MEMORANDUM OF CHANGES
VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 227
The Prospectus filed with Amendment No. 1 of the Registration Statement
on Form S-6 has been revised to reflect information regarding the deposit of Van
Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227 on May 9, 2000. An effort has been made to
set forth below each of the major changes from the material previously submitted
and also to reflect the same by blacklining the marked counterparts of the
Prospectus submitted with the Amendment.
Cover Page. The date of the Prospectus has been completed.
Pages 2-3. "The Summary of Essential Financial Information" section and
"Fee Table" have been completed.
Pages 4-8. The portfolios have been completed and various information has
been updated.
Page 9. The descriptions of the issuers of the Securities have been
revised.
Pages 10-11. The Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants and
Statements of Condition have been completed.
FILE NO. 333-34774
CIK #1104559
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549-1004
Amendment No. 1
to
Form S-6
For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2.
A. Exact Name of Trust: VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 227
B. Name of Depositor: VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
C. Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
D. Name and complete address of agents for service:
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
Attention: Mark J. Kneedy Attention: A. Thomas Smith III, General Counsel
111 West Monroe Street One Parkview Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60603 Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
E. Title of securities being registered: Units of undivided beneficial
interest
F. Approximate date of proposed sale to the public:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
/ X / Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective at
2:00 p.m. on May 9, 2000 pursuant to ---- Rule 487.
VAN KAMPEN
FOCUS PORTFOLIOS(SM)
A DIVISION OF VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
THE DOWSM STRATEGIC 10 TRUST, MAY 2000 TRADITIONAL SERIES
THE DOWSM STRATEGIC 5 TRUST, MAY 2000 TRADITIONAL SERIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227 includes the unit investment trusts
described above (the "Trusts"). Each Trust uses a refined indexing strategy that
seeks to identify a diversified portfolio of well-known, undervalued stocks.
Each Trust seeks to provide above-average total return by increasing the value
of your Units and providing dividend income. Of course, we cannot guarantee that
a Trust will achieve its objective.
MAY 9, 2000
YOU SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of the
Units or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any
contrary representation is a criminal offense.
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
MAY 9, 2000
THE DOWSM THE DOWSM
STRATEGIC 10 STRATEGIC 5
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE TRUST TRUST
------------ ------------
Aggregate value of Securities per Unit (1) $ 9.725 $ 9.725
Sales charge 0.275 0.275
Public offering price per Unit (2) $ 10.000 $ 10.000
TRUST INFORMATION
Initial number of Units (3) 14,911 14,842
Aggregate value of Securities (1) $ 145,007 $ 144,337
Estimated initial distribution per Unit (4) $ .24 $ .19
Estimated annual dividends per Unit (4) $ .32061 $ .26181
Redemption price per Unit (5) $ 9.725 $ 9.725
GENERAL INFORMATION
Initial Date of Deposit May 9, 2000
Mandatory Termination Date July 10, 2001
Record Date February 10, 2001
Distribution Date February 25, 2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Each Security is valued at the most recent closing sale price as of the
close of the New York Stock Exchange on the business day before the Initial
Date of Deposit. You will bear all or a portion of the expenses incurred in
organizing and offering your Trust. The public offering price includes the
estimated amount of these costs. The Trustee will deduct these expenses
from your Trust at the end of the initial offering period (approximately
two months). The estimated amount is described on the next page.
(2) The public offering price will include any accumulated dividends or cash in
the Income or Capital Accounts of a Trust.
(3) The number of Units may be adjusted so that the public offering price per
Unit equals $10 at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the Initial
Date of Deposit. The number of Units and fractional interest of each Unit
in a Trust will increase or decrease to the extent of any adjustment.
(4) This estimate is based on the most recently declared quarterly dividends or
interim and final dividends accounting for any foreign withholding taxes.
Actual dividends may vary due to a variety of factors. See "Risk Factors".
(5) The redemption price includes the estimated organizational and offering
costs. The redemption price will not include these costs after the initial
offering period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE
THE DOWSM THE DOWSM
STRATEGIC 10 STRATEGIC 5
TRUST TRUST
--------------------------------
TRANSACTION FEES (AS % OF OFFERING PRICE)
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (1)............................................. 2.75% 2.75%
================================
ESTIMATED ORGANIZATIONAL COSTS PER UNIT (2).......................... $ 0.03414 $ 0.03234
================================
ESTIMATED ANNUAL EXPENSES PER UNIT
Trustee's fee and operating expenses................................. $ 0.01086 $ 0.01266
Evaluation fees...................................................... $ 0.00250 $ 0.00250
Supervisory fees..................................................... $ 0.00250 $ 0.00250
--------------------------------
Estimated annual expenses per Unit................................... $ 0.01586 $ 0.01766
================================
ESTIMATED COSTS OVER TIME
One year............................................................. $ 33 $ 33
Three years.......................................................... $ 80 $ 80
Five years........................................................... N/A N/A
Ten years............................................................ N/A N/A
</TABLE>
This fee table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs that you
will bear and to present a comparison of fees. The "Estimated Costs Over Time"
example illustrates the expenses you would pay on a $1,000 investment assuming a
5% annual return and redemption at the end of each period. This example assumes
that you roll your investment into a new series of the Trust each year. Of
course, you should not consider this example a representation of actual past or
future expenses or annual rate of return which may differ from those assumed for
this example. The sales charge and expenses are described under "Public
Offering" and "Trust Operating Expenses".
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)The sales charge is equivalent to 2.828% of the aggregate value of the
Securities. A reduced sales charge applies to transactions involving $50,000
or more.
(2)You will bear all or a portion of the expenses incurred in organizing and
offering your Trust. The Trustee will deduct the actual amount of these
expenses from your Trust at the end of the initial offering period.
THE DOWSM STRATEGIC 10 TRUST
The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Buy the ten highest
dividend-yielding stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and hold them for
about 14 months. When the Trust terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy
by redeeming your Units and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio,
if available.
[INSERT CHART HERE]
The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption and Rollover".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT COST OF
NUMBER MARKET VALUE DIVIDEND SECURITIES
OF SHARES NAME OF ISSUER (1) PER SHARE (2) YIELD (3) TO TRUST (2)
---------- ----------------------------------- --------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
387 AT&T Corporation $ 37.000 2.38% $ 14,319.00
368 Caterpillar, Inc. 38.938 3.34 14,329.00
282 Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours and Company 50.500 2.77 14,241.00
271 Eastman Kodak Company 53.563 3.29 14,515.44
170 General Motors Corporation 85.125 2.35 14,471.25
381 International Paper Company 38.250 2.61 14,573.25
116 J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc. 125.438 3.19 14,550.75
167 Minnesota Mining and
Manufacturing Company (3M) 87.250 2.66 14,570.75
609 Philip Morris Companies, Inc. 24.188 7.94 14,730.19
343 SBC Communications, Inc. 42.875 2.37 14,706.13
- ---------- -------------
3,094 $ 145,006.76
========== =============
See "Notes to Portfolios".
</TABLE>
HYPOTHETICAL STRATEGY PERFORMANCE
The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("The Dow 30SM"). Total return includes any
dividends paid on the stocks together with any increase or decrease in the value
of the stocks. The table illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy
Stocks at the beginning of each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust,
redeeming them after one year and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust
portfolio each year.
These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series but do reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. You should note that the returns shown below
are annual returns based on a calendar year investment. The performance of the
Trust may differ because the Trust has a 14 month life that is not based on a
calendar year investment cycle. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HYPOTHETICAL TOTAL RETURN
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR STRATEGY STOCKS THE DOW 30SM YEAR STRATEGY STOCKS THE DOW 30SM
----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1973 0.58% (13.16)% 1987 3.66% 6.02%
1974 (3.00) (23.21) 1988 22.48 15.95
1975 54.24 44.48 1989 22.81 31.71
1976 32.65 22.75 1990 (9.84) (0.58)
1977 (4.03) (12.70) 1991 32.59 23.93
1978 (2.16) 2.69 1992 5.58 7.35
1979 10.09 10.52 1993 24.66 16.74
1980 24.95 21.41 1994 1.85 4.95
1981 5.24 (3.40) 1995 34.31 36.49
1982 23.75 25.79 1996 25.78 28.58
1983 36.47 25.65 1997 19.71 24.78
1984 9.54 1.08 1998 8.36 18.13
1985 27.17 32.78 1999 1.74 27.01
1986 33.50 26.92 Thru 3/31/00 (9.28) (4.68)
See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".
</TABLE>
THE DOWSM STRATEGIC 5 TRUST
The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Select the ten highest
dividend-yielding stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Eliminate the
stock with the lowest share price. Of the remaining stocks, buy the five with
the lowest share price and hold them for about 14 months. When the Trust
terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy by redeeming your Units and
reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio, if available.
[INSERT CHART HERE]
The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption and Rollover".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT COST OF
NUMBER MARKET VALUE DIVIDEND SECURITIES
OF SHARES NAME OF ISSUER (1) PER SHARE (2) YIELD (3) TO TRUST (2)
- ---------- ----------------------------------- --------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
774 AT&T Corporation $ 37.000 2.38% $ 28,638.00
736 Caterpillar, Inc. 38.938 3.34 28,658.00
564 Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours and Company 50.500 2.77 28,482.00
762 International Paper Company 38.250 2.61 29,146.50
686 SBC Communications, Inc. 42.875 2.37 29,412.25
- ---------- -------------
3,522 $ 144,336.75
========== =============
See "Notes to Portfolios".
</TABLE>
HYPOTHETICAL STRATEGY PERFORMANCE
The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("The Dow 30SM"). Total return includes any
dividends paid on the stocks together with any increase or decrease in the value
of the stocks. The table illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy
Stocks at the beginning of each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust,
redeeming them after one year and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust
portfolio each year.
These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series but do reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. You should note that the returns shown below
are annual returns based on a calendar year investment. The performance of the
Trust may differ because the Trust has a 14 month life that is not based on a
calendar year investment cycle. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HYPOTHETICAL TOTAL RETURN
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR STRATEGY STOCKS THE DOW 30SM YEAR STRATEGY STOCKS THE DOW 30SM
----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1973 14.62% (13.16)% 1987 (5.21)% 6.02%
1974 (1.91) (23.21) 1988 20.19 15.95
1975 62.07 44.48 1989 8.03 31.71
1976 36.83 22.75 1990 (23.17) (0.58)
1977 (7.28) (12.70) 1991 53.56 23.93
1978 (1.70) 2.69 1992 22.50 7.35
1979 17.40 10.52 1993 36.21 16.74
1980 29.87 21.41 1994 0.87 4.95
1981 0.69 (3.40) 1995 40.11 36.49
1982 45.65 25.79 1996 29.60 28.58
1983 41.04 25.65 1997 25.22 24.78
1984 9.14 1.08 1998 13.07 18.13
1985 34.54 32.78 1999 (3.18) 27.01
1986 33.64 26.92 Thru 3/31/00 (18.38) (4.68)
See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".
</TABLE>
NOTES TO HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE TABLES
The stocks for each strategy for each period were identified by applying the
applicable Trust strategy on the first trading day of the period on the
principal trading exchange. It should be noted that the stocks in any table are
not the same stocks from year to year and may not be the same stocks as those
included in any Trust. Total return for each period was calculated by (1)
subtracting the closing sale price of the stocks on the first trading day of the
period from the closing sale price of the stocks on the last trading day of the
period, (2) adding dividends paid during that period and (3) dividing the result
by the closing sale price of the stocks on the first trading day of the period
and reducing this amount by typical Trust expenses and sales charges.
Adjustments were made to reflect events such as stock splits and corporate
spin-offs. Total return does not take into consideration taxes that will be
incurred by Unitholders.
These tables represent hypothetical past performance of the Trust strategies
(not the Trusts) and are not guarantees or indications of future performance of
any Trust. Unitholders will not necessarily realize as high a total return as
the hypothetical returns in the tables for several reasons including, among
others: the total return figures in the tables do not reflect taxes; the Trusts
are established at different times of the year; a Trust may not be able to
invest equally in the Securities and may not be fully invested at all times; the
Securities are often purchased or sold at prices different from the closing
prices used in buying and selling Units; and currency exchange rates will be
different. In addition, both stock prices (which may appreciate or depreciate)
and dividends (which may be increased, reduced or eliminated) will affect actual
returns. There can be no assurance that any Trust will outperform the related
stock index over its life or future rollover periods, if available. The sources
for the information contained in the tables are Barron's, Bloomberg L.P., Dow
Jones Corporation, Morgan Stanley Capital International, Ibbotson Associates,
Datastream International, Inc. and Extell Financial LTD. The Sponsor has not
independently verified the data obtained from these sources but has no reason to
believe that this data is incorrect in any material respect.
NOTES TO PORTFOLIOS
(1) The Securities are initially represented by "regular way" contracts for the
performance of which an irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited
with the Trustee. Contracts to acquire Securities were entered into on May
8, 2000 and have a settlement date of May 11, 2000 (see "The Trusts").
(2) The market value of each Security is based on the closing sale price as of
the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the business day before the
Initial Date of Deposit. Other information regarding the Securities, as of
the Initial Date of Deposit, is as follows:
PROFIT
COST TO (LOSS) TO
SPONSOR SPONSOR
-------------- -------------
The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust $ 145,007 $ --
The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust $ 144,337 $ --
(3) Current Dividend Yield for each Security is based on the estimated annual
dividends per share and the Security's market value as of the close of
trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the business day before the
Initial Date of Deposit. Estimated annual dividends per share are
calculated by annualizing the most recently declared regular dividends or
by adding the most recent regular interim and final dividends declared and
reflect any foreign withholding taxes.
THE SECURITIES. A brief description of each of the issuers of the Securities
is listed below. Please refer to each "Portfolio" for a list of the Securities
included in each Trust.
AT&T Corporation. AT&T Corporation offers communication services and
products. The company provides voice, data, and video telecommunications
services to consumers, large and small businesses, and government entities. AT&T
and its subsidiaries furnish regional, domestic, international, and local
telecommunication services. The company also provides cellular telephone and
wireless services, as well as other services.
Caterpillar, Inc. Caterpillar, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets
construction, mining, agricultural, and forestry machinery. The company also
manufactures engines and other related parts for its equipment. Caterpillar
distributes its products through a worldwide organization of dealers.
Du Pont (E. I.) de Nemours and Company. Du Pont (E. I.) de Nemours and
Company is a global chemical and life sciences company, with businesses in
high-performance materials, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and
biotechnology. The company sells its products to the transportation, textile,
construction, automotive, agricultural, hybrid seeds, nutrition and health,
pharmaceuticals, packaging, and electronics markets.
Eastman Kodak Company. Eastman Kodak Company develops, manufactures, and
markets consumer, professional, health, and other imaging products and services.
The company's imaging systems include films, photographic papers, processing
services, photographic chemicals, cameras, and projectors. Kodak also develops
digital camera systems which do not use silver halide film technology.
General Motors Corporation. General Motors Corporation manufactures and sells
vehicles worldwide under the Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Pontiac,
Saturn, and GMC names. The company also has financing and insurance operations.
