the charge is applied only to the original cost of $10 per
share and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per share. Therefore,
$400 of the $600 redemption proceeds is subject to a deferred sales charge at a
rate of four percent (the applicable rate in the second year after purchase).
A commission or transaction fee of four percent of the purchase amount will be
paid to broker-dealers and other Service Organizations at the time of purchase.
Additionally, the Distributor may, from time to time, pay additional promotional
incentives, in the form of cash or other compensation, to Service Organizations
that sell Class B shares of the Fund.
CLASS C SHARES
Class C shares are offered at the next determined net asset value. Class C
shares which are redeemed within the first year of purchase are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of one percent. The charge is assessed on an
amount equal to the lesser of the then current market value or the cost of the
shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no sales charge is imposed on increases in
net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no charge is
assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions.
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is applicable to a
redemption, it is assumed that the redemption is first of any shares in the
shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge and second of shares held for more than one year or shares acquired
pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
A commission or transaction fee of one percent of the purchase amount will be
paid to broker-dealers and other Service Organizations at the time of purchase.
Broker-dealers and other Service Organizations will also be paid ongoing
commissions and transaction fees of up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets
of the Fund's Class C shares for the second through tenth year after purchase.
31
<PAGE> 34
Additionally, the Distributor may, from time to time, pay additional promotional
incentives in the form of cash or other compensation to Service Organizations
that sell Class C shares of the Fund.
WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on redemptions of Class B and
Class C shares (i) following the death or disability (as defined in the Code) of
a shareholder, (ii) in connection with certain distributions from an IRA or
other retirement plan, (iii) pursuant to the Fund's systematic withdrawal plan
but limited to 12% annually of the initial value of the account, and (iv)
effected pursuant to the right of the Fund to liquidate a shareholder's account
as described herein under "Redemption of Shares." The contingent deferred sales
charge is also waived on redemptions of Class C shares as it relates to the
reinvestment of redemption proceeds in shares of the same class of the Fund
within 120 days after redemption. See the Statement of Additional Information
for further discussion of waiver provisions.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund offers a number of shareholder services designed to facilitate
investment in its shares at little or no extra cost to the investor. The
following is a description of those services.
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT. Each shareholder has an investment account under which
shares are held by ACCESS. Except as described herein, after each share
transaction in an account, the shareholder receives a statement showing the
activity in the account. Each shareholder who has an account in certain of the
Participating Funds or Reserve may receive statements quarterly from ACCESS
showing any reinvestments of dividends and capital gains distributions and any
other activity in the account since the preceding statement. Such shareholders
also will receive separate confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction
other than reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions and
systematic purchases or redemptions. Additions to an investment account may be
made at any time by purchasing shares through authorized investment dealers or
by mailing a check directly to ACCESS.
SHARE CERTIFICATES. As a rule, the Fund will not issue share certificates.
However, upon written or telephone request to the Fund, a share certificate will
be issued, representing shares (with the exception of fractional shares) of the
Fund. A shareholder will be required to surrender such certificates upon
redemption thereof. In addition, if such certificates are lost the shareholder
must write to Van Kampen American Capital Funds, c/o ACCESS, P.O. Box 418256,
Kansas City, MO
32
<PAGE> 35
64141-9256, requesting an "affidavit of loss" and obtain a Surety Bond in a form
acceptable to ACCESS. On the date the letter is received ACCESS will calculate
no more than two percent of the net asset value of the issued shares, and bill
the party to whom the certificate was mailed.
REINVESTMENT PLAN. A convenient way for shareholders to accumulate additional
shares is by accepting dividends and capital gains distributions in shares of
the Fund. Such shares are acquired at net asset value, without sales charge, on
the record date. Unless the shareholder instructs otherwise, the reinvestment
plan is automatic. This instruction may be made by telephone by calling (800)
421-5666 ((800) 772-8889 for the hearing impaired). The investor may, on the
initial application or prior to any declaration, instruct that dividends be paid
in cash and capital gains distributions be reinvested at net asset value or that
both dividends and capital gains distributions be paid in cash.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. An automatic investment plan is available under
which a shareholder can authorize ACCESS to charge a bank account on a regular
basis to invest pre-determined amounts in the Fund. Additional information is
available from the Distributor or authorized dealers.
AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE ("ACH") DEPOSITS. Holders of Class A shares can use
ACH to have redemption proceeds deposited electronically into their bank
accounts. Redemptions transferred to a bank account via the ACH plan are
available to be credited to the account on the second business day following
normal payment. In order to utilize this option, the shareholder's bank must be
a member of Automated Clearing House. In addition, the shareholder must fill out
the appropriate section of the account application. The shareholder must also
include a voided check or deposit slip from the bank account into which
redemptions are to be deposited together with the completed application. Once
ACCESS has received the application and the voided check or deposit slip, such
shareholder's designated bank account, following any redemption, will be
credited with the proceeds of such redemption. Once enrolled in the ACH plan, a
shareholder may terminate participation at any time by writing ACCESS.
RETIREMENT PLANS. Eligible investors may establish individual retirement
accounts ("IRAs"); SEP; and pension and profit sharing plans; 401(k) plans; or
Section 403(b)(7) plans in the case of employees of public school systems and
certain non-profit organizations. Documents and forms containing detailed
information regarding these plans are available from the Distributor. Van Kampen
American Capital Trust Company serves as custodian under the IRA, 403(b)(7) and
Keogh plans. Details regarding fees, as well as full plan administration for
profit sharing, pension and 401(k) plans, are available from the Distributor.
DIVIDEND DIVERSIFICATION. A shareholder may, upon written request or by
completing the appropriate section of the application accompanied by this
Prospectus,
33
<PAGE> 36
or by calling (800) 421-5666 ((800) 772-8889 for the hearing impaired), elect to
have all dividends and other distributions paid on a Class A, Class B or Class C
account in the Fund invested into a pre-existing Class A, Class B or Class C
account in any of the Participating Funds, Tax Free Money Fund or Reserve Fund.
If a qualified, pre-existing account does not exist, the shareholder must
establish a new account subject to minimum investment and other requirements of
the fund into which distributions would be invested. Distributions are invested
into the selected fund at its net asset value as of the payable date of the
distribution only if shares of such selected fund have been registered in the
investor's state.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. Shares of the Fund or of any Participating Fund, other
than Van Kampen American Capital Government Target Fund ("Government Target"),
may be exchanged for shares of the same class of shares of any other Fund
without sales charge, provided that shares of certain other Van Kampen American
Capital fixed-income funds may not be exchanged within 30 days of acquisition
without Adviser approval. Shares of Government Target may be exchanged for Class
A shares of the Fund without sales charge. Class A shares of Tax Free Money Fund
or Reserve Fund that were not acquired in exchange for Class B or Class C shares
of a Participating Fund may be exchanged for Class A shares of the Fund upon
payment of the excess, if any, of the sales charge rate applicable to the shares
being acquired over the sales charge rate previously paid. Shares of Tax Free
Money Fund or Reserve Fund acquired through an exchange of Class B or Class C
shares may be exchanged only for the same class of shares of a Participating
Fund without incurring a contingent deferred sales charge. Shares of any
Participating Fund, Tax Free Money Fund or Reserve Fund may be exchanged for
shares of any other Participating Fund if shares of that Participating Fund are
available for sale; however, during periods of suspension of sales, shares of a
Participating Fund may be available for sale only to existing shareholders of a
Participating Fund.
Class B and Class C shareholders of the Fund have the ability to exchange
their shares ("original shares") for the same class of shares of any other Van
Kampen American Capital fund that offers such shares ("new shares") in an amount
equal to the aggregate net asset value of the original shares, without the
payment of any contingent deferred sales charge otherwise due upon redemption of
the original shares. For purposes of computing the contingent deferred sales
charge payable upon a disposition of the new shares, the holding period for the
original shares is added to the holding period of the new shares. Class B or
Class C shareholders would remain subject to the contingent deferred sales
charge imposed by the original fund upon their redemption from the Van Kampen
American Capital complex of funds. The contingent deferred sales charge is based
on the holding period requirements of the original fund.
Shares of the fund to be acquired must be registered for sale in the
investor's state. Exchanges of shares are sales and may result in a gain or loss
for federal
34
<PAGE> 37
income tax purposes, although if the shares exchanged have been held for less
than 91 days, the sales charge paid on such shares is not included in the tax
basis of the exchanged shares, but is carried over and included in the tax basis
of the shares acquired. See the Statement of Additional Information.
A shareholder wishing to make an exchange may do so by sending a written
request to ACCESS or by contacting the telephone transaction line at (800)
421-5684. A shareholder automatically has telephone exchange privileges unless
otherwise designated in the application accompanied by this Prospectus. Van
Kampen American Capital and its subsidiaries, including ACCESS (collectively,
"VKAC"), and the Fund employ procedures considered by them to be reasonable to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures
include requiring certain personal identification information prior to acting
upon telephone instructions, tape recording telephone communications, and
providing written confirmation of instructions communicated by telephone. If
reasonable procedures are employed, neither VKAC nor the Fund will be liable for
following telephone instructions which it reasonably believes to be genuine.
VKAC and the Fund may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions if reasonable procedures are not followed. Exchanges are effected
at the net asset value per share next calculated after the request is received
in good order with adjustment for any additional sales charge. See "Purchase of
Shares" and "Redemption of Shares." If the exchanging shareholder does not have
an account in the fund whose shares are being acquired, a new account will be
established with the same registration, dividend and capital gain options
(except dividend diversification) and dealer of record as the account from which
shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified by the shareholder. In order to
establish a systematic withdrawal plan for the new account or reinvest dividends
from the new account into another fund, however, an exchanging shareholder must
file a specific written request. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order
to acquire its shares through exchange. In addition, the Fund may modify,
restrict or terminate the exchange privilege at any time on 60 days' notice to
its shareholders of any termination or material amendment.
A prospectus of any of these mutual funds may be obtained from any authorized
dealer or the Distributor. An investor considering an exchange to one of such
funds should refer to the prospectus for additional information regarding such
fund prior to investing.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. Any investor whose shares in a single account
total $10,000 or more at the offering price next computed after receipt of
instructions may establish a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual
withdrawal plan. This plan provides for the orderly use of the entire account,
not only the income but also the capital, if necessary. Each withdrawal
constitutes a redemption of shares on which any capital gain or loss will be
recognized. The planholder may
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<PAGE> 38
arrange for monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual checks in any amount not
less than $25. Such a systematic withdrawal plan may also be maintained by an
investor purchasing shares for a retirement plan established on a form made
available by the Fund. See "Shareholder Services -- Retirement Plans."
Class B and Class C shareholders who establish a withdrawal plan may redeem up
to 12% annually of the shareholder's initial account balance without incurring a
contingent deferred sales charge. Initial account balance means the amount of
the shareholder's investment in the Fund at the time the election to participate
in the plan is made. See "Purchase of Shares -- Waiver of Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge" and the Statement of Additional Information.
Under this plan, sufficient shares of the Fund are redeemed to provide the
amount of the periodic withdrawal payment. Dividends and capital gains
distributions on shares held under this plan are reinvested in additional shares
at the next determined net asset value. If periodic withdrawals continuously
exceed reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the shareholder's
original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted.
Withdrawals made concurrently with purchases of additional shares ordinarily
will be disadvantageous to the shareholder because of the duplication of sales
charges. Any taxable gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholder upon
redemption of shares.
CHECK WRITING PRIVILEGE. A Class A shareholder holding shares of the Fund for
which certificates have not been issued and which are in a non-escrow status may
appoint ACCESS as agent by completing the Authorization for Redemption by Check
form and the appropriate section of the application and returning the form and
the application to ACCESS. Once the form is properly completed, signed and
returned to ACCESS, a supply of checks drawn on State Street Bank and Trust
Company (the "Bank") will be sent to the Class A shareholder. These checks may
be made payable by the Class A shareholder to the order of any person in any
amount of $100 or more.
When a check is presented to the Bank for payment, full and fractional Class A
shares required to cover the amount of the check are redeemed from the
shareholder's Class A account by ACCESS at the next determined net asset value.
Check writing redemptions represent the sale of shares. Any gain or loss
realized on the sale of shares is a taxable event. See "Redemption of Shares."
Checks will not be honored for redemption of Class A shares held less than 15
days, unless such Class A shares have been paid for by bank wire. Any Class A
shares for which there are outstanding certificates may not be redeemed by
check. If the amount of the check is greater than the proceeds of all
uncertificated shares held in the shareholder's Class A account, the check will
be returned and the shareholder may be subject to additional charges. A Class A
shareholder may not liquidate the entire account by means of a check. The check
writing privilege may
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<PAGE> 39
be terminated or suspended at any time by the Fund or the Bank. Retirement plans
and accounts that are subject to backup withholding are not eligible for the
privilege. A "stop payment" system is not available on these checks. See the
Statement of Additional Information for further information regarding the
establishment of the privilege.
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REDEMPTION OF SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGULAR REDEMPTIONS. Shareholders may redeem for cash some or all of their
shares of the Fund at any time. To do so, a written request in proper form must
be sent directly to ACCESS, P. O. Box 418256, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-9256.
Shareholders may also place redemption requests through an authorized dealer.
Orders received from dealers must be at least $500 unless transmitted via the
FUNDSERV network. The redemption price for such shares is the net asset value
next calculated after an order is received by a dealer provided such order is
transmitted to the Distributor prior to the Distributor's close of business on
such day. It is the responsibility of dealers to transmit redemption requests
received by them to the Distributor so they will be received prior to such time.
As described herein under "Purchase of Shares," redemptions of Class B and
Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. In addition, a
contingent deferred sales charge of one percent may be imposed on certain
redemptions of Class A shares made within one year of purchase for investments
of $1 million or more and for certain qualified 401(k) retirement plans. The
contingent deferred sales charge incurred upon redemption is paid to the
Distributor in reimbursement for distribution-related expenses. See "Purchase of
Shares." A custodian of a retirement plan account may charge fees based on the
custodian's fee schedule.
The request for redemption must be signed by all persons in whose names the
shares are registered. Signatures must conform exactly to the account
registration. If the proceeds of the redemption exceed $50,000, or if the
proceeds are not to be paid to the record owner at the record address, or if the
record address has changed within the previous 30 days, signature(s) must be
guaranteed by one of the following: a bank or trust company; a broker/dealer; a
credit union; a savings and loan association; a member firm of a national
securities exchange, registered securities association or clearing agency; or a
federal savings bank.
Generally, a properly signed written request with any required signature
guarantee is all that is required for a redemption. In some cases, however,
other documents may be necessary. For example, although the Fund normally does
not issue certificates for shares, it will do so if a special request has been
made to ACCESS. In the case of shareholders holding certificates, the
certificates for the shares being redeemed must accompany the redemption
request. In the event the redemption is
37
<PAGE> 40
requested by a corporation, partnership, trust, fiduciary, executor or
administrator, and the name and title of the individual(s) authorizing such
redemption is not shown in the account registration, a copy of the corporate
resolution or other legal documentation appointing the authorized signer and
certified within the prior 30 days must accompany the redemption request. IRA
redemption requests should be sent to the IRA custodian to be forwarded to
ACCESS. Where Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company serves as IRA custodian,
special IRA, 403(b)(7), or Keogh distribution forms must be obtained from and be
forwarded to Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company, P.O. Box 944, Houston,
Texas 77001-0944. Contact the custodian for information.
In the case of redemption requests sent directly to ACCESS, the redemption
price is the net asset value per share next determined after the request is
received in proper form. Payment for shares redeemed will be made by check
mailed within seven days after acceptance by ACCESS of the request and any other
necessary documents in proper order. Such payment may be postponed or the right
of redemption suspended as provided by the rules of the SEC. If the shares to be
redeemed have been recently purchased by check, ACCESS may delay mailing a
redemption check until the purchase check has cleared, usually a period of up to
15 days. Any taxable gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholder upon
redemption of shares.
The Fund may redeem any shareholder account with a net asset value on the date
of the notice of redemption less than the minimum investment as specified by the
Trustees. At least 60 days advance written notice of any such involuntary
redemption is required and the shareholder is given an opportunity to purchase
the required value of additional shares at the next determined net asset value
without sales charge. Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge will be
deducted from the proceeds of this redemption. Any involuntary redemption may
only occur if the shareholder account is less than the minimum initial
investment due to shareholder redemptions.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS. In addition to the regular redemption procedures set
forth above, the Fund permits redemption of shares by telephone and for
redemption proceeds to be sent to the address of record for the account or to
the bank account of record as described below. To establish such privilege, a
shareholder must complete the appropriate section of the application accompanied
by this Prospectus or call the Fund at (800) 421-5666 to request that a copy of
the Telephone Redemption Authorization form be sent to them for completion. To
redeem shares contact the telephone transaction line at (800) 421-5684. VKAC and
the Fund employ procedures considered by them to be reasonable to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures include
requiring certain personal identification information prior to acting upon
telephone instructions, tape recording telephone communications, and providing
written
38
<PAGE> 41
confirmation of instructions communicated by telephone. If reasonable procedures
are employed, neither VKAC nor the Fund will be liable for following telephone
instructions which it reasonably believes to be genuine. VKAC and the Fund may
be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions if
reasonable procedures are not followed. Telephone redemptions may not be
available if the shareholder cannot reach ACCESS by telephone, whether because
all telephone lines are busy or for any other reason; in such case, a
shareholder would have to use the Fund's regular redemption procedure previously
described. Requests received by ACCESS prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, on a
regular business day will be processed at the net asset value per share
determined that day. These privileges are available for all accounts other than
retirement accounts. The telephone redemption privilege is not available for
shares represented by certificates. If an account has multiple owners, ACCESS
may rely on the instructions of any one owner.
