<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 28, 1997
REGISTRATION NOS. 2-27778
811-1570
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 49 [X]
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. 25 [X]
</TABLE>
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN DECLARATION OF TRUST)
ONE PARKVIEW PLAZA, OAKBROOK TERRACE, ILLINOIS 60181
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)(ZIP CODE)
(630) 684-6000
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE
RONALD A. NYBERG, ESQ.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL, INC.
ONE PARKVIEW PLAZA
OAKBROOK TERRACE, ILLINOIS 60181
(NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
---------------------
COPIES TO:
WAYNE W. WHALEN, ESQ.
THOMAS A. HALE, ESQ.
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS)
333 WEST WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
(312) 407-0700
---------------------
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable
following effectiveness of this Registration Statement.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] on April 30, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485
If appropriate check the following:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
DECLARATION PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2
REGISTRANT HAS REGISTERED AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF SHARES UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933 PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 AND
INTENDS TO FILE WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION A FORM 24F-2 FOR ITS
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1997 ON OR ABOUT MARCH 30, 1998.
================================================================================
<PAGE> 2
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM N-1A ITEM
--------------
PART A
- ------------------------------------------------ PROSPECTUS CAPTION
-------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
1. Cover Page................................. Cover Page
2. Synopsis................................... Prospectus Summary; Shareholder Transaction
Expenses; Annual Fund Operating Expenses
and Example
3. Condensed Financial Information............ Financial Highlights
4. General Description of Registrant.......... The Fund; Investment Objective and
Policies; Investment Practices; Description
of Shares of the Fund
5. Management of the Fund..................... Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Example;
The Fund; Investment Practices;
Investment Advisory Services; Inside Back
Cover
6. Capital Stock and Other Securities......... The Fund; Alternative Sales Arrangements;
Purchase of Shares; Shareholder Services;
Distribution and Service Plans;
Redemption of Shares; Distributions from
the Fund; Tax Status; Description of
Shares of the Fund; Additional
Information Inside Back Cover
7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered....... Alternative Sales Arrangements; Purchase of
Shares; Shareholder Services;
Distribution and Service Plans
8. Redemption or Repurchase................... Shareholder Services; Redemption of Shares
9. Pending Legal Proceedings.................. Inapplicable
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART B STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
------ -----------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
10. Cover Page................................. Cover Page
11. Table of Contents.......................... Table of Contents
12. General Information and History............ General Information
13. Investment Objectives and Policies......... Repurchase Agreements; Foreign Securities;
Options, Futures Contracts and Related
Options; Investment Restrictions
14. Management of the Fund..................... General Information; Trustees and Officers;
Investment Advisory Agreement
15. Control Persons and Principal Holders of
Securities............................... General Information; Trustees and Officers
16. Investment Advisory and Other Services..... General Information; Trustees and Officers;
Investment Advisory Agreement;
Distributor; Distribution and Service
Plans; Transfer Agent; Portfolio
Transactions and Brokerage; Other
Information
17. Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices... Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
18. Capital Stock and Other Securities......... Purchase and Redemption of Shares
19. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
Securities Being Offered................. Determination of Net Asset Value; Purchase
and Redemption of Shares; Exchange
Privilege
20. Tax Status................................. Tax Status of the Fund
21. Underwriters............................... Distributor
22. Calculation of Performance Data............ Fund Performance
23. Financial Statements....................... Report of Independent Accountants;
Financial Statements; Notes to Financial
Statements
PART C
- ------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate item in Part C of this registration statement.
<PAGE> 3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
COMSTOCK FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified,
open-end management investment company, commonly known as a mutual fund. The
Fund's investment objective is to seek capital growth and income through
investments in equity securities including common and preferred stocks and
securities convertible into common and preferred stocks. There is no assurance
that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The Fund's investment adviser is Van Kampen American Capital Asset
Management, Inc. This Prospectus sets forth certain information that a
prospective investor should know before investing in the Fund. Please read it
carefully and retain it for future reference. The address of the Fund is One
Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, and its telephone number is
(800) 421-5666.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE REGULATORS NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE REGULATORS PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------------
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK OR DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION; FURTHER, SUCH SHARES ARE NOT
FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL
RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. SHARES OF THE FUND INVOLVE
INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
A Statement of Additional Information, dated April 30, 1997, containing
additional information about the Fund is hereby incorporated in its entirety
into this Prospectus. A copy of the Statement of Additional Information may be
obtained without charge by calling (800) 421-5666 or for Telecommunications
Device for the Deaf at (800) 421-2833. The Statement of Additional Information
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is
available along with other related materials at the SEC's internet web site
(http://www.sec.gov).
------------------
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL SM
------------------
THIS PROSPECTUS IS DATED APRIL 30, 1997.
<PAGE> 4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary.......................................... 3
Shareholder Transaction Expenses............................ 5
Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Example.................. 6
Financial Highlights........................................ 8
The Fund.................................................... 10
Investment Objective and Policies........................... 10
Investment Practices........................................ 11
Investment Advisory Services................................ 17
Alternative Sales Arrangements.............................. 19
Purchase of Shares.......................................... 21
Shareholder Services........................................ 31
Redemption of Shares........................................ 36
Distribution and Service Plans.............................. 39
Distributions from the Fund................................. 41
Tax Status.................................................. 42
Fund Performance............................................ 45
Description of Shares of the Fund........................... 46
Additional Information...................................... 48
</TABLE>
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND, THE ADVISER OR THE DISTRIBUTOR. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER BY THE FUND OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR TO
SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY
IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR THE FUND TO MAKE
SUCH AN OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
2
<PAGE> 5
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND. Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund (the "Fund") is a
diversified, open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware
business trust.
MINIMUM PURCHASE. $500 minimum initial investment for each class of shares and
$25 minimum for each subsequent investment for each class of shares (or less as
described under "Purchase of Shares").
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital
growth and income. There can be no assurance the Fund will achieve its
investment objective. See "Investment Objective and Policies."
INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing in equity securities including common and preferred stocks and
securities convertible into common and preferred stocks.
INVESTMENT RESULTS. The investment results of the Fund are shown in the table of
"Financial Highlights."
ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS. The Fund offers three classes of shares to the
public, each with its own sales charge structure: Class A shares, Class B shares
and Class C shares. Each class has distinct advantages and disadvantages for
different investors, and investors may choose the class of shares that best
suits their circumstances and objectives. Each class of shares represents an
interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund. See "Alternative
Sales Arrangements." For information on redeeming shares see "Redemption of
Shares."
Class A Shares. Class A shares are offered at net asset value per share plus a
maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% of the offering price (6.10% of the net
amount invested), reduced on investments of $50,000 or more. Investments of $1
million or more are not subject to any sales charge at the time of purchase, but
a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1.00% may be imposed on
redemptions made within one year of purchase. Class A shares are subject to an
annual service fee of up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets attributable
to such class of shares. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class A Shares" and
"Distribution and Service Plans."
Class B Shares. Class B shares are offered at net asset value per share and
are subject to a maximum CDSC of 5.00% on redemptions made within the first year
after purchase and declining thereafter to 0.00% after the fifth year. See
"Redemption of Shares." Class B shares are subject to a combined annual
distribution fee and service fee of up to 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to such class of shares. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class B
Shares" and "Distribution and Service Plans." Class B shares convert
automatically to Class A shares eight years after the end of the calendar month
in which the shareholder's order to
3
<PAGE> 6
purchase was accepted. See "Alternative Sales Arrangements -- Conversion
Feature."
Class C Shares. Class C shares are offered at net asset value per share and
are subject to a CDSC of 1.00% on redemptions made within one year of purchase.
See "Redemption of Shares." Class C shares are subject to a combined annual
distribution fee and service fee of up to 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to such class of shares. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class C
Shares" and "Distribution and Service Plans."
INVESTMENT ADVISER. Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc. (the
"Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser.
DISTRIBUTOR. Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor")
distributes the Fund's shares.
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE FUND. Dividends from net investment income are
distributed quarterly. Capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.
Such distributions are automatically reinvested in shares of the Fund at net
asset value per share (without a sales charge) unless payment in cash is
requested. See "Distributions from the Fund."
The foregoing is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed
information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
4
<PAGE> 7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on
purchases (as a percentage of
offering price)................. 5.75%(1) None None
Maximum sales charge imposed on
reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of offering price)... None None None
Deferred sales charge (as a
percentage of the lesser of
original purchase price or Year
redemption proceeds)............ None(2) Year 1--5.00% 1--1.00%
Year 2--4.00% After--None
Year 3--3.00%
Year 4--2.50%
Year 5--1.50%
After--None
Redemption fees (as a percentage
of amount redeemed)............. None None None
Exchange fee...................... None None None
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Reduced for purchases of $50,000 and over. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class
A Shares."
(2) Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to any sales charge at the
time of purchase, but a CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on redemptions made
within one year of the purchase. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class A Shares."
5
<PAGE> 8
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES AND EXAMPLE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees (as a percentage of average
daily net assets)........................ 0.49% 0.49% 0.49%
12b-1 Fees (as a percentage of average
daily net assets)(1)..................... 0.22% 1.00%(2) 1.00%(2)
Other Expenses (as a percentage of average
daily net assets)........................ 0.29% 0.31% 0.31%
Total Fund Operating Expenses (as a
percentage of average daily net
assets).................................. 1.00% 1.80% 1.80%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Class A shares are subject to an annual service fee of up to 0.25% of the
average daily net assets attributable to such class of shares. Class B
shares and Class C shares are each subject to a combined annual distribution
and service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable
to such class of shares. See "Distribution and Service Plans."
(2) Individual long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent
of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted as a fund-level expense by
NASD Rules.
6
<PAGE> 9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE THREE FIVE TEN
YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
EXAMPLE: ---- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
You would pay the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming (i) an
operating expense ratio of 1.00% for
Class A shares, 1.80% for Class B shares
and 1.80% for Class C shares, (ii) a
5.00% annual return and (iii) redemption
at the end of each time period:
Class A............................... $67 $88 $110 $173
Class B............................... $68 $87 $112 $191*
Class C............................... $28 $57 $ 97 $212
You would pay the following expenses on
the same $1,000 investment assuming no
redemption at the end of each time
period:
Class A............................... $67 $88 $110 $173
Class B............................... $18 $57 $ 97 $191*
Class C............................... $18 $57 $ 97 $212
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Based on conversion to Class A shares after eight years.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly
or indirectly. The "Example" reflects expenses based on the "Annual Fund
Operating Expenses" table as shown above carried out to future years and is
included to provide a means for the investor to compare expense levels of funds
with different fee structures over varying investment periods. To facilitate
such comparison, all funds are required by the SEC to utilize a 5.00% annual
return assumption. Class B shares acquired through the exchange privilege are
subject to the deferred sales charge schedule relating to the Class B shares of
the fund from which the purchase of Class B shares was originally made.
Accordingly, future expenses as projected could be higher than those determined
in the above table if the investor's Class B shares were exchanged from a fund
with a higher CDSC. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ABOVE TABLE SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY
BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. For a more complete description of such
costs and expenses, see "Purchase of Shares," "Investment Advisory Services",
"Redemption of Shares" and "Distribution and Service Plans."
7
<PAGE> 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Selected data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each of the periods indicated)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following financial highlights have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. The most recent
annual report (which contains financial highlights for the last five years) is
included in the Statement of Additional Information and may be obtained by
shareholders without charge by calling the telephone number on the cover of this
Prospectus. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes thereto included in the Statement of Additional
Information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....... $14.54 $12.40 $16.38 $17.30 $17.52 $14.29 $15.29
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net Investment Income..................... .264 .26 .31 .32 .33 .395 .47
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss on
Securities.............................. 2.828 4.1125 (.92) 1.18 .795 4.065 (.9875)
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total from Investment Operations........... 3.092 4.3725 (.61) 1.50 1.125 4.46 (.5175)
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess of Net
Investment Income....................... .255 .27 .3225 .2975 .3275 .395 .475
Distributions from Net Realized Gain on
Securities.............................. 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 2.1225 1.0175 .835 .0075
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total Distributions........................ 2.847 2.2325 3.37 2.42 1.345 1.23 .4825
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period......... $14.785 $14.54 $12.40 $16.38 $17.30 $17.52 $14.29
========== ============ ========== ========== ========== ========= ==========
Total Return (a)........................... 22.34% 36.16% (3.67%) 9.09% 6.53% 31.96% (3.36%)
Net Assets at End of the Period (In
millions)................................. $1,240.9 $1,071.4 $871.6 $980.4 $959.0 $986.2 $812.1
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets
(b)....................................... 1.00% .96% 1.01% .96% .87% .82% .79%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets (b)............................ 1.71% 1.82% 1.93% 1.82% 1.84% 2.32% 2.99%
Portfolio Turnover......................... 176% 151% 136% 50% 36% 38% 30%
Average Commission Paid Per Equity Share
Traded (c)................................ $.0598 -- -- -- -- -- --
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
--------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
--------------------------------
1989 1988 1987
---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....... $13.08 $11.83 $14.60
---------- --------- ---------
Net Investment Income..................... .555 .36 .38
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss on
Securities.............................. 3.4175 1.38 (.26)
---------- --------- ---------
Total from Investment Operations........... 3.9725 1.74 .12
---------- --------- ---------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess of Net
Investment Income....................... .54 .365 .745
Distributions from Net Realized Gain on
Securities.............................. 1.2225 .125 2.145
---------- --------- ---------
Total Distributions........................ 1.7625 .49 2.89
---------- --------- ---------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period......... $15.29 $13.08 $11.83
========== ========= =========
Total Return (a)........................... 30.53% 14.80% (.19%)
Net Assets at End of the Period (In
millions)................................. $952.1 $838.9 $869.0
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets
(b)....................................... .69% .71% .57%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets (b)............................ 3.41% 2.61% 2.22%
Portfolio Turnover......................... 51% 61% 69%
Average Commission Paid Per Equity Share
Traded (c)................................ -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ------------
(a) Total Return is based upon Net Asset Value which does not include payment of
the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(b) The impact on the Ratio of Expenses and Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets due to the Adviser's reimbursement of certain expenses was less than
0.01%
(c) Represents the average brokerage commission paid per equity share traded
during the period for trades where commissions were applicable. This
disclosure was not required in fiscal years prior to 1996.
(Table continued on following page)
8
<PAGE> 11
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES
-----------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 19, 1992
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 (COMMENCEMENT
----------------------------------------- OF DISTRIBUTION) TO
1996 1995 1994 1993 DECEMBER 31, 1992 (A)
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period............................ $ 14.56 $ 12.42 $ 16.40 $ 17.30 $17.62
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Investment Income............. .144 .14 .16 .18 .03
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss on Securities......... 2.825 4.1125 (.905) 1.192 .9225
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from Investment Operations.... 2.969 4.2525 (.745) 1.372 .9525
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Investment Income........ .135 .15 .1875 .1495 .29
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain on Securities.............. 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 2.1225 .9825
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total Distributions................. 2.727 2.1125 3.235 2.272 1.2725
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period............................ $ 14.802 $ 14.56 $ 12.42 $ 16.40 $17.30
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Return (b).................... 21.39% 34.99% (4.41%) 8.25% 4.66% *
Net Assets at End of the Period (In
millions)......................... $ 75.4 $ 45.2 $ 22.0 $ 13.9 $ 0.8
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets (c)........................ 1.80% 1.79% 1.84% 1.76% 1.88%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets (c)............ .91% .96% 1.12% 1.04% .74%
Portfolio Turnover Rate............. 176% 151% 136% 50% 36%
Average Commission Paid Per Equity
Share Traded (d).................. $ .0598 -- -- -- --
<CAPTION>
CLASS C SHARES
------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 26, 1993
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 (COMMENCEMENT
------------------------------ OF DISTRIBUTION) TO
1996 1995 1994 DECEMBER 31, 1993 (A)
-------- -------- -------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period............................ $ 14.56 $ 12.41 $ 16.39 $18.16
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Investment Income............. .151 .15 .18 .02
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss on Securities......... 2.821 4.1125 (.925) .1425
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total from Investment Operations.... 2.972 4.2625 (.745) .1625
-------- -------- -------- --------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Investment Income........ .135 .15 .1875 .065
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain on Securities.............. 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 1.8675
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total Distributions................. 2.727 2.1125 3.235 1.9325
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period............................ $ 14.805 $ 14.56 $ 12.41 $16.39
======== ======== ======== ========
Total Return (b).................... 21.38% 35.11% (4.43%) 1.11% *
Net Assets at End of the Period (In
millions)......................... $ 5.8 $ 4.1 $ 2.3 $ 0.5
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets (c)........................ 1.80% 1.79% 1.85% 1.93%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets (c)............ .92% .97% 1.15% .78%
Portfolio Turnover Rate............. 176% 151% 136% 50%
Average Commission Paid Per Equity
Share Traded (d).................. $ .0598 -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ------------
*Non-Annualized
(a) Based on average month-end shares outstanding.
(b) Total Return is based upon Net Asset Value which does not include payment of
the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(c) The impact on the Ratios of Expenses and Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets due to the Adviser's reimbursement of certain expenses was less
than 0.01%.
(d) Represents the average brokerage commission paid per equity share traded
during the period for trades where commissions were applicable. This
disclosure was not required in fiscal years prior to 1996.
9
<PAGE> 12
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company, commonly
known as a mutual fund. A mutual fund provides, for those who have similar
investment goals, a practical and convenient way to invest in a diversified
portfolio of securities by combining their resources in an effort to achieve
such goals.
Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") provides
investment advisory and administrative services to the Fund. The Adviser and its
affiliates also manage other mutual funds distributed by Van Kampen American
Capital Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"). To obtain prospectuses and other
information on any of these other funds, please call the telephone number on the
cover page of the Prospectus.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's investment objective is to seek capital growth and income through
investments in equity securities including common and preferred stocks and
securities convertible into common and preferred stocks.
The Fund invests principally in common stocks. Common stocks are shares of a
corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the
profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other class of
securities, including such entity's debt securities, preferred stock and other
senior equity securities. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote
and frequently an exclusive right to do so. In selecting common stocks for
investment, the Fund will focus primarily on the security's potential for income
and capital growth.
The Fund may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock generally has a
preference as to dividends and liquidation over an issuer's common stock but
ranks junior to debt securities in an issuer's capital structure. Unlike
interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock dividends are payable only
if declared by the issuer's board of directors. Preferred stock also may be
subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.
The Fund also invests in convertible securities. A convertible security is a
bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted
into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other equity
security of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at
a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to
receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock
until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged.
Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to
nonconvertible income securities in that they ordinarily provide a stream of
income with generally higher yields
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<PAGE> 13
than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible
securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but
are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities.
The Fund generally holds up to 10% of its assets in high quality short-term
debt securities and investment grade corporate or government bonds in order to
provide liquidity. Such investments may be increased up to 100% of the Fund's
assets when deemed appropriate by the Adviser for temporary defensive purposes.
Investment grade bonds include bonds rated Baa by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"). Securities
rated Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P are considered by the rating agencies to be
medium grade obligations which possess speculative characteristics so that
changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than in the case of
higher rated securities. Short-term investments may include repurchase
agreements with banks or broker-dealers. See "Investment Practices -- Repurchase
Agreements."
The Fund may also invest up to 15% of its total assets in securities of
foreign issuers and may invest in investment companies. See "Investment
Practices -- Securities of Foreign Issuers" and "Investment
Practices -- Investment in Investment Companies." The Fund may engage in
portfolio management strategies and techniques involving options, futures
contracts and options on futures. Options, futures contracts and related options
are described in "Investment Practices -- Options, Futures Contracts and Related
Options" and the Statement of Additional Information.
An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. The Fund
is not intended to be a complete investment program, and investors should
consider their long-term investment goals and financial needs when making an
investment decision with respect to the Fund. An investment in the Fund is
intended to be a long-term investment and should not be used as a trading
vehicle.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
domestic banks or broker-dealers in order to earn a return on temporarily
available cash. A repurchase agreement is a short-term investment in which the
purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires ownership of a debt security and the seller
agrees to repurchase the obligation at a future time and set price, thereby
determining the yield during the holding period. Repurchase agreements involve
certain risks in the event of default by the other party. The Fund will not
invest in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days if any such
investment, together with any other illiquid securities held by the Fund,
exceeds 10% of the value of its net
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<PAGE> 14
assets. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a
repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience delays in liquidating the
underlying securities and loss including: (a) possible decline in the value of
the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its
rights thereto, (b) possible lack of access to income on the underlying security
during this period and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
For the purpose of investing in repurchase agreements, the Adviser may
aggregate the cash that certain funds advised or subadvised by the Adviser or
certain of its affiliates would otherwise invest separately into a joint
account. The cash in the joint account is then invested in repurchase agreements
and the funds that contributed to the joint account share pro rata in the net
revenue generated. The Adviser believes that the joint account produces
efficiencies and economies of scale that may contribute to reduced transaction
costs, higher returns, higher quality investments and greater diversity of
investments for the Fund than would be available to the Fund investing
separately. The manner in which the joint account is managed is subject to
conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order authorizing this practice, which
conditions are designed to ensure the fair administration of the joint account
and to protect the amounts in that account.
USING OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. The Fund expects to
utilize options, futures contracts and options thereon in several different
ways, depending upon the status of the Fund's portfolio and the Adviser's
expectations concerning the securities markets.
In times of stable or rising security prices, the Fund generally seeks to be
fully invested in the securities markets. Even when the Fund is fully invested,
however, prudent management requires that at least a small portion of assets be
available as cash to honor redemption requests and for other short-term needs.
The Fund may also have cash on hand that has not yet been invested. The portion
of the Fund's assets that is invested in cash equivalents does not fluctuate
with security market prices, so that, in times of rising market prices, the Fund
may underperform the market in proportion to the amount of cash equivalents in
its portfolio. By purchasing futures contracts, however, the Fund can compensate
for the cash portion of its assets and obtain equivalent performance to
investing 100% of its assets in equity securities.
If the Adviser forecasts a market decline, the Fund may take a defensive
position, reducing its exposure to the securities markets by increasing its cash
position. By selling futures contracts instead of portfolio securities, a
similar result can be achieved to the extent that the performance of the futures
contracts correlates to the performance of the Fund's portfolio securities. Sale
of futures contracts could frequently be accomplished more rapidly and at less
cost than the actual sale of securities. Once the desired hedged position has
been effected, the Fund could then liquidate securities in a more deliberate
manner, reducing its futures position
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<PAGE> 15
simultaneously to maintain the desired balance, or it could maintain the hedged
position.
As an alternative to selling futures contracts, the Fund can purchase puts (or
futures puts) to hedge the portfolio's risk in a declining market. Since the
value of a put increases as the underlying security declines below a specified
level, the portfolio's value is protected against a market decline to the degree
the performance of the put correlates with the performance of the Fund's
investment portfolio. If the market remains stable or advances, the Fund can
refrain from exercising the put and its portfolio will participate in the
advance, having incurred only the premium cost for the put.
In certain cases the options and futures markets provide investment or risk
management opportunities that are not available from direct investments in
securities. In addition, some strategies can be performed with greater ease and
at lower cost by utilizing the options and futures markets rather than
purchasing or selling portfolio securities.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. The
purchase and sale of options, futures contracts and related options involve
risks different from those involved with direct investments in underlying
securities. While utilization of options, futures contracts and similar
instruments may be advantageous to the Fund, if the Adviser is not successful in
employing such instruments in managing the Fund's investments, the Fund's
performance will be worse than if the Fund did not make such investments. In
addition, the Fund would pay commissions and other costs in connection with such
investments, which may increase the Fund's expenses and reduce its return. The
Fund is authorized to purchase and sell over-the-counter options ("OTC
Options"). OTC Options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers,
financial institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct
bilateral agreement with the Counterparty. The Fund will sell only OTC Options
(other than over-the-counter currency options) that are subject to a buy-back
provision permitting the Fund to require to the Counterparty to sell the option
back to the Fund at a formula price within seven days. The staff of the SEC
currently takes the position that, in general, OTC Options on securities other
than U.S. Government securities purchased by the Fund, and portfolio securities
covering OTC Options sold by the Fund, are illiquid securities subject to the
Fund's limitation on illiquid securities described below. The Fund may not
purchase or sell futures contracts or related options for which the aggregate
initial margin and premiums exceed 5% of the fair market value of the Fund's
assets.
In order to prevent leverage in connection with the purchase of futures
contracts by the Fund, an amount of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities
equal to the market value of the obligation under the futures contracts (less
any related margin deposits) will be maintained in a segregated account with the
Custodian. The Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net assets in illiquid
securities and repurchase
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<PAGE> 16
agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days. A more complete
discussion of the potential risks involved in transactions in options, futures
contracts and related options is contained in the Statement of Additional
Information.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in
securities of foreign governments and companies. Such securities may be subject
to foreign government taxes which would reduce the income yield on such
securities. Foreign investments involve certain risks, such as political or
economic instability of the issuer or of the country of issue, the difficulty of
predicting international trade patterns, fluctuating exchange rates and the
possibility of imposition of exchange controls. Such securities may also be
subject to greater fluctuations in price than securities of domestic
corporations or of the United States Government. In addition, there may be less
publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic
company. Foreign companies generally are not subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to
domestic companies. There is generally less government regulation of stock
exchanges, brokers and listed companies abroad than in the United States, and,
with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, or diplomatic developments which could
affect investment in those countries. Finally, in the event of a default on any
such foreign debt obligations, it may be more difficult for the Fund to obtain
or to enforce a judgment against the issuers of such securities.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The Fund purchases securities which are believed by the
Adviser to have above average potential for capital appreciation. Common stocks
are disposed of in situations where it is believed that potential for such
appreciation has lessened or that other common stocks have a greater potential.
Therefore, the Fund may purchase and sell securities without regard to the
length of time the security is to be or has been held. The Fund's annual
portfolio turnover rate is shown in the table of "Financial Highlights." The
rate may exceed 100%, which is higher than that of many other investment
companies. A 100% turnover rate occurs, for example, if all the Fund's portfolio
securities are replaced during one year. High portfolio activity increases the
Fund's transaction costs, including brokerage commissions.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE PRACTICES. The Adviser is responsible for
the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for
the Fund and the negotiation of brokerage commissions on such transactions.
Brokerage firms are selected on the basis of their professional capability for
the type of transaction and the value and quality of execution services rendered
on a continuing basis. The Adviser is authorized to place portfolio
transactions, to the extent permitted by law, with brokers which are affiliated
with the Fund and with brokerage firms participating in the distribution of
shares of the Fund and other Van Kampen American Capital mutual funds if it
reasonably believes that the quality of the execution and
14
<PAGE> 17
the commission are comparable to that available from other qualified brokerage
firms. The Adviser is authorized to pay higher commissions to brokerage firms
that provide it with investment and research information than to firms which do
not provide such services if the Adviser determines that such commissions are
reasonable in relation to the overall services provided. The information
received may be used by the Adviser in managing the assets of other advisory
accounts as well as in the management of the assets of the Fund.
INVESTMENT IN INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Fund may invest in one or more
investment companies advised by the Adviser and its affiliates, including Van
Kampen American Capital Small Capitalization Fund ("Small Cap Fund") and Van
Kampen American Capital Foreign Securities Fund ("Foreign Securities Fund"). The
shares of the Small Cap Fund and Foreign Securities Fund are available for
investment only by certain Van Kampen American Capital funds. The Adviser
believes that the use of the Small Cap Fund and Foreign Securities Fund may,
from time to time, provide the Fund with the most effective exposure to the
performance of the small capitalization sector of the stock market and to
foreign securities while at the same time minimizing costs. The advisers charge
no advisory fees for managing the Small Cap Fund or Foreign Securities Fund, nor
are there any sales load or other charges associated with distribution of its
shares. Other expenses incurred by the Small Cap Fund and Foreign Securities
Fund are borne by them, and thus indirectly by the Van Kampen American Capital
funds that invest in them. With respect to such other expenses, the Adviser
anticipates that the efficiencies resulting from use of the Small Cap Fund or
the Foreign Securities Fund will result in cost savings for the Fund and other
Van Kampen American Capital funds. In large part, these savings are attributable
to the fact that administrative actions that would have to be performed multiple
times if each Van Kampen American Capital fund held its own portfolio of small
capitalization or foreign securities will need to be performed only once. The
Adviser expects that the Small Cap Fund and Foreign Securities Fund will
experience trading costs that will be substantially less than the trading costs
that would be incurred if small capitalization or foreign securities were
purchased separately for the Fund and other Van Kampen American Capital funds.
The Fund's investment in the Small Cap Fund and the Foreign Securities Fund are
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the SEC exemptive orders
authorizing such investments.
The securities of small and medium sized companies that the Small Cap Fund may
invest in may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than
securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in
general. In addition, small capitalization companies typically are subject to a
greater degree of change in earnings and business prospects than are larger,
more established companies. In light of these characteristics of small
capitalization companies and their securities, the Small Cap Fund may be subject
to greater investment risk than that assumed through investment in the equity
securities of larger capitalization
15
<PAGE> 18
companies. The securities of foreign issuers that the Foreign Securities Fund
may invest in are subject to certain risks as described under "Investment
Practices -- Foreign Securities."
For purposes of reviewing the Fund's portfolio diversification, the Fund will
be deemed to own a pro rata portion of each investment of the Small Cap Fund and
Foreign Securities Fund. For example, if the Fund's investment in the Small Cap
Fund were $10 million, and the Small Cap Fund had 5% of its assets invested in
the electronics industry, the Fund would be considered to have an investment of
$500,000 in the electronics industry.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. The Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment
restrictions which, like the investment objective, may not be changed without
approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund
(as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")).
These restrictions provide, among other things that the Fund may not:
1. Invest more than 25% of its total net asset value in any one industry,
except that the Fund may purchase securities of other investment companies
to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time,
(ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act,
as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from
the provisions of the 1940 Act.
2. Purchase a restricted security or a security for which market quotations
are not readily available if as a result of such purchase more than 5% of
the Fund's assets would be invested in such securities, except that the
Fund may purchase securities of other investment companies to the extent
permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the
rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as
amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from the
provisions of the 1940 Act.
In addition to the foregoing, the Fund has adopted additional investment
restrictions which may be changed by the Trustees without a vote of
shareholders. These restrictions provide that the Fund may not:
1. Invest in the securities of a foreign issuer if, at the time of
acquisition, more than 15% of the value of the Fund's total assets would
be invested in such securities.
2. Invest more than 10% of its net assets (determined at the time of
investment) in illiquid securities and repurchase agreements that have a
maturity of longer than seven days.
16
<PAGE> 19
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INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ADVISER. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Van Kampen American
Capital, Inc. ("Van Kampen American Capital"). Van Kampen American Capital is a
diversified asset management company with more than two million retail investor
accounts, extensive capabilities for managing institutional portfolios, and more
than $57 billion under management or supervision. Van Kampen American Capital's
more than 40 open-end and 38 closed-end funds and more than 2,500 unit
investment trusts are professionally distributed by leading financial advisers
nationwide. Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc., the Distributor of
the Fund and the sponsor of the funds mentioned above, is also a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Van Kampen American Capital.
Van Kampen American Capital is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VK/AC Holding,
Inc. VK/AC Holding, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSAM Holdings II, Inc.
which, in turn, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Group Inc. The
Adviser's principal office is located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace,
Illinois 60181.
Morgan Stanley Group Inc. and various of its directly or indirectly owned
subsidiaries, including Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, a registered broker-
dealer and investment adviser, and Morgan Stanley International are engaged in a
wide range of financial services. Their principal businesses include securities
underwriting, distribution and trading; merger, acquisition, restructuring and
other corporate finance advisory activities; merchant banking; stock brokerage
and research services; asset management; trading of futures, options, foreign
exchange, commodities and swaps (involving foreign exchange, commodities,
indices and interest rates); real estate advice, financing and investing; and
global custody, securities clearance services and securities lending.
On February 5, 1997, Morgan Stanley Group Inc. and Dean Witter, Discover & Co.
announced that they had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger to form a
new company to be named Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. Subsequent
to certain conditions being met, it is currently anticipated that the
transaction will close in mid-1997. Thereafter, Van Kampen American Capital
Asset Management, Inc. will be an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, Dean
Witter, Discover & Co.
Dean Witter, Discover & Co. is a financial services company with three major
businesses: full service brokerage, credit services and asset management of more
than $100 billion in customer accounts.
ADVISORY AGREEMENT. The Fund retains the Adviser to manage the investment of
its assets and to place orders for the purchase and sale of its portfolio
securities. Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the
Fund (the
17
<PAGE> 20
"Advisory Agreement"), the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee computed on
average daily net assets of the Fund as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE DAILY NET
ASSETS % PER ANNUM
- ---------------------------------------------- -------------
<S> <C>
First $1 billion.............................. 0.50 of 1.00%
Next $1 billion............................... 0.45 of 1.00%
Next $1 billion............................... 0.40 of 1.00%
Over $3 billion............................... 0.35 of 1.00%
</TABLE>
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund also reimburses the Adviser for the cost
of the Fund's accounting services, which include maintaining its financial books
and records and calculating its daily net asset value. Operating expenses paid
by the Fund include shareholder service agency fees, service fees, distribution
fees, custodian fees, legal and accounting fees, the costs of reports and
proxies to shareholders, trustees' fees (other than those who are affiliated
persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Adviser, Distributor or Van Kampen
American Capital), and all other business expenses not specifically assumed by
the Adviser. Advisory (management) fees and total operating expense ratios are
shown under the caption "Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Example" herein.
From time to time the Adviser or Distributor may voluntarily undertake to
reduce the Fund's expenses by reducing the fees payable to them to the extent
of, or bearing expenses in excess of, such limitations as they may establish.
The Adviser may utilize, at its own expense, credit analysis, research and
trading support services provided by its affiliate, Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp.
PERSONAL INVESTING POLICIES. The Fund and the Adviser have adopted Codes of
Ethics designed to recognize the fiduciary relationship between the Fund and the
Adviser and its employees. The Codes permit directors, trustees, officers and
employees to buy and sell securities for their personal accounts subject to
certain restrictions. Persons with access to certain sensitive information are
subject to pre-clearance and other procedures designed to prevent conflicts of
interest.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT. B. Robert Baker has been primarily responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio since July 11, 1994. He
is currently a Vice President of the Adviser and has been an Associate Portfolio
Manager of the Adviser since November, 1991 and has been a Vice President of Van
Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp. since June 1995.
18
<PAGE> 21
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ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Alternative Sales Arrangements permits an investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares of the Fund that is most beneficial given the amount of the
purchase and the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares.
CLASS A SHARES. Class A shares are sold at net asset value plus an initial
maximum sales charge of up to 5.75% of the offering price (6.10% of the net
amount invested), reduced on investments of $50,000 or more. Investments of $1
million or more are not subject to any sales charge at the time of purchase, but
a CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on certain redemptions made within one year of
the purchase. Class A shares are subject to an ongoing service fee at an annual
rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets
attributable to the Class A shares. Certain purchases of Class A shares qualify
for reduced initial sales charges. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class A Shares."
CLASS B SHARES. Class B shares are sold at net asset value and are subject to
a deferred sales charge if redeemed within five years of purchase. Class B
shares are subject to an ongoing service fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of
the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares
and an ongoing distribution fee at an annual rate of up to 0.75% of the Fund's
aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. Class B
shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor's dollars to work
from the time the investment is made. The ongoing distribution fee paid by Class
B shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower
dividends than those related to Class A shares. Class B shares convert
automatically to Class A shares eight years after the end of the calendar month
in which the shareholder's order to purchase was accepted. See "Purchase of
Shares -- Class B Shares."
CLASS C SHARES. Class C shares are sold at net asset value and are subject to
a deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class C shares
are subject to an ongoing service fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class C shares and
an ongoing distribution fee at an annual rate of up to 0.75% of the Fund's
aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class C shares. Class C
shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor's dollars to work
from the time the investment is made. The ongoing distribution fee paid by Class
C shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower
dividends than those related to Class A shares. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class
C Shares."
CONVERSION FEATURE. Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1996, and any
dividend reinvestment plan shares received thereon, automatically convert to
Class A shares eight years after the end of the calendar month in which the
shares were purchased. Class B shares purchased before June 1, 1996, and any
dividend
19
<PAGE> 22
reinvestment plan shares received thereon, automatically convert to Class A
shares six years after the end of the calendar month in which the shares were
purchased. Class C shares purchased before January 1, 1997, and any dividend
reinvestment plan shares received thereon, automatically convert to Class A
shares ten years after the end of the calendar month in which such shares were
purchased. Such conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset values
per share, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. The
conversion of such shares to Class A shares is subject to the continuing
availability of an opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) the assessment of
the higher distribution fee and transfer agency costs with respect to such
shares does not result in the Fund's dividends or distributions constituting
"preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code") and (ii) the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable
event under federal income tax law. The conversion may be suspended if such an
opinion is no longer available and such shares might continue to be subject to
the higher aggregate fees applicable to such shares for an indefinite period.
FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION. In deciding which class of shares to purchase,
investors should take into consideration their investment goals, present and
anticipated purchase amounts, time horizons and temperaments. Investors should
consider whether, during the anticipated life of their investment in the Fund,
the higher aggregate fees and CDSC on Class B shares and Class C shares would be
less than the initial sales charge on Class A shares purchased at the same time,
and to what extent such differential would be offset by the higher dividends per
share on Class A shares. To assist investors in making this determination, the
table under the caption "Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Example" sets forth
examples of the charges applicable to each class of shares. In this regard,
Class A shares may be more beneficial to the investor who qualifies for reduced
initial sales charges or purchases shares at net asset value. It is presently
the policy of the Distributor not to accept any order of $500,000 or more for
Class B shares or any order of $1 million or more for Class C shares as it
ordinarily would be more beneficial for such an investor to purchase Class A
shares.
Class A shares are not subject to an ongoing distribution fee and,
accordingly, receive correspondingly higher dividends per share. However,
because initial sales charges are deducted at the time of purchase for accounts
under $1 million, investors in Class A shares do not have all their funds
invested initially and, therefore, initially own fewer shares. Other investors
might determine that it is more advantageous to purchase either Class B shares
or Class C shares and have all their funds invested initially, although
remaining subject to a CDSC. Ongoing distribution fees on Class B shares and
Class C shares are offset to the extent of the additional funds originally
invested and any return realized on those funds. However, there can be no
assurance as to the return, if any, which will be realized on such additional
funds. For investments held for ten years or more, the relative value
20
<PAGE> 23
upon liquidation of the three classes tends to favor Class A shares or Class B
shares, rather than Class C shares.
Class A shares may be appropriate for investors who prefer to pay the sales
charge up front, want to take advantage of the reduced sales charges available
on larger investments, wish to maximize their current income from the start,
prefer not to pay redemption charges or have a longer-term investment horizon.
Class B shares may be appropriate for investors who wish to avoid a front-end
sales charge, put 100% of their investment dollars to work immediately or have a
longer-term investment horizon. Class C shares may be appropriate for investors
who wish to avoid a front-end sales charge, put 100% of their investment dollars
to work immediately, have a shorter-term investment horizon or desire a short
CDSC schedule.
The distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the
sale of the shares will be reimbursed, in the case of Class A shares, from the
proceeds of the initial sales charge and, in the case of Class B shares and
Class C shares, from the proceeds of the ongoing distribution fee and any CDSC
incurred upon redemption within five years or one year, respectively, of
purchase. Sales personnel of broker-dealers distributing the Fund's shares and
other persons entitled to receive compensation for selling such shares may
receive differing compensation for selling such shares. INVESTORS SHOULD
UNDERSTAND THAT THE PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE CDSC AND ONGOING DISTRIBUTION
FEE WITH RESPECT TO THE CLASS B SHARES AND CLASS C SHARES ARE THE SAME AS THOSE
OF THE INITIAL SALES CHARGE WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES. See "Distribution
and Service Plans."
GENERAL. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to Class A shares, Class B
shares and Class C shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time
on the same day, except that the higher distribution fees and transfer agency
costs relating to Class B shares or Class C shares will be borne by the
respective class. See "Distributions from the Fund." Shares of the Fund may be
exchanged, subject to certain limitations, for shares of the same class of
certain other mutual funds advised by the Adviser and its affiliates and
distributed by the Distributor. See "Shareholder Services -- Exchange
Privilege."
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE OF SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL
The Fund offers three classes of shares to the public on a continuous basis
through the Distributor as principal underwriter, which is located at One
Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181. Shares also are offered
through members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD")
who are acting as securities dealers ("dealers") and NASD members or eligible
non-NASD
21
<PAGE> 24
members who are acting as brokers or agents for investors ("brokers"). The term
"dealers" and "brokers" are sometimes referred to herein as "authorized
dealers."
Initial investments must be at least $500 for each class of shares, and
subsequent investments must be at least $25 for each class of shares. Both
minimums may be waived by the Distributor for plans involving periodic
investments. Shares of the Fund may be sold in foreign countries where
permissible. The Fund and the Distributor reserve the right to refuse any order
for the purchase of shares. The Fund also reserves the right to suspend the sale
of the Fund's shares in response to conditions in the securities markets or for
other reasons.
Shares may be purchased on any business day through authorized dealers. Shares
also may be purchased by completing the application accompanying this Prospectus
and forwarding the application, through the authorized dealer, to the
shareholder service agent, ACCESS Investor Services, Inc. ("ACCESS"), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Van Kampen American Capital. When purchasing shares of the
Fund, investors must specify whether the purchase is for Class A shares, Class B
shares or Class C shares.
Shares are offered at the next determined net asset value per share, plus a
front-end or deferred sales charge depending on the class of shares chosen by
the investor, as shown in the tables herein. Net asset value per share for each
class is determined once daily as of the close of trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (the "Exchange") (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time) each day the
Exchange is open. Net asset value per share for each class is determined by
dividing the value of the Fund's securities, cash and other assets (including
accrued interest) attributable to such class, less all liabilities (including
accrued expenses) attributable to such class, by the total number of shares of
the class outstanding.
Securities, including options, listed or traded on a national securities
exchange are valued at the last sale price. Unlisted securities and listed
securities for which the last sale price is not available are valued at the mean
between the last reported bid and asked price. Securities for which market
quotations are not readily available and other assets are valued at fair value
as determined in good faith by the Trustees of the Fund. Short-term securities
are valued in the manner described in the notes to the financial statements
included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Generally, the net asset values per share of the Class A shares, Class B
shares and Class C shares are expected to be substantially the same. Under
certain circumstances, however, the per share net asset values of the Class A
shares, Class B shares and Class C shares may differ from one another,
reflecting the daily expense accruals of the higher distribution fee and
transfer agency costs applicable with respect to the Class B shares and Class C
shares and the differential in the dividends paid on the classes of shares. The
price paid for shares purchased is based on the next calculation of the net
asset value (plus sales charges, where applicable)
22
<PAGE> 25
after an order is received by an authorized dealer provided such order is
transmitted to the Distributor prior to the Distributor's close of business on
such day. Orders received by authorized dealers after the close of the Exchange
are priced based on the next close provided they are received by the Distributor
prior to the Distributor's close of business on such day. It is the
responsibility of authorized dealers to transmit orders received by them to the
Distributor so they will be received prior to such time. Orders of less than
$500 are mailed by the authorized dealer and processed at the offering price
next calculated after acceptance by ACCESS.
Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of
investments, has the same rights and is identical in all respects, except that
(i) Class B shares and Class C shares bear the expenses of the deferred sales
arrangement and any expenses (including the higher distribution fee and transfer
agency costs) resulting from such sales arrangement, (ii) generally, each class
has exclusive voting rights with respect to approvals of the Rule 12b-1
distribution plan pursuant to which its distribution fee or service fee is paid,
(iii) each class has different exchange privileges, (iv) certain shares are
subject to a conversion feature and (v) certain shares have different
shareholder service options available. The net income attributable to Class B
shares and Class C shares and the dividends payable on Class B shares and Class
C shares will be reduced by the amount of the distribution fee and other
incremental expenses associated with such shares. Sales personnel of authorized
dealers distributing the Fund's shares and other persons entitled to receive
compensation for selling such shares may receive differing compensation for
selling Class A shares, Class B shares or Class C shares.
Agreements are in place which provide, among other things and subject to
certain conditions, for certain favorable distribution arrangements for shares
of the Fund with subsidiaries of The Travelers Inc.
The Distributor may from time to time implement programs under which an
authorized dealer's sales force may be eligible to win nominal awards for
certain sales efforts or under which the Distributor will reallow to any
authorized dealer that sponsors sales contests or recognition programs
conforming to criteria established by the Distributor, or participates in sales
programs sponsored by the Distributor, an amount not exceeding the total
applicable sales charges on the sales generated by the authorized dealer at the
public offering price during such programs. Other programs provide, among other
things and subject to certain conditions, for certain favorable distribution
arrangements for shares of the Fund. Also, the Distributor in its discretion may
from time to time, pursuant to objective criteria established by the
Distributor, pay fees to, and sponsor business seminars for, qualifying
authorized dealers for certain services or activities which are primarily
intended to result in sales of shares of the Fund. Fees may include payment for
travel expenses, including lodging, incurred in connection with trips taken by
invited registered representatives and members of their families to
23
<PAGE> 26
locations within or outside of the United States for meetings or seminars of a
business nature. The Distributor may provide additional compensation to Edward
D. Jones & Co. or an affiliate thereof based on a combination of its sales of
shares and increases in assets under management. All of the foregoing payments
are made by the Distributor out of its own assets. Such fees paid for such
services and activities with respect to the Fund will not exceed in the
aggregate 1.25% of the average total daily net assets of the Fund on an annual
basis. These programs will not change the price an investor will pay for shares
or the amount that a Fund will receive from such sale.
CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price of Class A shares is the next determined net asset
value plus a sales charge, as set forth herein.
SALES CHARGE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REALLOWED
AS % OF TO DEALERS
SIZE OF AS % OF NET AMOUNT (AS A % OF
INVESTMENT OFFERING PRICE INVESTED OFFERING PRICE)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $50,000........................ 5.75% 6.10% 5.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000........... 4.75% 4.99% 4.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000.......... 3.75% 3.90% 3.00%
$250,000 but less than $500,000.......... 2.75% 2.83% 2.25%
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000........ 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$1,000,000 or more*...................... * * *
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1
million or more, although for such investments the Fund imposes a CDSC of
1.00% on redemptions made within one year of the purchase. A commission
will be paid to authorized dealers who initiate and are responsible for
purchases of $1 million or more as follows: 1.00% on sales to $2 million,
plus 0.80% on the next $1 million and 0.50% on the excess over $3 million.
In addition to the reallowances from the applicable public offering price
described herein, the Distributor may, from time to time, pay or allow
additional reallowances or promotional incentives, in the form of cash or other
compensation, to authorized dealers that sell shares of the Fund. Authorized
dealers which are reallowed all or substantially all of the sales commissions
may be deemed to be underwriters for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
The Distributor may also pay financial institutions (which may include banks)
and other industry professionals that provide services to facilitate
transactions in shares of the Fund for their clients a transaction fee up to the
level of the reallowance allowable to authorized dealers described herein. Such
financial institu-
24
<PAGE> 27
tions, other industry professionals and authorized dealers are hereinafter
referred to as "Service Organizations." Banks are currently prohibited under the
Glass-Steagall Act from providing certain underwriting or distribution services.
If banking firms were prohibited from acting in any capacity or providing any of
the described services, the Distributor would consider what action, if any,
would be appropriate. The Distributor does not believe that termination of a
relationship with a bank would result in any material adverse consequences to
the Fund. State securities laws regarding registration of banks and other
financial institutions may differ from the interpretations of federal law
expressed herein, and banks and other financial institutions may be required to
register as dealers pursuant to certain state laws.
QUANTITY DISCOUNTS
Investors purchasing Class A shares may under certain circumstances be
entitled to pay reduced sales charges. The circumstances under which such
investors may pay reduced sales charges are described below.
Investors, or their authorized dealers, must notify the Fund whenever a
quantity discount is applicable to purchases. Upon such notification, an
investor will receive the lowest applicable sales charge. Quantity discounts may
be modified or terminated at any time. For more information about quantity
discounts, investors should contact their authorized dealer or the Distributor.
A person eligible for a reduced sales charge includes an individual, their
spouse and children under 21 years of age and any corporation, partnership or
sole proprietorship which is 100% owned, either alone or in combination, by any
of the foregoing; a trustee or other fiduciary of a single trust or single
fiduciary account, or a "company" as defined in Section 2(a)(8) of the 1940 Act.
As used herein, "Participating Funds" refers to certain open-end investment
companies advised by the Adviser or Van Kampen American Capital Investment
Advisory Corp. and distributed by the Distributor as determined from time to
time by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
Volume Discounts. The size of investment shown in the preceding sales charge
table applies to the total dollar amount being invested by any person in shares
of the Fund, or in any combination of shares of the Fund and shares of other
Participating Funds, although other Participating Funds may have different sales
charges.
Cumulative Purchase Discount. The size of investment shown in the preceding
sales charge table may also be determined by combining the amount being invested
in shares of the Participating Funds plus the current offering price of all
shares of the Participating Funds which have been previously purchased and are
still owned.
Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent provides an opportunity for an investor
to obtain a reduced sales charge by aggregating the investments over a
thirteen-month
25
<PAGE> 28
period to determine the sales charge as outlined in the preceding sales charge
table. The size of investment shown in the preceding table also includes
purchases of shares of the Participating Funds over a thirteen-month period
based on the total amount of intended purchases plus the value of all shares of
the Participating Funds previously purchased and still owned. An investor may
elect to compute the thirteen-month period starting up to 90 days before the
date of execution of a Letter of Intent. Each investment made during the period
receives the reduced sales charge applicable to the total amount of the
investment goal. If the goal is not achieved within the period, the investor
must pay the difference between the sales charges applicable to the purchases
made and the sales charges previously paid. The initial purchase must be for an
amount equal to at least 5% of the minimum total purchase amount of the level
selected. If trades not initially made under a Letter of Intent subsequently
qualify for a lower sales charge through the 90-day back-dating provisions, an
adjustment will be made at the expiration of the Letter of Intent to give effect
to the lower charge. Such adjustments in sales charge will be used to purchase
additional shares for the shareholder at the applicable discount category.
Additional information is contained in the application form accompanying this
Prospectus.
OTHER PURCHASE PROGRAMS
Purchasers of Class A shares may be entitled to reduced initial sales charges
in connection with unit investment trust reinvestment programs and purchases by
registered representatives of selling firms or purchases by persons affiliated
with the Fund or the Distributor. The Fund reserves the right to modify or
terminate these arrangements at any time.
Unit Investment Trust Reinvestment Programs. The Fund permits unitholders of
unit investment trusts to reinvest distributions from such trusts in Class A
shares of the Fund at net asset value and with no minimum initial or subsequent
investment requirement if the administrator of an investor's unit investment
trust program meets certain uniform criteria relating to cost savings by the
Fund and the Distributor. The total sales charge for all other investments made
from unit trust distributions will be 1.00% of the offering price (1.01% of net
asset value). Of this amount, the Distributor will pay to the authorized dealer,
if any, through which such participation in the qualifying program was initiated
0.50% of the offering price as a dealer concession or agency commission. Persons
desiring more information with respect to this program, including the applicable
terms and conditions thereof, should contact their authorized dealer or the
Distributor.
The administrator of such a unit investment trust must have an agreement with
the Distributor pursuant to which the administrator will (1) submit a single
bulk order and make payment with a single remittance for all investments in the
Fund during each distribution period by all investors who choose to invest in
the Fund
26
<PAGE> 29
through the program and (2) provide ACCESS with appropriate backup data for each
participating investor in a computerized format fully compatible with ACCESS'
processing system.
As further requirements for obtaining these special benefits, the Fund also
requires that all dividends and other distributions by the Fund be reinvested in
additional shares without any systematic withdrawal program. There will be no
minimum for reinvestments from unit investment trusts. The Fund will send
account activity statements to such participants on a monthly basis only, even
if their investments are made more frequently. The Fund reserves the right to
modify or terminate this program at any time.
NAV Purchase Options. Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset
value, upon written assurance that the purchase is made for investment purposes
and that the shares will not be resold except through redemption by the Fund by:
(1) Current or retired trustees or directors of funds advised by the Adviser
or Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp. and such persons'
families and their beneficial accounts.
(2) Current or retired directors, officers and employees of Morgan Stanley
Group Inc. and any of its subsidiaries, employees of an investment
subadviser to any fund described in (1) above or an affiliate of such
subadviser; and such persons' families and their beneficial accounts.
(3) Directors, officers, employees and registered representatives of financial
institutions that have a selling group agreement with the Distributor and
their spouses and children under 21 years of age when purchasing for any
accounts they beneficially own, or, in the case of any such financial
institution, when purchasing for retirement plans for such institution's
employees.
(4) Registered investment advisers, trust companies and bank trust departments
investing on their own behalf or on behalf of their clients provided that
the aggregate amount invested in the Fund alone, or any combination of
shares of the Fund and shares of other Participating Funds as described
herein under "Purchase of Shares -- Class A Shares -- Volume Discounts,"
during the thirteen-month period commencing with the first investment
pursuant hereto equals at least $1 million. The Distributor may pay
authorized dealers through which purchases are made an amount up to 0.50%
of the amount invested, over a twelve-month period following such
transaction.
(5) Trustees and other fiduciaries purchasing shares for retirement plans of
organizations with retirement plan assets of $3 million or more and which
27
<PAGE> 30
invest in multiple fund families through national wirehouse alliance
programs.
(6) Accounts as to which a bank or broker-dealer charges an account management
fee ("wrap accounts"), provided the bank or broker-dealer has a separate
agreement with the Distributor.