In addition, General Motors produces products and provides services in other
industries such as satellite and wireless communications.
International Paper Company. International Paper Company produces, and
distributes printing paper, packaging, forest products, chemical products. The
company operates specialty businesses in global markets as well as a broadly
based distribution network. International Paper exports its products worldwide.
J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc. J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc. is a leading global
financial services firm that serves the financial needs of business enterprises,
governments, and individuals. The company advises on corporate strategy and
structure, raises capital, makes markets in financial instruments, and manages
investment assets while also committing its own capital in a variety of
investments.
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M). Minnesota Mining and
Manufacturing Company (3M) is a diversified manufacturer of industrial,
commercial, and health care products. The company produces and markets more than
50,000 products worldwide. 3M's products include Post-it Notes, Flex circuits,
Scotchgard fabric, film, and photo protectors, Thinsulate insulation products
and Nexcare bandages.
Philip Morris Companies, Inc. Philip Morris Companies, Inc., through its
subsidiaries, manufactures and sells a variety of consumer products. The company
provides tobacco products, as well as packaged foods such as cheese, processed
meat products, coffee, and grocery products. Philip Morris also provides a
variety of beer and brewed non-alcoholic beverages. The company's products are
sold worldwide.
SBC Communications, Inc. SBC Communications, Inc. provides communications
services in the United States and in other countries. The company provides local
and long-distance phone service, wireless and data communications, paging,
Internet access and messaging, cable and satellite television, security
services, and telecommunications equipment. SBC also provides directory
advertising and publishing.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of Van Kampen Funds Inc. and the Unitholders of Van
Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227:
We have audited the accompanying statements of condition and the related
portfolios of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227 as of May 9, 2000. The
statements of condition and portfolios are the responsibility of the Sponsor.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on such financial statements based
on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our
procedures included confirmation of an irrevocable letter of credit deposited to
purchase securities by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the
Sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series
227 as of May 9, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
GRANT THORNTON LLP
Chicago, Illinois
May 9, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
AS OF MAY 9, 2000
THE DOWSM THE DOWSM
STRATEGIC 10 STRATEGIC 5
TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL
TRUST TRUST
--------------- --------------
INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES
<S> <C> <C>
Contracts to purchase Securities (1) $ 145,007 $ 144,337
--------------- --------------
Total $ 145,007 $ 144,337
=============== ==============
LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
Liability--
Organizational costs (2) $ 509 $ 480
Interest of Unitholders--
Cost to investors (3) 149,110 148,420
Less: Gross underwriting commission and organizational costs (2)(3)(4) 4,612 4,563
--------------- --------------
Net interest to Unitholders (3) 144,498 143,857
--------------- --------------
Total $ 145,007 $ 144,337
=============== ==============
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The value of the Securities is determined by Interactive Data Corporation
on the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price". The
contracts to purchase Securities are collateralized by separate irrevocable
letters of credit which have been deposited with the Trustee.
(2) A portion of the Public Offering Price represents an amount sufficient to
pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing a Trust. The
amount of these costs are set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial
Information". A distribution will be made as of the close of the initial
offering period to an account maintained by the Trustee from which the
organizational expense obligation of the investors will be satisfied.
(3) The aggregate public offering price and the aggregate sales charge are
computed on the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price".
(4) Assumes the maximum sales charge.
THE TRUSTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trusts were created under the laws of the State of New York pursuant to a
Trust Indenture and Trust Agreement (the "Trust Agreement"), dated the date of
this Prospectus (the "Initial Date of Deposit"), among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as
Sponsor, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as Supervisor, The Bank of New
York, as Trustee, and American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van
Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as Evaluator.
The Trusts offer investors the opportunity to purchase Units representing
proportionate interests in portfolios of actively traded equity securities which
are components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. A Trust may be an
appropriate medium for investors who desire to participate in a portfolio of
stocks with greater diversification than they might be able to acquire
individually and who are seeking to achieve a better performance than the
related indexes through an investment in the highest dividend yielding stocks of
Dow Jones Industrial Average. An investment in approximately equal values of
such stocks each year has in most instances provided a higher total return than
investments in all of the stocks which are components of the index.
On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited delivery statements
relating to contracts for the purchase of the Securities and an irrevocable
letter of credit in the amount required for these purchases with the Trustee. In
exchange for these contracts the Trustee delivered to the Sponsor documentation
evidencing the ownership of Units of the Trusts. Unless otherwise terminated as
provided in the Trust Agreement, the Trusts will terminate on the Mandatory
Termination Date and any remaining Securities will be liquidated or distributed
by the Trustee within a reasonable time. As used in this Prospectus the term
"Securities" means the securities (including contracts to purchase these
securities) listed in "Portfolio" for each Trust and any additional securities
deposited into each Trust.
Additional Units of a Trust may be issued at any time by depositing in the
Trust (i) additional Securities, (ii) contracts to purchase Securities together
with cash or irrevocable letters of credit or (iii) cash (or a letter of credit)
with instructions to purchase additional Securities. As additional Units are
issued by a Trust, the aggregate value of the Securities will be increased and
the fractional undivided interest represented by each Unit will be decreased.
The Sponsor may continue to make additional deposits into a Trust following the
Initial Date of Deposit provided that the additional deposits will be in amounts
which will maintain, as nearly as practicable, the same percentage relationship
among the number of shares of each Security in the Trust's portfolio that
existed immediately prior to the subsequent deposit. Investors may experience a
dilution of their investments and a reduction in their anticipated income
because of fluctuations in the prices of the Securities between the time of the
deposit and the purchase of the Securities and because the Trusts will pay the
associated brokerage or acquisition fees.
Each Unit of a Trust initially offered represents an undivided interest in
that Trust. To the extent that any Units are redeemed by the Trustee or
additional Units are issued as a result of additional Securities being deposited
by the Sponsor, the fractional undivided interest in that Trust represented by
each unredeemed Unit will increase or decrease accordingly, although the actual
interest in the Trust will remain unchanged. Units will remain outstanding until
redeemed upon tender to the Trustee by Unitholders, which may include the
Sponsor, or until the termination of the Trust Agreement.
Each Trust consists of (a) the Securities (including contracts for the
purchase thereof) listed under the applicable "Portfolio" as may continue to be
held from time to time in the Trust, (b) any additional Securities acquired and
held by the Trust pursuant to the provisions of the Trust Agreement and (c) any
cash held in the related Income and Capital Accounts. Neither the Sponsor nor
the Trustee shall be liable in any way for any failure in any of the Securities.
OBJECTIVES AND SECURITIES SELECTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The objective of each Trust is to provide an above average total return
through a combination of potential capital appreciation and dividend income,
consistent with the preservation of invested capital, by investing in a
portfolio of actively traded equity securities selected using the Trust's
investment strategy. We describe the investment strategy for each Trust in the
individual Trust sections beginning on page 4. There is no assurance that a
Trust will achieve its objective.
The publisher of the Dow Jones Industrial Average has not participated in any
way in the creation of the Trusts or in the selection of stocks included in the
Trusts and has not approved any information herein relating thereto. The
publisher of the Dow Jones Industrial Average is not affiliated with the
Sponsor.
Each Trust portfolio is selected by implementing the Trust strategy as of the
close of business three business days prior to the Initial Date of Deposit (the
"Selection Time"). The dividend yield is computed by annualizing the last
dividend declared and dividing the result by the market value at the Selection
Time.
The Trusts seek to achieve better performance than the Dow Jones Industrial
Average through similar investment strategies. Investment in a number of
companies having high dividends relative to their stock prices or low price to
book ratios (because their stock prices may be undervalued) is designed to
increase the potential for higher returns over time. The Trust investment
strategies are designed to be implemented on an annual basis. Investors who hold
Units through Trust termination may have investment results that differ
significantly from a Unit investment that is reinvested into a new trust every
twelve months.
A balanced investment portfolio incorporates various style and capitalization
characteristics. The Sponsor offers unit trusts with a variety of styles and
capitalizations to meet your needs. The Sponsor determines style characteristics
(growth and value) based on the criteria used in selecting the Trust portfolio.
Generally, a growth portfolio includes companies in a growth phase of their
business with increasing earnings. A value portfolio generally includes
companies with low relative price-earnings ratios that the Sponsor believes are
undervalued. The Sponsor determines market capitalizations as follows based on
the weighted median market capitalization of a portfolio: Small-Cap -- less than
$1.7 billion; Mid-Cap -- $1.7 billion to $10.8 billion; and Large-Cap -- over
$10.8 billion. The Sponsor determines all style and capitalization
characteristics as of the Initial Date of Deposit and the characteristics may
vary thereafter. The Sponsor will not remove a Security from a Trust as a result
of any change in characteristics.
Investors should note that the above criteria were applied to the Securities
for inclusion in the Trusts as of three business days prior to the Initial Date
of Deposit. Subsequent to this date, the Securities may no longer be included in
an index or meet the above criteria. Should a Security no longer be included in
these indexes or meet the selection criteria, the Security will not as a result
thereof be removed from its Trust portfolio.
RISK FACTORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE VOLATILITY. The Trusts invest in stocks of U.S. companies. The value of
Units will fluctuate with the value of these stocks and may be more or less than
the price you originally paid for your Units. The market value of stocks
sometimes moves up or down rapidly and unpredictably. Because the Trusts are
unmanaged, the Trustee will not sell stocks in response to market fluctuations
as is common in managed investments. In addition, because some Trusts hold a
relatively small number of stocks, you may encounter greater market risk than in
a more diversified investment. As with any investment, we cannot guarantee that
the performance of a Trust will be positive over any period of time.
DIVIDENDS. Stocks represent ownership interests in the issuers and are not
obligations of the issuers. Common stockholders have a right to receive
dividends only after the company has provided for payment of its creditors,
bondholders and preferred stockholders. Common stocks do not assure dividend
payments. Dividends are paid only when declared by an issuer's board of
directors and the amount of any dividend may vary over time.
LEGISLATION/LITIGATION. From time to time, various legislative initiatives
are proposed in the United States and abroad which may have a negative impact on
certain of the companies represented in the Trusts. In addition, litigation
regarding any of the issuers of the Securities, such as that concerning Philip
Morris Companies, Inc., or of the industries represented by these issuers may
negatively impact the share prices of these Securities. No one can predict what
impact any pending or threatened litigation will have on the share prices of the
Securities.
NO FDIC GUARANTEE. An investment in your Trust is not a deposit of any bank
and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
PUBLIC OFFERING
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GENERAL. Units are offered at the Public Offering Price which includes the
underlying value of the Securities, the sales charge, and cash, if any, in the
Income and Capital Accounts. The "Fee Table" describes the sales charge in
detail. A portion of the Public Offering Price includes an amount of Securities
to pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing your Trust.
These costs include the cost of preparing documents relating to the Trust (such
as the prospectus, trust agreement and closing documents), federal and state
registration fees, the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee and legal and
audit expenses. The initial offering period sales charge is reduced as follows:
AGGREGATE DOLLAR AMOUNT SALES CHARGE
OF UNITS PURCHASED* REDUCTION
- --------------------- ----------------
$50,000 - $99,999 0.25%
$100,000 - $149,999 0.50
$150,000 - $999,999 0.85
$1,000,000 or more 1.75
- ---------------
*The breakpoint sales charges are also applied on a Unit basis utilizing a
breakpoint equivalent in the above table of $10 per Unit and will be applied on
whichever basis is more favorable to the investor.
Any sales charge reduction is the responsibility of the selling broker,
dealer or agent. An investor may aggregate purchases of Units of the Trusts for
purposes of qualifying for volume purchase discounts listed above. The reduced
sales charge structure will also apply on all purchases by the same person from
any one dealer of units of Van Kampen-sponsored unit investment trusts which are
being offered in the initial offering period (a) on any one day (the "Initial
Purchase Date") or (b) on any day subsequent to the Initial Purchase Date if the
units purchased are of a unit investment trust purchased on the Initial Purchase
Date. In the event units of more than one trust are purchased on the Initial
Purchase Date, the aggregate dollar amount of such purchases will be used to
determine whether purchasers are eligible for a reduced sales charge. Such
aggregate dollar amount will be divided by the public offering price per unit of
each respective trust purchased to determine the total number of units which
such amount could have purchased of each individual trust. Purchasers must then
consult the applicable trust's prospectus to determine whether the total number
of units which could have been purchased of a specific trust would have
qualified for a reduced sales charge and the amount of such reduction. To
determine the applicable sales charge reduction it is necessary to accumulate
all purchases made on the Initial Purchase Date and all purchases made in
accordance with (b) above. Units purchased in the name of the spouse of a
purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser ("immediate family
members") will be deemed to be additional purchases by the purchaser for the
purposes of calculating the applicable sales charge. The reduced sales charges
will also be applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing securities
for one or more trust estate or fiduciary accounts. If you purchase Units on
more than one day to achieve the discounts described in this paragraph, the
discount allowed on any single day will apply only to Units purchased on that
day (a retroactive discount is not given on all prior purchases).
A portion of the sales charge is waived for certain accounts described in
this paragraph. Purchases by these accounts are subject only to the portion of
the deferred sales charge that is retained by the Sponsor. Please refer to the
section called "Wrap Fee and Advisory Accounts" for additional information on
these purchases. Units may be purchased in the primary or secondary market at
the Public Offering Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows to
brokers and dealers for purchases by (1) investors who purchase Units through
registered investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered
broker-dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for brokerage
services, financial planning, investment advisory or asset management service,
or provide such services in connection with the establishment of an investment
account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed, (2) bank trust
departments investing funds over which they exercise exclusive discretionary
investment authority and that are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or
similar capacity, (3) any person who for at least 90 days, has been an officer,
director or bona fide employee of any firm offering Units for sale to investors
or their immediate family members (as described above) and (4) officers and
directors of bank holding companies that make Units available directly or
through subsidiaries or bank affiliates. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Prospectus, such investors, bank trust departments, firm
employees and bank holding company officers and directors who purchase Units
through this program will not receive sales charge reductions for quantity
purchases.
During the initial offering period of the Trusts offered in this prospectus,
unitholders of any other Van Kampen-sponsored unit investment trusts may utilize
their redemption or termination proceeds to purchase Units of all Trusts offered
in this prospectus at the Public Offering Price per Unit less 1%.
During the initial offering period of the Trusts offered in this prospectus,
unitholders of unaffiliated unit investment trusts having an investment strategy
similar to the investment strategy of the Trusts offered in this prospectus may
utilize proceeds received upon termination or upon redemption immediately
preceding termination of such unaffiliated trust to purchase Units of a Trust
offered in this prospectus at the Public Offering Price per Unit less 1%.
Employees, officers and directors (including their spouses, children,
grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law,
sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the
benefit of such persons) of the Van Kampen Funds Inc. and its affiliates,
dealers and their affiliates and vendors providing services to the Sponsor may
purchase Units at the Public Offering Price less the applicable dealer
concession.
The minimum purchase is 100 Units (25 Units for retirement accounts) but may
vary by selling firm. However, in connection with fully disclosed transactions
with the Sponsor, the minimum purchase requirement will be that number of Units
set forth in the contract between the Sponsor and the related broker or agent.