For redemptions authorized by telephone, amounts of $50,000 or less may be
redeemed daily if the proceeds are to be paid by check and amounts of at least
$1,000 up to $1 million may be redeemed daily if the proceeds are to be paid by
wire. The proceeds must be payable to the shareholder(s) of record and sent to
the address of record for the account or wired directly to their predesignated
bank account. This privilege is not available if the address of record has been
changed within 30 days prior to a telephone redemption request. Proceeds from
redemptions are expected to be wired on the next business day following the date
of redemption. This service is also not available with respect to shares held in
an individual retirement account (IRA) for which Van Kampen American Capital
Trust Company acts as custodian. To establish such privilege a shareholder must
complete the appropriate section of the application accompanied by this
Prospectus or call the Fund at (800) 421-5666. The Fund reserves the right at
any time to terminate, limit or otherwise modify this redemption privilege.
REDEMPTION UPON DISABILITY. The Fund will waive the contingent deferred sales
charge on redemptions following the disability of a Class B and Class C
shareholder. An individual will be considered disabled for this purpose if he or
she meets the definition thereof in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code, which in
pertinent part defines a person as disabled if such person "is unable to engage
in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or to be
of long-continued and indefinite duration." While the Fund does not specifically
adopt the balance of the Code's definition which pertains to furnishing the
Secretary of Treasury with such proof as he or she may require, the Distributor
will require satisfactory proof of disability before it determines to waive the
contingent deferred sales charge on Class B and Class C shares.
In cases of disability, the contingent deferred sales charge on Class B and
Class C shares will be waived where the disabled person is either an individual
shareholder
39
<PAGE> 42
or owns the shares as a joint tenant with right of survivorship or is the
beneficial owner of a custodial or fiduciary account, and where the redemption
is made within one year of the initial determination of disability. This waiver
of the contingent deferred sales charge on Class B and Class C shares applies to
a total or partial redemption, but only to redemptions of shares held at the
time of the initial determination of disability.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE. A Class A or Class B shareholder who has redeemed
shares of the Fund may reinstate any portion or all of the proceeds of such
redemption in Class A shares of the Fund. A Class C shareholder who has redeemed
shares of the Fund may reinstate any portion or all of the net proceeds of such
redemption in Class C shares of the Fund with credit given for any contingent
deferred sales charge paid upon such redemption. Such reinstatement is made at
the net asset value (without sales charge except as described under "Shareholder
Services -- Exchange Privilege") next determined after the order is received,
which must be within 120 days after the date of the redemption. See "Purchase of
Shares -- Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" and the Statement of
Additional Information. Reinstatement at net asset value is also offered to
participants in those eligible retirement plans held or administered by Van
Kampen American Capital Trust Company for repayment of principal (and interest)
on their borrowings on such plans.
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DISTRIBUTION PLANS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rule 12b-1 adopted by the SEC under the 1940 Act permits an investment company
to directly or indirectly pay expenses associated with the distribution of its
shares ("distribution expenses") and servicing its shareholders in accordance
with a plan adopted by the investment company board of directors and approved by
its shareholders. Pursuant to such Rule, the Trustees of the Fund, and the
shareholders of each class have adopted three Distribution Plans hereinafter
referred to as the "Class A Plan," the "Class B Plan" and the "Class C Plan."
Each Distribution Plan is in compliance with the Rules of Fair Practice of the
NASD ("NASD Rules") applicable to mutual fund sales charges. The NASD Rules
limit the annual distribution charges that a mutual fund may impose on a class
of shares. The NASD Rules also limit the aggregate amount which the Fund may pay
for such distribution costs. Under the Class A Plan, the Fund pays a service fee
to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's aggregate
average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares. Such payments to
the Distributor under the Class A Plan are based on an annual percentage of the
value of Class A shares held in shareholder accounts for which such Service
Organizations are responsible at the rates of 0.15% annually with respect to
Class A shares in such accounts on September 30, 1989 and 0.25% annually with
respect to Class A shares issued after that date. Under the Class B Plan and the
Class C Plan, the Fund pays
40
<PAGE> 43
a service fee to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and a
distribution fee at an annual rate of up to 0.75% of the Fund's aggregate
average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares or Class C shares to
reimburse the Distributor for service fees paid by it to Service Organizations
and for its distribution costs.
The Distributor uses the Class A, Class B and Class C service fees to
compensate Service Organizations for personal services and/or the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. Under the Class B Plan, the Distributor receives
additional payments from the Fund in the form of a distribution fee at the
annual rate of up to 0.75% of the net assets of the Class B shares as
reimbursement for (i) upfront commissions and transaction fees of up to four
percent of the purchase price of Class B shares purchased by the clients of
broker-dealers and other Service Organizations and (ii) other distribution
expenses as described in the Statement of Additional Information. Under the
Class C Plan, the Distributor receives additional payments from the Fund in the
form of a distribution fee at the annual rate of up to 0.75% of the net assets
of the Class C shares as reimbursement for (i) upfront commissions and
transaction fees of up to 0.75% of the purchase price of Class C shares
purchased by the clients of broker-dealers and other Service Organizations and
ongoing commissions and transaction fees of up to 0.75% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund's Class C shares, and (ii) other distribution expenses as
described in the Statement of Additional Information.
In adopting the Class A Plan, the Class B Plan and the Class C Plan, the
Trustees of the Fund determined that there was a reasonable likelihood that such
Plans would benefit the Fund and its shareholders. Information with respect to
distribution and service revenues and expenses is presented to the Trustees each
year for their consideration in connection with their deliberations as to the
continuance of the Distribution Plans. In their review of the Distribution
Plans, the Trustees are asked to take into consideration expenses incurred in
connection with the distribution and servicing of each class of shares
separately. The sales charge and distribution fee, if any, of a particular class
will not be used to subsidize the sale of shares of the other classes.
Service expenses accrued by the Distributor in one fiscal year may not be paid
from the Class A service fees received from the Fund in subsequent fiscal years.
Thus, if the Class A Plan were terminated or not continued, no amounts (other
than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Fund to the
Distributor.
The distribution fee attributable to Class B shares or Class C shares is
designed to permit an investor to purchase such shares without the assessment of
a front-end sales load and at the same time permit the Distributor to compensate
Service Organizations with respect to such shares. In this regard, the purpose
and function of the combined contingent deferred sales charge and distribution
fee are the same as those of the initial sales charge with respect to the Class
A shares of the Fund in
41
<PAGE> 44
that in both cases such charges provide for the financing of the distribution of
the Fund's shares.
Actual distribution expenditures paid by the Distributor with respect to Class
B or Class C shares for any given year are expected to exceed the fees received
pursuant to the Class B Plan and Class C Plan and payments received pursuant to
contingent deferred sales charges. Such excess will be carried forward and may
be reimbursed by the Fund or its shareholders from payments received through
contingent deferred sales charges in future years and from payments under the
Class B Plan and Class C Plan so long as such Plans are in effect. For example,
if in a fiscal year the Distributor incurred distribution expenses under the
Class B Plan of $1 million, of which $500,000 was recovered in the form of
contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors and $400,000 was reimbursed
in the form of payments made by the Fund to the Distributor under the Class B
Plan, the balance of $100,000 would be subject to recovery in future fiscal
years from such sources. For the year ended August 31, 1996, the unreimbursed
expenses incurred by the Distributor under the Class B Plan and carried forward
were approximately $ or % of the Class B shares' average daily net
assets. The unreimbursed expenses incurred by the Distributor under the Class C
Plan for the year ended August 31, 1996, and carried forward were approximately
$ or % of the Class C shares' average daily net assets.
If the Class B Plan or Class C Plan was terminated or not continued, the Fund
would not be contractually obligated to pay and has no liability to the
Distributor for any expenses not previously reimbursed by the Fund or recovered
through contingent deferred sales charges.
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DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to any increase in the value of shares which the Fund may achieve,
shareholders may receive two kinds of return from the Fund: dividends and
capital gains distributions.
DIVIDENDS. Interest earned from investments is the Fund's main source of
income. Substantially all of this income, less expenses, is distributed monthly
as dividends to shareholders. The Fund has paid consecutive monthly dividends
since its first monthly dividend in November, 1971. Dividends are automatically
applied to purchase shares of the Fund at the next determined net asset value.
See "Shareholder Services -- Reinvestment Plan."
The per share dividends on Class B and Class C shares will be lower than the
per share dividends on Class A shares as a result of the distribution fees and
higher incremental transfer agency fees applicable to such classes of shares.
42
<PAGE> 45
CAPITAL GAINS. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses when it sells
securities, depending on whether the sales prices for the securities are higher
or lower than their purchase prices. The Fund annually distributes to
shareholders the excess, if any, of its total profits on the sale of securities
during the year over its total losses on the sale of securities, including
capital losses carried forward from prior years under tax laws. As in the case
of dividends, capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund at net asset value. See "Shareholder
Services -- Reinvestment Plan."
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TAX STATUS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund has qualified and intends to be taxed as a regulated investment
company under the Code. By qualifying as a regulated investment company, the
Fund is not subject to federal income taxes to the extent it distributes its net
investment income and net realized capital gains. Dividends from net investment
income and distributions from any net realized short-term capital gains are
taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains
distributions constitute long-term capital gains for federal income tax
purposes. All such dividends and distributions are taxable to the shareholder
whether or not reinvested in shares. However, shareholders not subject to tax on
their income will not be required to pay tax on amounts distributed to them.
Shareholders are notified annually of the federal tax status of dividends and
capital gains distributions.
To avoid being subject to a 31% federal backup withholding on dividends,
distributions and redemption payments, shareholders must furnish the Fund with a
certification of their correct taxpayer identification number.
Dividends and distributions paid by the Fund have the effect of reducing net
asset value per share on the record date by the amount of the payment.
Therefore, a dividend or distribution paid shortly after the purchase of shares
by an investor would represent, in substance, a return of capital to the
shareholder (to the extent it is paid on the shares so purchased) even though
subject to income taxes as discussed herein.
Gains or losses on the Fund's transactions in listed options on securities,
futures and options on futures generally are treated as 60% long-term and 40%
short-term, and positions held by the Fund at the end of its fiscal year
generally are required to be marked to market, with the result that unrealized
gains and losses are treated as realized. Gains and losses realized by the Fund
from writing over-the-counter options generally constitute short-term capital
gains or losses unless the option is exercised, in which case the character of
the gain or loss is determined by the holding period of the underlying security.
The Code contains certain "straddle"
43
<PAGE> 46
rules which require deferral of losses incurred in certain transactions
involving hedged positions to the extent the Fund has unrealized gains in
offsetting positions and generally terminate the holding period of the subject
position. Additional information is set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information.
The foregoing is a brief summary of some of the federal income tax
considerations affecting the Fund and its investors who are U.S. residents or
U.S. corporations. Investors should consult their tax advisers for more detailed
tax advice including state and local tax considerations. Foreign investors
should consult their own counsel for further information as to the U.S. and
their country of residence or citizenship tax consequences of receipt of
dividends and distributions from the Fund.
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FUND PERFORMANCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From time to time the Fund may advertise its total return for prior periods.
Any such advertisement would include at least average annual total return
quotations for one, five, and ten year periods. Other total return quotations,
aggregate or average, over other time periods may also be included.
The total return of the Fund for a particular period represents the increase
(or decrease) in the value of a hypothetical investment in the Fund from the
beginning to the end of the period. Total return is calculated by subtracting
the value of the initial investment from the ending value and showing the
difference as a percentage of the initial investment; the calculation assumes
the initial investment is made at the current maximum public offering price
(which includes a maximum sales charge of 4.75% for Class A Shares); that all
income dividends or capital gains distributions during the period are reinvested
in Fund shares at net asset value; and that any applicable contingent deferred
sales charge has been paid. The Fund's total return will vary depending on
market conditions, the securities comprising the Fund's portfolio, the Fund's
operating expenses and unrealized net capital gains or losses during the period.
Total return is based on historical earnings and asset value fluctuations and is
not intended to indicate future performance. No adjustments are made to reflect
any income taxes payable by shareholders on dividends and distributions paid by
the Fund or to reflect the fact no 12b-1 fees were incurred prior to October 1,
1989.
Average annual total return quotations for periods of two or more years are
computed by finding the average annual compounded rate of return over the period
that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value.
In addition to total return information, the Fund may also advertise its
current "yield." Yield figures are based on historical earnings and are not
intended to indicate future performance. Yield is determined by analyzing the
Fund's net
44
<PAGE> 47
income per share for a 30-day (or one month) period (which period will be stated
in the advertisement), and dividing by the maximum offering price per share on
the last day of the period. A "bond equivalent" annualization method is used to
reflect a semiannual compounding.
For purposes of calculating yield quotations, net income is determined by a
standard formula prescribed by the SEC to facilitate comparison with yields
quoted by other investment companies. Net income computed for this formula
differs from net income reported by the Fund in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and from net income computed for federal income
tax reporting purposes. Thus the yield computed for a period may be greater or
lesser than the Fund's then current dividend rate.
The Fund's yield is not fixed and will fluctuate in response to prevailing
interest rates and the market value of portfolio securities, and as a function
of the type of securities owned by the Fund, portfolio maturity and the Fund's
expenses.
Yield quotations should be considered relative to changes in the net asset
value of the Fund's shares, the Fund's investment policies, and the risks of
investing in shares of the Fund. The investment return and principal value of an
investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Yield and total return are calculated separately for Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. Class A total return figures include the maximum sales charge of
4.75%; Class B and Class C total return figures include any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge. Because of the differences in sales charges
and distribution fees, the total returns for each of the classes will differ.
From time to time, the Fund may include in its sales literature and
shareholder reports a quotation of the current "distribution rate" for each
class of shares of the Fund. Distribution rate is a measure of the level of
income and short-term capital gain dividends, if any, distributed for a
specified period. It differs from yield, which is a measure of the income
actually earned by the Fund's investments, and from total return, which is a
measure of the income actually earned by, plus the effect of any realized and
unrealized appreciation or depreciation of, such investments during a stated
period. Distribution rate is, therefore, not intended to be a complete measure
of the Fund's performance. Distribution rate may sometimes be greater than yield
since, for instance, it may not include the effect of amortization of bond
premiums, and may include non-recurring short-term capital gains and premiums
from futures transactions engaged in by the Fund. Distribution rates will be
computed separately for each class of the Fund's shares.
In reports or other communications to shareholders or in advertising material,
the Fund may compare its performance with that of other mutual funds as listed
in the ratings or rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA,
Morningstar
45
<PAGE> 48
Mutual Funds or similar independent services which monitor the performance of
mutual funds, with the Consumer Price Index, Salomon Brothers Corporate Bond
Index, Shearson-Lehman Corporate Bond Index, Merrill Lynch Corporate Master
Index, Merrill Lynch Corporate and Government Index, Bloomberg Financial Markets
Indices, other appropriate indices of investment securities, or with investment
or savings vehicles. The performance information may also include evaluations of
the Fund published by nationally recognized ranking services and by nationally
recognized financial publications. Such comparative performance information will
be stated in the same terms in which the comparative data or indices are stated.
Such advertisements and sales material may also include a yield quotation as of
a current period. In each case, such total return and yield information, if any,
will be calculated pursuant to rules established by the SEC and will be computed
separately for each class of the Fund's shares. For these purposes, the
performance of the Fund, as well as the performance of other mutual funds or
indices, do not reflect sales charges, the inclusion of which would reduce Fund
performance. The Fund will include performance data for Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of the Fund in any advertisement or information including
performance data of the Fund.
The Fund may also utilize performance information in hypothetical
illustrations provided in narrative form. These hypotheticals will be
accompanied by the standard performance information required by the SEC as
described above.
The Fund's Annual Report contains additional performance information. A copy
of the Annual Report may be obtained without charge by calling or writing the
Fund at the telephone number and address printed on the cover page of this
Prospectus.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES OF THE FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund was originally incorporated in Delaware on July 18, 1963,
reincorporated by merger into a Maryland corporation on September 19, 1973 and
reorganized on August 5, 1995, under the laws of the state of Delaware as a
business entity commonly known as a "Delaware business trust." It is authorized
to issue an unlimited number of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of
beneficial interest of $0.01 par value. Other classes of shares may be
established from time to time in accordance with provisions of the Fund's
Declaration of Trust. Shares issued by the Fund are fully paid, non-assessable
and have no preemptive or conversion rights.
The Fund currently offers three classes, designated Class A shares, Class B
shares and Class C shares. Each class of shares represents an interest in the
same assets of the Fund and generally are identical in all respects except that
each class bears certain distribution expenses and has exclusive voting rights
with respect to its distribution fee. See "Distribution Plans."
46
<PAGE> 49
The Fund is permitted to issue an unlimited number of classes. Each class of
shares is equal as to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except as noted
above, and each class bears the expenses related to the distribution of its
shares. There are no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights, except
with respect to the conversion of Class B shares and Class C shares into Class A
shares as described above. In the event of liquidation, each of the shares of
the Fund is entitled to its portion of all of the Fund's net assets after all
debt and expenses of the Fund have been paid. Since Class B shares and Class C
shares pay higher distribution expenses, the liquidation proceeds to Class B
shareholders and Class C shareholders are likely to be lower than to other
shareholders.