(7) Investors purchasing shares of the Fund with redemption proceeds from
other mutual fund complexes on which the investor has paid a front-end
sales charge or was subject to a deferred sales charge, whether or not
paid, if such redemption has occurred no more than 30 days prior to such
purchase.
(8) Trusts created under pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit
plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code, or custodial accounts
held by a bank created pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code and
sponsored by non-profit organizations defined under Section 501(c)(3) of
the Code and assets held by an employer or trustee in connection with an
eligible deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the Code. Such
plans will qualify for purchases at net asset value provided, for plans
initially establishing accounts with the Distributor in the Participating
Funds after February 1, 1997, that (1) the initial amount invested in the
Participating Funds is at least $500,000 or (2) such shares are purchased
by an employer sponsored plan with more than 100 eligible employees. Such
plans that have been established with a Participating Fund or have
received proposals from the Distributor prior to February 1, 1997 based on
net asset value purchase privileges previously in effect will be qualified
to purchase shares of the Participating Funds at net asset value for
accounts established on or before May 1, 1997. Section 403(b) and similar
accounts for which Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company served as
custodian will not be eligible for net asset value purchases based on the
aggregate investment made by the plan or the number of eligible employees,
except under certain uniform criteria established by the Distributor from
time to time. Prior to February 1, 1997, a commission will be paid to
authorized dealers who initiate and are responsible for such purchases
within a rolling twelve-month period as follows: 1.00% on sales to $5
million, plus 0.50% on the next $5 million and 0.25% on the excess over
$10 million. For purchases on February 1, 1997 and thereafter, a
commission will be paid as follows: 1.00% on sales to $2 million, plus
0.80% on the next $1 million, plus 0.50% on the next $47 million and 0.25%
on the excess over $50 million.
(9) Individuals who are members of a "qualified group". For this purpose, a
qualified group is one which (i) has been in existence for more than six
months, (ii) has a purpose other than to acquire shares of the Fund or
similar investments, (iii) has given and continues to give its endorsement
or authorization, on behalf of the group, for purchase of shares of the
Fund and
28
<PAGE> 31
other Participating Funds, (iv) has a membership that the authorized
dealer can certify as to the group's members and (v) satisfies other
uniform criteria established by the Distributor for the purpose of
realizing economies of scale in distributing such shares. A qualified
group does not include one whose sole organizational nexus, for example,
is that its participants are credit card holders of the same institution,
policy holders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or
broker-dealer, clients of an investment adviser or other similar groups.
Shares purchased in each group's participants account in connection with
this privilege will be subject to a CDSC of 1.00% in the event of
redemption within one year of purchase, and a commission will be paid to
authorized dealers who initiate and are responsible for such sales to each
individual as follows: 1.00% on sales to $2 million, plus 0.80% on the
next $1 million and 0.50% on the excess over $3 million.
The term "families" includes a person's spouse, children under 21 years of age
and grandchildren, parents, and a person's spouse's parents.
Purchase orders made pursuant to clause (4) may be placed either through
authorized dealers as described above or directly with ACCESS by the investment
adviser, trust company or bank trust department, provided that ACCESS receives
federal funds for the purchase by the close of business on the next business day
following acceptance of the order. An authorized dealer may charge a transaction
fee for placing an order to purchase shares pursuant to this provision or for
placing a redemption order with respect to such shares. Authorized dealers will
be paid a service fee as described herein under "Distribution and Service Plans"
on purchases made as described in (3) through (9) above. The Fund may terminate,
or amend the terms of, offering shares of the Fund at net asset value to such
groups at any time.
CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares are offered at net asset value. Class B shares which are
redeemed within five years of purchase are subject to a CDSC at the rates set
forth in the following table charged as a percentage of the dollar amount
subject thereto. The charge is assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the
then current market value or the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly,
no sales charge is imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price. In addition, no charge is assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. It is presently the
policy of the Distributor not to accept any order for Class B shares in an
amount of $500,000 or more because it ordinarily will be more advantageous for
an investor making such an investment to purchase Class A shares.
29
<PAGE> 32
The amount of the CDSC, if any, varies depending on the number of years from
the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of
years from the time of any payment for the purchase of shares, all payments
during a month are aggregated and deemed to have been made on the last day of
the month.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
AS A PERCENTAGE OF
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE DOLLAR AMOUNT SUBJECT TO CHARGE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
First.......................................... 5.00%
Second......................................... 4.00%
Third.......................................... 3.00%
Fourth......................................... 2.50%
Fifth.......................................... 1.50%
Sixth and after................................ None
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, it is assumed
that the redemption is first, of any shares in the shareholder's Fund account
that are not subject to a CDSC, second of shares held for over five years or
shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions and third
of shares held longest during the five year period.
To provide an example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 per
share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the second year after purchase, the net asset
value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor has acquired 10
additional shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time the investor makes
his or her first redemption of 50 shares (proceeds of $600), 10 shares will not
be subject to charge because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the
remaining 40 shares, the charge is applied only to the original cost of $10 per
share and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per share. Therefore,
$400 of the $600 redemption proceeds is subject to a deferred sales charge at a
rate of 4.00% (the applicable rate in the second year after purchase).
A commission or transaction fee of 4.00% of the purchase amount will be paid
to authorized dealers at the time of purchase. Additionally, the Distributor
may, from time to time, pay additional promotional incentives in the form of
cash or other compensation to authorized dealers that sell Class B shares of the
Fund.
30
<PAGE> 33
CLASS C SHARES
Class C shares are offered at net asset value. Class C shares which are
redeemed within the first year of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1.00%. The
charge is assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the then current market
value or the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no sales charge is
imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price. In
addition, no charge is assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends
or capital gains distributions. It is presently the policy of the Distributor
not to accept any order for Class C shares in an amount of $1 million or more
because it ordinarily will be more advantageous for an investor making such an
investment to buy Class A shares.
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, it is assumed
that the redemption is first of any shares in the shareholder's Fund account
that are not subject to a CDSC and second of shares held for more than one year
or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
A commission or transaction fee of 1.00% of the purchase amount will be paid
to authorized dealers at the time of purchase. Authorized dealers will also be
paid ongoing commissions and transaction fees of up to 0.75% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund's Class C shares annually commencing in the second
year after purchase. Additionally, the Distributor may, from time to time, pay
additional promotional incentives in the form of cash or other compensation, to
authorized dealers that sell Class C shares of the Fund.
WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
The CDSC is waived on redemptions of Class B shares and Class C shares (i)
following the death or disability (as defined in the Code) of a shareholder,
(ii) in connection with required minimum distributions from an IRA or other
retirement plan, (iii) pursuant to the Fund's systematic withdrawal plan but
limited to 12% annually of the initial value of the account and (iv) effected
pursuant to the right of the Fund to liquidate a shareholder's account as
described herein under "Redemption of Shares." The CDSC also is waived on
redemptions of Class C shares as it relates to the reinvestment of redemption
proceeds in shares of the same class of the Fund within 120 days after
redemption. See the Statement of Additional Information for further discussion
of waiver provisions.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund offers a number of shareholder services designed to facilitate
investment in its shares at little or no extra cost to the investor. The
following is a description of such services.
31
<PAGE> 34
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT. Each shareholder has an investment account under which
shares are held by ACCESS, the Fund's transfer agent. ACCESS performs
bookkeeping, data processing and administration services relative to the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. Except as described in this Prospectus,
after each share transaction in an account, the shareholder receives a statement
showing the activity in the account. Each shareholder who has an account in
certain of the Participating Funds will receive statements quarterly from ACCESS
showing any reinvestments of dividends and capital gains distributions and any
other activity in the account since the preceding statement. Such shareholders
also will receive separate confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction
other than reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions and
systematic purchases or redemptions. Additions to an investment account may be
made at any time by purchasing shares through authorized dealers or by mailing a
check directly to ACCESS.
SHARE CERTIFICATES. Generally, the Fund will not issue share certificates.
However, upon written or telephone request to the Fund, a share certificate will
be issued representing shares (with the exception of fractional shares) of the
Fund. A shareholder will be required to surrender such certificates upon
redemption thereof. In addition, if such certificates are lost the shareholder
must write to Van Kampen American Capital Funds, c/o ACCESS, P.O. Box 418256,
Kansas City, MO 64141-9256, requesting an "affidavit of loss" and obtain a
Surety Bond in a form acceptable to ACCESS. On the date the letter is received,
ACCESS will calculate a fee for replacing the lost certificates equal to no more
than 2.00% of the net asset value of the issued shares, and bill the party to
whom the certificate was mailed.
REINVESTMENT PLAN. A convenient way for investors to accumulate additional
shares is by accepting dividends and capital gains distributions in shares of
the Fund. Such shares are acquired at net asset value per share (without sales
charge) on the record date. Unless the shareholder instructs otherwise, the
reinvestment plan is automatic. This instruction may be made by telephone by
calling (800) 421-5666 ((800) 421-2833 for the hearing impaired) or in writing
to ACCESS. The investor may, on the initial application or prior to any
declaration, instruct that dividends be paid in cash and capital gains
distributions be reinvested at net asset value, or that both dividends and
capital gains distributions be paid in cash.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. An automatic investment plan is available under
which a shareholder can authorize ACCESS to charge a bank account on a regular
basis to invest predetermined amounts in the Fund. Additional information is
available from the Distributor or authorized dealers.
RETIREMENT PLANS. Eligible investors may establish individual retirement
accounts ("IRAs"); SEP and pension and profit sharing plans; 401(k) plans; or
Section 403(b)(7) plans in the case of employees of public school systems and
certain non-profit organizations. Documents and forms containing detailed
32
<PAGE> 35
information regarding these plans are available from the Distributor. Van Kampen
American Capital Trust Company serves as custodian under the IRA, 403(b)(7) and
Keogh plans. Details regarding fees, as well as full plan administration for
profit sharing, pension and 401(k) plans, are available from the Distributor.
AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE ("ACH") DEPOSITS. Holders of Class A shares can use
ACH to have redemption proceeds deposited electronically into their bank
accounts. Redemptions transferred to a bank account via the ACH plan are
available to be credited to the account on the second business day following
normal payment. In order to utilize this option, the shareholder's bank must be
a member of Automated Clearing House. In addition, the shareholder must fill out
the appropriate section of the account application. The shareholder must also
include a voided check or deposit slip from the bank account into which
redemptions are to be deposited together with the completed application. Once
ACCESS has received the application and the voided check or deposit slip, such
shareholder's designated bank account, following any redemption, will be
credited with the proceeds of such redemption. Once enrolled in the ACH plan, a
shareholder may terminate participation at any time by writing ACCESS.
DIVIDEND DIVERSIFICATION. A shareholder may, upon written request or by
completing the appropriate section of the application accompanying this
Prospectus or by calling (800) 421-5666 ((800) 421-2833 for the hearing
impaired), elect to have all dividends and other distributions paid on a class
of shares of the Fund invested into shares of the same class of any
Participating Fund so long as the investor has a pre-existing account for such
class of shares of the other fund. Both accounts must be of the same type,
either non-retirement or retirement. If the accounts are retirement accounts,
they must be for the same class and of the same type of retirement plan (e.g.,
IRA, 403(b)(7), 401(k), Keogh) and for the benefit of the same individual. If a
qualified, pre-existing account does not exist, the shareholder must establish a
new account subject to minimum investment and other requirements of the fund
into which distributions would be invested. Distributions are invested into the
selected fund at its net asset value as of the payable date of the distribution.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. Shares of the Fund or of any Participating Fund, other
than Van Kampen American Capital Government Target Fund ("Government Target"),
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Money Fund ("Tax Free Money Fund") or Van
Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund ("Reserve Fund"), may be exchanged for
shares of the same class of any other fund without sales charge, provided that
shares of certain Van Kampen American Capital fixed-income funds are subject to
a 30-day holding period requirement before exchange. Shares of Government Target
may be exchanged for Class A shares of the Fund without sales charge. Class A
Shares of the Tax Free Money Fund or Reserve Fund that were not acquired in
exchange for Class B shares or Class C shares of a Participating Fund
33
<PAGE> 36
may be exchanged for Class A shares of the Fund upon payment of the excess, if
any, of the sales charge rate applicable to the shares being acquired over the
sales charge rate previously paid. Shares of the Tax Free Money Fund or Reserve
Fund acquired through an exchange of Class B shares or Class C shares may be
exchanged only for the same class of shares of a Participating Fund without
incurring a CDSC. Shares of any Participating Fund may be exchanged for shares
of any other Participating Fund only if shares of that Participating Fund are
available for sale; however, during periods of suspension of sales, shares of a
Participating Fund may be available for sale only to existing shareholders of
the Participating Fund. Additional funds may be added from time to time as
determined by the Fund's Board of Trustees as Participating Funds.
Class B shareholders and Class C shareholders of the Fund have the ability to
exchange their shares ("original shares") for the same class of shares of any
other Participating Fund that offers such shares ("new shares") in an amount
equal to the aggregate net asset value of the original shares, without the
payment of any CDSC otherwise due upon redemption of the original shares. For
purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon a disposition of the new shares, the
holding period for the original shares is added to the holding period of the new
shares. Class B shareholders and Class C shareholders would remain subject to
the CDSC schedule imposed by the original fund upon their redemption from the
Van Kampen American Capital complex of funds.
Shares of the fund to be acquired must be registered for sale in the
investor's state. Exchanges of shares are sales and may result in a gain or loss
for federal income tax purposes, although if the shares exchanged have been held
for less than 91 days, the sales charge paid on such shares is not included in
the tax basis of the exchanged shares, but is carried over and included in the
tax basis of the shares acquired.
A shareholder wishing to make an exchange may do so by sending a written
request to ACCESS, or by contacting the telephone transaction line at (800)
421-5684. A shareholder automatically has telephone exchange privileges unless
otherwise designated in the application form accompanying this Prospectus. Van
Kampen American Capital and its subsidiaries, including ACCESS (collectively,
"VKAC"), and the Fund employ procedures considered by them to be reasonable to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures
include requiring certain personal identification information prior to acting
upon telephone instructions, tape recording telephone communications, and
providing written confirmation of instructions communicated by telephone. If
reasonable procedures are employed, neither VKAC nor the Fund will be liable for
following telephone instructions which it reasonably believes to be genuine.
VKAC and the Fund may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions if reasonable procedures are not followed. Exchanges are effected
at the net asset
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value per share next calculated after the request is received in good order with
adjustment for any additional sales charge. If the exchanging shareholder does
not have an account in the fund whose shares are being acquired, a new account
will be established with the same registration, dividend and capital gain
options (except dividend diversification) and authorized dealer of record as the
account from which shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified by the
shareholder. In order to establish a systematic withdrawal plan for the new
account or reinvest dividends from the new account into another fund, however,
an exchanging shareholder must file a specific written request. The Fund
reserves the right to reject any order to acquire its shares through exchange.
In addition, the Fund may modify, restrict or terminate the exchange privilege
at any time on 60 days' notice to its shareholders of any termination or
material amendment.
A prospectus of any of these mutual funds may be obtained from any authorized
dealer or the Distributor. An investor considering an exchange to one of such
funds should refer to the prospectus for additional information regarding such
fund prior to investing.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. Any investor whose shares in a single account
total $10,000 or more at the offering price next computed after receipt of
instructions may establish a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual
withdrawal plan. Any investor whose shares in a single account total $5,000 or
more at the offering price next computed after receipt of instructions may
establish a quarterly, semi-annual or annual withdrawal plan. This plan provides
for the orderly use of the entire account not only the income but also the
capital, if necessary. Each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares on
which any capital gain or loss will be recognized. The plan holder may arrange
for monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual checks in any amount not less
than $25. Such a systematic withdrawal plan may also be maintained by an
investor purchasing shares for a retirement plan established on a form made
available by the Fund. See "Shareholder Services -- Retirement Plans."
Class B shareholders and Class C shareholders who establish a withdrawal plan
may redeem up to 12% annually of the shareholder's initial account balance
without incurring a CDSC. Initial account balance means the amount of the
shareholder's investment at the time of election to participate in the plan is
made.
Under the plan, sufficient shares of the Fund are redeemed to provide the
amount of the periodic withdrawal payment. Dividends and capital gains
distributions on shares held under the plan are reinvested in additional shares
at the next determined net asset value. If periodic withdrawals continuously
exceed reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the shareholder's
original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted.
Withdrawals made concurrently with the purchase of additional shares ordinarily
will be disadvantageous to the
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<PAGE> 38
shareholder because of the duplication of sales charges. Any taxable gain or
loss will be recognized by the shareholder upon redemption of shares.
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REDEMPTION OF SHARES
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REGULAR REDEMPTIONS. Shareholders may redeem for cash some or all of their
shares of the Fund at any time. To do so, a written request in proper form must
be sent directly to ACCESS, P.O. Box 418256, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-9256.
Shareholders may also place redemption requests through an authorized dealer.
Orders received from authorized dealers must be at least $500 unless transmitted
via the FUNDSERV network. The redemption price for such shares is the net asset
value next calculated after an order is received by an authorized dealer
provided such order is transmitted to the Distributor prior to the Distributor's
close of business on such day. It is the responsibility of authorized dealers to
transmit redemption requests received by them to the Distributor so they will be
received prior to such time.
As described herein under "Purchase of Shares," redemptions of Class B shares
and Class C shares are subject to a CDSC. In addition, a CDSC of 1.00% may be
imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares made within one year of
purchase for investments of $1 million or more. The CDSC incurred upon
redemption is paid to the Distributor in reimbursement for distribution-related
expenses. A custodian of a retirement plan account may charge fees based on the
custodian's fee schedule.
The request for redemption must be signed by all persons in whose names the
shares are registered. Signatures must conform exactly to the account
registration. If the proceeds of the redemption exceed $50,000, or if the
proceeds are not to be paid to the record owner at the record address, or if the
record address has changed within the previous 30 days, signature(s) must be
guaranteed by one of the following: a bank or trust company; a broker-dealer; a
credit union; a national securities exchange, registered securities association
or clearing agency; a savings and loan association; or a federal savings bank.
Generally, a properly signed written request with any required signature
guarantee is all that is required for a redemption. In some cases, however,
other documents may be necessary. For example, although the Fund normally does
not issue certificates for shares, it will do so if a special request has been
made to ACCESS. In the case of shareholders holding certificates, the
certificates for the shares being redeemed must accompany the redemption
request. In the event the redemption is requested by a corporation, partnership,
trust, fiduciary, executor or administrator, and the name and title of the
individual(s) authorizing such redemption is not shown in the account
registration, a copy of the corporate resolution or other legal documentation
appointing the authorized signer and certified within the prior
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<PAGE> 39
60 days must accompany the redemption request. IRA redemption requests should be
sent to the IRA custodian to be forwarded to ACCESS. Where Van Kampen American
Capital Trust Company serves as IRA custodian, special IRA, 403(b)(7), or Keogh
distribution forms must be obtained from and be forwarded to Van Kampen American
Capital Trust Company, P. O. Box 944, Houston, Texas 77001-0944. Contact the
custodian for information.
In the case of redemption requests sent directly to ACCESS, the redemption
price is the net asset value per share next determined after the request is
received in proper form. Payment for shares redeemed will be made by check
mailed within seven days after acceptance by ACCESS of the request and any other
necessary documents in proper order. Such payment may be postponed or the right
of redemption suspended as provided by the rules of the SEC. If the shares to be
redeemed have been recently purchased by check, ACCESS may delay mailing a
redemption check until it confirms the purchase check has cleared, usually a
period of up to fifteen days. A taxable gain or loss will be recognized by the
shareholder upon redemption of shares.
The Fund may redeem any shareholder account with a net asset value on the date
of the notice of redemption less than the minimum initial investment as
specified in this Prospectus. At least 60 days advance written notice of any
such involuntary redemption is required and the shareholder is given an
opportunity to purchase the required value of additional shares at the next
determined net asset value without sales charge. Any applicable CDSC will be
deducted from the proceeds of this redemption. Any involuntary redemption may
only occur if the shareholder account is less than the minimum initial
investment due to shareholder redemptions.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS. In addition to the regular redemption procedures set
forth above, the Fund permits redemption of shares by telephone and for
redemption proceeds to be sent to the address of record for the account or to
the bank account of record as described below. To establish such privilege, a
shareholder must complete the appropriate section of the application
accompanying this Prospectus or call the Fund at (800) 421-5666 to request that
a copy of the Telephone Redemption Authorization form be sent to them for
completion. To redeem shares, contact the telephone transaction line at (800)
421-5684. VKAC and the Fund employ procedures considered by them to be
reasonable to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.
Such procedures include requiring certain personal identification information
prior to acting upon telephone instructions, tape recording telephone
communications and providing written confirmation of instructions communicated
by telephone. If reasonable procedures are employed, neither VKAC nor the Fund
will be liable for following telephone instructions which it reasonably believes
to be genuine. VKAC and the Fund may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent instructions if reasonable procedures are not
followed. Telephone redemptions may not be available if the
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<PAGE> 40
shareholder cannot reach ACCESS by telephone, whether because all telephone
lines are busy or for any other reason; in such case, a shareholder would have
to use the Fund's regular redemption procedure previously described. Requests
received by ACCESS prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, on a regular business day
will be processed at the net asset value per share determined that day. These
privileges are available for all accounts other than retirement accounts. The
telephone redemption privilege is not available for shares represented by
certificates. If an account has multiple owners, ACCESS may rely on the
instructions of any one owner.
For redemptions authorized by telephone, amounts of $50,000 or less may be
redeemed daily if the proceeds are to be paid by check and amounts of at least
$1,000 up to $1 million may be redeemed daily if the proceeds are to be paid by
wire. The proceeds must be payable to the shareholder(s) of record and sent to
the address of record for the account or wired directly to their predesignated
bank account. This privilege is not available if the address of record has been
changed within 30 days prior to a telephone redemption request. Proceeds from
redemptions are expected to be wired on the next business day following the date
of redemption. This service is also not available with respect to shares held in
an individual retirement account (IRA) for which Van Kampen American Capital
Trust Company acts as custodian. The Fund reserves the right at any time to
terminate, limit or otherwise modify this redemption privilege.
REDEMPTION UPON DISABILITY. The Fund will waive the CDSC on redemptions
following the disability of a Class B shareholder or Class C shareholder. An
individual will be considered disabled for this purpose if he or she meets the
definition thereof in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code, which in pertinent part
defines a person as disabled if such person "is unable to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or to be of
long-continued and indefinite duration." While the Fund does not specifically
adopt the balance of the Code's definition which pertains to furnishing the
Secretary of Treasury with such proof as he or she may require, the Distributor
will require satisfactory proof of disability before it determines to waive the
CDSC on Class B shares and Class C shares.
In cases of disability, the CDSC on Class B shares and Class C shares will be
waived where the disabled person is either an individual shareholder or owns the
shares as a joint tenant with right of survivorship or is the beneficial owner
of a custodial or fiduciary account, and where the redemption is made within one
year of the initial determination of disability. This waiver of the CDSC on
Class B shares and Class C shares applies to a total or partial redemption, but
only to redemptions of shares held at the time of the initial determination of
disability.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE. A Class A shareholder or Class B shareholder who has
redeemed shares of the Fund may reinstate any portion or all of the proceeds of
such redemption in Class A shares of the Fund. A Class C shareholder who has
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<PAGE> 41
redeemed shares of the Fund may reinstate any portion or all of the net proceeds
of such redemption in Class C shares of the Fund with credit given for any CDSC
paid upon such redemption. Such reinstatement is made at the net asset value
(without sales charge except as described under "Shareholder
Services -- Exchange Privilege") next determined after the order is received,
which must be within 180 days after the date of the redemption. Reinstatement at
net asset value is also offered to participants in those eligible retirement
plans held or administered by Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company for
repayment of principal (and interest) on their borrowings on such plans.
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DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the "Distribution Plan") with
respect to each class of its shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
The Fund also has adopted a service plan (the "Service Plan") with respect to
each class of its shares. The Distribution Plan and the Service Plan provide
that the Fund may spend a portion of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to each class of shares in connection with distribution of the
respective class of shares and in connection with the provision of ongoing
services to shareholders of each class. The Distribution Plan and the Service
Plan are being implemented through an agreement with the Distributor and
sub-agreements between the Distributor and brokers, dealers or financial
intermediaries (collectively, "Selling Agreements") that may provide for their
customers or clients certain services or assistance.
CLASS A SHARES. The Fund may spend an aggregate amount up to 0.25% per year of
the average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares of the Fund
pursuant to the Distribution Plan and Service Plan. From such amount, the Fund
may spend up to 0.25% per year of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to the Class A shares pursuant to the Service Plan in connection
with the ongoing provision of services to holders of such shares by the
Distributor and by brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries and in
connection with the maintenance of such shareholders' accounts. The Fund pays
the Distributor the lesser of the balance of the 0.25% not paid to such brokers,
dealers or financial intermediaries or the amount of the Distributor's actual
distribution-related expense. The rates above are 0.15% with respect to Class A
shares in accounts existing on or before October 19, 1992.
CLASS B SHARES. The Fund may spend up to 0.75% per year of the average daily
net assets attributable to the Class B shares of the Fund pursuant to the
Distribution Plan. In addition, the Fund may spend up to 0.25% per year of the
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares pursuant to
the Service Plan in connection with the ongoing provision of services to holders
of such shares
39
<PAGE> 42
by the Distributor and by brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries and in
connection with the maintenance of such shareholders' accounts.
CLASS C SHARES. The Fund may spend up to 0.75% per year of the average daily
net assets attributable to the Class C shares of the Fund pursuant to the
Distribution Plan. From such amount, the Fund, or the Distributor as agent for
the Fund, pays brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries in connection with
the distribution of the Class C shares up to 0.75% of the Fund's average daily
net assets attributable to Class C shares maintained in the Fund more than one
year by such broker's, dealer's or financial intermediary's customers. The Fund
pays the Distributor the lesser of the balance of 0.75% not paid to such
brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries or the amount of the Distributor's
actual distribution-related expense attributable to the Class C shares. In
addition, the Fund may spend up to 0.25% per year of the Fund's average daily
net assets attributable to the Class C shares pursuant to the Service Plan in
connection with the ongoing provision of services to holders of such shares by
the Distributor and by brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries and in
connection with the maintenance of such shareholders' accounts.
OTHER INFORMATION. Amounts payable to the Distributor with respect to the
Class A shares under the Distribution Plan in a given year may not fully
reimburse the Distributor for its actual distribution-related expenses during
such year. In such event, with respect to the Class A shares, there is no
carryover of such reimbursement obligations to succeeding years.
The Distributor's actual expenses with respect to Class B shares or Class C
shares for any given year may exceed the amounts payable to the Distributor with
respect to such class of shares under the Distribution Plan, the Service Plan
and payments received pursuant to the CDSC. In such event, with respect to any
such class of shares, any unreimbursed expenses will be carried forward and paid
by the Fund (up to the amount of the actual expenses incurred) in future years
so long as such Distribution Plan is in effect. Except as mandated by applicable
law, the Fund does not impose any limit with respect to the number of years into
the future that such unreimbursed expenses may be carried forward (on a Fund
level basis). Because such expenses are accounted on a Fund level basis, in
periods of extreme net asset value fluctuation such amounts with respect to a
particular Class B share or Class C share may be greater or less than the amount
of the initial commission (including carrying cost) paid by the Distributor with
respect to such share. In such circumstances, a shareholder of a share may be
deemed to incur expenses attributable to other shareholders of such class. As of
December 31, 1996, there were $1,821,650 and $14,541 of unreimbursed
distribution-related expenses with respect to Class B shares and Class C shares,
respectively, representing 2.42% and 0.25% of the Fund's net assets attributable
to Class B shares and Class C shares, respectively. If the Distribution Plan was
terminated or not continued, the Fund
40
<PAGE> 43
would not be contractually obligated to pay the Distributor for any expenses not
previously reimbursed by the Fund or recovered through CDSCs.
The Distributor will not use the proceeds from the CDSC applicable to a
particular class of shares to defray distribution-related expenses attributable
to any other class of shares. Various federal and state laws prohibit national
banks and some state-chartered commercial banks from underwriting or dealing in
the Fund's shares. In addition, state securities laws on this issue may differ
from the interpretations of federal law, and banks and financial institutions
may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law. In the unlikely
event that a court were to find that these laws prevent such banks from
providing such services described above, the Fund would seek alternate providers
and expects that shareholders would not experience any disadvantage.
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DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to any increase in the value of shares which the Fund may achieve,
shareholders may receive two kinds of return from the Fund: dividends and
capital gains distributions.
DIVIDENDS. Dividends from stocks and interest earned from other investments
are the Fund's main source of income. Substantially all of this income, less
expenses, is distributed quarterly as dividends to shareholders. Unless the
shareholder instructs otherwise, dividends are automatically applied to purchase
additional shares of the Fund at the next determined net asset value. See
"Shareholder Services -- Reinvestment Plan."
The per share dividends on Class B shares and Class C shares may be lower than
the per share dividends on Class A shares as a result of the higher distribution
fees and transfer agency costs applicable to such classes of shares.
CAPITAL GAINS. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses when it sells
securities, depending on whether the sales prices for the securities are higher
or lower than their purchase prices. The Fund distributes to shareholders at
least once a year the excess, if any, of its total profits on the sale of
securities during the year over its total losses on the sale of securities,
including capital losses carried forward from prior years under tax laws. As in
the case of dividends, capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested
in additional shares of the Fund at net asset value unless the shareholder
elects otherwise. See "Shareholder Services -- Reinvestment Plan."
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<PAGE> 44
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TAX STATUS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION. The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to
qualify each year and to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as a regulated investment company,
the Fund must comply with certain requirements of the Code relating to, among
other things, the source of its income and diversification of its assets.
If the Fund so qualifies and distributes each year to its shareholders at
least 90% of its net investment income (including tax-exempt interest, taxable
income and net short-term capital gain, but not net capital gains, which are the
excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), it
will not be required to pay federal income taxes on any income distributed to
shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute at least the minimum amount of net
investment income necessary to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement. The
Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on any net capital gains
distributed to shareholders.
In order to avoid a 4% excise tax, the Fund will be required to distribute, by
December 31 of each year, at least 98% of its ordinary income (not including
tax-exempt income) for such year and at least 98% of its capital gain net income
(the latter of which generally is computed on the basis of the one-year period
ending on October 31 of such year), plus any amounts that were not distributed
in previous taxable years. For purposes of the excise tax, any ordinary income
or capital gain net income retained by, and subject to federal income tax in the
hands of, the Fund will be treated as having been distributed.
If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company or failed to
satisfy the 90% distribution requirement in any taxable year, the Fund would be
taxed as an ordinary corporation on its taxable income (even if such income were
distributed to its shareholders) and all distributions out of earnings and
profits would be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. To qualify again as a
regulated investment company in a subsequent year, the Fund may be required to
pay an interest charge on 50% of its earnings and profits attributable to
non-regulated investment company years and would be required to distribute such
earnings and profits to shareholders (less any interest charge). In addition, if
the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company for its first
taxable year or, if immediately after qualifying as a regulated investment
company for any taxable year, it failed to qualify for a period greater than one
taxable year, the Fund would be required to recognize any net built-in gains
(the excess of aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses
that would have been realized if it had been liquidated) in order to qualify as
a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.
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<PAGE> 45
Some of the Fund's investment practices are subject to special provisions of
the Code that, among other things, may defer the use of certain losses of the
Fund and affect the holding period of the securities held by the Fund and the
character of the gains or losses realized by the Fund. These provisions may also
require the Fund to mark-to-market some of the positions in its portfolio (i.e.,
treat them as if they were sold for fair market value at the end of the
tax-year), which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash
with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the 90%
distribution requirement and the distribution requirements for avoiding income
and excise taxes. The Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain
tax elections in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent
disqualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company.
The Fund's ability to dispose of portfolio securities may be limited by the
requirement for qualification as a regulated investment company that less than
30% of the Fund's annual gross income be derived from the disposition of
securities held for less than three months.
Investments of the Fund in securities issued at a discount or providing for
deferred interest or payment of interest in kind are subject to special tax
rules that will affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to
shareholders. For example, with respect to securities issued at a discount, the
Fund will be required to accrue as income each year a portion of the discount
and to distribute such income each year in order to maintain its qualification
as a regulated investment company and to avoid income and excise taxes. In order
to generate sufficient cash to make distributions necessary to satisfy the 90%
distribution requirement and to avoid income and excise taxes, the Fund may have
to dispose of securities that it would otherwise have continued to hold.
DISTRIBUTIONS. Distributions of the Fund's net investment income are taxable
to shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund's earnings and
profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Distributions
of the Fund's net capital gains ("capital gains dividends"), if any, are taxable
to shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of the length of time
shares of the Fund have been held by such shareholders. Distributions in excess
of the Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a
holder's shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will
constitute capital gains to such holder (assuming such shares are held as a
capital asset). Tax-exempt shareholders not subject to federal income tax on
their income generally will not be taxed on distributions from the Fund.
Shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional shares issued
by the Fund will be treated for federal income tax purposes as receiving a
distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received,
determined as of the distribution date. The basis of such shares will equal the
fair market value on the
43
<PAGE> 46
distribution date.
The Fund will inform shareholders of the source and tax status of all
distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year. Fund distributions
will not qualify for the dividends received deduction for corporations, except
to the extent the Fund receives dividends from domestic corporations.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid,
dividends declared in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of
record on a specified date in such month and paid during January of the
following year will be treated as having been distributed by the Fund and
received by the shareholders on the December 31 prior to the date of payment. In
addition, certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of
the Fund may be "spilled back" and treated as paid by the Fund (except for
purposes of the 4% excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case,
shareholders will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable
year in which the distribution was actually made.
Income from investments in foreign securities received by the Fund may be
subject to income, withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries and
U.S. possessions. Such taxes will not be deductible or creditable by
shareholders.
The Fund is required, in certain circumstances, to withhold 31% of dividends
and certain other payments, including redemptions, paid to shareholders who do
not furnish to the Fund their correct taxpayer identification number (in the
case of individuals, their social security number) and certain required
certifications or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding.
SALE OF SHARES. The sale of shares (including transfers in connection with a
redemption or repurchase of shares) will be a taxable transaction for federal
income tax purposes. Selling shareholders will generally recognize gain or loss
in an amount equal to the difference between their adjusted tax basis in the
shares and the amount received. If such shares are held as a capital asset, the
gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss and will be long-term if such shares
have been held for more than one year. Any loss realized upon a taxable
disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of any capital gains dividends received with respect
to such shares. For purposes of determining whether shares have been held for
six months or less, the holding period is suspended for any periods during which
the shareholder's risk of loss is diminished as a result of holding one or more
other positions in substantially similar or related property or through certain
options or short sales.
GENERAL. The federal, state and local income tax discussion set forth above
is for general information only. Prospective investors should consult their
advisors regarding the specific federal tax consequences of holding and
disposing of shares, as well as the effects of state, local and foreign tax law
and any proposed tax law changes.
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FUND PERFORMANCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From time to time, the Fund may advertise its total return for prior periods.
Any such advertisement would include at least average annual total return
quotations for one, five and ten year periods. Other total return quotations,
aggregate or average, over other time periods may also be included.
The total return of the Fund for a particular period represents the increase
(or decrease) in the value of a hypothetical investment in the Fund from the
beginning to the end of the period. Total return is calculated by subtracting
the value of the initial investment from the ending value and showing the
difference as a percentage of the initial investment; the calculation assumes
the initial investment is made at the current maximum public offering price
(which includes a maximum sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares); that all
income dividends or capital gains distributions during the period are reinvested
in Fund shares at net asset value; and that any applicable CDSC has been paid.
The Fund's total return will vary depending on market conditions, the securities
comprising the Fund's portfolio, the Fund's operating expenses and unrealized
net capital gains or losses during the period. Since Class A shares of the Fund
were offered at a maximum sales charge of 8.50% prior to October 19, 1992,
actual Fund total return would have been somewhat less than that computed on the
basis of the current maximum sales charge. Total return is based on historical
earnings and asset value fluctuations and is not intended to indicate future
performance. No adjustments are made to reflect any income taxes payable by
shareholders on dividends and distributions paid by the Fund.
Average annual total return quotations for periods of two or more years are
computed by finding the average annual compounded rate of return over the period
that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value.
Total return is calculated separately for Class A shares, Class B shares and
Class C shares of the Fund. Class A shares total return figures include the
maximum sales charge of 5.75%; Class B shares and Class C shares total return
figures include any applicable CDSC. Because of the differences in sales charges
and distribution fees, the total returns for each of the classes will differ.
From time to time, the Fund may include in its sales literature and
shareholder reports a quotation of the current "distribution rate" for each
class of shares of the Fund. Distribution rate is a measure of the level of
income and short-term capital gain dividends, if any, distributed for a
specified period. Distribution rate differs from yield, which is a measure of
the income actually earned by the Fund's investments, and from total return,
which is a measure of the income actually earned by the Fund's investments plus
the effect of any realized and unrealized
45
<PAGE> 48
appreciation or depreciation of such investments during a stated period.
Distribution rate is, therefore, not intended to be a complete measure of the
Fund's performance. Distribution rate may sometimes be greater than yield since,
for instance, it may not include the effect of amortization of bond premiums,
and may include non-recurring short-term capital gains and premiums from futures
transactions engaged in by the Fund. Distribution rates will be computed
separately for each class of the Fund's shares.
In reports or other communications to shareholders or in advertising material,
the Fund may compare its performance with that of other mutual funds as listed
in the rankings or ratings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA,
Morningstar Mutual Funds or similar independent services which monitor the
performance of mutual funds, with the Consumer Price Index, the Dow Jones
Industrial Average Index, Standard & Poor's or NASDAQ, other appropriate indices
of investment securities, or with investment or savings vehicles. The
performance information may also include evaluations of the Fund published by
nationally recognized ranking services and by nationally recognized financial
publications. Such comparative performance information will be stated in the
same terms in which the comparative data or indices are stated. Such
advertisements and sales material may also include a yield quotation as of a
current period. In each case, such total return and yield information, if any,
will be calculated pursuant to rules established by the SEC and will be computed
separately for each class of the Fund's shares. For these purposes, the
performance of the Fund, as well as the performance of other mutual funds or
indices, do not reflect sales charges, the inclusion of which would reduce Fund
performance. The Fund will include performance data for each class of shares of
the Fund in any advertisement or information including performance data of the
Fund.
The Fund may also utilize performance information in hypothetical
illustrations provided in narrative form. These hypotheticals will be
accompanied by the standard performance information required by the SEC as
described above.
The Fund's Annual Report contains additional performance information. A copy
of the Annual Report may be obtained without charge by calling or writing the
Fund at the telephone number and address printed on the cover page of this
Prospectus.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES OF THE FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund was originally incorporated in Delaware on November 20, 1967 and was
reincorporated in the State of Maryland on December 31, 1978. The Fund was again
reorganized as a business trust under the laws of Delaware as of August 5, 1995
and adopted its current name at that time.
46
<PAGE> 49
The authorized capitalization of the Fund consists of an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, divided into classes.
The Fund currently offers three classes of shares, designated Class A shares,
Class B shares and Class C shares. Other classes may be established from time to
time in accordance with provisions of the Fund's Declaration of Trust. Shares
issued by the Fund are fully paid, non-assessable and, except as described
herein, have no preemptive or conversion rights.
Each class of shares represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and
generally are identical in all respects except that each class bears certain
distribution expenses and has exclusive voting rights with respect to its
distribution fee. There are no conversion, preemptive or other subscription
rights, except with respect to the conversion of certain shares into Class A
shares as described herein. In the event of liquidation, each of the shares of
the Fund is entitled to its portion of all of the Fund's net assets after all
debt and expenses of the Fund have been paid. Since Class B shares and Class C
shares pay higher distribution fees and transfer agency costs, the liquidation
proceeds to Class B shareholders and Class C shareholders are likely to be lower
than to other shareholders.
The Fund does not contemplate holding regular meetings of shareholders to
elect Trustees or otherwise. However, the holders of 10% or more of the
outstanding shares may by written request require a meeting to consider the
removal of Trustees by a vote of two-thirds of the shares then outstanding cast
in person or by proxy at such meeting. The Fund will assist such holders in
communicating with other shareholders of the Fund to the extent required by the
1940 Act. More detailed information concerning the Fund is set forth in the
Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust provides that no Trustee, officer or
shareholder of the Fund shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall
resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation
or liability of the Fund but the assets of the Fund only shall be liable.
47
<PAGE> 50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information do not contain all
the information set forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with
the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933. Copies of the Registration Statement
may be obtained at a reasonable charge from the SEC or may be examined, without
charge, at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
The fiscal year end of the Fund is December 31. The Fund sends to its
shareholders at least semi-annually reports showing the Fund's portfolio and
other information. An annual report, containing financial statements audited by
the Fund's independent accountants, is sent to shareholders each year. After the
end of each year, shareholders will receive federal income tax information
regarding dividends and capital gains distributions.
Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Van Kampen American Capital
Comstock Fund, One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, Attn:
Correspondence.
For Automated Telephone Service which provides 24-hour direct dial access to
Fund facts and shareholder account information, dial (800) 847-2424. For
inquiries through Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) dial (800)
421-2833.
48
<PAGE> 51
EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS--
FOR INFORMATION ON YOUR
EXISTING ACCOUNT PLEASE CALL
THE FUND'S TOLL-FREE
NUMBER--(800) 341-2911
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS--CALL
YOUR BROKER OR (800) 421-5666
DEALERS--FOR DEALER
INFORMATION, SELLING
AGREEMENTS, WIRE ORDERS, OR
REDEMPTIONS CALL THE
DISTRIBUTOR'S TOLL-FREE
NUMBER--(800) 421-5666
FOR SHAREHOLDER AND DEALER
INQUIRIES THROUGH
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
FOR THE DEAF (TDD)
DIAL (800) 421-2833
FOR AUTOMATED TELEPHONE
SERVICES DIAL (800) 847-2424
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
COMSTOCK FUND
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Investment Adviser
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Distributor
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Transfer Agent
ACCESS INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.
P.O. Box 418256
Kansas City, MO 64141-9256
Attn: Van Kampen American Capital
Comstock Fund
Custodian
STATE STREET BANK AND
TRUST COMPANY
225 West Franklin Street
P.O. Box 1713
Boston, MA 02105-1713
Attn: Van Kampen American Capital
Comstock Fund
Legal Counsel
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE,
MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS)
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Independent Accountants
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1201 Louisiana
Suite 2900
Houston, TX 77002
<PAGE> 52
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMSTOCK FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P R O S P E C T U S
APRIL 30, 1997
- ------ ------ A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE - A KNOWLEDGE OF WEALTH
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 53
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified,
open-end management investment company. This Statement of Additional Information
is not a prospectus. This Statement of Additional Information should be read in
conjunction with the Fund's prospectus (the "Prospectus") dated as of the same
date as this Statement of Additional Information. This Statement of Additional
Information does not include all the information a prospective investor should
consider before purchasing shares of the Fund. Investors should obtain and read
the Prospectus prior to purchasing shares of the Fund. A Prospectus may be
obtained without charge by writing or calling Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc. at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 at
(800) 421-5666.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
General Information......................................... B-2
Repurchase Agreements....................................... B-3
Foreign Securities.......................................... B-3
Options, Futures Contracts and Related Options.............. B-4
Investment Restrictions..................................... B-9
Trustees and Officers....................................... B-11
Legal Counsel............................................... B-18
Investment Advisory Agreement............................... B-18
Distributor................................................. B-19
Distribution and Service Plans.............................. B-20
Transfer Agent.............................................. B-21
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage........................ B-21
Determination of Net Asset Value............................ B-22
Purchase and Redemption of Shares........................... B-23
Exchange Privilege.......................................... B-26
Tax Status on the Fund...................................... B-26
Fund Performance............................................ B-27
Other Information........................................... B-27
Report of Independent Accountants........................... B-28
Financial Statements........................................ B-29
Notes to Financial Statements............................... B-38
</TABLE>
This Statement of Additional Information is dated April 30, 1997.
<PAGE> 54
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fund was originally incorporated as the American Capital Comstock Fund,
Inc. as a Delaware corporation on November 20, 1967. The Fund was reincorporated
in Maryland on December 31, 1978. As of August 5 1995, the Fund was reorganized
as a series of Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund (the "Trust"), a
Delaware business trust, and adopted its current name.
Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), Van
Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), and ACCESS
Investor Services, Inc. ("ACCESS") are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Van Kampen
American Capital Inc. ("VKAC"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VK/AC
Holding, Inc. VK/AC Holding, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSAM Holdings
II, Inc. which, in turn, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Group
Inc. The principal office of the Fund, the Adviser, the Distributor and VKAC is
located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181.
Morgan Stanley Group Inc. and various of its directly or indirectly owned
subsidiaries, including Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, a registered
broker-dealer and investment adviser, and Morgan Stanley International, are
engaged in a wide range of financial services. Their principal businesses
include securities underwriting, distribution and trading; merger, acquisition,
restructuring and other corporate finance advisory activities; merchant banking;
stock brokerage and research services; asset management; trading of futures,
options, foreign exchange, commodities and swaps (involving foreign exchange,
commodities, indices and interest rates); real estate advice, financing and
investing; and global custody, securities clearance services and securities
lending.
On February 5, 1997, Morgan Stanley Group Inc. and Dean Witter, Discover &
Co. announced that they had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger to form
a new company to be named Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. Subsequent
to certain conditions being met, it is currently anticipated that the
transaction will close in mid-1997. Thereafter, Van Kampen American Capital
Asset Management, Inc. will be an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, Dean
Witter, Discover & Co.
Dean Witter, Discover & Co. is a financial services company with three
major businesses: full service brokerage, credit services and asset management
of more than $100 billion in customer accounts.
VKAC offers one of the industry's broadest lines of
investments -- encompassing mutual funds, closed-end funds and unit investment
trusts -- and is currently the nation's 5th largest broker-sold mutual fund
group according to Strategic Insight, July 1995. VKAC manages or supervises more
than $57 billion in mutual funds, closed-end funds and unit investment
trusts -- assets which have been entrusted to VKAC in more than 2 million
investor accounts. VKAC has one of the largest research teams (outside of the
rating agencies) in the country, with more than 80 analysts devoted to various
specializations.
VKAC uses an investment process designed to attempt to produce consistently
good short-term results, which should help lead to superior long-term
performance.
Fully Invested: Money invested in a VKAC stock fund will normally be fully
invested in the market to attempt to maximize the potential for long-term
returns. The importance of being fully invested can be illustrated by the
following comparison. By missing the 30 best months during the past 69 years,
the value of $1.00 invested in 1926 was $19.48 at the end of 1996, compared to
$1,370.95 for $1.00 that was invested for the entire period (Source: Micropal,
Inc.). Of course, past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Broadly Diversified: A broadly diversified portfolio usually reduces risk
and increases relative stability. Since VKAC's goal is consistency, a broadly
diversified portfolio across industries is emphasized. VKAC stock funds are
varied both in terms of the number of industries and the number of stocks within
each industry in which they invest. Generally, the stock funds invest in 12
broad economic sectors, and in many individual stocks within each sector.
Clearly Defined: The basic characteristics of VKAC funds are determined by
a pre-defined profile which remains constant over time.
B-2
<PAGE> 55
As of April 4, 1997, no person was known by the Fund to own beneficially or
to hold of record 5% or more of the outstanding Class A shares, Class B shares
or Class C shares of the Fund, except as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT OF
OWNERSHIP AT CLASS OF PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF HOLDER* APRIL 4, 1997 SHARES OWNERSHIP
--------------------------- ------------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Prudential Securities FBO 22,361 C 5.01%
Foundation for Jewish Philan
James Stovroff Annuity TR
DTD 122994 Attn P. Fleischmann
787 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14209-2005
Prudential Securities FBO 23,479 C 5.26%
Foundation for Jewish Philan
Haskell Stovroff Annuity TR
DTD 122994 Attn P. Fleischmann
787 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14209-2005
Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company 32,775,003 A 38.14%
2800 Post Oak Blvd. 1,997,488 B 34.97%
Houston, TX 77056 83,545 C 18.72%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* All holders were of record.
Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company acts as custodian for certain
employee benefit plans and individual retirement accounts.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with domestic banks or
broker-dealers. A repurchase agreement is a short-term investment in which the
purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires ownership of a debt security and the seller
agrees to repurchase the obligation at a future time and set price, usually not
more than seven days from the date of purchase, thereby determining the yield
during the purchaser's holding period. Repurchase agreements are collateralized
by the underlying debt securities and may be considered to be loans under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Fund will make
payment for such securities only upon physical delivery or evidence of book
entry transfer to the account of a custodian or bank acting as agent. The seller
under a repurchase agreement is required to maintain the value of the underlying
securities marked to market daily at not less than the repurchase price. The
underlying securities (normally securities of the U.S. Government, or its
agencies and instrumentalities) may have maturity dates exceeding one year. The
Fund does not bear the risk of a decline in value of the underlying security
unless the seller defaults under its repurchase obligation. In the event of a
bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund
could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and loss
including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during
the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, (b) possible lack
of access to income on the underlying security during this period and (c)
expenses of enforcing its rights. See "Investment Practices -- Repurchase
Agreements" in the Prospectus for further information.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its total assets in
securities of foreign governments and companies. Such securities may be subject
to foreign government taxes which would reduce the income yield on such
securities. Foreign investments involve certain risks, such as political or
economic instability of the issuer or of the country of issue, changes in
currency exchange rates, the difficulty of predicting international trade
patterns and the possibility of imposition of exchange controls. Such securities
may also be subject to
B-3
<PAGE> 56
greater fluctuations in price than securities of domestic corporations or of the
United States Government. In addition, there may be less publicly available
information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. Foreign
companies generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to domestic
companies. There is generally less government regulation of stock exchanges,
brokers and listed companies abroad than in the United States, and, with respect
to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, or diplomatic developments which could affect investment
in those countries. Finally, in the event of a default on such foreign debt
obligations, it may be more difficult for the Fund to obtain or to enforce
judgment against the issuers of such securities.
OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS
WRITING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS
Purpose. The principal reason for writing options is to obtain, through
receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be realized on the
underlying securities alone. Such current return could be expected to fluctuate
because premiums earned from an option writing program and dividend or interest
income yields on portfolio securities vary as economic and market conditions
change. Writing options on portfolio securities is likely to result in higher
portfolio turnover.
Writing Options. The purchaser of a call option pays a premium to the
writer (i.e., the seller) for the right to buy the underlying security from the
writer at a specified price during a certain period. The Fund would write call
options only on a covered basis, which means that, at all times during the
option period, the Fund would own or have the right to acquire securities of the
type that it would be obligated to deliver if any outstanding option were
exercised.
The purchaser of a put option pays a premium to the writer (i.e., the
seller ) for the right to sell the underlying security to the writer at a
specified price during a certain period. The Fund would write put options only
on a secured basis, which means that, at all times during the option period, the
Fund would maintain in a segregated account with its Custodian cash or liquid
securities in an amount of not less than the exercise price of the option, or
would hold a put on the same underlying security at an equal or greater exercise
price.
Closing Purchase Transactions and Offsetting Transactions. In order to
terminate its position as a writer of a call or put option, the Fund could enter
into a "closing purchase transaction," which is the purchase of a call (put) on
the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration
date as the call (put) previously written by the Fund. The Fund would realize a
gain (loss) if the premium plus commission paid in the closing purchase
transaction is less (greater) than the premium it received on the sale of the
option. The Fund would also realize a gain if an option it has written lapses
unexercised.
The Fund could write options that are listed on an exchange as well as
options which are privately negotiated in over-the-counter transactions. A Fund
could close out its position as a writer of an option only if a liquid secondary
market exists for options of that series, but there is no assurance that such a
market will exist, particularly in the case of over-the-counter options, since
they can be closed out only with the other party to the transaction.
Alternatively, the Fund could purchase an offsetting option, which would not
close out its position as a writer, but would provide an asset of equal value to
its obligation under the option written. If the Fund is not able to enter into a
closing purchase transaction or to purchase an offsetting option with respect to
an option it has written, it will be required to maintain the securities subject
to the call or the collateral underlying the put until a closing purchase
transaction can be entered into (or the option is exercised or expires) even
though it might not be advantageous to do so.
Risks of Writing Options. By writing a call option, the Fund loses the
potential for gain on the underlying security above the exercise price while the
option is outstanding; by writing a put option a Fund might become obligated to
purchase the underlying security at an exercise price that exceeds the then
current market price.
Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum
number of call or put options on the same underlying security (whether or not
covered) that may be written by a single investor, whether
B-4
<PAGE> 57
acting alone or in concert with others, regardless of whether such options are
written on one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. An exchange may
order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of those limits, and
it may impose other sanctions or restrictions. These position limits may
restrict the number of options the Fund may be able to write.
PURCHASING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS
The Fund could purchase call options to protect (i.e., hedge) against
anticipated increases in the prices of securities it wishes to acquire.
Alternatively, call options could be purchased for capital appreciation. Since
the premium paid for a call option is typically a small fraction of the price of
the underlying security, a given amount of funds will purchase call options
covering a much larger quantity of such security than could be purchased
directly. By purchasing call options, the Fund could benefit from any
significant increase in the price of the underlying security to a greater extent
than had it invested the same amount in the security directly. However, because
of the very high volatility of option premiums, the Fund would bear a
significant risk of losing the entire premium if the price of the underlying
security did not rise sufficiently, or if it did not do so before the option
expired.
Put options may be purchased to protect (i.e., hedge) against anticipated
declines in the market value of either specific portfolio securities or of the
Fund's assets generally. Alternatively, put options may be purchased for capital
appreciation in anticipation of a price decline in the underlying security and a
corresponding increase in the value of the put option. The purchase of put
options for capital appreciation involves the same significant risk of loss as
described above for call options.