OFFERING PRICE. The Public Offering Price of Units will vary from the amounts
stated under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in accordance with
fluctuations in the prices of the underlying Securities in the Trusts. The
initial price of the Securities was determined by Interactive Data Corporation,
a firm regularly engaged in the business of evaluating, quoting or appraising
comparable securities. The Evaluator will generally determine the value of the
Securities as of the Evaluation Time on each business day and will adjust the
Public Offering Price of Units accordingly. This Public Offering Price will be
effective for all orders received prior to the Evaluation Time on each business
day. The Evaluation Time is the close of the New York Stock Exchange on each
Trust business day. Orders received by the Trustee or Sponsor for purchases,
sales or redemptions after that time, or on a day which is not a business day,
will be held until the next determination of price. The term "business day", as
used herein and under "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units", excludes
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays observed by the New York Stock Exchange.
The aggregate underlying value of the Securities during the initial offering
period is determined on each business day by the Evaluator in the following
manner: If the Securities are listed on a national or foreign securities
exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., this evaluation is generally based on
the closing sale prices on that exchange or market (unless it is determined that
these prices are inappropriate as a basis for valuation) or, if there is no
closing sale price on that exchange or market, at the closing asked prices. If
the Securities are not listed on a national or foreign securities exchange or
the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. or, if so listed and the principal market therefor
is other than on the exchange or market, the evaluation shall generally be based
on the current asked price on the over-the-counter market (unless it is
determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If
current asked prices are unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a)
on the basis of current asked prices for comparable securities, (b) by
appraising the value of the Securities on the asked side of the market or (c) by
any combination of the above. The value of the Securities for purposes of
secondary market transactions and redemptions is described under "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units".
In offering the Units to the public, neither the Sponsor nor any
broker-dealers are recommending any of the individual Securities but rather the
entire pool of Securities in a Trust, taken as a whole, which are represented by
the Units.
UNIT DISTRIBUTION. Units will be distributed to the public by the Sponsor,
broker-dealers and others at the Public Offering Price. Units repurchased in the
secondary market, if any, may be offered by this Prospectus at the secondary
market Public Offering Price in the manner described above.
The Sponsor intends to qualify Units for sale in a number of states. Brokers,
dealers and others will be allowed a concession or agency commission in
connection with the distribution of Units during the initial offering period as
set forth in the following table. A portion of the concessions or agency
commissions represents amounts paid by the Sponsor out of its own assets as
additional compensation.
AGGREGATE
DOLLAR AMOUNT OF
UNITS PURCHASED
-------------------------
Less than $50,000 2.25%
$50,000 - $99,999 2.00
$100,000 - $149,999 1.75
$150,000 - $999,999 1.40
$1,000,000 or more 0.65
Any discount provided to investors will be borne by the selling dealer or
agent as indicated under "General" above. For transactions involving unitholders
of other unit investment trusts who use their redemption or termination proceeds
to purchase Units of the Trusts, the total concession or agency commission will
equal 1.30% (or such lesser amount resulting from discounts). For all secondary
market transactions the total concession or agency commission will amount to
2.10% per Unit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no case
shall the total of any concessions, agency commissions and any additional
compensation allowed or paid to any broker, dealer or other distributor of Units
with respect to any individual transaction exceed the total sales charge
applicable to such transaction. The Sponsor reserves the right to reject, in
whole or in part, any order for the purchase of Units and to change the amount
of the concession or agency commission to dealers and others from time to time.
The breakpoint concessions or agency commissions are also applied on a Unit
basis utilizing a breakpoint equivalent of $10 per Unit and will be applied on
whichever basis is more favorable to the broker, dealer or agent.
Broker-dealers of the Trusts, banks and/or others may be eligible to
participate in a program in which such firms receive from the Sponsor a nominal
award for each of their representatives who have sold a minimum number of units
of unit investment trusts created by the Sponsor during a specified time period.
In addition, at various times the Sponsor may implement other programs under
which the sales forces of brokers, dealers, banks and/or others may be eligible
to win other nominal awards for certain sales efforts, or under which the
Sponsor will reallow to such brokers, dealers, banks and/or others that sponsor
sales contests or recognition programs conforming to criteria established by the
Sponsor, or participate in sales programs sponsored by the Sponsor, an amount
not exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by such
persons at the public offering price during such programs. Also, the Sponsor in
its discretion may from time to time pursuant to objective criteria established
by the Sponsor pay fees to qualifying entities for certain services or
activities which are primarily intended to result in sales of Units of the
Trusts. Such payments are made by the Sponsor out of its own assets, and not out
of the assets of any Trust. These programs will not change the price Unitholders
pay for their Units or the amount that a Trust will receive from the Units sold.
SPONSOR COMPENSATION. The Sponsor will receive a gross sales commission equal
to the total sales charge applicable to each transaction. Any sales charge
discount provided to investors will be borne by the selling dealer or agent. In
addition, the Sponsor will realize a profit or loss as a result of the
difference between the price paid for the Securities by the Sponsor and the cost
of the Securities to each Trust on the Initial Date of Deposit as well as on
subsequent deposits. See "Notes to Portfolios". The Sponsor has not participated
as sole underwriter or as manager or as a member of the underwriting syndicates
or as an agent in a private placement for any of the Securities. The Sponsor may
realize profit or loss as a result of the possible fluctuations in the market
value of the Securities, since all proceeds received from purchasers of Units
are retained by the Sponsor. In maintaining a secondary market, the Sponsor will
realize profits or losses in the amount of any difference between the price at
which Units are purchased and the price at which Units are resold (which price
includes the applicable sales charge) or from a redemption of repurchased Units
at a price above or below the purchase price. Cash, if any, made available to
the Sponsor prior to the date of settlement for the purchase of Units may be
used in the Sponsor's business and may be deemed to be a benefit to the Sponsor,
subject to the limitations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The Sponsor or an affiliate may have participated in a public offering of one
or more of the Securities. The Sponsor, an affiliate or their employees may have
a long or short position in these Securities or related securities. An affiliate
may act as a specialist or market maker for these Securities. An officer,
director or employee of the Sponsor or an affiliate may be an officer or
director for issuers of the Securities.
Purchases and sales of Securities by your Trust may impact the value of the
Securities. This may especially be the case during the initial offering of
Units, upon Trust termination and in the course of satisfying large Unit
redemptions. Any publication of a list of Securities, or a list of anticipated
Securities, to be included in a Trust may also cause increased buying activity
in certain Securities. Once this information becomes public, investors may
purchase individual Securities appearing in such a publication and may do so
during or prior to the initial offering of Units. It is possible that these
investors could include investment advisory and brokerage firms of the Sponsor
or its affiliates or firms that are distributing Units. This activity may cause
your Trust to purchase stocks at a higher price than those buyers who effect
purchases prior to purchases by your Trust.
MARKET FOR UNITS. Although it is not obligated to do so, the Sponsor
currently intends to maintain a market for Units and to purchase Units at the
secondary market repurchase price (which is described under "Right of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units"). The Sponsor may discontinue purchases of
Units or discontinue purchases at this price at any time. The Sponsor intends to
maintain a secondary market for Units only during the first six months following
the Initial Date of Deposit. In the event that a secondary market is not
maintained, a Unitholder will be able to dispose of Units by tendering them to
the Trustee for redemption at the Redemption Price. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units". Unitholders should contact their broker to
determine the best price for Units in the secondary market. The Trustee will
notify the Sponsor of any tendered of Units for redemption. If the Sponsor's bid
in the secondary market equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per Unit, it may
purchase the Units not later than the day on which Units would have been
redeemed by the Trustee. The Sponsor may sell repurchased Units at the secondary
market Public Offering Price per Unit.
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Units are available for purchase in connection with certain types of
tax-sheltered retirement plans, including Individual Retirement Accounts for the
individuals, Simplified Employee Pension Plans for employees, qualified plans
for self-employed individuals, and qualified corporate pension and profit
sharing plans for employees. The minimum purchase for these accounts is reduced
to 25 Units but may vary by selling firm. The purchase of Units may be limited
by the plans' provisions and does not itself establish such plans.
WRAP FEE AND ADVISORY ACCOUNTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Units may be available for purchase by investors who purchase Units through
registered investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered
broker-dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for brokerage
services, financial planning, investment advisory or asset management service,
or provide such services in connection with the establishment of an investment
account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed. You should
consult your financial professional to determine whether you can benefit from
these accounts. For these purchases you generally only pay the portion of the
sales charge that is retained by your Trust,s Sponsor, Van Kampen Funds Inc.
This table illustrates the transaction fees you will pay as a percentage of the
public offering price per Unit.
Fee paid to broker on purchase 0.00%
Sponsor retention 0.50
------
Total 0.50%
======
You should consult the "Public Offering--General" section for specific
information on this and other sales charge discounts.
RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS. Dividends and any net proceeds from the sale of Securities
received by a Trust will generally be distributed to Unitholders on each
Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the preceding Record Date. These
dates appear under "Summary of Essential Financial Information". A person
becomes a Unitholder of record on the date of settlement (generally three
business days after Units are ordered). Unitholders may elect to receive
distributions in cash or to have distributions reinvested into additional Units.
Distributions may also be reinvested into Van Kampen mutual funds. See "Rights
of Unitholders--Reinvestment Option".
Dividends received by a Trust are credited to the Income Account of the
Trust. Other receipts (e.g., capital gains, proceeds from the sale of
Securities, etc.) are credited to the Capital Account. Proceeds received on the
sale of any Securities, to the extent not used to meet redemptions of Units or
pay deferred sales charges, fees or expenses, will be distributed to
Unitholders. Proceeds received from the disposition of any Securities after a
record date and prior to the following distribution date will be held in the
Capital Account and not distributed until the next distribution date. Any
distribution to Unitholders consists of each Unitholder's pro rata share of the
available cash in the Income and Capital Accounts as of the related Record Date.
REINVESTMENT OPTION. Unitholders may have distributions automatically
reinvested in additional Units under the Automatic Reinvestment Option without a
sales charge (to the extent Units may be lawfully offered for sale in the state
in which the Unitholder resides). To participate in this reinvestment option, a
Unitholder must file with the Trustee a written notice of election, together
with any certificate representing Units and other documentation that the Trustee
may then require, at least five days prior to the related Record Date. A
Unitholder's election will apply to all Units owned by the Unitholder and will
remain in effect until changed by the Unitholder. If Units are unavailable for
reinvestment, distributions will be paid in cash.
In addition, under the Guaranteed Reinvestment Option Unitholders may elect
to have distributions automatically reinvested in certain Van Kampen mutual
funds (the "Reinvestment Funds"). Each Reinvestment Fund has investment
objectives which differ from those of the Trusts. The prospectus relating to
each Reinvestment Fund describes its investment policies and how to begin
reinvestment. A Unitholder may obtain a prospectus for the Reinvestment Funds
from the Sponsor. Purchases of shares of a Reinvestment Fund will be made at a
net asset value computed on the Distribution Date. Unitholders with an existing
Guaranteed Reinvestment Option account (whereby a sales charge is imposed on
distribution reinvestments) may transfer their existing account into a new
account which allows purchases of Reinvestment Fund shares at net asset value.
A participant may elect to terminate his or her reinvestment plan and receive
future distributions in cash by notifying the Trustee in writing no later than
five days before a distribution date. The Sponsor, each Reinvestment Fund, and
its investment adviser shall have the right to suspend or terminate these
reinvestment plans at any time.
REDEMPTION OF UNITS. A Unitholder may redeem all or a portion of his Units by
tender to the Trustee at its Unit Investment Trust Division, 101 Barclay Street,
20th Floor, New York, New York 10286. Certificates must be tendered to the
Trustee, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with
signature guaranteed (or by providing satisfactory indemnity in connection with
lost, stolen or destroyed certificates) and by payment of applicable
governmental charges, if any. On the seventh day following the tender, the
Unitholder will be entitled to receive in cash an amount for each Unit equal to
the Redemption Price per Unit next computed on the date of tender. The "date of
tender" is deemed to be the date on which Units are received by the Trustee,
except that with respect to Units received by the Trustee after the Evaluation
Time or on a day which is not a Trust business day, the date of tender is deemed
to be the next business day.
Unitholders tendering 1,000 or more Units of a Trust for redemption may
request an in kind distribution of Securities equal to the Redemption Price per
Unit on the date of tender. An in kind distribution will be made by the Trustee
through the distribution of each of the Securities in book-entry form to the
account of the Unitholder's broker-dealer at Depository Trust Company. Amounts
representing fractional shares will be distributed in cash. The Trustee may
adjust the number of shares of any Security included in a Unitholder's in kind
distribution to facilitate the distribution of whole shares.
The Trustee may sell Securities to satisfy Unit redemptions. To the extent
that Securities are redeemed in kind or sold, the size of a Trust will be, and
the diversity of a Trust may be, reduced. Sales may be required at a time when
Securities would not otherwise be sold and may result in lower prices than might
otherwise be realized. The price received upon redemption may be more or less
than the amount paid by the Unitholder depending on the value of the Securities
at the time of redemption. Special federal income tax consequences will result
if a Unitholder requests an in kind distribution. See "Taxation".
The Redemption Price per Unit and the secondary market repurchase price per
Unit are equal to the pro rata share of each Unit in each Trust determined on
the basis of (i) the cash on hand in the Trust, (ii) the value of the Securities
in the Trust and (iii) dividends receivable on the Securities in the Trust
trading ex-dividend as of the date of computation, less (a) amounts representing
taxes or other governmental charges payable out of the Trust and (b) the accrued
expenses of the Trust. During the initial offering period, the redemption price
and the secondary market repurchase price will include estimated organizational
and offering costs. For these purposes, the Evaluator may determine the value of
the Securities in the following manner: If the Securities are listed on a
national or foreign securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., this
evaluation is generally based on the closing sale prices on that exchange or
market (unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis
for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that exchange or market,
at the closing bid prices. If the Securities are not so listed or, if so listed
and the principal market therefor is other than on the exchange or market, the
evaluation may be based on the current bid price on the over-the-counter market.
If current bid prices are unavailable or inappropriate, the evaluation may be
determined (a) on the basis of current bid prices for comparable securities, (b)
by appraising the Securities on the bid side of the market or (c) by any
combination of the above.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any period
during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than for customary
weekend and holiday closings, or any period during which the SEC determines that
trading on that Exchange is restricted or an emergency exists, as a result of
which disposal or evaluation of the Securities is not reasonably practicable, or
for other periods as the SEC may permit.
SPECIAL REDEMPTION AND ROLLOVER. We currently intend to offer a subsequent
series of each Trust for a Rollover when the Trusts terminate. On the Mandatory
Termination Date you will have the option to (1) participate in the Rollover and
have your Units reinvested into a subsequent trust series, (2) receive an in
kind distribution of Securities (if applicable) or (3) receive a cash
distribution.