The Fund does not contemplate holding regular meetings of shareholders to
elect Trustees or otherwise. More detailed information concerning the Fund is
set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust provides that no Trustee, officer or
shareholder of the Fund shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall
resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation
or liability of the Fund but the assets of the Fund only shall be liable.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information do not contain all
the information set forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with
the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933. Copies of the Registration Statement
may be obtained at a reasonable charge from the SEC or may be examined, without
charge, at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors.
The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program, and investors
should consider their long-term investment goals and financial needs when making
an investment decision with respect to the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is intended to be a long-term investment, and should
not be used as a trading vehicle.
47
<PAGE> 50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX -- RATINGS OF COMMERCIAL PAPER AND SENIOR SECURITIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description of Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") and Moody's Investors
Service ("Moody's") commercial paper and senior securities ratings.
A AND PRIME COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS:
Commercial paper rated A by S&P has the following characteristics. Liquidity
ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements. Long-term senior debt is rated
"A" or better, although in some cases "BBB" credits may be allowed. The issuer
has access to at least two additional channels of borrowing. Basic earnings and
cash flow have an upward trend with allowance made for unusual circumstances.
Typically, the issuer's industry is well established and the issuer has a strong
position within the industry. The reliability and quality of management are
unquestioned. The rating A is described by S&P as the investment grade category,
the highest rating classification. Relative strength or weakness of the above
factors determine whether the issuer's commercial paper is rated A-1, A-2 or
A-3. The "A-1" designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is very strong. Issues rated "A-1+" are those of an overwhelming degree
of credit protection. The "A-2" designation indicates that the capacity for
timely payment is strong.
Among the factors considered by Moody's in assigning commercial paper ratings
are the following: (1) evaluation of the management of the issuer; (2) economic
evaluation of the issuer's industry or industries and an appraisal of
speculative-type risks which may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation of
the issuer's products in relation to competition and customer acceptance; (4)
liquidity; (5) amount and quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings over
a period of ten years; (7) financial strength of a parent company and the
relationships which exist with the issuer; and (8) recognition by the management
of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of public interest
questions and preparations to meet such obligations. Relative differences in
strengths and weaknesses in respect of these criteria establish a rating in one
of three classifications. The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper
rating assigned by Moody's. Its other two ratings, Prime-2 and Prime-3 are
designated Higher Quality and High Quality, respectively. Issuers rated
"Prime-1" are considered to have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term
promissory obligations. Issuers rated "Prime-2" have a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
MOODY'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality and
carry the smallest degree of investment risk. Interest payments are protected by
a large or by an exceptionally stable margin, and principal is secure. While the
various
48
<PAGE> 51
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
AA -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
BAA -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
period of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
BA -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
CAA -- Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
CA -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in
a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking, and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
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<PAGE> 52
S&P'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA -- This is the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's to a debt
obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and
interest.
AA -- Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality debt obligations. Capacity
to pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances
they differ from AAA issues only in small degree.
A -- Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions.
BBB -- Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in
this category than for bonds in the A category.
BB -- B -- CCC -- CC -- Bonds rated BB, B, CCC and CC are regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to
pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.
BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of
speculation. While such bonds will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.
CI -- The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D -- Debt rated D is in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of
principal is in arrears.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to B may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS:
Both Moody's and S&P use the same designations for corporate bonds as they do
for preferred stock except in the case of Moody's preferred stock ratings the
initial letter rating is not capitalized. While the descriptions are tailored
for preferred stocks the relative quality distinctions are comparable to those
described above for corporate bonds.
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<PAGE> 53
EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS--
FOR INFORMATION ON YOUR
EXISTING ACCOUNT PLEASE CALL
THE FUND'S TOLL-FREE
NUMBER--(800) 421-5666
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS--CALL
YOUR BROKER OR (800) 421-5666
DEALERS--FOR DEALER
INFORMATION, SELLING
AGREEMENTS, WIRE ORDERS,
OR REDEMPTIONS CALL THE
DISTRIBUTOR'S TOLL-FREE
NUMBER--(800) 421-5666
FOR SHAREHOLDER AND
DEALER INQUIRIES THROUGH
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
DEVICE FOR THE DEAF (TDD)
DIAL (800) 772-8889
FOR AUTOMATED TELEPHONE
SERVICES DIAL (800) 874-2424
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
CORPORATE BOND FUND
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Investment Adviser
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Distributor
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Transfer Agent
ACCESS INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.
P.O. Box 418256
Kansas City, MO 64141-9256
Attn: Van Kampen American Capital
Corporate Bond Fund
Custodian
STATE STREET BANK AND
TRUST COMPANY
225 West Franklin Street
P.O. Box 1713
Boston, MA 02105-1713
Attn: Van Kampen American Capital
Corporate Bond Fund
Legal Counsel
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE,
MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS)
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Independent Accountants
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1201 Louisiana, Suite 2900
Houston, TX 77002
<PAGE> 54
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE BOND FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P R O S P E C T U S
DECEMBER 29, 1996
------ A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE - A KNOWLEDGE OF WEALTH ------
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 55
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. An
amendment to the registration statement relating to these securities has
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities
may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time such
amendment to the registration statement becomes effective. This statement
of additional information shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these
securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be
unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws
of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION--DATED OCTOBER 30, 1996
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND FUND
DECEMBER 29, 1996
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus but contains
information in addition to and more detailed than that set forth in the
Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. The Statement
of Additional Information and the related Prospectus are both dated December 29,
1996. A prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling or writing Van
Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook
Terrace, Illinois 60181 at (800) 421-5666.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................... 2
RISK FACTORS.................................................................. 2
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.................................................... 3
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS......................................................... 3
OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS................................ 4
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS....................................................... 8
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS......................................................... 10
LEGAL COUNSEL................................................................. 17
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT................................................. 17
DISTRIBUTOR................................................................... 18
DISTRIBUTION PLANS............................................................ 19
TRANSFER AGENT................................................................ 20
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE.......................................... 21
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE.............................................. 22
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES............................................. 22
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE............................................................ 25
CHECK WRITING PRIVILEGE....................................................... 26
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAXES.................................... 26
FUND PERFORMANCE.............................................................. 28
OTHER INFORMATION............................................................. 29
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT............................................... 29
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................................................... 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................................. 29
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 56
GENERAL INFORMATION
Van Kampen American Capital Corporate Bond Fund, formerly known as American
Capital Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), was originally organized in
Delaware on July 18, 1963, reincorporated by merger into a Maryland corporation
on September 19, 1973 and reorganized under the laws of Delaware on August 5,
1995.
Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), Van
Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), and ACCESS
Investor Services, Inc. ("ACCESS") are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Van Kampen
American Capital, Inc. ("VKAC"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VK/AC
Holding, Inc. VK/AC Holding, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSAM Holdings
II, Inc. which, in turn, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Group
Inc. The Adviser's principal office is located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook
Terrace, Illinois 60181.
Morgan Stanley Group Inc. and various of its directly or indirectly owned
subsidiaries, including Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, a registered
broker-dealer and investment manager adviser, and Morgan Stanley International,
are engaged in a wide range of financial services. Their principal businesses
include securities underwriting, distribution and trading; merger, acquisition,
restructuring and other corporate finance advisory activities; merchant banking;
stock brokerage and research services; asset management; trading of futures,
options, foreign exchange, commodities and swaps (involving foreign exchange,
commodities, indices and interest rates); real estate advice, financing and
investing; and global custody, securities clearance services and securities
lending.
VKAC offers one of the industry's broadest lines of
investments -- encompassing mutual funds, closed-end funds and unit investment
trusts -- and is currently the nation's 5th largest broker-sold mutual fund
group according to Strategic Insight, July 1995. VKAC's roots in money
management extend back to 1926. Today, we manage or supervise more than $57
billion in mutual funds, closed-end funds and unit investment trusts -- assets
which have been entrusted to VKAC in more than 2 million investor accounts. VKAC
has one of the largest research teams (outside of the rating agencies) in the
country, with 86 analysts devoted to various specializations.
RISK FACTORS
The following special considerations are additional risk factors associated
with the Fund's investments in lower rated debt securities.
1. Youth and Growth of the Lower Rated Debt Securities Market. Past
experience may not provide an accurate indication of future performance
of the market for lower-rated debt securities, particularly during
periods of economic recession. An economic downturn or increase in
interest rates is likely to have a greater negative effect on this
market, the value of lower rated debt securities in the Fund's
portfolio, the Fund's net asset value and the ability of the bonds'
issuers to repay principal and interest, meet projected business goals
and obtain additional financing than on higher rated securities. These
circumstances also may result in a higher incidence of defaults than
with respect to higher rated securities. An investment in this Fund may
be considered more speculative than investment in shares of a fund which
invests only in higher rated debt securities.
2. Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Changes. Prices of lower rated
debt securities may be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or
corporate developments than higher rated investments. Debt securities
with longer maturities, which may have higher yields, may increase or
decrease in value more than debt securities with shorter maturities.
Market prices of lower rated debt securities structured as zero coupon
or pay-in-kind securities are affected to a greater extent by interest
rate changes and may be more volatile than securities which pay interest
periodically and in cash. Where it deems it appropriate and in the best
interests of Fund shareholders, the Fund may incur additional expenses
to seek recovery on a debt security on which the issuer has defaulted
and to pursue litigation to protect the interests of security holders of
its portfolio companies.
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<PAGE> 57
3. Liquidity and Valuation. Because the market for lower rated securities
may be thinner and less active than for higher rated securities, there
may be market price volatility for these securities and limited
liquidity in the resale market. Nonrated securities are usually not as
attractive to as many buyers as rated securities are, a factor which may
make nonrated securities less marketable. These factors may have the
effect of limiting the availability of the securities for purchase by
the Fund and may also limit the ability of the Fund to sell such
securities at their fair value either to meet redemption requests or in
response to changes in the economy or the financial markets. Adverse
publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of lower rated debt
securities, especially in a thinly traded market. To the extent the Fund
owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted lower rated securities, these
securities may involve special registration responsibilities,
liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties. Changes
in values of debt securities which the Fund owns will affect its net
asset value per share. If market quotations are not readily available
for the Fund's lower rated or nonrated securities, these securities will
be valued by a method that the Fund's Trustees believe accurately
reflects fair value. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing lower
rated debt securities than with respect to securities for which more
external sources of quotations and last sale information are available.
4. Congressional Action. New and proposed laws may have an impact on the
market for lower rated debt securities.
5. Taxation. Special tax considerations are associated with investing in
lower rated debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind
securities. The Fund accrues income on these securities prior to the
receipt of cash payments. The Fund must distribute substantially all of
its income to its shareholders to qualify for pass-through treatment
under the tax laws and may, therefore, have to dispose of its portfolio
securities to satisfy distribution requirements.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
The U. S. Government securities in which the Fund may invest include
obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U. S.
Government, its agencies and instrumentalities which are supported by any of the
following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U. S. Government, (b) the right
of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the
U. S. Government, (c) discretionary authority of the U.S. Government agency or
instrumentality, or (d) the credit of the instrumentality. Such agencies or
instrumentalities include, but are not limited to, the Federal National Mortgage
Association, the Government National Mortgage Association, Federal Land Banks,
and the Farmer's Home Administration.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with domestic banks or
broker-dealers. A repurchase agreement is a short-term investment in which the
purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires ownership of a debt security and the seller
agrees to repurchase the obligation at a future time and set price, usually not
more than seven days from the date of purchase, thereby determining the yield
during the purchaser's holding period. Repurchase agreements are collateralized
by the underlying debt securities and may be considered to be loans under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Fund will make
payment for such securities only upon physical delivery or evidence of book
entry transfer to the account of a custodian or bank acting as agent. The seller
under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the
underlying securities marked to market daily at not less than the repurchase
price. The underlying securities (normally securities of the U.S. Government, or
its agencies and instrumentalities), may have maturity dates exceeding one year.
The Fund does not bear the risk of a decline in value of the underlying security
unless the seller defaults under its repurchase obligation. See "Investment
Practices -- Repurchase Agreements" in the Prospectus for further information.
3
<PAGE> 58
OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS
WRITING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS
Purpose. The principal reason for writing options is to obtain, through
receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be realized on the
underlying securities alone. Such current return could be expected to fluctuate
because premiums earned from an option writing program and dividend or interest
income yields on portfolio securities vary as economic and market conditions
change. Actively writing options on portfolio securities is likely to result in
a substantially higher portfolio turnover rate than that of most other
investment companies.
Writing Options. The purchaser of a call option pays a premium to the
writer (i.e., the seller) for the right to buy the underlying security from the
writer at a specified price during a certain period. The Fund would write call
options only on a covered basis, which means that, at all times during the
option period, the Fund would own or have the right to acquire securities of the
type that it would be obligated to deliver if any outstanding option were
exercised.
The purchaser of a put option pays a premium to the writer (i.e., the
seller) for the right to sell the underlying security to the writer at a
specified price during a certain period. The Fund would write put options only
on a secured basis, which means that, at all times during the option period, the
Fund would maintain in a segregated account with its Custodian cash, cash
equivalents or U.S. Government securities in an amount of not less than the
exercise price of the option, or would hold a put on the same underlying
security at an equal or greater exercise price.
Closing Purchase Transactions and Offsetting Transactions. In order to
terminate its position as a writer of a call or put option, the Fund could enter
into a "closing purchase transaction," which is the purchase of a call (put) on
the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration
date as the call (put) previously written by the Fund. The Fund would realize a
gain (loss) if the premium plus commission paid in the closing purchase
transaction is less (greater) than the premium it received on the sale of the
option. The Fund would also realize a gain if an option it has written lapses
unexercised.
The Fund could write options that are listed on an exchange as well as
options which are privately negotiated in over-the-counter transactions. A Fund
could close out its position as a writer of an option only if a liquid secondary
market exists for options of that series, but there is no assurance that such a
market will exist, particularly in the case of over-the-counter options, since
they can be closed out only with the other party to the transaction.
Alternatively, the Fund could purchase an offsetting option, which would not
close out its position as a writer, but would provide an asset of equal value to
its obligations under the option written. If the Fund is not able to enter into
a closing purchase transaction or to purchase an offsetting option with respect
to an option it has written, it will be required to maintain the securities
subject to the call or the collateral underlying the put until a closing
purchase transaction can be entered into (or the option is exercised or
expires), even though it might not be advantageous to do so.
Risks of Writing Options. By writing a call option, the Fund loses the
potential for gain on the underlying security above the exercise price while the
option is outstanding; by writing a put option a Fund might become obligated to
purchase the underlying security at an exercise price that exceeds the then
current market price.
Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum
number of call or put options on the same underlying security (whether or not
covered) that may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in
concert with others, regardless of whether such options are written on one or
more accounts or through one or more brokers. An exchange may order the
liquidation of positions found to be in violation of those limits, and it may
impose other sanctions or restrictions. These position limits may restrict the
number of options the Fund may be able to write.
PURCHASING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS
The Fund could purchase call options to protect (i.e., hedge) against
anticipated increases in the prices of securities it wishes to acquire.
Alternatively, call options could be purchased for capital appreciation. Since
the
4
<PAGE> 59
premium paid for a call option is typically a small fraction of the price of the
underlying security, a given amount of funds will purchase call options covering
a much larger quantity of such security than could be purchased directly. By
purchasing call options, the Fund could benefit from any significant increase in
the price of the underlying security to a greater extent than had it invested
the same amount in the security directly. However, because of the very high
volatility of option premiums, the Fund would bear a significant risk of losing
the entire premium if the price of the underlying security did not rise
sufficiently, or if it did not do so before the option expired.
Conversely, put options could be purchased to protect (i.e., hedge) against
anticipated declines in the market value of either specific portfolio securities
or of the Fund's assets generally. Alternatively, put options could be purchased
for capital appreciation in anticipation of a price decline in the underlying
security and a corresponding increase in the value of the put option. The
purchase of put options for capital appreciation involves the same significant
risk of loss as described above for call options.
In any case, the purchase of options for capital appreciation would
increase the Fund's volatility by increasing the impact of changes in the market
price of the underlying securities on the Fund's net asset value.
FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund could engage in transactions involving futures contracts and
related options in accordance with the rules and interpretations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") under which the Fund would be
exempt from registration as a "commodity pool."
A corporate bond futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which two
parties agree to take and make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a
specified dollar amount times the difference between the corporate bond index
value at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at
which the futures contract is originally struck.
An interest rate futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which a party
agrees to take or make delivery of a specified debt security (such as U.S.
Treasury bonds or notes) at a specified future time and at a specified price.
Initial and Variation Margin. In contrast to the purchase or sale of a
security, no price is paid or received upon the purchase or sale of a futures
contract. Initially, the Fund will be required to deposit with its Custodian in
an account in the broker's name an amount of cash, cash equivalents or liquid
high grade debt securities equal to not more than five percent of the contract
amount. This amount is known as initial margin. The nature of initial margin in
futures transactions is different from that of margin in securities transactions
in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the
customer to finance the transaction. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature
of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract, which is returned
to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract and satisfaction of its
contractual obligations. Subsequent payments to and from the broker, called
variation margin, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying
securities fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures
contract more or less valuable, a process known as marking to market.