In any case, the purchase of options for capital appreciation would
increase the Fund's volatility by increasing the impact of changes in the market
price of the underlying securities on the Fund's net asset value.
OPTIONS ON STOCK INDEXES
Options on stock indexes are similar to options on stock, but the delivery
requirements are different. Instead of giving the right to take or make delivery
of stock at a specified price, an option on a stock index gives the holder the
right to receive an amount of cash upon exercise of the option. Receipt of this
cash amount will depend upon the closing level of the stock index upon which the
option is based being greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the
case of a put) the exercise price of the option. The amount of cash received
will be the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise
price of the option, multiplied by a specified dollar multiple. The writer of
the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount.
Some stock index options are based on a broad market index such as the
Standard & Poor's 500 or the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index, or a
narrower index such as the Standard & Poor's 100. Indexes are also based on an
industry or market segment such as the AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer
and Business Equipment Index. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the
market values of the stocks included in the index. Options are currently traded
on The Chicago Board Options Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and other
exchanges.
Gain or loss to the Fund on transactions in stock index options will depend
on price movements in the stock market generally (or in a particular industry or
segment of the market) rather than price movements of individual securities. As
with stock options, the Fund may offset its position in stock index options
prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange, or it
may let the option expire unexercised.
FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund may engage in transactions involving futures contracts and related
options in accordance with the rules and interpretations of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") under which the Fund is exempt from
registration as a "commodity pool."
A stock index futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which a party
agrees to take or make delivery of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times
the difference between the stock index value at a specified
B-5
<PAGE> 58
time and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No
physical delivery of the underlying stocks in the index is made.
An interest rate futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which a party
agrees to take or make delivery of a specified debt security (such as U.S.
Treasury bonds or notes) at a specified future time and at a specified price.
The Fund also may invest in foreign stock index futures traded outside the
United States. Foreign stock index futures traded outside the United States
include the Nikkei Index of 225 Japanese stocks traded on the Singapore
International Monetary Exchange ("Nikkei Index"), Osaka Index of 50 Japanese
stocks traded on the Osaka Exchange, Financial Times Stock Exchange Index of the
100 largest stocks on the London Stock Exchange, the All Ordinaries Share Price
Index of 307 stocks on the Sydney, Melbourne Exchanges, Hang Seng Index of 33
stocks on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Barclays Share Price Index of 40 stocks
on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and Toronto Index of 35 stocks on the Toronto
Stock Exchange. Futures and futures options on the Nikkei Index are traded on
the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and United States commodity exchanges may
develop futures and futures options on other indices of foreign securities.
Futures and options on United States devised index of foreign stocks are also
being developed. Investments in securities of foreign entities and securities
denominated in foreign currencies involve risks not typically involved in
domestic investment, including fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, future
foreign political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of
exchange controls or other foreign or United States governmental laws or
restrictions applicable to such investments.
INITIAL AND VARIATION MARGIN
In contrast to the purchase or sale of a security, no price is paid or
received upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Fund is
required to deposit with its Custodian in an account in the broker's name an
amount of cash or liquid securities equal to a percentage (which will normally
range between 2% and 10%) of the contract amount. This amount is known as
initial margin. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is
different from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures
contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to
finance the transaction. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a
performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract, which is returned to the
Fund upon termination of the futures contact and satisfaction of its contractual
obligations. Subsequent payments to and from the broker, called variation
margin, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying securities or
index fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract
more or less valuable, a process known as marking to market.
For example, when the Fund purchases a futures contract and the price of
the underlying security or index rises, that position increases in value, and
the Fund receives from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that
increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund purchases a futures contract and
the value of the underlying security or index declines, the position is less
valuable, and the Fund is required to make a variation margin payment to the
broker.
At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Fund may elect
to terminate the position by taking an opposite position. A final determination
of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or
released to the Fund and the Fund realizes a loss or a gain.
FUTURES STRATEGIES
When the Fund anticipates a significant market or market sector advance,
the purchase of a futures contract affords a hedge against not participating in
the advance at a time when the Fund is otherwise fully invested ("anticipatory
hedge"). Such purchase of a futures contract serves as a temporary substitute
for the purchase of individual securities, which may be purchased in an orderly
fashion once the market has stabilized. As individual securities are purchased,
an equivalent amount of futures contracts could be terminated by offsetting
sales. The Fund may sell futures contracts in anticipation of or in a general
market or market sector decline that may adversely affect the market value of
the Fund's securities ("defensive hedge"). To the extent that the Fund's
portfolio of securities changes in value in correlation with the underlying
security
B-6
<PAGE> 59
or index, the sale of futures contracts substantially reduces the risk to the
Fund of a market decline and, by so doing, provides an alternative to the
liquidation of securities positions in the Fund with attendant transaction
costs.
In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages
in transactions in options, futures or related options, the Fund could
experience delays or losses in liquidating open positions purchased or incur a
loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the broker. Transactions are
entered into by the Fund only with brokers or financial institutions deemed
creditworthy by the Adviser.
SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
There are several risks connected with the use of futures contracts as a
hedging device. These include the risk of imperfect correlation between
movements in the price of the futures contracts and of the underlying
securities, the risk of market distortion, the illiquidity risk and the risk of
error in anticipating price movement.
There may be an imperfect correlation (or no correlation) between movements
in the price of the futures contracts and of the securities being hedged. The
risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the securities
being hedged diverges from the securities upon which the futures contract is
based. If the price of the futures contract moves less than the price of the
securities being hedged, the hedge will not be fully effective. To compensate
for the imperfect correlation, the Fund could buy or sell futures contracts in a
greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the
historical volatility of the securities being hedged is greater than the
historical volatility of the securities underlying the futures contract.
Conversely, the Fund could buy or sell futures contracts in a lesser dollar
amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the historical
volatility of the securities being hedged is less than the historical volatility
of the securities underlying the futures contract. It is also possible that the
value of futures contracts held by the Fund could decline at the same time as
portfolio securities being hedged; if this occurred, the Fund would lose money
on the futures contract in addition to suffering a decline in value in the
portfolio securities being hedged.
There is also the risk that the price of futures contracts may not
correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying the
futures contract due to certain market distortions. First, all participants in
the futures market are subject to margin depository and maintenance
requirements. Rather than meet additional margin depository requirements,
investors may close futures contracts through offsetting transactions, which
could distort the normal relationship between the futures market and the
securities or index underlying the futures contract. Second, from the point of
view of speculators, the deposit requirements in the futures market are less
onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets. Therefore, increased
participation by speculators in the futures markets may cause temporary price
distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion in the futures markets
and because of the imperfect correlation between movements in futures contracts
and movements in the securities underlying them, a correct forecast of general
market trends by the Adviser may still not result in a successful hedging
transaction.
There is also the risk that futures markets may not be sufficiently liquid.
Futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that
provides a market for such futures contracts. Although the Fund intends to
purchase or sell futures only on exchanges and boards of trade where there
appears to be an active secondary market, there can be no assurance that an
active secondary market will exist for any particular contract or at any
particular time. In the event of such illiquidity, it might not be possible to
close a futures position and, in the event of adverse price movement, the Fund
would continue to be required to make daily payments of variation margin. Since
the securities being hedged would not be sold until the related futures contract
is sold, an increase, if any, in the price of the securities may to some extent
offset losses on the related futures contract. In such event, the Fund would
lose the benefit of the appreciation in value of the securities.
Successful use of futures is also subject to the Adviser's ability to
correctly predict the direction of movements in the market. For example, if the
Fund hedges against a decline in the market, and market prices instead advance,
the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increase in value of its
securities holdings because it will have offsetting losses in futures contracts.
In such cases, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it
B-7
<PAGE> 60
may have to sell portfolio securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do
so in order to meet the daily variation margin.
CFTC regulations require, among other things, (i) that futures and related
options be used solely for bonafide hedging purposes (or meet certain conditions
as specified in CFTC regulations) and (ii) that the Fund not enter into futures
and related options for which the aggregate initial margin and premiums exceed
5% of the fair market value of the Fund's assets. In order to minimize leverage
in connection with the purchase of futures contracts by the Fund, an amount of
cash or liquid securities equal to the market value of the obligation under the
futures contracts (less any related margin deposits) will be maintained in a
segregated account with the Custodian.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund could also purchase and write options on futures contracts. An
option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the
premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the
option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified
exercise price at any time during the option period. As a writer of an option on
a futures contract, the Fund would be subject to initial margin and maintenance
requirements similar to those applicable to futures contracts. In addition, net
option premiums received by the Fund are required to be included as initial
margin deposits. When an option on a futures contract is exercised, delivery of
the futures position is accompanied by cash representing the difference between
the current market price of the futures contract and the exercise price of the
option. The Fund could purchase put options on futures contracts in lieu of, and
for the same purpose as, it could sell a futures contract; at the same time, it
could write put options at a lower strike price (a "put bear spread") to offset
part of the cost of the strategy to the Fund. The purchase of call options on
futures contracts would be intended to serve the same purpose as the actual
purchase of the futures contract.
RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
In addition to the risks described above which apply to all options
transactions, there are several special risks relating to options on futures.
The Adviser will not purchase options on futures on any exchange unless in the
Adviser's opinion, a liquid secondary exchange market for such options exists.
Compared to the use of futures, the purchase of options on futures involves less
potential risk to the Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium
paid for the options (plus transaction costs). However, there may be
circumstances, such as when there is no movement in the level of the index or in
the price of the underlying security, when the use of an option on a future
would result in a loss to the Fund when the use of a future would not.
ADDITIONAL RISKS OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum
number of call or put options on the same underlying security or futures
contract (whether or not covered) which may be written by a single investor,
whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such
options are written on the same or different exchanges or are held or written on
one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). Option positions of all
investment companies advised by the Adviser are combined for purposes of these
limits. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in
violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions.
These position limits may restrict the number of listed options which the Fund
may write.
Although the Fund intends to enter into futures contracts only if there is
an active market for such contracts, there is no assurance that an active market
will exist for the contracts at any particular time. Most U.S. futures exchanges
and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures
contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been
reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price
beyond that limit. It is possible that futures contract prices would move to the
daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading,
thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some
futures traders to substantial losses. In such event, and in the event of
B-8
<PAGE> 61
adverse price movements, the Fund would be required to make daily cash payments
of variation margin. In such circumstances, an increase in the value of the
portion of the portfolio being hedged, if any, may partially or completely
offset losses on the futures contract. However, as described above, there is no
guarantee that the price of the securities being hedged will, in fact, correlate
with the price movements in a futures contract and thus provide an offset to
losses on the futures contract.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment restrictions
which, along with its investment objective, may not be changed without approval
by the vote of a majority of its outstanding voting shares, which is defined by
the 1940 Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present
at the meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities. The percentage limitations contained in the
restrictions and policies set forth herein apply at the time of purchase of
securities. These restrictions provide that the Fund shall not:
1. With respect to 75% of its assets, invest more than 5% of its assets in
the securities of any one issuer (except the United States Government)
or purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any
one issuer, except that the Fund may purchase securities of other
investment companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as
amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated
by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii)
an exemption or other relief from the provisions of the 1940 Act.
2. Make short sales or purchase securities on margin; but it may obtain
such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of
purchases and sales of securities, and it may engage in transactions in
options, futures contracts and related options and make margin deposits
and payments in connection therewith.
3. Pledge any of its assets, except that the Fund may pledge assets having
a value of not more than 10% of its total assets in order to secure
permitted borrowings from banks. Such borrowings may not exceed 5% of
the value of the Fund's assets and can be made only as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Fund may engage in transactions in options, futures
contracts and related options, segregate or deposit assets to cover or
secure options written, and make margin deposits and payments for
futures contracts and related options.
4. Invest in securities issued by other investment companies, except part
of a merger, reorganization or other acquisition and except to the
extent permitted by (i) 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii)
the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as
amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from
the provisions of the 1940 Act.
5. Invest in real estate, commodities or commodities contracts, except
that the Fund may engage in transactions in futures contracts and
related options.
6. Invest in securities of a company for the purpose of exercising
management or control, although the Fund retains the right to vote
securities held by it, except that the Fund may purchase securities of
other investment companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act,
as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations
promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to
time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from the provisions of the
1940 Act.
7. Engage in the underwriting of securities of other issuers, except that
the Fund may sell an investment position even though it may be deemed
to be an underwriter as that term is defined under the Securities Act
of 1933.
8. Purchase a restricted security or a security for which market
quotations are not readily available if as a result of such purchase
more than 5% of the Fund's assets would be invested in such securities,
except that the Fund may purchase securities of other investment
companies to the extent permitted
B-9
<PAGE> 62
by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and
regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from
time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from the provisions
of the 1940 Act.
9. Invest more than 25% of its total net asset value in any one industry,
except that the Fund may purchase securities of other investment
companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from
time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption
or other relief from the provisions of the 1940 Act.
10. Make loans except by the purchase of bonds or other debt obligations of
types commonly offered publicly or privately and purchased by financial
institutions, including investment in repurchase agreements, provided
that the Fund will not make any investment in repurchase agreements
maturing in more than seven days if such investments, together with any
illiquid securities held by the Fund, would exceed 10% of the value of
its net assets.
The Fund is subject to certain policies, which may be amended by its
Trustees. In addition to such policies set forth in the Fund's Prospectus, the
Fund shall not:
1. Invest in the securities of a foreign issuer if, at the time of
acquisition, more than 15% of the value of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in such securities.
2. Invest more than 5% of its net assets in warrants or rights valued at
the lower of cost or market, nor more than 2% of its net assets in
warrants or rights (valued on such basis) which are not listed on the
New York Stock Exchange or American Stock Exchange. Warrants or rights
acquired in units or attached to other securities are not subject to
the foregoing limitations.
3. Invest in interests in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or
development programs.
4. Invest more than 5% of its assets in companies having a record,
together with predecessors, of less than three years continuous
operation and in securities not having readily available market
quotations, except that the Fund may purchase securities of other
investment companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as
amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated
by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii)
an exemption or other relief from the provisions of the 1940 Act.
5. Purchase or retain securities of any issuer if those officers and
trustees of the Fund or its investment adviser who own individually
more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer together own more
than 5% of the securities of such issuer.
6. Invest more than 5% of its assets in the securities of any one issuer
other than the United States government, except that the Fund may
purchase securities of other investment companies to the extent
permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the
rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as
amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from
the provisions of the 1940 Act.
7. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its portfolio securities to the extent
that at any time the percentage of pledged securities plus the sales
load will exceed 10% of the offering price of the Fund's shares.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund may engage in transactions in
options, futures contracts and related options, segregate or deposit
assets to cover or secure options written, and make margin deposits or
payments for futures contracts and related options; or
8. Invest more than 10% of its net assets (determined at the time of
investment) in illiquid securities and repurchase agreements that have
a maturity of longer than seven days.
The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its assets in the Van Kampen
American Capital Small Capitalization Fund or the Van Kampen American
Capital Foreign Securities Fund until it complies with NASAA
regulations.
B-10
<PAGE> 63
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The tables below list the trustees and officers of the Trust (of which the
Fund is a separate series) and other executive officers of the Fund's investment
adviser and their principal occupations for the last five years and their
affiliations, if any, with VK/AC Holding, Inc. ("VKAC Holding"), Van Kampen
American Capital, Inc. ("Van Kampen American Capital" or "VKAC"), Van Kampen
American Capital Investment Advisory Corp. ("Advisory Corp."), Van Kampen
American Capital Asset Management, Inc. ("Asset Management"), Van Kampen
American Capital Distributors, Inc., the distributor of the Fund's shares (the
"Distributor") and ACCESS Investors Services Inc., the Fund's transfer agent
("ACCESS"). Advisory Corp. and Asset Management sometimes are referred to herein
collectively as the "Advisers". For purposes hereof, the term "Fund Complex"
includes each of the open-end investment companies advised by the Advisory Corp.
and each of the open-end investment companies advised by the Asset Management
(excluding the American Capital Exchange Fund and the Common Sense Trust).
TRUSTEES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OR
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE EMPLOYMENT IN PAST 5 YEARS
--------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
J. Miles Branagan......................... Private investor. Co-founder, and prior to August 1996,
1632 Morning Mountain Road Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, MDT
Raleigh, NC 27614 Corporation (now known as Getinge/Castle, Inc., a
Date of Birth: 07/14/32 subsidiary of Getinge Industrier AB), a company which
develops, manufactures, markets and services medical and
scientific equipment. Trustee of each of the funds in the
Fund Complex.
Linda Hutton Heagy........................ Partner, Ray & Berndtson, Inc. An executive recruiting
Sears Tower and management consulting firm. Formerly, Executive Vice
233 South Wacker Drive President of ABN AMRO, N.A., a Dutch bank holding
Suite 4020 company. Prior to 1992, Executive Vice President of La
Chicago, IL 60606 Salle National Bank. Trustee of each of the funds in the
Date of Birth: 06/03/48 Fund Complex.
R. Craig Kennedy.......................... President and Director, German Marshall Fund of the
11 DuPont Circle, N.W. United States. Formerly, advisor to the Dennis Trading
Washington, D.C. 20036 Group Inc. Prior to 1992, President and Chief Executive
Date of Birth: 02/29/52 Officer, Director and Member of the Investment Committee
of the Joyce Foundation, a private foundation. Trustee of
each of the funds in the Fund Complex.
Dennis J. McDonnell*...................... President and a Director of VKAC. President, Chief
One Parkview Plaza Operating Officer and a Director of the Advisers.
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Director or officer of certain other subsidiaries of
Date of Birth: 05/20/42 VKAC. Prior to November 1996, Executive Vice President
and a Director of VKAC Holding. President and Trustee of
each of the funds in the Fund Complex. President,
Chairman of the Board and Trustee of other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or their affiliates.
Jack E. Nelson............................ President, Nelson Investment Planning Services, Inc., a
423 Country Club Drive financial planning company and registered investment
Winter Park, FL 32789 adviser. President, Nelson Ivest Brokerage Services Inc.,
Date of Birth: 02/13/36 a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and Securities Investors
Protection Corp. ("SIPC"). Trustee of each of the funds
in the Fund Complex.
</TABLE>
B-11
<PAGE> 64
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OR
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE EMPLOYMENT IN PAST 5 YEARS
--------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
Jerome L. Robinson........................ President, Robinson Technical Products Corporation, a
115 River Road manufacturer and processor of welding alloys, supplies
Edgewater, NJ 07020 and equipment. Director, Pacesetter Software, a software
Date of Birth: 10/10/22 programming company specializing in white collar
productivity. Director, Panasia Bank. Trustee of each of
the funds in the Fund Complex.
Phillip B. Rooney......................... Private investor. Director, Illinois Tool Works, Inc., a
348 East Third Street manufacturing company; Director, The Servicemaster
Hinsdale, IL 60521 Company, a business and consumer services company;
Date of Birth: 07/08/44 Director, Urban Shopping Centers Inc., a retail mall
management company; Director, Stone Container Corp., a
paper manufacturing company. Trustee, University of Notre
Dame. Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer,
WMX Technologies Inc., an environmental services company,
and prior to that President and Chief Operating Officer,
WMX Technologies Inc. Trustee of each of the funds in the
Fund Complex.
Fernando Sisto............................ Professor Emeritus and, prior to 1995, Dean of the
155 Hickory Lane Graduate School, Stevens Institute of Technology.
Closter, NJ 07624 Director, Dynalysis of Princeton, a firm engaged in
Date of Birth: 08/02/24 engineering research. Trustee of each of the funds in the
Fund Complex.
Wayne W. Whalen*.......................... Partner in the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher
333 West Wacker Drive & Flom (Illinois), legal counsel to the funds in the Fund
Chicago, IL 60606 Complex, open-end funds advised by Van Kampen American
Date of Birth: 08/22/39 Capital Management, Inc. and closed-end funds advised by
Advisory Corp. Trustee of each of the funds in the Fund
Complex, open-end funds advised by Van Kampen Capital
Management, Inc. and closed-end funds advised by Advisory
Corp.
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Such trustees are "interested persons" (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19)
of the 1940 Act). Mr. McDonnell is an interested person of the Advisers and
the Fund by reason of his positions with VKAC and its affiliates. Mr. Whalen
is an interested person of the Fund by reason of his firm currently acting as
legal counsel to the Fund and is an interested person of Asset Management with
respect to certain funds advised by Asset Management by reason of his firm in
the past acting as legal counsel to Asset Management.
OFFICERS
Messrs. Hegel, Nyberg, Wood, Sullivan, Dalmaso, Martin, Wetherell and Hill
are located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. The Fund's
officers other than Messrs. Hegel, Nyberg, Wood, Sullivan, Dalmaso, Martin,
Wetherell and Hill are located at 2800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------ ----------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Peter W. Hegel.............. Vice President Executive Vice President of the Advisers.
Date of Birth: 06/25/56 Director of Asset Management. Officer of
certain other subsidiaries of VKAC. Vice
President of each of the funds in the Fund
Complex and certain other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or their
affiliates.
</TABLE>
B-12
<PAGE> 65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------ ----------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Curtis W. Morell............ Vice President and Chief Senior Vice President of the Advisers, Vice
Date of Birth: 08/04/46 Accounting Officer President and Chief Accounting Officer of
each of the funds in the Fund Complex and
certain other investment companies advised
by the Advisers or their affiliates.
Ronald A. Nyberg............ Vice President and Secretary Executive Vice President, General Counsel
Date of Birth: 07/29/53 and Secretary of VKAC. Executive Vice
President, General Counsel, Assistant
Secretary and a Director of the Advisers
and the Distributor. Executive Vice
President, General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary of ACCESS. Director or officer of
certain other subsidiaries of VKAC.
Director of ICI Mutual Insurance Co., a
provider of insurance to members of the
Investment Company Institute. Prior to
November 1996, Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of VKAC
Holding. Vice President and Secretary of
each of the funds in the Fund Complex and
certain other investment companies advised
by the Advisers or their affiliates.
Don G. Powell Chairman, President, Chief Executive
2800 Post Oak Blvd. Officer and a Director of VKAC. Chairman,
Houston, TX 77056 Chief Executive Officer and a Director of
Date of Birth: 10/19/39 the Advisers and the Distributor. Chairman
and a Director of ACCESS. Director or
officer of certain other subsidiaries of
VKAC. Chairman of the Board of Governors
and the Executive Committee of the
Investment Company Institute. Prior to
November, 1996, President, Chief Executive
Officer and a Director of VKAC Holding.
President, Chief Executive Officer and a
Trustee/Director of certain investment
companies advised by Asset Management and
prior to July 1996, President, Chief
Executive Officer and a Trustee of the
funds in the Fund Complex and closed-end
investment companies advised by Advisory
Corp.
Alan T. Sachtleben.......... Vice President Executive Vice President of the Advisers.
Date of Birth: 04/20/42 Director of Asset Management. Director or
officer of certain other subsidiaries of
VKAC. Vice President of each of the funds
in the Fund Complex and certain other
investment companies advised by the
Advisers or their affiliates.
</TABLE>
B-13
<PAGE> 66
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------ ----------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Paul R. Wolkenberg.......... Vice President Executive Vice President of the VKAC, the
Date of Birth: 11/10/44 Advisers and the Distributor. President,
Chief Executive Officer and a Director of
ACCESS. Director or officer of certain
other subsidiaries of VKAC. Vice President
of each of the funds in the Fund Complex
and certain other investment companies
advised by the Advisers or their
affiliates.
Edward C. Wood III.......... Vice President and Chief Senior Vice President of the Advisers. Vice
Date of Birth: 01/11/56 Financial Officer President and Chief Financial Officer of
each of the funds in the Fund Complex and
certain other investment companies advised
by the Advisers or their affiliates.
John L. Sullivan............ Treasurer First Vice President of the Advisers.
Date of Birth: 08/20/55 Treasurer of each of the funds in the Fund
Complex and certain other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or their
affiliates.
Tanya M. Loden.............. Controller Vice President of the Advisers. Controller
Date of Birth: 11/19/59 of each of the funds in the Fund Complex
and other investment companies advised by
the Advisers or the affiliates.
Nicholas Dalmaso............ Assistant Secretary Assistant Vice President and Senior
Date of Birth: 03/01/65 Attorney of VKAC. Assistant Vice President
and Assistant Secretary of the Advisers and
the Distributor. Officer of certain other
subsidiaries of VKAC. Assistant Secretary
of each of the funds in the Fund Complex
and other investment companies advised by
the Advisers or the affiliates.
Huey P. Falgout, Jr......... Assistant Secretary Assistant Vice President and Senior
Date of Birth: 11/15/63 Attorney of VKAC. Assistant Vice President
and Assistant Secretary of the Advisers,
the Distributor and ACCESS. Officer of
certain other subsidiaries of VKAC.
Assistant Secretary of each of the funds in
the Fund Complex and other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or the
affiliates.
Scott E. Martin............. Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President, Deputy General
Date of Birth: 08/20/56 Counsel and Assistant Secretary of VKAC.
Senior Vice President, Deputy General
Counsel and Secretary of the Advisers, the
Distributor and ACCESS. Officer of certain
other subsidiaries of VKAC. Prior to
November 1996, Senior Vice President,
Deputy General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary of VKAC Holding. Assistant
Secretary of each of the funds in the Fund
Complex and other investment companies
advised by the Advisers or the affiliates.
</TABLE>
B-14
<PAGE> 67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------ ----------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Weston B. Wetherell......... Assistant Secretary Vice President, Associate General Counsel
Date of Birth: 06/15/56 and Assistant Secretary of VKAC, the
Advisers and the Distributor. Officer of
certain other subsidiaries of VKAC.
Assistant Secretary of each of the funds in
the Fund Complex and other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or the
affiliates.
Steven M. Hill.............. Assistant Treasurer Assistant Vice President of the Advisers.
Date of Birth: 10/16/64 Assistant Treasurer of each of the funds in
the Fund Complex and other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or the
affiliates.
M. Robert Sullivan.......... Assistant Controller Assistant Vice President of the Advisers.
Date of Birth: 03/30/33 Assistant Controller of each of the funds
in the Fund Complex and other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or the
affiliates.
</TABLE>
Each of the trustees holds the same position with each of the funds in the
Fund Complex. As of December 31, 1996, there were 51 funds in the Fund Complex.
Each trustee who is not an affiliated person of VKAC, the Advisers, the
Distributor, ACCESS or Morgan Stanley (each a "Non-Affiliated Trustee") is
compensated by an annual retainer and meeting fees for services to the funds in
the Fund Complex. Each fund in the Fund Complex provides a deferred compensation
plan to its Non-Affiliated Trustees that allows trustees to defer receipt of
their compensation and earn a return on such deferred amounts based upon the
return of the common shares of the funds in the Fund Complex as more fully
described below. Each fund in the Fund Complex also provides a retirement plan
to its Non-Affiliated Trustees that provides Non-Affiliated Trustees with
compensation after retirement, provided that certain eligibility requirements
are met as more fully described below.
The compensation of each Non-Affiliated Trustee from each fund in the Fund
Complex advised by Advisory Corp. (each a "VK Fund" and collectively the "VK
Funds") includes an annual retainer in an amount equal to $2,500 per calendar
year, due in four quarterly installments on the first business day of each
calendar quarter. Each Non-Affiliated Trustee receives a per meeting fee from
each VK Fund in the amount of $125 per regular quarterly meeting attended by the
Non-Affiliated Trustee, due on the date of such meeting, plus reasonable
expenses incurred by the Non-Affiliated Trustee in connection with his or her
services as a trustee. Each Non-Affiliated Trustee receives a per meeting fee
from each VK Fund in the amount of $125 per special meeting attended by the
Non-Affiliated Trustee, due on the date of such meeting, plus reasonable
expenses incurred by the Non-Affiliated Trustee in connection with his or her
services as a trustee, provided that no compensation will be paid in connection
with certain telephonic special meetings.
The compensation of each Non-Affiliated Trustee from the funds in the Fund
Complex advised by Asset Management (each an "AC Fund" or collectively the "AC
Funds") includes an annual retainer in an amount equal to $35,000 per calendar
year, due in four quarterly installments on the first business day of each
calendar quarter. The AC Funds pay each Non-Affiliated Trustee a per meeting fee
in the amount of $2,000 per regular quarterly meeting attended by the
Non-Affiliated Trustee, due on the date of such meeting, plus reasonable
expenses incurred by the Non-Affiliated Trustee in connection with his or her
services as a trustee. Payment of the annual retainer and the regular meeting
fee is allocated among the AC Funds (i) 50% on the basis of the relative net
assets of each AC Fund to the aggregate net assets of all the AC Funds and (ii)
50% equally to each AC Fund, in each case as of the last business day of the
preceding calendar quarter. Each AC Fund which is the subject of a special
meeting of the trustees generally pays each Non-Affiliated Trustee a per meeting
fee in the amount of $125 per special meeting attended by the Non-Affiliated
Trustee, due on the date of such meeting, plus reasonable expenses incurred by
the Non-Affiliated Trustee in connection with his or her services as a trustee,
provided that no compensation will be paid in connection with certain telephonic
special meetings.
B-15
<PAGE> 68
The trustees approved an aggregate compensation cap with respect to funds
in the Fund Complex of $84,000 per Non-Affiliated Trustee per year (excluding
any retirement benefits) for the period July 22, 1995 through December 31, 1996,
subject to the net assets and the number of funds in the Fund Complex as of July
21, 1995 and certain other exceptions. For the calendar year ended December 31,
1996, certain trustees received aggregate compensation from the funds in the
Fund Complex over $84,000 due to compensation received but not subject to the
cap, including compensation from new funds added to the Fund Complex after July
22, 1995 and certain special meetings in 1996. In addition, each of Advisory
Corp. or Asset Management, as the case may be, agreed to reimburse each fund in
the Fund Complex through December 31, 1996 for any increase in the aggregate
trustee's compensation over the aggregate compensation paid by such fund in its
1994 fiscal year, provided that if a fund did not exist for the entire 1994
fiscal year appropriate adjustments will be made.
Each Non-Affiliated Trustee generally can elect to defer receipt of all or
a portion of the compensation earned by such Non-Affiliated Trustee until
retirement. Amounts deferred are retained by the Fund and earn a rate of return
determined by reference to the return on the common shares of such Fund or other
funds in the Fund Complex as selected by the respective Non-Affiliated Trustee,
with the same economic effect as if such Non-Affiliated Trustee had invested in
one or more funds in the Fund Complex. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act,
the Fund may invest in securities of those funds selected by the Non-Affiliated
Trustees in order to match the deferred compensation obligation. The deferred
compensation plan is not funded and obligations thereunder represent general
unsecured claims against the general assets of the Fund.
Each fund in the Fund Complex has adopted a retirement plan. Under the
Fund's retirement plan, a Non-Affiliated Trustee who is receiving trustee's
compensation from the Fund prior to such Non-Affiliated Trustee's retirement,
has at least 10 years of service (including years of service prior to adoption
of the retirement plan) and retires at or after attaining the age of 60, is
eligible to receive a retirement benefit equal to $2,500 per year for each of
the ten years following such trustee's retirement from the Fund. Trustees
retiring prior to the age of 60 or with fewer than 10 years but more than 5
years of service may receive reduced retirement benefits from the Fund. Each
trustee has served as a member of the Board of Trustees since he or she was
first appointed or elected in the year set forth below. The retirement plan
contains a Fund Complex retirement benefit cap of $60,000 per year. Asset
Management has reimbursed each AC Fund for the expenses related to the
retirement plan through December 31, 1996.
Additional information regarding compensation and benefits for trustees is
set forth below. As indicated in the notes accompanying the table, the amounts
relate to either the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year or the Fund
Complex' most recently completed calendar year ended December 31, 1996.
B-16
<PAGE> 69
1996 COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
COMPENSATION
YEAR FIRST PENSION OR ESTIMATED MAXIMUM BEFORE DEFERRAL
APPOINTED OR AGGREGATE COMPENSATION RETIREMENT BENEFITS ANNUAL BENEFITS FROM FUND
ELECTED TO THE BEFORE DEFERRAL FROM THE ACCRUED AS PART OF FROM THE FUND UPON COMPLEX PAID
NAME(1) BOARD FUND(2) EXPENSES(3) RETIREMENT(4) TO TRUSTEE(5)
------- -------------- ------------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Miles Branagan* 1991 $3,290 $ 629 $2,500 $104,875
Philip P. Gaughan 490 0 0 16,875
Linda Hutton Heagy* 1995 2,570 71 2,500 104,875
Dr. Roger Hilsman 2,570 3,209 2,500 103,750
R. Craig Kennedy* 1995 2,570 47 2,500 104,875
Donald C. Miller 3,292 0 0 104,875
Jack E. Nelson* 1995 3,292 297 2,500 97,875
David Rees 590 2,607 2,500 22,000
Jerome L. Robinson* 1995 2,570 0 0 101,625
Lawrence J. Sheehan 590 0 0 22,000
Dr. Fernando Sisto* 1979 2,570 1,260 2,500 104,875
Wayne W. Whalen* 1995 3,292 203 2,500 104,875
William S. Woodside 2,570 3,772 2,500 104,875
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Currently a member of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Phillip B. Rooney also is a
current member of the Board of Trustees but is not included in the
compensation table because he did not serve on the Board of Trustees or
receive any compensation from the Fund prior to April 14, 1997. Messrs.
McDonnell and Powell, also trustees of the Fund during all or a portion of
the Fund's last fiscal year, are not included in the compensation table
because they are affiliated persons of the Advisers and are not eligible for
compensation or retirement benefits from the Fund.
(1) Persons not designated by an asterisk are not currently members of the Board
of Trustees, but were members of the Board of Trustees during the Fund's
most recently completed fiscal year. Messrs. Gaughan and Rees retired from
the Board of Trustees on January 26, 1996 and January 29, 1996,
respectively. Mr. Sheehan was removed from the Board of Trustees effective
January 29, 1996. Messrs. Hilsman, Miller and Woodside retired from the
Board of Trustees on December 31, 1996.
(2) The amounts shown in this column represent the Aggregate Compensation before
Deferral with respect to the Fund's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The
following trustees deferred compensation from the Fund during the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996: Mr. Branagan, $1,522; Mr. Gaughan, $490; Ms.
Heagy, $2,160; Mr. Kennedy, $1,180; Mr. Miller, $3,292; Mr. Nelson, $3,290;
Mr. Rees, $590 Mr. Robinson, $2,570; and Mr. Whalen, $3,292. Amounts
deferred are retained by the Fund and earn a rate of return determined by
reference to either the return on the common shares of the Fund or other
funds in the Fund Complex as selected by the respective Non-Affiliated
Trustee, with the same economic effect as if such Non-Affiliated Trustee had
invested in one or more funds in the Fund Complex. To the extent permitted
by the 1940 Act, each Fund may invest in securities of those funds selected
by the Non-Affiliated Trustees in order to match the deferred compensation
obligation. The cumulative deferred compensation (including interest)
accrued with respect to each trustee from the Trust as of December 31, 1996
is as follows: Mr. Branagan, $1,513; Mr. Gaughan, $1,082; Mr. Heagy, $2,827;
Mr. Kennedy, $1,180; Mr. Miller, $1,513; Mr. Nelson, $3,553; Mr. Rees,
$39,408; Mr. Robinson, $2,491; Mr. Sisto, $26,812, and Mr. Whalen, $3,575.
The deferred compensation plan is described above the Compensation Table.
(3) The amounts shown in this column represent the Retirement Benefits accrued
by the Fund during its fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The retirement
plan is described above the Compensation Table.
B-17
<PAGE> 70
(4) This is the estimated maximum annual benefits payable by the Fund in each
year of the 10-year period commencing in the year of such trustee's
retirement from the Fund assuming: the trustee has 10 or more years of
service on the Board of Trustees (including years of service prior to the
adoption of the retirement plan) and retires at or after attaining the age
of 60. Trustees retiring prior to the age of 60 or with fewer than 10 years
of service for the Fund may receive reduced retirement benefits from the
Fund. The actual annual benefit may be less if the trustee is subject to the
Fund Complex retirement benefit cap or if the trustee is not fully vested at
the time of retirement. Each incumbent nominee to the Board of Trustees has
served as a member of the Board of Trustees since he or she was first
appointed or elected in the year set forth in the Compensation Table.
(5) The amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate compensation paid
by all 51 of the investment companies in the Fund Complex as of December 31,
1996 before deferral by the trustees under the deferred compensation plan.
Certain trustees deferred all or a portion of their aggregate compensation
from the Fund Complex during the calendar year ended December 31, 1996. The
deferred compensation earns a rate of return determined by reference to the
return on the shares of the funds in the Fund Complex as selected by the
respective Non-Affiliated Trustee, with the same economic effect as if such
Non-Affiliated Trustee had invested in one or more funds in the Fund
Complex. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest in
securities of those investment companies selected by the Non-Affiliated
Trustees in order to match the deferred compensation obligation. The
trustees' Fund Complex compensation cap covered the period July 22, 1995
through December 31, 1996. For the calendar year ended December 31, 1996,
certain trustees received compensation over $84,000 in the aggregate due to
compensation received but not subject to the cap, including compensation
from new funds added to the Fund Complex after July 22, 1995 and certain
special meetings in 1996. The Advisers and their affiliates also serve as
investment adviser for other investment companies; however, with the
exception of Messrs. McDonnell, Powell and Whalen, the trustees were not
trustees of such investment companies. Combining the Fund Complex with other
investment companies advised by the Advisers and their affiliates, Mr.
Whalen received Total Compensation of $243,375 during the calendar year
ended December 31, 1996.
As of April 4, 1997, the trustees and officers of the Fund as a group owned
less than 1% of the shares of the Fund. As of April 4, 1997, no trustee or
officer of the Fund owns or would be able to acquire 5% or more of the common
stock of VK/AC Holding, Inc.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois).
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Fund and the Adviser are parties to an investment advisory agreement
(the "Advisory Agreement"). Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund retains the
Adviser to manage the investment of its assets and to place orders for the
purchase and sale of its portfolio securities. The Adviser is responsible for
obtaining and evaluating economic, statistical, and financial data and for
formulating and implementing investment programs in furtherance of the Fund's
investment objective. The Adviser also furnishes at no cost to the Fund (except
as noted herein) the services of sufficient executive and clerical personnel for
the Fund as are necessary to prepare registration statements, prospectuses,
shareholder reports, and notices and proxy solicitation materials. In addition,
the Adviser furnishes at no cost to the Fund the services of a President of the
Fund, one or more Vice Presidents as needed, and a Secretary.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund bears the cost of its accounting
services, which includes maintaining its financial books and records and
calculating its daily net asset value. The costs of such accounting services
include the salaries and overhead expenses of a Treasurer or other principal
financial officer and the personnel operating under his direction. Payments are
made to the Adviser or its parent in reimbursement of personnel, office space,
facilities and equipment costs attributable to the provision of accounting
services to the Fund. The services are provided at cost which is allocated among
the investment companies advised by the Adviser in the manner approved by the
Board of Trustees from time to time. The
B-18
<PAGE> 71
Fund also pays shareholder service agency fees, distribution fees, service fees,
custodian fees, legal and auditing fees, the costs of reports to shareholders
and all other ordinary expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser.
Under the Advisory Agreement the Fund pays to the Adviser as compensation
for the services rendered, facilities furnished, and expenses paid by it a fee
payable monthly computed on average daily net assets of the Fund at the annual
rate of: 0.50% on the first $1 billion of average net assets; 0.45% on the next
$1 billion of average net assets; 0.40% on the next $1 billion of average net
assets; and 0.35% on the average net assets in excess of $3 billion.
The average net asset value for purposes of computing the advisory fee is
determined by taking the average of all of the determinations of net asset value
for each business day during a given calendar month. Such fee is payable for
each calendar month as soon as practicable after the end of that month. The fee
payable to the Adviser is reduced by any commissions, tender solicitation and
other fees, brokerage or similar payments received by the Adviser or any other
direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc. in
connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio investments of the Fund, less
any direct expenses incurred by such subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc. in
connection with obtaining such payments. The Adviser agrees to use its best
efforts to recapture tender solicitation fees and exchange offer fees for the
Fund's benefit, and to advise the Trustees of the Fund of any other commissions,
fees, brokerage or similar payments which may be possible under applicable laws
for the Adviser or a person under common control with the Adviser or any other
direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc. to receive
in connection with the Fund's portfolio transactions or other arrangements which
may benefit the Fund.
The Advisory Agreement also provides that, in the event the ordinary
business expenses of the Fund for any fiscal year exceed one and one-half
percent of the first $30 million of the Fund's average net assets, plus one
percent of any excess over $30 million, the compensation due the Adviser will be
reduced by the amount of such excess and that, if a reduction in and refund of
the advisory fee is insufficient, the Adviser will pay the Fund monthly an
amount sufficient to make up the deficiency, subject to readjustment during the
year. Ordinary business expenses include the investment advisory fee and other
operating costs paid by the Fund except (1) interest and taxes, (2) brokerage
commissions, (3) certain litigation and indemnification expenses as described in
the Advisory Agreement and (4) payments made by the Fund pursuant to the
distribution plans (described herein). The Advisory Agreement also provides that
the Adviser shall not be liable to the Fund for any actions or omissions if it
acted in good faith without negligence or misconduct.
The Advisory Agreement may be continued from year to year if specifically
approved at least annually (a)(i) by the Fund's Trustees or (ii) by vote of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities and (b) by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or
interested persons of any such party by votes cast in person at a meeting called
for such purpose. The Advisory Agreement provides that it shall terminate
automatically if assigned and that it may be terminated without penalty by
either party on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Adviser
received $4,707,089, $5,080,809 and $5,983,251, respectively, in advisory fees
from the Fund. For such periods, the Fund paid $141,161, $146,156 and $222,900,
respectively, for accounting services. A substantial portion of these amounts
was paid to the Adviser in reimbursement of personnel, facilities and equipment
costs attributable to the provision of accounting services to the Fund.
DISTRIBUTOR
The Distributor acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund's shares
pursuant to a written agreement (the "Distribution and Service Agreement"). The
Distributor has the exclusive right to distribute shares of the Fund through
authorized dealers. The Distributor's obligation is an agency or "best efforts"
arrangement under which the Distributor is required to take and pay for only
such shares of the Fund as may be sold to the public. The Distributor is not
obligated to sell any stated number of shares. The Distributor bears the cost of
printing (but not typesetting) prospectuses used in connection with this
offering and certain other costs including the cost of supplemental sales
literature and advertising. The Distribution and Service Agreement is
B-19
<PAGE> 72
renewable from year to year if approved (a) by the Fund's Trustees or by a vote
of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities and (b) by the
affirmative vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to the
Distribution and Service Agreement or interested persons of any party, by votes
cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Distribution and
Service Agreement provides that it will terminate if assigned, and that it may
be terminated without penalty by either party on 60 days' written notice.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, total
commissions on the sale of shares of the Fund were $965,749, $940,059 and
$1,344,163, respectively. Of such totals, the amount retained by the Distributor
was $119,806, $124,740 and $189,074, respectively. The remainder was reallowed
to dealers.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the "Distribution Plan") with
respect to each class of its shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
The Fund also has adopted a service plan (the "Service Plan") with respect to
each class of its shares. The Distribution Plan and the Service Plan sometimes
are referred to herein as the "Plans". The Plans provide that the Fund may spend
a portion of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to each class of
shares in connection with distribution of the respective class of shares and in
connection with the provision of ongoing services to shareholders of such class,
respectively. The Distribution Plan and the Service Plan are being implemented
through an agreement (the "Distribution and Service Agreement") with the
Distributor of each class of the Fund's shares, sub-agreements between the
Distributor and members of the NASD who are acting as securities dealers and
NASD members or eligible non-members who are acting as brokers or agents and
similar agreements between the Fund and financial intermediaries who are acting
as brokers (collectively, "Selling Agreements") that may provide for their
customers or clients certain services or assistance, which may include, but not
be limited to, processing purchase and redemption transactions, establishing and
maintaining shareholder accounts regarding the Fund, and such other services as
may be agreed to from time to time and as may be permitted by applicable
statute, rule or regulation. Brokers, dealers and financial intermediaries that
have entered into sub-agreements with the Distributor and sell shares of the
Fund are referred to herein as "financial intermediaries."
The Distributor must submit quarterly reports to the Board of Trustees of
the Trust, of which the Fund is a series, setting forth separately by class of
shares all amounts paid under the Distribution Plan and the purposes for which
such expenditures were made, together with such other information as from time
to time is reasonably requested by the Trustees. The Plans provide that they
will continue in full force and effect from year to year so long as such
continuance is specifically approved by a vote of the Trustees, and also by a
vote of the disinterested Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on the Plans. Each of the Plans may not be amended to increase
materially the amount to be spent for the services described therein with
respect to any class of shares without approval by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting shares of such class, and all material amendments to either
of the Plans must be approved by the Trustees and also by the disinterested
Trustees. Each of the Plans may be terminated with respect to any class of
shares at any time by a vote of a majority of the disinterested Trustees or by a
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of such class.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the Fund's aggregate expenses
under the Plans for Class A shares were $2,519,833 or 0.22% of the Class A
shares' average daily net assets. Such expenses were paid to reimburse the
Distributor for payments to financial intermediaries for servicing Fund
shareholders and for administering the Plans. For the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996, the Fund's aggregate expenses under the Plans for Class B shares were
$582,051 or 1.00% of the Class B shares' average net assets. Such expenses were
paid to reimburse the Distributor for the following payments: $436,538 for
commissions and transaction fees paid to financial intermediaries in respect of
sales of Class B shares of the Fund and $145,513 for fees paid to financial
intermediaries for servicing Class B shareholders and administering the Plans.
For the period ended December 31, 1996, the Fund's aggregate expenses under the
Plans for Class C shares were $47,682 or 1.00% of the Class C shares' average
daily net assets. Such expenses were paid to reimburse the Distributor for the
following payments: $27,889 for commissions and transaction fees paid to
financial intermediaries with respect to sales of Class C shares of the Fund and
$19,793 for fees paid to financial intermediaries for servicing Class C
shareholders and administering the Plans.
B-20
<PAGE> 73
TRANSFER AGENT
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, ACCESS,
shareholder service agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund, received
fees aggregating $2,187,536, $2,083,850 and $2,078,619, respectively, for these
services. These services are provided at cost plus a profit.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the
Fund and for the placement of its portfolio business and the negotiation of the
commissions paid on such transactions. It is the policy of the Adviser to seek
the best security price available with respect to each transaction. In
over-the-counter transactions, orders are placed directly with a principal
market maker unless it is believed that a better price and execution can be
obtained by using a broker. Except to the extent that the Fund may pay higher
brokerage commissions for brokerage and research services, as described below,
on a portion of its transactions executed on securities exchanges, the Adviser
seeks the best security price at the most favorable commission rate. In
selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Adviser considers
the firm's reliability, the quality of its execution services on a continuing
basis and its financial condition. When more than one firm is believed to meet
these criteria, preference may be given to firms which also provide research
services to the Fund or the Adviser.
Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD and subject to
seeking best execution and such other policies as the Trustees may determine,
the Adviser may consider sales of shares of the Fund and of the other Van Kampen
American Capital mutual funds as a factor in the selection of dealers to execute
portfolio transactions for the Fund.
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 28(e)")
permits an investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause an account
to pay a broker or dealer who supplies brokerage and research services, a
commission for effecting a securities transaction in excess of the amount of
commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the
transaction. Brokerage and research services include (a) furnishing advice as to
the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling
securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of
securities, (b) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries,
securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance
of accounts, and (c) effecting securities transactions and performing functions
incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement and custody).
Pursuant to provisions of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund's Trustees have
authorized the Adviser to cause the Fund to incur brokerage commissions in an
amount higher than the lowest available rate in return for research services
provided to the Adviser. The Adviser is of the opinion that the continued
receipt of supplemental investment research services from dealers is essential
to its provision of high quality portfolio management services to the Fund. The
Adviser undertakes that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund
unless (a) the Adviser determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in
relation to the services in terms of the particular transaction or in terms of
the Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which
it exercises investment discretion, (b) such payment is made in compliance with
the provisions of Section 28(e) and other applicable state and federal laws, and
(c) in the opinion of the Adviser, the total commissions paid by the Fund are
reasonable in relation to the expected benefits to the Fund over the long term.
The investment advisory fee paid by the Fund under the investment advisory
agreement is not reduced as a result of the Adviser's receipt of research
services.
The Adviser places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts
including other investment companies. Research services furnished by firms
through which the Fund effects its securities transactions may be used by the
Adviser in servicing all of its accounts; not all of such services may be used
by the Adviser in connection with the Fund. In the opinion of the Adviser, the
benefits from research services to each of the accounts, including the Fund,
managed by the Adviser cannot be measured separately. Because the volume and
nature of the trading activities of the accounts are not uniform, the amount of
commissions in excess of the lowest available rate paid by each account for
brokerage and research services will vary. However, in the
B-21
<PAGE> 74
opinion of the Adviser, such costs to the Fund will not be disproportionate to
the benefits received by the Fund on a continuing basis.
The Adviser seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever
concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund and
another advisory account. In some cases, this procedure could have an adverse
effect on the price or the amount of securities available to the Fund. In making
such allocations among the Fund and other advisory accounts, the main factors
considered by the Adviser are the respective investment objectives, the relative
size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the
availability of cash for investment, the size of investment commitments
generally held, and opinions of the persons responsible for recommending the
investment.
Brokerage commissions paid by the Fund on portfolio transactions for the
fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, totalled $4,138,566,
$4,345,534 and $5,151,597, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 1996
the Fund paid $1,838,255 in brokerage commissions on transactions totalling
$1,272,730,416 to brokers selected primarily on the basis of research services
provided to the Adviser.
Prior to December 20, 1994, the Fund placed brokerage transactions with
brokers who were considered affiliated persons of the Adviser's former parent,
The Travelers Inc. Such affiliated persons included Smith Barney Inc. ("Smith
Barney") and Robinson Humphrey, Inc. ("Robinson Humphrey"). Effective December
20, 1994, Smith Barney and Robinson Humphrey ceased to be affiliates of the
Adviser. Effective October 31, 1996, Morgan Stanley Group Inc. became an
affiliate of the Adviser. The negotiated commission paid to an affiliated broker
on any transaction would be comparable to that payable to a non-affiliated
broker in a similar transaction. The Fund paid the following commissions to
these brokers during the periods shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ROBINSON MORGAN
SMITH BARNEY HUMPHREY STANLEY
------------ -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Commissions Paid:
Fiscal 1994 -- -- --
Fiscal 1995 -- -- $331,797
Fiscal 1996 $225,201 $6,276 $326,758
Fiscal 1996 Percentages:
Commissions with affiliates to total commissions -- -- 6.34
Value of brokerage transactions with affiliates to total
brokerage transactions -- -- 3.03%
</TABLE>
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share is determined as of the close of the New York
Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time) on each
business day on which the Exchange is open. The net asset value of Fund shares
is computed by dividing the value of all securities plus other assets, less
liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding, and adjusting to the nearest
cent per share.
Such computation is made by using prices as of the close of trading on the
Exchange and (i) valuing securities traded on a national securities exchange at
the last reported sale price, or if there has been no sale that day, at the mean
between the last reported bid and asked quotations, (ii) valuing
over-the-counter securities for which the last sale price is available from the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations ("NASDAQ") at
that price, (iii) valuing all other over-the-counter securities for which market
quotations are available at the mean between the most recent bid and asked
quotations supplied by NASDAQ or broker-dealers, and (iv) valuing any securities
for which market quotations are not readily available, and any other assets at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees of the Fund. Short-term
investments are valued in the manner described in the notes to the financial
statements included in this Statement of Additional Information.
B-22
<PAGE> 75
The assets belonging to the Class A shares, the Class B shares and the
Class C shares will be invested together in a single portfolio. The net asset
value of each class will be determined separately by subtracting the expenses
and liabilities allocated to that class.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The following information supplements the section in the Fund's Prospectus
captioned "Purchase of Shares."
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Shares of the Fund are sold in a continuous offering and may be purchased
on any business day through authorized dealers.
ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS
The Fund issues three classes of shares: Class A shares, Class B shares and
Class C shares. The three classes of shares each represent interests in the same
portfolio of investments of the Fund, have the same rights and are identical in
all respects, except that Class B shares and Class C shares bear the expenses of
the deferred sales arrangements, distribution fees, and any expenses (including
higher transfer agency costs) resulting from such sales arrangements, and except
that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1
distribution plan pursuant to which its distribution fees are paid.
INVESTMENTS BY MAIL
A shareholder investment account may be opened by completing the
application accompanying the Prospectus and forwarding the application, through
the authorized dealer, to ACCESS, at P.O. Box 419319, Kansas City, Missouri
64141-6319. The account is opened only upon acceptance of the application by
ACCESS. The minimum initial investment of at least $500 per class of shares, in
the form of a check payable to the Fund, must accompany the application. This
minimum may be waived by the Distributor for plans involving continuing
investments. Minimum subsequent investments of at least $25 per class of shares
may be mailed directly to ACCESS. All such investments are made at the public
offering price of Fund shares next computed following receipt of payment by
ACCESS. Confirmations of the opening of an account and of all subsequent
transactions in the account are forwarded by ACCESS to the investor's authorized
dealer.
In processing applications and investments, ACCESS acts as agent for the
investor and for the authorized dealer named thereon, and also as agent for the
Distributor, in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus. If ACCESS ceases to
act as such, a successor company named by the Fund will act in the same
capacities so long as the account remains open.