If you elect to participate in the Rollover, your Units will be redeemed on
the Mandatory Termination Date. As the redemption proceeds become available, the
proceeds (including dividends) will be invested in a new trust series at the
public offering price for the new trust. The Trustee will attempt to sell
Securities to satisfy the redemption as quickly as practicable on the Mandatory
Termination Date. We do not anticipate that the sale period will be longer than
one day, however, certain factors could affect the ability to sell the
Securities and could impact the length of the sale period. The liquidity of any
Security depends on the daily trading volume of the Security and the amount
available for redemption and reinvestment on any day.
We intend to make subsequent trust series available for sale at various times
during the year. Of course, we cannot guarantee that a subsequent trust or
sufficient units will be available or that any subsequent trusts will offer the
same investment strategies or objectives as the current Trusts. We cannot
guarantee that a Rollover will avoid any negative market price consequences
resulting from trading large volumes of securities. Market price trends may make
it advantageous to sell or buy securities more quickly or more slowly than
permitted by the Trust procedures. We may, in our sole discretion, modify a
Rollover or stop creating units of a trust at any time regardless of whether all
proceeds of Unitholders have been reinvested in a Rollover. If we decide not to
offer a subsequent series, Unitholders will be notified prior to the Mandatory
Termination Date. Cash which has not been reinvested in a Rollover will be
distributed to Unitholders shortly after the Mandatory Termination Date.
Rollover participants may receive taxable dividends or realize taxable capital
gains which are reinvested in connection with a Rollover but may not be entitled
to a deduction for capital losses due to the "wash sale" tax rules. Due to the
reinvestment in a subsequent trust, no cash will be distributed to pay any
taxes. See "Taxation".
CERTIFICATES. Ownership of Units is evidenced in book-entry form unless a
Unitholder makes a written request to the Trustee that ownership be in
certificate form. Units are transferable by making a written request to the
Trustee and, in the case of Units in certificate form, by presentation of the
certificate to the Trustee properly endorsed or accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unitholder must sign the written
request, and certificate or transfer instrument, exactly as his name appears on
the records of the Trustee and on the face of any certificate with the signature
guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program
("STAMP") or a signature guarantee program accepted by the Trustee. In certain
instances the Trustee may require additional documents such as, but not limited
to, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor or
administrator or certificates of corporate authority. Fractional certificates
will not be issued. The Trustee may require a Unitholder to pay a reasonable fee
for each certificate reissued or transferred and to pay any governmental charge
that may be imposed in connection with each transfer or interchange. Destroyed,
stolen, mutilated or lost certificates will be replaced upon delivery to the
Trustee of satisfactory indemnity, evidence of ownership and payment of expenses
incurred. Mutilated certificates must be surrendered to the Trustee for
replacement.
REPORTS PROVIDED. Unitholders will receive a statement of dividends and other
amounts received by a Trust for each distribution. Within a reasonable time
after the end of each year, each person who was a Unitholder during that year
will receive a statement describing dividends and capital received, actual Trust
distributions, Trust expenses, a list of the Securities and other Trust
information. Unitholders may obtain the Evaluator's evaluations of the
Securities upon request.
TRUST ADMINISTRATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATION. The Trusts are not managed funds and, except as
provided in the Trust Agreement, Securities generally will not be sold or
replaced. The Sponsor may, however, direct that Securities be sold in certain
limited circumstances to protect the Trust based on advice from the Supervisor.
These situations may include events such as the issuer having defaulted on
payment of any of its outstanding obligations or the price of a Security has
declined to such an extent or other credit factors exist so that in the opinion
of the Sponsor retention of the Security would be detrimental to the Trust. If a
public tender offer has been made for a Security or a merger or acquisition has
been announced affecting a Security, the Trustee may either sell the Security or
accept a tender offer for cash if the Supervisor determines that the sale or
tender is in the best interest of Unitholders. The Trustee will distribute any
cash proceeds to Unitholders. In addition, the Trustee may sell Securities to
redeem Units or pay Trust expenses or deferred sales charges. The Trustee must
reject any offer for securities or property other than cash in exchange for the
Securities. If securities or property are nonetheless acquired by a Trust, the
Sponsor may direct the Trustee to sell the securities or property and distribute
the proceeds to Unitholders or to accept the securities or property for deposit
in the Trust. Should any contract for the purchase of any of the Securities
fail, the Sponsor will (unless substantially all of the moneys held in the Trust
to cover the purchase are reinvested in substitute Securities in accordance with
the Trust Agreement) refund the cash and sales charge attributable to the failed
contract to all Unitholders on or before the next distribution date.
When your Trust sells Securities, the composition and diversity of the
Securities in the Trust may be altered. In order to obtain the best price for a
Trust, it may be necessary for the Supervisor to specify minimum amounts
(generally 100 shares) in which blocks of Securities are to be sold. In
effecting purchases and sales of a Trust's portfolio securities, the Sponsor may
direct that orders be placed with and brokerage commissions be paid to brokers,
including brokers which may be affiliated with the Trusts, the Sponsor or
dealers participating in the offering of Units. In addition, in selecting among
firms to handle a particular transaction, the Sponsor may take into account
whether the firm has sold or is selling units of unit investment trusts which it
sponsors.
Pursuant to an exemptive order, each terminating Trust is permitted to sell
Securities to a new trust series if those Securities meet the investment
strategy of the new trust. The exemption enables each Trust to eliminate
commission costs on these transactions. The price for those securities will be
the closing sale price on the sale date on the exchange where the Securities are
principally traded, as certified by the Sponsor.
AMENDMENT OF THE TRUST AGREEMENT. The Trustee and the Sponsor may amend the
Trust Agreement without the consent of Unitholders to correct any provision
which may be defective or to make other provisions that will not adversely
affect Unitholders (as determined in good faith by the Sponsor and the Trustee).
The Trust Agreement may not be amended to increase the number of Units or permit
acquisition of securities in addition to or substitution for the Securities
(except as provided in the Trust Agreement). The Trustee will notify Unitholders
of any amendment.
TERMINATION. Each Trust will terminate on the Mandatory Termination Date or
upon the sale or other disposition of the last Security held in the Trust. A
Trust may be terminated at any time with consent of Unitholders representing
two-thirds of the outstanding Units or by the Trustee when the value of the
Trust is less than $500,000 ($3,000,000 if the value of the Trust has exceeded
$15,000,000) (the "Minimum Termination Value"). Unitholders will be notified of
any termination. The Trustee may begin to sell Securities in connection with a
Trust termination nine business days before, and no later than, the Mandatory
Termination Date. Approximately thirty days before this date, the Trustee will
notify Unitholders of the termination and provide a form enabling qualified
Unitholders to elect an in kind distribution of Securities. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units". This form must be returned at least five
business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date. Unitholders will receive
a final cash distribution within a reasonable time after the Mandatory
Termination Date (unless the Unitholder has elected an in kind distribution or
is a participant in the final Rollover). All distributions will be net of Trust
expenses and costs. Unitholders will receive a final distribution statement
following termination. The Information Supplement contains further information
regarding termination of the Trusts. See "Additional Information".
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES. The Sponsor, Evaluator, Supervisor and Trustee
are under no liability for taking any action or for refraining from taking any
action in good faith pursuant to the Trust Agreement, or for errors in judgment,
but shall be liable only for their own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence (negligence in the case of the Trustee) in the performance of their
duties or by reason of their reckless disregard of their obligations and duties
hereunder. The Trustee is not be liable for depreciation or loss incurred by
reason of the sale by the Trustee of any of the Securities. In the event of the
failure of the Sponsor to act under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee may act
thereunder and is not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith under
the Trust Agreement. The Trustee is not liable for any taxes or other
governmental charges imposed on the Securities, on it as Trustee under the Trust
Agreement or on a Trust which the Trustee may be required to pay under any
present or future law of the United States of America or of any other taxing
authority having jurisdiction. In addition, the Trust Agreement contains other
customary provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee. The Trustee, Sponsor
and Supervisor may rely on any evaluation furnished by the Evaluator and have no
responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator shall
be made in good faith upon the basis of the best information available to it.
SPONSOR. Van Kampen Funds Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the Sponsor of the
Trust. The Sponsor is an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
Van Kampen Funds Inc. specializes in the underwriting and distribution of unit
investment trusts and mutual funds with roots in money management dating back to
1926. The Sponsor is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. and has its principal offices at 1 Parkview Plaza, P.O. Box 5555, Oakbrook
Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555, (630) 684-6000. As of November 30, 1999, the total
stockholders' equity of Van Kampen Funds Inc. was $141,554,861 (audited). The
Information Supplement contains additional information about the Sponsor.
If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the Trust
Agreement or become incapable of acting or shall become bankrupt or its affairs
are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (i) appoint a
successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the Trustee to be
reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (ii) terminate the Trust Agreement and liquidate the Trusts as
provided therein or (iii) continue to act as Trustee without terminating the
Trust Agreement.
TRUSTEE. The Trustee is The Bank of New York, a trust company organized under
the laws of New York. The Bank of New York has its unit investment trust
division offices at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286 (800) 221-7668.
The Bank of New York is subject to supervision and examination by the
Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York and the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation to the extent permitted by law. Additional information
regarding the Trustee is set forth in the Information Supplement, including the
Trustee's qualifications and duties, its ability to resign, the effect of a
merger involving the Trustee and the Sponsor's ability to remove and replace the
Trustee. See "Additional Information".
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION. The Sponsor may from time to time in its advertising
and sales materials compare the then current estimated returns on the Trusts and
returns over specified time periods on other similar Van Kampen trusts or
investment strategies utilized by the Trusts (which may show performance net of
expenses and charges which the Trusts would have charged) with returns on other
taxable investments such as the common stocks comprising the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, the S&P 500, other investment indices, corporate or U.S.
government bonds, bank CDs, money market accounts or money market funds, or with
performance data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar
Publications, Inc. or various publications, each of which has characteristics
that may differ from those of the Trusts. Information on percentage changes in
the dollar value of Units may be included from time to time in advertisements,
sales literature, reports and other information furnished to current or
prospective Unitholders. Total return figures may not be averaged and may not
reflect deduction of the sales charge, which would decrease return. No provision
is made for any income taxes payable. Past performance may not be indicative of
future results. The Trust portfolios are not managed and Unit price and return
fluctuate with the value of common stocks in the portfolios, so there may be a
gain or loss when Units are sold. As with other performance data, performance
comparisons should not be considered representative of the Trust's relative
performance for any future period.
TAXATION
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GENERAL. The following is a general discussion of certain of the federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Units.
The summary is limited to investors who hold the Units as capital assets
(generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Unitholders should
consult their tax advisers in determining the federal, state, local and any
other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Units in a
Trust.
For purposes of the following discussion and opinions, it is assumed that
each Security is equity for federal income tax purposes. In the opinion of
Chapman and Cutler, special counsel for the Sponsor, under existing law:
1. Each Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes; each Unitholder will be treated as the owner of a pro rata
portion of each of the assets of a Trust under the Code; and the income of each
Trust will be treated as income of the Unitholders thereof under the Code. Each
Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro rata share of income
derived from each Security when such income is considered to be received by a
Trust.
2. A Unitholder will be considered to have received all of the dividends paid
on his pro rata portion of each Security when such dividends are considered to
be received by a Trust. Unitholders will be taxed in this manner regardless of
whether distributions from a Trust are actually received by the Unitholder or
are automatically reinvested (see "Rights of Unitholders--Reinvestment Option").
3. Each Unitholder will have a taxable event when a Trust disposes of a
Security (whether by sale, exchange, liquidation, redemption, or otherwise) or
upon the sale or redemption of Units by such Unitholder (except to the extent an
in kind distribution of stock is received by such Unitholder from a Trust as
described below). The price a Unitholder pays for his Units, generally including
sales charges, is allocated among his pro rata portion of each Security held by
a Trust (in proportion to the fair market values thereof on the valuation date
closest to the date the Unitholder purchases his Units) in order to determine
his initial tax basis for his pro rata portion of each Security held by a Trust.
Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to the calculation
of basis. For federal income tax purposes, a Unitholder's pro rata portion of
the dividends, as defined by Section 316 of the Code, paid by a corporation with
respect to a Security held by a Trust is taxable as ordinary income to the
extent of such corporation's current and accumulated "earnings and profits". A
Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends paid on such Security which exceed
such current and accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce a
Unitholder's tax basis in such Security, and to the extent that such dividends
exceed a Unitholder's tax basis in such Security shall generally be treated as
capital gain. In general, the holding period for such capital gain will be
determined by the period of time a Unitholder has held his Units.
4. A Unitholder's portion of gain, if any, upon the sale or redemption of
Units or the disposition of Securities held by a Trust will generally be
considered a capital gain (except in the case of a dealer or a financial
institution). A Unitholder's portion of loss, if any, upon the sale or
redemption of Units or the disposition of Securities held by a Trust will
generally be considered a capital loss (except in the case of a dealer or a
financial institution). In particular, a Rollover Unitholder should be aware
that a Rollover Unitholder's loss, if any, incurred in connection with the
exchange of Units for units in the next new series of the Trusts (the "New
Fund") will generally be disallowed with respect to the disposition of any
Securities pursuant to such exchange to the extent that such Unitholder is
considered the owner of substantially identical securities under the wash sale
provisions of the Code taking into account such Unitholder's deemed ownership of
the securities underlying the Units in the New Fund in the manner described
above, if such substantially identical securities were acquired within a period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after such disposition. However, any
gains incurred in connection with such an exchange by a Rollover Unitholder
would be recognized. Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the
recognition of gains and losses for federal income tax purposes.
DIVIDENDS RECEIVED DEDUCTION. A corporation that owns Units will generally be
entitled to a 70% dividends received deduction with respect to such Unitholder's
pro rata portion of dividends received by a Trust (to the extent such dividends
are taxable as ordinary income, as discussed above, and are attributable to
domestic corporations) in the same manner as if such corporation directly owned
the Securities paying such dividends (other than corporate Unitholders, such as
"S" corporations, which are not eligible for the deduction because of their
special characteristics and other than for purposes of special taxes such as the
accumulated earnings tax and the personal holding corporation tax). However, a
corporation owning Units should be aware that Sections 246 and 246A of the Code
impose additional limitations on the eligibility of dividends for the 70%
dividends received deduction. These limitations include a requirement that stock
(and therefore Units) must generally be held at least 46 days (as determined
under Section 246(c) of the Code). Final regulations have been issued which
address special rules that must be considered in determining whether the 46 day
holding period requirement is met. Moreover, the allowable percentage of the
deduction will be reduced from 70% if a corporate Unitholder owns certain stock
(or Units) the financing of which is directly attributable to indebtedness
incurred by such corporation. Unitholders should consult with their tax advisers
with respect to the limitations on and possible modifications to the dividends
received deduction.
To the extent dividends received by a Trust are attributable to foreign
corporations, a corporation that owns Units will not be entitled to the
dividends received deduction with respect to its pro rata portion of such
dividends, since the dividends received deduction is generally available only
with respect to dividends paid by domestic corporations.
LIMITATIONS ON DEDUCTIBILITY OF TRUST EXPENSES BY UNITHOLDERS. Each
Unitholder's pro rata share of each expense paid by a Trust is deductible by the
Unitholder to the same extent as though the expense had been paid directly by
him. As a result of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, certain miscellaneous itemized
deductions, such as investment expenses, tax return preparation fees and
employee business expenses will be deductible by an individual only to the
extent they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted gross income. Unitholders
may be required to treat some or all of the expenses of a Trust as miscellaneous
itemized deductions subject to this limitation.