For example, when the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price
of the underlying security has risen, that position will have increased in
value, and the Fund will receive from the broker a variation margin payment
equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a
futures contract and the value of the underlying security has declined, the
position would be less valuable, and the Fund would be required to make a
variation margin payment to the broker.
At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Fund may elect
to terminate the position by taking an opposite position. A final determination
of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or
released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or a gain.
Futures Strategies. When the Fund anticipates a significant market or
market sector advance, the purchase of a futures contract affords a hedge
against not participating in the advance at a time when the Fund is not fully
invested ("anticipatory hedge"). Such purchase of a futures contract would serve
as a temporary
5
<PAGE> 60
substitute for the purchase of individual securities, which may be purchased in
an orderly fashion once the market has stabilized. As individual securities are
purchased, an equivalent amount of futures contracts could be terminated by
offsetting sales. The Fund may sell futures contracts in anticipation of or in a
general market or market sector decline that may adversely affect the market
value of the Fund's securities ("defensive hedge"). To the extent that the
Fund's portfolio of securities changes in value in correlation with the
underlying security, the sale of futures contracts would substantially reduce
the risk to the Fund of a market decline and, by so doing, provide an
alternative to the liquidation of securities positions in the Fund with
attendant transaction costs.
In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages
in transactions in listed options, futures or related options, the Fund could
experience delays and/or losses in liquidating open positions purchased and/or
incur a loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the broker. Transactions
are entered into by the Fund only with brokers or financial institutions deemed
creditworthy by the Adviser.
Special Risks Associated with Futures Transactions. There are several
risks connected with the use of futures contracts as a hedging device. These
include the risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the
futures contracts and of the underlying securities, the risk of market
distortion, the illiquidity risk and the risk or error in anticipating price
movement.
There may be an imperfect correlation or no correlation between movements
in the price of the futures contracts and of the securities being hedged. The
risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the securities
being hedged diverges from the securities upon which the futures contract is
based. If the price of the futures contract moves less than the price of the
securities being hedged, the hedge will not be fully effective. To compensate
for the imperfect correlation, the Fund could buy or sell futures contracts in a
greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the
historical volatility of the securities being hedged is greater than the
historical volatility of the securities underlying the futures contract.
Conversely, the Fund could buy or sell futures contracts in a lesser dollar
amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the historical
volatility of the securities being hedged is less than the historical volatility
of the securities underlying the futures contract. It is also possible that the
value of futures contracts
held by the Fund could decline at the same time as portfolio securities being
hedged; if this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the futures contract in
addition to suffering a decline in value in the portfolio securities being
hedged.
There is also the risk that the price of futures contracts may not
correlate perfectly with movements in the securities underlying the futures
contract due to certain market distortions. First, all participants in the
futures market are subject to margin depository and maintenance requirements.
Rather than meet additional margin depository requirements, investors may close
futures contracts through offsetting transactions, which could distort the
normal relationship between the futures market and the securities underlying the
futures contract. Second, from the point of view of speculators, the deposit
requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in
the securities markets. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the
futures markets may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of
price distortion in the futures markets and because of the imperfect correlation
between movements in futures contracts and movements in the securities
underlying them, a correct forecast of general market trends by the Adviser may
still not result in a successful hedging transaction.
There is also the risk that futures markets may not be sufficiently liquid.
Futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that
provides a market for such futures contracts. Although the Fund intends to
purchase or sell futures only on exchanges and bonds of trade where there
appears to be an active secondary market, there can be no assurance that an
active secondary market will exist for any particular contract or at any
particular time. In the event of such illiquidity, it might not be possible to
close a futures position and, in the event of adverse price movement, the Fund
would continue to be required to make daily payments of variation margin. Since
the securities being hedged would not be sold until the related futures contract
is sold, an increase, if any, in the price of the securities may to some extent
offset losses on the related futures contract. In such event, the Fund would
lose the benefit of the appreciation in value of the securities.
6
<PAGE> 61
Successful use of futures is also subject to the Adviser's ability to
correctly predict the direction of movements in the market. For example, if the
Fund hedges against a decline in the market, and market prices instead advance,
the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increase in value of its
securities holdings because it will have offsetting losses in futures contracts.
In such cases, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio
securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so in order to meet the
daily variation margin.
CFTC regulations require, among other things, (i) that futures and related
options be used solely for bona fide hedging purposes (or meet certain
conditions as specified in CFTC regulations) and (ii) that the Fund not enter
into futures and related options for which the aggregate initial margin and
premiums exceed five percent of the fair market value of the Fund's assets. In
order to minimize leverage in connection with the purchase of futures contracts
by the Fund, an amount of cash, cash equivalents or liquid high grade debt
securities equal to the market value of the obligation under the futures
contracts (less any related margin deposits) will be maintained in a segregated
account with the Custodian.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund could also purchase and write options on futures contracts. An
option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the
premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the
option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), at a specified
exercise price at any time during the option period. As a writer of an option on
a futures contract, the Fund would be subject to initial margin and maintenance
requirements similar to those applicable to futures contracts. In addition, net
option premiums received by the Fund are required to be included as initial
margin deposits. When an option on a futures contract is exercised, delivery of
the futures position is accompanied by cash representing the difference between
the current market price of the futures contract and the exercise price of the
option. The Fund could purchase put options on futures contracts in lieu of, and
for the same purpose as, it could sell a futures contract. The purchase of call
options on futures contracts would be intended to serve the same purpose as the
actual purchase of the futures contract.
Risks of Transactions in Options on Futures Contracts. In addition to the
risks described above which apply to all options transactions, there are several
special risks relating to options on futures. The Adviser will not purchase
options on futures on any exchange unless in the Adviser's opinion, a liquid
secondary exchange market for such options exists. Compared to the use of
futures, the purchase of options on futures involves less potential risk to the
Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options
(plus transaction costs). However, there may be circumstances, such as when
there is no movement in the price of the underlying security, when the use of
any option on a future would result in a loss to the Fund when the use of a
future would not.
ADDITIONAL RISKS TO OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
Each of the Exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum
number of call or put options on the same underlying security or futures
contract (whether or not covered) which may be written by a single investor,
whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such
options are written on the same or different Exchanges or are held or written on
one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). Option positions of all
investment companies advised by the Adviser are combined for purposes of these
limits. An Exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in
violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions.
These position limits may restrict the number of listed options which the Fund
may write.
Although the Fund intends to enter into futures contracts only if there is
an active market for such contracts, there is no assurance that an active market
will exist for the contracts at any particular time. Most U.S. futures exchanges
and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures
contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been
reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price
beyond that limit. It is possible that futures contract prices would move to the
daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading,
thereby preventing prompt liquidation of
7
<PAGE> 62
futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses. In
such event, and in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would be
required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. In such circumstances,
an increase in the value of the portion of the portfolio being hedged, if any,
may partially or completely offset losses on the futures contract. However, as
described above, there is no guarantee that the price of the securities being
hedged will, in fact, correlate with the price movements in a futures contract
and thus provide an offset to losses on the futures contract.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the following restrictions which, along with its
investment objective, cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a
majority of its outstanding shares. Such majority is defined by the 1940 Act as
the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present in person or by
proxy at the meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities. In addition to the fundamental investment
limitations set forth in the Fund's Prospectus, the Fund shall not:
1. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in companies
having a record, together with predecessors, of less than three years
of continuous operation, except that the Fund may purchase securities
of other investment companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940
Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940
Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other
relief from the provisions of the 1940 Act.
2. Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes, and then not
in excess of five percent of its total assets taken at cost, or
mortgage, pledge or hypothecate its assets to secure such borrowing
except in an amount taken at market not exceeding ten percent of its
total assets taken at cost. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund may
engage in transactions in options, futures contracts and related
options, segregate or deposit assets to cover or secure options written
and make margin deposits and payments for futures contracts and related
options.
3. Underwrite securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund may
be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act of
1933 (the "1933 Act") in the resale of any unregistered securities
owned by the Fund; provided, however, the Fund shall not purchase any
unregistered securities if immediately after and as a result of such
purchase of such securities, together with any other illiquid
securities held by the Fund, would constitute more than ten percent of
the Fund's total assets.
4. Lend any of its assets except for the following types of transactions:
(a) loans of portfolio securities up to ten percent of the value of the
Fund's net assets, taken at market, collateralized at 100% each
business day, subject to immediate termination if the collateral is not
maintained, or on five business days' notice by the Fund or not less
than one business day's notice by the borrower, on which the Fund will
receive all income accruing on the borrowed securities during the loan
as described under "Investment Practices -- Loans of Portfolio
Securities"; (b) the purchase of debt securities publicly distributed
or of a type customarily purchased by institutional investors; and (c)
the purchase of securities subject to repurchase agreements. See
"Investment Practices -- Repurchase Agreements" in the Prospectus.
5. Purchase real estate or interests in real estate (except through the
purchase of liquid securities of real estate investment trusts) or
commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may enter into
transactions in futures contracts or related options.
6. Purchase securities on margin, but the Fund may obtain such short-term
credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities, and it may engage in transactions in options, futures
contracts and related options and make margin payments in connection
therewith.
7. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, but it may
engage in transactions in options, futures contracts and related
options.
8
<PAGE> 63
8. Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities
of issuers all of which conduct their principal business activities in
the same industry; provided that neither all utility companies, as a
group, nor all finance companies, as a group, are considered a single
industry for purposes of this policy.
9. The Fund may not invest in securities issued by other investment
companies except as part of a merger, reorganization or other
acquisition and except to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as
amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated
by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act, as
amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from
the provisions of the 1940 Act.
10. Issue any bonds, notes, debentures or other obligations senior to
shares of its capital stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund
may engage in transactions in options, futures contracts and related
options and make margin deposits and payments in connection therewith.
11. Hold the securities of a company if any officer or trustee of the Fund
or its investment adviser owns more than 1/2% interest in it, or if
the officers and trustees together own more than a five percent
interest.
12. Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management, except that
the Fund may purchase securities of other investment companies to the
extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time,
(ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time,
or (iii) an exemption or other relief from the provisions of the 1940
Act.
13. Invest more than five percent of its total assets at market value in
any one issuer or purchase more than ten percent of any class of
securities of any issuer (excluding in both cases the United States
Government), except that the Fund may purchase securities of other
investment companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as
amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated
by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act, as
amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from
the provisions of the 1940 Act.
14. Invest more than ten percent of its net assets (determined at the time
of investment) in illiquid securities and repurchase agreements which
have a maturity of longer than seven days.
The Fund shall not buy from or sell to any of its officers or trustees or
their affiliated firms any securities other than Fund shares, but they or their
firms may serve the Fund as brokers for standard commissions if the affiliation
is disclosed and a majority of the trustees who have no such interest approve
it.
In addition to the fundamental policies which may only be changed by
shareholders, commitments have been made to certain states that, while the
Fund's shares are registered for sale there, the Fund will not invest in
securities of limited marketability and the Fund will not mortgage, pledge or
hypothecate more than 1 1/2% of its assets to secure temporary borrowings.
Consistent with its investment objectives, the Fund may make additional
commitments more restrictive than its fundamental policies. Should the Fund
determine in the future that a commitment is no longer in the best interests of
the Fund and its shareholders, it will revoke its commitment by withdrawing its
shares from sale in the state to which the commitment was made.
9
<PAGE> 64
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The tables below list the trustees and officers of the Trust (of which the
Fund is a separate series) and their principal occupations for the last five
years and their affiliations, if any, with Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp. (the "VK Adviser"), Van Kampen American Capital Asset
Management, Inc. (the "AC Adviser"), Van Kampen American Capital Distributors,
Inc. (the "Distributor"), Van Kampen American Capital, Inc. ("Van Kampen
American Capital"), VK/AC Holding, Inc. or ACCESS Investor Services, Inc.
("ACCESS"). For purposes hereof, the terms "Van Kampen American Capital Funds"
or "Fund Complex" includes each of the open-end investment companies advised by
the VK Adviser (excluding The Explorer Institutional Trust) and each of the
open-end investment companies advised by the AC Adviser (excluding the Van
Kampen American Capital Exchange Fund and the Common Sense Trust).
TRUSTEES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OR
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE EMPLOYMENT IN PAST 5 YEARS
- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
J. Miles Branagan.................. Co-founder, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
1632 Morning Mountain Road President of MDT Corporation, a company which develops
Raleigh, NC 27614 manufactures, markets and services medical and scientific
Date of Birth: 07/14/32 equipment. Trustee of each of the Van Kampen American
Capital Funds.
Linda Hutton Heagy................. Managing Partner, Paul Ray Berndtson, an executive
10 South Riverside Plaza recruiting and management consulting firm. Formerly,
Suite 720 Executive Vice President of ABN AMRO, N.A., a Dutch bank
Chicago, IL 60606 holding company. Prior to 1992, Executive Vice President
Date of Birth: 06/03/49 of La Salle National Bank. Trustee of each of the Van
Kampen American Capital Funds.
Roger Hilsman...................... Professor of Government and International Affairs
251-1 Hamburg Cove Emeritus, Columbia University. Trustee of each of the Van
Lyme, CT 06371 Kampen American Capital Funds.
Date of Birth: 11/23/19
R. Craig Kennedy................... President and Director, German Marshall Fund of the
11 DuPont Circle, N.W. United States. Formerly, advisor to the Dennis Trading
Washington, D.C. 20036 Group Inc. Prior to 1992, President and Chief Executive
Date of Birth: 02/29/52 Officer, Director and member of the Investment Committee
of the Joyce Foundation, a private foundation. Trustee of
each of the Van Kampen American Capital Funds.
Dennis J. McDonnell*............... President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of the
One Parkview Plaza VK Adviser, the AC Adviser, Van Kampen American Capital
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Advisors, Inc. and Van Kampen American Capital
Date of Birth: 05/20/42 Management, Inc. Executive Vice President and a Director
of VK/AC Holding, Inc. and Van Kampen American Capital.
President and Director of Van Kampen Merritt Equity
Advisors Corp. Director of Van Kampen Merritt Equity
Holdings Corp. Director of McCarthy, Crisanti & Maffei,
Inc. Prior to September 1996, Chief Executive Officer
McCarthy, Crisanti & Maffei, Inc. and Chairman and
Director of MCM Asia Pacific Company, Limited. Prior to
July 1996, President, Chief Operating Officer and Trustee
of VSM Inc. and VCJ Inc. President, Chief Executive
Officer and Trustee of each of the Van Kampen American
Capital Funds. President, Chairman of the Board and
Trustee of other investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser. Executive Vice President of other investment
companies advised by the AC Adviser.
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE> 65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OR
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE EMPLOYMENT IN PAST 5 YEARS
- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Donald C. Miller................... Prior to 1992, Director of Royal Group, Inc., a company
415 North Adams in insurance related businesses. Formerly Vice Chairman
Hinsdale, IL 60521 and Director of Continental Illinois National Bank and
Date of Birth: 03/31/20 Trust Company of Chicago and Continental Illinois
Corporation. Trustee and Co-Chairman of each of the Van
Kampen American Capital Funds.
Jack E. Nelson..................... President of Nelson Investment Planning Services, Inc., a
423 Country Club Drive financial planning company and registered investment
Winter Park, FL 32789 adviser. President of Nelson Investment Brokerage
Date of Birth: 02/13/36 Services Inc., a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and Securities
Investors Protection Corp. ("SIPC"). Trustee of each of
the Van Kampen American Capital Funds.
Jerome L. Robinson................. President of Robinson Technical Products Corporation, a
115 River Road manufacturer and processor of welding alloys, supplies
Edgewater, NJ 07020 and equipment. Director of Pacesetter Software, a
Date of Birth: 10/10/22 software programming company specializing in white collar
productivity. Director of Panasia Bank. Trustee of each
of the Van Kampen American Capital Funds.
Fernando Sisto..................... George M. Bond Chaired Professor and, prior to 1995, Dean
155 Hickory Lane of Graduate School and Chairman, Department of Mechanical
Closter, NJ 07624-2322 Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology. Director of
Date of Birth: 08/02/24 Dynalysis of Princeton, a firm engaged in engineering
research. Trustee and Co-Chairman of each of the Van
Kampen American Capital Funds.
Wayne W. Whalen*................... Partner in the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher
333 West Wacker Drive & Flom (Illinois), legal counsel to the Van Kampen
Chicago, IL 60606 American Capital Funds, The Explorer Institutional Trust
Date of Birth: 08/22/39 and the closed-end investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser. Trustee of each of the Van Kampen American
Capital Funds, The Explorer Institutional Trust and the
closed-end investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser.
William S. Woodside................ Vice Chairman of the Board of LSG Sky Chefs, Inc., a
712 Fifth Avenue caterer of airline food. Formerly, Director of Primerica
40th Floor Corporation (currently known as The Traveler's Inc.).
New York, NY 10019 Formerly, Director of James River Corporation, a producer
Date of Birth: 01/31/22 of paper products. Trustee, and former President of
Whitney Museum of American Art. Formerly, Chairman of
Institute for Educational Leadership, Inc., Board of
Visitors, Graduate School of The City University of New
York, Academy of Political Science. Trustee of Committee
for Economic Development. Director of Public Education
Fund Network, Fund for New York City Public Education.
Trustee of Barnard College. Member of Dean's Council,
Harvard School of Public Health. Member of Mental Health
Task Force, Carter Center. Trustee of each of the Van
Kampen American Capital Funds.