CUMULATIVE PURCHASE DISCOUNT
The reduced sales charges reflected in the sales charge table as shown in
the Prospectus under "Purchase of Shares -- Sales Charge Table" apply to
purchases of Class A shares of the Fund where the aggregate investment is
$50,000 or more. For purposes of determining eligibility for volume discounts,
spouses and their children under 21 years of age are treated as a single
purchaser, as is a trustee or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or a
single fiduciary account. An aggregate investment includes all shares of the
Fund and all shares of certain other participating Van Kampen American Capital
mutual funds described in the Prospectus (the "Participating Funds") which have
been previously purchased and are still owned, plus the shares being purchased.
The current offering price is used to determine the value of all such shares.
The same reduction is applicable to purchases under a Letter of Intent as
described in the next paragraph. The dealer must notify the Distributor at the
time an order is placed for a purchase which would qualify for the reduced
charge on the basis of previous purchases. Similar notification must be made in
writing when such an order is placed by mail. The reduced sales charge will not
be applied if such notification is not furnished at the time of the order. The
reduced sales charge will also not be applied should a review of the records of
the Distributor or ACCESS fail to confirm the representations concerning the
investor's holdings.
B-23
<PAGE> 76
LETTER OF INTENT
Purchases of Class A shares of the Participating Funds described above
under "Cumulative Purchase Discount," made pursuant to the Letter of Intent and
still owned are also included in determining the applicable quantity discount. A
Letter of Intent permits an investor to establish a total investment goal to be
achieved by any number of investments over a thirteen-month period. Each
investment made during the period will receive the reduced sales charge
applicable to the amount represented by the goal as if it were a single
investment. Escrowed shares totalling 5% of the dollar amount of the Letter of
Intent are held by ACCESS in the name of the shareholder. The effective date of
a Letter of Intent may be back-dated up to 90 days in order that any investments
made during this 90-day period, valued at the investor's cost, can become
subject to the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent does not obligate the
investor to purchase the indicated amount. In the event the Letter of Intent
goal is not achieved within the thirteen-month period, the investor is required
to pay the difference between sales charges otherwise applicable to the
purchases made during this period and sales charges actually paid. Such payment
may be made directly to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor will
liquidate sufficient escrowed shares to obtain such difference. If the goal is
exceeded in an amount which qualifies for a lower sales charge, a price
adjustment is made by refunding to the investor in shares of the Fund, the
amount of excess sales charges, if any, paid during the thirteen-month period.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Redemptions are not made on days during which the Exchange is closed. The
right of redemption may be suspended and the payment therefor may be postponed
for more than seven days during any period when (a) the Exchange is closed for
other than customary weekends or holidays; (b) trading on the Exchange is
restricted; (c) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of
securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the value of its net assets; or (d)
the SEC, by order, so permits.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- CLASS A
For investments in the amount of $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares of
the Fund ("Qualified Purchaser"), the front-end sales charge will be waived and
a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC-Class A") of 1.00% is imposed in the
event of certain redemptions within one year of the purchase. If a CDSC-Class A
is imposed upon redemption, the amount of the CDSC-Class A will be equal to the
lesser of 1.00% of the net asset value of the shares at the time of purchase or
1.00% of the net asset value of the shares at the time of redemption.
The CDSC-Class A will be imposed only if a Qualified Purchaser redeems an
amount which caused the value of the account to fall below the total dollar
amount of purchase payments made by the Qualified Purchaser without an initial
sales charge during the one year period prior to the redemption. No CDSC-Class A
will be imposed on exchanges between funds. For purposes of the CDSC-Class A,
when shares of one fund are exchanged for shares of another fund, the purchase
date for the shares of the fund exchanged into will be assumed to be the date on
which shares were purchased in the fund from which the exchange was made. If the
exchanged shares themselves are acquired through an exchange, the purchase date
is assumed to carry over from the date of the original election to purchase
shares subject to a CDSC-Class A rather than a front-end load sales charge. In
determining whether a CDSC-Class A is payable, it is assumed that shares held
the longest are the first to be redeemed.
Cumulative Purchase Discounts and Letters of Intent apply to the net asset
value privilege. Also, in order to establish an amount of $1,000,000 or more, a
Qualified Purchaser may aggregate shares of the Participating Funds described in
the Prospectus.
B-24
<PAGE> 77
WAIVER OF CLASS B AND CLASS C CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ("CDSC-CLASS B
AND C").
As described in the Prospectus under "Redemption of Shares," redemptions of
Class B shares and Class C shares will be subject to a CDSC. The CDSC-Class B
and C may be waived on redemptions of Class B shares and Class C shares in the
circumstances described below:
(a) Redemption Upon Disability or Death
The Fund will waive the CDSC-Class B and C on redemptions following the
death or disability of a Class B shareholder and Class C shareholder. An
individual will be considered disabled for this purpose if he or she meets the
definition thereof in Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), which in pertinent part defines a person as disabled if
such person "is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason
of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be
expected to result in death or to be of long-continued and indefinite duration."
While the Fund does not specifically adopt the balance of the Code's definition
which pertains to furnishing the Secretary of Treasury with such proof as he or
she may require, the Distributor will require satisfactory proof of death or
disability before it determines to waive the CDSC-Class B and C.
In cases of disability or death, the CDSC-Class B and C will be waived
where the decedent or disabled person is either an individual shareholder or
owns the shares as a joint tenant with right of survivorship or is the
beneficial owner of a custodial or fiduciary account, and where the redemption
is made within one year of the death or initial determination of disability.
This waiver of the CDSC-Class B and C applies to a total or partial redemption,
but only to redemptions of shares held at the time of the death or initial
determination of disability.
(b)Redemption in Connection with Certain Distributions from Retirement
Plans
The Fund will waive the CDSC-Class B and C when a total or partial
redemption is made in connection with certain distributions from Retirement
Plans. The charge will be waived upon the tax-free rollover or transfer of
assets to another Retirement Plan invested in one or more of the Van Kampen
American Capital funds; in such event, as described below, the Fund will "tack"
the period for which the original shares were held on to the holding period of
the shares acquired in the transfer or rollover for purposes of determining
what, if any, CDSC-Class B and C is applicable in the event that such acquired
shares are redeemed following the transfer or rollover. The charge also will be
waived on any redemption which results from the return of an excess contribution
pursuant to Section 408(d)(4) or (5) of the Code, the return of excess deferral
amounts pursuant to Code Section 401(k)(8) or 402(g)(2), or from the death or
disability of the employee (see Code Section 72(m)(7) and 72(t)(2)(A)(ii)). In
addition, the charge will be waived on any minimum distribution required to be
distributed in accordance with Code Section 401(a)(9).
The Fund does not intend to waive the CDSC-Class B and C for any
distributions from IRAs or other Retirement Plans not specifically described
above.
(c) Redemption Pursuant to a Fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan
A shareholder may elect to participate in a systematic withdrawal plan (the
"Plan") with respect to the shareholder's investment in the Fund. Under the
Plan, a dollar amount of a participating shareholder's investment in the Fund
will be redeemed systematically by the Fund on a periodic basis, and the
proceeds mailed to the shareholder. The amount to be redeemed and frequency of
the systematic withdrawals will be specified by the shareholder upon his or her
election to participate in the Plan. The CDSC-Class B and C will be waived on
redemptions made under the Plan.
The amount of the shareholder's investment in a Fund at the time the
election to participate in the Plan is made with respect to the Fund is
hereinafter referred to as the "initial account balance." The amount to be
systematically redeemed from the Fund without the imposition of a CDSC-Class B
and C may not exceed a maximum of 12% annually of the shareholder's initial
account balance. The Fund reserves the right to change the terms and conditions
of the Plan and the ability to offer the Plan.
(d) Involuntary Redemptions of Shares in Accounts that Do Not Have the
Required Minimum Balance
The Fund reserves the right to redeem shareholder accounts with balances of
less than a specified dollar amount as set forth in the Prospectus. Prior to
such redemptions, shareholders will be notified in writing and
B-25
<PAGE> 78
allowed a specified period of time to purchase additional shares to bring the
account up to the required minimum balance. The Fund will waive the CDSC-Class B
and C upon such involuntary redemption.
(e) Reinvestment of Redemption Proceeds in Shares of the Same Fund Within
120 Days After Redemption
A shareholder who has redeemed Class C shares of a Fund may reinvest at net
asset value, with credit for any CDSC-Class C paid on the redeemed shares, any
portion or all of his or her redemption proceeds (plus that amount necessary to
acquire a fractional share to round off his or her purchase to the nearest full
share) in Class C shares of the Fund, provided that the reinvestment is effected
within 120 days after such redemption and the shareholder has not previously
exercised this reinvestment privilege with respect to Class C shares of the
Fund. Shared acquired in this manner will be deemed to have the original cost
and purchase date of the redeemed shares for purposes of applying the CDSC-Class
C to subsequent redemptions.
(f) Redemption by Adviser
The Fund may waive the CDSC-Class B and C when a total or partial
redemption is made by the Adviser with respect to its investments in the Fund.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The following supplements the discussion of "Shareholder
Services -- Exchange Privilege" in the Prospectus:
By use of the exchange privilege, the investor authorizes ACCESS to act on
telephonic, telegraphic or written exchange instructions from any person
representing himself to be the investor or the agent of the investor and
believed by ACCESS to be genuine. Van Kampen American Capital and its
subsidiaries, including ACCESS, and the Fund employ procedures considered by
them to be reasonable to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine. Such procedures include requiring certain personal identification
information prior to acting upon telephone instructions, tape recording
telephone communications, and providing written confirmation of instructions
communicated by telephone. If reasonable procedures are employed, neither Van
Kampen American Capital, ACCESS nor the Fund will be liable for following
telephone instructions which it reasonably believes to be genuine. Van Kampen
American Capital, ACCESS and the Fund may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent instructions if reasonable procedures are not
followed.
For purposes of determining the sales charge rate previously paid on Class
A shares, all sales charges paid on the exchanged security and on any security
previously exchanged for such security or for any of its predecessors shall be
included. If the exchanged security was acquired through reinvestment, that
security is deemed to have been sold with a sales charge rate equal to the rate
previously paid on the security on which the dividend or distribution was paid.
If a shareholder exchanges less than all of his securities, the security upon
which the highest sales charge rate was previously paid is deemed exchanged
first.
Exchange requests received on a business day prior to the time shares of
the funds involved in the request are priced will be processed on the date of
receipt. "Processing" a request means that shares in the fund from which the
shareholder is withdrawing an investment will be redeemed at the net asset value
per share next determined on the date of receipt. Shares of the new fund into
which the shareholder is investing will also normally be purchased at the net
asset value per share, plus any applicable sales charge, next determined on the
date of receipt. Exchange requests received on a business day after the time
shares of the funds involved in the request are priced will be processed on the
next business day in the manner described herein.
A prospectus of any of these mutual funds may be obtained from any
authorized dealer or the Distributor. An investor considering an exchange to one
of such funds should refer to the prospectus for additional information
regarding such fund.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUND
The Trust and any of its series, including the Fund, will be treated as
separate corporations for federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends to
qualify each year and to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company
under the Code. If the Fund so qualifies and distributes each year to its
shareholders at least 90% of its net investment income (including tax-exempt
interest, taxable income and net short-term
B-26
<PAGE> 79
capital gain, but not net capital gains, which are the excess of net long-term
capital gains over net short-term capital losses) in each year, it will not be
required to pay federal income taxes on any income distributed to shareholders.
The Fund intends to distribute at least the minimum amount of net investment
income necessary to satisfy the 90% distribution requirements. The Fund will not
be subject to federal income tax on any net capital gains distributed to
shareholders.
FUND PERFORMANCE
The Fund's average annual total return (computed in the manner described in
the Prospectus) for Class A shares of the Fund for (i) the one year period ended
December 31, 1996 was 15.29%; (ii) the five year period ended December 31, 1996
was 11.94%; and (iii) the ten year period ended December 31, 1996 was 12.86%,
respectively. The average annual total return (computed in the manner described
in the Prospectus) for Class B shares of the Fund for (i) the one year period
ended December 31, 1996 was 16.39%; and (ii) the four year and two month period
ended December 31, 1996 was 14.66%. The average annual total return (computed in
the manner described in the Prospectus) for Class C shares for (i) the one year
period ended December 31, 1996 was 20.38%; and (ii) the three year and two month
period ended December 31, 1996 was 15.58%. These results are based on historical
earnings and asset value fluctuations and are not intended to indicate future
performance. Such information should be considered in light of the Fund's
investment objectives and policies as well as the risks incurred the Fund's
investment practices. Future results will be affected by changes in the general
level of prices of securities available for purchase and sale by the Fund. The
past one-year, five-year, and ten-year periods have been ones of fluctuating
stock prices.
Total return is computed separately for Class A shares, Class B shares and
Class C shares.
The Fund may, from time to time: (1) illustrate the benefits of
tax-deferral by comparing taxable investments to investments made through
tax-deferred retirement plans; (2) illustrate in graph or chart form, or
otherwise, the benefits of dollar cost averaging by comparing investments made
pursuant to a systematic investment plan to investments made in a rising market;
(3) illustrate allocations among different types of mutual funds for investors
at different stages of their lives; and (4) in reports or other communications
to shareholders or in advertising material, illustrate the benefits of
compounding at various assumed rates of return. Such illustrations may be in the
form of charts or graphs and will not be based on historical returns experienced
by the Fund.
By focusing on stocks with attractive current dividends, the Fund's
management team seeks to achieve consistent, long-term performance. Currently, a
high percentage of the stocks in the fund have a history of paying dividends.
The types of stocks in which the Fund looks to invest in typically have provided
consistent returns in both up and down markets. In addition, the Fund attempts
to remain fully invested and diversified across many industries to achieve
consistent long-term performance.
OTHER INFORMATION
CUSTODY OF ASSETS -- All securities owned by the Fund and all cash, including
proceeds from the sale of shares of the Fund and of securities in the Fund's
investment portfolio, are held by State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, as Custodian.
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS -- Semiannual statements are furnished to shareholders, and
annually such statements are audited by the independent accountants.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS -- Price Waterhouse LLP, 1201 Louisiana, Suite 2900,
Houston, Texas 77002, the independent accountants for the Fund, performs an
annual audit of the Fund's financial statements.
B-27
<PAGE> 80
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all mate-
rial respects, the financial position of Van Kampen American Capital Comstock
Fund (the "Fund") at December 31, 1996, and the results of its operations, the
changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods
presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "finan-
cial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our respon-
sibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and per-
form 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presenta-
tion. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at
December 31, 1996 by correspondence with the custodian and the application of
alternative auditing procedures for unsettled security transactions, provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Houston, Texas
January 31, 1997
B-28
<PAGE> 81
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Market Value
Description of Shares (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS 96.1%
CONSUMER DISTRIBUTION 4.4%
Dayton Hudson Corp....................................... 240,000 $ 9,420
Dillard Department Stores, Inc., Class A................. 280,000 8,645
Federated Department Stores, Inc. (b).................... 480,000 16,380
Kroger Co. (b)........................................... 240,000 11,160
Pier 1 Imports, Inc...................................... 453,900 8,000
Tupperware Corp.......................................... 74,000 3,968
----------
57,573
----------
CONSUMER DURABLES 2.4%
Chrysler Corp............................................ 160,000 5,280
Cooper Tire & Rubber..................................... 220,000 4,345
Ford Motor Co............................................ 120,000 3,825
Masco Corp............................................... 120,000 4,320
Maytag Corp.............................................. 350,000 6,912
Newell Co................................................ 213,000 6,710
----------
31,392
----------
CONSUMER NON-DURABLES 11.3%
American Brands, Inc..................................... 347,000 17,220
First Brands Corp........................................ 240,000 6,810
Philip Morris Companies, Inc............................. 540,000 60,818
Quaker Oats Co........................................... 120,000 4,575
RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp................................ 1,220,000 41,480
Tambrands, Inc........................................... 110,000 4,496
Unilever NV--New York Shares (Netherlands)............... 80,000 14,020
----------
149,419
----------
CONSUMER SERVICES 8.2%
Comcast Corp., Class A................................... 370,000 6,591
Cox Communications, Inc., Class A (b).................... 340,000 7,862
Gannett, Inc............................................. 90,000 6,739
Harcourt General, Inc.................................... 200,000 9,225
Tele Communications, Inc., Class A (b)................... 3,300,000 43,106
Time Warner, Inc......................................... 946,000 35,475
----------
108,998
----------
ENERGY 11.2%
Amerada Hess Corp........................................ 230,000 13,311
Amoco Corp............................................... 100,000 8,050
Atlantic Richfield Co.................................... 72,000 9,540
British Petroleum PLC--ADR (United Kingdom).............. 40,000 5,655
Coastal Corp............................................. 134,000 6,549
Coflexip SA--ADR (France) (b)............................ 183,000 4,804
J. Ray McDermott SA (b).................................. 364,000 8,008
Occidental Petroleum Corp................................ 240,000 5,610
PanEnergy Corp........................................... 490,000 22,050
Repsol SA--ADR (Spain)................................... 300,000 11,437
Seagull Energy Corp. (b)................................. 307,000 6,754
Sonat, Inc............................................... 28,600 1,473
Texaco, Inc.............................................. 100,000 9,813
Total SA--ADR (France)................................... 133,821 5,233
UnoCal Corp.............................................. 240,000 9,750
USX Marathon Group....................................... 360,000 8,595
YPF Sociedad Anonima--ADR (Argentina), Class D........... 466,000 11,766
----------
148,398
----------
</TABLE>
B-29
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 82
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Market Value
Description of Shares (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
FINANCE 15.0%
Aetna, Inc............................................... 324,000 $ 25,920
AFLAC, Inc............................................... 260,000 11,115
Allstate Corp............................................ 120,029 6,947
AMBAC, Inc............................................... 136,000 9,027
American Bankers Insurance Group Inc..................... 320,000 16,360
BankAmerica Corp......................................... 100,000 9,975
Bankers Trust New York Corp.............................. 80,000 6,900
Bear Stearns Cos., Inc................................... 400,000 11,150
Chase Manhattan Corp..................................... 140,000 12,495
CIGNA Corp............................................... 95,000 12,979
CMAC Investment Corp..................................... 292,000 10,731
Conseco, Inc............................................. 103,500 6,598
Everest Reinsurance Holdings............................. 240,000 6,900
First USA, Inc........................................... 160,000 5,540
Great Western Financial Corp............................. 160,000 4,640
J.P. Morgan & Co., Inc................................... 120,000 11,715
MBIA, Inc................................................ 150,000 15,188
PNC Bank Corp............................................ 200,000 7,525
Travelers Group, Inc..................................... 146,667 6,655
----------
198,360
----------
HEALTH CARE 4.9%
American Home Products Corp.............................. 304,000 17,822
Lincare Holdings, Inc. (b)............................... 181,000 7,421
Mallinckrodt, Inc........................................ 510,000 22,504
Schering Plough Corp..................................... 64,000 4,144
SmithKline Beecham PLC--ADR (United Kingdom)............. 68,000 4,624
Warner Lambert Co........................................ 92,000 6,900
Wellpoint Health Networks, Inc., Class A (b)............. 28,500 980
----------
64,395
----------
PRODUCER MANUFACTURING 9.0%
Bouygues Offshore SA--ADR (France) (b)................... 574,000 7,390
Browning Ferris Industries, Inc.......................... 500,000 13,125
Caterpillar, Inc......................................... 100,000 7,525
Dover Corp............................................... 100,000 5,025
Ingersoll Rand Co........................................ 232,000 10,324
Johnson Controls, Inc.................................... 34,000 2,818
LucasVarity PLC--ADR (United Kingdom) (b)................ 170,000 6,460
Rockwell International Corp. (b)......................... 66,000 4,018
Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc........................ 180,000 5,243
TRW, Inc................................................. 100,000 4,950
WMX Technologies, Inc.................................... 1,580,000 51,547
----------
118,425
----------
RAW MATERIALS/PROCESSING INDUSTRIES 6.1%
Bethlehem Steel Corp. (b)................................ 1,760,000 15,840
Boise Cascade Corp....................................... 720,000 22,860
Dow Chemical Co.......................................... 120,000 9,405
LTV Corp................................................. 606,300 7,200
Lyondell Petrochemical Co................................ 240,000 5,280
Mead Corp................................................ 70,000 4,069
Stone Container Corp..................................... 250,000 3,719
Weyerhaeuser Co.......................................... 140,000 6,632
Willamette Industries, Inc............................... 80,000 5,570
----------
80,575
----------
</TABLE>
B-30
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 83
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Market Value
Description of Shares (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
TECHNOLOGY 4.3%
Avnet, Inc............................................... 130,400 $ 7,596
BMC Software, Inc........................................ 160,000 6,620
Computer Associates International, Inc................... 100,000 4,975
Ericsson L M Telephone Co.--ADR (Sweden), Class B........ 177,000 5,343
Gateway 2000, Inc. (b)................................... 74,000 3,963
Hewlett Packard Co....................................... 92,000 4,623
International Business Machines Corp..................... 50,000 7,550
Nokia Corp. (ADR) (Finland).............................. 110,000 6,339
Pitney Bowes, Inc........................................ 52,000 2,834
SunGard Data Systems, Inc. (b)........................... 189,900 7,501
----------
57,344
----------
TRANSPORTATION 0.7%
Canadian National Railway Co............................. 260,000 9,880
----------
UTILITIES 18.6%
Ameritech Corp........................................... 120,000 7,275
AT & T Corp.............................................. 675,000 29,362
Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.............................. 140,000 3,745
Bell Atlantic Corp....................................... 130,000 8,418
Bellsouth Corp........................................... 100,400 4,054
Boston Edison Co......................................... 156,000 4,193
Carolina Power & Light Co................................ 120,000 4,380
Central & South West Corp................................ 140,000 3,588
Cincinnati Bell, Inc..................................... 130,400 8,036
CMS Energy Corp.......................................... 120,000 4,035
DTE Energy Co............................................ 340,000 11,007
Entergy Corp............................................. 140,000 3,885
FPL Group, Inc........................................... 100,000 4,600
GPU, Inc................................................. 162,000 5,447
Houston Industries, Inc.................................. 540,000 12,217
Idaho Power Co........................................... 214,000 6,661
Illinova Corp............................................ 312,000 8,580
MCI Communications Corp.................................. 1,169,300 38,221
Nipsco Industries, Inc................................... 67,000 2,655
Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co............................... 320,000 13,360
Pacificorp............................................... 150,000 3,075
Peco Energy Co........................................... 260,000 6,565
Pinnacle West Capital Corp............................... 170,000 5,398
Public Service Co. of New Mexico......................... 280,000 5,495
SBC Communications, Inc.................................. 210,000 10,867
Sierra Pacific Resources................................. 92,000 2,645
Southwestern Public Service Co........................... 150,000 5,306
Sprint Corp.............................................. 300,000 11,962
Texas Utilities Co....................................... 265,000 10,799
----------
245,831
----------
TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 96.1% (Cost $1,112,001,483)(a)......... 1,270,590
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AT AMORTIZED COST 2.8%...................... 37,435
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES 1.1%......................... 14,042
----------
NET ASSETS 100.0%.................................................. $1,322,067
==========
</TABLE>
(a) At December 31, 1996, for federal income tax purposes cost is
$1,115,697,052 the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $197,715,113
and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $42,822,548, resulting
in net unrealized appreciation of $154,892,565.
(b) Non-income producing security as this stock currently does not declare
dividends.
B-31
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 84
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 1996
All amounts, except for Maximum Offering Price information, reported in
thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Long-Term Investments, at Market Value (Cost $1,112,002) (Note 1)... $1,270,590
Short-Term Investments (Note 1)..................................... 37,435
Cash................................................................ 15
Receivables:
Securities Sold.................................................... 28,416
Dividends.......................................................... 3,213
Fund Shares Sold................................................... 1,045
Other............................................................... 12
----------
Total Assets....................................................... 1,340,726
----------
LIABILITIES:
Payables:
Securities Purchased............................................... 8,791
Income and Capital Gain Distributions.............................. 5,178
Fund Shares Repurchased............................................ 3,252
Distributor and Affiliates (Notes 2 and 6)......................... 669
Investment Advisory Fee (Note 2)................................... 535
Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans (Note 2)................. 126
Accrued Expenses.................................................... 108
----------
Total Liabilities.................................................. 18,659
----------
NET ASSETS.......................................................... $1,322,067
==========
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Capital (Note 3).................................................... $1,125,335
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Securities........................... 158,588
Accumulated Net Realized Gain on Securities......................... 36,635
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Income..................... 1,509
----------
NET ASSETS.......................................................... $1,322,067
==========
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE:
Class A Shares:
Net asset value and redemption price per share (Based on net assets
of $1,240,901,400 and 83,928,602 shares of beneficial interest
issued and outstanding)............................................ $ 14.79
Maximum sales charge (5.75%* of offering price).................... .90
----------
Maximum offering price to public................................... $ 15.69
==========
Class B Shares:
Net asset value and offering price per share (Based on net assets
of $75,358,898 and 5,091,005 shares of beneficial interest issued
and outstanding)................................................... $ 14.80
==========
Class C Shares:
Net asset value and offering price per share (Based on net assets
of $5,806,740 and 392,214 shares of beneficial interest issued and
outstanding)....................................................... $ 14.81
==========
</TABLE>
*On sales of $50,000 or more, the sales charge will be reduced.
B-32
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 85
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996
All amounts reported in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends............................................................. $ 28,538
Interest.............................................................. 4,511
--------
Total Income......................................................... 33,049
--------
EXPENSES:
Investment Advisory Fee (Note 2)...................................... 5,983
Distribution (12b-1) and Service Fees (Attributed to Classes A, B and
C of $2,520, $582 and $47, respectively) (Note 6).................... 3,149
Shareholder Services (Note 2)......................................... 2,457
Legal (Note 2)........................................................ 78
Trustees Fees and Expenses (Note 2)................................... 46
Other ................................................................ 1,039
--------
Total Expenses....................................................... 12,752
Less Expenses Reimbursed (Note 2).................................... 17
--------
Net Expenses......................................................... 12,735
--------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME................................................. $ 20,314
========
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS ON SECURITIES:
Realized Gain/Loss on Securities:
Investments.......................................................... $204,991
Futures.............................................................. (252)
--------
Net Realized Gain on Securities....................................... 204,739
--------
Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Securities:
Beginning of the Period.............................................. 136,779
End of the Period:
Investments.......................................................... 158,588
--------
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Securities During the Period........... 21,809
--------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON SECURITIES........................ $226,548
========
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS............................ $246,862
========
</TABLE>
B-33
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 86
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
All amounts reported in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:
Operations:
Net Investment Income.................... $ 20,314 $ 18,223
Net Realized Gain on Securities.......... 204,739 151,825
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Securities
During the Period....................... 21,809 140,846
---------- ----------
Change in Net Assets from Operations..... 246,862 310,894
---------- ----------
Distributions from Net Investment Income:
Class A Shares.......................... (18,935) (18,342)
Class B Shares.......................... (516) (354)
Class C Shares.......................... (41) (31)
---------- ----------
(19,492) (18,727)
---------- ----------
Distributions from Net Realized Gain on
Securities (Note 1):
Class A Shares.......................... (190,609) (131,445)
Class B Shares.......................... (10,865) (5,144)
Class C Shares.......................... (831) (463)
---------- ----------
(202,305) (137,052)
---------- ----------
Total Distributions..................... (221,797) (155,779)
---------- ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM INVESTMENT
ACTIVITIES............................... 25,065 155,115
---------- ----------
FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 3):
Proceeds from Shares Sold................ 870,145 391,197
Net Asset Value of Shares Issued Through
Dividend Reinvestment.................... 203,868 143,243
Cost of Shares Repurchased............... (897,713) (464,773)
---------- ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL
TRANSACTIONS............................. 176,300 69,667
---------- ----------
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS............. 201,365 224,782
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of the Period.................. 1,120,702 895,920
---------- ----------
End of the Period (Including accumulated
undistributed net investment income of
$1,509 and $468, respectively).......... $1,322,067 $1,120,702
========== ==========
</TABLE>
B-34
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 87
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one share of the Fund
outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
----------------------------------------
Class A Shares 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the
Period................................ $14.54 $12.40 $16.38 $17.30 $17.52
-------- -------- ------- ------ ------
Net Investment Income................ .264 .26 .31 .32 .33
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss
on Securities....................... 2.828 4.1125 (.92) 1.18 .795
-------- -------- ------- ------ ------
Total from Investment Operations...... 3.092 4.3725 (.61) 1.50 1.125
-------- -------- ------- ------ ------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess of
Net Investment Income (Note 1)...... .255 .27 .3225 .2975 .3275
Distributions from Net Realized Gain
on Securities (Note 1).............. 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 2.1225 1.0175
-------- -------- ------- ------ ------
Total Distributions................... 2.847 2.2325 3.37 2.42 1.345
-------- -------- ------- ------ ------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period.... $14.785 $14.54 $12.40 $16.38 $17.30
======== ======== ======= ====== ======
Total Return (a)...................... 22.34% 36.16% (3.67%) 9.09% 6.53%
Net Assets at End of the Period (In
millions)............................. $1,240.9 $1,071.4 $871.6 $980.4 $959.0
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets (b)............................ 1.00% .96% 1.01% .96% .87%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets (b)............... 1.71% 1.82% 1.93% 1.82% 1.84%
Portfolio Turnover.................... 176% 151% 136% 50% 36%
Average Commission Paid Per Equity
Share Traded (c)...................... $.0598 -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
(a) Total Return is based upon Net Asset Value which does not include payment
of the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(b) The impact on the Ratios of Expenses and Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets due to VKAC reimbursement of certain expenses was less than
0.01%.
(c) Represents the average brokerage commission paid per equity share traded
during the period for trades where commissions were applicable. This
disclosure was not required in fiscal years prior to 1996.
B-35
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 88
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one share of the Fund
outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 19, 1992
(Commencement
Year Ended December 31 of Distribution) to
------------------------------- December 31, 1992
Class B Shares 1996 1995 1994 1993 (a) (a)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning
of Period................. $14.56 $12.42 $16.40 $17.30 $17.62
------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Net Investment Income.... .144 .14 .16 .18 .03
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain/Loss on
Securities.............. 2.825 4.1125 (.905) 1.192 .9225
------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from Investment
Operations................ 2.969 4.2525 (.745) 1.372 .9525
------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Less:
Distributions from and in
Excess of Net Investment
Income (Note 1).......... .135 .15 .1875 .1495 .29
Distributions from Net
Realized Gain on
Securities (Note 1)..... 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 2.1225 .9825
------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Distributions....... 2.727 2.1125 3.235 2.272 1.2725
------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Net Asset Value, End of
the Period................ $14.802 $14.56 $12.42 $16.40 $17.30
======= ====== ====== ====== ======
Total Return (b).......... 21.39% 34.99% (4.41%) 8.25% 4.66%*
Net Assets at End of the
Period (In millions)...... $75.4 $45.2 $22.0 $13.9 $0.8
Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets (c)... 1.80% 1.79% 1.84% 1.76% 1.88%
Ratio of Net Investment
Income to Average Net
Assets (c)............... .91% .96% 1.12% 1.04% .74%
Portfolio Turnover........ 176% 151% 136% 50% 36%
Average Commission Paid
Per Equity Share Traded
(d)....................... $.0598 -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
*Non-Annualized
(a) Based on average month-end shares outstanding.
(b) Total Return is based upon Net Asset Value which does not include payment
of the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(c) The impact on the Ratios of Expenses and Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets due to VKAC reimbursement of certain expenses was less than
0.01%.
(d) Represents the average brokerage commission paid per equity share traded
during the period for trades where commissions were applicable. This
disclosure was not required in fiscal years prior to 1996.
B-36
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 89
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one share of the Fund
outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 26, 1993
(Commencement
Year Ended December 31 of Distribution) to
----------------------- December 31, 1993
Class C Shares 1996 1995 1994 (a) (a)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the
Period........................... $14.56 $12.41 $16.39 $18.16
------- ------ ------ ------
Net Investment Income........... .151 .15 .18 .02
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss on Securities........ 2.821 4.1125 (.925) .1425
------- ------ ------ ------
Total from Investment Operations. 2.972 4.2625 (.745) .1625
------- ------ ------ ------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Investment Income (Note
1)............................. .135 .15 .1875 .065
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain on Securities (Note 1).... 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 1.8675
------- ------ ------ ------
Total Distributions.............. 2.727 2.1125 3.235 1.9325
------- ------ ------ ------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period........................... $14.805 $14.56 $12.41 $16.39
======= ====== ====== ======
Total Return (b)................. 21.38% 35.11% (4.43%) 1.11%*
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions).................... $5.8 $4.1 $2.3 $0.5
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets (c)....................... 1.80% 1.79% 1.85% 1.93%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets (c).......... .92% .97% 1.15% .78%
Portfolio Turnover............... 176% 151% 136% 50%
Average Commission Paid Per
Equity Share Traded (d).......... $.0598 -- -- --
</TABLE>
*Non-Annualized
(a) Based on average month-end shares outstanding.
(b) Total Return is based upon Net Asset Value which does not include payment
of the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(c) The impact on the Ratios of Expenses and Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets due to VKAC reimbursement of certain expenses was less than
0.01%.
(d) Represents the average brokerage commission paid per equity share traded
during the period for trades where commissions were applicable. This
disclosure was not required in fiscal years prior to 1996.
B-37
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 90
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund (the "Fund") is organized as a Dela-
ware business trust and is registered as a diversified open-end investment man-
agement company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The
Fund's investment objective is capital growth and income through investments in
common and preferred stock, and debt securities convertible into common and
preferred stock. The Fund commenced investment operations on October 7, 1968.
The distribution of the Fund's Class B and Class C shares commenced on October
19, 1992 and October 26, 1993, respectively.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently fol-
lowed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The prepara-
tion of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent as-
sets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
A. SECURITY VALUATION-Investments in securities listed on a securities exchange
are valued at their sale price as of the close of such securities exchange.
Fixed income investments are stated at value using market quotations. Unlisted
securities and listed securities for which the last sales price is not avail-
able are valued at the last bid price. For those securities where quotations or
prices are not available, valuations are determined in accordance with proce-
dures established in good faith by the Board of Trustees. Short-term securities
with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost.
B. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS-Security transactions are recorded on a trade date ba-
sis. Realized gains and losses are determined on an identified cost basis. The
Fund may purchase and sell securities on a "when issued" or "delayed delivery"
basis, with settlement to occur at a later date. The value of the security so
purchased is subject to market fluctuations during this period. The Fund will
maintain, in a segregated account with its custodian, assets having an aggre-
gate value at least equal to the amount of the when issued or delayed delivery
purchase commitments until payment is made. At December 31, 1996, there were no
when issued or delayed delivery purchase commitments.
The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements which are short-term investments
whereby the Fund acquires ownership of a debt security and the seller agrees to
repurchase the security at a future time and specified price. The Fund may in-
vest independently in repurchase agreements, or transfer uninvested cash bal-
ances into a pooled cash account along with other investment companies advised
by Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") or its
affiliates, the daily aggregate of which is invested in repurchase agreements.
Repurchase agreements are fully collateralized by the underlying debt security.
The Fund will make payment for such securities only upon physical delivery or
evidence of book entry transfer to the account of the custodian bank. The
seller is required to maintain the value of the underlying security at not less
than the repurchase proceeds due the Fund.
C. INVESTMENT INCOME-Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and
interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Original issue discount is am-
ortized over the life of each applicable security. Premiums on debt securities
are not amortized. Market discounts are recognized at the time of sale as real-
ized gains for book purposes and ordinary income for tax purposes.
D. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES-It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and
to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
Net realized gains or losses may differ for financial and tax reporting pur-
poses primarily as a result of the deferral of losses for tax purposes result-
ing from wash sales.
E. DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND GAINS-The Fund declares and pays dividends quar-
terly from net investment income. Net realized gains, if any, are distributed
annually. Distributions from net realized gains for book purposes may include
short-
B-38
<PAGE> 91
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
term capital gains and gains on option and futures transactions. All short-term
capital gains and a portion of option and futures gains are included in ordi-
nary income for tax purposes.
Due to inherent differences in the recognition of income, expenses and realized
gains/losses under generally accepted accounting principles and federal income
tax purposes, permanent differences between book and tax basis reporting for
the 1996 fiscal year have been identified and appropriately reclassified. Per-
manent differences related to the recognition of market discount on bonds to-
taling $9,063 were reclassified from accumulated net realized gain/loss on
securities to accumulated undistributed net investment income. In addition,
permanent differences relating to the recognition of certain expenses which are
not deductible for tax purposes totaling $209,882 have been reclassified from
accumulated undistributed net investment income to capital.
2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Under the terms of the Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will
provide facilities and investment advice to the Fund for an annual fee payable
monthly as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE NET ASSETS % PER ANNUM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
First $1 billion.................................................... .50 of 1%
Next $1 billion..................................................... .45 of 1%
Next $1 billion..................................................... .40 of 1%
Over $3 billion..................................................... .35 of 1%
</TABLE>
Certain legal expenses are paid to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, coun-
sel to the Fund, of which a trustee of the Fund is an affiliated person.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Fund recognized expenses of approxi-
mately $222,900 representing Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.'s
or its affiliates' (collectively "VKAC") cost of providing accounting services
to the Fund. These services are provided by VKAC at cost.
ACCESS Investor Services, Inc. ("ACCESS"), an affiliate of the Adviser, serves
as the shareholder servicing agent for the Fund. For the year ended December
31, 1996, the Fund recognized expenses of approximately $2,078,600, represent-
ing ACCESS' cost of providing transfer agency and shareholder services plus a
profit.
Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 1996, the Fund reimbursed VKAC
approximately $209,900 related to the cost of consolidating the VKAC open-end
fund complex. Payment was contingent upon the realization by the Fund of cost
efficiencies in shareholder services resulting from the consolidation.
Certain officers and trustees of the Fund are also officers and directors of
VKAC. The Fund does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers of
VKAC.
The Fund has implemented deferred compensation and retirement plans for its
trustees. Under the deferred compensation plan, trustees may elect to defer all
or a portion of their compensation to a later date. The retirement plan covers
those trustees who are not officers of VKAC. During the year ended December 31,
1996, VKAC reimbursed the Fund for all expenses related to the retirement plan.
At December 31, 1996, VKAC owned 42,807 Class A shares.
3. CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
The Fund has outstanding three classes of shares of beneficial interest, Clas-
ses A, B and C, each with a par value of $.01 per share. There are an unlimited
number of shares of each class authorized.
B-39
<PAGE> 92
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At December 31, 1996, capital aggregated $1,042,755,922, $76,609,478 and
$5,969,347 for Classes A, B, and C, respectively. For the year ended December
31, 1996, transactions were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Sales:
Class A........................................... 53,832,803 $ 828,392,481
Class B........................................... 2,473,967 38,067,722
Class C........................................... 241,811 3,684,614
----------- -------------
Total Sales........................................ 56,548,581 $ 870,144,817
=========== =============
Dividend Reinvestment:
Class A........................................... 13,289,272 $ 192,499,655
Class B........................................... 730,321 10,558,446
Class C........................................... 56,044 810,114
----------- -------------
Total Dividend Reinvestment........................ 14,075,637 $ 203,868,215
=========== =============
Repurchases:
Class A........................................... (56,870,860) $(876,361,190)
Class B........................................... (1,214,527) (18,504,572)
Class C........................................... (186,167) (2,847,599)
----------- -------------
Total Repurchases.................................. (58,271,554) $(897,713,361)
=========== =============
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1995, capital aggregated $898,421,987, $46,499,832 and
$4,323,139 for Classes A, B and C, respectively. For the year ended December
31, 1995, transactions were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Sales:
Class A........................................... 24,488,433 $ 368,647,727
Class B........................................... 1,425,692 20,613,898
Class C........................................... 133,213 1,934,822
----------- -------------
Total Sales........................................ 26,047,338 $ 391,196,447
=========== =============
Dividend Reinvestment:
Class A........................................... 9,655,233 $ 137,771,277
Class B........................................... 352,915 5,064,571
Class C........................................... 28,402 407,205
----------- -------------
Total Dividend Reinvestment........................ 10,036,550 $ 143,243,053
=========== =============
Repurchases:
Class A........................................... (30,776,686) $(457,375,508)
Class B........................................... (446,399) (6,474,496)
Class C........................................... (67,640) (922,733)
----------- -------------
Total Repurchases.................................. (31,290,725) $(464,772,737)
=========== =============
</TABLE>
Class B and C shares are offered without a front end sales charge, but are sub-
ject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). The CDSC for Class B and C
shares will be imposed on most redemptions made within five years of the pur-
chase for Class B and one year of the purchase for Class C as detailed in the
following schedule. The Class B and C shares bear the expense of their respec-
tive deferred sales arrangements, including higher distribution and service
fees and incremental transfer agency costs.
B-40
<PAGE> 93
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTINGENT
DEFERRED SALES
CHARGE
YEAR OF REDEMPTION CLASS B CLASS C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
First........................................................... 5.00% 1.00%
Second.......................................................... 4.00% None
Third........................................................... 3.00% None
Fourth.......................................................... 2.50% None
Fifth........................................................... 1.50% None
Sixth and Thereafter............................................ None None
</TABLE>
For the year ended December 31, 1996, VKAC, as Distributor for the Fund, re-
ceived commissions on sales of the Fund's Class A shares of approximately
$189,200 and CDSC on redeemed shares of approximately $133,100. Sales charges
do not represent expenses of the Fund.
4. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
During the period, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of invest-
ments, excluding short-term investments, were $2,043,979,113 and
$2,081,917,379, respectively.
5. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
A derivative financial instrument in very general terms refers to a security
whose value is "derived" from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate
or index.
The Fund has a variety of reasons to use derivative instruments, such as to at-
tempt to protect the Fund against possible changes in the market value of its
portfolio or generate potential gain. All of the Fund's portfolio holdings, in-
cluding derivative instruments, are marked to market each day with the change
in value reflected in the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on securities.
Upon disposition, a realized gain or loss is recognized accordingly, except
when taking delivery of a security underlying a futures contract. In these in-
stances the recognition of gain or loss is postponed until the disposal of the
security underlying the futures contract.
During the period, the Fund invested in futures contracts, a type of deriva-
tive. A futures contract is an agreement involving the delivery of a particular
asset on a specified future date at an agreed upon price. The Fund generally
invests in exchange traded stock index futures. These contracts are generally
used to provide the return of an index without purchasing all of the securities
underlying the index or to manage the Fund's overall exposure to the equity
markets.
Upon entering into futures contracts, the Fund maintains, in a segregated ac-
count with its custodian, securities with a value equal to its obligation under
the futures contracts. During the period the futures contract is open, payments
are received from or made to the broker based upon changes in the value of the
contract (the variation margin).
Transactions in futures contracts for the year ended December 31, 1996, were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Outstanding at December 31, 1995..................................... -0-
Futures Opened....................................................... 505
Futures Closed....................................................... (505)
----
Outstanding at December 31, 1996..................................... -0-
====
</TABLE>
B-41
<PAGE> 94
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
The Fund and its shareholders have adopted a distribution plan pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and a service plan (collectively
the "Plans"). The Plans govern payments for the distribution of the Fund's
shares, ongoing shareholder services and maintenance of shareholder accounts.
Annual fees under the Plans of up to .25% of Class A net assets and 1.00% each
of Class B and Class C net assets are accrued daily. Included in these fees for
the year ended December 31, 1996, are payments to VKAC of approximately
$484,200.
B-42
<PAGE> 95
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial Statements
Included in the Prospectus:
Financial Highlights
Included in the Statement of Additional Information:
Report of Independent Accountants
Financial Statements
Notes to Financial Statements
(b) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
(1) (a) First Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of
Trust(7)
(b) Certificate of Amendment(7)
(c) Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation+
(2) Amended and Restated Bylaws(7)
(4) (a) Specimen Class A Share Certificate+
(b) Specimen Class B Share Certificate+
(c) Specimen Class C Share Certificate+
(5) Investment Advisory Agreement+
(6) (a) Distribution and Service Agreement+
(b) Form of Dealer Agreement+
(c) Form of Broker Agreement+
(d) Form of Bank Agreement+
(8) (a) Custodian Agreement+
(b) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement(7)
(9) (a) Data Services Agreement+
(b) Fund Accounting Agreement+
(10) Opinion of Counsel+
(11) Consent of Independent Accountants+
(14) (a) Individual Retirement Account Brochure with Application(4)
(b) 403(b)(7) Custodial Account(3)
(c) ORP 403(b)(7) Custodial Account(3)
(d) Retirement Plans for the Small Business -- Forms Package and
Plan Documents(1)
(e) Prototype Profit Sharing/Money Purchase Plan and Trust(2)
(f) Prototype 401(k) Plan and Trust(2)
(g) Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan(5)
</TABLE>
C-1
<PAGE> 96
(15) (a) Plan of Distribution Pursuant to 12b-1+
(b) Form of Shareholder Assistance Agreement+
(c) Form of Administrative Service Agreement+
(d) Service Plan+
(16) Computation Measure for Performance Information+
(17) (a) List of Certain Investment Companies in Response to Item
29(a)+
(b) List of Officers and Directors of Van Kampen American
Capital Distributors, Inc. in Response to Item 29(b)+
(18) Amended Multiple Class Plan+
(19) Power of Attorney+
(27) Financial Data Schedules+
- ---------------
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Van Kampen American
Capital Emerging Growth Fund, File Number 2-33214, filed December 21, 1990.
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Van Kampen American
Capital Growth and Income Fund, File Number 2-21657, filed March 26, 1991.
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Van Kampen American
Capital Reserve Fund, File Number 2-50870, filed September 24, 1992.
(4) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Van Kampen American
Capital Reserve Fund, File Number 2-50870, filed September 24, 1993.
(5) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Van Kampen American
Capital World Portfolio Series Trust, File Number 33-37879, filed September
24, 1993.
(6) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Number 2-27778, filed
July 20, 1995.
(7) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Number 2-27778, filed
April 19, 1996.
+ Filed herewith.
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
NONE.
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
AS OF APRIL 4, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(1) (2)
NUMBER OF RECORD HOLDERS
-----------------------------
TITLE OF CLASS CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
-------------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares of Beneficial Interest,
$0.01 par value 79,592 11,068 905
------ ------ ---
</TABLE>
C-2
<PAGE> 97
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
Reference is made to Article 8, Section 8.4 of the Registrant's Agreement
and Declaration of Trust.
Article 8; Section 8.4 of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides
that each officer and trustee of the Registrant shall be indemnified by the
Registrant against all liabilities incurred in connection with the defense or
disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal,
in which the officer or trustee may be or may have been involved by reason of
being or having been an officer or trustee, except that such indemnity shall not
protect any such person against a liability to the Registrant or any shareholder
thereof to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of (i) not
acting in good faith in the reasonable belief that such person's actions were
not in the best interest of the Trust, (ii) willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his or her office, or (iii) for a criminal proceeding, not having a reasonable
cause to believe that such conduct was unlawful (collectively "Disabling
Conduct"). Absent a court determination that an officer or trustee seeking
indemnification was not liable on the merits or guilty of Disabling Conduct in
the conduct of his or her office, the decision by the Registrant to indemnify
such person must be based upon the reasonable determination of independent
counsel or non-party independent trustees, after review of the facts, that such
officer or trustee is not guilty of Disabling Conduct in the conduct of his or
her office.
The Registrant has purchased insurance on behalf of its officers and
trustees protecting such persons from liability arising from their activities as
officers or trustees of the Registrant. The insurance does not protect or
purport to protect such persons from liability to the Registrant or to its
shareholders to which such officer or trustee would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of the duties involved in the conduct of their office.
Conditional advancing of indemnification monies may be made if the trustee
or officer undertakes to repay the advance unless it is ultimately determined
that he or she is entitled to the indemnification and only if the following
conditions are met: (1) the trustee or officer provides a security for the
undertaking; (2) the Registrant is insured against losses arising from lawful
advances; or (3) a majority of a quorum of the Registrant's disinterested,
non-party trustees, or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall
determine, based upon a review of readily available facts, that a recipient of
the advance ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by the trustee, officer, or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the
shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 28. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER.
See "Investment Advisory Services" in the Prospectus and "Trustees and
Officers" in the Statement of Additional Information for information regarding
the business of the Adviser. For information as to the business, profession,
vocation and employment of a substantial nature of directors and officers of the
Adviser, reference is made to the Adviser's current Form ADV (File No. 801-1669)
filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
(a) The sole principal underwriter is Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc., which acts as principal underwriter for certain investment
companies and unit investment trusts set forth in Exhibit 17(a) incorporated by
reference herein.
C-3
<PAGE> 98
(b) Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. is an affiliated person
of an affiliated person of Registrant and is the only principal underwriter for
Registrant. The name, principal business address and positions and offices with
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. of each of the directors and
officers thereof are set forth in Exhibit 17(b). Except as disclosed under the
heading, "Trustees and Officers" in Part B of this Registration Statement, none
of such persons has any position or office with Registrant.
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS.
All accounts, books and other documents required by Section 31(a) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder to be maintained (i) by
Registrant will be maintained at its offices, located at One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, ACCESS Investor Services, Inc., 7501 Tiffany
Springs Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64153, or at the State Street Bank and
Trust Company, 1776 Heritage Drive, North Quincy, MA; (ii) by the Adviser, will
be maintained at its offices, located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace,
Illinois 60181; and (iii) by the Distributor, the principal underwriter, will be
maintained at its offices located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace,
Illinois 60181.
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
Registrant hereby undertakes, if requested to do so by the holders of at
least 10% of the Registrant's outstanding shares, to call a meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of a trustee
or trustees and to assist in communications with other shareholders as required
by Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish to each person to whom a prospectus
is delivered a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report to shareholders,
upon request and without charge.
C-4
<PAGE> 99
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
COMSTOCK FUND, certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness
of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933 and has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City
of Oakbrook Terrace and the State of Illinois, on the 24th day of April, 1997.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
By: /s/ RONALD A. NYBERG
-----------------------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg, Vice President and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
to this Registration Statement has been signed on April 24, 1997 by the
following persons in the capacities indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURES TITLE
---------- -----
<C> <S> <C>
Principal Executive Officer:
/s/ DENNIS J. McDONNELL* President and Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Dennis J. McDonnell
Principal Financial Officer:
/s/ EDWARD C. WOOD III* Vice President and Chief Financial
- ----------------------------------------------------------- Officer
Edward C. Wood III
Trustees:
/s/ J. MILES BRANAGAN* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
J. Miles Branagan
/s/ LINDA HUTTON HEAGY* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Linda Hutton Heagy
/s/ R. CRAIG KENNEDY* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
R. Craig Kennedy
/s/ JACK E. NELSON* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Jack E. Nelson
Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Jerome L. Robinson
/s/ PHILLIP B. ROONEY* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Phillip B. Rooney
/s/ FERNANDO SISTO* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Fernando Sisto
/s/ WAYNE W. WHALEN* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Wayne W. Whalen
- ---------------
* Signed by Ronald A. Nyberg pursuant to a power of attorney filed herewith.
RONALD A. NYBERG April 24, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 100
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
INDEX TO EXHIBITS TO AMENDMENT NO. 49 TO FORM N-1A
AS SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
ON APRIL 28, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ------- ----------------------
<C> <S>
(1)(c) Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation
(4)(a) Specimen Class A Share Certificate
(b) Specimen Class B Share Certificate
(c) Specimen Class C Share Certificate
(5) Investment Advisory Agreement
(6)(a) Distribution and Service Agreement
(b) Form of Dealer Agreement
(c) Form of Broker Agreement
(d) Form of Bank Agreement
(8)(a) Custodian Agreement
(9)(a) Data Access Service Agreement
(b) Fund Accounting Agreement
(10) Opinion of Counsel
(11) Consent of Independent Accountants
(15)(a) Plan of Distribution Pursuant to 12b-1
(b) Form of Shareholder Assistance Agreement
(c) Form of Administrative Service Agreement
(d) Service Plan
(16) Computation Measure for Performance Information
(17)(a) List of Certain Investment Companies in response to Item
29(a)
(b) List of Officers and directors Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc. in Response to Item 29(b)
(18) Amended Multiple Class Plan
(19) Power of Attorney
(27) Financial Data Schedules
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (1)(C)
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation
of
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund
The undersigned, being the Secretary of Van Kampen American Capital Comstock
Fund, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), pursuant to the authority
conferred upon the Trustees of the Trust by Section 6.1 of the Trust's First
Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust ("Declaration"), and by
the affirmative vote of a Majority of the Trustees does hereby establish and
designate the following classes of Shares of the Trust with the following
rights, preferences and characteristics:
1. Shares. The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into Shares
having a nominal or par value of $0.01 per Share, of which an unlimited number
may be issued, which Shares shall represent interests only in the Trust. The
Trustees shall have the authority from time to time to authorize separate Series
of Shares for the Trust as they deem necessary or desirable.
2. Classes of Shares. The Shares of the Trust shall be initially divided into
three classes--Class A, Class B and Class C. The Trustees shall have the
authority from time to time to authorize additional Classes of Shares of the
Trust.
3. Sales Charges. Each Class A, Class B and Class C Share shall be subject to
such sales charges, if any, as may be established from time to time by the
Trustees in accordance with the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")
and applicable rules and regulations of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., all as set forth in the Trust's prospectus.
4. Conversion. Each Class B Share and certain Class C Shares of the Trust
shall be converted automatically, and without any action or choice on the part
of the Shareholder thereof, into Class A Shares of the Trust at such times and
pursuant to such terms, conditions and restrictions as may be established by the
Trustees and as set forth in the Trust's Prospectus.