RECOGNITION OF TAXABLE GAIN OR LOSS UPON DISPOSITION OF SECURITIES BY A TRUST
OR DISPOSITION OF UNITS. As discussed above, a Unitholder may recognize taxable
gain (or loss) when a Security is disposed of by a Trust or if the Unitholder
disposes of a Unit (although losses incurred by Rollover Unitholders may be
subject to disallowance, as discussed above). The Internal Revenue Service
Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (the "1998 Tax Act") provides that for
taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gain (which is defined as net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss for the taxable year)
realized from property (with certain exclusions) is subject to a maximum
marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of certain taxpayers in the
lowest tax bracket). Capital gain or loss is long-term if the holding period for
the asset is more than one year, and is short-term if the holding period for the
asset is one year or less. The date on which a Unit is acquired (i.e., the
"trade date") is excluded for purposes for determining the holding period of the
Unit. Capital gains realized from assets held for one year or less are taxed at
the same rates as ordinary income.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered into
after April 30, 1993. Unitholders and prospective investors should consult with
their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this provision on their
investment in Units.
If a Unitholder disposes of a Unit he is deemed thereby to have disposed of
his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the Trust involved including his
pro rata portion of all Securities represented by a Unit.
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Tax Act") includes provisions that
treat certain transactions designed to reduce or eliminate risk of loss and
opportunities for gain (e.g., short sales, offsetting notional principal
contracts, futures or forward contracts, or similar transactions) as
constructive sales for purposes of recognition of gain (but not loss) and for
purposes of determining the holding period. Unitholders should consult their own
tax advisers with regard to any such constructive sales rules.
SPECIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF IN KIND DISTRI BUTIONS UPON REDEMPTION OF UNITS
OR TERMINATION OF A TRUST. As discussed in "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of
Units," under certain circumstances a Unitholder tendering Units for redemption
may request an in kind distribution of certain Securities in a Trust. A
Unitholder may also under certain circumstances request an in kind distribution
of certain Securities in a Trust upon the termination of such Trust. A
Unitholder will receive cash representing his pro rata portion of the foreign
Securities in a Trust. See "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". The
Unitholder requesting an in kind distribution will be liable for expenses
related thereto (the "Distribution Expenses") and the amount of such in kind
distribution will be reduced by the amount of the Distribution Expenses. See
"Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". As previously discussed, prior to
the redemption of Units or the termination of a Trust, a Unitholder is
considered as owning a pro rata portion of each of such Trust's assets for
federal income tax purposes. The receipt of an in kind distribution will result
in a Unitholder receiving in whole shares of stock plus, possibly, cash.
The potential tax consequences that may occur under an in kind distribution
with respect to each Security owned by a Trust will depend on whether or not a
Unitholder receives cash in addition to Securities. A "Security" for this
purpose is a particular class of stock issued by a particular corporation. A
Unitholder will not recognize gain or loss if a Unitholder only receives
Securities in exchange for his or her pro rata portion in the Securities held by
a Trust. However, if a Unitholder also receives cash in exchange for a
fractional share of a Security or for a foreign Security held by a Trust, such
Unitholder will generally recognize gain or loss based upon the difference
between the amount of cash received by the Unitholder and his tax basis in such
fractional share of a Security or such foreign Security held by such Trust.
Because each Trust will own many Securities, a Unitholder who requests an in
kind distribution will have to analyze the tax consequences with respect to each
Security owned by such Trust. The amount of taxable gain (or loss) recognized
upon such exchange will generally equal the sum of the gain (or loss) recognized
under the rules described above by such Unitholder with respect to each Security
owned by such Trust. Unitholders who request an in kind distribution are advised
to consult their tax advisers in this regard.
ROLLOVER UNITHOLDERS. As discussed in "Rights of Unitholders--Special
Redemption and Rollover," a Unitholder may elect to become a Rollover
Unitholder. To the extent a Rollover Unitholder exchanges his Units for Units of
the New Fund in a taxable transaction, such Unitholder will recognize gains, if
any, but generally will not be entitled to a deduction for any losses recognized
upon the disposition of any Securities pursuant to such exchange to the extent
that such Unitholder is considered the owner of substantially identical
securities under the wash sale provisions of the Code taking into account such
Unitholder's deemed ownership of the securities underlying the Units in the New
Fund in the manner described above, if such substantially identical securities
were acquired within a period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after
such disposition under the wash sale provisions contained in Section 1091 of the
Code. In the event a loss is disallowed under the wash sale provisions, special
rules contained in Section 1091(d) of the Code apply to determine the
Unitholder's tax basis in the securities acquired. Rollover Unitholders are
advised to consult their tax advisers.
COMPUTATION OF THE UNITHOLDER'S TAX BASIS.
Initially, a Unitholder's tax basis in his Units will generally equal the price
paid by such Unitholder for his Units. The cost of the Units is allocated among
the Securities held in a Trust in accordance with the proportion of the fair
market values of such Securities on the valuation date nearest the date the
Units are purchased in order to determine such Unitholder's tax basis for his
pro rata portion of each Security.
A Unitholder's tax basis in his Units and his pro rata portion of a Security
held by a Trust will be reduced to the extent dividends paid with respect to
such Security are received by the Trust which are not taxable as ordinary income
as described above.
OTHER MATTERS. Each Unitholder will be requested to provide the Unitholder's
taxpayer identification number to the Trustee and to certify that the Unitholder
has not been notified that payments to the Unitholder are subject to back-up
withholding. If the proper taxpayer identification number and appropriate
certification are not provided when requested, distributions by a Trust to such
Unitholder (including amounts received upon the redemption of Units) will be
subject to back-up withholding. Distributions by a Trust (other than those that
are not treated as United States source income, if any) will generally be
subject to United States income taxation and withholding in the case of Units
held by non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations or other non-United
States persons. Such persons should consult their tax advisers.
In general, income that is not effectively connected to the conduct of a
trade or business within the United States that is earned by non-U.S.
Unitholders and derived from dividends of foreign corporations will not be
subject to U.S. withholding tax provided that less than 25 percent of the gross
income of the foreign corporation for a three-year period ending with the close
of its taxable year preceding payment was effectively connected to the conduct
of a trade or business within the United States. In addition, such earnings may
be exempt from U.S. withholding pursuant to a specific treaty between the United
States and a foreign country. Non-U.S. Unitholders should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the imposition of U.S. withholding on distributions from a
Trust.
It should be noted that payments to the Trusts of dividends on Securities
that are attributable to foreign corporations may be subject to foreign
withholding taxes and Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding
the potential tax consequences relating to the payment of any such withholding
taxes by the Trusts. Any dividends withheld as a result thereof will
nevertheless be treated as income to the Unitholders. Because, under the grantor
trust rules, an investor is deemed to have paid directly his share of foreign
taxes that have been paid or accrued, if any, an investor may be entitled to a
foreign tax credit or deduction for United States tax purposes with respect to
such taxes. The 1997 Tax Act imposes a required holding period for such credits.
Investors should consult their tax advisers with respect to foreign withholding
taxes and foreign tax credits.
At the termination of a Trust, the Trustee will furnish to each Unitholder of
such Trust a statement containing information relating to the dividends received
by such Trust on the Securities, the gross proceeds received by such Trust from
the disposition of any Security (resulting from redemption or the sale of any
Security), and the fees and expenses paid by such Trust. The Trustee will also
furnish annual information returns to Unitholders and to the Internal Revenue
Service.
Unitholders desiring to purchase Units for tax-deferred plans and IRAs should
consult their broker-dealers for details on establishing such accounts. Units
may also be purchased by persons who already have self-directed plans
established.
In the opinion of special counsel to the Fund for New York tax matters, each
Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of the
Trusts will be treated as the income of the Unitholders under the existing
income tax laws of the State and City of New York.
The foregoing discussion relates only to the tax treatment of U.S.
Unitholders ("U.S. Unitholders") with regard to federal and certain aspects of
New York State and City income taxes. Unitholders may be subject to taxation in
New York or in other jurisdictions and should consult their own tax advisers in
this regard. As used herein, the term "U.S. Unitholder" means an owner of a Unit
in one of the Trusts that (a) is (i) for United States federal income tax
purposes a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation,
partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States or of any political subdivision thereof, or (iii) an estate or
trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation
regardless of its source or (b) does not qualify as a U.S. Unitholder in
paragraph (a) but whose income from a Unit is effectively connected with such
Unitholder's conduct of a United States trade or business. The term also
includes certain former citizens of the United States whose income and gain on
the Units will be taxable. Unitholders should consult their tax advisers
regarding potential foreign, state or local taxation with respect to the Units.
TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES
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COMPENSATION OF SPONSOR, SUPERVISOR AND EVALUATOR. The Sponsor will not
receive any fees in connection with its activities relating to the Trusts.
However, the Supervisor and Evaluator, which are affiliates of the Sponsor, will
receive the annual fee for portfolio supervisory and evaluation services set
forth in the "Fee Table". These fees may exceed the actual costs of providing
these services to the Trusts but at no time will the total amount received for
supervisory and evaluation services rendered to all Van Kampen unit investment
trusts in any calendar year exceed the aggregate cost of providing these
services in that year.
TRUSTEE'S FEE. For its services the Trustee will receive the fee from each
Trust set forth in the "Fee Table" (which includes the estimated amount of
miscellaneous Trust expenses). The Trustee benefits to the extent there are
funds in the Capital and Income Accounts since these Accounts are non-interest
bearing to Unitholders and the amounts earned by the Trustee are retained by the
Trustee. Part of the Trustee's compensation for its services to each Trust is
expected to result from the use of these funds.
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES. The following additional charges are or may be
incurred by a Trust: (a) normal expenses (including the cost of mailing reports
to Unitholders) incurred in connection with the operation of such Trust, (b)
fees of the Trustee for extraordinary services, (c) expenses of the Trustee
(including legal and auditing expenses) and of counsel designated by the
Sponsor, (d) various governmental charges, (e) expenses and costs of any action
taken by the Trustee to protect a Trust and the rights and interests of
Unitholders, (f) indemnification of the Trustee for any loss, liability or
expenses incurred in the administration of a Trust without negligence, bad faith
or wilful misconduct on its part, (g) foreign custodial and transaction fees,
(h) costs associated with liquidating the securities held in a Trust portfolio,
(i) any offering costs incurred after the end of the initial offering period and
(j) expenditures incurred in contacting Unitholders upon termination of a Trust.
The Trusts will also pay a license fee to Dow Jones & Company, Inc. for use of
certain service marks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
GENERAL. The expenses of a Trust will accrue on a daily basis. The fees and
expenses are generally paid out of the Capital Account of the related Trust.
When these amounts are paid by or owing to the Trustee, they are secured by a
lien on the related Trust's portfolio. It is expected that Securities will be
sold to pay these amounts which will result in capital gains or losses to
Unitholders. See "Taxation". The Supervisor's, Evaluator's and Trustee's fees
may be increased without approval of the Unitholders by amounts not exceeding
proportionate increases under the category "All Services Less Rent of Shelter"
in the Consumer Price Index or, if this category is not published, in a
comparable category.
OTHER MATTERS
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LEGAL OPINIONS. The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon
by Chapman and Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, as
counsel for the Sponsor. Winston & Strawn has acted as counsel to the Trustee
and as special counsel for New York tax matters.
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS. The statements of condition and the
related portfolios included in this Prospectus have been audited by Grant
Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, as set forth in their
report in this Prospectus, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
Registration Statement filed by the Trusts with the SEC. The Information
Supplement, which has been filed with the SEC, includes more detailed
information concerning the Securities, investment risks and general information
about the Trusts. Information about your Trust (including the Information
Supplement) can be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. You may obtain information about the Public Reference Room by
calling 1-202-942-8090. Reports and other information about your Trust are
available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a
duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address:
[email protected] or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0102.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TITLE PAGE
----- ----
Summary of Essential Financial Information.. 2
Fee Table................................... 3
The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust................ 4
The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust................. 6
Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables.... 8
Notes to Portfolios......................... 8
The Securities.............................. 9
Report of Independent Certified
Public Accountants....................... 10
Statements of Condition .................... 11
The Trusts.................................. A-1
Objectives and Securities Selection......... A-1
Risk Factors................................ A-2
Public Offering............................. A-3
Retirement Accounts......................... A-6
Wrap Fee and Advisory Accounts.............. A-6
Rights of Unitholders....................... A-7
Trust Administration........................ A-9
Taxation.................................... A-12
Trust Operating Expenses.................... A-16
Other Matters............................... A-16
Additional Information...................... A-17
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When Units of the Trusts are no longer available this prospectus may be used as
a preliminary prospectus for a future Trust. If this prospectus is used for
future Trusts you should note the following:
The information in this prospectus is not complete with respect to future Trust
series and may be changed. No person may sell Units of future Trusts until a
registration statement is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell Units and is not
soliciting an offer to buy Units in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
EMSPRO227
PROSPECTUS
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MAY 9, 2000
VAN KAMPEN
FOCUS PORTFOLIOS(SM)
A DIVISION OF VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
THE DOWSM STRATEGIC 10 TRUST,
MAY 2000 TRADITIONAL SERIES
THE DOWSM STRATEGIC 5 TRUST,
MAY 2000 TRADITIONAL SERIES
VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
1 Parkview Plaza
P.O. Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555
Please retain this prospectus for future reference
VAN KAMPEN
INFORMATION SUPPLEMENT
VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 227
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This Information Supplement provides additional information concerning the
risks and operations of the Trust which is not described in the Prospectus. You
should read this Information Supplement in conjunction with the Prospectus. This
Information Supplement is not a prospectus. It does not include all of the
information that you should consider before investing in a Trust. This
Information Supplement may not be used to offer or sell Units without the
Prospectus. You can obtain copies of the Prospectus by contacting the Sponsor at
1 Parkview Plaza, P.O. Box 5555, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555 or by
contacting your broker. This Information Supplement is dated as of the date of
the Prospectus. All capitalized terms have been defined in the Prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Risk Factors 2
The Trust Strategies 3
The Indexes 3
Sponsor Information 4
Trustee Information 5
Trust Termination 5
RISK FACTORS
PRICE VOLATILITY. Because the Trusts invest in stocks of U.S. and foreign
companies, you should understand the risks of investing in common stocks before
purchasing Units. These risks include the risk that the financial condition of
the company or the general condition of the stock market may worsen and the
value of the stocks (and therefore Units) will fall. Stocks are especially
susceptible to general stock market movements. The value of common stocks often
rises or falls rapidly and unpredictably as market confidence and perceptions of
companies change. These perceptions are based on factors including expectations
regarding government economic policies, inflation, interest rates, economic
expansion or contraction, political climates and economic or banking crises. The
value of Units will fluctuate with the value of the stocks in a Trust and may be
more or less than the price you originally paid for your Units. As with any
investment, we cannot guarantee that the performance of a Trust will be positive
over any period of time. Because the Trusts are unmanaged, the Trustee will not
sell stocks in response to market fluctuations as is common in managed
investments. In addition, because some Trusts hold a relatively small number of
stocks, you may encounter greater market risk than in a more diversified
investment.