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Such trustees are "interested persons" (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19)
of the 1940 Act). Mr. McDonnell is an interested person of the VK Adviser, the
AC Adviser and the Fund by reason of his positions with the VK Adviser and the
AC Adviser. Mr. Whalen is an interested person of the Fund by reason of his
firm acting as legal counsel to the Fund.
11
<PAGE> 66
OFFICERS
The address for William N. Brown, Curtis W. Morell, Alan T. Sachtleben,
Paul R. Wolkenberg, Tanya M. Loden, Huey P. Falgout, Jr. and Robert Sullivan is
2800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056. The address for Peter W. Hegel, Ronald
A. Nyberg, Edward C. Wood III, John L. Sullivan, Nicholas Dalmaso, Scott E.
Martin, Weston B. Wetherell and Steven M. Hill is One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook
Terrace, IL 60181.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ------------------------ ----------------------- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
William N. Brown........ Vice President Executive Vice President of the AC Adviser,
Date of Birth: VK/AC Holding, Inc., Van Kampen American
05/26/53 Capital, and American Capital Contractual
Services, Inc. Executive Vice President and
Director of Van Kampen American Capital
Trust Company, Van Kampen American Capital
Advisors, Inc., Van Kampen American Capital
Exchange Corporation, ACCESS and Van Kampen
American Capital Services, Inc. Prior to
September 1996, Director of American
Capital Shareholders Corporation. Vice
President of each of the Van Kampen
American Capital Funds and other investment
companies advised by the VK Adviser and the
AC Adviser.
Peter W. Hegel.......... Vice President Executive Vice President of the VK Adviser,
Date of Birth: AC Adviser, Van Kampen American Capital
06/25/56 Management, Inc. and Van Kampen American
Capital Advisors, Inc. Prior to September
1996, Director of McCarthy, Crisanti &
Maffei, Inc. Prior to July 1996, Director
of VSM Inc. Vice President of each of the
Van Kampen American Capital Funds and other
investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser and the AC Adviser.
Curtis W. Morell........ Vice President and Senior Vice President of the VK Adviser and
Date of Birth: Chief Accounting the AC Adviser. Vice President and Chief
08/04/46 Officer Accounting Officer of each of the Van
Kampen American Capital Funds and other
investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser and AC Adviser.
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE> 67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ------------------------ ----------------------- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Ronald A. Nyberg........ Vice President and Executive Vice President, General Counsel
Date of Birth: Secretary and Secretary of Van Kampen American
07/29/53 Capital and VK/AC Holding, Inc. Executive
Vice President, General Counsel and a
Director of the Distributor, the VK
Adviser, the AC Adviser, Van Kampen
American Capital Management, Inc., Van
Kampen Merritt Equity Advisors Corp. and
Van Kampen Merritt Equity Holdings Corp.
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
and Assistant Secretary of Van Kampen
American Capital Advisors, Inc., American
Capital Contractual Services, Inc., Van
Kampen American Capital Exchange
Corporation, Van Kampen American Capital
Services, Inc. and ACCESS. Executive Vice
President, General Counsel, Assistant
Secretary and Director of Van Kampen
American Capital Trust Company. Director of
ICI Mutual Insurance Co., a provider of
insurance to members of the Investment
Company Institute. Prior to September 1996,
General Counsel of McCarthy, Crisanti &
Maffei, Inc. Prior to July 1996, Executive
Vice President and General Counsel of VSM
Inc. and VCJ Inc. Vice President and
Secretary of each of the Van Kampen
American Capital Funds and other investment
companies advised by the VK Adviser and AC
Adviser.
Alan T. Sachtleben...... Vice President Executive Vice President of the VK Adviser
Date of Birth: and Van Kampen American Capital Management,
04/20/42 Inc. Executive Vice President and a
Director of the AC Adviser and Van Kampen
American Capital Advisors, Inc. Vice
President of each of the Van Kampen
American Capital Funds and other investment
companies advised by the VK Adviser and AC
Adviser.
Paul R. Wolkenberg...... Vice President Executive Vice President of VK/AC Holding,
Date of Birth: Inc., Van Kampen American Capital, the
11/10/44 Distributor and the AC Adviser. President,
Chief Executive Officer and a Director of
Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company
and ACCESS. Director of American Capital
Contractual Services, Inc. Vice President
of each of the Van Kampen American Capital
Funds and other investment companies
advised by the VK Adviser and AC Adviser.
Edward C. Wood III...... Vice President and Senior Vice President of the VK Adviser,
Date of Birth: Chief Financial Officer the AC Adviser and Van Kampen American
01/11/56 Capital Management, Inc. Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of each of the Van
Kampen American Capital Funds and other
investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser and the AC Adviser.
John L. Sullivan........ Treasurer First Vice President of the VK Adviser and
Date of Birth: the AC Adviser. Treasurer of each of the
08/20/55 Van Kampen American Capital Funds and other
investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser and the AC Adviser.
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE> 68
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ------------------------ ----------------------- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Tanya M. Loden.......... Controller Vice President of the VK Adviser and the AC
Date of Birth: Adviser. Controller of each of the Van
11/19/59 Kampen American Capital Funds and other
investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser and AC Adviser.
Nicholas Dalmaso........ Assistant Secretary Assistant Vice President and Senior
Date of Birth: Attorney of Van Kampen American Capital.
03/01/65 Assistant Vice President and Assistant
Secretary of the Distributor, the VK
Adviser, the AC Adviser and Van Kampen
American Capital Management, Inc. Assistant
Vice President of Van Kampen American
Capital Advisors, Inc. Assistant Secretary
of each of the Van Kampen American Capital
Funds and other investment companies
advised by the VK Adviser and the AC
Adviser. Prior to May 1992, attorney for
Cantwell & Cantwell, a Chicago law firm.
Huey P. Falgout, Jr..... Assistant Secretary Assistant Vice President and Senior
Date of Birth: Attorney of Van Kampen American Capital.
11/15/63 Assistant Vice President and Assistant
Secretary of the Distributor, the VK
Adviser, the AC Adviser, Van Kampen
American Capital Management, Inc., Van
Kampen American Capital Advisors, Inc.,
American Capital Contractual Services,
Inc., Van Kampen American Capital Exchange
Corporation and ACCESS. Assistant Secretary
of each of the Van Kampen American Capital
Funds and other investment companies
advised by the VK Adviser and AC Adviser.
Scott E. Martin......... Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President, Deputy General
Date of Birth: Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Van
08/20/56 Kampen American Capital and VK/AC Holding,
Inc. Senior Vice President, Deputy General
Counsel and Secretary of the VK Adviser,
the AC Adviser, the Distributor, Van Kampen
American Capital Management, Inc., Van
Kampen American Capital Advisors, Inc.,
American Capital Contractual Services,
Inc., Van Kampen American Capital Exchange
Corporation, Van Kampen American Capital
Services, Inc., ACCESS, Van Kampen Merritt
Equity Advisors Corp. and Van Kampen
Merritt Equity Holdings Corp. Prior to
September 1996, Deputy General Counsel and
Secretary of McCarthy, Crisanti & Maffei,
Inc. Prior to July 1996, Senior Vice
President, Deputy General Counsel and
Secretary of VSM Inc. and VCJ Inc.
Assistant Secretary of each of the Van
Kampen American Capital Funds and other
investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser and the AC Adviser.
Weston B. Wetherell..... Assistant Secretary Vice President, Associate General Counsel
Date of Birth: and Assistant Secretary of Van Kampen
06/15/56 American Capital, the VK Adviser, the AC
Adviser, the Distributor, Van Kampen
American Capital Management, Inc. and Van
Kampen American Capital Advisors, Inc.
Assistant Secretary of each of the Van
Kampen American Capital Funds and other
investment companies advised by the VK
Adviser and the AC Adviser.
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE> 69
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ------------------------ ----------------------- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Steven M. Hill.......... Assistant Treasurer Assistant Vice President of the VK Adviser
Date of Birth: and AC Adviser. Assistant Treasurer of each
10/16/64 of the Van Kampen American Capital Funds
and other investment companies advised by
the VK Adviser and the AC Adviser.
Robert Sullivan......... Assistant Controller Assistant Vice President of the VK Adviser
Date of Birth: and the AC Adviser. Assistant Controller of
03/30/33 each of the Van Kampen American Capital
Funds and other investment companies
advised by the VK Adviser and the AC
Adviser.
</TABLE>
Each of the foregoing trustees and officers holds the same position with
each of the funds in the Fund Complex. As of December 31, 1995, there were 50
funds in the Fund Complex. Each trustee who is not an affiliated person of the
VK Adviser, the AC Adviser, the Distributor or Van Kampen American Capital (each
a "Non-Affiliated Trustee") is compensated by an annual retainer and meeting
fees for services to the funds in the Fund Complex. Each fund in the Fund
Complex provides a deferred compensation plan to its Non-Affiliated Trustees
that allows trustees to defer receipt of his or her compensation and earn a
return on such deferred amounts based upon the return of the common shares of
the funds in the Fund Complex as more fully described below. Each fund in the
Fund Complex also provides a retirement plan to its Non-Affiliated Trustees that
provides Non-Affiliated Trustees with compensation after retirement, provided
that certain eligibility requirements are met as more fully described below.
The compensation of each Non-Affiliated Trustee includes a retainer by the
funds in the Fund Complex advised by the AC Adviser (the "AC Funds") in an
amount equal to $35,000 per calendar year, due in four quarterly installments on
the first business day of each calendar quarter. The AC Funds pay each Non-
Affiliated Trustee a per meeting fee in the amount of $2,000 per regular
quarterly meeting attended by the Non-Affiliated Trustee, due on the date of
such meeting, plus reasonable expenses incurred by the Non-Affiliated Trustee in
connection with his or her services as a trustee. Payment of the annual retainer
and the regular meeting fee is allocated among the AC Funds (i) 50% on the basis
of the relative net assets of each AC Fund to the aggregate net assets of all
the AC Funds and (ii) 50% equally to each AC Fund, in each case as of the last
business day of the preceding calendar quarter. Each AC Fund participating in
any special meeting of the trustees generally pays each Non-Affiliated Trustee a
per meeting fee in the amount of $125 per special meeting attended by the
Non-Affiliated Trustee, due on the date of such meeting, plus reasonable
expenses incurred by the Non-Affiliated Trustee in connection with his or her
services as a trustee, provided that no compensation will be paid in connection
with certain telephonic special meetings.
The trustees have approved an aggregate compensation cap with respect to
funds in the Fund Complex of $84,000 per Non-Affiliated Trustee per year
(excluding any retirement benefits) for the period July 22, 1995 through
December 31, 1996, subject to the net assets and the number of funds in the Fund
Complex as of July 21, 1995 and certain other exceptions. In addition, each of
the VK Adviser or the AC Adviser, as the case may be, has agreed to reimburse
each fund in the Fund Complex through December 31, 1996 for any increase in the
aggregate trustee's compensation over the aggregate compensation paid by such
fund in its 1994 fiscal year, provided that if a fund did not exist for the
entire 1994 fiscal year appropriate adjustments will be made.
Each Non-Affiliated Trustee can elect to defer receipt of all or a portion
of the compensation earned by such Non-Affiliated Trustee until retirement.
Amounts deferred are retained by the Fund and earn a rate of return determined
by reference to the return on the common shares of the Fund or other funds in
the Fund Complex as selected by the respective Non-Affiliated Trustee. To the
extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest in securities of those
funds selected by the Non-Affiliated Trustees in order to match the deferred
compensation obligation. The deferred compensation plan is not funded and
obligations thereunder represent general unsecured claims against the general
assets of the Fund.
The Fund adopted a retirement plan on January 25, 1996. Under the Fund's
retirement plan, a Non-Affiliated Trustee who is receiving trustee's fees from
the Fund prior to such Non-Affiliated Trustee's
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<PAGE> 70
retirement, has at least ten years of service and retires at or after attaining
the age of 60, is eligible to receive a retirement benefit equal to $2,500 per
year for each of the ten years following such trustee's retirement. Trustees
retiring prior to the age of 60 or with fewer than 10 years but more than 5
years of service may receive reduced retirement benefits from a series. The
retirement plan contains a Fund Complex retirement benefit cap of $60,000 per
year. The AC Adviser will reimburse the Fund for expenses related to the
retirement plan through December 31, 1996.
Additional information regarding compensation and benefits for trustees is
set forth below. The "Registrant" is the Trust, which currently consists of one
operating series. As indicated in the notes accompanying the table, the amounts
relate to either the Registrant's last fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 or the
Fund Complex' last calendar year ended December 31, 1995.
COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED TOTAL
PENSION OR ANNUAL COMPENSATION
AGGREGATE RETIREMENT BENEFITS BEFORE DEFERRAL
COMPENSATION BENEFITS ACCRUED FROM FROM REGISTRANT
BEFORE DEFERRAL AS PART OF REGISTRANT AND FUND
FROM REGISTRANT UPON COMPLEX PAID TO
NAME(1) REGISTRANT(2) EXPENSES(3) RETIREMENT(4) TRUSTEE(5)
- --------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Miles Branagan...................... $-0- $ $84,250
Dr. Richard E. Caruso.................. -0- 57,250
Philip P. Gaughan...................... -0- 76,500
Linda Hutton Heagy..................... -0- 38,417
Dr. Roger Hilsman...................... -0- 91,250
R. Craig Kennedy....................... -0- 92,625
Donald C. Miller....................... -0- 94,625
Jack E. Nelson......................... -0- 93,625
David Rees............................. -0- 83,250
Jerome L. Robinson..................... -0- 89,375
Lawrence J. Sheehan.................... -0- 91,250
Dr. Fernando Sisto..................... -0- 98,750
Wayne W. Whalen........................ -0- 93,375
William S. Woodside.................... -0- 79,125
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Mr. McDonnell, a trustee of the Trust, is an affiliated person of the VK
Adviser and AC Adviser and is not eligible for compensation or retirement
benefits from the Registrant. Messrs. Gaughan, Kennedy, Miller, Nelson,
Robinson and Whalen were elected by shareholders to the Board of Trustees on
July 21, 1995. Ms. Heagy was appointed to the Board of Trustees on September
7, 1995. Mr. McDonnell was appointed to the Board of Trustees on January 30,
1996. Mr. Don G. Powell resigned from the Board of Trustees on August 15,
1996, and did not receive any compensation or benefits from the Fund while a
trustee because he was an affiliated person of the VK Adviser and AC
Adviser. Messrs. Gaughan and Rees retired from the Board of Trustees on
January 26, 1996 and January 29, 1996, respectively. Messrs. Caruso and
Sheehan were removed from the Board of Trustees effective September 7, 1995
and January 29, 1996, respectively.
(2) The amounts shown in this column are aggregated from the compensation paid
by each series in operation during the Registrant's fiscal year ended August
31, 1996 before deferral by the trustees under the deferred compensation
plan. The following trustees deferred all or a portion of their compensation
from the Registrant during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996: Dr.
Caruso, $ ; Mr. Gaughan, $ ; Ms. Heagy, $ ; Mr. Kennedy,
$ ; Mr. Miller, $ ; Mr. Nelson, $ ; Mr. Rees, $ ; Mr.
Robinson, $ ; Dr. Sisto, $ ; and Mr. Whalen, $ . The
cumulative deferred compensation (including interest) accrued with respect
to each trustee from the Registrant as of August 31, 1996 is as follows: Dr.
Caruso, $ ; Mr. Gaughan, $ ; Ms. Heagy, $ ; Mr. Kennedy,
$ ; Mr. Miller, $ ; Mr. Nelson, $ ; Mr. Rees, $ ;
Mr. Robinson, $ ; Dr. Sisto, $ ; and Mr. Whalen, $ . The
deferred compensation plan is described above the Compensation Table.
Amounts deferred are retained by the Fund and earn a rate of return
determined by reference to either the return on the common shares of the
Fund or other funds in the Fund Complex as selected by the respective
Non-Affiliated Trustee. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the Fund
may invest in
16
<PAGE> 71
securities of those funds selected by the Non-Affiliated Trustees in order to
match the deferred compensation obligation.
(3) The amounts shown in this column are zero in the Fund's fiscal year ended
August 31, 1996 because the Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund for
expenses related to the retirement plan through December 31, 1996. Absent
such reimbursement, the aggregate expenses of the Fund for all trustees
would have been approximately $ in its fiscal year ended August 31,
1996. The Retirement Plan is described above the Compensation Table.
(4) The amounts shown in this column are the estimated annual benefits payable
by the Registrant in each year of the 10-year period commencing in the year
of such trustee's retirement from the Registrant (based on $2,500 per series
for each series of the Registrant in operation) assuming: the trustee has 10
or more years of service on the Board of the respective series and retires
at or after attaining the age of 60. The actual annual benefit may be less
if the trustee is subject to the Fund Complex retirement benefit cap or if
the trustee is not fully vested at the time of retirement.
(5) The amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate compensation paid
by all of the funds in the Fund Complex as of December 31, 1995, before
deferral by the trustees under the deferred compensation plan. The following
trustees deferred compensation paid by the Registrant and the Fund Complex
during the calendar year ended December 31, 1995; Dr. Caruso, $41,750; Mr.
Gaughan, $57,750; Ms. Heagy, $8,750; Mr. Kennedy, $65,875; Mr. Miller,
$65,875; Mr. Nelson, $65,875; Mr. Rees, $8,375; Mr. Robinson, $62,375; Dr.