5. Allocation of Expenses Among Classes. Expenses related solely to a
particular Class (including, without limitation, distribution expenses under an
administrative or service agreement, plan or other arrangement, however
designated) shall be borne by that Class and shall be appropriately reflected
(in a manner determined by the Trustees) in the net asset value, dividends,
distribution and liquidation rights of the Shares of that Class.
6. Special Meetings. A special meeting of Shareholders of a Class of the Trust
may be called with respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan applicable to
such Class or with respect to any other proper purpose affecting only holders of
shares of such Class at any time by a Majority of the Trustees.
7. Other Rights Governed by Declaration. All other rights, preferences,
qualifications, limitations and restrictions with respect to Shares of any
Series of the Trust or with respect to any Class of Shares set forth in the
Declaration shall apply to
1
<PAGE> 2
Shares of the Trust unless otherwise specified in this Certificate of
Designation, in which case this Certificate of Designation shall govern.
8. Amendments, etc. Subject to the provisions and limitations of Section 9.5
of the Declaration and applicable law, this Certificate of Designation may be
amended by an instrument signed in writing by a Majority of the Trustees (or by
any officer of the Trust pursuant to the vote of a Majority of the Trustees) or
when authorized to do so by the vote in accordance with the Declaration of the
holders of a majority of all the Shares of the Trust outstanding and entitled to
vote or, if such amendment affects the Shares of one or more but not all of the
Classes of the Trust, the holders of a majority of all the Shares of the
affected Classes outstanding and entitled to vote.
9. Incorporation of Defined Terms. All capitalized terms which are not defined
herein shall have the same meaning as ascribed to those terms in the
Declaration.
December 12, 1996
/s/ RONALD A. NYBERG
_________________________
Ronald A. Nyberg
Secretary
2
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (4)(a)
NUMBER SHARES
__________ __________
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
CLASS A
ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
THIS CERTIFIES that is the owner of
*SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
_________________
CUSIP 92112D103
_________________
fully paid and nonassessable shares of beneficial interest of the par value of
$0.01 per share of Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund, transferable on
the books of the Fund by the holder thereof in person or by duly authorized
attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed. This certificate
is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
WITNESS THE FACSIMILE SEAL OF THE FUND AND THE FACSIMILE SIGNATURES OF
ITS DULY AUTHORIZED OFFICERS.
Dated
[VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
COMSTOCK FUND
DELAWARE SEAL]
RONALD A. NYBERG DENNIS J. McDONNELL
SECRETARY PRESIDENT
KC 002717
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTERSIGNED by ACCESS INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.
P.O. BOX 418256, KANSAS CITY, MO 64141-9256
TRANSFER AGENT
By
----------------------------------------------------
AUTHORIZED OFFICER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE DETACH AND DISCARD UNLESS CHANGES ARE REQUIRED
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
NUMBER CLASS A SHARES
KC
ACCOUNT NO. ALPHA CODE DEALER NO. CONFIRM NO.
TRADE DATE CONFIRM DATE BATCH I.D. NO.
CHANGE NOTICE: IF THE ABOVE INFORMATION
IS INCORRECT OR MISSING, PLEASE PRINT
THE CORRECT INFORMATION BELOW, AND RETURN
TO:
ACCESS
P.O. BOX 418256
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64141-9256
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUIREMENTS: THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE
NAME(S) AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR WITHOUT
ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
A BANK OR TRUST COMPANY; A BROKER/DEALER; A CREDIT UNION; A NATIONAL SECURITIES
EXCHANGE, REGISTERED SECURITIES ASSOCIATION OR CLEARING AGENCY; A SAVINGS AND
LOAN ASSOCIATION; OR A FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For value received, hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
________________________________________________________________________________
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ASSIGNEE)
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ Shares
of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________ Attorney
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Corporation with
full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated, _________________________________________ 19 ______
__________________________________________________________________
Owner
__________________________________________________________________
Signature of Co-Owner, if any
IMPORTANT { BEFORE SIGNING, READ AND COMPLY CAREFULLY
{ WITH REQUIREMENTS PRINTED ABOVE.
SIGNATURE(S) guaranteed by:
________________________________________________________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM - as tenants UNIF GIFT MIN. ACT - ________ Custodian _________
in common (Cust) (Minor)
under Uniform Gifts to
TEN ENT - as tenants by Minors Act
the entireties
____________________________
JT TEN - as joint tenants (State)
with right of sur-
vivorship and not
as tenants in common
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
THIS SPACE MUST NOT BE COVERED IN ANY WAY
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (4)(b)
NUMBER SHARES
__________ __________
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
CLASS B
ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
THIS CERTIFIES that is the owner of
*SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
_________________
CUSIP 92112D202
_________________
fully paid and nonassessable shares of beneficial interest of the par value of
$0.01 per share of Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund, transferable on
the books of the Fund by the holder thereof in person or by duly authorized
attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed. This certificate
is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
WITNESS THE FACSIMILE SEAL OF THE FUND AND THE FACSIMILE SIGNATURES OF
ITS DULY AUTHORIZED OFFICERS.
Dated
[VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
COMSTOCK FUND
DELAWARE SEAL]
RONALD A. NYBERG DENNIS J. McDONNELL
SECRETARY PRESIDENT
KC 002717
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTERSIGNED by ACCESS INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.
P.O. BOX 418256, KANSAS CITY, MO 64141-9256
TRANSFER AGENT
By
----------------------------------------------------
AUTHORIZED OFFICER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE DETACH AND DISCARD UNLESS CHANGES ARE REQUIRED
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
NUMBER CLASS B SHARES
KC
ACCOUNT NO. ALPHA CODE DEALER NO. CONFIRM NO.
TRADE DATE CONFIRM DATE BATCH I.D. NO.
CHANGE NOTICE: IF THE ABOVE INFORMATION
IS INCORRECT OR MISSING, PLEASE PRINT
THE CORRECT INFORMATION BELOW, AND RETURN
TO:
ACCESS
P.O. BOX 418256
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64141-9256
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUIREMENTS: THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE
NAME(S) AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR WITHOUT
ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
A BANK OR TRUST COMPANY; A BROKER/DEALER; A CREDIT UNION; A NATIONAL SECURITIES
EXCHANGE, REGISTERED SECURITIES ASSOCIATION OR CLEARING AGENCY; A SAVINGS AND
LOAN ASSOCIATION; OR A FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For value received, hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
________________________________________________________________________________
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ASSIGNEE)
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ Shares
of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________ Attorney
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Corporation with
full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated, _________________________________________ 19 ______
__________________________________________________________________
Owner
__________________________________________________________________
Signature of Co-Owner, if any
IMPORTANT { BEFORE SIGNING, READ AND COMPLY CAREFULLY
{ WITH REQUIREMENTS PRINTED ABOVE.
SIGNATURE(S) guaranteed by:
________________________________________________________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM - as tenants UNIF GIFT MIN. ACT - ________ Custodian _________
in common (Cust) (Minor)
under Uniform Gifts to
TEN ENT - as tenants by Minors Act
the entireties
____________________________
JT TEN - as joint tenants (State)
with right of sur-
vivorship and not
as tenants in common
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
THIS SPACE MUST NOT BE COVERED IN ANY WAY
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (4)(c)
NUMBER SHARES
__________ __________
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
CLASS C
ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
THIS CERTIFIES that is the owner of
*SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
_________________
CUSIP 92113D300
_________________
fully paid and nonassessable shares of beneficial interest of the par value of
$0.01 per share of Van Kampen American Capital Equity Income Fund, transferable
on the books of the Fund by the holder thereof in person or by duly authorized
attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed. This certificate
is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
WITNESS THE FACSIMILE SEAL OF THE FUND AND THE FACSIMILE SIGNATURES OF
ITS DULY AUTHORIZED OFFICERS.
Dated
[VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
COMSTOCK FUND
DELAWARE SEAL]
RONALD A. NYBERG DENNIS J. MCDONNELL
SECRETARY PRESIDENT
KC 002717
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTERSIGNED by ACCESS INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.
P.O. BOX 418256, KANSAS CITY, MO 64141-9256
TRANSFER AGENT
By
----------------------------------------------------
AUTHORIZED OFFICER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE DETACH AND DISCARD UNLESS CHANGES ARE REQUIRED
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
NUMBER CLASS C SHARES
KC
ACCOUNT NO. ALPHA CODE DEALER NO. CONFIRM NO.
TRADE DATE CONFIRM DATE BATCH I.D. NO.
CHANGE NOTICE: IF THE ABOVE INFORMATION
IS INCORRECT OR MISSING, PLEASE PRINT
THE CORRECT INFORMATION BELOW, AND RETURN
TO:
ACCESS
P.O. BOX 418256
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64141-9256
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUIREMENTS: THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE
NAME(S) AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR WITHOUT
ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
A BANK OR TRUST COMPANY; A BROKER/DEALER; A CREDIT UNION; A NATIONAL SECURITIES
EXCHANGE, REGISTERED SECURITIES ASSOCIATION OR CLEARING AGENCY; A SAVINGS AND
LOAN ASSOCIATION; OR A FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For value received, hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
________________________________________________________________________________
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ASSIGNEE)
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ Shares
of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________ Attorney
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Corporation with
full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated, _________________________________________ 19 ______
__________________________________________________________________
Owner
__________________________________________________________________
Signature of Co-Owner, if any
IMPORTANT { BEFORE SIGNING, READ AND COMPLY CAREFULLY
{ WITH REQUIREMENTS PRINTED ABOVE.
SIGNATURE(S) guaranteed by:
________________________________________________________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM - as tenants UNIF GIFT MIN. ACT - ________ Custodian _________
in common (Cust) (Minor)
under Uniform Gifts to
TEN ENT - as tenants by Minors Act
the entireties
____________________________
JT TEN - as joint tenants (State)
with right of sur-
vivorship and not
as tenants in common
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
THIS SPACE MUST NOT BE COVERED IN ANY WAY
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (5)
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT (hereinso called) made this 31st day of October, 1996 by and between
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND, a Delaware business trust
(hereinafter referred to as the "FUND"), and VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL ASSET
MANAGEMENT, INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the
"ADVISER").
The FUND and the ADVISER agree as follows:
(1) Services Rendered and Expenses Paid by ADVISER
The ADVISER, subject to the control, direction and supervision of the FUND's
Trustees and in conformity with applicable laws, the FUND's Agreement and
Declaration of Trust ("Declaration of Trust"), By-laws, registration statements,
prospectus and stated investment objectives, policies and restrictions, shall:
a. manage the investment and reinvestment of the FUND's assets including, by way
of illustration, the evaluation of pertinent economic, statistical, financial
and other data, determination of the industries and companies to be represented
in the FUND's portfolio, and formulation and implementation of investment
programs;
b. maintain a trading desk and place all orders for the purchase and sale of
portfolio investments for the FUND's account with brokers or dealers selected by
the ADVISER;
c. conduct and manage the day-to-day operations of the FUND including, by way of
illustration, the preparation of registration statements, prospectuses, reports,
proxy solicitation materials and amendments thereto, the furnishing of routine
legal services except for services provided by outside counsel to the FUND
selected by the Trustees, and the supervision of the FUND's Treasurer and the
personnel working under his direction; and
d. furnish to the FUND office space, facilities, equipment and personnel
adequate to provide the services described in paragraphs a., b., and c. above
and pay the compensation of each FUND trustee and FUND officer who is an
affiliated person of the ADVISER, except the compensation of the FUND's
Treasurer and related expenses as provided below.
In performing the services described in paragraph b. above, the ADVISER shall
use its best efforts to obtain for the FUND the most favorable price and
execution available and shall maintain records adequate to demonstrate
compliance with this requirement. Subject to prior authorization by the FUND's
Trustees of appropriate policies and procedures, the ADVISER may, to the extent
authorized by law, cause the FUND to pay a broker or dealer that provides
brokerage and research services to the ADVISER an amount of commission for
effecting a portfolio investment transaction in excess of the amount of
commission another broker or dealer would
<PAGE> 2
have charged for effecting that transaction. In the event of such authorization
and to the extent authorized by law, the ADVISER shall not be deemed to have
acted unlawfully or to have breached any duty created by this Agreement or
otherwise solely by reason of such action.
Except as otherwise agreed, or as otherwise provided herein, the FUND shall pay,
or arrange for others to pay, all its expenses other than those expressly stated
to be payable by the ADVISER hereunder, which expenses payable by the FUND shall
include (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other costs in
connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio investments; (iii)
compensation of its directors and officers other than those who are affiliated
persons of the ADVISER; (iv) compensation of its Treasurer, compensation of
personnel working under the Treasurer's direction, and expenses of office space,
facilities, and equipment used by the Treasurer and such personnel in the
performance of their normal duties for the FUND which consist of maintenance of
the accounts, books and other documents which constitute the record forming the
basis for the FUND's financial statements, preparation of such financial
statements and other FUND documents and reports of a financial nature required
by federal and state laws, and participation in the production of the FUND's
registration statement, prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and reports
to shareholders; (v) fees of outside counsel to and of independent accountants
of the FUND selected by the Trustees; (vi) custodian, registrar and shareholder
service agent fees and expenses; (vii) expenses related to the repurchase or
redemption of its shares including expenses related to a program of periodic
repurchases or redemptions; (viii) expenses related to the issuance of its
shares against payment therefor by or on behalf of the subscribers thereto; (ix)
fees and related expenses of registering and qualifying the FUND and its shares
for distribution under state and federal securities laws; (x) expenses of
printing and mailing of registration statements, prospectuses, reports, notices
and proxy solicitation materials of the FUND; (xi) all other expenses incidental
to holding meetings of the FUND's shareholders including proxy solicitations
therefor; (xii) expenses for servicing shareholder accounts; (xiii) insurance
premiums for fidelity coverage and errors and omissions insurance; (xiv) dues
for the FUND's membership in trade associations approved by the Trustees; and
(xv) such nonrecurring expenses as may arise, including those associated with
actions, suits or proceedings to which the FUND is a party and the legal
obligation which the FUND may have to indemnify its officers and trustees
respect thereto. To the extent that any of the foregoing expenses are allocated
between the FUND and any other party, such allocations shall be pursuant to
methods approved by the Trustees.
2
<PAGE> 3
(2) Role of ADVISER
The ADVISER, and any person controlled by or under common control with the
ADVISER, shall be free to render similar services to others and engage in other
activities, so long as the services rendered to the FUND are not impaired.
Except as otherwise required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"), any of the shareholders, trustees, officers and employees of the FUND may
be a shareholder, trustee, director, officer or employee of, or be otherwise
interested in, the ADVISER, and in any person controlled by or under common
control with the ADVISER, and the ADVISER, and any person controlled by or under
common control with the ADVISER, may have an interest in the FUND.
Except as otherwise agreed, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part
of the ADVISER, the ADVISER shall not be subject to liability to the FUND, or to
any shareholder of the FUND, for any act or omission in the course of, or
connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be
sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security.
(3) Compensation Payable to ADVISER
The FUND shall pay to the ADVISER, as compensation for the services rendered,
facilities furnished and expenses paid by the ADVISER, a monthly fee computed at
the following annual rates:
.50% on the first $1 billion of the FUND's average daily net assets; .45% on the
next $1 billion of the FUND's average daily net assets; .40% of the next $1
billion of the FUND's average daily net assets; and .35% of any excess over $3
billion.
Average daily net assets shall be determined by taking the average of the net
assets for each business day during a given calendar month calculated in the
manner provided in the FUND's Declaration of Trust. Such fee shall be payable
for each calendar month as soon as practicable after the end of that month.
The fees payable to the ADVISER by the FUND pursuant to this Section 3 shall be
reduced by any commissions, tender solicitation and other fees, brokerage or
similar payments received by the ADVISER, or any other direct or indirect
majority owned subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc., in connection with the
purchase and sale of portfolio investments of the FUND, less any direct expenses
incurred by such person, in connection with obtaining such commissions, fees,
brokerage or similar payments. The ADVISER shall use its best efforts to
recapture all available tender offer solicitation fees and exchange offer fees
in connection with the FUND's portfolio transactions and shall advise the
Trustees of any other commissions, fees, brokerage or similar payments which may
be possible for the ADVISER or any other direct or indirect majority owned
subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc., to receive in connection
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with the FUND's portfolio transactions or other arrangements which may benefit
the FUND.
In the event that the ordinary business expenses of the FUND for any fiscal year
should exceed 1.5% of the first $30 million of the FUND's average daily net
assets plus 1% of any excess over $30 million, the compensation due the ADVISER
for such fiscal year shall be reduced by the amount of such excess. The
ADVISER's compensation shall be so reduced by a reduction or a refund thereof,
at the time such compensation is payable after the end of each calendar month
during such fiscal year of the FUND, and if such amount should exceed such
monthly compensation, the ADVISER shall pay the FUND an amount sufficient to
make up the deficiency, subject to readjustment during the FUND's fiscal year.
For purposes of this paragraph, all ordinary business expenses of the FUND shall
include the investment advisory fee and other operating expenses paid by the
FUND except (i) for interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions; (iii) as a
result of litigation in connection with a suit involving a claim for recovery by
the FUND; (iv) as a result of litigation involving a defense against a liability
asserted against the FUND, provided that, if the ADVISER made the decision or
took the actions which resulted in such claim, it acted in good faith without
negligence or misconduct; (v) any indemnification paid by the FUND to its
officers and trustees and the ADVISER in accordance with applicable state and
federal laws as a result of such litigation; and (vi) amounts paid to Van Kampen
American Capital Distributors, Inc., the distributor of the FUND's shares, in
connection with a distribution plan adopted by the FUND's Trustees pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
If the ADVISER shall serve for less than the whole of any month, the foregoing
compensation shall be prorated.
(4) Books and Records
In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the
ADVISER hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the FUND are the
property of the FUND and further agrees to surrender promptly to the FUND any of
such records upon the FUND's request. The ADVISER further agrees to preserve for
the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to
be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the Act.
(5) Duration of Agreement
This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof, and shall remain in
full force until May 30, 1997 unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided.
This Agreement shall continue in force from year to year thereafter, but only
so long as such continuance is approved at least annually by the vote of a
majority of the FUND's Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or
interested persons of any such parties, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such approval, and by a vote of a majority of the
FUND's Trustees or a majority of the FUND's outstanding voting securities.
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This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The
Agreement may be terminated at any time by the FUND's Trustees, by vote of a
majority of the FUND's outstanding voting securities, or by the ADVISER, on 60
days' written notice, or upon such shorter notice as may be mutually agreed
upon. Such termination shall be without payment of any penalty.
(6) Miscellaneous Provisions
For the purposes of this Agreement, the terms "affiliated person," "assignment,"
"interested person," and "majority of the outstanding voting securities" shall
have their respective meanings defined in the 1940 Act and the Rules and
Regulations thereunder, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted
to either the ADVISER or the FUND by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), or such interpretive positions as may be taken by the Commission
or its staff, under the 1940 Act, and the term "brokerage and research services"
shall have the meaning given in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Rules and Regulations thereunder.
The execution of this Agreement has been authorized by the FUND's Trustees and
by the sole shareholder. This Agreement is executed on behalf of the Fund or the
Trustees of the FUND as Trustees and not individually and that the obligations
of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or
shareholders of the FUND individually but are binding only upon the assets and
property of the FUND. A Certificate of Trust in respect of the Fund is on file
with the Secretary of State of Delaware.
The parties hereto each have caused this Agreement to be signed in duplicate on
its behalf by its duly authorized officer on the above date.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
By: /s/ DENNIS J. MCDONNELL
--------------------------------------
Name: Dennis J. McDonnell
--------------------------------------
Its: President
--------------------------------------
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
By: /s/ PETER W. HEGEL
--------------------------------------
Name: Peter W. Hegel
--------------------------------------
Its: Executive Vice President
--------------------------------------
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (6)(a)
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
THIS DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE AGREEMENT dated as of October 31, 1996 (the
"Agreement") by and between VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND, a
Delaware business trust (the "Fund"), and VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Distributor").
1. Appointment of Distributor. The Fund appoints the Distributor as a
principal underwriter and exclusive distributor of each class of its shares of
beneficial interest (the "Shares") offered for sale from time to time pursuant
to the then current prospectus of the Fund, subject to different combinations
of front-end sales charges, distribution fees, service fees and contingent
deferred sales charges. Classes of shares, if any, subject to a front-end
sales charge and a distribution and/or service fee are referred to herein as
"FESC Classes" and the Shares of such classes are referred to herein as "FESC
Shares." Classes of shares, if any, subject to a contingent-deferred sales
charge and a distribution and/or a service fee are referred to herein as "CDSC
Classes" and Shares of such classes are referred to herein as "CDSC Shares."
Classes of shares, if any, subject to a front-end sales charge, a
contingent-deferred sales charge and a distribution and/or service fee are
referred to herein as "Combination Classes" and Shares of such class are
referred to herein as "Combination Shares." The Fund reserves the right to
refuse at any time or times to sell Shares hereunder for any reason deemed
adequate by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
The Distributor will use its best efforts to sell, through its
organization and through other dealers and agents, the Shares which the
Distributor has the right to purchase under Section 2 hereof, but the
Distributor does not undertake to sell any specific number of Shares.
The Distributor agrees that it will not take any long or short positions
in the Shares, except for long positions in those Shares purchased by the
Distributor in accordance with any systematic sales plan described in the then
current Prospectus of the Fund and except as permitted by Section 2 hereof, and
that so far as it can control the situation, it will prevent any of its
trustees, officers or shareholders from taking any long or short positions in
the Shares, except for legitimate investment purposes.
2. Sale of Shares to Distributor. The Fund hereby grants to the
Distributor the exclusive right, except as herein otherwise provided, to
purchase Shares directly from the Fund upon the terms herein set forth. Such
exclusive right hereby granted shall not apply to Shares issued or transferred
or sold at net asset value: (a) in connection with the merger or consolidation
of the Fund with any other investment company or the acquisition by the Fund of
all or substantially all of the assets of or the outstanding Shares of any
investment company; (b) in connection with a pro rata distribution directly to
the holders of Fund Shares in the nature of a stock dividend or stock split or
in connection with any other recapitalization approved by the Board of
Trustees; (c) upon the exercise of purchase or subscription rights granted to
the holders of Shares on a pro rata basis; (d) in connection with the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and distributions from the Fund; or (e) in connection
with the issue and sale of Shares to trustees, officers and employees of the
Fund; to directors, officers and employees of the investment adviser of the
Fund or any principal underwriter (including the Distributor) of the Fund; to
retirees of the Distributor that purchased shares of any mutual fund
distributed by the Distributor prior to retirement; to directors, officers and
employees of Van Kampen American Capital, Inc. (formerly The Van Kampen Merritt
Companies, Inc.) (the parent of the Distributor), VK/AC Holding, Inc. (formerly
VKM Holdings, Inc.)(the parent of The Van Kampen Merritt Companies, Inc.) and
to the subsidiaries of VK/AC Holding, Inc.; and to any trust, pension,
profit-sharing or other benefit plan for any of the aforesaid persons as
permitted by Rule 22d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act").
The Distributor shall have the right to buy from the Fund the Shares
needed, but not more than the Shares needed (except for reasonable allowances
for clerical errors, delays and errors of transmission and cancellation of
orders) to fill unconditional orders for Shares received by the Distributor
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<PAGE> 2
from dealers, agents and investors during each period when particular net asset
values and public offering prices are in effect as provided in Section 3
hereof; and the price which the Distributor shall pay for the Shares so
purchased shall be the respective net asset value used in determining the
public offering price on which such orders were based. The Distributor shall
notify the Fund at the end of each such period, or as soon thereafter on that
business day as the orders received in such period have been compiled, of the
number of Shares of each class that the Distributor elects to purchase
hereunder.
3. Public Offering Price. The public offering price per Share shall be
determined in accordance with the then current Prospectus of the Fund. In no
event shall the public offering price exceed the net asset value per Share,
plus, with respect to the FESC Shares, a front-end sales charge not in excess
of the applicable maximum sales charge permitted under the Rules of Fair
Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., as in effect
from time to time. The net asset value per share for each class of Shares,
respectively, shall be determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of
Trust and By-Laws of the Trust as then amended, the Certificate of Designation
with respect to the Fund, as amended, and in accordance with the then current
Prospectus of the Fund consistent with the terms and conditions of the
exemptive order with respect to the Fund (Release No. IC-19600) issued by the
Securities and Exchange Commission on July 28, 1993, as it may be amended from
time to time or succeeded by other exemptive orders or rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act. The Fund will cause
immediate notice to be given to the Distributor of each change in net asset
value as soon as it is determined. Discounts to dealers purchasing FESC Shares
from the Distributor for resale and to brokers and other eligible agents making
sales of FESC Shares to investors and compensation payable from the Distributor
to dealers, brokers and other eligible agents making sales of CDSC Shares and
Combination Shares shall be set forth in the selling agreements between the
Distributor and such dealers or agents, respectively, as from time to time
amended, and, if such discounts and compensation are described in the then
current Prospectus for the Fund, shall be as so set forth.
4. Compliance with NASD Rules, SEC Orders, etc. In selling Fund Shares,
the Distributor will in all respects duly comply with all state and federal
laws relating to the sale of such securities and with all applicable rules and
regulations of all regulatory bodies, including without limitation the Rules of
Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and all
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the 1940 Act, and will indemnify and save the Fund harmless from any
damage or expense on account of any unlawful act by the Distributor or its
agents or employees. The Distributor is not, however, to be responsible for
the acts of other dealers or agents, except to the extent that they shall be
acting for the Distributor or under its direction or authority. None of the
Distributor, any dealer, any agent or any other person is authorized by the
Fund to give any information or to make any representations, other than those
contained in the Registration Statement or Prospectus heretofore or hereafter
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") (as any such Registration Statement and
Prospectus may have been or may be amended from time to time), covering the
Shares, and in any supplemental information to any such Prospectus approved by
the Fund in connection with the offer or sale of Shares. None of the
Distributor, any dealer, any broker or any other person is authorized to act as
agent for the Fund in connection with the offering or sale of Shares to the
public or otherwise. All such sales shall be made by the Distributor as
principal for its own account.
In selling Shares to investors, the Distributor will adopt and comply with
certain standards, as set forth in Exhibit III attached hereto as to when each
respective class of Shares may appropriately be sold to particular investors.
The Distributor will require every broker, dealer and other eligible agent
participating in the offering of the Shares to agree to adopt and comply with
such standards as a condition precedent to their participation in the offering.
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<PAGE> 3
5. Expenses.
(a) The Fund will pay or cause to be paid:
(i) all expenses in connection with the registration
of Shares under the federal securities laws, and the Fund will
exercise its best efforts to obtain said registration and
qualification;
(ii) all expenses in connection with the printing of
any notices of shareholders' meetings, proxy and proxy
statements and enclosures therewith, as well as any other
notice or communication sent to shareholders in connection
with any meeting of the shareholders or otherwise, any annual,
semiannual or other reports or communications sent to the
shareholders, and the expenses of sending prospectuses
relating to the Shares to existing shareholders;
(iii) all expenses of any federal or state
original-issue tax or transfer tax payable upon the issuance,
transfer or delivery of Shares from the Fund to the
Distributor; and
(iv) the cost of preparing and issuing any Share
certificates which may be issued to represent Shares.
(b) The Distributor will also permit its officers and employees to serve
without compensation as trustees and officers of the Fund if duly elected to
such positions.
(c) The Fund shall reimburse the Distributor for out-of-pocket costs and
expenses actually incurred by it in connection with distribution of each class
of Shares respectively in accordance with the terms of a plan (the "12b-1
Plan") adopted by the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act as such
12b-1 Plan may be in effect from time to time; provided, however, that no
payments shall be due or paid to the Distributor hereunder with respect to a
class of Shares unless and until this Agreement shall have been approved for
each such class by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Fund and by a
majority of the "Disinterested Trustees" (as such term is defined in such 12b-1
Plan) by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
this Agreement. A copy of such 12b-1 Plan as in effect on the date of this
Agreement is attached as Exhibit I hereto. The Fund reserves the right to
terminate such 12b-1 Plan with respect to a class of Shares at any time, as
specified in the Plan. The persons authorized to direct the payment of funds
pursuant to this Agreement and the 12b-1 Plan shall provide to the Fund's Board
of Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written
report with respect to each of the classes of Shares of the amounts so paid and
the purposes for which such expenditures were made for each such class of
Shares.
(d) The Fund shall compensate the Distributor for providing services to,
and the maintenance of, shareholder accounts in the Fund (including prepaying
service fees to eligible brokers, dealers and financial intermediaries and
expenses incurred in connection therewith) and the Distributor may pay as agent
for and on behalf of the Fund a service fee with respect to each class of
Shares to brokers, dealers and financial intermediaries for the provision of
shareholder services and the maintenance of shareholder accounts in the Fund in
the amount with respect to each class of Shares set forth from time to time in
the Fund's prospectus. The Fund shall compensate the Distributor for such
expenses in accordance with the terms of a service plan (the "Service Plan"),
as such Service Plan may be in effect from time to time; provided, however,
that no service fee payments shall be due or paid to the Distributor hereunder
with respect to a class of Shares unless and until this Agreement shall have
been approved for each such class by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the
Fund and by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees by vote cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Agreement. A copy of such
Service Plan as in effect on the date of this Agreement is attached as Exhibit
II hereto. The Fund reserves the right to terminate such Service Plan with
respect to a class of Shares at any time, as specified in the Plan. The
persons authorized to direct the payment of funds pursuant to this Agreement
and the Service Plan shall provide to the Fund's Board of Trustees, and the
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<PAGE> 4
Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report with respect to
each of the classes of Shares of the amounts paid as service fees for each such
class of Shares.
6. Redemption of Shares. In connection with the Fund's redemption of its
Shares, the Fund hereby authorizes the Distributor to repurchase, upon the
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, as the Fund's agent and for the
Fund's account, such Shares as may be offered for sale to the Fund from time to
time by holders of such Shares or their agents.
(a) Subject to and in conformity with all applicable federal and state
legislation, any applicable rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., and any applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act, the Distributor may accept offers of
holders of Shares to resell such Shares to the Fund on such terms and
conditions and at such prices as described and provided for in the then current
Prospectus of the Fund.
(b) The Distributor agrees to notify the Fund at such times as the Fund
may specify of the number of each class of Shares, respectively, repurchased
for the Fund's account and the time or times of such repurchases, and the Fund
shall notify the Distributor of the prices and, in the case of a class of CDSC
Shares or Combination Shares, of the deferred sales charge as described below,
if any, applicable to repurchases of Shares of such class.
(c) The Fund shall have the right to suspend or revoke the foregoing
authorization at any time; unless otherwise stated, any such suspension or
revocation shall be effective forthwith upon receipt of notice thereof by
telegraph or by written instrument from any of the Fund's officers. In the
event that the Distributor's authorization is, by the terms of such notice,
suspended for more than twenty-four hours or until further notice, the
authorization given by this Section 6 shall not be revived except by vote of
the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
(d) The Distributor agrees that all repurchases of Shares made by the
Distributor shall be made only as agent for the Fund's account and pursuant to
the terms and conditions herein set forth.
(e) The Fund agrees to authorize and direct its Custodian to pay, for the
Fund's account, the repurchase price (together with any applicable contingent
deferred sales charge) of any Shares so repurchased for the Fund against the
authorized transfer of book shares from an open account and against delivery of
any other documentation required by the Board of Trustees of the Fund or, in
the case of certificated Shares, against delivery of the certificates
representing such Shares in proper form for transfer to the Fund.
(f) The Distributor shall receive no commissions or other compensation in
respect of any repurchases of FESC Shares for the Fund under the foregoing
authorization and appointment as agent. With respect to any repurchase of CDSC
Shares or Combination Shares, the Distributor shall receive the deferred sales
charge, if any, applicable to the respective class of Shares that have been
held for less than a specified period of time with respect to such class as set
forth from time to time in the Fund's Prospectus. The Distributor shall
receive no other commission or other compensation in respect of any repurchases
of CDSC Shares or Combination Shares for the Fund under the foregoing
authorization and appointment as agent.
(g) If any FESC Shares sold to the Distributor under the terms of this
Agreement are redeemed or repurchased by the Fund or by the Distributor as
agent or are tendered for redemption within seven business days after the date
of the Distributor's confirmation of the original purchase by the Distributor,
the Distributor shall forfeit the amount above the net asset value received by
it in respect of such Shares, provided that the portion, if any, of such amount
re-allowed by the Distributor to dealers or agents shall be repayable to the
Fund only to the extent recovered by the Distributor from the dealer or agent
concerned. The Distributor shall include in agreements with such dealers and
agents a corresponding provision for the forfeiture by them of their concession
with respect to FESC Shares purchased by them or their principals and redeemed
or repurchased by the Fund or by the Distributor as agent within seven business
days after the date of the Distributor's confirmation of such initial
purchases.
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<PAGE> 5
7. Indemnification. The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Distributor and each of its trustees and officers and each person, if any, who
controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act
against any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including the reasonable
cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damage,
or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith),
arising by reason of any person acquiring any Shares, based upon the ground
that the registration statement, Prospectus, shareholder reports or other
information filed or made public by the Fund (as from time to time amended)
included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading under the 1933 Act or any other statute or the common law. However,
the Fund does not agree to indemnify the Distributor or hold it harmless to the
extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in
conformity with, information furnished to the Fund by or on behalf of the
Distributor. In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Fund in favor of the
Distributor or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Distributor
or any person against any liability to the Fund or its securityholders to which
the Distributor or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or
by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this
Agreement, or (ii) is the Fund to be liable under its indemnity agreement
contained in this Section with respect to any claim made against the
Distributor or any person indemnified unless the Distributor or any such person
shall have notified the Fund in writing of the claim within a reasonable time
after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the
nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Distributor or any such
person (or after the Distributor or the person shall have received notice of
service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Fund of any
claim shall not relieve the Fund from any liability which it may have to the
Distributor or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on
account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Fund shall
be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so
elects, to assume the defense, of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but
if the Fund elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by
counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Distributor or person or persons,
defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Fund elects to assume
the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Distributor, officers or
trustees or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit,
shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them.
If the Fund does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse
the Distributor, officers or trustees or controlling person or persons,
defendant or defendants in the suit for the reasonable fees and expenses of any
counsel retained by them. The Fund agrees to notify the Distributor promptly
of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its
officers or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the
Shares.
The Distributor also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold
harmless the Fund and each of its trustees and officers and each person, if
any, who controls the Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act
against any loss, liability, damage, claim or expense (including the reasonable
cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damage, claim
or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith)
arising by reason of any person acquiring any Shares, based upon the 1933 Act
or any other statute or common law, alleging any wrongful act of the
Distributor or any of its employees or alleging that the registration
statement, Prospectus, shareholder reports or other information filed or made
public by the Fund (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement
of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, insofar as the
statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with,
information furnished to the Fund by or on behalf of the Distributor. In no
case (i) is the indemnity of the Distributor in favor of the Fund or any person
indemnified to be deemed to protect the Fund or any such person against any
liability to which the Fund or such person would otherwise be subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligation and duties
under this Amended Agreement, or (ii) is the Distributor to be liable under its
indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made
against the Fund or any person indemnified unless the Fund or person, as the
case may be, shall have notified the Distributor in writing of the claim within
a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving
information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Fund or
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<PAGE> 6
person (or after the Fund or such person shall have received notice of service
on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Distributor of any
claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to
the Fund or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on
account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In the case of
any notice to the Distributor, it shall be entitled to participate, at its own
expense, in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense, of any
suit brought to enforce the claim, but if the Distributor elects to assume the
defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and
satisfactory to the Fund, to its officers and trustees and to any controlling
person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event that the
Distributor elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the
Fund or controlling persons, defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Distributor does
not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Fund,
officers and trustees or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants
in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by
them. The Distributor agrees to notify the Fund promptly of the commencement
of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and
sale of any of the Shares.
8. Continuation, Amendment or Termination of This Agreement. This
Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and thereafter shall
continue in full force and effect year to year with respect to each class of
Shares so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the
Board of Trustees of the Fund or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the respective class of Shares of the Fund, and (ii) by
vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or
interested persons in any such party (the "Independent Trustee") cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, provided,
however, that (a) this Agreement may at any time be terminated with respect to
either class of Shares of the Fund without the payment of any penalty either by
vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, or by vote of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the respective class of Shares of the
Fund, on written notice to the Distributor; (b) this Agreement shall
immediately terminate in the event of its assignment; and (c) this Agreement
may be terminated by the Distributor on ninety (90) days' written notice to the
Fund. Upon termination of this Agreement with respect to either class of
Shares of the Fund, the obligations of the parties hereunder shall cease and
terminate with respect to such class of Shares as of the date of such
termination, except for any obligation to respond for a breach of this
Agreement committed prior to such termination.
This Agreement may be amended with respect to either class of Shares at
any time by mutual consent of the parties, provided that such consent on the
part of the Fund shall have been approved (i) by the Board of Trustees of the
Fund, or by a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
respective class of Shares of the Fund, and (ii) by vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such amendment.
For the purpose of this section, the terms "vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities", "interested persons" and "assignment" shall
have the meanings defined in the 1940 Act, as amended.
9. Limited Liability of Shareholder. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, you acknowledge and agree that, as
provided by Section 8.1 of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust,
this Agreement is executed by the Trustees of the Trust and/or Officers of the
Fund by them not individually but as such Trustees and/or Officers, and the
obligations of the Fund hereunder are not binding upon any of the Trustees,
Officers or Shareholders individually, but bind only the trust estate.
10. Notice. Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing,
addressed and delivered, or mailed postpaid, to the other party at any office
of such party or at such other address as such party shall have designated in
writing.
11. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, THE
LAW OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS WITHOUT REFERENCE TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF
LAWS.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their officers designated below on the day and year first above
written.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
COMSTOCK FUND
By: /s/ DENNIS J. McDONNELL
-----------------------------
Name: Dennis J. McDonnell
Title: President
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By: /s/ RONALD A. NYBERG
-------------------------------
Name: Ronald A. Nyberg
Title: Executive Vice President
7
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (6)(b)
DEALER AGREEMENT
WITH VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
REGARDING VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
OPEN-END AND CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Ladies and Gentlemen:
As dealer for our own account, we offer to sell to you shares of any of
the Van Kampen American Capital open-end investment companies (the "Open-End
Funds" or, individually, an "Open-End Fund") and Van Kampen American Capital
closed-end investment companies (the "Closed-End Funds" or, individually, a
"Closed-End Fund") distributed by Van Kampen American Capital Distributors,
Inc. ("VKAC") pursuant to the terms and conditions contained herein.
Collectively, the Open-End Funds and Closed-End Funds sometimes are referred to
herein as the "Funds" or, individually, as a "Fund".
VKAC acts as the principal underwriter (as such term is defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) for each Fund with respect to its
offering of one or more classes of shares as described in each Fund's
Prospectus. Pursuant to this Agreement, VKAC offers to sell to you shares of
each Open-End Fund and each Closed-End Fund prior to the Effective Date (as
defined herein) of each Fund's Registration Statement (as defined herein) (the
"Initial Offering Period") and after the Effective Date of each Fund's
Registration Statement (the "Continuous Offering Period") (if any) as described
in each respective Fund's Prospectus.
As used herein unless otherwise indicated, the term "Prospectus" means the
final prospectus and Statement of Additional Information included in the
registration statement for the fund on the effective date and as from time to
time thereafter amended or supplemented. As used herein unless otherwise
indicated, the term "Preliminary Prospectus" means any preliminary prospectus
and any preliminary Statement of Additional Information included at any time as
a part of the registration statement for any Fund prior to the effective date
and which is authorized by VKAC for use in connection with the offering of
shares.
In consideration of the mutual obligations contained herein, the
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by you, the terms of the Agreement
are as follows:
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Your acceptance of this Agreement constitutes a representation that
you are a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") and a member in good standing of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") or, in the alternative, that you are a
foreign dealer or bank, not required to be registered as a broker-dealer with
the SEC and not required or eligible for membership in the NASD. If you are
such an NASD member, you agree that in making sales of shares of the one or
more classes of shares of each Fund you will comply with all applicable rules
of the NASD, including without limitation rules pertaining to the opening,
approval, supervision and monitoring of customer accounts, the NASD's
Interpretation with Respect to Free-Riding and Withholding and Sections 8, 24
and 36 of Article III of the NASD's Rules of Fair Practice. If you are such an
unregistered foreign dealer or bank, you agree not to offer or sell, or to
agree to offer or sell, directly or indirectly, except through VKAC, any shares
to any party to whom such shares may not be sold unless you are so registered
and a member of the NASD, and in making sales of such shares you agree to
comply with the NASD's Interpretation with Respect to Free-Riding and
Withholding and Sections 8, 24 and 36 of Article III of the NASD's Rules of
Fair Practice as though you were a member in
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<PAGE> 2
good standing of the NASD and to comply with Section 25 of such Article III as
it applies to a nonmember broker or dealer in a foreign country. You and we
agree to abide by all other Rules and Regulations of the NASD, including
Section 26 of its Rules of Fair Practice, and all applicable state and Federal
laws, rules and regulations. Your acceptance also constitutes a representation
that you have been duly authorized by proper corporate or partnership action to
enter into this Agreement and to perform your obligations hereunder. You will
not accept any orders from any broker, dealer or financial institution who is
purchasing from you with a view toward distribution unless you have obtained
such person's or entity's written consent to be bound by the terms of this
Agreement.
2. In all sales of shares of the Funds to the public you shall act as
dealer for your own account, and you shall have no authority in any transaction
to act as agent for the Fund or for VKAC.
3. Each Fund has filed with the SEC and the securities commissions of one
or more states a Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") on the
SEC Form applicable to the respective Fund. The date on which the Registration
Statement is declared effective by the SEC is referred to herein as the
"Effective Date". Prior to the Effective Date of the Registration Statement
with respect to a particular Fund, you expressly acknowledge and understand
that with respect to such Fund:
(a) Shares of such Fund may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be
accepted, (i) in any state prior to the Effective Date of the Registration
Statement with respect thereto or (ii) in any state in which such offer or sale
would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities
laws of such state.
(b) The Fund's Preliminary Prospectus, together with any sales
material distributed for use in connection with the offering of shares of such
Fund, does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to
buy shares of such Fund and is subject to completion and modification by the
Prospectus. You agree that you will distribute to the public only (a) the
Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto
and (b) sales literature or other documents expressly authorized for such
distribution by VKAC.
(c) In the event that you transmit indications of interest to VKAC for
accumulation prior to the Effective Date, you will be responsible for
confirming such indications of interest with your customers following the
Effective Date. Indications of interest with respect to shares of a class of a
Fund's shares transmitted to VKAC prior to the Effective Date will be
conditioned upon the occurrence of the Effective Date and the registration or
qualification of the respective class of shares in the respective state.
(d) Indications of interest with respect to shares of a class of a
Fund's shares which are not canceled by you prior to the latter of the Effective
Date and the registration or qualification of the respective class of the Fund's
shares in the respective state, and accepted by VKAC will be deemed by VKAC to
be orders for shares of such class of shares of the Fund.
(e) All indications of interest and orders transmitted to VKAC are
subject to the terms and conditions of the Prospectus and this Agreement.
4. After the Effective Date, you will not offer shares of a class of the
Fund's shares for sale in any state where they are not qualified for sale under
the "blue sky" laws and regulations of such state or where you are not
qualified to act as a dealer, except for states in which they are exempt from
qualification.
5. In the event that you offer shares of the Fund for sale outside the
United States, you agree to comply with the applicable laws, rules and
regulations of the foreign government having jurisdiction over such sales,
including any regulations of the United States military authorities applicable
to solicitations to military personnel.
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<PAGE> 3
6. Upon application to VKAC, VKAC will inform you as to the jurisdictions
in which VKAC believes shares of a Fund have been qualified for sale under the
respective securities or "blue sky" laws of such jurisdictions. VKAC
understands and agrees that qualification of any shares of a Fund for sale in
such jurisdictions shall be solely VKAC's responsibility and that you assume no
responsibility or obligation with respect to such eligibility. You understand
and agree that your compliance with the requirements of the securities or "blue
sky" laws in each jurisdiction with respect to your right to sell the shares in
such jurisdiction shall be solely your responsibility.
7. No person is authorized to make any representations concerning any
class of shares of a Fund except those contained in the Fund's current
Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be. In purchasing shares
from us you shall rely solely on the representations contained in such
Prospectus. VKAC will furnish additional copies of a Fund's current Prospectus
and sales literature issued by VKAC in reasonable quantities upon request.
8. Orders received from you will be accepted by VKAC only at the public
offering price applicable to each order as specified in the then-current Fund
Prospectus. The minimum dollar purchase of any shares of each Fund by any
person shall be the applicable minimum dollar amount described in the
then-current Fund Prospectus for that class of shares, and no order for less
than such amount will be accepted hereunder. The procedures relating to the
handling of orders shall be subject to instructions that VKAC shall communicate
from time to time to you. All orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by
VKAC in its sole discretion.
9. Payment for Fund shares shall be made on or before the settlement date
specified in the VKAC confirmation at the office of VKAC's clearing agent, or
wire to the order of the Fund which reserves VKAC's right to delay issuance or
transfer of shares until such check has cleared. If such payment is not
received by VKAC, VKAC reserves the right, without notice, forthwith either to
cancel the sale or, at its option, to sell the shares ordered back to the Fund,
and in either case, VKAC may hold you responsible for any loss suffered by the
Fund. You agree that in transmitting investors' funds, you will comply with
Rule 15c2-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
10. You shall not withhold placing orders with VKAC from your customers
so as to profit yourself as a result of such withholding; e.g., by a change in
the net asset value from that used in determining the public offering price to
your customers.
11. VKAC will not accept from you any conditioned orders for shares,
except at a definite, specified price.
12. You represent that you are familiar with Release No. 4968 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 15c2-8 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as it relates to the distribution of
Preliminary Prospectuses (and not Statements of Additional Information) and
Prospectuses (and not Statements of Additional Information) for each Fund and
agree that you will comply therewith. You agree that if an investor or
potential investor places a request with you to receive a Statement of
Additional Information, you will (i) provide such person with a Statement of
Additional Information without charge and notify the Fund that you have done
so, (ii) notify the Fund of the request so that the Fund can fulfill the
request or (iii) tell such person to request a Statement of Additional
Information by telephoning the Fund at the number set forth on the cover of the
current Prospectus or Preliminary Prospectus. You also agree to keep an
accurate record of your distribution (including dates, number of copies and
persons to whom sent) of copies of any Preliminary Prospectus (and any
Statement of Additional Information) and/or Prospectus (and any Statement of
Additional Information) for each Fund (or any amendment or supplement to
either) and, promptly upon request by VKAC, to bring all subsequent changes to
such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus to the attention of anyone to whom
such material shall have been distributed. You further agree to furnish to
persons who receive a confirmation of sale of shares of any Fund a copy of the
Prospectus (and not the Statement of Additional Information) for such Fund
filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
3
<PAGE> 4
13. Unless otherwise indicated in a Fund's Prospectus, stock certificates
for shares of Funds sold to you shall be issued only if specifically requested.
14. VKAC will have no liability to you, except for lack of good faith and
for obligations expressly assumed by VKAC in this Agreement.
15. All communications to VKAC shall be sent to One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, Attention: Mutual Fund Department. Any
notice to you shall be duly given if sent to you at the address specified by
you below or such other address as you may designate to VKAC in writing.
16. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services hereunder
shall be considered to create a joint venture or partnership between VKAC and
you.
17. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Illinois without reference to the choice-of-law principles thereof.
18. The Fund reserves the right in its discretion and VKAC reserves the
right in its discretion, without notice, to suspend or withdraw the offering of
any shares of a Fund entirely. VKAC reserves the right, without notice, to
amend, modify or cancel the Agreement. The Agreement may not be assigned by
either party without prior written consent of the other party.
19. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE ONLY TO OPEN-END FUNDS
20. Each of the Open-End Fund's is subject to an alternative distribution
plan (the "Alternative Distribution Plan") as described in such Fund's
then-current Prospectus pursuant to which the Open-End Fund may sell multiple
classes of its shares with varying combinations of front-end service charges
(each a "FESC"), distributions fees, service fees, contingent deferred sales
charges (each a "CDSC"), exchange features, conversion rights, voting rights,
expenses allocations and investment requirements. As used herein, classes of
shares of a Fund subject to a FESC will be referred to as FESC Shares, and
classes of shares of a Fund subject to a CDSC will be referred to as CDSC
Shares.
21.(a) With respect to any shares of a class of FESC Shares of an
Open-End Fund, the public offering price for such shares shall be the net asset
value per share plus a FESC, expressed as a percentage of the applicable public
offering price, as determined and effective as of the time specified in the
then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund. The dealer discount applicable
to any sale of shares of a class of FESC Shares of an Open-End Fund shall be a
percentage of the applicable public offering price for such shares as provided
for in the then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund or, if not so
provided, as provided to you from time to time in writing by VKAC.
(b) With respect to any shares of a class of CDSC Shares of an Open-End
Fund, the public offering price for such shares shall be the net asset value
per share as determined and effective as of the time specified in the
then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund. The dealer sales compensation
payable by VKAC applicable to any sale of shares of a class of CDSC Shares of
an Open-End Fund shall be the percentage of the applicable public offering
price for such shares as provided for in the then-current Prospectus of such
Open-End Fund or, if not so provided, as provided to you from time to time in
writing by VKAC.
22. Should you wish to participate in the Distribution Plan with respect
to a class of shares adopted by an Open-End Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ("Rule
12b-1 Plan") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the
Service Plan with respect to a class of shares, it is understood that you must
be approved by the Board of Directors of such Open-End Fund and execute a
Distribution Assistance Agreement.
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<PAGE> 5
23. With respect to the Open-End Funds, your acceptance of this Agreement
constitutes a representation that you will adopt policies and procedures to
comply with Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, with respect
to when you may appropriately sell the various classes of shares of the
Open-End Funds to investors and that you will sell such shares only in
accordance therewith.
24.(a) You agree to purchase shares of an Open-End Fund only from VKAC or
from your customers. If you purchase shares of an Open-End Fund from VKAC, you
agree that all such purchases shall be made only: (i) to cover orders already
received by you from your customers or (ii) for your own bona fide investment.
If you purchase shares of an Open-End Fund from your customers, you agree to
pay such customers not less than the applicable repurchase price for such
shares as established by the then-current Prospectus for such Open-End Fund.
VKAC in turn agrees that it will not purchase any shares from an Open-End Fund
except for the purpose of covering purchase orders that it has already
received.
(b) With respect to shares of a class of CDSC Shares of an Open-End Fund
purchased from your customers, you additionally agree to resell such shares
only to VKAC as agent for the Fund at the repurchase price for such shares as
established by the then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund. You
acknowledge and understand that shares of a class of CDSC Shares of an Open-End
Fund may be subject to a CDSC payable to VKAC as set forth in the Prospectus
for such Open-End Fund in effect at the time of the original purchase of such
shares from the Open-End Fund and that the repurchase price for such shares
that will be paid by VKAC will reflect the imposition of any applicable CDSC.
25.(a) You shall sell shares of a class of shares of an Open-End Fund
only: (i) to customers at the applicable public offering price or (ii) to VKAC
as agent for the Open-End Fund at the repurchase price in the then-current
Prospectus of such Open-End Fund. In such a sale to VKAC, you may act either
as principal for your own account or as agent for your customer. If you act as
principal for your own account in purchasing shares of a class of shares of an
Open-End Fund for resale to VKAC, you agree to pay your customer not less than
the price that you receive from VKAC. If you act as agent for your customer in
selling shares of a class of shares of an Open-End Fund to VKAC, you agree not
to charge your customer more than a fair commission for handling the
transaction. You acknowledge and understand that CDSC Shares of an Open-End
Fund may be subject to a CDSC payable to VKAC as set forth in the Prospectus of
such Open-End Fund in effect at the time of the original purchase of such CDSC
Shares and that the repurchase price that will be paid by VKAC for such CDSC
Shares will reflect the imposition of any such CDSC.
26. If any shares of a class of FESC Shares of an Open-End Fund sold to
or by you under the terms of this Agreement are repurchased by the Fund or by
VKAC as agent for the Fund or are tendered for redemption within seven business
days after the date of VKAC's confirmation of the original purchase, it is
agreed that you shall forfeit your right to any dealer discount received by you
on such FESC Shares. VKAC will notify you of any such repurchase or redemption
within ten business days from the date on which the repurchase or redemption
order in proper form is delivered to VKAC or to the Fund, and you shall
forthwith refund to VKAC the full dealer discount allowed to you on such sale.
VKAC agrees, in the event of any such repurchase or redemption, to refund to
the Fund its share of any discount allowed to VKAC and, upon receipt from you
of the refund of the discount allowed to you, to pay such refund forthwith to
the Fund.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO CLOSED END-FUNDS
27. No Closed-End Fund will issue fractional shares.
28. VKAC may, in its sole discretion, allocate shares of a Closed-End
Fund among brokers and dealers participating in the Initial Offering Period or
among brokers, dealers and banks in the Continuous Offering Period, as the case
may be, on other than a pro rata basis, which may result in
5
<PAGE> 6
certain brokers, dealers and banks not being allocated the full amount of
shares of such fund sold by them while certain other brokers, dealers and banks
may receive their full allocation.
29. You agree that with respect to orders for shares of a Closed-End
Fund, you will transmit such orders received during the Initial Offering Period
to VKAC within the time period as specified in such Closed-End Fund's
Prospectus (or in the time period as extended by VKAC in writing). You also
agree to transmit any customer order received during the Continuous Offering
Period to VKAC prior to the time that the public offering price for such
Closed-End Fund is next determined after your receipt of such order as set
forth in the Closed-End Fund's Prospectus. There is no assurance that each
Closed-End Fund will engage in a continuous offering of shares.