LITIGATION. Philip Morris Companies, Inc. common stock may represent a
signigicant portfion of the value of the Trusts. Pending or threatened legal
proceedings against Philip Morris cover a wide range of matters including
product liability and consumer protection. Damages claimed in many of the
smoking and health cases alleging personal injury (both individual and class
actions), and in health cost recovery cases brought by governments, unions and
similar entities (the most recent suit was filed by the Justice Department on
September 22, 1999) seeking reimbursement for healthcare expenditures, aggregate
many billions of dollars.
On November 23, 1998, Philip Morris entered into a Master Settlement
Agreement with 46 state governments to settle the asserted and unasserted
healthcare cost recovery and certain other claims against them. The Agreement is
subject to final judicial approval in each of the settling states. As part of
the Agreement, Philip Morris and the three other major domestic tobacco
manufacturers have agreed to participate in the establishment of a $5.15 billion
trust fund. The trust is to be funded over 12 years beginning in 1999. PM Inc.
has agreed to pay $300 million into the trust in 1999. Philip Morris charged
approximately $3.1 billion as a pretax expense in 1998 as a result of the
settlement, and as of December 31, 1998, had accrued costs of its obligations
under the settlement and to tobacco growers aggregating $1.4 billion, payable
principally before the end of the year 2000. Philip Morris believes the
agreement will likely materially adversely affect the business, volume, cash
flows and/or operating income and financial position of the company in future
years. The degree of the adverse impact will depend, among other things, on the
rates of decline in United States cigarette sales in the premium and discount
segments, the company's share of the domestic premium and discount cigarette
segments, and the effect of any resulting cost advantage of manufacturers not
subject to the agreement.
No one can predict the outcome of the litigation pending against these
companies or how the current uncertainty concerning regulatory and legislative
measures will ultimately be resolved. No one can predict the impact that these
and other possible developments will have on the price of the stocks or any
Trust.
DIVIDENDS. Stocks represent ownership interests in a company and are not
obligations of the company. Common stockholders have a right to receive payments
from the company that is subordinate to the rights of creditors, bondholders or
preferred stockholders of the company. This means that common stockholders have
a right to receive dividends only if a company's board of directors declares a
dividend and the company has provided for payment of all of its creditors,
bondholders and preferred stockholders. If a company issues additional debt
securities or preferred stock, the owners of these securities will have a claim
against the company's assets before common stockholders if the company declares
bankruptcy or liquidates its assets even though the common stock was issued
first. As a result, the company may be less willing or able to declare or pay
dividends on its common stock.
LIQUIDITY. Whether or not the stocks in a Trust are listed on a stock
exchange, the stocks may delist from the exchange or principally trade in an
over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading market
could depend on whether dealers will make a market in the stocks. We cannot
guarantee that dealers will maintain a market or that any market will be liquid.
The value of the stocks could fall if trading markets are limited or absent.
ADDITIONAL UNITS. The Sponsor may create additional Units of a Trust by
depositing into the Trust additional stocks or cash with instructions to
purchase additional stocks. A cash deposit could result in a dilution of your
investment and anticipated income because of fluctuations in the price of the
stocks between the time of the deposit and the purchase of the stocks and
because the Trust will pay brokerage fees.
VOTING. Only the Trustee may sell or vote the stocks in a Trust. While you
may sell or redeem your Units, you may not sell or vote the stocks in your
Trust. The Sponsor will instruct the Trustee how to vote the stocks. The Trustee
will vote the stocks in the same general proportion as shares held by other
shareholders if the Sponsor fails to provide instructions.
THE TRUST STRATEGIES
In seeking the Trusts' objectives, the Sponsor considered the ability of
the Securities to outpace inflation. While inflation is currently relatively
low, the United States has historically experienced periods of double-digit
inflation. While the prices of securities will fluctuate, over time securities
have outperformed the rate of inflation, and other less risky investments, such
as government bonds and U.S. Treasury bills. Past performance is, however, no
guarantee of future results.
The companies represented in the Trusts are some of the most well-known and
highly capitalized companies in the world. The Trusts seek to achieve better
performances than the related indexes through similar investment strategies.
Investment in a number of companies having high dividends relative to their
stock prices (usually because their stock prices are undervalued) is designed to
increase each Trust's potential for higher returns. There is, of course, no
assurance that a Trust (which includes expenses and sales charges) will achieve
its objective.
It should be noted that the foregoing yield comparisons do not take into
account any expenses or sales commissions which would arise from an investment
in Units of the Trusts. The Trusts seek to achieve better performances than the
related indexes through similar investment strategies. Investment in a number of
companies having high dividends relative to their stock prices (usually because
their stock prices are undervalued) is designed to increase each Trust's
potential for higher returns. There is, of course, no assurance that a Trust
(which includes expenses and sales charges) will achieve its objective. The
investment strategies utilized by the Trusts are designed to be implemented on
an annual basis. Investors who hold Units through Trust termination may have
investment results that differ significantly from a Unit investment that is
reinvested into a new trust each year.
Investors should note that the above criteria were applied to the
Securities for inclusion in the Trusts as of three business days prior to the
Initial Date of Deposit. Subsequent to this date, the Securities may no longer
be included in an index, may not be providing one of the ten highest dividend
yields within these indexes or may not have one of the 2nd through 6th lowest
per share prices within the relevant index. Should a Security no longer be
included in these indexes or meet the criteria used for selection for a Trust,
such Security will not as a result thereof be removed from a Trust portfolio.
THE INDEXES
THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ("DJIA")
was first published in The Wall Street Journal in 1896. Initially consisting of
just 12 stocks, the DJIA expanded to 20 stocks in 1916 and its present size of
30 stocks on October 1, 1928. The following is the list as it currently appears:
Alcoa, Inc.
American Express Company
AT&T Corporation
Boeing Company
Caterpillar, Inc.
Citigroup, Inc.
Coca-Cola Company
Eastman Kodak Company
E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company
Exxon Mobil Corporation
General Electric Company
General Motors Corporation
Hewlett-Packard Company
Home Depot Inc.
Honeywell International Inc.
Intel Corporation
International Business Machines Corporation
International Paper Company
J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
McDonald's Corporation
Merck & Company, Inc.
Microsoft Corporation
Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
Philip Morris Companies, Inc.
Procter & Gamble Company
SBC Communications Inc.
United Technologies Corporation
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Walt Disney Company
"Dow JonesSM", "Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM", "The Dow 5SM", "The Dow
10SM", "The Dow 30SM", "The DowSM", and "DJIASM" are proprietary to and service
marks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use for certain
purposes by the Trusts. The Trusts are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted
by Dow Jones and Dow Jones makes no representation regarding the avisability of
investing in any Trust.
SPONSOR INFORMATION
Van Kampen Funds Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the Sponsor of your
Portfolio. The Sponsor is an indirect subsidiary of Van Kampen Investments Inc.
Van Kampen Investments Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of MSAM Holdings II,
Inc., which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter &
Co.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., together with various of its directly and
indirectly owned subsidiaries, is engaged in a wide range of financial services
through three primary businesses: securities, asset management and credit
services. These principal businesses include securities underwriting,
distribution and trading; merger, acquisition, restructuring and other corporate
finance advisory activities; merchant banking; stock brokerage and research
services; credit services; asset management; trading of futures, options,
foreign exchange commodities and swaps (involving foreign exchange, commodities,
indices and interest rates); and real estate advice, financing and investing.
Van Kampen Funds Inc. specializes in the underwriting and distribution of
unit investment trusts and mutual funds with roots in money management dating
back to 1926. The Sponsor is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. and has its principal offices at 1 Parkview Plaza, P.O. Box 5555,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555, (630) 684-6000. As of November 30, 1999,
the total stockholders' equity of Van Kampen Funds Inc. was $141,554,861
(audited). (This paragraph relates only to the Sponsor and not to the Trust or
to any other Series thereof. The information is included herein only for the
purpose of informing investors as to the financial responsibility of the Sponsor
and its ability to carry out its contractual obligations. More detailed
financial information will be made available by the Sponsor upon request.)
As of March 31, 2000, the Sponsor and its Van Kampen affiliates managed or
supervised more than $100 billion of investment products. The Sponsor and its
Van Kampen affiliates managed $84.2 billion of assets for more than 63 open-end
mutual funds, 39 closed-end funds and more than 2,700 unit trusts as of March
31, 2000. All of Van Kampen's open-end funds, closed-ended funds and unit
investment trusts are professionally distributed by leading financial firms
nationwide. Since 1976, the Sponsor has serviced over two million investor
accounts, opened through retail distribution firms.
If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the Trust
Agreement or become incapable of acting or shall become bankrupt or its affairs
are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (i) appoint a
successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the Trustee to be
reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (ii) terminate the Trust Agreement and liquidate the Trusts as
provided therein or (iii) continue to act as Trustee without terminating the
Trust Agreement.
TRUSTEE INFORMATION
The Trustee is The Bank of New York, a trust company organized under the
laws of New York. The Bank of New York has its unit investment trust division
offices at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286 (800) 221-7668. The Bank
of New York is subject to supervision and examination by the Superintendent of
Banks of the State of New York and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation to the extent permitted by law.
The duties of the Trustee are primarily ministerial in nature. It did not
participate in the selection of Securities for the Trust portfolios. In
accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Trustee shall keep proper books of
record and account of all transactions at its office for each Trust. Such
records shall include the name and address of, and the number of Units of each
Trust held by, every Unitholder. Such books and records shall be open to
inspection by any Unitholder at all reasonable times during the usual business
hours. The Trustee shall make such annual or other reports as may from time to
time be required under any applicable state or federal statute, rule or
regulation. The Trustee is required to keep a certified copy or duplicate
original of the Trust Agreement on file in its office available for inspection
at all reasonable times during the usual business hours by any Unitholder,
together with a current list of the Securities held in each Trust.
Under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee or any successor trustee may resign
and be discharged of its responsibilities created by the Trust Agreement by
executing an instrument in writing and filing the same with the Sponsor. The
Trustee or successor trustee must mail a copy of the notice of resignation to
all Unitholders then of record, not less than 60 days before the date specified
in such notice when such resignation is to take effect. The Sponsor upon
receiving notice of such resignation is obligated to appoint a successor trustee
promptly. If, upon such resignation, no successor trustee has been appointed and
has accepted the appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring
Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor. The Sponsor may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee as
provided in the Trust Agreement at any time with or without cause. Notice of
such removal and appointment shall be mailed to each Unitholder by the Sponsor.
Upon execution of a written acceptance of such appointment by such successor
trustee, all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of the original trustee
shall vest in the successor. The resignation or removal of a Trustee becomes
effective only when the successor trustee accepts its appointment as such or
when a court of competent jurisdiction appoints a successor trustee.
Any corporation into which a Trustee may be merged or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to
which a Trustee shall be a party, shall be the successor trustee. The Trustee
must be a banking corporation organized under the laws of the United States or
any state and having at all times an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000.
TRUST TERMINATION
A Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of Unitholders representing
66 2/3% of the Units of such Trust then outstanding or by the Trustee when the
value of the Securities owned by a Trust, as shown by any evaluation, is less
than $500,000 ($3,000,000 if the value of the Trust has exceeded $15,000,000). A
Trust will be liquidated by the Trustee in the event that a sufficient number of
Units of such Trust not yet sold are tendered for redemption by the Sponsor, so
that the net worth of such Trust would be reduced to less than 40% of the value
of the Securities at the time they were deposited in such Trust. If a Trust is
liquidated because of the redemption of unsold Units by the Sponsor, the Sponsor
will refund to each purchaser of Units the entire sales charge paid by such
purchaser. The Trust Agreement will terminate upon the sale or other disposition
of the last Security held thereunder, but in no event will it continue beyond
the Mandatory Termination Date.
Commencing during the period beginning nine business days prior to, and no
later than, the Mandatory Termination Date, Securities will begin to be sold in
connection with the termination of the Trusts. The Sponsor will determine the
manner, timing and execution of the sales of the Securities. The Sponsor shall
direct the liquidation of the Securities in such manner as to effectuate orderly
sales and a minimal market impact. In the event the Sponsor does not so direct,
the Securities shall be sold within a reasonable period and in such manner as
the Trustee, in its sole discretion, shall determine. At least 30 days before
the Mandatory Termination Date the Trustee will provide written notice of any
termination to all Unitholders of the appropriate Trust and in the case of a
Trust will include with such notice a form to enable Unitholders owning 1,000 or
more Units to request an in kind distribution of the U.S.-traded Securities. To
be effective, this request must be returned to the Trustee at least five
business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date. On the Mandatory
Termination Date (or on the previous business day if a holiday) the Trustee will
deliver each requesting Unitholder's pro rata number of whole shares of the
U.S.-traded Securities in a Trust to the account of the broker-dealer or bank
designated by the Unitholder at Depository Trust Company. A Unitholder electing
an in kind distribution will not receive a distribution of shares of the foreign
exchange-traded Securities but will instead receive cash representing his pro
rata portion of such Securities. The value of the Unitholder's fractional shares
of the Securities will be paid in cash. Unitholders with less than 1,000 Units,
Unitholders in a Trust with 1,000 or more Units not requesting an in kind
distribution and Unitholders who do not elect the Rollover Option will receive a
cash distribution from the sale of the remaining Securities within a reasonable
time following the Mandatory Termination Date. Regardless of the distribution
involved, the Trustee will deduct from the funds of the appropriate Trust any
accrued costs, expenses, advances or indemnities provided by the Trust
Agreement, including estimated compensation of the Trustee, costs of liquidation
and any amounts required as a reserve to provide for payment of any applicable
taxes or other governmental charges. Any sale of Securities in a Trust upon
termination may result in a lower amount than might otherwise be realized if
such sale were not required at such time. The Trustee will then distribute to
each Unitholder of each Trust his pro rata share of the balance of the Income
and Capital Accounts of such Trust.
The Sponsor currently intends to, but is not obligated to, offer for sale
units of a subsequent series of the Trusts pursuant to the Rollover Option.
There is, however, no assurance that units of any new series of the Trusts will
be offered for sale at that time, or if offered, that there will be sufficient
units available for sale to meet the requests of any or all Unitholders.
Within 60 days of the final distribution Unitholders will be furnished a
final distribution statement of the amount distributable. At such time as the
Trustee in its sole discretion will determine that any amounts held in reserve
are no longer necessary, it will make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the
same manner.
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Amendment No. 1 of Registration Statement comprises the following papers
and documents:
The facing sheet
The Prospectus
The signatures
The consents of independent public accountants and legal counsel
The following exhibits:
1.1 Copy of Trust Agreement.
3.1 Opinion and consent of counsel as to legality of securities being
registered.
3.2 Opinion of counsel as to the Federal income tax status of securities being
registered.
3.3 Opinion and consent of counsel as to New York tax status of securities
being registered.
4.1 Consent of Interactive Data Corporation
4.2 Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants.