Sisto, $30,260; and Mr. Whalen, $65,625. The deferred compensation earns a
rate of return determined by reference to the return on the common shares of
the Fund or other funds in the Fund Complex as selected by the respective
Non-Affiliated Trustee. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the Fund
may invest in securities of those funds selected by the Non-Affiliated
Trustees in order to match the deferred compensation obligation. The
trustees' Fund Complex compensation cap commenced on July 22, 1995 and
covered the period between July 22, 1995 and December 31, 1995. Compensation
received prior to July 22, 1995 was not subject to the cap. For the calendar
year ended December 31, 1995, while certain trustees received compensation
over $84,000 in the aggregate, no trustee received compensation in excess of
the pro rata amount of the Fund Complex cap for the period July 22, 1995
through December 31, 1995. In addition to the amounts set forth above,
certain trustees received lump sum retirement benefit distributions not
subject to the cap in 1995 related to three mutual funds that ceased
investment operations during 1995 as follows: Mr. Gaughan, $22,136; Mr.
Miller, $33,205; Mr. Nelson, $30,851; Mr. Robinson, $11,068; and Mr. Whalen,
$27,332. The VK Adviser, AC Adviser and their affiliates also serve as
investment adviser for other investment companies; however, with the
exception of Messrs. McDonnell and Whalen, the trustees were not trustees of
such investment companies. Combining the Fund Complex with other investment
companies advised by the VK Adviser, AC Adviser and their affiliates, Mr.
Whalen received Total Compensation of $268,857 during the calendar year
ended December 31, 1995.
As of December , 1996, the trustees and officers of the Fund as a group
owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund. As of December , 1996, no
trustee or officer of the Fund owns or would be able to acquire 5% or more of
the common stock of VK/AC Holding, Inc. Mr. McDonnell owns, or has the
opportunity to purchase, an equity interest in VK/AC Holding, Inc., the parent
company of Van Kampen American Capital, and has entered into an employment
contract (for a term until February 17, 1998) with Van Kampen American Capital.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois).
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Fund and the Adviser are parties to an investment advisory agreement
(the "Advisory Agreement"). Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund retains the
Adviser to manage the investment of the Fund's assets including the placing of
orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities. The Adviser obtains
and evaluates economic, statistical and financial information to formulate and
implement the Fund's investment programs. The Adviser also furnishes the
services of the Fund's President and such other executive and clerical personnel
as are necessary to prepare the various reports and statements and conduct the
Fund's day-to-day operations. The Fund, however, bears the cost of its
accounting services, which includes maintaining its financial books and records
and calculating its daily net asset value. The costs of such accounting services
include the salaries and overhead expenses of the Fund's Treasurer and the
personnel operating under his
17
<PAGE> 72
direction. Charges are allocated among the investment companies advised or
subadvised by the Adviser. A portion of these amounts is paid to the Adviser or
its parent in reimbursement of personnel, facilities and equipment costs
attributable to the provision of accounting services to the Fund. The services
provided by the Adviser are at cost. The Fund also pays shareholder service
agency fees, distribution fees, service fees, custodian fees, legal and auditing
fees, the costs of reports to shareholders and all other ordinary expenses not
specifically assumed by the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement also provides that
the Adviser shall not be liable to the Fund for any actions or omissions if it
acted without willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard
of its obligations.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays to the Adviser as compensation
for the services rendered, facilities furnished, and expenses paid by it, a fee
payable monthly computed at the following annual rates: 0.50% on the first $150
million of average daily net assets; 0.45% on the next $100 million of average
daily net assets; 0.40% on the next $100 million of average daily net assets;
and 0.35% on the excess over $350 million of average daily net assets.
The average net asset value for purposes of computing the advisory fee is
determined by taking the average of all of the determinations of net asset value
for each business day during a given calendar month. Such fee is payable for
each calendar month as soon as practicable after the end of that month. The fee
payable to the Adviser is reduced by any commission, tender solicitation and
other fees, brokerage or similar payments received by the Adviser or any other
direct or indirect majority owned subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc., in
connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio investments of the Fund, less
any direct expenses incurred by such subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc. in
connection with obtaining such payments. The Adviser agrees to use its best
efforts to recapture tender solicitation fees and exchange offer fees for the
Fund's benefit, and to advise the Trustees of the Fund of any other commissions,
fees, brokerage or similar payments which may be possible under applicable laws
for the Adviser or any other direct or indirect majority owned subsidiary of
VK/AC Holding, Inc., to receive in connection with the Fund's portfolio
transactions or other arrangements which may benefit the Fund.
The Advisory Agreement also provides that, in the event the ordinary
business expenses of the Fund for any fiscal year exceed 1 1/2% of the first $30
million of the Fund's average net assets, plus one percent of any excess over
$30 million, the compensation due the Adviser will be reduced by the amount of
such excess and that, if a reduction in and refund of the advisory fee is
insufficient, the Adviser will pay the Fund monthly an amount sufficient to make
up the deficiency, subject to readjustment during the year. Ordinary business
expenses do not include (1) interest and taxes, (2) brokerage commissions, (3)
certain litigation and indemnification expenses as described in the Advisory
Agreement and (4) payments made by the Fund pursuant to the distribution plans
(described herein). The Advisory Agreement also provides that the Adviser shall
not be liable to the Fund for any actions or omissions if it acted in good faith
without negligence or misconduct.
The Advisory Agreement may be continued from year to year if specifically
approved at least annually (a)(i) by the Fund's Trustees or (ii) by vote of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities and (b) by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or
interested persons of any such party by votes cast in person at a meeting called
for such purpose. The Advisory Agreement provides that it shall terminate
automatically if assigned and that it may be terminated without penalty by
either party on not more than 60 days', nor less than 30 days' written notice.
During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Adviser
received $922,111, $907,960 and $ , respectively, in advisory fees from
the Fund. For such periods the Fund paid $76,774, $71,183 and $ ,
respectively, for accounting services.
DISTRIBUTOR
The Distributor acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund's shares
pursuant to a written agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement"). The Distributor
has the exclusive right to distribute shares of the Fund through affiliated and
unaffiliated dealers. The Distributor's obligation is an agency or "best
efforts" arrangement under which the Distributor is required to take and pay for
only such shares of the Fund as may
18
<PAGE> 73
be sold to the public. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any stated
number of shares. The Distributor bears the cost of printing (but not
typesetting) prospectuses used in connection with this offering and the cost and
expense of supplemental sales literature, promotion and advertising. The
Underwriting Agreement is renewable from year to year if approved (a) by the
Fund's Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of Trustees who are not
parties to the Underwriting Agreement or interested persons of any party, by
votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Underwriting
Agreement provides that it will terminate if assigned, and that it may be
terminated without penalty by either party on 60 days' written notice.
During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, total
underwriting commissions on the sale of shares of the Fund were $225,051,
$245,785 and $ , respectively. Of such totals, the amount retained by the
Distributor was $31,573, $17,539 and $ , respectively. The remainder was
reallowed to dealers. Of such dealer reallowances, $59,712, $38,004 and
$ , respectively, was received by Advantage Capital Corporation.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund adopted a Class A distribution plan, a Class B distribution plan
and a Class C distribution plan (the "Class A Plan," "Class B Plan" and "Class C
Plan," respectively) to permit the Fund directly or indirectly to pay expenses
associated with servicing shareholders and in the case of the Class B Plan and
Class C Plan the distribution of its shares (the Class A Plan, the Class B Plan
and the Class C Plan are sometimes referred to herein collectively as "Plans"
and individually as a "Plan").
The Trustees have authorized payments by the Fund under the Plans to
reimburse the Distributor for its payment to certain financial institutions
(which may include banks), securities dealers and other industry professionals
(collectively, "Service Organizations") for administration, for servicing fund
shareholders who are also their clients and/or for distribution. Such payments
are based on an annual percentage of the value of Fund shares held in
shareholder accounts for which such Service Organizations are responsible. With
respect to the Class A Plan, the Distributor intends to make payments thereunder
only to compensate Service Organizations for personal service and/or the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. With respect to the Class B and Class C
Plans, authorized payments by the Fund include payments at an annual rate of up
to 0.25% of the net assets of the shares of the respective class to reimburse
the Distributor for payments for personal service and/or the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. With respect to the Class B Plan, authorized payments by
the Fund also include payments at an annual rate of up to 0.75% of the net
assets of the Class B shares to reimburse the Distributor for (1) commissions
and transaction fees of up to 4% of the purchase price of Class B shares
purchased by the clients of broker-dealers and other Service Organizations, (2)
out-of-pocket expenses of printing and distributing prospectuses and annual and
semi-annual shareholder reports to other than existing shareholders, (3)
out-of-pocket and overhead expenses for preparing, printing and distributing
advertising material and sales literature, (4) expenses for promotional
incentives to broker-dealers and financial and industry professionals, (5)
advertising and promotion expenses, including conducting and organizing sales
seminars, marketing support salaries and bonuses, and travel-related expenses,
and (6) interest expense at the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1 1/2% compounded
quarterly on the unreimbursed distribution expenses. With respect to the Class C
Plan, authorized payments by the Fund also include payments at an annual rate of
up to 0.75% of the net assets of the Class C shares to reimburse the Distributor
for (1) upfront commissions and transaction fees of up to 0.75% of the purchase
price of Class C shares purchased by the clients of broker-dealers and other
Service Organizations and ongoing commissions and transaction fees paid to
broker-dealers and other Service Organizations in an amount up to 0.75% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund's Class C shares, (2) out-of-pocket
expenses of printing and distributing prospectuses and annual and semi-annual
shareholder reports to other than existing shareholders, (3) out-of-pocket and
overhead expenses for preparing, printing and distributing advertising material
and sales literature, (4) expenses for promotional incentives to broker-dealers
and financial and industry professionals, (5) advertising and promotion
expenses, including conducting and organizing sales seminars, marketing support
salaries and bonuses, and travel-related expenses, and (6) interest expense at
the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1 1/2%
19
<PAGE> 74
compounded quarterly on the unreimbursed distribution expenses. Such
reimbursements are subject to the maximum sales charge limits specified by the
NASD.
Banks are currently prohibited under the Glass-Steagall Act from providing
certain underwriting or distribution services. If banking firms were prohibited
from acting in any capacity or providing any of the described services, the
Distributor would consider what action, if any, would be appropriate. The
Distributor does not believe that termination of a relationship with a bank
would result in any material adverse consequences to the Fund. In addition,
state securities laws on this issue may differ from the interpretations of
federal law expressed herein and banks and financial institutions may be
required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
As required by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, each Plan and form of
servicing agreement and selling group agreement were approved by the Trustees,
including a majority of the Trustees who are not affiliated persons (as defined
in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of any of the Plans or in any agreements related to
each Plan ("Independent Trustees"). In approving each Plan in accordance with
the requirements of Rule 12b-1, the Trustees determined that there is a
reasonable likelihood that each Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders.
Each Plan requires the Distributor to provide the Trustees at least
quarterly with a written report of the amounts expended pursuant to each Plan
and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Unless sooner terminated
in accordance with its terms, the Plans will continue in effect for a period of
one year and thereafter will continue in effect so long as such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees, including a majority of
Independent Trustees.
Each Plan may be terminated by vote of a majority of the Independent
Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund.
Any change in any of the Plans that would materially increase the distribution
or service expenses borne by the Fund requires shareholder approval voting
separately by class, otherwise, it may be amended by a majority of the Trustees,
including a majority of the Independent Trustees, by vote cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting upon such amendment. So long as the
Plan is in effect, the selection or nomination of the Independent Trustees is
committed to the discretion of the Independent Trustees.
[For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995, the Fund's aggregate expenses
under the Class A Plan were respectively $317,039 or 0.19% of the Class A
shares' average net assets. Such expenses were paid to reimburse the Distributor
for payments made to Service Organizations for servicing Fund shareholders and
for administering the Class A Plan. The offering of Class B shares commenced on
September 28, 1992. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995, the Fund's
aggregate expenses under the Class B Plan were $158,553 or 1.00% of the Class B
shares' average net assets. Such expenses were paid to reimburse the Distributor
for the following payments: $118,915 for commissions and transaction fees paid
to broker-dealers and other Service Organizations in respect of sales of Class B
shares of the Fund and $39,638 for fees paid to Service Organizations for
servicing Class B shareholders and for administering the Class B Plan. The
offering of Class C shares commenced August 30, 1993. For the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1995, the Fund's aggregate expenses under the Class C Plan were
$30,709 or 1.00% of the Class C shares' average net assets. Such expenses were
paid to reimburse the Distributor for the following payments: $23,032 for
commissions and transaction fees paid to broker-dealers and other Service
Organizations in respect of sales of Class C shares of the Fund and $7,677 for
fees paid to Service Organizations for servicing Class C shareholders and for
administering the Class C Plan.]
TRANSFER AGENT
For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996, ACCESS, shareholder
service agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund, received fees
aggregating $483,848 and $ , respectively for these services. These
services are provided at cost plus a profit.
20
<PAGE> 75
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the
Fund and for the placement of its portfolio business and the negotiation of any
commissions paid on such transactions. As most transactions made by the Fund are
principal transactions at net prices, the Fund incurs little or no brokerage
costs. Portfolio securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer or
from an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Purchases from
underwriters of portfolio securities include a commission or concession paid by
the issuer to the underwriter and purchases from dealers serving as market
makers include the spread between the bid and asked price. Sales to dealers are
effected at bid prices.
The Adviser is responsible for placing portfolio transactions and does so
in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to the Fund and not according to any
formula. The primary consideration in all portfolio transactions is prompt
execution of orders in an effective manner at the most favorable price. In
selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Adviser considers
the firm's reliability, the quality of its execution services on a continuing
basis and its financial condition. When more than one firm is believed to meet
these criteria, consideration may be given to firms which also provide research
services to the Fund or the Adviser. No specific value can be assigned to such
research services which are furnished without cost to the Adviser. The
investment advisory fee is not reduced as a result of the Adviser's receipt of
such research services. Services provided may include (a) furnishing advice as
to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or
selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers
of securities, (b) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the
performance of the accounts and (c) effecting securities transactions and
performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement and
custody). Research services furnished by firms through which the Fund effects
its securities transactions may be used by the Adviser in servicing all of its
advisory accounts; not all of such services may be used by the Adviser in
connection with the Fund.
Subject to seeking best execution and such other policies as the Trustees
may determine, the Adviser may consider sales of shares of the Fund as a factor
in the selection of dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund.
Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD and subject to
seeking best execution and such other policies as the Trustees may determine,
the Adviser may consider sales of shares of the Fund and of the other Van Kampen
American Capital mutual funds as a factor in the selection of firms to execute
portfolio transactions for the Fund.
The Adviser places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts
including other investment companies. The Adviser seeks to allocate portfolio
transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or
sell securities by the Fund and another advisory account. In some cases, this
procedure could have an adverse effect on the price or the amount of securities
available to the Fund. In making such allocations among the Fund and other
advisory accounts, the main factors considered by the Adviser are the respective
investment objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or
comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment, the size of
investment commitments generally held, and opinions of the persons responsible
for recommending the investment.
Prior to December 20, 1994 the Fund placed brokerage transactions with
brokers that were considered affiliated persons of the Adviser's former parent,
The Travelers Inc. Such affiliated persons included Smith Barney Inc. ("Smith
Barney") and Robinson Humphrey, Inc. ("Robinson Humphrey"). Effective December
20, 1994, Smith Barney and Robinson Humphrey ceased to be affiliates of the
Adviser. In addition, from 1985 through September 30, 1992, Jefferies & Company,
Inc. ("Jefferies") was an affiliate of The Travelers Inc. The negotiated
commission paid to an affiliated broker on any transaction would be comparable
to that payable to a non-affiliated broker in a similar transaction.
The Adviser's brokerage practices are monitored on a quarterly basis by the
Brokerage Review Committee comprised of Fund Trustees who are not affiliated
persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Adviser. For the fiscal years ended
August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Fund paid $626, $47,903 and
21
<PAGE> 76
$ , respectively, in brokerage commissions. During the years ended August
31, 1995 and 1996, the Fund paid $44,353 and $ , respectively in brokerage
commissions on transactions totalling $18,319,198 and $ , respectively to
brokers selected primarily on the basis of research services provided to the
Adviser.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of Fund shares is computed by dividing the value of all
securities, cash and other assets (including accrued interest), less liabilities
(including accrued expenses), by the number of shares outstanding. Such
computation is made as of the close of business each day the New York Stock
Exchange (the "Exchange") is open (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time). The
Exchange is currently closed on weekends and on the following holidays: New
Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The assets belonging to the Class A shares, the Class B shares and the
Class C shares will be invested together in a single portfolio. The net asset
value of each class will be determined separately by subtracting the expenses
and liabilities allocated to that class from the assets belonging to that class
pursuant to an order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The following information supplements that set forth in the Fund's
Prospectus under the heading "Purchase of Shares."
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Shares of the Fund are sold in a continuous offering and may be purchased
on any business day through authorized dealers, including Advantage Capital
Corporation.
ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS
The Fund issues three classes of shares: Class A shares are subject to an
initial sales charge; Class B shares and Class C shares are sold at net asset
value and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The three classes
of shares each represent interests in the same portfolio of investments of the
Fund, have the same rights and are identical in all respects, except that Class
B and Class C shares bear the expenses of the deferred sales arrangements,
distribution fees, and any expenses (including higher transfer agency costs)
resulting from such sales arrangements, and have exclusive voting rights with
respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan pursuant to which the distribution
fee is paid.
During special promotions, the entire sales charge on Class A shares may be
reallowed to dealers, and at such times dealers may be deemed to be underwriters
for purposes of the 1933 Act.
INVESTMENTS BY MAIL
A shareholder investment account may be opened by completing the
application included in the Prospectus and forwarding the application, through
the designated dealer, to ACCESS, at P.O. Box 419319, Kansas City, Missouri
64141-6319. The account is opened only upon acceptance of the application by
ACCESS. The minimum initial investment of $500 or more, in the form of a check
payable to the Fund, must accompany the application. This minimum may be waived
by the Distributor for plans involving continuing investments. Subsequent
investments of $25 or more may be mailed directly to ACCESS. All such
investments are made at the public offering price of Fund shares next computed
following receipt of payment by ACCESS. Confirmations of the opening of an
account and of all subsequent transactions in the account are forwarded by
ACCESS to the investor's dealer of record, unless another dealer is designated.
In processing applications and investments, ACCESS acts as agent for the
investor and for the dealer named thereon, and also as agent for the
Distributor, in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus. If ACCESS ceases to
act as such, a successor company named by the Fund will act in the same
capacities so long as the account remains open.
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<PAGE> 77
CUMULATIVE PURCHASE DISCOUNT
The reduced sales charges reflected in the sales charge table as shown in
the Prospectus apply to purchases of Class A shares of the Fund where the
aggregate investment is $100,000 or more. For purpose of determining eligibility
for volume discounts, spouses and their minor children are treated as a single
purchaser, as is a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single fiduciary
account. An aggregate investment includes all shares of the Fund and all shares
of certain other participating Van Kampen American Capital mutual funds
described in the Prospectus (the "Participating Funds"), which have been
previously purchased and are still owned, plus the shares being purchased. The
current offering price is used to determine the value of all such shares. If,
for example, an investor has previously purchased and still holds Class A shares
of the Fund and shares of other Participating Funds having a current offering
price of $80,000, and that person purchases $30,000 of additional Class A shares
of the Fund, the charge applicable to the $30,000 purchase would be 4.00% of the
offering price. The same reduction is applicable to purchases under a Letter of
Intent as described in the next paragraph. THE DEALER MUST NOTIFY THE
DISTRIBUTOR AT THE TIME AN ORDER IS PLACED FOR A PURCHASE WHICH WOULD QUALIFY
FOR THE REDUCED CHARGE ON THE BASIS OF PREVIOUS PURCHASES. SIMILAR NOTIFICATION
MUST BE MADE IN WRITING WHEN SUCH AN ORDER IS PLACED BY MAIL. The reduced sales
charge will not be applied if such notification is not furnished at the time of
the order. The reduced sales charge will also not be applied should a review of
the records of the Distributor or ACCESS fail to confirm the investor's
representations concerning his holdings.
LETTER OF INTENT
Purchases of Class A shares of the Participating Funds described above
under "Cumulative Purchase Discount," made pursuant to the Letter of Intent and
still owned are also included in determining the applicable quantity discount. A
Letter of Intent permits an investor to establish a total investment goal to be
achieved by any number of investments over a 13-month period. Each investment
made during the period will receive the reduced sales charge applicable to the
amount represented by the goal as if it were a single investment. Escrowed
shares totaling five percent of the dollar amount of the Letter of Intent are
held by ACCESS in the name of the shareholder. The effective date of a Letter of
Intent may be back-dated up to 90 days in order that any investments made during
this 90-day period, valued at the investor's cost, can become subject to the
Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent does not obligate the investor to
purchase the indicated amount. In the event the Letter of Intent goal is not
achieved within the 13-month period, the investor is required to pay the
difference between sales charges otherwise applicable to the purchases made
during this period and sales charges actually paid. Such payment may be made
directly to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor will liquidate
sufficient escrow shares to obtain such difference. If the goal is exceeded in
an amount which qualifies for a lower sales charge, a price adjustment is made
by refunding to the investor in shares of the Fund, the amount of excess sales
charges, if any, paid during the 13-month period.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Redemptions are not made on days during which the Exchange is closed,
including those holidays listed under "Determination of Net Asset Value." The
right of redemption may be suspended and the payment therefor may be postponed
for more than seven days during any period when (a) the Exchange is closed for
other than customary weekends or holidays; (b) trading on the Exchange is
restricted; (c) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of
securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the value of its net assets; or (d)
the SEC, by order, so permits.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- CLASS A
For certain full service participant directed profit sharing and money
purchase plans and qualified 401(k) retirement plans and for investments in the
amount of $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares of the Fund ("Qualified
Purchaser"), the front-end sales charge will be waived and a contingent deferred
sales charge ("CDSC -- Class A") of one percent is imposed in the event of
certain redemptions within one year of the purchase. If a CDSC -- Class A is
imposed upon redemption, the amount of the CDSC -- Class A will be
23
<PAGE> 78
equal to the lesser of one percent of the net asset value of the shares at the
time of purchase, or one percent of the net asset value of the shares at the
time of redemption.
The CDSC -- Class A will only be imposed if a Qualified Purchaser redeems
an amount which causes the value of the account to fall below the total dollar
amount of purchase payments made by the Qualified Purchaser without an initial
sales charge during the one-year period prior to the redemption. The CDSC --
Class A will be waived in connection with redemptions by Qualified Purchasers
(e.g., in retirement plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code (the "Code") and deferred compensation plans under Section 457 of
the Code) required to obtain funds to pay distributions to beneficiaries
pursuant to the terms of the plans. Such payments include, but are not limited
to, death, disability, retirement or separation from service. No CDSC -- Class A
will be imposed on exchanges between funds. For purposes of the CDSC -- Class A,
when shares of one fund are exchanged for shares of another fund, the purchase
date for the shares of the fund exchanged into will be assumed to be the date on
which shares were purchased in the fund from which the exchange was made. If the
exchanged shares themselves are acquired through an exchange, the purchase date
is assumed to carry over from the date of the original election to purchase
shares subject to a CDSC -- Class A rather than a front-end load sales-charge.
In determining whether a CDSC -- Class A is payable, it is assumed that shares
held the longest are the first to be redeemed.
Cumulative Purchase Discounts and Letters of Intent will apply to the net
asset value privilege. Also, in order to establish an amount of $1,000,000 or
more, a Qualified Purchaser may aggregate shares of Van Kampen American Capital
Reserve Fund and Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Money Fund with shares of
certain other participating funds described as "Participating Funds" in the
Prospectus.
As described in the Prospectus under "Redemption of Shares," redemptions of
Class B and Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
WAIVER OF CLASS B AND CLASS C CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ("CDSC -- CLASS B
AND C")
The CDSC -- Class B and C is waived on redemptions of Class B and Class C
shares in the circumstances described below:
(a) Redemption Upon Disability or Death
The Fund will waive the CDSC -- Class B and C on redemptions following the
death or disability of a Class B and Class C shareholder. An individual will be
considered disabled for this purpose if he or she meets the definition thereof
in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code, which in pertinent part defines a person as
disabled if such person "is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity
by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can
be expected to result in death or to be of long-continued and indefinite
duration." While the Fund does not specifically adopt the balance of the Code's
definition which pertains to furnishing the Secretary of Treasury with such
proof as he or she may require, the Distributor will require satisfactory proof
of death or disability before it determines to waive the CDSC -- Class B and C.
In cases of disability or death, the CDSC -- Class B and C will be waived
where the decedent or disabled person is either an individual shareholder or
owns the shares as a joint tenant with right of survivorship or is the
beneficial owner of a custodial or fiduciary account, and where the redemption
is made within one year of the death or initial determination of disability.
This waiver of the CDSC -- Class B and C applies to a total or partial
redemption, but only to redemptions of shares held at the time of the death or
initial determination of disability.
(b) Redemption in Connection with Certain Distributions from Retirement
Plans
The Fund will waive the CDSC -- Class B and C when a total or partial
redemption is made in connection with certain distributions from Retirement
Plans. The charge will be waived upon the tax-free rollover or transfer of
assets to another Retirement Plan invested in one or more of Van Kampen American
Capital funds; in such event, as described below, the Fund will "tack" the
period for which the original shares were held on to the holding period of the
shares acquired in the transfer or rollover for purposes of determining what, if
any, CDSC -- Class B and C is applicable in the event that such acquired shares
are redeemed
24
<PAGE> 79
following the transfer or rollover. The charge also will be waived on any
redemption which results from the return of an excess contribution pursuant to
Section 408(d)(4) or (5) of the Code, the return of excess deferral amounts
pursuant to Code Section 401(k)(8) or 402(g)(2), or from the death or disability
of the employee (see Code Section 72(m)(7) and 72(t)(2)(A)(ii)). In addition,
the charge will be waived on any minimum distribution required to be distributed
in accordance with Code Section 401(a)(9).
The Fund does not intend to waive the CDSC -- Class B and C for any
distributions from IRAs or other Retirement Plans not specifically described
above.
(c) Redemption Pursuant to a Fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan
A shareholder may elect to participate in a systematic withdrawal plan
("Plan") with respect to the shareholder's investment in the Fund. Under the
Plan, a dollar amount of a participating shareholder's investment in the Fund
will be redeemed systematically by the Fund on a periodic basis, and the
proceeds mailed to the shareholder. The amount to be redeemed and frequency of
the systematic withdrawals will be specified by the shareholder upon his or her
election to participate in the Plan. The CDSC -- Class B and C will be waived on
redemptions made under the Plan.
The amount of the shareholder's investment in a Fund at the time the
election to participate in the Plan is made with respect to the Fund is
hereinafter referred to as the "initial account balance." The amount to be
systematically redeemed from such Fund without the imposition of a CDSC -- Class
B and C may not exceed a maximum of 12% annually of the shareholder's initial
account balance. The Fund reserves the right to change the terms and conditions
of the Plan and the ability to offer the Plan.
(d) Involuntary Redemptions of Shares in Accounts that Do Not Have the
Required Minimum Balance
The Fund reserves the right to redeem shareholder accounts with balances of
less than a specified dollar amount as set forth in the Prospectus. Prior to
such redemptions, shareholders will be notified in writing and allowed a
specified period of time to purchase additional shares to bring the account up
to the required minimum balance. The Fund will waive the CDSC -- Class B and C
upon such involuntary redemption.
(e) Reinvestment of Redemption Proceeds in Shares of the Same Fund Within
120 Days After Redemption
A shareholder who has redeemed Class C shares of a Fund may reinvest at net
asset value, with credit for any CDSC -- Class C paid on the redeemed shares,
any portion or all of his or her redemption proceeds (plus that amount necessary
to acquire a fractional share to round off his or her purchase to the nearest
full share) in Class C shares of the Fund, provided that the reinvestment is
effected within 120 days after such redemption and the shareholder has not
previously exercised this reinvestment privilege with respect to Class C shares
of the Fund. Shares acquired in this manner will be deemed to have the original
cost and purchase date of the redeemed shares for purposes of applying the
CDSC -- Class C to subsequent redemptions.
(f) Redemption by Adviser
The Fund may waive the CDSC -- Class B and C when a total or partial
redemption is made by the Adviser with respect to its investments in the Fund.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The following supplements the discussion of "Shareholder Services Exchange
Privilege" in the Prospectus:
By use of the exchange privilege, the investor authorizes ACCESS to act on
telephonic, telegraphic or written exchange instructions from any person
representing himself to be the investor or the agent of the investor and
believed by ACCESS to be genuine. VKAC and its subsidiaries, including ACCESS
(collectively, "Van Kampen American Capital"), and the Fund employ procedures
considered by them to be reasonable to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. Such procedures include requiring certain personal
identification information prior to acting upon telephone instructions, tape
recording telephone communications, and providing written confirmation of
instructions communicated by telephone. If
25
<PAGE> 80
reasonable procedures are employed, neither Van Kampen American Capital nor the
Fund will be liable for following telephone instructions which it reasonably
believes to be genuine. Van Kampen American Capital and the Fund may be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions if reasonable
procedures are not followed.
For purposes of determining the sales charge rate previously paid on Class
A shares, all sales charges paid on the exchanged security and on any security
previously exchanged for such security or for any of its predecessors shall be
included. If the exchanged security was acquired through reinvestment, that
security is deemed to have been sold with a sales charge rate equal to the rate
previously paid on the security on which the dividend or distribution was paid.
If a shareholder exchanges less than all of his securities, the security upon
which the highest sales charge rate was previously paid is deemed exchanged
first.
Exchange requests received on a business day prior to the time shares of
the funds involved in the request are priced will be processed on the date of
receipt. "Processing" a request means that shares in the fund from which the
shareholder is withdrawing an investment will be redeemed at the net asset value
per share next determined on the date of receipt. Shares of the new fund into
which the shareholder is investing will also normally be purchased at the net
asset value per share, plus any applicable sales charge, next determined on the
date of receipt. Exchange requests received on a business day after the time
shares of the funds involved in the request are priced will be processed on the
next business day in the manner described herein.
A prospectus of any of these mutual funds may be obtained from any
authorized dealer or the Distributor. An investor considering an exchange to one
of such funds should refer to the prospectus for additional information
regarding such fund.
CHECK WRITING PRIVILEGE
To establish the check writing privilege for Class A shares, a shareholder
must complete the appropriate section of the application and the Authorization
for Redemption form and return both documents to ACCESS before checks will be
issued. All signatures on the authorization card must be guaranteed if any of
the signators are persons not referenced in the account registration or if more
than 30 days have elapsed since ACCESS established the account on its records.
Moreover, if the shareholder is a corporation, partnership, trust, fiduciary,
executor or administrator, the appropriate documents appointing authorized
signers (corporate resolutions, partnership or trust agreements) must accompany
the authorization card. The documents must be certified in original form, and
the certificates must be dated within 60 days of their receipt by ACCESS.
The privilege does not carry over to accounts established through exchanges
or transfers. It must be requested separately for each fund account.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAXES
The Fund has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company under
Sections 851-855 of the Code. This means the Fund must pay all or substantially
all its taxable net investment income and taxable net realized capital gains to
its Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders and meet certain diversification
and other requirements. The per share dividends on Class B and Class C shares
will be lower than the per share dividends on Class A as a result of the
distribution fees and higher transfer agency fees applicable to the Class B and
Class C shares. By qualifying as a regulated investment company, the Fund is not
subject to federal income taxes to the extent it distributes its taxable net
investment income and taxable net realized capital gains. If for any taxable
year the Fund does not qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
investment companies, all of its taxable income, including any net realized
capital gains, would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates (without any
deduction for distributions to shareholders).
The Fund is subject to a four percent excise tax to the extent it fails to
distribute to its shareholders at least 98% of its ordinary taxable (net
investment) income for the twelve-months ended December 31, plus 98% of its
capital gains net income for the twelve-months ended October 31 of such year.
The Fund intends to distribute sufficient amounts to avoid liability for the
excise tax.
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<PAGE> 81
Distributions from long-term capital gains are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund
shares. Any loss on the sale of Fund shares held for less than six months is
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain
distribution paid on such shares, subject to any exception that may be provided
by IRS regulations for losses incurred under certain systematic withdrawal
plans. All dividends and distributions are taxable to the shareholder whether or
not reinvested in shares. Shareholders are notified annually by the Fund as to
the federal tax status of dividends and distributions paid by the Fund.
Dividends and distributions declared payable to shareholders of record
after September 30 of any year and paid before February 1 of the following year
are considered taxable income to shareholders on the record date even though
paid in the next year.
Since most of the Fund's net investment income is attributable to interest
income, none of its dividends qualify for the 70% dividends received deduction
for corporations. To qualify for the dividends received deduction, a corporate
shareholder must hold the shares on which the dividend is paid for more than 45
days.
The Fund has paid consecutive monthly dividends every month since its first
distribution in November of 1971. There can be no assurance that similar results
will continue in the future.
BACK-UP WITHHOLDING
The Fund is required to withhold and remit to the United States Treasury
31% of (i) reportable taxable dividends and distributions and (ii) the proceeds
of any redemptions of Fund shares with respect to any shareholder who is not
exempt from withholding and who fails to furnish the Fund with a correct
taxpayer identification number, who fails to report fully dividend or interest
income or who fails to certify to the Fund that he has provided a correct
taxpayer identification number and that he is not subject to withholding. (An
individual's taxpayer identification number is his social security number.) The
31% "back-up withholding tax" is not an additional tax and may be credited
against a taxpayer's regular federal income tax liability.
Dividends to shareholders who are non-resident aliens may be subject to a
United States withholding tax at a rate of up to 30% under existing provisions
of the Code applicable to foreign individuals and entities unless a reduced rate
of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under applicable treaty
law. Non-resident shareholders are urged to consult their own tax adviser
concerning the applicability of the United States withholding tax.
If shares of the Fund are sold or exchanged within 90 days of acquisition,
and shares of the same or a related mutual fund are acquired, to the extent the
sales charge is reduced or waived on the subsequent acquisition, the sales
charge may not be used to determine the basis in the disposed shares for
purposes of determining gain or loss. To the extent the sales charge is not
allowed in determining gain or loss on the initial shares, it is capitalized on
the basis of the subsequent shares.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code and Treasury Regulations presently in effect. For the
complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and
the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code and these Treasury
Regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative action either
prospectively or retroactively.