30. On each order accepted by VKAC for shares of a Closed-End Fund, you
will be entitled to receive a concession paid out of VKAC's own assets as set
forth in the then-current Prospectus of such Closed-End Fund (exclusive of
additional compensation that may be payable pursuant to sales programs, if any,
that may be established from time to time as described in the Prospectus for
such Closed-End Fund, which will be payable only as and to the extent the
requirements of such programs are satisfied). In no event will any Closed-End
Fund reimburse VKAC for any such sales concessions or other additional
compensation or pay any such concession or other additional compensation or
allowance directly to you. VKAC will specify for each Closed-End Fund a period
after the date that the shares of such Closed-End Fund are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or another national securities
market system (which period will end no later that the first dividend payment
date with respect to such Closed-End Fund) during which sales concessions and
other additional compensation are subject to forfeiture as provided in the
following sentence (the "Forfeiture Period"). During the Forfeiture Period for
any Closed-End Fund, physical delivery of certificates representing shares will
be required to transfer ownership of such shares. In the event that any shares
of a Closed-End Fund sold through an order received from you in the Initial
Offering Period or the Continuous Offering Period are resold in the open market
or otherwise during the Forfeiture Period, VKAC reserves the right to require
you to forfeit any sales concessions and other additional compensation with
respect to such shares. In the event of a forfeiture, VKAC may withhold any
forfeited sales concessions and other additional compensation that has not yet
been paid or from other amounts yet to be paid to you (whether or not payable
with respect to such shares) and you agree to repay to VKAC, promptly upon
demand, any forfeited sales concessions and other compensation that has been
paid. Determinations of the amounts to be paid to you or by you to VKAC shall
be made by VKAC and shall be conclusive.
31. During the Initial Offering Period and any Continuous Offering Period
for any Closed-End Fund, you agree to supply VKAC, not less frequently than
once a week by Friday, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, during such Closed-End Fund's
Initial Offering Period, a list setting forth by state and in the aggregate all
indications of interest and, during any Continuous Offering Period, all shares
sold by you of such Closed-End Fund during such week (or lesser period of
time), and a list setting forth by name and location each registered
representative making said sales and indicating the amount of all sales per
Closed-End Fund to date.
32. You expressly acknowledge and understand that there is no Rule 12b-1
Plan for the Closed-End Funds.
33. You expressly acknowledge and understand that shares of the
Closed-End Funds will not be repurchased by either the Closed-End Funds (other
than through tender offers from time to time, if any) or by VKAC and that no
secondary market for such shares is expected to develop until the shares have
begun trading on a national exchange or national market system. You hereby
covenant that, until notified by VKAC that the distribution of such shares has
been completed or that the Forfeiture Period has ended, you (a) will not make a
secondary market in any shares of such a Closed-End Fund, (b) will not purchase
or hold shares of such Closed-End Fund in inventory for the purpose of resale
in the open market or to your customers and (c) without VKAC's consent, will
not repurchase shares of such Closed-End Fund in the open market or from your
customers for any account in which you have a beneficial interest.
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<PAGE> 7
34. Unlike the other Closed-End Funds, the Continuous Offering period
with respect to the Van Kampen American Capital Prime Rate Income Trust (the
"Prime Rate Fund") may continue indefinitely. The offer to sell shares of the
Prime Rate Fund is subject to further terms and conditions in addition to those
set forth above as follows:
(a) You expressly acknowledge and understand that shares of the Prime
Rate Fund will not be repurchased by either the Prime Rate Fund (other than
through tender offers from time to time, if any) or VKAC, and that no secondary
market for the shares of the Prime Rate Fund exists currently, or is expected
to develop. You also expressly acknowledge and agree that, in the event your
customer cancels their order for shares after confirmation, such shares may not
be repurchased, remarketed or otherwise disposed of by or through VKAC.
(b) You acknowledge and understand that, while the Board of Trustees of
the Prime Rate Fund intends to consider tendering for all or a portion of the
Prime Rate Fund's shares on a quarterly basis, there is no assurance the Prime
Rate Fund will tender for shares at any time or, following such a tender offer,
that shares so tendered will be repurchased by the Prime Rate Fund. You
acknowledge and understand that an early withdrawal charge payable to VKAC will
be imposed on most shares accepted for tender by the Prime Rate Fund which have
been held for less than five years, as set forth in the Prime Rate Fund's
Prospectus. ANY REPRESENTATION AS TO A TENDER OFFER BY THE PRIME RATE FUND,
OTHER THAN THAT WHICH IS SET FORTH IN THE PRIME RATE FUND'S CURRENT PROSPECTUS
IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED.
Please accept the foregoing by signing this Dealer Agreement, keeping a
copy for your files and returning the original to us.
Accepted and Agreed to:
(PRINT OR TYPE)
Dated: By:
-------------------------------- Its:
-------------------------------- VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
Broker-Dealer Name DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
--------------------------------
Broker-Dealer Taxpayer ID Number
--------------------------------
Address
--------------------------------
City, State, Zip
By:
--------------------------------
Signature
--------------------------------
Name
--------------------------------
Title
--------------------------------
Phone
7
<PAGE> 8
EXHIBIT A
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WITH RESPECT TO SALES UNDER THE
ALTERNATIVE DISTRIBUTION PLAN
As certain Van Kampen American Capital open-end investment companies (the
"funds") offer multiple classes of shares subject to either front-end sales
charges ("FESC Shares") or contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC Shares"),
it is important for an investor not only to choose the Fund that best suits his
or her investment objectives, but also to choose the alternative distribution
method that best suits his or her particular situation. To assist investors in
these decisions, we (the selling firm) are instituting the following policy.
1. Any purchase order for $1 million or more must be for Class A
Shares.
2. Any purchase order for $100,000 but less than $1 million is
subject to approval by [appropriate selling firm supervisor],
who must approve the purchase order ticket for the appropriate
class of shares in light of the relevant facts and
circumstances, including:
(a) the specific purchase order dollar amount;
(b) the length of time the investor expects to hold his
shares; and
(c) any other relevant circumstances, such as the
availability of purchase price discounts under a Letter
of Intent or a Quantity Discount.
There are instances when one financing method may be more appropriate than
the other. For example, investors who would qualify for a significant purchase
price discount from the maximum sales charge on shares of a class of FESC
Shares that has such purchase price discounts may determine that payment of
such a reduced front-end sales charge is superior to electing to purchase
shares of a class of CDSC Shares with no front-end service charge but subject
to a higher aggregate distribution and service fee. On the other hand, an
investor whose order would not qualify for such purchase price discounts and
intends to remain invested until after the expiration of the applicable CDSC
may wish to defer the sales charge and have all his or her funds invested in
Class B Shares initially. In addition, if such investor anticipates that he or
she will redeem such shares prior to the expiration of the CDSC period
applicable to Class B Shares the investor may, depending on the amount of his
or her purchase, wish to acquire Class C Shares. However, investors who intend
to hold their shares for a significantly long time may not wish to continue to
bear the ongoing distribution and service expenses of shares of Class C Shares,
irrespective of the fact that a contingent deferred sales charge would
eventually not apply to a redemption of such shares.
[The appropriate selling firm supervisor] must ensure that all employees
receiving investor inquiries about the purchase of shares from funds subject to
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.'s alternative distribution plan
advise the investor of the available alternative distribution methods offered
by such funds and the impact of choosing one method over another. It may be
appropriate for [the appropriate selling firm supervisor] to discuss the
purchase with the investor.
This policy is effective immediately with respect to any order for the
purchase of shares from a fund subject to Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc.'s alternative distribution plan.
Questions relating to this policy should be directed to [appropriate
selling firm supervisor].
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (6)(c)
BROKER FULLY DISCLOSED CLEARING AGREEMENT
WITH VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
REGARDING VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
OPEN-END AND CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Ladies and Gentlemen:
As dealer for our own account, we offer to make available to you shares of
any of the Van Kampen American Capital open-end investment companies (the
"Open-End Funds" or, individually, an "Open-End Fund") and Van Kampen
American Capital closed-end investment companies (the "Closed-End Funds"
or, individually, a "Closed-End Fund") distributed by Van Kampen American
Capital Distributors, Inc. ("VKAC") pursuant to the terms and conditions
contained herein. Collectively, the Open-End Funds and Closed-End Funds
sometimes are referred to herein as the "Funds" or, individually, as a
"Fund". You are a broker-dealer that desires to make available shares
of such Funds to your customers on a fully disclosed basis wherein VKAC
would confirm transactions of your customers in a Fund directly to them.
VKAC acts as the principal underwriter (as such term is defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) for each Fund with respect to its
offering of one or more classes of shares as described in each Fund's
Prospectus. Pursuant to this Agreement, VKAC offers to make available to you
shares of each Open-End Fund and each Closed-End Fund, prior to the Effective
Date (as defined herein) of each Fund's Registration Statement (the "Initial
Offering Period") and after the Effective Date of each Fund's Registration
Statement (as defined herein) (the "Continuous Offering Period") (if any) as
described in each respective Fund's Prospectus.
As used herein unless otherwise indicated, the term "Prospectus" means the
final prospectus and Statement of Additional Information included in the
registration statement for the fund on the effective date and as from time to
time thereafter amended or supplemented. As used herein unless otherwise
indicated, the term "Preliminary Prospectus" means any preliminary prospectus
and any preliminary Statement of Additional Information included at any time as
a part of the registration statement for any Fund prior to the effective date
and that is authorized by VKAC for use in connection with the offering of
shares.
In consideration of the mutual obligations contained herein, the
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by you, the terms of the Agreement
are as follows:
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Your acceptance of this Agreement constitutes a representation that
you are a securities broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") and a member in good standing of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"). You agree to abide by
the laws, rules and regulations of the SEC and NASD, including without
limitation rules pertaining to the opening, approval, supervision and
monitoring of customer accounts, the NASD's Interpretation with Respect to
Free-Riding and Withholding and Sections 8, 24 and 36 of Article III of the
NASD's Rules of Fair Practice. You and we agree to abide by all other Rules
and Regulations of the NASD, including Section 26 of its Rules of Fair
Practice. Your acceptance also constitutes a representation that you have been
duly authorized by proper corporate or partnership action to enter into this
Agreement and to perform your obligations hereunder. You will not accept any
orders from any broker, dealer or financial institution who is purchasing from
you with a view toward distribution unless you have obtained such person's or
entity's written consent to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.
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2. For the purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Financial
Responsibility Rules and the Securities Investor's Protection Act, your
customers will be considered customers of VKAC and not of your firm. VKAC has
been granted an exemption from the NASD rules of Fair Practice, Article III
Section 45 requirements to send customer statements and thus will not do so.
Customer statements showing account activity and balances will be mailed to the
customer by the Funds each time a financial transaction occurs in their account
and on a monthly or quarterly basis. Nothing herein shall cause your firm's
customers to be interpreted as customers of VKAC for any other purpose, or to
negate the intent of any other section of this agreement, including, but not
limited to, the delineation of responsibilities as set forth elsewhere in this
agreement.
3. In transactions where you make available shares of the Funds to the
public, you shall have no authority to act as agent for the Fund or for VKAC.
4. Each Fund has filed with the SEC and the securities commissions of one
or more states a Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") on the
SEC form applicable to the respective Fund. The date on which the Registration
Statement is declared effective by the SEC is referred to herein as the
"Effective Date". Prior to the Effective Date of the Registration Statement
with respect to a particular Fund, you expressly acknowledge and understand
that with respect to such Fund:
(a) Shares of such Fund may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be
accepted, (i) prior to the Effective Date of the Registration Statement or (ii)
in any state in which such offer or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state.
(b) The Fund's Preliminary Prospectus, together with any sales
material distributed for use in connection with the offering of shares of
such Fund, does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy shares of such Fund and is subject to completion and modification
by the Prospectus.
(c) In the event that you transmit indications of interest to VKAC for
accumulation prior to the Effective Date, upon your instruction VKAC will send
confirmation of such indications of interest directly to your customers in
writing, together with copies of the Preliminary Prospectus for the Fund, and
send copies of the confirmations to you. Indications of interest with respect
to shares of a class of a Fund's shares transmitted to VKAC prior to the
Effective Date are subject to acceptance or rejection by VKAC in its sole
discretion and are conditioned upon the occurrence of (i) the Effective Date
and (ii) the registration or qualification of the respective class of shares in
the respective state.
(d) Indications of interest with respect to shares of a class of a
Fund's shares not cancelled by you prior to or on the later of (i) the Effective
Date and (ii) the registration or qualification of the respective class of
shares in the respective state, and accepted by VKAC will be deemed by VKAC to
be orders for Shares.
(e) Upon your instruction, VKAC will send confirmations of orders
accepted by VKAC (including indications of interest deemed orders) directly to
your customers in writing, together with copies of the Prospectus for the Fund,
and send copies of the confirmations to you.
(f) Upon receipt of duplicate confirmations you will examine the same
and promptly notify VKAC of any errors or discrepancies that you discover and
will promptly bring to VKAC's attention any errors in such confirmations claimed
by your customers. All confirmations to your customers will indicate that
orders were placed on a fully disclosed basis.
(g) All indications of interest and orders transmitted to VKAC are
subject to the terms and conditions of the Fund's Prospectus and this Agreement
and are subject to acceptance or rejection by VKAC in its sole discretion.
5. After the Effective Date, you will not make shares of a class of the
Fund's shares available in any state where they are not qualified for sale
under the "blue sky" laws and regulations of such state, except for states in
which they are exempt from qualification.
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<PAGE> 3
6. In the event that you make shares of the Fund available outside the
United States, you agree to comply with the applicable laws, rules and
regulations of the foreign government having jurisdiction over such sales,
including any regulations of the United States military authorities applicable
to solicitations to military personnel.
7. Upon application to VKAC, VKAC will inform you as to the jurisdictions
in which VKAC believes shares of a Fund have been qualified for sale under the
respective securities or "blue sky" laws of such jurisdictions. VKAC
understands and agrees that qualification of any shares of a Fund for sale in
such jurisdictions shall be solely VKAC's responsibility and that you assume no
responsibility or obligation with respect to such eligibility. You understand
and agree that your compliance with the requirements of the securities or "blue
sky" laws in each jurisdiction with respect to your right to make the shares
available in such jurisdiction shall be solely your responsibility.
8. No person is authorized to make any representations concerning any
class of shares of a Fund except those contained in the Fund's current
Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be. In purchasing shares
from us you shall rely solely on the representations contained in such
Prospectus. VKAC will furnish additional copies of a Fund's current Prospectus
and sales literature issued by VKAC in reasonable quantities upon request.
9. You agree that you will distribute to the public only (a) the
Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto
and (b) sales literature or other documents expressly authorized for such
distribution by VKAC.
10. Orders received from you will be accepted by VKAC only at the public
offering price applicable to each order as specified in the then-current Fund
Prospectus. The minimum dollar purchase of any shares of each Fund by any
person shall be the applicable minimum dollar amount described in the
then-current Fund Prospectus for that class of shares, and no order for less
than such amount will be accepted hereunder. The procedures relating to the
handling of orders shall be subject to instructions that VKAC shall communicate
from time to time to you. All orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by
VKAC in its sole discretion. Upon acceptance of an order, we shall confirm
directly to the customer in writing upon your instruction and send a copy of
the confirmation to you. In addition, we will send a Fund Prospectus with the
confirmation. You agree that upon receipt of duplicate confirmations you will
examine the same and promptly notify VKAC of any errors or discrepancies that
you discover and shall promptly bring to VKAC's attention any errors in such
confirmations claimed by your customers. All confirmations to your customers
will indicate that orders were placed on a fully disclosed basis.
11. Payment for Fund shares shall be made on or before the settlement
date specified in the VKAC confirmation at the office of VKAC's clearing agent,
or wire to the order of the Fund which reserves VKAC's right to delay issuance
of transfer of shares until such check has cleared. If such payment is not
received by VKAC, VKAC reserves the right, without notice, forthwith either to
cancel the trade at our option or as required by the provisions of Regulation
T, and in either case, VKAC may hold you responsible for any loss suffered by
the Fund. You agree that in transmitting investors' funds, you will comply
with Rule 15c2-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
12. You shall not withhold placing orders with VKAC from your customers
so as to profit yourself as a result of such withholding; e.g., by a change in
the net asset value from that used in determining the public offering price to
your customers.
13. VKAC will not accept from you any conditioned orders for shares,
except at a definite, specified price.
14. You represent that you are familiar with Release No. 4968 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 15c2-8 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as it relates to the distribution of
Preliminary Prospectuses (and not Statements of Additional Information) and
Prospectuses (and not Statements of Additional Information) for each Fund and
agree that you will comply therewith. You agree that if an investor or
potential investor places a request with you to receive a Statement of
Additional Information, you will (i) provide such person with a Statement of
Additional Information without charge and notify the Fund that you have done
so, (ii) notify the Fund of the request so that the Fund can fulfill the
request or (iii) tell such person to request a Statement of Additional
Information by telephoning the Fund at the number set forth on the cover
of the current Prospectus or Preliminary Prospectus. You also agree to
keep an accurate record of your distribution (including dates,
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<PAGE> 4
number of copies and persons to whom sent) of copies of any Preliminary
Prospectus (and any Statement of Additional Information) and/or Prospectus
(and any Statement of Additional Information) for each Fund (or any amendment
or supplement to either) and, promptly upon request by VKAC, to bring
all subsequent changes to such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus to the
attention of anyone to whom such material shall have been distributed. You
further agree to furnish to persons who receive a confirmation of sale of
shares of any Fund a copy of the Prospectus for such Fund filed pursuant to
Rule 497 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Upon your request,
VKAC will furnish to such persons a copy of the Prospectus for such Fund
filed pursuant to Rule 497 Under the Securities Act of 1993, as amended.
15. The names of your customers shall remain your sole property and shall
not be used by VKAC for any purpose except for servicing and informational
mailings in the normal course of business to Fund shareholders.
16. Unless otherwise indicated in a Fund's Prospectus, stock certificates
for shares sold will be issued to your customers only if specifically
requested.
17. VKAC will have no liability to you, except for lack of good faith and
for obligations expressly assumed by VKAC in this Agreement.
18. All communications to VKAC shall be sent to One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, Attention: Mutual Fund Department. Any
notice to you shall be duly given if sent to you at the address specified by
you below or such other address as you may designate to VKAC in writing.
19. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services hereunder
shall be considered to create a joint venture or partnership between VKAC and
you.
20. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Illinois without reference to the choice-of-law principles thereof.
21. The Fund reserves the right in its discretion and VKAC reserves the
right in its discretion, without notice, to suspend or withdraw the offering of
any shares of a Fund entirely. VKAC reserves the right, without notice, to
amend, modify or cancel the Agreement. The Agreement may not be assigned by
either party without prior written consent of the other party.
22. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO OPEN-END FUNDS
23. Each of the Open-End Funds is subject to an alternative distribution
plan (the "Alternative Distribution Plan") as described in such Fund's
then-current Prospectus pursuant to which the Open-End Fund may sell multiple
classes of its shares with varying combinations of front-end service charges
(each a "FESC"), distributions fees, service fees, contingent deferred sales
charges (each a "CDSC"), exchange features, conversion rights, voting rights,
expenses allocations and investment requirements. As used herein, classes of
shares of a Fund subject to a FESC will be referred to as FESC Shares, and
classes of shares of a Fund subject to a CDSC will be referred to as CDSC
Shares.
24.(a) With respect to any shares of a class of FESC Shares of an
Open-End Fund, the public offering price for such shares shall be the net asset
value per share plus a FESC, expressed as a percentage of the applicable public
offering price, as determined and effective as of the time specified in the
then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund. On each order for shares of a
class of FESC Shares of an Open-End Fund accepted by us, you will be entitled
to receive the applicable agency commission for such shares as provided for in
the then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund or, if not so provided, as
provided to you from time to time in writing by VKAC.
(b) With respect to any shares of a class of CDSC Shares of an Open-End
Fund, the public offering price for such shares shall be the net asset value
per share as determined and effective as of the time specified in the
then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund. You will remit payment of the
aggregate public offering price to VKAC for the CDSC Shares sold, and on each
order accepted by us, you will be entitled to receive the applicable selling
compensation for such shares as
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<PAGE> 5
provided for in the then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund or,
if not so provided, as provided to you from time to time in writing by VKAC.
25. Should you wish to participate in the Distribution Plan with respect
to a class of shares adopted by an Open-End Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ("Rule
12b-1 Plan") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the
Service Plan with respect to a class of shares, it is understood that you must
be approved by the Board of Directors of such Open-End Fund and execute a
Distribution Assistance Agreement.
26. With respect to the Open-End Funds, your acceptance of this Agreement
constitutes a representation that you will adopt policies and procedures to
comply with Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, with respect
to when you may appropriately make available the various classes of shares of
the Open-End Funds to investors and that you will make available such shares
only in accordance therewith.
27. You agree to make shares of an Open-End Fund available to your
customers only: (i) at the applicable public offering price, (ii) from VKAC
and (iii) to cover orders already received by you from your customers. VKAC in
turn agrees that it will not purchase any shares from an Open-End Fund except
for the purpose of covering purchase orders that it has already received.
28.(a) If any shares of a class of FESC Shares of an Open-End Fund sold
to your customers under the terms of this Agreement are repurchased by the Fund
or by VKAC as agent for the Fund or are tendered for redemption within seven
business days after the date of VKAC's confirmation of the original purchase,
it is agreed that you shall forfeit your right to any agency commission
received by you on such FESC Shares. VKAC will notify you of any such
repurchase or redemption within ten business days from the date on which the
repurchase or redemption order in proper form is delivered to VKAC or to the
Fund, and you shall forthwith refund to VKAC the full agency commission allowed
to you on such sale. VKAC agrees, in the event of any such repurchase or
redemption, to refund to the Fund its share of any discount allowed to VKAC
and, upon receipt from you of the refund of the agency commission allowed to
you, to pay such refund forthwith to the Fund.
(b) If any shares of a class of CDSC Shares sold to your customers under
the terms of this Agreement are repurchased by the Fund or by VKAC as agent for
the Fund or are tendered for redemption within seven business days after the
date of VKAC's confirmation of the original purchase, it is agreed that you
shall forfeit your right to any sales compensation received by you on such CDSC
Shares. We will notify you of any such repurchase or redemption within ten
business days from the date on which the repurchase or redemption order in
proper form is delivered to VKAC or to the Fund, and you shall forthwith refund
to VKAC the full sales compensation paid to you.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO CLOSED END-FUNDS
29. No Closed-End Fund will issue fractional shares.
30. VKAC may, in its sole discretion, allocate shares of a Closed-End
Fund among brokers, dealers and, if permitted by applicable laws, banks
participating in the Initial Offering Period or among brokers, dealers and
banks in the Continuous Offering Period, as the case may be, on other than a
pro rata basis, which may result in certain brokers, dealers and banks not
being allocated the full amount of shares of such Fund sold by them while
certain other brokers, dealers and banks may receive their full allocation.
31. You agree that with respect to orders for shares of a Closed-End
Fund, you will transmit such orders received during the Initial Offering Period
to VKAC within the time period as specified in such Closed-End Fund's
Prospectus (or in the time period as extended by VKAC in writing). You also
agree to transmit any customer order received during the Continuous Offering
Period to VKAC prior to the time that the public offering price for such
Closed-End Fund is next determined after your receipt of such order, as set
forth in the Closed-End Fund's Prospectus. There is no assurance that each
Closed-End Fund will engage in a continuous offering of shares.
32. On each order accepted by VKAC for shares of a Closed-End Fund, you
will be entitled to receive a concession paid out of VKAC's own assets as set
forth in the then-current Prospectus of such Closed-End Fund (exclusive of
additional compensation that may be payable pursuant to sales programs, if
any, that may be established from time to time as described in the
Prospectus for such Closed-End Fund, which will be payable only as and to
the extent the requirements
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<PAGE> 6
of such programs are satisfied). In no event will any Closed-End Fund reimburse
VKAC for any such sales concessions or other additional compensation or pay any
such concession or other additional compensation or allowance directly to you.
VKAC will specify for each Closed-End Fund a period after the date that the
shares of such Closed-End Fund are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the
American Stock Exchange or another national securities market system (which
period will end no later than the first dividend payment date with respect
to such Closed-End Fund) during which sales concessions and other additional
compensation are subject to forfeiture as provided in the following sentence
(the "Forfeiture Period"). During the Forfeiture Period for any Closed-End
Fund, physical delivery of certificates representing shares will be required to
transfer ownership of such shares. In the event that any shares of a
Closed-End Fund sold through an order received from you in the Initial Offering
Period or the Continuous Offering Period are resold in the open market or
otherwise during the Forfeiture Period, VKAC reserves the right to require you
to forfeit any sales concessions and other additional compensation with respect
to such shares. In the event of a forfeiture, VKAC may withhold any forfeited
sales concessions and other additional compensation that has not yet been paid
or from other amounts yet to be paid to you (whether or not payable with
respect to such shares), and you agree to repay to VKAC, promptly upon demand,
any forfeited sales concessions and other compensation that has been paid.
Determinations of the amounts to be paid to you or by you to VKAC shall be made
by VKAC and shall be conclusive.
33. During the Initial Offering Period and any Continuous Offering Period
for any Closed-End Fund, you agree to supply VKAC, not less frequently than
once a week by Friday, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, during such Closed-End Fund's
Initial Offering Period, a list setting forth by state and in the aggregate all
indications of interest and, during any Continuous Offering Period, all shares
sold by you of such Closed-End Fund during such week (or lesser period of time)
and a list setting forth by name and location each registered representative
making said sales and indicating the amount of all sales per Closed-End Fund to
date.
34. You expressly acknowledge and understand that there is no Rule 12b-1
Plan for the Closed-End Funds.
35. You expressly acknowledge and understand that shares of the
Closed-End Funds will not be repurchased by either the Closed-End Funds (other
than through tender offers from time to time, if any) or by VKAC and that no
secondary market for such shares is expected to develop until the shares have
begun trading on a national exchange or national market system. You hereby
covenant that, until notified by VKAC that the distribution of such shares has
been completed or that the Forfeiture Period has ended, you (a) will not make a
secondary market in any shares of such a Closed-End Fund, (b) will not purchase
or hold shares of such Closed-End Fund in inventory for the purpose of resale
in the open market or to your customers and, (c) without VKAC's consent, will
not repurchase shares of such Closed-End Fund in the open market or from your
customers for any account in which you have a beneficial interest.
36. Unlike the other Closed-End Funds, the Continuous Offering period
with respect to the Van Kampen American Capital Prime Rate Income Trust (the
"Prime Rate Fund") may continue indefinitely. The offer to make available to
you shares of the Prime Rate Fund is subject to further terms and conditions in
addition to those set out above, as follows:
(a) You expressly acknowledge and understand that shares of the Prime
Rate Fund will not be repurchased by either the Prime Rate Fund (other than
through tender offers from time to time, if any) or VKAC and that no secondary
market for the shares of the Prime Rate Fund exists currently or is expected to
develop. You also expressly acknowledge and agree that, in the event your
customer cancels their order for shares after confirmation, such shares may not
be repurchased, remarketed or otherwise disposed of by or through VKAC.
(b) You acknowledge and understand that, while the Board of Trustees
of the Prime Rate Fund intends to consider tendering for all or a portion of the
Prime Rate Fund's shares on a quarterly basis, there is no assurance the Prime
Rate Fund will tender for shares at any time or, following such a tender offer,
that shares so tendered will be repurchased by the Prime Rate Fund. You
acknowledge and understand that an early withdrawal charge payable to VKAC
will be imposed on most shares accepted for tender by the Prime Rate Fund that
have been held for less than five years, as set forth in the Prime Rate Fund's
Prospectus. ANY REPRESENTATION AS TO A TENDER OFFER BY THE
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PRIME RATE FUND, OTHER THAN THAT WHICH IS SET FORTH IN THE PRIME RATE FUND'S
CURRENT PROSPECTUS, IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED.
Please accept the foregoing by signing this Broker Fully Disclosed
Clearing Agreement, keeping a copy for your files and returning the original to
us.
Accepted and Agreed to: (PRINT OR TYPE)
Dated: By:
--------------------------------- Its:
--------------------------------- VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
Broker-Dealer Name DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
---------------------------------
Broker-Dealer Taxpayer ID Number
---------------------------------
Address
---------------------------------
City, State, Zip
By:
---------------------------------
Signature
---------------------------------
Name
---------------------------------
Title
---------------------------------
Phone
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EXHIBIT A
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WITH RESPECT TO SALES UNDER THE
ALTERNATIVE DISTRIBUTION PLAN
As certain Van Kampen American Capital open-end investment companies (the
"funds") offer multiple classes of shares subject to either front-end sales
charges ("FESC Shares") or contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC Shares"),
it is important for an investor not only to choose the Fund that best suits his
or her investment objectives, but also to choose the alternative distribution
method that best suits his or her particular situation. To assist investors in
these decisions, we (the selling firm) are instituting the following policy.
1. Any purchase order for $1 million or more must be for Class A Shares.
2. Any purchase order for $100,000 but less than $1 million is subject to
approval by [appropriate selling firm supervisor], who must approve the
purchase order ticket for the appropriate class of shares in light of the
relevant facts and circumstances, including:
(a) the specific purchase order dollar amount;
(b) the length of time the investor expects to hold his shares; and
(c) any other relevant circumstances, such as the availability of
purchase price discounts under a Letter of Intent or a Quantity Discount.
There are instances when one financing method may be more appropriate than
the other. For example, investors who would qualify for a significant purchase
price discount from the maximum sales charge on shares of a class of FESC
Shares that has such purchase price discounts may determine that payment of
such a reduced front-end sales charge is superior to electing to purchase
shares of a class of CDSC Shares with no front-end service charge but subject
to a higher aggregate distribution and service fee. On the other hand, an
investor whose order would not qualify for such purchase price discounts and
intends to remain invested until after the expiration of the applicable CDSC
may wish to defer the sales charge and have all his or her funds invested in
Class B Shares initially. In addition, if such investor anticipates that he or
she will redeem such shares prior to the expiration of the CDSC period
applicable to Class B Shares the investor may, depending on the amount of his
or her purchase, wish to acquire Class C Shares. However, investors who intend
to hold their shares for a significantly long time may not wish to continue to
bear the ongoing distribution and service expenses of shares of Class C Shares,
irrespective of the fact that a contingent deferred sales charge would
eventually not apply to a redemption of such shares.
[The appropriate selling firm supervisor] must ensure that all employees
receiving investor inquiries about the purchase of shares from funds subject to
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.'s alternative distribution plan
advise the investor of the available alternative distribution methods offered
by such funds and the impact of choosing one method over another. It may be
appropriate for [the appropriate selling firm supervisor] to discuss the
purchase with the investor.
This policy is effective immediately with respect to any order for the
purchase of shares from a fund subject to Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc.'s alternative distribution plan.
Questions relating to this policy should be directed to [appropriate
selling firm supervisor].
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (6)(d)
BANK FULLY DISCLOSED CLEARING AGREEMENT
WITH VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
REGARDING VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
OPEN-END AND CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Ladies and Gentlemen:
As dealer for our own account, we offer to make available to you shares of
any of the Van Kampen American Capital open-end investment companies (the
"Open-End Funds" or, individually, an "Open-End Fund") and Van Kampen American
Capital closed-end investment companies (the "Closed-End Funds" or,
individually, a "Closed-End Fund") distributed by Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc. ("VKAC") pursuant to the terms and conditions contained
herein. Collectively, the Open-End Funds and Closed-End Funds sometimes are
referred to herein as the "Funds" or, individually, as a "Fund". You are a bank
that desires to make available shares of such Funds to your customers on a fully
disclosed basis wherein VKAC would confirm transactions of your customers in a
Fund directly to them. You agree not to make available shares of such Funds
during any fixed price offering of such shares.
VKAC acts as the principal underwriter (as such term is defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) for each Fund with respect to its
offering of one or more classes of shares as described in each Fund's
Prospectus. Pursuant to this Agreement, VKAC offers to make available to you
shares of each Open-End Fund and each Closed-End Fund prior to the Effective
Date (as defined herein) of each Fund's Registration Statement (as defined
herein) (the "Initial Offering Period"), to the extent permitted by applicable
law, and after the Effective Date of each Fund's Registration Statement (the
"Continuous Offering Period") (if any) as described in such Closed-End Fund's
Prospectus.
As used herein unless otherwise indicated, the term "Prospectus" means the
final prospectus and Statement of Additional Information included in the
Registration Statement for the Fund on the Effective Date and as from time to
time thereafter amended or supplemented. As used herein unless otherwise
indicated, the term "Preliminary Prospectus" means any preliminary prospectus
and any Statement of Additional Information included at any time as a part of
the Registration Statement for any Fund prior to the Effective Date and that is
authorized by VKAC for use in connection with the offering of shares.
In consideration of the mutual obligations contained herein, the
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by you, the terms of the Agreement
are as follows:
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Your acceptance of this Agreement constitutes a representation that
you are a bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and have been duly authorized to enter into this Agreement
and perform your obligations hereunder. This Agreement as well as your
authority to make shares available to your customers will automatically
terminate if you shall cease to be a bank as defined above. You agree not to
offer or sell shares of any Fund except through VKAC. You will not accept any
orders from any broker, dealer or financial institution who is purchasing from
you with a view toward distribution unless you have obtained such person's or
entity's written consent to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.
2. For the purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Financial
Responsibility Rules and the Securities Investor's Protection Act, your
customers will be considered customers of VKAC and not of your firm. VKAC has
been granted an exemption from the NASD rules of Fair Practice, Article III
Section 45 requirements to send customer statements and thus will not do so.
Customer statements showing account activity and balances will be mailed to the
customer by the Funds
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each time a financial transaction occurs in their account and on a monthly or
quarterly basis. Nothing herein shall cause your firm's customers to be
interpreted as customers of VKAC for any other purpose, or to negate the intent
of any other section of this agreement, including, but not limited to, the
delineation of responsibilities as set forth elsewhere in this agreement.
3. In transactions where you make available shares of the Funds to the
public, you shall have no authority to act as agent for the Fund or for VKAC.
The customers in question are for all purposes your customers and not customers
of VKAC. We will clear transactions for each of your customers only upon your
authorization, it being understood in all cases that (a) you are acting as the
agent for the customer; (b) the transactions are without recourse against you
by the customer except to the extent that your failure to transmit orders in a
timely fashion results in a loss to your customer; (c) as between you and the
customer, the customer will have full beneficial ownership of the Fund shares;
(d) each transaction is initiated solely upon the order of the customer; and
(e) each transaction is for the account of the customer and not for your
account.
4. Each Fund has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") and the securities commissions of one or more states a Registration
Statement (the "Registration Statement") on the SEC form applicable to the
respective Fund. The date on which the Registration Statement is declared
effective by the SEC is hereinafter referred to as the "Effective Date". Prior
to the Effective Date of the Registration Statement with respect to a
particular Fund, you expressly acknowledge and understand that with respect to
such Fund:
(a) Shares of such Fund may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be
accepted, (i) prior to the Effective Date of the Registration Statement or (ii)
in any state in which such offer or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state.
(b) Except to the extent permitted by law, you will not solicit or
transmit to VKAC any indications of interest to purchase shares during any
fixed-price offering.
(c) The Fund's Preliminary Prospectus, together with any sales
material distributed for use in connection with the offering of shares of such
Fund, does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to
buy shares of such Fund and is subject to completion and modification by the
Prospectus.
(d) In the event and to the extent permitted by applicable law you
transmit indications of interest to VKAC for accumulation prior to the
Effective Date, upon your instruction VKAC will send confirmation of such
indications of interest directly to your customers in writing, together with
copies of the Preliminary Prospectus for the Fund, and send copies of the
confirmations to you. Indications of interest with respect to shares of a
class of a Fund's shares transmitted to VKAC prior to the Effective Date are
subject to acceptance or rejection by VKAC in its sole discretion and are
conditioned upon the occurrence of (i) the Effective Date and (ii) the
registration or qualification of the respective class of shares in the
respective state.
(e) Indications of interest with respect to shares of a class of a
Fund's shares not canceled by you prior to or on the later of (i) the Effective
Date and (ii) the registration or qualification of the respective class of
shares in the respective state, and accepted by VKAC will be deemed by VKAC to
be orders for Shares solely to the extent permitted by applicable law.
(f) Upon your instruction, VKAC will send confirmations of orders
accepted by VKAC (including indications of interest deemed orders) directly to
your customers in writing, together with copies of the Prospectus for the Fund,
and send copies of the confirmations to you.
(g) Upon receipt of duplicate confirmations you will examine the same
and promptly notify VKAC of any errors or discrepancies that you discover and
will promptly bring to VKAC's attention any errors in such confirmations claimed
by your customers. All confirmations to your customers will indicate that
orders were placed on a fully disclosed basis.
(h) All indications of interest and orders transmitted to VKAC are
subject to the terms and conditions of the Fund's Prospectus and this Agreement
and are subject to acceptance or rejection by VKAC in its sole discretion.
2
<PAGE> 3
5. After the Effective Date, you will not make shares of a class of the
Fund's shares available in any state where they are not qualified for sale
under the "blue sky" laws and regulations of such state, except for states in
which they are exempt from qualification.
6. In the event that you make shares of the Fund available outside the
United States, you agree to comply with the applicable laws, rules and
regulations of the foreign government having jurisdiction over such sales,
including any regulations of the United States military authorities applicable
to solicitations to military personnel.
7. Upon application to VKAC, VKAC will inform you as to the jurisdictions
in which VKAC believes shares of a Fund have been qualified for sale under the
respective securities or "blue sky" laws of such jurisdictions. VKAC
understands and agrees that qualification of any shares of a Fund for sale in
such jurisdictions shall be solely VKAC's responsibility and that you assume no
responsibility or obligation with respect to such eligibility. You understand
and agree that your compliance with the requirements of the securities or "blue
sky" laws in each jurisdiction with respect to your right to make the shares
available in such jurisdiction shall be solely your responsibility.
8. No person is authorized to make any representations concerning any
class of shares of a Fund except those contained in the Fund's current
Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be. In purchasing shares
from us you shall rely solely on the representations contained in such
Prospectus. VKAC will furnish additional copies of a Fund's current Prospectus
and sales literature issued by VKAC in reasonable quantities upon request.
9. You agree that you will distribute to the public only (i) the
Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto and (ii) sales literature or
other documents expressly authorized for such distribution by VKAC.
10. Orders received from you will be accepted by VKAC only at the public
offering price applicable to each order as specified in the then-current Fund
Prospectus. The minimum dollar purchase of any shares of each Fund by any
person shall be the applicable minimum dollar amount described in the
then-current Fund Prospectus for that class of shares, and no order for less
than such amount will be accepted hereunder. The procedures relating to the
handling of orders shall be subject to instructions that VKAC shall communicate
from time to time to you. All orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by
VKAC in its sole discretion. Upon acceptance of an order, we shall confirm
directly to the customer in writing upon your instruction and send a copy of
the confirmation to you. In addition, we will send a Fund Prospectus with the
confirmation. You agree that upon receipt of duplicate confirmations you will
examine the same and promptly notify VKAC of any errors or discrepancies that
you discover and shall promptly bring to VKAC's attention any errors in such
confirmations claimed by your customers. All confirmations to your customers
will indicate that orders were placed on a fully disclosed basis.
11. Payment for Fund shares shall be made on or before the settlement
date specified in the VKAC confirmation at the office of VKAC's clearing agent,
or wire to the order of the Fund which reserves VKAC's right to delay issuance
or transfer of shares until such check has cleared. If such payment is not
received by VKAC, VKAC reserves the right, without notice, forthwith either to
cancel the trade at our option or as required by the provisions of Regulation
T, and in either case, VKAC may hold you responsible for any loss suffered by
the Fund. You agree that in transmitting investors' funds, you will comply
with Rule 15c2-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
12. You shall not withhold placing orders with VKAC from your customers
so as to profit yourself as a result of such withholding; e.g., by a change in
the net asset value from that used in determining the public offering price to
your customers.
13. VKAC will not accept from you any conditioned orders for shares,
except at a definite, specified price.
14. You represent that you are familiar with Release No. 4968 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 15c2-8 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as it relates to the distribution of
Preliminary Prospectuses (and not Statements of Additional Information) and
Prospectuses (and not Statements of Additional Information) for each Fund and
agree that you will comply therewith. You agree that if an investor or
potential investor places a request with you to receive
3
<PAGE> 4
a Statement of Additional Information, you will (i) provide such person with a
Statement of Additional Information without charge and notify the Fund that
you have done so, (ii) notify the Fund of the request so that the Fund can
fulfill the request or (iii) tell such person to request a Statement of
Additional Information by telephoning the Fund at the number set forth on the
cover of the current Prospectus or Preliminary Prospectus. You also agree to
keep an accurate record of your distribution (including dates, number of copies
and persons to whom sent) of copies of any Preliminary Prospectus (and any
Statement of Additional Information) and/or Prospectus (and any Statement of
Additional Information) for each Fund (or any amendment or supplement to
either) and, promptly upon request by VKAC, to bring all subsequent changes to
such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus to the attention of anyone to whom
such material shall have been distributed. You further agree to furnish to
persons who receive a confirmation of sale of shares of any Fund a copy of the
Prospectus for such Fund filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. Upon your request, VKAC will furnish to such persons a copy
of the Prospectus for such Fund filed pursuant to Rule 497 Under the Securities
Act of 1993, as amended.
15. The names of your customers shall remain your sole property and shall
not be used by VKAC for any purpose except for servicing and informational
mailings in the normal course of business to Fund shareholders.
16. Unless otherwise indicated in a Fund's Prospectus, stock certificates
for shares sold will be issued to your customers only if specifically
requested.
17. VKAC will have no liability to you, except for lack of good faith and
for obligations expressly assumed by VKAC in this Agreement.
18. All communications to VKAC shall be sent to One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, Attention: Mutual Fund Department. Any
notice to you shall be duly given if sent to you at the address specified by
you below or such other address as you may designate to VKAC in writing.
19. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services hereunder
shall be considered to create a joint venture or partnership between VKAC and
you.
20. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Illinois without reference to the choice-of-law principles thereof.
21. The Fund reserves the right in its discretion and VKAC reserves the
right in its discretion, without notice, to suspend or withdraw the offering of
any shares of a Fund entirely. VKAC reserves the right, without notice, to
amend, modify or cancel the Agreement. The Agreement may not be assigned by
either party without prior written consent of the other party.
22. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO OPEN-END FUNDS
23. Each of the Open-End Funds is subject to an alternative distribution
plan (the "Alternative Distribution Plan") as described in such Fund's
then-current Prospectus pursuant to which the Open-End Fund may sell multiple
classes of its shares with varying combinations of front-end service charges
(each a "FESC"), distributions fees, service fees, contingent deferred sales
charges (each a "CDSC"), exchange features, conversion rights, voting rights,
expenses allocations and investment requirements. As used herein, classes of
shares of a Fund subject to a FESC will be referred to as FESC Shares, and
classes of shares of a Fund subject to a CDSC will be referred to as CDSC
Shares.
24. (a) With respect to any shares of a class of FESC Shares of an
Open-End Fund, the public offering price for such shares shall be the net asset
value per share plus a FESC, expressed as a percentage of the applicable public
offering price, as determined and effective as of the time specified in the
then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund. On each order for shares of a
class of FESC Shares of an Open-End Fund accepted by us, you will be entitled
to receive the applicable agency commission for such shares as provided for in
the then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund or, if not so provided, as
provided to you from time to time in writing by VKAC.
4
<PAGE> 5
(b) With respect to any shares of a class of CDSC Shares of an Open-End
Fund, the public offering price for such shares shall be the net asset value
per share as determined and effective as of the time specified in the
then-current Prospectus of such Open-End Fund. You will remit payment of the
aggregate public offering price to VKAC for the CDSC Shares sold, and on each
order accepted by us, you will be entitled to receive the applicable selling
compensation for such shares as provided for in the then-current Prospectus of
such Open-End Fund or, if not so provided, as provided to you from time to time
in writing by VKAC.
25. Should you wish to participate in the Distribution Plan with respect
to a class of shares adopted by an Open-End Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ("Rule
12b-1 Plan") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the
Service Plan with respect to a class of shares, it is understood that you must
be approved by the Board of Directors of such Open-End Fund and execute an
Administrative Service Agreement.
26. With respect to the Open-End Funds, your acceptance of this Agreement
constitutes a representation that you will adopt policies and procedures to
comply with Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, with respect
to when you may appropriately make available the various classes of shares of
the Open-End Funds to investors and that you will make available such shares
only in accordance therewith.
27. You agree to make shares of an Open-End Fund available to your
customers only: (i) at the applicable public offering price, (ii) from VKAC
and (iii) to cover orders already received by you from your customers. VKAC in
turn agrees that it will not purchase any shares from an Open-End Fund except
for the purpose of covering purchase orders that it has already received.
28. (a) If any shares of a class of FESC Shares of an Open-End Fund sold
to your customers under the terms of this Agreement are repurchased by the Fund
or by VKAC as agent for the Fund or are tendered for redemption within seven
business days after the date of VKAC's confirmation of the original purchase,
it is agreed that you shall forfeit your right to any agency commission
received by you on such FESC Shares. VKAC will notify you of any such
repurchase or redemption within ten business days from the date on which the
repurchase or redemption order in proper form is delivered to VKAC or to the
Fund, and you shall forthwith refund to VKAC the full agency commission allowed
to you on such sale. VKAC agrees, in the event of any such repurchase or
redemption, to refund to the Fund its share of any discount allowed to VKAC
and, upon receipt from you of the refund of the agency commission allowed to
you, to pay such refund forthwith to the Fund.
(b) If any shares of a class of CDSC Shares sold to your customers under
the terms of this Agreement are repurchased by the Fund or by VKAC as agent for
the Fund or are tendered for redemption within seven business days after the
date of VKAC's confirmation of the original purchase, it is agreed that you
shall forfeit your right to any sales compensation received by you on such CDSC
Shares. We will notify you of any such repurchase or redemption within ten
business days from the date on which the repurchase or redemption order in
proper form is delivered to VKAC or to the Fund, and you shall forthwith refund
to VKAC the full sales compensation paid to you.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO CLOSED END-FUNDS
29. No Closed-End Fund will issue fractional shares.
30. VKAC may, in its sole discretion, allocate shares of a Closed-End
Fund among brokers, dealers and, to the extent permitted by applicable law,
banks participating in the Initial Offering Period or among brokers, dealers
and banks participating in the Continuous Offering Period, as the case may be,
on other than a pro rata basis, which may result in certain brokers, dealers
and banks not being allocated the full amount of shares of such Fund sold by
them while certain other brokers, dealers and banks may receive their full
allocation.
31. You agree that with respect to orders for shares of a Closed-End
Fund, you will transmit such orders received, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, during the Initial Offering Period to VKAC within the time
period as specified in such Closed-End Fund's Prospectus (or in the time period
as extended by VKAC in writing). You also agree to transmit any customer order
received during the
5
<PAGE> 6
Continuous Offering Period to VKAC prior to the time that the public offering
price for such Closed-End Fund is next determined after your receipt of such
order, as set forth in the Closed-End Fund's Prospectus. There is no assurance
that each Closed-End Fund will engage in a continuous offering of shares.
32. On each order accepted by VKAC for shares of a Closed-End Fund, you
will be entitled to receive a concession paid out of VKAC's own assets as set
forth in the then-current Prospectus of such Closed-End Fund (exclusive of
additional compensation that may be payable pursuant to sales programs, if any,
that may be established from time to time as described in the Prospectus for
such Closed-End Fund, which will be payable only as and to the extent the
requirements of such programs are satisfied). In no event will any Closed-End
Fund reimburse VKAC for any such sales concessions or other additional
compensation or pay any such concession or other additional compensation or
allowance directly to you. VKAC will specify for each Closed-End Fund a period
after the date that the shares of such Closed-End Fund are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or another national securities
market system (which period will end no later than the first dividend payment
date with respect to such Closed-End Fund) during which sales concessions and
other additional compensation are subject to forfeiture as provided in the
following sentence (the "Forfeiture Period"). During the Forfeiture Period for
any Closed-End Fund, physical delivery of certificates representing shares will
be required to transfer ownership of such shares. In the event that any shares
of a Closed-End Fund sold through an order received from you, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, in the Initial Offering Period or the Continuous
Offering Period are resold in the open market or otherwise during the
Forfeiture Period, VKAC reserves the right to require you to forfeit any sales
concessions and other additional compensation with respect to such shares. In
the event of a forfeiture, VKAC may withhold any forfeited sales concessions
and other additional compensation that has not yet been paid or from other
amounts yet to be paid to you (whether or not payable with respect to such
shares), and you agree to repay to VKAC, promptly upon demand, any forfeited
sales concessions and other compensation that has been paid. Determinations of
the amounts to be paid to you or by you to VKAC shall be made by VKAC and shall
be conclusive.
33. During the Initial Offering Period or any Continuous Offering Period
for any Closed-End Fund, you agree to supply VKAC, not less frequently than
once a week by Friday, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, during such Closed-End Fund's
Initial Offering Period, a list setting forth by state and in the aggregate all
indications of interest and, during any Continuous Offering Period, all shares
sold by you of such Closed-End Fund during such week (or lesser period of time)
and a list setting forth by name and location each registered representative
making said sales and indicating the amount of all sales per Closed-End Fund to
date.
34. You expressly acknowledge and understand that there is no Rule 12b-1
Plan for the Closed-End Funds.
35. You expressly acknowledge and understand that shares of the
Closed-End Funds will not be repurchased by either the Closed-End Funds (other
than through tender offers from time to time, if any) or by VKAC and that no
secondary market for such shares is expected to develop until the shares have
begun trading on a national exchange or national market system. You hereby
covenant that, until notified by VKAC that the distribution of such shares has
been completed or that the Forfeiture Period has ended, you (a) will not make a
secondary market in any shares of such a Closed-End Fund, (b) will not purchase
or hold shares of such Closed-End Fund in inventory for the purpose of resale
in the open market or to your customers and, (c) without VKAC's consent, will
not repurchase shares of such Closed-End Fund in the open market or from your
customers for any account in which you have a beneficial interest.
36. Unlike the other Closed-End Funds, the Continuous Offering period
with respect to the Van Kampen American Capital Prime Rate Income Trust (the
"Prime Rate Fund") may continue indefinitely. The offer to make available to
you shares of the Prime Rate Fund is subject to further terms and conditions in
addition to those set out above, as follows:
(a) You expressly acknowledge and understand that shares of the Prime
Rate Fund will not be repurchased by either the Prime Rate Fund (other than
through tender offers from time to time, if any) or VKAC and that no secondary
market for the shares of the Prime Rate Fund exists currently or is expected to
develop. You also expressly acknowledge and agree that, in the event your
6
<PAGE> 7
customer cancels their order for shares after confirmation, such shares may not
be repurchased, remarketed or otherwise disposed of by or through VKAC.
(b) You acknowledge and understand that, while the Board of Trustees of
the Prime Rate Fund intends to consider tendering for all or a portion of the
Prime Rate Fund's shares on a quarterly basis, there is no assurance the Prime
Rate Fund will tender for shares at any time or, following such a tender offer,
that shares so tendered will be repurchased by the Prime Rate Fund. You
acknowledge and understand that an early withdrawal charge payable to VKAC will
be imposed on most shares accepted for tender by the Prime Rate Fund that have
been held for less than five years, as set forth in the Prime Rate Fund's
Prospectus. ANY REPRESENTATION AS TO A TENDER OFFER BY THE PRIME RATE FUND,
OTHER THAN THAT WHICH IS SET FORTH IN THE PRIME RATE FUND'S CURRENT PROSPECTUS,
IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED.
Please accept the foregoing by signing this Bank Fully Disclosed Clearing
Agreement, keeping a copy for your files and returning the original to us.
Accepted and Agreed to: (PRINT OR TYPE)
Dated:
------------------------------ By:
Bank Name Its:
------------------------------ VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
Bank Taxpayer ID Number DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
------------------------------
Address
By:
------------------------------
Signature
------------------------------
Name
------------------------------
Title
------------------------------
Phone
7
<PAGE> 8
EXHIBIT A
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WITH RESPECT TO SALES UNDER THE
ALTERNATIVE DISTRIBUTION PLAN
As certain Van Kampen American Capital open-end investment companies (the
"funds") offer multiple classes of shares subject to either front-end sales
charges ("FESC Shares") or contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC Shares"),
it is important for an investor not only to choose the Fund that best suits his
or her investment objectives, but also to choose the alternative distribution
method that best suits his or her particular situation. To assist investors in
these decisions, we (the selling firm) are instituting the following policy.
1. Any purchase order for $1 million or more must be for Class A Shares.
2. Any purchase order for $100,000 but less than $1 million is subject to
approval by [appropriate selling firm supervisor], who must approve the
purchase order ticket for the appropriate class of shares in light of the
relevant facts and circumstances, including:
(a) the specific purchase order dollar amount;
(b) the length of time the investor expects to hold his shares; and
(c) any other relevant circumstances, such as the availability of
purchase price discounts under a Letter of Intent or a Quantity Discount.
There are instances when one financing method may be more appropriate than
the other. For example, investors who would qualify for a significant purchase
price discount from the maximum sales charge on shares of a class of FESC
Shares that has such purchase price discounts may determine that payment of
such a reduced front-end sales charge is superior to electing to purchase
shares of a class of CDSC Shares with no front-end service charge but subject
to a higher aggregate distribution and service fee. On the other hand, an
investor whose order would not qualify for such purchase price discounts and
intends to remain invested until after the expiration of the applicable CDSC
may wish to defer the sales charge and have all his or her funds invested in
Class B Shares initially. In addition, if such investor anticipates that he or
she will redeem such shares prior to the expiration of the CDSC period
applicable to Class B Shares the investor may, depending on the amount of his
or her purchase, wish to acquire Class C Shares. However, investors who intend
to hold their shares for a significantly long time may not wish to continue to
bear the ongoing distribution and service expenses of shares of Class C Shares,
irrespective of the fact that a contingent deferred sales charge would
eventually not apply to a redemption of such shares.