SIGNATURES
The Registrant, Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227, hereby
identifies Van Kampen Merritt Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 1, Series 2,
Series 4 and Series 7 and Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust,
Series 13, Series 14, Series 57 and Series 89 for purposes of the
representations required by Rule 487 and represents the following: (1) that the
portfolio securities deposited in the series as to the securities of which this
Registration Statement is being filed do not differ materially in type or
quality from those deposited in such previous series; (2) that, except to the
extent necessary to identify the specific portfolio securities deposited in, and
to provide essential financial information for, the series with respect to the
securities of which this Registration Statement is being filed, this
Registration Statement does not contain disclosures that differ in any material
respect from those contained in the registration statements for such previous
series as to which the effective date was determined by the Commission or the
staff; and (3) that it has complied with Rule 460 under the Securities Act of
1933.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227 has duly caused this
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois on the 9th day of May, 2000.
Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227
By Van Kampen Funds Inc.
By Christine K. Putong
---------------------------------------
Assistant Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed below on May 9,
2000 by the following persons who constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors of Van Kampen Funds Inc.
SIGNATURE TITLE
Richard F. Powers III Chairman and Chief Executive )
Officer )
John H. Zimmerman III President and Chief Operating )
Officer )
William R. Rybak Executive Vice President and )
Chief Financial Officer )
A. Thomas Smith III Executive Vice President, )
General Counsel and Secretary )
Michael H. Santo Executive Vice President )
Christine K. Putong
------------------------------------
(Attorney-in-fact*)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*An executed copy of each of the related powers of attorney is filed
herewith or was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection
with the Registration Statement on Form S-6 of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios,
Series 136 (File No. 333-70897) and the same are hereby incorporated herein by
this reference.
EXHIBIT 1.1
VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS
SERIES 227
TRUST AGREEMENT
Dated: May 9, 2000
This Trust Agreement among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as Depositor,
American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van Kampen Investment
Advisory Corp., as Evaluator, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as
Supervisory Servicer, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, sets forth certain
provisions in full and incorporates other provisions by reference to the
document entitled "Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series
87 and Subsequent Series, Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust, Effective
January 27, 1998" (herein called the "Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust")
and such provisions as are set forth in full and such provisions as are
incorporated by reference constitute a single instrument. All references herein
to Articles and Sections are to Articles and Sections of the Standard Terms and
Conditions of Trust.
WITNESSETH THAT:
In consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements herein
contained, the Depositor, Evaluator, Supervisory Servicer and Trustee agree as
follows:
PART I
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRUST
Subject to the provisions of Part II hereof, all the provisions
contained in the Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust are herein incorporated
by reference in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this
instrument as fully and to the same extent as though said provisions had been
set forth in full in this instrument.
PART II
SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRUST
The following special terms and conditions are hereby agreed to:
1. The Securities defined in Section 1.01(24), listed in the Schedule
hereto, have been deposited in trust under this Trust Agreement.
2. The fractional undivided interest in and ownership of each Trust
represented by each Unit is an amount the numerator of which is one and the
denominator of which is the amount set forth under "Summary of Essential
Financial Information - Initial Number of Units" in the Prospectus. Such
fractional undivided interest may be (a) increased by the number of any
additional Units issued pursuant to Section 2.03, (b) increased or decreased in
connection with an adjustment to the number of Units pursuant to Section 2.03,
or (c) decreased by the number of Units redeemed pursuant to Section 5.02.
3. The terms "Capital Account Record Date" and "Income Account Record
Date" shall mean the "Record Dates" set forth under "Summary of Essential
Financial Information" in the Prospectus.
4. The terms "Capital Account Distribution Date" and "Income Account
Distribution Date" shall mean the "Distribution Dates" set forth under "Summary
of Essential Financial Information" in the Prospectus.
5. The term "Mandatory Termination Date" shall mean the "Mandatory
Termination Date" set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial
Information" in the Prospectus.
6. The term "Rollover Notification Date" shall mean approximately one
month prior to the "Mandatory Termination Date" set forth under "Summary of
Essential Financial Information" in the Prospectus.
7. The term "Special Redemption Date" shall mean the "Mandatory
Termination Date" set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial
Information" in the Prospectus.
8. Section 6.01(e) is hereby replaced with the following:
(e) (1) Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (2) of this
paragraph, the Trustee may employ agents, sub-custodians, attorneys,
accountants and auditors and shall not be answerable for the default or
misconduct of any such agents, sub-custodians, attorneys, accountants
or auditors if such agents, sub-custodians, attorneys, accountants or
auditors shall have been selected with reasonable care. The Trustee
shall be fully protected in respect of any action under this Indenture
taken or suffered in good faith by the Trustee in accordance with the
opinion of counsel, which may be counsel to the Depositor acceptable to
the Trustee, provided, however that this disclaimer of liability shall
not excuse the Trustee from the responsibilities specified in
subparagraph (2) below. The fees and expenses charged by such agents,
sub-custodians, attorneys, accountants or auditors shall constitute an
expense of the Trust reimbursable from the Income and Capital Accounts
of the affected Trust as set forth in section 6.04 hereof.
(2) The Trustee may place and maintain in the care of an
Eligible Foreign Custodian (which is employed by the Trustee as a
sub-custodian as contemplated by subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (e)
and which may be an affiliate or subsidiary of the Trustee or any other
entity in which the Trustee may have an ownership interest) any
investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market
is outside the United States, and such cash and cash equivalents in
amounts reasonably necessary to effect the Trust's transactions in such
investments, provided that:
(a) The Trustee shall perform all duties assigned to
the Foreign Custody Manager by Rule 17f-5 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR ss. 270.17f-5) ("Rule 17f-5"), as
now in effect or as such rule may be amended in the future.
The Trustee shall not delegate such duties.
(b) The Trustee shall exercise reasonable care,
prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility
for the safekeeping of Trust assets would exercise, and shall
be liable to the Trust for any loss occurring as a result of
its failure to do so.
(c) The Trustee shall indemnify the Trust and hold
the Trust harmless from and against any risk of loss of Trust
assets held in accordance with the foreign custody contract.
(d) The Trustee shall maintain and keep current
written records regarding the basis for the choice or
continued use of a particular Eligible Foreign Custodian
pursuant to this subparagraph for a period of not less than
six years from the end of the fiscal year in which the Trust
was terminated, the first two years in an easily accessible
place. Such records shall be available for inspection by
Unitholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission at the
Trustee's offices at all reasonable times during its usual
business hours.
(3) "Eligible Foreign Custodian" shall have the meaning
assigned to it in Rule 17f-5.
(4) "Foreign Custody Manager" shall have the meaning
assigned to it in Rule 17f-5.
9. Section 1.01 (1), (3) and (4) shall be replaced in their entirety by
the following:
(1) "Depositor" shall mean Van Kampen Funds Inc. and its
successors in interest, or any successor depositor appointed as
hereinafter provided.
(3) "Evaluator" shall mean American Portfolio Evaluation
Services (a division of an Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp.)
and its successors in interest, or any successor evaluator
appointed as hereinafter provided.
(4) "Supervisory Servicer" shall mean Van Kampen Investment
Advisory Corp. and its successors in interest, or any successor
portfolio supervisor as hereinafter provided.
10. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Standard Terms and
Conditions of Trust and subject to the requirements set forth in this paragraph,
unless the Prospectus otherwise requires, the Sponsor may, on any Business Day
(the "Trade Date"), subscribe for additional Units as follows:
(a) Prior to the Evaluation Time on such Business Day, the
Sponsor shall provide notice (the "Subscription Notice") to the Trustee, by
telephone or by written communication, of the Sponsor's intention to subscribe
for additional Units. The Subscription Notice shall identify the additional
Securities to be acquired (unless such additional Securities are a precise
replication of the then existing portfolio) and shall either (i) specify the
quantity of additional Securities to be deposited by the Sponsor on the
settlement date for such subscription or (ii) instruct the Trustee to purchase
additional Securities with an aggregate value as specified in the Subscription
Notice.
(b) Promptly following the Evaluation Time on such Business Day,
the Sponsor shall verify with the Trustee the number of additional Units to be
created.
(c) Not later than the time on the settlement date for such
subscription when the Trustee is to deliver or assign the additional Units
created hereby, the Sponsor shall deposit with the Trustee (i) any additional
Securities specified in the Subscription Notice (or contracts to purchase such
additional Securities together with cash or a letter of credit in the amount
necessary to settle such contracts) or (ii) cash or a letter of credit in an
amount equal to the aggregate value of the additional Securities specified in
the Subscription Notice, and adding and subtracting the amounts specified in the
first and second sentences of Section 5.01, computed as of the Evaluation Time
on the Business Day preceding the Trade Date divided by the number of Units
outstanding as of the Evaluation Time on the Business Day preceding the Trade
Date, times the number of additional Units to be created.
(d) On the settlement date for such subscription, the Trustee
shall, in exchange for the Securities and cash or letter of credit described
above, deliver to, or assign in the name of or on the order of, the Sponsor the
number of Units verified by the Sponsor with the Trustee.
11. Section 3.07(a) of the Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust is
hereby amended by adding the following Sections 3.07(a)(x) immediately after
Section 3.07(a)(ix):
(x) that there has been a public tender offer made
for a Security or a merger or acquisition is announced
affecting a Security, and that in the opinion of the
Supervisory Servicer the sale or tender of the Security is in
the best interest of the Unitholder."
12. Sections 4.01(b) and (c) of the Standard Terms and Conditions of
Trust are hereby replaced in their entirety by the following:
(b) During the initial offering period such Evaluation shall be
made in the following manner: if the Securities are listed on a national or
foreign securities exchange or traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., such
Evaluation shall generally be based on the last available closing sale price on
or immediately prior to the Evaluation Time on the exchange or market which is
the principal market therefor, which shall be deemed to be the New York Stock
Exchange if the Securities are listed thereon (unless the Evaluator deems such
price inappropriate as a basis for evaluation) or, if there is no such available
closing sale price on such exchange or market at the last available asked price
of the Equity Securities. If the Securities are not listed such an exchange or
traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. or, if so listed and the principal
market therefor is other than on such exchange or market, or there is no such
available sale price on such exchange or market, such Evaluation shall generally
be based on the following methods or any combination thereof whichever the
Evaluator deems appropriate: (i) in the case of Equity Securities, on the basis
of the current asked price on the over-the-counter market (unless the Evaluator
deems such price inappropriate as a basis for evaluation), (ii) on the basis of
current offering prices for the Zero Coupon Obligations as obtained from
investment dealers or brokers who customarily deal in securities comparable to
those held by the Fund, (iii) if offering prices are not available for the Zero
Coupon Obligations or the Equity Securities, on the basis of offering or asked
price for comparable securities, (iv) by determining the valuation of the Zero
Coupon Obligations or the Equity Securities on the offering or asked side of the
market by appraisal or (v) by any combination of the above. If the Trust holds
Securities denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the Evaluation of
such Security shall be converted to U.S. dollars based on current offering side
exchange rates (unless the Evaluator deems such prices inappropriate as a basis
for valuation). The Evaluator may add to the Evaluation of each Security which
is principally traded outside of the United States the amount of any commissions
and relevant taxes associated with the acquisition of the Security. As used
herein, the closing sale price is deemed to mean the most recent closing sale
price on the relevant securities exchange immediately prior to the Evaluation
time. For each Evaluation, the Evaluator shall also confirm and furnish to the
Trustee and the Depositor, on the basis of the information furnished to the
Evaluator by the Trustee as to the value of all Trust assets other than
Securities, the calculation of the Trust Evaluation to be computed pursuant to
Section 5.01.
(c) For purposes of the Trust Evaluations required by Section
5.01 in determining Redemption Value and Unit Value, Evaluation of the
Securities shall be made in the manner described in Section 4.01(b), on the
basis of current bid prices for the Zero Coupon Obligations, the bid side value
of the relevant currency exchange rate expressed in U.S. dollars and, except in
those cases in which the Equity Securities are listed on a national or foreign
securities exchange or traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. and the last
available sale prices are utilized, on the basis of the last available bid price
of the Equity Securities. In addition, the Evaluator (i) shall not make the
addition specified in the fourth sentence of Section 4.01(b) and (ii) may reduce
the Evaluation of each Security which is principally traded outside of the
United States by the amount of any liquidation costs and any capital gains or
other taxes which would be incurred by the Trust upon the sale of such Security,
such taxes being computed as if the Security were sold on the date of the
Evaluation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Trust Agreement to
be executed and their corporate seals to be hereto affixed; all as of the day,
month and year first above written.
Van Kampen Funds Inc.
By James J. Boyne
-------------------------------------
Senior Vice President
American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van Kampen
Investment Advisory Corp.
By James J. Boyne
-------------------------------------
Senior Vice President
Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp.
By James J. Boyne
-------------------------------------
Senior Vice President
The Bank of New York
By Linda Bommer
------------------------------------------
Vice President
SCHEDULE A TO TRUST AGREEMENT
SECURITIES INITIALLY DEPOSITED
IN
VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 227
(Note: Incorporated herein and made a part hereof are the "Portfolios"
as set forth in the Prospectus.)
EXHIBIT 3.1
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
111 WEST MONROE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603
May 9, 2000
Van Kampen Funds Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Re: Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227
---------------------------------------
Gentlemen:
We have served as counsel for Van Kampen Funds Inc. as Sponsor and
Depositor of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227 (hereinafter referred to as
the "Trust"), in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of a
Trust Agreement dated May 9, 2000, among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as Depositor,
American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van Kampen Investment
Advisory Corp., as Evaluator, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as
Supervisory Servicer, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, pursuant to which
the Depositor has delivered to and deposited the Securities listed in the
Schedule to the Trust Agreement with the Trustee and pursuant to which the
Trustee has provided to or on the order of the Depositor documentation
evidencing ownership of Units of fractional undivided interest in and ownership
of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as the "Units"), created under said Trust
Agreement.
In connection therewith we have examined such pertinent records and
documents and matters of law as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us
to express the opinions hereinafter set forth.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The execution and delivery of the Trust Agreement and the
execution and issuance of certificates evidencing the Units in
the Trust have been duly authorized; and
2. The certificates evidencing the Units in the Trust, when
duly executed and delivered by the Depositor and the Trustee in
accordance with the aforementioned Trust Agreement, will
constitute valid and binding obligations of such Trust and the
Depositor in accordance with the terms thereof.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-34774) relating to the Units referred to
above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
EXHIBIT 3.2
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
111 WEST MONROE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603
May 9, 2000
Van Kampen Funds Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
Re: Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227
---------------------------------------
Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for Van Kampen Funds Inc., Depositor of Van
Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227 (the "Fund"), in connection with the
issuance of Units of fractional undivided interest in the Fund, under a Trust
Agreement dated May 9, 2000 (the "Indenture") among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as
Depositor, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as Evaluator, Van Kampen
Investment Advisory Corp., as Supervisory Servicer, and The Bank of New York, as
Trustee. The Fund is comprised of the separate unit investment trusts described
in the prospectus for the Fund (the "Trusts").