Dividends and capital gains distributions may also be subject to state and
local taxes.
Shareholders are urged to consult their attorneys or tax advisers regarding
specific questions as to federal, state or local taxes.
TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
The Code includes special rules applicable to certain listed options,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts which the Fund may write,
purchase or sell. Such options and contracts are classified as Section 1256
contracts under the Code. The character of gain or loss resulting from the sale,
disposition, closing out, expiration or other terminations of Section 1256
contracts is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss to the extent
of 60% thereof and short-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 40% thereof
27
<PAGE> 82
("60/40 gain or loss"). Such contracts, when held by the Fund at the end of a
fiscal year, generally are required to be treated as sold at market value on the
last day of such fiscal year for federal income tax purposes
("marked-to-market"). Over-the-counter options are not classified as Section
1256 contracts and are not subject to the marked-to-market rule or to 60/40 gain
or loss treatment. Any gains or losses recognized by the Fund from transactions
in over-the-counter options generally constitute short-term capital gains or
losses. If over-the-counter call options written, or over-the-counter put
options purchased, by the Fund are exercised, the gain or loss realized on the
sale of the underlying securities may be either short-term or long-term,
depending on the holding period of the securities. In determining the amount of
gain or loss, the sales proceeds are reduced by the premium paid for
over-the-counter puts or increased by the premium received for over-the-counter
calls.
A substantial portion of the Fund's transactions in options, futures
contracts and options on futures contracts, particularly its hedging
transactions, may constitute "straddles" which are defined in the Code as
offsetting positions with respect to personal property. A straddle in which at
least one, but not all, of the positions are Section 1256 contracts is a "mixed
straddle" under the Code if certain identification requirements are met.
The Code generally provides with respect to straddles (i) "loss deferral"
rules which may postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses from certain
closing purchase transactions or other dispositions of a position in the
straddle to the extent of unrealized gains in the offsetting position, (ii)
"wash sale" rules which may postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses
where a position is sold and a new offsetting position is acquired within a
prescribed period and (iii) "short sale" rules which may terminate the holding
period of securities owned by the Fund when offsetting positions are established
and which may convert certain losses from short-term to long-term.
The Code provides that certain elections may be made for mixed straddles
that can alter the character of the capital gain or loss recognized upon
disposition of positions which form part of a straddle. Certain other elections
are also provided in the Code. No determination has been reached to make any of
these elections.
FUND PERFORMANCE
The Fund's average annual total return for Class A shares of the Fund
(computed in the manner described in the Prospectus) for the one-year, five-year
and ten-year periods ended August 31, 1995, was 7.35%, 9.01% and 9.00%,
respectively. The Fund's average annual total return (computed in the manner
described in the Prospectus) for Class B shares of the Fund for the one-year and
the two-year-and-eleven-months periods (the initial offering of Class B shares)
ended August 31, 1995 was 7.86% and 5.32%, respectively. The Fund's average
annual total return (computed in the manner described in the Prospectus) for
Class C shares of the Fund for the one-year and two-year periods ended August
31, 1995 was 10.70% and 3.33%, respectively. These results are based on
historical earnings and asset value fluctuations and are not intended to
indicate future performance. Such information should be considered in light of
the Fund's investment objectives and policies as well as the risks incurred in
the Fund's investment practices.
The annualized current yield for Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C
shares of the Fund for the 30-day period ending August 31, 1995 was 6.35%, 5.80%
and 5.81%, respectively. The yield for Class A, Class B and Class C shares is
not fixed and will fluctuate in response to prevailing interest rates and the
market value of portfolio securities, and as a function of the type of
securities owned by the Fund, portfolio maturity and the Fund's expenses.
Yield and total return are computed separately for Class A, Class B and
Class C shares.
From time to time, in reports or other communications, or in advertising or
sales materials, the Adviser may announce the results of actual tests performed
by DALBAR Financial Securities, Inc., an independent research firm, as they
relate to the level of services for mutual fund investors and may refer to the
Missouri Quality Award received by ACCESS, the Fund's transfer agent, in 1993.
In addition, the Adviser may also refer to the Houston Awards for Quality
received by Van Kampen American Capital in 1994.
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<PAGE> 83
The Fund may, from time to time: (1) illustrate the benefits of
tax-deferral by comparing taxable investments to investments made through
tax-deferred retirement plans; (2) illustrate in graph or chart form, or
otherwise, the benefits of dollar cost averaging by comparing investments made
pursuant to a systematic investment plan to investments made in a rising market;
and (3) in reports or other communications to shareholders or in advertising
material, illustrate the benefits of compounding at various assumed rates of
return. Such illustrations may be in the form of charts or graphs and will not
be based on historical returns experienced by the Fund.
OTHER INFORMATION
CUSTODY OF ASSETS -- All securities owned by the Fund and all cash,
including proceeds from the sale of shares of the Fund and of securities in the
Fund's investment portfolio, are held by State Street Bank and Trust Company,
225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, as Custodian.
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS -- Semi-annual statements are furnished to shareholders
and annually such statements are audited by the independent accountants.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS -- Price Waterhouse LLP, 1201 Louisiana, Houston,
Texas 77002, the independent accountants for the Fund, performs an annual audit
of the Fund's financial statements.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
29
<PAGE> 84
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial Statements (to be included by further amendment)
Included in the Prospectus:
Financial Highlights
Included in the Statement of Additional Information:
Report of Independent Accountants
Financial Statements
Notes to Financial Statements
(b) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
1.1 -- First Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust incorporated
herein by reference to Form N-1A of Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment
No. 65, filed on December 21, 1995.
1.2 -- Certificate of Amendment incorporated herein by reference to Form N-1A of
Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 65, filed on December 21, 1995.
1.3 -- Certificate of Designation incorporated herein by reference to Form N-1A
of Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 65, filed on December 21,
1995.
2 -- Amended and Restated Bylaws incorporated herein by reference to Form N-1A
of Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 65, filed on December 21,
1995.
3 -- Inapplicable.
4.1 -- Specimen Class A Share Certificate incorporated herein by reference to
Form N-1A of Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 65, filed on
December 21, 1995.
4.2 -- Specimen Class B Share Certificate incorporated herein by reference to
Form N-1A of Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 65, filed on
December 21, 1995.
4.3 -- Specimen Class C Share Certificate incorporated herein by reference to
Form N-1A of Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 65, filed on
December 21, 1995.
5 -- Investment Advisory Agreement.+
6.1 -- Distribution and Service Agreement.+
6.2 -- Form of Dealer Agreement.+
6.3 -- Form of Broker Fully Disclosed Selling Agreement.+
6.4 -- Form of Bank Fully Disclosed Selling Agreement.+
7 -- Inapplicable.
8.1 -- Custodian Contract.+
8.2 -- Transfer Agency and Service Agreement incorporated herein by reference to
Form N-1A of Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 65, filed on
December 21, 1995.
9 -- Data Access Services Agreement dated December 2, 1993 incorporated herein
by reference (Exhibit 9.2 to Form N-1A of Van Kampen American Capital
Utilities Income Fund, Registration No. 33-68452, Post-Effective Amendment
No. 1, filed on May 19, 1994).
10 -- Opinion of Counsel.+
11.1 -- Consent of Independent Accountants.+
</TABLE>
C-1
<PAGE> 85
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
11.2 -- Consent of Trustees incorporated herein by reference (Exhibit 11.2 to Form
N-1A of Registrant, Registration No. 2-21819, Post-Effective Amendment No.
64, filed on July 21, 1995).
12 -- Inapplicable.
13 -- Inapplicable.
14.1 -- Individual Retirement Account Application incorporated herein by reference
(Exhibit 14.1 to Form N-1A of Van Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund,
Registration No. 2-50870, Post-Effective Amendment No. 30, filed on
September 24, 1992).
14.2 -- 403(b)(7) Custodial Account incorporated herein by reference (Exhibit 14.2
to Form N-1A of Van Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund, Registration No.
2-50870, Post-Effective Amendment No. 30, filed on September 24, 1992).
14.3 -- ORP 403(b)(7) Custodial Account incorporated herein by reference (Exhibit
14.3 to Form N-1A of Van Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund,
Registration No. 2-50870, Post-Effective Amendment No. 30, filed on
September 24, 1992).
14.4 -- Retirement Plans for the Small Business-Forms Package and Plan Documents
incorporated herein by reference (Exhibit 14.9 to Form N-1A of Van Kampen
American Capital Emerging Growth Fund, Registration No. 2-33214,
Post-Effective Amendment No. 44, filed on December 21, 1990).
14.5 -- Prototype Profit Sharing/Money Purchase Plan and Trust incorporated herein
by reference (Exhibit 14.5 to Form N-1A of Van Kampen American Capital
Growth and Income Fund, Registration No. 2-21657, Post-Effective Amendment
No. 61, filed on March 26, 1991).
14.6 -- Prototype 401(k) Plan and Trust incorporated herein by reference (Exhibit
14.6 to Form N-1A of Van Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Fund,
Registration No. 2-21657, Post-Effective Amendment No. 61, filed on March
26, 1991).
15.1 -- Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1.+
15.2 -- Service Plan.+
15.3 -- Form of Shareholder Assistance Agreement.+
15.4 -- Form of Administrative Services Agreement.+
16 -- Computation Measure for Performance Information.+
17.1 -- List of Certain Investment Companies in response to Item 29(a).+
17.2 -- List of Officers and Directors of Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc. in response to Item 29(b).+
18 -- Multiple Class Plan.+
19.1 -- Powers-of-Attorney for J. Miles Branagan, Roger Hilsman, Don Powell, David
Rees, Lawrence J. Sheenan, Fernando Sisto and William Woodside
incorporated herein by reference (Exhibit 19 to Form N-1A of Registrant,
Registration No. 2-21819, Post-Effective Amendment No. 64, filed on July
21, 1995).
19.2 -- Powers-of-Attorney for Philip P. Gaughan, R. Craig Kennedy, Donald C.
Miller, Jack E. Nelson, Jerome L. Robinson and Wayne W. Whalen
incorporated herein by reference to Form N-1A of Registrant's
Post-Effective Amendment No. 65, filed on December 21, 1995.
27 -- Financial Data Schedules.
</TABLE>
- ---------------
+ To be filed by further amendment.
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
None.
C-2
<PAGE> 86
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
AS OF DECEMBER , 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(2)
NUMBER OF RECORD HOLDERS
(1) -----------------------------------
TITLE OF CLASS CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
----------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value
</TABLE>
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
Reference is made to Article 8, Section 8.4 of the Registrant's Agreement
and Declaration of Trust.
Article 8; Section 8.4 of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides
that each officer and trustee of the Registrant shall be indemnified by the
Registrant against all liabilities incurred in connection with the defense or
disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal,
in which the officer or trustee may be or may have been involved by reason of
being or having been an officer or trustee, except that such indemnity shall not
protect any such person against a liability to the Registrant or any shareholder
thereof to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of his or her office. Absent a court determination that
an officer or trustee seeking indemnification was not liable on the merits or
guilty of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office, the decision by the
Registrant to indemnify such person must be based upon the reasonable
determination of independent counsel or non-party independent trustees, after
review of the facts, that such officer or trustee is not guilty of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of his or her office.
The Registrant has purchased insurance on behalf of its officers and
trustees protecting such persons from liability arising from their activities as
officers or trustees of the Registrant. The insurance does not protect or
purport to protect such persons from liability to the Registrant or to its
shareholders to which such officer or trustee would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of the duties involved in the conduct of their office.
Conditional advancing of indemnification monies may be made if the trustee
or officer undertakes to repay the advance unless it is ultimately determined
that he or she is entitled to the indemnification and only if the following
conditions are met: (1) the trustee or officer provides a security for the
undertaking; (2) the Registrant is insured against losses arising from lawful
advances; or (3) a majority of a quorum of the Registrant's disinterested,
non-party trustees, or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall
determine, based upon a review of readily available facts, that a recipient of
the advance ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by the trustee, officer, or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the
shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 28. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER.
See "Investment Advisory Services" in the Prospectus and "Trustees and
Officers" in the Statement of Additional Information for information regarding
the business of the Adviser. For information as to the
C-3
<PAGE> 87
business, profession, vocation and employment of a substantial nature of
directors and officers of the Adviser, reference is made to the Adviser's
current Form ADV (File No. 801-1669) filed under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, as amended, incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
(a) The sole principal underwriter is Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc., which acts as principal underwriter for certain investment
companies and unit investment trusts set forth in Exhibit 17.1 incorporated by
reference herein.
(b) Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. is an affiliated person
of an affiliated person of Registrant and is the only principal underwriter for
Registrant. The name, principal business address and positions and offices with
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. of each of the directors and
officers thereof are set forth in Exhibit 17.2. Except as disclosed under the
heading, "Trustees and Officers" in Part B of this Registration Statement, none
of such persons has any position or office with Registrant.
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
All accounts, books and other documents required by Section 31(a) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder to be maintained (i) by
Registrant will be maintained at its offices, located at One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181. ACCESS Investor Services, Inc., 7501 Tiffany
Springs Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64153, or at the State Street Bank and
Trust Company, 1776 Heritage Drive, North Quincy, MA; (ii) by the Adviser, will
be maintained at its offices, located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace,
Illinois 60181; and (iii) by the Distributor, the principal underwriter, will be
maintained at its offices located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace,
Illinois 60181.
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
There are no management related services contracts not discussed in Part A.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish to each person to whom a prospectus
is delivered, a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report to shareholders,
upon request and without charge.
Registrant hereby undertakes, if requested to do so by the holders of at
least 10% of the Registrant's outstanding shares, to call a meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of a
director or directors and to assist in communications with other shareholders as
required by Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
C-4
<PAGE> 88
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, Van Kampen American Capital
Corporate Bond Fund, has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly
authorized, in the City of Oakbrook Terrace, and State of Illinois, on the 29th
day of October, 1996.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
CORPORATE BOND FUND
By /s/ RONALD A. NYBERG
---------------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg, Vice President and
Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
to this Registration Statement has been signed on October 29, 1996 by the
following persons in the capacities indicated:
Principal Executive Officer:
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
/s/ *DENNIS J. McDONNELL President and Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
Dennis J. McDonnell
Principal Financial Officer:
/s/ *EDWARD C. WOOD III Vice President and Chief
- --------------------------------------------- Financial Officer
Edward C. Wood III
Trustees:
/s/ *J. MILES BRANAGAN Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
J. Miles Branagan
/s/ Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
Linda H. Heagy
/s/ *ROGER HILSMAN Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
Roger Hilsman
/s/ *R. CRAIG KENNEDY Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
R. Craig Kennedy
/s/ *DONALD C. MILLER Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
Donald C. Miller
/s/ *JACK E. NELSON Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
Jack E. Nelson
/s/ *JEROME L. ROBINSON Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
Jerome L. Robinson
/s/ *FERNANDO SISTO Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
Fernando Sisto
/s/ *WAYNE W. WHALEN Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
Wayne W. Whalen
/s/ *WILLIAM S. WOODSIDE Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------
William S. Woodside
</TABLE>
/s/ RONALD A. NYBERG
------------------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg
Attorney-in-Fact
* Signed pursuant to a Power-of-Attorney as previously filed.
<PAGE> 89
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND FUND
INDEX TO EXHIBITS TO POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 66 TO FORM N-1A
AS SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
ON OCTOBER 30, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
27 -- Financial Data Schedules.
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NAME> VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND - CLASS A
<NUMBER> 01
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 189685695
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 192990836
<RECEIVABLES> 4056559
<ASSETS-OTHER> 53373
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 887
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 197101655
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1295676
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1295676
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 181308895
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 24501745
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 24368476
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 148136
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (23263691)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 3261825
<NET-ASSETS> 162937379
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 51562
<INTEREST-INCOME> 15746165
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2406341)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 13391386
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1735360
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (9979200)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5147546
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (11608221)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3701661
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (4691517)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1123125
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (6085548)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 239604
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (24999051)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 963864
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 2416841
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 167933470
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 6.94
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.479
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.289)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.480)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 6.650
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.10
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NAME> VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND - CLASS B
<NUMBER> 02
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 189685695
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 192990836
<RECEIVABLES> 4056559
<ASSETS-OTHER> 53373
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 887
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 197101655
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1295676
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1295676
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 28173446
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4055065
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2764696
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 148136
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (23263691)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 3261825
<NET-ASSETS> 26931772
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 51562
<INTEREST-INCOME> 15746165
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2406341)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 13391386
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1735360
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (9979200)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5147546
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (1533048)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2251770
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1102281)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 140880
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 7758019
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 239604
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (24999051)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 963864
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 2416841
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 24196552
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 6.94
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.424
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.290)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.432)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 6.642
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.90
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NAME> VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND - CLASS C
<NUMBER> 03
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 189685695
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 192990836
<RECEIVABLES> 4056559
<ASSETS-OTHER> 53373
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 887
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 197101655
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1295676
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1295676
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 6177368
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 894192
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 592043
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 148136
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (23263691)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 3261825
<NET-ASSETS> 5936828
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 51562
<INTEREST-INCOME> 15746165
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2406341)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 13391386
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1735360
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (9979200)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5147546
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (341585)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 528401
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (252515)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 26263
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1833000
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 239604
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (24999051)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 963864
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 2416841
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 5395326
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 6.93
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.426
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.285)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.432)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 6.639
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.90
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