[The appropriate selling firm supervisor] must ensure that all employees
receiving investor inquiries about the purchase of shares from funds subject to
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.'s alternative distribution plan
advise the investor of the available alternative distribution methods offered
by such funds and the impact of choosing one method over another. It may be
appropriate for [the appropriate selling firm supervisor] to discuss the
purchase with the investor.
This policy is effective immediately with respect to any order for the
purchase of shares from a fund subject to Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc.'s alternative distribution plan.
Questions relating to this policy should be directed to [appropriate
selling firm supervisor].
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (8)(a)
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
EACH OF THE PARTIES LISTED ON APPENDIX A
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C> <C>
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held By
It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property
of the Fund Held by the Custodian in the United States . . . . . . 2
2.1 Holding Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Delivery of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Registration of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Bank Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.6 Collection of Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.7 Payment of Fund Moneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of
Receipt of Securities Purchased . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.9 Appointment of Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System . . . . . . . 8
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct
Paper System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.12 Segregated Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes . . . . . . . . . 10
2.14 Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund Securities . . . . . . . . 11
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of
the Fund Held Outside of the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 Assets to be Held . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.4 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions . . . . . . . 12
3.5 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund . . . . . . 12
3.6 Reports by Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.7 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account . . . . . . . . . 13
3.8 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.9 Liability of Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.10 Reimbursement for Advances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.11 Monitoring Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.12 Branches of U.S. Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
3.13 Tax Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchase or Redemptions
of Shares of the Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5. Proper Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority . . . . . . . . . . . 16
7. Evidence of Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
8. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books
of Account and Calculation of Net Asset Value
and Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
9. Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants . . . . . . . . 18
12. Compensation of Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
13. Responsibility of Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . 19
15. Successor Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
17. Additional Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
19. Prior Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
20. Shareholder Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
21. Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
This Contract between each fund or series of a fund listed on
Appendix A which evidences its agreement to be bound hereby by executing a copy
of this Contract (each such fund is individually hereafter referred to as
the "Fund"), and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust
company, having its principal place of business at 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, 02110, hereinafter called the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
WITNESSETH THAT, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets
of the Fund, including securities which the Fund desires to be held in places
within the United States ("domestic securities") and securities it desires to
be held outside the United States ("foreign securities") pursuant to the
provisions of the Fund's governing documents. The Fund agrees to deliver to
the Custodian all securities and cash of the Fund, and all payments of income,
payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to
all securities owned by the Fund from time to time, and the cash consideration
received by it for such new or treasury shares of capital stock, beneficial
interest or partnership interest, as applicable, of the Fund, ("Shares") as
may be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be
responsible for any property of a Fund held or received by the Fund and not
delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article
5), the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Fund from time to time
employ one or more sub-custodians, located in the United States but only in
accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of the Fund, and provided
that the Custodian shall have no more or less responsibility or liability to
the Fund on account of any actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so
employed than any such sub-custodian has to the Custodian. The Custodian may
employ as sub-custodian for the Fund's foreign securities the foreign banking
institutions and foreign securities depositories designated in Schedule A
hereto but only in accordance with the provisions of Article 3.
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<PAGE> 5
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By
the Custodian in the United States
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate
for the account of each Fund all non-cash property, to be held by it
in the United States including all domestic securities owned by such
Fund, other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to
Section 2.10 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities
depository or in a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department
of the Treasury, collectively referred to herein as "Securities
System" and (b) commercial paper of an issuer for which State Street
Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent ("Direct
Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct Paper
System of the Custodian (the "Direct Paper System") pursuant to
Section 2.11.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
domestic securities owned by a Fund held by the Custodian or in a
Securities System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's
Direct Paper book entry system account ("Direct Paper System Account")
only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund, which may be
continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and
only in the following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Fund and
receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the Fund;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for securities of the Fund;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable;
provided that, in any such case, the cash or other
consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the
name of the Fund or into the name of any nominee or nominees
of the Custodian or into the name or nominee
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<PAGE> 6
name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or into
the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Article 1; or for exchange for a different number
of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in
any such case, the new securities are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Fund,
to the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for
examination in accordance with "street delivery" custom;
provided that in any such case, the Custodian shall have no
responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the
delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment for
such securities except as may arise from the Custodian's own
negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or
readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such
securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained
in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash,
if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or
similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or
temporary securities for definitive securities; provided that,
in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to
be delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made
by the Fund, but only against receipt of adequate collateral
as agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the
Fund, which may be in the form of cash or obligations issued
by the United States government, its agencies or
instrumentalities, except that in connection with any loans
for which collateral is to be credited to the Custodian's
account in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury, the Custodian will not be held
liable or responsible for the delivery of securities owned by
the Fund prior to the receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by
the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, but only
against receipt of amounts borrowed;
3
<PAGE> 7
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act") and a member of The National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), relating to compliance with
the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any
registered national securities exchange, or of any similar
organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund, the Custodian, and a Futures
Commission Merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange
Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission and/or any Contract Market, or any
similar organization or organizations, regarding account
deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent
("Transfer Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer
Agent or to the holders of shares in connection with
distributions in kind, as may be described from time to time
in the currently effective prospectus and statement of
additional information of the Fund ("Prospectus"), in
satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for repurchase
or redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt
of, in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund, a
certified copy of a resolution of the Board or of the
Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an officer of the
Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
specifying the securities of the Fund to be delivered, setting
forth the purpose for which such delivery is to be made,
declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and
naming the person or persons to whom delivery of such
securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Fund or in the name of any nominee of the Fund or of any nominee of
the Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Fund,
unless the Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee
to be used in common with other registered investment companies having
the same investment adviser as the Fund, or in the name or nominee
name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or in the name or
nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to
4
<PAGE> 8
Article 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian under the terms
of this Contract shall be in "street name" or other good delivery
form. If, however, the Fund directs the Custodian to maintain
securities in "street name", the Custodian shall utilize its best
efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on such securities
and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis only of relevant
corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls,
maturities, tender or exchange offers.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Fund ,
subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the
terms of this Contract, and shall hold in such account or accounts,
subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for
the account of the Fund, other than cash maintained by the Fund in a
bank account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held by the Custodian for a
Fund may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the Banking
Department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies
as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided,
however, that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to
act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that
each such bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with
each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each applicable
Fund be approved by vote of a majority of the Board of the Fund.
Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as
Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that
capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund
and the Custodian, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper
Instructions from the Fund, make federal funds available to such Fund
as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and
the Custodian in the amount of checks received in payment for Shares
of such Fund which are deposited into the Fund's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other
payments with respect to registered domestic securities held hereunder
to which each Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to
custom in the securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis
all income and other payments with respect to bearer domestic
securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer, such securities
are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof and shall credit such
income, as collected, to such Fund's custodian account. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall detach
and present for payment all coupons and other income items requiring
presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest
when
5
<PAGE> 9
due on securities held hereunder. Income due each Fund on securities
loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the
responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or
responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund
with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund
in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to
which the Fund is properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Moneys. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the
Fund, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by
the parties, the Custodian shall pay out moneys of a Fund in the
following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts for the account of
the Fund but only (a) against the delivery of such securities
or evidence of title to such options, futures contracts or
options on futures contracts to the Custodian (or any bank,
banking firm or trust company doing business in the United
States or abroad which is qualified under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian and has
been designated by the Custodian as its agent for this
purpose) registered in the name of the Fund or in the name of
a nominee of the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof
or in proper form for transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase
effected through a Securities System, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case
of a purchase involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance
with the conditions set forth in Section 2.11; (d) in the case
of repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund and
the Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a
member of NASD, (i) against delivery of the securities either
in certificate form or through an entry crediting the
Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank with such
securities or (ii) against delivery of the receipt evidencing
purchase by the Fund of securities owned by the Custodian
along with written evidence of the agreement by the Custodian
to repurchase such securities from the Fund or (e) for
transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank,
whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected
prior to receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the
applicable bank pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund
as defined in Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
securities owned by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.2
hereof;
6
<PAGE> 10
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the Fund
as set forth in Article 4 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
Fund, including but not limited to the following payments for
the account of the Fund: interest, taxes, management,
accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, and operating
expenses of the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be in
whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares of the Fund
declared pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund, a certified
copy of a resolution of the Board or of the Executive
Committee of the Fund signed by an officer of the Fund and
certified by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
specifying the amount of such payment, setting forth the
purpose for which such payment is to be made, declaring such
purpose to be a proper purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.
Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and
every case where payment for purchase of domestic securities for the
account of a Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of
the securities purchased in the absence of specific written
instructions from the Fund to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall
be absolutely liable to the Fund for such securities to the same
extent as if the securities had been received by the Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or
trust company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry
out such of the provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from
time to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any
agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or
liabilities hereunder.
7
<PAGE> 11
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Fund in a clearing
agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a
securities depository, or in the book-entry system authorized by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies,
collectively referred to herein as "Securities System" in accordance
with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange
Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following
provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in a Securities
System provided that such securities are represented in an
account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities System
which shall not include any assets of the Custodian other than
assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Fund which are maintained in a Securities System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that such securities have been transferred
to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records
of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the
account of the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer securities
sold for the account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice
from the Securities System that payment for such securities
has been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of an
entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer
and payment for the account of the Fund. Copies of all
advices from the Securities System of transfers of securities
for the account of the Fund shall identify the Fund, be
maintained for the Fund by the Custodian and be provided to
the Fund at its request. Upon request, the Custodian shall
furnish the Fund confirmation of each transfer to or from the
account of the Fund in the form of a written advice or notice
and shall furnish to the Fund copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the Securities
System for the account of the Fund.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained
by the Custodian on the Securities System's accounting system,
internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities deposited in the Securities System;
8
<PAGE> 12
5) The Custodian shall have received from the Fund the initial or
annual certificate, as the case may be, required by Article 14
hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of the
Fund for any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from use of
the Securities System by reason of any negligence, misfeasance
or misconduct of the Custodian or any of its agents or of any
of its or their employees or from failure of the Custodian or
any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as it may
have against the Securities System; at the election of the
Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of
the Custodian with respect to any claim against the Securities
System or any other person which the Custodian may have as a
consequence of any such loss or damage if and to the extent
that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or
damage.
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Fund in
the Direct Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following
provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper
System will be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions
from the Fund ;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in the Direct
Paper System only if such securities are represented in an
account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Direct Paper
System which shall not include any assets of the Custodian
other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise
for customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Fund which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
account of the Fund upon the making of an entry on the records
of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer of
securities to the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall
transfer securities sold for the account of the Fund upon the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such transfer and receipt of payment for the account of the
Fund;
9
<PAGE> 13
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each
transfer to or from the account of the Fund, in the form of a
written advice or notice, of Direct Paper on the next business
day following such transfer and shall furnish to the Fund
copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's
transactions in the Securities System for the account of the
Fund;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report on its
system of internal accounting control as the Fund may
reasonably request from time to time.
2.12 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions from the Fund establish and maintain a segregated account
or accounts for and on behalf of each such Fund, into which account or
accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities, including
securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to
Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund , the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any
futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange
Act), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract
market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding
escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or government securities
in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the Fund or
commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by
the Fund, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund with the
procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or
any subsequent release or releases of the Securities and Exchange
Commission relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies and (iv) for other proper corporate
purposes, but only, in the case of clause (iv), upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund , a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board or of the Executive Committee of the Fund
signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such
segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate
purposes.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and
state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other
payments with respect to domestic securities of each Fund held by it
and in connection with transfers of securities.
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<PAGE> 14
2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities
held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder
of such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in
the name of the Fund or a nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and
shall promptly deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting
materials and all notices relating to such securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund Securities. Subject to the provisions
of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all
written information (including, without limitation, pendency of calls
and maturities of domestic securities and expirations of rights in
connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options
written by the Fund and the maturity of futures contracts purchased
or sold by the Fund) received by the Custodian from issuers of the
securities being held for the Fund. With respect to tender or
exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all
written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the
securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or
his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the Fund desires
to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any
other similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian at
least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is
to take such action.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
Outside of the United States
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Fund hereby authorizes and
instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the Fund's
securities and other assets maintained outside the United States the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories
designated on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon
receipt of "Proper Instructions", as defined in Section 5 of this
Contract, together with a certified resolution of the Fund's Board,
the Custodian and the Fund may agree to amend Schedule A hereto from
time to time to designate additional foreign banking institutions and
foreign securities depositories to act as sub-custodian. Upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, the Fund may instruct the Custodian to cease
the employment of any one or more such sub-custodians for maintaining
custody of the Fund's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to:
(a) "foreign securities", as defined in
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<PAGE> 15
paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under the Investment Company Act of
1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in such amounts as the
Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably necessary to
effect the Fund's foreign securities transactions. The Custodian
shall identify on its books as belonging to the Fund, the foreign
securities of the Fund held by each foreign sub-custodian.
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems. Except as may otherwise be agreed upon in
writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Funds shall be
maintained in foreign securities depositories only through
arrangements implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving
as sub-custodians pursuant to the terms hereof. Where possible, such
arrangements shall include entry into agreements containing the
provisions set forth in Section 3.4 hereof.
3.4 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a
foreign banking institution shall be substantially in the form set
forth in Exhibit 1 hereto and shall provide that: (a) the assets of
the Fund will not be subject to any right, charge, security interest,
lien or claim of any kind in favor of the foreign banking institution
or its creditors or agent, except a claim of payment for their safe
custody or administration; (b) beneficial ownership for the assets of
the Fund will be freely transferable without the payment of money or
value other than for custody or administration; (c) adequate records
will be maintained identifying the assets as belonging to the Fund;
(d) officers of or auditors employed by, or other representatives of
the Custodian, including to the extent permitted under applicable law
the independent public accountants for the Fund, will be given access
to the books and records of the foreign banking institution relating
to its actions under its agreement with the Custodian; and (e) assets
of the Fund held by the foreign sub-custodian will be subject only to
the instructions of the Custodian or its agents.
3.5 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the
Fund, the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the
independent accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books
and records of any foreign banking institution employed as a foreign
sub-custodian insofar as such books and records relate to the
performance of such foreign banking institution under its agreement
with the Custodian.
3.6 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time
to time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the
securities and other assets of the Fund held by foreign
sub-custodians, including but not limited to an identification of
entities having possession of the Fund securities and other assets and
advices or notifications of any transfers of securities to or from
each custodial account maintained by a foreign banking
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<PAGE> 16
institution for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund indicating, as to
securities acquired for a Fund, the identity of the entity having
physical possession of such securities.
3.7 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Except as otherwise
provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.7, the provision of
Sections 2.2 and 2.7 of this Contract shall apply, mutatis mutandis to
the foreign securities of the Fund held outside the United States by
foreign sub-custodians. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this
Contract to the contrary, settlement and payment for securities
received for the account of the Fund and delivery of securities
maintained for the account of the Fund may be effected in accordance
with the customary established securities trading or securities
processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in
which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation,
delivering securities to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor
(or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) against a receipt with the
expectation of receiving later payment for such securities from such
purchaser or dealer. (c) Securities maintained in the custody of a
foreign sub-custodian may be maintained in the name of such entity's
nominee to the same extent as set forth in Section 2.3 of this
Contract, and the Fund agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from
any liability as a holder of record of such securities.
3.8 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to which
the Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign
sub-custodian shall require the institution to exercise reasonable
care in the performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold
harmless, the Custodian and each Fund from and against any loss,
damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of or in
connection with the institution's performance of such obligations. At
the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the
rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against a foreign
banking institution as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim if and to the extent that the Fund has not
been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or
claim.
3.9 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set
forth with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and,
regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a
foreign banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a
branch of a U.S. bank as contemplated by paragraph 3.12 hereof, the
Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim resulting from nationalization, expropriation,
currency restrictions, or acts of war or terrorism or any loss where
the sub-custodian has otherwise exercised reasonable care.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
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<PAGE> 17
paragraph 3.9, in delegating custody duties to State Street London
Ltd., the Custodian shall not be relieved of any responsibility to the
Fund for any loss due to such delegation, except such loss as may
result from (a) political risk (including, but not limited to,
exchange control restrictions, confiscation, expropriation,
nationalization, insurrection, civil strife or armed hostilities) or
(b) other losses (excluding a bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street
London Ltd. not caused by political risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear
incident or other losses under circumstances where the Custodian and
State Street London Ltd. have exercised reasonable care.
3.10 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to
advance cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of a Fund
including the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or of contracts for
foreign exchange, or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee
shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments,
claims or liabilities in connection with the performance of this
Contract, except such as may arise from its or its nominee's own
negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, any
property at any time held for the account of the applicable Fund shall
be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian
promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash
and to dispose of such Fund's assets to the extent necessary to obtain
reimbursement.
3.11 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to
the Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign
sub-custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be
similar in kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection
with the initial approval of this Contract. In addition, the
Custodian will promptly inform the Fund in the event that the
Custodian learns of a material adverse change in the financial
condition of a foreign sub-custodian or any material loss of the
assets of the Fund or in the case of any foreign sub-custodian not the
subject of an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission is notified by such foreign sub-custodian that there
appears to be a substantial likelihood that its shareholders' equity
will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the equivalent
thereof) or that its shareholders' equity has declined below $200
million (in each case computed in accordance with generally accepted
U.S. accounting principles).
3.12 Branches of U.S. Banks. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this
Contract, the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of
the Fund's assets are maintained in a foreign branch of a banking
institution which is a "bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 meeting the qualification set forth in
Section 26(a) of
14
<PAGE> 18
said Act. The appointment of any such branch as a sub-custodian shall
be governed by paragraph 1 of this Contract. (b) Cash held for each
Fund in the United Kingdom shall be maintained in an interest bearing
account established for the Fund with the Custodian's London branch,
which account shall be subject to the direction of the Custodian,
State Street London Ltd. or both.
3.13 Tax Law. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for
any obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the Custodian
as custodian of the Fund by the tax law of the United States of
America or any state or political subdivision thereof. It shall be
the responsibility of the Fund to notify the Custodian of the
obligations imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian of the
Fund by the tax law of jurisdictions other than those mentioned in the
above sentence, including responsibility for withholding and other
taxes, assessments or other governmental charges, certifications and
governmental reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with
regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to assist
the Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the
tax law of jurisdictions for which the Fund has provided such
information.
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or
from the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the account of the
appropriate Fund such payments as are received for Shares of that Fund issued
or sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely
notification to the Fund and the Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of
payments for Shares of such Fund.
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Declaration of Trust and any applicable votes of the Board
of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions
from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to holders of Shares
who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption or repurchase
of their Shares. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of
a Fund, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the
Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the
redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of
Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by
a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the holder
of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures
and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and
the Custodian.
15
<PAGE> 19
5. Proper Instructions
Proper Instructions as used throughout this Contract means a writing
signed or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board of the Fund
shall have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the
specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a specific
statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral instructions
will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes
them to have been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with
respect to the transaction involved. The Fund shall cause all oral
instructions to be confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as to the authorization by the Board of the
Fund accompanied by a detailed description of procedures approved by the Board,
Proper Instructions may include communications effected directly between
electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the Board and the
Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate safeguards for the
Funds' assets. For purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include
instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party agreement
which requires a segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.12.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from
the Fund:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of
handling securities or other similar items relating to its
duties under this Contract, provided that all such payments
shall be accounted for to the Fund ;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks,
drafts and other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase,
transfer and other dealings with the securities and property
of the Fund except as otherwise directed by the Board of the
Fund.
16
<PAGE> 20
7. Evidence of Authority
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions,
notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by
it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the
Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the
Board of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person to
act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of any action
by the Board pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund as described in
such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until
receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to
the entity or entities appointed by the Board of the Fund to keep the books of
account of each Fund and/or compute the net asset value per share of the
outstanding shares of each Fund or, if the Custodian and the Fund execute the
applicable Price Source Authorization (the "Authorization"), the Custodian
shall keep such books of account and/or compute such net asset value per share
pursuant to the terms of the Authorization and the attachments thereto. If so
directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income of the Fund
as described in the Fund's currently effective Prospectus and shall advise the
Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net income and,
if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise the
Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among its
various components. The calculations of the net asset value per share and the
daily income of each Fund shall be made at the time or times described from
time to time in the Fund's currently effective Prospectus.
9. Records
The Custodian shall with respect to each Fund create and maintain all
records relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in such
manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1
and 31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and
shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open
for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and
employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian
shall, at the Fund's request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities
owned by each Fund and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to
17
<PAGE> 21
do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the
Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such tabulations.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund may from
time to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the
Fund's independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in
connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A, and Form N-SAR or
other annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect
to any other requirements of such Commission.
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may
reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including
securities deposited and/or maintained in a Securities System, relating to the
services provided by the Custodian under this Contract; such reports, shall be
of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by
the Fund to provide reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would
be disclosed by such examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the
reports shall so state.
12. Compensation of Custodian
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between
the Fund and the Custodian.
13. Responsibility of Custodian
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting
upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably
believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties,
including any futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a
three-party futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the
exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract,
but shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for
any action taken or omitted by it in
18
<PAGE> 22
good faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to rely on and may act
upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and
shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant
to such advice.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 to the
same extent as set forth in Article 1 hereof with respect to sub-custodians
located in the United states (except as specifically provided in Article 3.9)
and regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign
banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S.
bank, as contemplated by paragraph 3.12 hereof, the Custodian shall not be
liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from
or caused by, the direction or authorization by the Fund to maintain custody of
any securities or cash of the Fund in a foreign country including, but not
limited to, losses resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency
restrictions or acts of war or terrorism.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned
to the Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of
some other form, the Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take
such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or
agents, to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not
limited to securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed
settlement) or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be
assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in
connection with the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from
its or its nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful
misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of the Fund shall be
security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the
Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the
Fund assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall
continue in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may
be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than thirty (30)
19
<PAGE> 23
days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided, however that the
Custodian shall not with respect to a Fund act under Section 2.10 hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Board of the Fund has approved the initial use of a
particular Securities System by such Fund and the receipt of a certificate of
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board has reviewed any
subsequent change regarding the use by such Fund of such Securities System, as
required in each case by Rule 17f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended and that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Fund act under
Section 2.11 hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board has approved the initial use
of the Direct Paper System by such Fund and the receipt of an annual
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of the
Fund has reviewed the use by such Fund of the Direct Paper System; provided
further, however, that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in
contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision
of the Declaration of Trust, and further provided, that the Fund may at any
time by action of its Board (i) substitute another bank or trust company for
the Custodian by giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii)
immediately terminate this Contract in the event of the appointment of a
conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or
upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate
regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian
such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall
likewise reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements.
15. Successor Custodian
If a successor custodian for the Fund shall be appointed by the Board
of the Fund, the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor
custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for
transfer, all securities of the Fund then held by it hereunder and shall
transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the securities of the
Fund held in a Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian
shall, in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board
of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such
securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian
or certified copy of a vote of the Board shall have been delivered to the
Custodian on or before the date when such
20
<PAGE> 24
termination shall become effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to
deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its
own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as
shown by its last published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all
securities, funds and other properties held by the Custodian on behalf of the
Fund and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other
property held by it under this Contract on behalf of the Fund and to transfer
to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of the Fund
held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be
the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to
fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian retains
possession of such securities, funds and other properties and the provisions of
this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian shall
remain in full force and effect.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and
the Fund, may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this Contract as may in their joint opinion be
consistent with the general tenor of this Contract. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be
annexed hereto, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions
shall contravene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision
of the governing documents of the Fund. No interpretive or additional
provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an
amendment of this Contract.
17. Additional Funds
In the event that Van Kampen American Capital Distributors , Inc.
establishes any funds in addition to the Funds listed on Appendix A with
respect to which it desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian
under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the
Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such fund shall become a
Fund hereunder, subject to the delivery by the new Fund of resolutions
authorizing the appointment of the Custodian and such other supporting or
related documentation as the Custodian may request. All references herein to
the "Fund" are to each of the Funds listed on Appendix A individually, as if
21
<PAGE> 25
this Contract were between each such individual Fund and the Custodian. With
respect to any Fund which issues shares in separate classes or series, each
class or series of such Fund shall be treated as a separate Fund hereunder.
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof
interpreted under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
19. Prior Contracts
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all
prior contracts between the Funds and the Custodian relating to the custody of
the Fund's assets.
20. Shareholder Communications
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14b-2 requires banks which
hold securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers
of securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of
securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with
the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund to indicate whether the Fund authorizes
the Custodian to provide the Fund's name, address, and share position to
requesting companies whose stock the Fund owns. If the Fund tells the
Custodian "no", the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting
companies. If the Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or does not check either
"yes" or "no" below, the Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as
consenting to disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the
Fund. For the Fund's protection, the Rule prohibits the requesting company
from using the Fund's name and address for any purpose other than corporate
communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund consent or object by
checking one of the alternatives below.
YES [ ] The Custodian is authorized to release the name,
address, and share positions of each Fund listed on
Exhibit A.
NO [X] The Custodian is not authorized to release the name,
address, and share positions of each Fund listed on
Exhibit A.
22
<PAGE> 26
21. Limitation of Liability.
The execution of this Contract has been authorized by each Fund's
Board. This Contract is executed on behalf of each Fund or the trustees of
such Fund as trustees and not individually and the obligations of the Fund
under this Contract are not binding upon any of the Fund's trustees, officers
or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property
of the Fund. A Certificate of Trust in respect of each Fund is on file with
the Secretary of State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to
be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and
its seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 21st day of June, 1995.
ATTEST EACH OF THE FUNDS LISTED ON APPENDIX A
/s/ HUEY P. FALGOUT, JR. By: /s/ NORI L. GABERT
- ------------------------ -----------------------------------
Nori L. Gabert, Vice President
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
[ILLEGIBLE] By: [ILLEGIBLE]
- ------------------------ -----------------------------------
Executive Vice President
23
<PAGE> 27
APPENDIX A
FUND NAMES
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Corporate Bond Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Emerging Growth Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Enterprise Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Global Managed Assets Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Government Securities Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Government Target Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Harbor Fund
Van Kampen American Capital High Income Corporate Bond Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust
Common Stock Fund
Domestic Strategic Income Fund
Emerging Growth Fund
Global Equity Fund
Government Fund
Money Market Fund
Multiple Strategy Fund
Real Estate Securities Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Limited Maturity Government Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Municipal Bond Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Pace Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Real Estate Securities Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Small Capitalization Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Tax-Exempt Trust
Van Kampen American Capital High Yield Municipal Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Municipal Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Texas Tax Free Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income
Van Kampen American Capital Utilities Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital World Portfolio Series Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Global Equity Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Global Government Securities Fund
24
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (9)(a)
DATA ACCESS SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Data Access Services Agreement is a supplement to that certain
Custodian Contract dated June 21, 1995 between the undersigned each of the
Funds listed on Appendix A of the Custodian Contract (the "Customer") and State
Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street").
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS, the Customer desires the ability to access certain
Customer-related data ("Customer Data") maintained by State Street on data
bases under the control and ownership of State Street ("Data Access Services");
and
WHEREAS, State Street agrees to grant the Customer such access to the
Customer Data as is consistent with the policy and standards issued from time
to time by State Street.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. Services
A. State Street maintains Customer Data within its proprietary data
base system. State Street agrees to provide the Customer with certain Data
Access Services as provided herein and in the Data Access operating procedures
as may be issued from time to time.
B. Customer agrees to use the Data Access Services solely for its
internal use and benefit and not for resale or other transfer or disposition
to, or use by or for the benefit of any other person or organization without
the prior written approval of State Street. Customer agrees to comply with user
identification and other password control requirements and other security
procedures as may be issued from time to time by State Street.
2. Proprietary Information
Customer acknowledges that the data bases, computer programs, screen
formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, and documentation
manuals furnished to Customer by State Street as part of the Data Access
Services constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information
(collectively, "Proprietary Information") of substantial value to State Street.
Customer agrees to treat all Proprietary Information as proprietary to State
Street and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Proprietary Information
to any person or organization except as may be provided hereunder. Without
limiting the foregoing, Customer agrees for itself and its employees and agents:
(1) to access Customer Data solely from locations as may be designated
in writing by State Street and solely in accordance with State Street's
applicable user documentation;
(2) to refrain from copying or duplicating in any way the Proprietary
Information;
(3) to refrain from obtaining unauthorized access to any portion of the
Proprietary Information, and if such access is inadvertently obtained,
to inform State Street in a timely manner of such fact and dispose of
such information in accordance with State Street's instructions;
<PAGE> 2
(4) to refrain from causing or allowing third-party data acquired
hereunder from being retransmitted to any other computer facility or
other location, except with the prior written consent of State Street;
(5) that the Customer shall have access only to those authorized
transactions agreed upon by the parties;
(6) to honor all reasonable written requests made by State Street to
protect at State Street's expense the rights of State Street in
Proprietary Information at common law, under federal copyright law and
under other federal or state law.
Customer's obligation to maintain the confidentiality of the
Proprietary Information shall not apply where such:
(1) was already in Customer's possession prior to disclosure by State
Street, and such was received by Customer without obligation of
confidence;
(2) is or becomes publicly available without breach of this Agreement;
(3) is rightly received by Customer from a third party, who is not a
current or former employee, officer, director or agent of State Street,
without obligation of confidence;
(4) is disclosed by Customer with the written consent of State Street;
or
(5) is released in accordance with a valid order of a court or
governmental agency.
Each party shall take reasonable efforts to advise its employees of
their obligations pursuant to this section 2. The obligations of this section
shall survive any earlier termination of this agreement.
3. Warranties
If Customer notifies State Street that any of the Data Access Services
do not operate in material compliance with the most recently issued user
documentation for such services, State Street shall endeavor in a timely
manner to correct such failure. Organizations from which State Street may
obtain certain data included in the Data Access Services are solely responsible
for the contents of such data and Customer agrees to make no claim against
State Street arising out of the contents of such third-party data, including,
but not limited to, the accuracy thereof. DATA ACCESS SERVICES AND ALL COMPUTER
PROGRAMS AND SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ARE PROVIDED
ON AN AS IS, AS AVAILABLE BASIS. STATE STREET EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EXPRESSLY STATED HEREIN INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
4. Limitation of Liability
State Street shall not be liable to the Customer for any loss or damage
claimed to have resulted from the use of the Data Access Services except for
the direct loss or damage resulting from the negligence or willful conduct of
State
-2-
<PAGE> 3
Street. STATE STREET SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
ATTORNEYS' FEES) IN ANY WAY DUE TO OR ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH CUSTOMER'S USE
OF THE DATA ACCESS SERVICES OR THE PERFORMANCE OF OR FAILURE TO PERFORM STATE
STREET'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. This disclaimer applies without
limitation to claims (i) arising from the provision of the Data Access
Services, the delivery, installation, use, maintenance, or removal of State
Street provided equipment, or any failure or delay in connection with any of
the foregoing; (ii) regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort
(including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise; and (iii) regardless of
whether such damages are foreseeable. Further, in no event shall State Street be
liable for any claims that arise more than one (1) year prior to the
institution of suit therefor or any claim arising from causes beyond State
Street's control.
5. Force Majeure
State Street shall have no liability for cessation of services
hereunder or any damages resulting therefrom to the Customer as a result of
work stoppage, power or other mechanical failure, natural disaster,
governmental action, communication disruption or other impossibility of
performance.
6. Exclusive Remedy
In consideration of the fees charged for Data Access Services, if any,
Customer's exclusive recovery with respect to Data Access Services regardless
of the basis of the claims asserted by it against State Street shall not exceed
six (6) times the average monthly fees billed to Customer hereunder and
computed by averaging the monthly billing for each of the twelve months
preceding the month in which the damage or injury is alleged to have occurred,
but if this agreement has not been in effect for twelve months preceding such
date, then by averaging the monthly billings for each of the preceding months
that this agreement has been in effect.
7. Indemnification
The Customer agrees to indemnify and hold State Street free and
harmless from any expense, loss, damage or claim including reasonable
attorney's fees, (collectively "costs") suffered by State Street and caused by
or resulting from (i) the negligence or willful misconduct in the use by the
Customer, its employees or agents, of the Data Access Services or the
application software systems supporting such services, including any costs
incurred by State Street resulting from a security breach at the Customer's
location or committed by its former or present employees or agents and (ii)
claims resulting from incorrect Customer Originated Electronic Financial
Instruction.
8. Customer Originated Electronic Financial Instruction ("COEFI")
If the transactions available to Customer include the ability to
originate electronic instructions to State Street in order to (i) effect the
transfer or movement of cash or securities held under custody or (ii) transmit
accounting or other information (such transactions constituting a "COEFI"),
then in such event State Street shall be entitled to rely on the validity and
authenticity of such instruction without undertaking any further inquiry as
long as such instruction is
-3-
<PAGE> 4
undertaken in conformity with security procedures established by State Street
from time to time.
9. Injunctive Relief
In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Customer of Section 1
or 2 hereof, State Street shall be entitled to obtain injunctive relief in
addition to any other remedies available at law or equity.
10. General
10.1 Term of Agreement. This agreement is effective from the date
it is accepted by State Street and shall remain in full force
and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided. Either
party may terminate this agreement for any reason by giving the
other party at least thirty days prior written notice of
termination. In addition, either party may terminate this
agreement immediately for failure of the other party to comply
with any material term and condition by giving the other party
written notice of termination. This agreement shall in any
event terminate contemporaneously with the Custodian Contract
applicable hereto.
10.2 Charges. Charges, if any, for Data Access Services shall be
as agreed upon between the parties from time to time.
10.3 Assignment; Successors. This Agreement shall not be assigned
by either party without the prior written consent of the other
party, except that either party may assign to a successor of
all or a substantial portion of its business, or to a party
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such
party.
10.4 Survival. All provisions regarding indemnification,
warranty, liability and limits thereon, and confidentiality
and/or protection of proprietary rights and trade secrets shall
survive the termination of this agreement.
10.5 Consent to Breach not Waiver. No term or provision hereof
shall be deemed waived and no breach excused, unless such
waiver or consent shall be in writing and signed by the party
claimed to have waived or consented. Any consent by any party
to, or waiver of, a breach by the other, whether express or
implied, shall not constitute a consent to, waiver of, or
excuse for any other different or subsequent breach.
11. Signatory
The individual signing the agreement represents that he or she is an
authorized officer of the Customer (and, if identified below or on an attached
schedule, such investment manager or other party as may use Data Access
Services with respect to the Customer) so as to cause this agreement to be a
valid and binding obligation upon the Customer (and, if applicable, such other
parties as may be identified on the signature line below or on an attached
schedule).
-4-
<PAGE> 5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
agreement.
STATE STREET BANK AND EACH OF THE VAN KAMPEN
TRUST COMPANY AMERICAN CAPITAL FUNDS
LISTED ON APPENDIX A OF
THE CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
By: [Illegible]
---------------------------
Title: Executive Vice President By: /s/ NORI L. GABERT
------------------------ --------------------
Nori L. Gabert
Date:
------------------------- Title: Vice President
-----------------
Date: June 21, 1995
------------------
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (9)(b)
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated October 31, 1996, by and between the parties set
forth in Schedule A hereto (designated collectively hereafter as the "Funds")
and VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP., a Delaware
corporation ("Advisory Corp.").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, each of the Funds is registered as a management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act");
and
WHEREAS, Advisory Corp. has the capability of providing certain accounting
services to the Funds; and
WHEREAS, each desires to utilized Advisory Corp. in the provision of such
accounting services; and
WHEREAS, Advisory Corp. intends to maintain its staff in order to
accommodate the provision of all such services.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
spelled out herein, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
1. Appointment of Advisory Corp.. As agent, Advisory Corp. shall provide each
of the Funds the accounting services ("Accounting Services") as set forth in
Paragraph 2 of this Agreement. Advisory Corp. accepts such appointment and
agrees to furnish the Accounting Services in return for the compensation
provided in Paragraph 3 of this Agreement.
2. Accounting Services to be Provided. Advisory Corp. will provide to each
respective Fund accounting related services in connection with the maintenance
of the financial records of such Fund, including without limitation: (i)
maintenance of the general ledger and other financial books and records; (ii)
processing of portfolio transactions; (iii) coordination of the valuation of
portfolio securities; (iv) calculation of the Fund's net asset value; (v)
coordination of financial and regulatory reporting; (vi) preparation of
financial reports for each Fund's Board of Trustees; (vii) coordination of tax
and financial compliance issues; (viii) the establishment and maintenance of
accounting policies; (ix) recommendations with respect to dividend policies;
(x) preparation of each Fund's financial reports and other accounting and tax
related notice information to shareholders; and (xi) the assimilation and
interpretation of accounting data for meaningful management review. Advisory
Corp. shall provide accurate maintenance of each Fund's financial books and
records as required by the applicable securities statutes and regulations, and
shall hire persons (collectively the "Accounting Service Group") as needed to
provide such Accounting Services.
<PAGE> 2
3. Expenses and Reimbursements. Advisory Corp. shall be reimbursed by the
Funds for all costs and services incurred in connection with the provision of
the aforementioned Accounting Services ("Accounting Service Expenses"),
including but not limited to all salary and related benefits paid to the
personnel of the Accounting Service Group, overhead and expenses related to
office space and related equipment and out-of-pocket expenses.
The Accounting Services Expenses will be paid by Advisory Corp. and
reimbursed by the Funds. Advisory Corp. will tender to each Fund a monthly
invoice as of the last business day of each month which shall certify the total
support service expenses expended. Except as provided herein, Advisory Corp.
will receive no other compensation in connection with Accounting Services
rendered in accordance with this Agreement.
4. Payment for Accounting Service Expenses Among the Funds. As to one quarter
(25%) of the Accounting Service Expenses incurred under the Agreement, the
expense shall be allocated between all Funds based on the number of classes of
shares of beneficial interest that each respective Fund has issued. As to the
remaining three quarters (75%) of the Accounting Service Expenses incurred
under the Agreement, the expense shall be allocated between all Funds based on
their relative net assets. For purposes of determining the percentage of
expenses to be allocated to any Fund, the liquidation preference of any
preferred shares issued by any such Fund shall not be considered a liability of
such Fund for the purposes of calculating relative net assets of such Fund.
5. Maintenance of Records. All records maintained by Advisory Corp. in
connection with the performance of its duties under this Agreement will remain
the property of each respective Fund and will be preserved by Advisory Corp.
for the periods prescribed in Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules
thereunder or such other applicable rules that may be adopted from time to time
under the act. In the event of termination of the Agreement, such records will
be promptly delivered to the respective Funds. Such records may be inspected
by the respective Funds at reasonable times.
6. Liability of Advisory Corp. Advisory Corp. shall not be liable to any Fund
for any action taken or thing done by it or its agents or contractors on behalf
of the fund in carrying out the terms and provisions of the Agreement if done
in good faith and without gross negligence or misconduct on the part of
Advisory Corp., its agents or contractors.
7. Indemnification By Funds. Each Fund will indemnify and hold Advisory Corp.
harmless from all lost, cost, damage and expense, including reasonable expenses
for legal counsel, incurred by Advisory Corp. resulting from: (a) any claim,
demand, action or suit in connection with Advisory Corp.'s acceptance of this
Agreement; (b) any action or omission by Advisory Corp. in the performance of
its duties hereunder; (c) Advisory Corp.'s acting upon instructions believed by
it to have been executed by a duly authorized officer of the Fund; or (d)
Advisory Corp.'s acting upon information provided by the Fund in form and under
policies agreed to by Advisory Corp. and the Fund. Advisory Corp. shall not be
entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions
constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct of Advisory Corp. or its
agents or contractors. Prior to confessing any claim against it which may be
subject to this indemnification, Advisory Corp. shall give the Fund reasonable
opportunity to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of
Advisory Corp.
8. Indemnification By Advisory Corp. Advisory Corp. will indemnify and hold
harmless each Fund from all loss, cost, damage and expense, including
reasonable expenses for legal counsel, incurred by the Fund resulting from any
claim, demand, action or suit arising out of Advisory Corp.'s failure to comply
with the terms of this Agreement or which arises out of the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of Advisory Corp. or its agents or contractors; provided
that such negligence or misconduct is not attributable to the Funds, their
agents or contractors. Prior to confessing any claim against it which may be
subject to this indemnification, the Fund shall give Advisory Corp. reasonable
opportunity to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of such
Fund.
2
<PAGE> 3
9. Further Assurances. Each party agrees to perform such further acts and
execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes
hereof.
10. Dual Interests. It is understood that some person or persons may be
directors, trustees, officers or shareholders of both the Funds and Advisory
Corp. (including Advisory Corp.'s affiliates), and that the existence of any
such dual interest shall not affect the validity hereof or of any transactions
hereunder except as otherwise provided by a specific provision of applicable
law.
11. Execution, Amendment and Termination. The term of this Agreement shall
begin as of the date first above written, and unless sooner terminated as
herein provided, this Agreement shall remain in effect through May, 1998, and
thereafter from year to year, if such continuation is specifically approved at
least annually by the Board of Trustees of each Fund, including a majority of
the independent Trustees of each Fund. This Agreement may be modified or
amended from time to time by mutual agreement between the parties hereto and
may be terminated after May, 1998, by at least sixty (60) days' written notice
given by one party to the others. Upon termination hereof, each Fund shall pay
to Advisory Corp. such compensation as may be due as of the date of such
termination and shall likewise reimburse Advisory Corp. for its costs, expenses
and disbursements payable under this Agreement to such date. This Agreement
may be amended in the future to include as additional parties to the Agreement
other investment companies for with Advisory Corp., any subsidiary or affiliate
serves as investment advisor or distributor if such amendment is approved by
the President of each Fund.
12. Assignment. Any interest of Advisory Corp. under this Agreement shall not
be assigned or transferred, either voluntarily or involuntarily, by operation
of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Funds. This
Agreement shall automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its
assignment without the prior written consent of the Funds.
13. Notice. Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and
delivered or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the
other party at such address as such other party may designate for the receipt
of such notices. Until further notice to the other parties, it is agreed that
for this purpose the address of each Fund is One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook
Terrace, Illinois 60181, Attention: President and that of Advisory Corp. for
this purpose is One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181,
Attention: President.
14. Personal Liability. As provided for in the Agreement and Declaration of
Trust of the various Funds, under which the Funds are organized as
unincorporated trusts, the shareholders, trustees, officers, employees and
other agents of the Fund shall not personally be found by or liable for the
matters set forth hereto, nor shall resort be had to their private property for
the satisfaction of any obligation or claim hereunder.
15. Interpretative Provisions. In connection with the operation of this
Agreement, Advisory Corp. and the Funds may agree from time to time on such
provisions interpretative of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement
as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this
Agreement.
16. State Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance
with and governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.
17. Captions. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or
otherwise affect their construction or effect.
3
<PAGE> 4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this amended and restated
Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
ALL OF THE PARTIES SET FORTH IN SCHEDULE A
By: /s/ RONALD A. NYBERG
-----------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg, Vice President
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP.
By: /s/ DENNIS J. McDONNELL
------------------------------------
Dennis J. McDonnell, President
4
<PAGE> 5
SCHEDULE A
I. FUNDS ADVISED BY VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP.
("INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP.") (COLLECTIVELY, THE "FORMER VAN KAMPEN FUNDS"):
CLOSED END FUNDS
Van Kampen American Capital Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital California Municipal Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Intermediate Term High Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Limited Term High Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Investment Grade Municipal Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Municipal Trust
Van Kampen American Capital California Quality Municipal Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Florida Quality Municipal Trust
Van Kampen American Capital New York Quality Municipal Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Ohio Quality Municipal Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Trust For Insured Municipals
Van Kampen American Capital Trust For Investment Grade Municipals
Van Kampen American Capital Trust For Investment Grade California Municipals
Van Kampen American Capital Trust For Investment Grade Florida Municipals
Van Kampen American Capital Trust For Investment Grade New Jersey Municipals
Van Kampen American Capital Trust For Investment Grade New York Municipals
Van Kampen American Capital Trust For Investment Grade Pennsylvania Municipals
Van Kampen American Capital Municipal Opportunity Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Advantage Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Advantage Pennsylvania Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Strategic Sector Municipal Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Value Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital California Value Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Massachusetts Value Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital New Jersey Value Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital New York Value Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Ohio Value Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Municipal Opportunity Trust II
Van Kampen American Capital Florida Municipal Opportunity Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Advantage Municipal Income Trust II
Van Kampen American Capital Select Sector Municipal Trust
INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
II. FUNDS ADVISED BY VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
("MANAGEMENT, INC.") (COLLECTIVELY, THE "FORMER VAN KAMPEN FUNDS"):
The Explorer Institutional Trust
on behalf of its series
Explorer Institutional Active Core Fund
Explorer Institutional Limited Duration Fund
5
<PAGE> 6
OPEN END FUNDS
III. FUNDS ADVISED BY VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
("ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.") (COLLECTIVELY, THE "FORMER AMERICAN CAPITAL
FUNDS"):
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund ("Comstock Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Corporate Bond Fund ("Corporate Bond Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Emerging Growth Fund ("Emerging Growth Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Enterprise Fund ("Enterprise Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Income Fund ("Equity Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Limited Maturity Government Fund ("Limited
Maturity Government Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Global Managed Assets Fund ("Global Managed
Assets Funds")
Van Kampen American Capital Government Securities Fund ("Government
Securities Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Government Target Fund ("Government Target
Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Fund ("Growth and Income
Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Harbor Fund ("Harbor Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital High Income Corporate Bond Fund ("High Income
Corporate Bond Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust ("Life Investment
Trust" or "LIT")
on behalf of its Series
Enterprise Portfolio ("LIT Enterprise Portfolio")
Domestic Income Portfolio ("LIT Domestic Income Portfolio")
Emerging Growth Portfolio ("LIT Emerging Growth Portfolio")
Government Portfolio ("LIT Government Portfolio")
Asset Allocation Portfolio ("LIT Asset Allocation Portfolio")
Money Market Portfolio ("LIT Money Market Portfolio")
Real Estate Securities Portfolio ("LIT Real Estate Securities
Portfolio")
Growth and Income Portfolio ("LIT Growth and Income Portfolio")
Van Kampen American Capital Pace Fund ("Pace Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Real Estate Securities Fund ("Real Estate
Securities Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund ("Reserve Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Small Capitalization Fund ("Small
Capitalization Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Tax-Exempt Trust ("Tax-Exempt Trust")
on behalf of its Series
Van Kampen American Capital High Yield Municipal Fund ("High Yield
Municipal Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income ("U.S.
Government Trust for Income")
6
<PAGE> 7
IV. FUNDS ADVISED BY VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY
CORP. ("INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP.") (COLLECTIVELY, THE "FORMER VAN KAMPEN
FUNDS"):
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust ("U.S. Government
Trust")
on behalf of its series
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Fund ("U.S. Government Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Trust ("Tax Free Trust")
on behalf of its series
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Tax Free Income Fund ("Insured Tax
Free Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free High Income Fund ("Tax Free High
Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital California Insured Tax Free Fund ("California
Insured Tax Free Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Municipal Income Fund ("Municipal Income
Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Intermediate Term Municipal Income Fund
(Intermediate Term Municipal Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Florida Insured Tax Free Income Fund
("Florida Insured Tax Free Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund ("New Jersey
Tax Free Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital New York Tax Free Income Fund ("New York Tax
Free Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital California Tax Free Income Fund ("California
Tax Free Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Michigan Tax Free Income Fund ("Michigan Tax
Free Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Missouri Tax Free Income Fund ("Missouri Tax
Free Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Ohio Tax Free Income Fund ("Ohio Tax Free
Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Trust ("VKAC Trust")
Van Kampen American Capital High Yield Fund ("High Yield Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Short-Term Global Income Fund ("Short-Term
Global Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Strategic Income Fund ("Strategic Income
Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Trust ("Equity Trust")
on behalf of its series
Van Kampen American Capital Utility Fund ("Utility Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Balanced Fund ("Balanced Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Growth Fund ("Growth Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Value Fund ("Value Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Great American Companies Fund ("Great
American Companies Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Prospector Fund ("Prospector Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Aggressive Growth Fund ("Aggressive Growth
Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Foreign Securities Fund ("Foreign Securities
Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund
("Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund")
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Money Fund ("Tax Free Money Fund");
and
7
<PAGE> 1
[LETTERHEAD OF SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS)]
EXHIBIT(10)
April 24, 1997
Van Kampen American Capital
Comstock Fund
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Re: Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund
Registration Statement on Form N-1A
(File Nos. 2-27778 and 811-1570)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund
(the "Trust"), a Delaware business trust, in connection with the preparation of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Trust's Registration Statement
on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") to be filed under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") on or about April 24, 1997. The Registration Statement
relates to the registration under the 1933 Act and 1940 Act of an indefinite
number of each of Class A Shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per
share, Class B Shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share, and
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share, of the Trust
(collectively, the "Shares").
This opinion is delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item
24(b)(10) of Form N-1A under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act.
In connection with this opinion, we have examined the originals or
copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the
Certificate of Trust filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware, (ii)
<PAGE> 2
Van Kampen American Capital
Comstock Fund
April 24, 1997
Page 2
the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust, each as
amended to date (the "Declaration of Trust" and "By-Laws", respectively), (iii)
the Certificate of Designation establishing the series of the Trust,
(iv) the resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust relating to
the authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares, the filing of the
Registration Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto and related
matters and (v) such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate
as a basis for the opinions set forth herein.
In such examination we have assumed the legal capacity of natural
persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to us as certified, conformed, photostatic, or other copies
and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. As to any
facts material to such opinion which were not independently established, we
have relied on statements or representations of officers and other
representatives of the Trust or others.
Members of our firm are admitted to the practice of law in the State
of Illinois, and we do not express any opinion as to the laws of any other
jurisdiction other than matters relating to the Delaware business
organizational statutes (including statutes relating to Delaware business
trusts) and the federal laws of the United States of America to the extent
specifically referred to herein.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the
issuance and sale of Shares by the Trust have been validly authorized and,
assuming certificates therefor have been duly executed, countersigned,
registered and delivered or the shareholders' accounts have been duly credited
and the Shares represented thereby have been fully paid for, such Shares will
be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
Exhibit 10 to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to
our firm under the heading "Legal Counsel" in the Registration Statement. In
giving this consent, we do not hereby
<PAGE> 3
Van Kampen American Capital
Comstock Fund
April 24, 1997
Page 3
admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section 7 of the 1933 Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois)
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (11)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 49, Amendment No. 25 to
the registration statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our
report dated January 31, 1997, relating to the financial statements and
financial highlights of Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund which appears
in such Statement of Additional Information, and to the incorporation by
reference of our report into the Prospectus which constitutes part of this
Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the
headings "Financial Highlights" and "Independent Accountants" in such Prospectus
and to the reference to us under the heading "Independent Accountants" in such
Statement of Additional Information.
/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Houston, Texas
April 24, 1997
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (15)(a)
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION PURSUANT TO RULE 12B-1
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
The plan set forth below (the "Distribution Plan") is the written plan
contemplated by Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), for the VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK
FUND (the "Fund"). This Distribution Plan describes the
material terms and conditions under which assets of the Fund may be used in
connection with financing distribution related activities with respect to each
of its classes of shares of beneficial interest (the "Shares"), each of which
is offered and sold subject to a different combination of front-end sales
charges, distribution fees, service fees and contingent deferred sales
charges.(1) Classes of shares, if any, subject to a front-end sales charge and
a distribution and/or service fee are referred to herein as "Front-End Classes"
and the Shares of such classes are referred to herein as "Front-End Shares."
Classes of shares, if any, subject to a contingent-deferred sales charge and a
distribution and/or a service fee are referred to herein as "CDSC Classes" and
Shares of such classes are referred to herein as "CDSC Shares." Classes of
shares, if any, subject to a front-end sales charge, a contingent-deferred
sales charge and a distribution and/or service fee are referred to herein as
"Combination Classes" and Shares of such class are referred to herein as
"Combination Shares."
The Fund has adopted a service plan (the "Service Plan") pursuant to which
the Fund is authorized to expend on an annual basis a portion of its average
net assets attributable to any or each class of Shares in connection with the
provision by the principal underwriter (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) of
the Shares and by brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries
(collectively, "Financial Intermediaries") of personal services to holders of
Shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Fund also has
entered into a distribution and services agreement (the "Distribution and
Services Agreement") with Van Kampen American Capital Inc. (the "Distributor"),
pursuant to which the Distributor acts as the principal underwriter with
respect to each class of Shares and provides services to the Fund and acts as
agent on behalf of the Fund in connection with the implementation of the
Service Plan. The Distributor may enter into selling agreements (the "Selling
Agreements") with Financial Intermediaries in order to implement the
Distribution and Services Agreement, the Service Plan and this Distribution
Plan.
1. The Fund hereby is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee with
respect to each class of its Shares to compensate the Distributor for
activities which are primarily intended to result in the sale of such Shares
("distribution related activities") performed by the Distributor with respect
to the respective class of Shares of the Fund. Such distribution related
activities include without limitation: (a) printing and distributing copies of
any prospectuses and annual and interim reports of the Fund (after the Fund has
prepared and set in type such materials) that are used by such Distributor in
connection with the offering of Shares; (b) preparing, printing or otherwise
manufacturing and distributing any other literature or materials of any nature
used by such Distributor in connection with promoting, distributing or offering
the Shares; (c) advertising, promoting and selling Shares to broker-dealers,
banks and the public; (d) distribution related overhead and the provision of
information programs and shareholder services intended to enhance the
attractiveness of investing in the Fund; (e) incurring initial outlay expenses
in connection with compensating Financial Intermediaries for (i) selling CDSC
Shares and Combination Shares and (ii) providing personal services to
shareholders and the maintenance of
- ----------------------------
(1) The Fund is authorized to offer multiple classes of shares pursuant to a
Rule 18f-3 Plan adopted under the 1940 Act.