In this connection, we have examined the Registration Statement, the
Prospectus, the Indenture, and such other instruments and documents as we have
deemed pertinent.
The assets of each Trust will consist of a portfolio of securities (the
"Securities") as set forth in the Prospectus. For purposes of this opinion, it
is assumed that each Security is equity for federal income tax purposes.
Based upon the foregoing and upon an investigation of such matters of
law as we consider to be applicable, we are of the opinion that, under existing
United States Federal income tax law:
(i) Each Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation
for Federal income tax purposes but will be governed by the provisions
of subchapter J (relating to trusts) of chapter 1, Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (the "Code").
(ii) A Unitholder will be considered as owning a pro rata
share of each asset of a Trust in the proportion that the number of
Units held by him bears to the total number of Units outstanding. Under
subpart E, subchapter J of chapter 1 of the Code, income of a Trust
will be treated as income of each Unitholder in the proportion
described, and an item of Trust income will have the same character in
the hands of a Unitholder as it would have in the hands of the Trustee.
Each Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro rata share
of income derived from each Trust asset when such income is considered
to be received by a Trust. A Unitholder's pro rata portion of
distributions of cash or property by a corporation with respect to a
Security ("dividends" as defined by Section 316 of the Code) is taxable
as ordinary income to the extent of such corporation's current and
accumulated "earnings and profits." A Unitholder's pro rata portion of
dividends which exceeds such current and accumulated earnings and
profits will first reduce the Unitholder's tax basis in such Security,
and to the extent that such dividends exceed a Unitholder's tax basis
in such Security, shall be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of
property.
(iii) The price a Unitholder pays for his Units, generally
including sales charges, is allocated among his pro rata portion of
each Security held by a Trust (in proportion to the fair market values
thereof on the valuation date closest to the date the Unitholder
purchases his Units), in order to determine his tax basis for his pro
rata portion of each Security held by a Trust.
(iv) Gain or loss will be recognized to a Unitholder (subject
to various nonrecognition provisions under the Code) upon redemption or
sale of his Units, except to the extent an in kind distribution of
stock is received by such Unitholder from a Trust as discussed below.
Such gain or loss is measured by comparing the proceeds of such
redemption or sale with the adjusted basis of his Units. Before
adjustment, such basis would normally be cost if the Unitholder had
acquired his Units by purchase. Such basis will be reduced, but not
below zero, by the Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends with
respect to each Security which is not taxable as ordinary income.
(v) If the Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether by
sale, taxable exchange, liquidation, redemption, payment on maturity or
otherwise) gain or loss will be recognized to the Unitholder (subject
to various nonrecognition provisions under the Code) and the amount
thereof will be measured by comparing the Unitholder's aliquot share of
the total proceeds from the transaction with his basis for his
fractional interest in the asset disposed of. Such basis is ascertained
by apportioning the tax basis for his Units (as of the date on which
his Units were acquired) among each of the Trust assets (as of the date
on which his Units were acquired) ratably according to their values as
of the valuation date nearest the date on which he purchased such
Units. A Unitholder's basis in his Units and of his fractional interest
in each Trust asset must be reduced, but not below zero, by the
Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends with respect to each
Security which are not taxable as ordinary income.
(vi) Under the Indenture, under certain circumstances, a
Unitholder tendering Units for redemption may request an in kind
distribution of U.S. traded Securities upon the redemption of Units or
upon the termination of a Trust. A Unitholder will receive cash
representing his pro rata portion of the foreign Securities in such a
Trust. As previously discussed, prior to the redemption of Units or the
termination of a Trust, a Unitholder is considered as owning a pro rata
portion of each of the particular Trust's assets. The receipt of an in
kind distribution will result in a Unitholder receiving an undivided
interest in whole shares of stock and possibly cash. The potential
federal income tax consequences which may occur under an in kind
distribution with respect to each Security owned by a Trust will depend
upon whether or not a Unitholder receives cash in addition to
Securities. A "Security" for this purpose is a particular class of
stock issued by a particular corporation. A Unitholder will not
recognize gain or loss if a Unitholder only receives Securities in
exchange for his or her pro rata portion of the Securities held by the
Trust. However, if a Unitholder also receives cash in exchange for a
fractional share of a U.S. traded Security or for a foreign Security
held by a Trust, such Unitholder will generally recognize gain or loss
based upon the difference between the amount of cash received by the
Unitholder and his tax basis in such fractional share of a U.S. traded
Security or such foreign Security held by such Trust. The total amount
of taxable gains (or losses) recognized upon such redemption will
generally equal the sum of the gain (or loss) recognized under the
rules described above by the redeeming Unitholder with respect to each
Security owned by a Trust.
A domestic corporation owning Units in a Trust may be eligible for the
70% dividends received deduction pursuant to Section 243(a) of the Code with
respect to such Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends received by a Trust
(to the extent such dividends are taxable as ordinary income and are
attributable to domestic corporations), subject to the limitations imposed by
Sections 246 and 246A of the Code.
To the extent dividends received by a Trust are attributable to foreign
corporations, a corporation that owns Units will not be entitled to the
dividends received deduction with respect to its pro rata portion of such
dividends since the dividends received deduction is generally available only
with respect to dividends paid by domestic corporations.
It should be noted that payments to a Trust of dividends on Securities
that are attributable to foreign corporations may be subject to foreign
withholding taxes and Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding
the potential tax consequences relating to the payment of any such withholding
taxes by the Trust. Any dividends withheld as a result thereof will nevertheless
be treated as income to the Unitholders. Because under the grantor trust rules,
an investor is deemed to have paid directly his share of foreign taxes that have
been paid or accrued, if any, an investor may be entitled to a foreign tax
credit or deduction for United States tax purposes with respect to such taxes. A
required holding period is imposed for such credits.
Section 67 of the Code provides that certain itemized deductions, such
as investment expenses, tax return preparation fees and employee business
expenses will be deductible by individuals only to the extent they exceed 2% of
such individual's adjusted gross income. Unitholders may be required to treat
some or all of the expenses of a Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions
subject to this limitation.
A Unitholder will recognize taxable gain (or loss) when all or part of
the pro rata interest in a Security is either sold by a Trust or redeemed or
when a Unitholder disposes of his Units in a taxable transaction, in each case
for an amount greater (or less) than his tax basis therefor, subject to various
non-recognition provisions of the Code.
Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or exchange will, under current
law, generally be capital gain or loss.
The scope of this opinion is expressly limited to the matters set forth
herein, and, except as expressly set forth above, we express no opinion with
respect to any other taxes, including foreign, state or local taxes or
collateral tax consequences with respect to the purchase, ownership and
disposition of Units.
Very truly yours,
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
EXHIBIT 3.3
WINSTON & STRAWN
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166-4193
May 9, 2000
Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227
c/o The Bank of New York,
As Trustee
101 Barclay Street, 17 West
New York, New York 10286
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as special counsel for the Van Kampen Focus Portfolios,
Series 227 (the "Fund") consisting of The Dow Strategic 10 Trust, May 2000
Traditional Series and The Dow Strategic 5 Trust, May 2000 Traditional Series
(individually a "Trust" and, in the aggregate, the "Trusts") for purposes of
determining the applicability of certain New York taxes under the circumstances
hereinafter described.
The Fund is created pursuant to a Trust Agreement (the "Indenture"),
dated as of today (the "Date of Deposit") among Van Kampen Funds Inc. (the
"Depositor"), American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of an affiliate
of Depositor, as Evaluator, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., an affiliate
of the Depositor, as Supervisory Servicer (the "Supervisory Servicer"), and The
Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee"). As described in the prospectus
relating to the Fund dated today to be filed as an amendment to a registration
statement heretofore filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Prospectus") (File Number 333-32750),
the objectives of the Fund are to provide the potential for dividend income and
capital appreciation through investment in a fixed portfolio of actively traded
equity securities in the country denominated in the Trust's name. It is noted
that no opinion is expressed herein with regard to the Federal tax aspects of
the securities, the Trusts, units of the Trusts (the "Units"), or any interest,
gains or losses in respect thereof.
As more fully set forth in the Indenture and in the Prospectus, the
activities of the Trustee will include the following:
On the Date of Deposit, the Depositor will deposit with the Trustee
with respect to each Trust the securities and/or contracts and cash for the
purchase thereof together with an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount
required for the purchase price of the securities comprising the corpus of the
Trust as more fully set forth in the Prospectus.
The Trustee did not participate in the selection of the securities to
be deposited in the Trusts, and, upon the receipt thereof, will deliver to the
Depositor a registered certificate for the number of Units representing the
entire capital of the Trusts as more fully set forth in the Prospectus. The
Units, which are represented by certificates ("Certificates"), will be offered
to the public upon the effectiveness of the registration statement.
The duties of the Trustee, which are ministerial in nature, will
consist primarily of crediting the appropriate accounts with cash dividends
received by the Fund and with the proceeds from the disposition of securities
held in the Fund and the proceeds of the treasury obligation on maturity and the
distribution of such cash dividends and proceeds to the Unit holders. The
Trustee will also maintain records of the registered holders of Certificates
representing an interest in the Fund and administer the redemption of Units by
such Certificate holders and may perform certain administrative functions with
respect to an automatic reinvestment option.
Generally, equity securities held in the Trusts may be removed
therefrom by the Trustee at the direction of the Depositor upon the occurrence
of certain specified events which adversely affect the sound investment
character of the Fund, such as default by the issuer in payment of declared
dividends or of interest or principal on one or more of its debt obligations.
Prior to the termination of the Fund, the Trustee is empowered to sell
equity securities designated by the Supervisory Servicer only for the purpose of
redeeming Units tendered to it and of paying expenses for which funds are not
available. The Trustee does not have the power to vary the investment of any
Unit holder in the Fund, and under no circumstances may the proceeds of sale of
any equity securities held by the Fund be used to purchase new equity securities
to be held therein.
Article 9-A of the New York Tax Law imposes a franchise tax on business
corporations, and, for purposes of that Article, Section 208(1) defines the term
"corporation" to include, among other things, "any business conducted by a
trustee or trustees wherein interest or ownership is evidenced by certificate or
other written instrument."
The Regulations promulgated under Section 208 provide as follows:
A business conducted by a trustee or trustees in which interest or
ownership is evidenced by certificate or other written instrument
includes, but is not limited to, an association commonly referred to as
a "business trust" or "Massachusetts trust". In determining whether a
trustee or trustees are conducting a business, the form of the
agreement is of significance but is not controlling. The actual
activities of the trustee or trustees, not their purposes and powers,
will be regarded as decisive factors in determining whether a trust is
subject to tax under Article 9-A. The mere investment of funds and the
collection of income therefrom, with incidental replacement of
securities and reinvestment of funds, does not constitute the conduct
of a business in the case of a business conducted by a trustee or
trustees. 20 NYCRR 1-2.5(b)(2) (July 11, 1990).
New York cases dealing with the question of whether a trust will be
subject to the franchise tax have also delineated the general rule that where a
trustee merely invests funds and collects and distributes the income therefrom,
the trust is not engaged in business and is not subject to the franchise tax.
Burrell v. Lynch, 274 A.D. 347, 84 N.Y.S.2d 171 (3rd Dept. 1948), order
resettled, 274 A.D. 1083, 85 N.Y.S.2d 705 (3rd Dept. 1949).
In an Opinion of the Attorney General of the State of New York, 47 N.Y.
Att'y. Gen. Rep. 227 (Nov. 24, 1942), it was held that where the trustee of an
unincorporated investment trust was without authority to reinvest amounts
received upon the sales of securities and could dispose of securities making up
the trust only upon the happening of certain specified events or the existence
of certain specified conditions, the trust was not subject to the franchise tax.
In the instant situation, the Trustee is not empowered to, and we
assume will not, sell equity securities contained in the corpus of the Fund and
reinvest the proceeds therefrom. Further, the power to sell such equity
securities is limited to circumstances in which the credit-worthiness or
soundness of the issuer of such equity security is in question or in which cash
is needed to pay redeeming Unit holders or to pay expenses, or where the Fund is
liquidated subsequent to the termination of the Indenture. In substance, the
Trustee will merely collect and distribute income and will not reinvest any
income or proceeds, and the Trustee has no power to vary the investment of any
Unit holder in the Fund.
Under Subpart E of Part I, Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the grantor of a trust will be
deemed to be the owner of the trust under certain circumstances, and therefore
taxable on his proportionate interest in the income thereof. Where this Federal
tax rule applies, the income attributed to the grantor will also be income to
him for New York income tax purposes. See TSB-M-78(9)(c), New York Department of
Taxation and Finance, June 23, 1978.
By letter dated today, Messrs. Chapman and Cutler, counsel for the
Depositor, rendered their opinion that each Unit holder will be considered as
owning a share of each asset of a Trust in the proportion that the number of
Units held by such holder bears to the total number of Units outstanding and the
income of a Trust will be treated as the income of each Unit holder in said
proportion pursuant to Subpart E of Part I, Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the
Code.
Based on the foregoing and on the opinion of Messrs. Chapman and
Cutler, counsel for the Depositor, dated today, upon which we specifically rely,
we are of the opinion that under existing laws, rulings, and court decisions
interpreting the laws of the State and City of New York:
1. Each of the Trusts will not constitute an association
taxable as a corporation under New York law, and, accordingly,
will not be subject to tax on its income under the New York State
franchise tax or the New York City general corporation tax.
2. The income of the Trusts will be treated as the income of
the Unit holders under the income tax laws of the State and City
of New York.
3. Unit holders who are not residents of the State of New
York are not subject to the income tax laws thereof with respect
to any interest or gain derived from the Fund or any gain from
the sale or other disposition of the Units, except to the extent
that such interest or gain is from property employed in a
business, trade, profession or occupation carried on in the State
of New York.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement relating to the Units and to the use of our name and the
reference to our firm in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus.
Very truly yours,
WINSTON & STRAWN
EXHIBIT 4.1
INTERACTIVE DATA
FINANCIAL TIMES INFORMATION
100 Williams Street, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10038 USA
Tel: (212) 269-6300 Fax: (212) 771-6445
May 8, 2000
Van Kampen Funds Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Re: Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 227 The Dow Strategic 10
Trust, May 2000 Traditional Series The Dow Strategic 5 Trust,
May 2000 Traditional Series (A Unit Investment Trust) Registered
Under the Securities Act of 1933, File No. 333-34774
Gentlemen:
We have examined the Registration Statement for the above captioned
Fund, a copy of which is attached hereto.
We hereby consent to the reference in the Prospectus and Registration
Statement for the above captioned Fund to Interactive Data Corporation, as the
Evaluator, and to the use of the Obligations prepared by us which are referred
to in such Prospectus and Registration Statement.
You are authorized to file copies of this letter with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
Very truly yours,
Steve Miano
Director Fixed Income Data Operations
EXHIBIT 4.2
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT
We have issued our report dated May 9, 2000 on the statements of
condition and related securities portfolios of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios,
Series 227 as of May 9, 2000 contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-6
and Prospectus. We consent to the use of our report in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus and to the use of our name as it appears under the
caption "Other Matters-Independent Certified Public Accountants."
GRANT THORNTON LLP
Chicago, Illinois
May 9, 2000