1
<PAGE> 2
shareholder accounts of all classes of Shares, including paying interest
on and incurring other carrying costs on funds borrowed to pay such
initial outlays; and (f) acting as agent for the Fund in connection with
implementing this Distribution Plan pursuant to the Selling Agreements.
2. The amount of the distribution fee hereby authorized with respect to each
class of Shares of the Fund shall be as follows:
3. With respect to Class A Shares, the distribution fee authorized hereby and
the service fee authorized pursuant to the Service Plan, in the aggregate,
shall not exceed on an annual basis 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class A Shares sold on or after the date on which this
Distribution Plan is first implemented with respect to Class A Shares. The
Fund may pay a distribution fee as determined from time to time by its Board of
Trustees in an annual amount not to exceed the lesser of (i) (A) 0.25% of the
Fund's average daily net asset value during such year attributable to Class A
Shares sold on or after the date on which this Distribution Plan was first
implemented with respect to Class A Shares minus (B) the amount of the service
fee with respect to the Class A Shares actually expended during such year by
the Fund pursuant to the Service Plan and (ii) the actual amount of
distribution related expenses incurred by the Distributor with respect to Class
A Shares.
4. With respect to Class B Shares, the distribution fee authorized hereby and
the service fee authorized pursuant to the Service Plan, in the aggregate,
shall not exceed on an annual basis 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class B Shares sold on or after the date on which this
Distribution Plan is first implemented with respect to the Class B Shares. The
Fund may pay a distribution fee with respect to the Class B Shares as
determined from time to time by its Board of Trustees in an annual amount not
to exceed the lesser of (A) 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net asset value
during such year attributable to Class B Shares sold on or after the date on
which this Distribution Plan is first implemented with respect to the Class B
Shares and (B) the actual amount of distribution related expenses incurred by
the Distributor during such year plus prior unreimbursed distribution related
expenses less the amount of any contingent deferred sales charge paid to the
Distributor, in each case with respect to the Class B Shares sold on or after
the date on which this Distribution Plan is first implemented with respect to
the Class B Shares.
5. With respect to Class C Shares, the distribution fee authorized hereby and
the service fee authorized pursuant to the Service Plan, in the aggregate,
shall not exceed on an annual basis 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class C Shares sold on or after the date on which this
Distribution Plan is first implemented with respect to the Class C Shares. The
Fund may pay a distribution fee with respect to the Class C Shares as
determined from time to time by its Board of Trustees in an annual amount not
to exceed the lesser of (A) 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net asset value
during such year attributable to Class C Shares sold on or after the date on
which this Distribution Plan is first implemented with respect to the Class C
Shares and (B) the actual amount of distribution related expenses incurred by
the Distributor during such year plus prior unreimbursed distribution related
expenses less the amount of any contingent deferred sales charge paid to the
Distributor, in each case with respect to the Class C Shares sold on or after
the date on which this Distribution Plan is first implemented with respect to
the Class C Shares.
6. Payments pursuant to this Distribution Plan shall not be made more often
than monthly upon receipt by the Fund of a separate written expense report with
respect to each class of Shares setting forth the expenses qualifying for such
reimbursement allocated to each class of Shares and the purposes thereof.
7. In the event that amounts payable hereunder with respect to shares of a
Front-End Class do not fully reimburse the Distributor for its actual
distribution related expenses with respect to the Shares of such class, there
is no carryforward of reimbursement obligations to succeeding years. In the
event the amounts payable hereunder with respect to shares of a CDSC Class or a
Combination Class do not fully reimburse the Distributor for its actual
distribution related expenses with respect to the Shares of the respective
class, such unreimbursed distribution expenses will be carried forward and paid
by the Fund hereunder in future years so long as this Distribution Plan remains
in effect, subject to applicable laws
2
<PAGE> 3
and regulations. Reimbursements for distribution related expenses payable
hereunder with respect to a particular class of Shares may not be used to
subsidize the sale of Shares of any other class of Shares.
8. The Fund shall not compensate the Distributor, and neither the Fund nor the
Distributor shall compensate any Financial Intermediary, for any distribution
related expenses incurred with respect to a class of Shares prior to the later
of (a) the implementation of this Distribution Plan with respect to such class
of Shares or (b) the date that such Financial Intermediary enters into a
Selling Agreement with the Distributor.
9. The Fund hereby authorizes the Distributor to enter into Selling Agreements
with certain Financial Intermediaries to provide compensation to such Financial
Intermediaries for activities and services of the type referred to in Paragraph
1 hereof. Prior to the implementation of a Selling Agreement, such agreement
shall be approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and a
majority of the Disinterested Trustees (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) by
a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
Selling Agreements. The Distributor may reallocate all or a portion of its
distribution fee to such Financial Intermediaries as compensation for the
above-mentioned activities and services. Such reallocation shall be in an
amount as set forth from time to time in the Fund's prospectus. Such Selling
Agreements shall provide that the Financial Intermediaries shall provide the
Distributor with such information as is reasonably necessary to permit the
Distributor to comply with the reporting requirements set forth in Paragraphs 3
and 8 hereof.
10. Subject to the provisions of this Distribution Agreement, the Fund is
hereby authorized to pay a distribution fee to any person that is not an
"affiliated person" or "interested person" of the Fund or its "investment
adviser" or "principal underwriter" (as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act)
who provides any of the foregoing services for the Fund. Such fee shall be
paid only pursuant to written agreements between the Fund and such other person
the terms of which permit payments to such person only in accordance with the
provisions of this Distribution Agreement and which have the approval of a
majority of the Disinterested Trustees by vote cast separately with respect to
each class of Shares and cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such written agreement.
11. The Fund and the Distributor shall prepare separate written reports for
each class of Shares and shall submit such reports to the Fund's Board of
Trustees on a quarterly basis summarizing all payments made by them with
respect to each class of Shares pursuant to this Distribution Plan, the Service
Plan and the agreements contemplated hereby, the purposes for which such
payments were made and such other information as the Board of Trustees or the
Disinterested Trustees may reasonably request from time to time, and the Board
of Trustees shall review such reports and other information.
12. This Distribution Plan shall become effective upon its approval by (a) a
majority of the Board of Trustees and a majority of the Disinterested Trustees
by vote cast separately with respect to each class of Shares cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Distribution Plan, and (b)
with respect to each class of Shares, a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" (as such phrase is defined in the 1940 Act) of such class of Shares
voting separately as a class.
13. This Distribution Plan and any agreement contemplated hereby shall continue
in effect beyond the first anniversary of its adoption by the Board of Trustees
of the Fund only so long as (a) its continuation is approved at least annually
in the manner set forth in clause (a) of paragraph 9 above and (b) the
selection and nomination of those trustees of the Fund who are not "interested
persons" of the Fund are committed to the discretion of such trustees.
14. This Distribution Plan may be terminated with respect to a class of Shares
without penalty at any time by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or by a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the respective class of
Shares of the Fund.
15. This Distribution Plan may not be amended to increase materially the
maximum amounts permitted to be expended hereunder except with the approval of
a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the respective class of
Shares of the Fund and may not be amended in any other material
3
<PAGE> 4
respect except with the approval of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.
Amendments required to conform this Distribution Plan to changes in the Rule
or to other changes in the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder
shall not be deemed to be material amendments.
16. To the extent any service fees paid by the Fund pursuant to the Service
Plan are deemed to be payments for the financing of any activity primarily
intended to result in the sale of Shares issued by the Fund within the meaning
of the Rule, the terms and provisions of such plan and any payments made
pursuant to such plan hereby are authorized pursuant to this Distribution Plan
in the amounts and for the purposes authorized in the Service Plan without any
further action by the Board of Trustees or the shareholders of the Fund. To
the extent the terms and provisions of the Service Plan conflict with the terms
and provisions of this Distribution Plan, the terms and provisions of the
Service Plan shall prevail with respect to amounts payable pursuant thereto.
This paragraph 13 is adopted solely due to the uncertainty that may exist with
respect to whether payments to be made by the Fund pursuant to the Service Plan
constitute payments primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares issued
by the Fund within the meaning of the Rule.
17. The Trustees of the Trust have adopted this Distribution Plan as trustees
under the Declaration of Trust of the Trust and the policies of the Trust
adopted hereby are not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders of the
Trust individually, but bind only the trust estate.
4
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (15)(b)
FORM OF
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
SHAREHOLDER ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into as of the _____day of _____, 199__, by and
between Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. (the "Company") and the
undersigned (the "Broker-Dealer").
WHEREAS, the Company is the principal underwriter of the open-end
investment companies listed on Schedule 1 to this Agreement (hereinafter
individually the "Fund" or collectively the "Funds"); and
WHEREAS, the Broker-Dealer is registered as a broker-dealer with the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, each respective Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the
"Distribution Plan") and a service plan (the "Service Plan") pursuant to Rule
12b-1 (the "Rule") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"), relating to such Fund, the Distribution Plans being described in
the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information; and
WHEREAS, each respective Fund's Distribution Plans authorize the Company
to enter into distribution assistance agreements such as this Agreement with
broker-dealers selected by the Company, and the Broker-Dealer has been so
selected; and
WHEREAS, each respective Fund's Distribution Plans authorize the Company
to make payments at a rate specified in an agreement such as this Agreement
varying directly with the aggregate average daily net asset value of shares of
each respective Fund sold by such broker-dealer on or after the effective date
of this Agreement, as determined pursuant to Section 4 hereof, and held at the
close of each day in accounts of clients or customers of a particular
broker-dealer, such amount being referred to herein as the "Holding Level"; for
purposes of calculating the Holding Level, shares of such Fund which are
redeemed or otherwise disposed of from any account existing prior to such
effective date shall be deemed to have been shares sold prior to such effective
date to the extent of the number of shares held in such account immediately
after the close of business on the day prior to such effective date; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement is a "related agreement" to the Distribution Plan
as that term is used in the Rule and is subject to all of the provisions of the
Rule as to such agreements;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Broker-Dealer agree as follows:
1. Subject to continuing compliance with its obligations pursuant to
Section 2 hereof, the Broker-Dealer shall be entitled distribution fee and
service fee to payments, if any, to be paid by the Company at the annual
percentage rate of the Holding Level set forth from time to time in the then
current Prospectus of the Fund on a quarterly basis (prorated for any portion
of such period during which this Agreement is in effect for less than the full
amount of such period); it is understood and agreed that the Company may make
final and binding determinations as to whether such continuing compliance and
as to whether or not any Fund shares are to be considered in determining the
Holding Level of any particular broker-dealer and what Fund shares, if any, are
to be attributed to such purpose to a particular broker-dealer, to a different
broker-dealer or to no broker-dealer. Payments shall be made to the
Broker-Dealer named above and portions of the payments may be, in the
discretion of the Broker-Dealer,
1
<PAGE> 2
paid over to individual registered representatives of said Broker-Dealer to
whom there have been assigned accounts of clients or customers of the
Broker-Dealer with respect to which the respective Holding Level was determined.
2. The distribution fee payments with respect to a class of the Fund's
shares to be made in accordance with Section 1 hereof, if any, shall be paid to
the Broker-Dealer as compensation for selling shares of the respective class.
3. In consideration for the service fee payments to be made in accordance
with Section 1 hereof, the Broker-Dealer shall provide to its clients or
customers who hold shares of each respective Fund with respect to which
payments to the Broker-dealer may be made under such Fund's Distribution Plan
such services and other assistance as may from time to time be reasonably
requested by the Company, including but not limited to answering inquiries
regarding the Fund, providing information programs regarding the fund, assisting
in selected dividend payment options, account designations and addresses and
maintaining the investment of such customer or client in the Fund.
4. The Company shall have the right at any time and from time to time
without notice to the Broker-Dealer to amend its Prospectus with respect to the
amount of the service free and the amount of the distribution fee to be paid
pursuant hereto. Such amendments shall be effective as of the date of the
amended Prospectus.
5. This Agreement shall go into effect on the later of the date set forth
above or the date on which it is approved by a vote of each Fund's Board of
Directors (or Trustees, as the case may be), and of those Directors/Trustees
(the "Qualified Directors/Trustees") who are not interested persons (as defined
in the 1940 Act), of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest
in the operations of the Distribution Plan or any agreement related to the
Distribution Plan cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting
on this Agreement and shall continue in effect (unless terminated) until the
June 30th next succeeding such effective date and will continue thereafter only
if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner
heretofore specified for initial approval. This agreement will terminate
automatically in the event of its assignment (as that term is used in the Rule)
or if the Distribution Plan is terminated. This Agreement may also be
terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on sixty (60) days
written notice to the Broker-dealer, by vote of a majority of the Qualified
Directors/Trustees or by vote of a majority (as that term is used in the Rule)
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the date first above
written.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
- -------------------------- DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Broker-dealer Firm Name
- -------------------------- By:
Firm Address -------------------------
Senior Vice President
By:
-----------------------
Title:
--------------------
2
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (15)(c)
FORM OF
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into as of the ____ day of ____, 19__, by and
between Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. (the "Company") and the
undersigned (the "Intermediary").
WHEREAS, the Company is the principal underwriter of the open-end
investment companies listed on Schedule 1 to this Agreement (hereinafter
individually the "Fund" or collectively the "Funds"); and
WHEREAS, each respective Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the
"Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and a Service Plan (the
"Service Plan") relating to such Fund, the Distribution Plans being described
in the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information; and
WHEREAS, each respective Fund's Distribution Plans authorize the Company
to enter into distribution services agreements such as this Agreement with
certain financial intermediaries selected by the Company, and the Intermediary
has been so selected; and
WHEREAS, each respective Fund's Distribution Plans authorize the Company
to make payments at a rate specified in an agreement such as this Agreement
varying directly with the aggregate average daily net asset value of shares of
each respective Fund sold by such financial intermediary on or after the
effective date of this Agreement, as determined pursuant to Section 4 hereof,
and held at the close of each day in accounts of clients or customers of
particular intermediary, such amount being referred to herein as the "Holding
Level"; for purposes of calculating the Holding Level, shares of such Fund
which are redeemed or otherwise disposed of from any account existing prior to
such effective date shall be deemed to have been shares sold prior to such
effective date to the extent of the number of shares held in such account
immediately after the close of business on the day prior to such effective
date; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement is a "related agreement" to the Distribution Plan
as that term is used in the Rule and is subject to all of the provisions of the
Rule as to such agreements;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Intermediary agree as follows:
1. Subject to continuing compliance with its obligations pursuant to
Section 2 hereof, the Intermediary shall be entitled to distribution fee and
service fee payments, if any, to be paid by the Company with respect to each
class of the Fund's shares at the annual percentage rate of the Holding Level
set forth from time to time in the then current Prospect of the Fund on a
quarterly basis (prorated for any portion of such period during which this
Agreement is in effect for less than the full amount of such period); it is
understood and agreed that the Company may make final and binding
determinations as to whether such continuing compliance and as to whether or
not any Fund shares are to be considered in determining the Holding Level of
any particular financial intermediary and what Fund shares, if any, are to be
attributed to such purpose to a particular financial intermediary, to a
different financial intermediary or to no financial intermediary.
1
<PAGE> 2
2. The distribution fee payments with respect to a class of the Fund's
shares to be made in accordance with Section 1 hereof, if any, shall be paid to
the Broker-Dealer as compensation for selling shares of the respective class.
3. In consideration for the service fee payments to be made in accordance
with Section 1 hereof, the Intermediary shall provide to its clients or
customers who hold shares of each respective Fund with respect to which
payments to the Intermediary may be made under such Fund's Distribution Plan
such services and other assistance as may from time to time be reasonably
requested by the Company, including but not limited to answering inquiries
regarding the Fund, providing information programs regarding the Fund,
assisting in selected dividend payment options, account designations and
addresses and maintaining the investment of such customer or client in the
Fund.
4. The Company shall have the right at any time and from time to time
without notice to the Broker-Dealer to amend its Prospectus with respect to the
amount of the service free and the amount of the distribution fee to be paid
pursuant hereto. Such amendments shall be effective as of the date of the
amended Prospectus.
5. This Agreement shall go into effect on the later of the date set forth
above or the date on which it is approved by a vote of each Fund's Board of
Directors (or Trustees, as the case may be) and of those Directors/Trustees
(the "Qualified Directors/Trustees") who are not interested persons (as defined
in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest
in the operations of the Distribution Plan or any agreement related to the
Distribution Plan cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting
on this Agreement and shall continue in effect (unless terminated) until the
June 30th next succeeding such effective date and will continue thereafter only
if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner
heretofore specified for initial approval. This agreement will terminate
automatically in the event of its assignment (as that term is used in the Rule)
or if the Distribution Plan is terminated. This Agreement may also be
terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on sixty (60) days
written notice to the Intermediary, by vote of a majority of the Qualified
Directors/Trustees or by vote of a majority (as that term is used in the Rule)
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the date first above
written.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By:
- ------------------------ ----------------------
Intermediary Senior Vice President
- ------------------------
Address
By:
---------------------
Title
2
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (15)(d)
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
SERVICE PLAN
The plan set forth below (the "Service Plan") for the VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN
CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND (the "Fund"), describes the material terms and
conditions under which assets of the Fund may be used to compensate the
Fund's principal underwriter, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), brokers, dealers and other financial
intermediaries (collectively "Financial Intermediaries") for providing personal
services to shareholders and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts with
respect to each of its Class A Shares of beneficial interest (the "Class A
Shares"), its Class B Shares of beneficial interest (the "Class B Shares"), and
its Class C Shares of beneficial interest (the "Class C Shares") The Class A
Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares sometimes are referred to herein
collectively as the "Shares." Each class of Shares is offered and sold subject
to a different combination of front-end sales charges, distribution fees,
service fees and contingent deferred sales charges.(1) Classes of shares, if
any, subject to a front-end sales charge and a distribution and/or service fee
are referred to herein as "Front-End Classes" and the Shares of such classes
are referred to herein as "Front-End Shares." Classes of shares, if any,
subject to a contingent-deferred sales charge and a distribution and or a
service fee are referred to herein as "CDSC Classes" and Shares of such classes
are referred to herein as "CDSC Shares." Classes of shares, if any, subject to
a front-end sales charge, a contingent-deferred sales charge and a distribution
and/or service fee are referred to herein as "Combination Classes" and Shares
of such class are referred to herein as "Combination Shares."
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the "Distribution Plan")
pursuant to which the Fund is authorized to expend on an annual basis a portion
of its average net assets attributable to each class of Shares in connection
with financing distribution related activities. The Fund also has entered into
a distribution and services agreement (the "Distribution and Services
Agreement") with Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. (the
"Distributor"), pursuant to which the Distributor acts as agent on behalf of
the Fund in connection with the implementation of the Service Plan and acts as
the principal underwriter with respect to each class of Shares. The
Distributor may enter into selling agreements (the "Selling Agreements") with
brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries ("Financial
Intermediaries") in order to implement the Distribution Agreement, the
Distribution Plan and this Service Plan.
1. The Fund hereby is authorized to pay a service fee with respect to its Class
A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares to any person who sells such Shares
and provides personal services to shareholders and/or maintains shareholder
accounts in an annual amount not to exceed 0.25% of the average annual net
asset value of the Shares maintained in the Fund by such person that were sold
on or after the date on which this Service Plan was first implemented. The
aggregate annual amount of all such payments with respect to each such class of
Shares may not exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average annual net assets
attributable to the respective class of Shares sold on or after the date on
which this Service Plan was first implemented and maintained in the Fund more
than one year.
2. Payments pursuant to this Service Plan may be paid or prepaid on behalf of
the Fund by the Distributor acting as the Fund's agent.
- --------------------------------
(1) The Fund is authorized to offer multiple classes of shares pursuant to a
Rule 18f-3 Plan adopted under the 1940 Act.
1
<PAGE> 2
3. Payments by the Fund to the Distributor pursuant to this Service Plan shall
not be made more often than monthly upon receipt by the Fund of a separate
written expense report with respect to each class of Shares setting forth the
expenses qualifying for such reimbursement allocated to each class of Shares
and the purposes thereof.
4. In the event that amounts payable hereunder with respect to a class of
Shares do not fully reimburse the Distributor for pre-paid service fees, such
unreimbursed service fee expenses will be carried forward and paid by the Fund
hereunder in future years so long as this Service Plan remains in effect,
subject to applicable laws and regulations. Reimbursements for service fee
related expenses payable hereunder with respect to a particular class of Shares
may not be used to subsidize services provided with respect to any other class
of Shares.
5. The Fund shall not compensate the Distributor, and neither the Fund nor the
Distributor shall compensate any Financial Intermediary, for any service
related expenses incurred with respect to a class of Shares prior to the later
of (a) the implementation of this Service Plan with respect to such class of
Shares or (b) the date that such Financial Intermediary enters into a Selling
Agreement with the Distributor.
6. The Fund hereby authorizes the Distributor to enter into Selling Agreements
with certain Financial Intermediaries to provide compensation to such Financial
Intermediaries for activities and services of the type referred to in Paragraph
1 hereof. Prior to the implementation of a Selling Agreement, such agreement
shall be approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and a
majority of the Disinterested Trustees (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) by
a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
Selling Agreements. Such Selling Agreements shall provide that the Financial
Intermediaries shall provide the Distributor with such information as is
reasonably necessary to permit the Distributor to comply with the reporting
requirements set forth in Paragraphs 3 and 8 hereof.
7. Subject to the provisions of this Service Agreement, the Fund is hereby
authorized to pay a service fee to any person that is not an "affiliated
person" or "interested person" of the Fund or its "investment adviser" or
"principal underwriter" (as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act) who
provides any of the foregoing services for the Fund. Such fee shall be paid
only pursuant to written agreements between the Fund and such other person the
terms of which permit payments to such person only in accordance with the
provisions of this Service Agreement and which have the approval of a majority
of the Disinterested Trustees by vote cast separately with respect to each
class of Shares and cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such written agreement.
8. The Fund and the Distributor shall prepare separate written reports for each
class of Shares and shall submit such reports to the Fund's Board of Trustees
on a quarterly basis summarizing all payments made by them with respect to each
class of Shares pursuant to this Service Plan and the agreements contemplated
hereby, the purposes for which such payments were made and such other
information as the Board of Trustees or the Disinterested Trustees may
reasonably request from time to time, and the Board of Trustees shall review
such reports and other information.
9. This Service Plan may be terminated with respect to a class of Shares
without penalty at any time by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or by a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the respective class of
Shares of the Fund.
10. This Service Plan shall become effective upon its approval by (a) a
majority of the Board of Trustees and a majority of the Disinterested Trustees
by vote cast separately with respect to each class of Shares cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Distribution Plan, and (b)
with respect to each class of Shares, a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" (as such phrase is defined in the 1940 Act) of such class of Shares
voting separately as a class.
11. This Service Plan and any agreement contemplated hereby shall continue in
effect beyond the first anniversary of its adoption by the Board of Trustees of
the Fund only so long as (a) its continuation
2
<PAGE> 3
is approved at least annually in the manner set forth in clause (a) of paragraph
10 above and (b) the selection and nomination of those trustees of the Fund who
are not "interested persons" of the Fund are committed to the discretion of such
trustees.
12. This Service Plan may not be amended to increase materially the maximum
amounts permitted to be expended hereunder except with the approval of a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the respective class of
Shares of the Fund. This Service Plan may not be amended in any material
respect except with the approval of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.
Amendments required to conform this Service Plan to changes in Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or the Rules of Fair
Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. shall not be
deemed to be material amendments.
The Trustees of the Trust have adopted this Service Plan as trustees under
the Declaration of Trust of the Trust and the policies of the Trust adopted
hereby are not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders of the Trust
individually, but bind only the trust estate.
3
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (16)
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS A SHARES
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION ONE YEAR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,152.87 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/96 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 15.29% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,223.43 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/96 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 22.34% = T
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION FIVE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,757.67 = ERV
Five years ended 12/31/96 5 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 11.94% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,864.98 = ERV
Five years ended 12/31/96 5 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 13.28% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 2
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS A SHARES
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION TEN YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $3,352.53 = ERV
Ten years ended 12/31/96 10 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 12.86% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $3,556.95 = ERV
Ten years ended 12/31/96 10 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 13.53% = T
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION INCEPTION THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1996
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $25,115.20 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/96 28.24 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 12.09% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $26,634.15 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/96 28.24 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 12.32% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS A SHARES
NON-STANDARDIZED CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION
INCEPTION THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula ERV - P
--------
P = T
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $25,115.20 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 2,411.52% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $14.79
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $26,634.15 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 2,563.42% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS B SHARES
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION ONE YEAR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.80
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,163.85 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/96 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 16.39% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.80
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,213.85 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/96 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 21.39% = T
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION INCEPTION THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1996
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.80
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,776.08 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/96 4.20 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 14.66% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.80
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,788.68 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/96 4.20 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 14.85% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 5
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS B SHARES
NON-STANDARDIZED CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION
INCEPTION THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula ERV - P
---------
P = T
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.80
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,776.08 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 77.61% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.80
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,788.68 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 78.87% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 6
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS C SHARES
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION ONE YEAR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.81
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,203.84 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/96 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 20.38% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.81
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,213.84 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/96 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 21.38% = T
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION INCEPTION THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1996
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.81
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,584.84 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/96 3.18 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 15.58% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.81
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,584.84 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/96 3.18 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 15.58% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 7
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS C SHARES
NON-STANDARDIZED CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION
INCEPTION THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula ERV - P
---------
P = T
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.81
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,584.84 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 58.48% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $14.81
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,584.84 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 58.48% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (17)(a)
INVESTMENT COMPANIES FOR WHICH
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS INC.
ACTS AS PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER OR DEPOSITOR
APRIL 4, 1997
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Tax Free Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free High Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital California Insured Tax Free Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Municipal Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Intermediate Term Municipal Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Florida Insured Tax Free Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital New York Tax Free Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Trust
Van Kampen American Capital High Yield Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Short-Term Global Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Strategic Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Utility Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Value Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Great American Companies Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Growth Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Prospector Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Aggressive Growth Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Foreign Securities Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Money Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Prime Rate Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Corporate Bond Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Emerging Growth Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Enterprise Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Limited Maturity Government Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Global Managed Assets Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Government Securities Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Government Target Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Harbor Fund
Van Kampen American Capital High Income Corporate Bond Fund
<PAGE> 2
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Enterprise Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Domestic Income Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Emerging Growth Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Global Equity Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Government Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Money Market Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Asset Allocation Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Real Estate Securities Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Pace Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Real Estate Securities Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Tax -Exempt Trust
Van Kampen American Capital High Yield Municipal Fund
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income
Van Kampen American Capital World Portfolio Series Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Global Equity Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Global Government Securities Fund
Internet Trust
Michigan Real Estate Income and Growth Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Income Trust (Intermediate)
Strategic Ten Trust, United States
Strategic Ten Trust, United Kingdom
Strategic Ten Trust, Hong Kong
Strategic Five Trust, United States
Global Fifteen Trust
Global Thirty Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust
Great International Firms Trust
Gruntal & Co. Incorporated Undervalued Growth Opportunities Trust
Principal Trust Princor Emerging Growth and Treasury
International Assets Advisory Corporation Global Blue Chip Trust
Renaissance Trust
Mississippi Insured Municipal Trust
Blue Chip Opportunity and Treasury Trust
Wheat First Butcher Singer Wheat First Strategic Opportunity Unit Trust
Baby Boomer Opportunity Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Utility Income Trust
Global Energy Trust
Michigan Select Trust
International Assets Advisory Corp. Latin American Trust
Brand Name Equity Trust
Aggressive Growth Series Global Health Care Trust
Global Precious Metals Trust
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Emerging Markets Municipal Income Trust Series 1
Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 387
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Discount) Series 5 through 13
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Short Intermediate Term) Series 1 through 106 1009
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Term) Series 5 through 89
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Limited Term) Series 9 through 86
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series) Series 1 through 3
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered Maturity) Series 1 and 2
Insured Tax Free Bond Trust Series 1 through 6
Insured Tax Free Bond Trust (Limited Term) Series 1
Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 93
Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust-Intermediate Series 1
Investors' Corporate Income Trust Series 1 through 12
Investors' Governmental Securities Income Trust Series 1 through 7
Van Kampen Merritt International Bond Income Trust Series 1 through 21
Alabama Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1
Alabama Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 9
Arizona Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 16
Arizona Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 18
Arkansas Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 2
Arkansas Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1
California Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 164
California Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series) Series 1
California Insured Municipals Income Trust (1st Intermediate Series) Series 1 through 3
California Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 21
California Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered) Series 1 through 22
Colorado Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 83
Colorado Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 18
Connecticut Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 34
Connecticut Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1
Delaware Investor's Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 and 2
Florida Insured Municipal Income Trust - Intermediate Series 1 and 2
Florida Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 113
Florida Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 and 2
Florida Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered) Series 1 through 13
Georgia Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 83
Georgia Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 16
Hawaii Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1
Indiana Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1
Investors' Quality Municipals Trust (AMT) Series 1 through 9
Kansas Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 11
Kentucky Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 59
Louisiana Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 17
Maine Investor's Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1
Maryland Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 81
Massachusetts Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 34
Massachusetts Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series) Series 1
Michigan Financial Institutions Trust Series 1
Michigan Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 143
Michigan Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series) Series 1
Michigan Insured Municipals Income Trust (1st Intermediate Series) Series 1 through 3
Michigan Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 30
Michigan Select Trust Series 1
Minnesota Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 60
Minnesota Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 21
Mississippi Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1
Missouri Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 100
Missouri Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series) Series 1
Missouri Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 15
Missouri Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered Maturity) Series 1
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Nebraska Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 9
New Mexico Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 18
New Jersey Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 118
New Jersey Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 22
New Jersey Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered Maturity) Series 1 and 4
New York Insured Municipals Income Trust-Intermediate Series 1 through 6
New York Insured Municipals Income Trust (Limited Term) Series 1
New York Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 140
New York Insured Tax-Free Bond Trust Series 1
New York Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered Maturity) Series 1 through 17
New York Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1
North Carolina Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 91
Ohio Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 106
Ohio Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series) Series 1 and 2
Ohio Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Term) Series 1
Ohio Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered Maturity) Series 3 through 6
Ohio Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 16
Oklahoma Insured Municipal Income Trust Series 1 through 17
Oregon Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 53
Pennsylvania Insured Municipals Income Trust - Intermediate Series 1 through 6
Pennsylvania Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 228
Pennsylvania Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series) Series 1
Pennsylvania Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 14
South Carolina Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 85
Stepstone Growth Equity and Treasury Securities Trust Series 1
Tennessee Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1-3 and 5-39
Texas Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 40
Texas Insured Municipal Income Trust (Intermediate Ladder) Series 1
Virginia Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust Series 1 through 76
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust Series 1 through 54
Van Kampen American Capital Utility Income Trust Series 1 through 8
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Income Trust Series 1 through 64
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Income Trust (Intermediate Term) Series 1 through 62
Van Kampen Merritt Select Equity Trust Series 1
Van Kampen Merritt Select Equity and Treasury Trust Series 1
Washington Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1
West Virginia Insured Municipals Income Trust Series 1 through 7
Principal Financial Institutions Trust Series 1
Internet Trust Series 1 through 5
Michigan Real Estate Income and Growth Trust Series 1
Strategic Ten Trust, United States Series 1 through 14
Strategic Ten Trust, United Kingdom Series 1 through 12
Strategic Ten Trust, Hong Kong Series 1 through 12
Strategic Five Trust, United States Series 1 through 8
Global Fifteen Trust Series 1 through 2
Global Thirty Trust Series 1 through 3
Great International Firms Trust Series 1 through 3
Undervalued Growth Opportunities Trust Series 1
Emerging Growth and Treasury Series 1
Global Blue Chip Trust Series 1
Renaissance Trust Series 1
Blue Chip Opportunity and Treasury Trust Series 1 through 4
Wheat First Strategic Opportunity Unit Trust Series 1
Baby Boomer Opportunity Trust Series 1 through 2
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 17 (b)
Officers
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OFFICE LOCATION
- ---- ------ --------
<S> <C> <C>
Don G. Powell Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Houston, TX
William R. Molinari President & Chief Operating Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Officer
Ronald A. Nyberg Executive Vice President, General Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Counsel & Assistant Secretary
William R. Rybak Executive Vice President & Chief Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Financial Officer
Paul R. Wolkenberg Executive Vice President Houston, TX
Robert A. Broman Sr. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Gary R. DeMoss Sr. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Keith K. Furlong Sr. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Douglas B. Gehrman Sr. Vice President Houston, TX
Richard D. Humphrey Sr. Vice President Houston, TX
D. Bruce Johnston Sr. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Scott E. Martin Sr. Vice President, Deputy General Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Counsel & Secretary
Mark T. McGannon Sr. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Charles G. Millington Sr. Vice President & Treasurer Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Robert S. West Sr. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
John H. Zimmermann, III Sr. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Dominic C. Martellaro 1st Vice President Danville, CA
Mark R. McClure 1st Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
James J. Ryan 1st Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Michael L. Stallard 1st Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Patrick J. Woelfel 1st Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Laurence J. Althoff Vice President & Controller Oakbrook Terrace, IL
James K. Ambrosio Vice President Massapequa, NY
Brian P. Arcara Vice President Buffalo, NY
Sheldon Barker Vice President Moon, PA
Patricia A. Bettlach Vice President Chesterfield, MO
Carol S. Biegel Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Christopher M. Bisaillon Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
James J. Boyne Vice President, Associate General Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Counsel & Assistant Secretary
Michael P. Boos Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Robert C. Brooks Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Brooksley Burke Vice President Marina Del Ray, CA
William F. Burke, Jr. Vice President Mendham, NJ
Loren Burket Vice President Plymouth, MN
Christine Cleary Burum Vice President Tampa, FL
Glenn M. Cackovic Vice President Laguna Niguel, CA
Joseph N. Caggiano Vice President New York, NY
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 2
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Richard J. Charlino Vice President Houston, TX
Deanna Margaret Chiaro Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Scott A. Chriske Vice President Plano, TX
Eleanor M. Cloud Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Dominick Cocliandro Vice President & Asst. Treasurer New York, NY
Michael Colston Vice President Louisville, KY
Suzanne Cummings Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Ken DeFrancesca Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Daniel R. DeJong Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Tracey M. DeLusant Vice President New York, NY
Mark B. Doremus Vice President Houston, TX
Michael E. Eccleston Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Jonathan Eckard Vice President Tampa, FL
Charles Edward Fisher Vice President Naperville, IL
William J. Fow Vice President Redding, CT
Nicholas J. Foxhoven Vice President Englewood, CO
Charles Friday Vice President Gibsonia, PA
Erich P. Gerth Vice President Piedmont, CA
Richard G. Golod Vice President Annapolis, MD
Timothy D. Griffith Vice President Kirkland, WA
Kyle D. Haas Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Daniel Hamilton Vice President Austin, TX
John A. Hanhauser Vice President Philadelphia, PA
John G. Hansen Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Eric J. Hargens Vice President Orlando, FL
Calvin B. Hays Vice President Richmond, VA
Joseph Hays Vice President Cherry Hill, NJ
Gergory Heffington Vice President Ft. Collins, CO
Scott F. Heyer Vice President Tampa, Fl
Susan J. Hill Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
David S. Hogaboom Vice President Oakbrooke, IL
Bryn M. Hoggard Vice President Houston, TX
Robert S. Hunt Vice President Phoenix, MD
Lowell Jackson Vice President Norcross, GA
Kevin G. Jajuga Vice President Baltimore, MD
Jeffrey S. Kinney Vice President Overland Park, KS
Dana R. Klein Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Ann Marie Klingenhagen Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Frederick Kohly Vice President Miami, FL
David R. Kowalski Vice President & Director Oakbrook Terrace, IL
of Compliance
Richard D. Kozlowski Vice President Atlanta, GA
Thomas W. Knowles Vice President Cary, NC
Patricia D. Lathrop Vice President Tampa, FL
Brian Laux Vice President Statten Island, NY
S. William Lehew III Vice President Charlotte, NC
Tony E. Leal Vice President Daphne, AL
Eric Levinson Vice President San Francisco, CA
Jonathan Listra Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Walter Lynn Vice President Flower Mound, TX
Richard M. Lundgren Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Kevin S. Marsh Vice President Bellevue, WA
Carl Mayfield Vice President Lakewood, CO
Brooks D. McCartney Vice President Puyallup, WA
Anne Therese McGrath Vice President Los Gatos, CA
John Mills Vice President Kenner, LA
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Ted Morrow Vice President Dallas, TX
Robert Muller, JR. Vice President Cypress, TX
Michael D. Ossmen Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Christopher Petrungaro Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Anthony Piazza Vice President Old Bridge, NJ
Ronald E. Pratt Vice President Marietta, GA
Craig S. Prichard Vice President Fairlawn, OH
Daniel D. Reams Vice President Royal Oak, MI
Walter E. Rein Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Michael W. Rohr Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Suzette N. Rothberg Vice President Plymouth, MN
Jeffrey Rourke Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Thomas Rowley Vice President St. Louis, MO
Heather R. Sabo Vice President Richmond, VA
Stephanie Scarlata Vice President Bedford Corners, NY
Ronald J. Schuster Vice President Tampa, FL
Jeffrey C. Shirk Vice President Swampscott, MA
Kimberly M. Spangler Vice President Fairfax, VA
Darren D. Stabler Vice President Phoenix, AZ
Christopher J. Staniforth Vice President Leawood, KS
Gary R. Steele Vice President Philadelphia, PA
Richard Stefanec Vice President Los Angeles, CA
Jamesdd D. Stevens Vice President North Andover, MA
William C. Strafford Vice President Granger, IN
Eric Studer Vice President Flemington, NJ
David A. Tabone Vice President Scottsdale, AZ
James C. Taylor Vice President Naperville, IL
John F. Tierney Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Curtis L. Ulvestad Vice President Red Wing, MN
Tood Volkman Vice President Austin, TX
Christopher Walsh Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Jeff Warland Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Sandra A. Waterworth Vice President and Assistant Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Secretary
Weston B. Wetherell Vice President, Assoc. General Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Counsel & Asst. Secretary
Harold Whitworth, III Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Kirk Wiggins Vice President Arlington, TX
James R. Yount Vice President Mercer Island, WA
Patrick M. Zacchea Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Billie J. Bronaugh Asst. Vice President Houston, TX
Nicholas Dalmaso Asst. Vice President & Asst. Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Secretary
Huey P. Falgout, Jr. Asst. Vice President & Asst. Secretary Houston, TX
Walter C. Gray Asst. Vice President Houston, TX
Michael B. Kollins Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Laurie L. Jones Asst. Vice President Houston, TX
Ivan R. Lowe Asst. Vice President Houston, TX
Linda S. MacAyeal Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Stuart R. Moehlman Asst. Vice President Houston, TX
Gregory S. Parker Asst. Vice President Houston, TX
David B. Partain Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Christine K. Putong Asst. Vice President & Asst. Secretary Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Michael Quinn Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
David P. Robbins Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Thomas J. Sauerborn Asst. Vice President New York, NY
Bruce Saxon Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Andrew J. Scherer Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Traci T. Tighe Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
David H. Villarreal Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Robert A. Watson Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Natalie Wilson Asst. Vice President New York, NY
Barbara A. Withers Asst. Vice President Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Gina M. Costello Asst. Secretary Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Cathy Napoli Asst. Secretary Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Elizabeth M. Brown Officer Houston, TX
John Browning Officer Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Leticia George Officer Houston, TX
Sarah Kessler Officer Oakbrook Terrace, IL
William D. McLaughlin Officer Houston, TX
Becky Newman Officer Houston, TX
Rosemary Pretty Officer Houston, TX
Colette Saucedo Officer Houston, TX
Frederick Shepherd Officer Houston, TX
Larry Vickrey Officer Houston, TX
John Yovanovic Officer Houston, TX
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (18)
AMENDED
MULTI-CLASS PLAN
FOR
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL FAMILY OF FUNDS
This Plan is adopted pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Act to provide
for the issuance and distribution of multiple classes of shares by each of the
Funds in accordance with the terms, procedures and conditions set forth below.
A majority of the Trustees of the Funds, including a majority of the Trustees
who are not interested persons of the Funds within the meaning of the Act,
found this Multi-Class Plan, including the expense allocations, to be in the
best interest of each Fund and each Class of Shares of each Fund. The Fund
adopted this Plan on January 26, 1996 and amended the Plan as of January 1,
1997.
A. Definitions. As used herein, the terms set forth below shall have the
meanings ascribed to them below.
1. The Act - Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
2. CDSC - contingent deferred sales charge.
3. CDSC Period - the period of years following acquisition during
which Shares are assessed a CDSC upon redemption.
4. Class - a class of Shares of a Fund.
5. Class A Shares - shall have the meaning ascribed in Section B. 1.
6. Class B Shares - shall have the meaning ascribed in Section B. 1.
7. Class C Shares - shall have the meaning ascribed in Section B. 1.
8. Distribution Expenses - expenses incurred in activities which are
primarily intended to result in the distribution and sale of
Shares as defined in a Plan of Distribution and/or board
resolutions.
9. Distribution Fee - a fee paid by a Fund to the Distributor in
reimbursement of Distribution Expenses.
10. Distributor - Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
11. Fund - an investment company listed on Exhibit A hereto and each
series thereof.
12. Money Market Fund - Van Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund or
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Money Market Fund.
<PAGE> 2
13. Plan of Distribution - Any plan adopted under Rule 12b-1 under the
Act with respect to payment of a Distribution Fee.
14. Service Fee - a fee paid to financial intermediaries for the
ongoing provision of personal services to Fund shareholders and/or
the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
15. Share - a share of beneficial interest in a Fund.
16. Trustees - the trustees of a Fund.
B. Classes. Each Fund may offer three Classes as follows:
1. Class A Shares. Class A Shares shall be offered at net asset
value plus a front-end sales charge as approved from time to
time by the Trustees and set forth in the Funds' prospectus,
which may be reduced or eliminated for Money Market Funds,
larger purchases, under a combined purchase privilege, under a
right of accumulation, under a letter of intent or for certain
categories of purchasers as permitted by Rule 22(d) of the Act
and as set forth in the Fund's prospectus. Class A Shares that
are not subject to a front-end sales charge as a result of the
foregoing, may be subject to a CDSC for the CDSC Period set forth
in Section D.1. The offering price of Shares subject to a
front-end sales charge shall be computed in accordance with Rule
22c-1 and Section 22(d) of the Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder. Class A Shares shall be subject to ongoing Service
Fees approved from time to time by the Trustees and set forth in
the Funds' prospectus. Although shares of Van Kampen American
Capital Tax Free Money Market Fund are not designated as "Class A"
they are substantially similar to Class A Shares as defined herein
and shall be treated as Class A shares for the purposes of this
Plan.
2. Class B Shares. Class B Shares shall be (1) offered at net asset
value, (2) subject to a CDSC for the CDSC Period set forth in
Section D. 1, (3) subject to ongoing Service Fees and
Distribution Fees approved from time to time by the Trustees and
set forth in the Funds' prospectus and (4) converted to Class A
Shares three to ten years after the calendar month in which the
shareholder's order to purchase was accepted, which number of
years shall be as approved from time to time by the Trustees and
set forth in the respective Fund's prospectus.
3. Class C Shares. Class C Shares shall be (1) offered at net
asset value, (2) subject to a CDSC for the CDSC Period set forth
in Section D. 1. , (3) subject to ongoing Service Fees and
Distribution Fees approved from time to time by the Trustees and
set forth in the Funds' prospectus and (4) prior to January 1,
1997, converted to Class A Shares eight to fifteen years after
the calendar month in which the shareholder's order to purchase
was accepted, which number of years shall be as approved from
time to time by the Trustees and set forth in the respective
Fund's prospectus.
<PAGE> 3
C. Rights and Privileges of Classes. Each Class of each Fund will
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of that
Fund and will have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other
rights, preferences, powers, restrictions, limitations,
qualifications, designations and terms and conditions except as
described otherwise herein.
D. CDSC. A CDSC may be imposed upon redemption of Class A Shares, Class
B Shares and Class C Shares that do not incur a front end sales charge
subject to the following conditions:
1. CDSC Period. The CDSC Period for Class A Shares and Class C Shares
shall be one year. The CDSC Period for Class B Shares shall be at
least three but not more than ten years as recommended by the
Distributor and approved by the Trustees.
2. CDSC Rate. The CDSC rate shall be recommended by the Distributor
and approved by the Trustees. If a CDSC is imposed for a period
greater than one year the CDSC rate must decline during the CDSC
Period such that (a) the CDSC rate is less in the last year of the
CDSC Period than in the first and (b) in each succeeding year the
CDSC rate shall be less than or equal to the CDSC rate in the
preceding year.
3. Disclosure and Changes. The CDSC rates and CDSC Period shall be
disclosed in a Fund's prospectus and may be decreased at the
discretion of the Distributor but may not be increased unless
approved as set forth in Section L.
4. Method of Calculation. The CDSC shall be assessed on an amount
equal to the lesser of the then current market value or the cost of
the Shares being redeemed. No sales charge shall be imposed on
increases in the net asset value of the Shares being redeemed above
the initial purchase price. No CDSC shall be assessed on Shares
derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions. The order in which Class B Shares and Class C
Shares are to be redeemed when not all of such Shares would be
subject toa CDSC shall be as determined by the Distributor in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 6c-10 under the Act.
5. Waiver. The Distributor may in its discretion waive a CDSC
otherwise due upon the redemption of Shares under circumstances
previously approved by the Trustees and disclosed in the Fund's
prospectus or statement of additional information and as allowed
under Rule 6c-10 under the Act.
6. Calculation of offering price. The offering price of Shares subject
to a CDSC shall be computed in accordance with Rule 22c-1 and
Section 22(d) of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
7. Retention by Distributor. The CDSC paid with respect to Shares of
a Fund may be retained by the Distributor to reimburse the
Distributor for commissions paid by it in
<PAGE> 4
connection with the sale of Shares subject to a CDSC and
Distribution Expenses to the extent of such commissions and
Distribution Expenses eligible for reimbursement and approved by
the Trustees.
E. Service and Distribution Fees. Class A Shares shall be subject to a
Service Fee and Class B and Class C Shares shall be subject to a
Service Fee and a Distribution Fee. The Service Fee applicable to any
class shall not exceed 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets
of the Class and the Distribution Fee shall not exceed 0.75% per annum
of the average daily net assets of the Class. All other terms and
conditions with respect to Service Fees and Distribution Fees shall be
governed by the plans adopted by the Fund with respect to such fees
and Rule 12b-1 of the Act.
F. Conversion. Shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends
and distributions paid on Shares subject to conversion shall be
treated as if held in a separate sub-account . Each time any Shares
in a Shareholder's account (other than Shares held in the sub-
account) convert to Class A Shares, a proportionate number of Shares
held in the sub-account shall also convert to Class A Shares. All
conversions shall be effected on the basis of the relative net asset
values of the two Classes without the imposition of any sales load or
other charge. So long as any Class of Shares converts into Class A
Shares, the Distributor shall waive or reimburse each Fund, or take
such other actions with the approval of the Trustees as may be
reasonably necessary, to ensure the expenses, including payments
authorized under a Plan of Distribution, applicable to the Class A
Shares are not higher than the expenses, including payments authorized
under the Plan of Distribution, applicable to the class of shares
converting into Class A Shares.
G. Allocation of Expenses, Income and Gains Among Classes.
1. Expenses applicable to a particular class. Each Class of each
Fund shall pay any Service Fee, Distribution Fee and CDSC
applicable to that Class. Other expenses applicable to a
particular Class such as incremental transfer agency fees, but not
including advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to
the management of the Fund's assets, shall be allocated between
Classes in different amounts if they are actually incurred in
different amounts by the Classes or the Classes receive services
of a different kind or to a different degree than other Classes.
2. Distribution Expenses. Distribution Expenses actually
attributable to the sale of all Classes shall be allocated to each
Class based upon the ratio which sales of each Class bears to the
sales of all Shares of the Fund. For this purpose, Shares issued
upon reinvestment of dividends or distributions, upon conversion
from Class B Shares or Class C Shares to Class A Shares or upon
stock splits will not be considered sales.
3. Income, capital gains and losses, and other expenses applicable to
all Classes. Income, realized and unrealized capital gains and
losses, and expenses such as advisory fees applicable to all
Classes shall be allocated to each Class on the basis of the net
asset value of that Class in relation to the net asset value of
the Fund.
<PAGE> 5
4. Determination of nature of expenses. The Trustees shall determine
in their sole discretion whether any expense other than those
listed herein is properly treated as attributed to a particular
Class or all Classes.
H. Exchange Privilege. Exchanges of Shares shall be permitted between
Funds as follows.
1. General. Shares of one Fund may be exchanged for Shares of the
same Class of another Fund at net asset value and without sales
charge, provided that
a. The Distributor may specify that certain Funds may not be
exchanged within a designated period, which shall not exceed
90 days, after acquisition without prior Distributor approval.
b. Class A Shares of a Money Market Fund that were not acquired
in exchange for Class B or Class C Shares of a Fund may be
exchanged for Class A Shares of another Fund only upon payment
of the excess, if any, of the sales charge rate applicable to
the Shares being acquired over the sales charge rate
previously paid.
c. Shares of a Money Market Fund acquired through an exchange of
Class B Shares or Class C Shares may be exchanged only for the
same Class of another Fund as the Class they were acquired in
exchange for or any Class into which those shares were
converted.
2. Target Fund. Shares of Van Kampen American Capital Government
Target Fund may be exchanged for Class A Shares of a Fund.
3. CDSC Computation. The acquired Shares will remain subject to the
CDSC rate schedule and CDSC Period for the original Fund upon the
redemption of the Shares from the Van Kampen American Capital
complex of funds. For purposes of computing the CDSC payable on a
disposition of the new Shares, the holding period for the
original Shares shall be added to the holding period of the new
Shares.
I. Voting Rights of Classes.
1. Shareholders of each Class shall have exclusive voting rights on
any matter submitted to them that relates solely to the Plan of
Distribution related to that Class, provided that
a. If any amendment is proposed to the plan under which Service
Fees are paid with respect to Class A Shares of a Fund that
would increase materially the amount to be borne by Class A
Shares under that plan, then no Class B Shares or Class C
Shares shall convert into Class A Shares of that Fund until
the holders of Class B Shares and Class C Shares of that Fund
have also approved the proposed amendment.
<PAGE> 6
b. If the holders of either the Class B Shares and/or Class C
Shares referred to in subparagraph a. do not approve the
proposed amendment, the Trustees of the Fund and the
Distributor shall take such action as is necessary to ensure
that the Class voting against the amendment shall convert into
another Class identical in all material respects to Class A
Shares of the Fund as constituted prior to the amendment.
2. Shareholders shall have separate voting rights on any matter
submitted to shareholders in which the interest of one Class
differs from the interests of any other Class.
J. Dividends. Dividends paid by a Fund with respect to each Class, to
the extent any dividends are paid, will be calculated in the same
manner at the same time on the same day and will be in substantially
the same amount, except any Distribution Fees,Service Fees or
incremental expenses relating to a particular Class will be borne
exclusively by that Class.
K. Reports to Trustees. The Distributor shall provide to the Trustees of
each Fund quarterly and annual statements concerning distribution and
Shareholder servicing expenditures complying with paragraph (b)(3)(ii)
of Rule 12b-1 of the Act, as it may be amended from time to time. The
Distributors also shall provide the Trustees such information as the
Trustees may from time to time deem to be reasonably necessary to
evaluate this Plan.
L. Amendment. Any material amendment to this Plan shall be approved by
the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees of a Fund,
including the affirmative vote of the trustees of the Fund
who are not interested persons of the Fund, except that any amendment
that increases the CDSC rate schedule or CDSC Period must also be
approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Shares of the
affected Class. The Distributor shall provide the Trustees such
information as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate any amendment
to this Plan.
<PAGE> 7
EXHIBIT A
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EMERGING GROWTH FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL ENTERPRISE FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY INCOME FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL GLOBAL MANAGED ASSETS FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL HARBOR FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL HIGH INCOME CORPORATE BOND FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE INCOME FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL PACE FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL U.S. GOVERNMENT TRUST FOR INCOME
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL WORLD PORTFOLIO SERIES TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL U.S. GOVERNMENT TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TAX FREE TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TRUST
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (19)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned, being officers and trustees of each of the Van Kampen
American Capital Open-End Trusts, as indicated on Schedule 1 attached hereto and
incorporated by reference, each a Delaware business trust, except for the Van
Kampen American Capital Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund, being a Pennsylvania
business trust (individually, a "Trust"), do hereby, in the capacities shown
below, individually appoint Dennis J. McDonnell and Ronald A. Nyberg, each of
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, and each of them, as the agents and
attorneys-in-fact with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for each
of the undersigned, to execute and deliver, for and on behalf of the
undersigned, any and all amendments to the Registration Statement filed by each
Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the provisions of
the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940.
This Power of Attorney may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but which taken together shall constitute one
instrument.
Dated: April 15, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
<C> <S>
/s/ FERNANDO SISTO, SC.D. Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------
Fernando Sisto, Sc.D.
/s/ DENNIS J. MCDONNELL President and Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------
Dennis J. McDonnell
/s/ J. MILES BRANAGAN Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------
J. Miles Branagan
/s/ LINDA HUTTON HEAGY Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------
Linda Hutton Heagy
/s/ PHILLIP ROONEY Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------
Phillip Rooney
/s/ R. CRAIG KENNEDY Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------
R. Craig Kennedy
/s/ JACK E. NELSON Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------
Jack E. Nelson
/s/ WAYNE W. WHALEN Trustee and Chairman
- -----------------------------------------------------
Wayne W. Whalen
Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------
Jerome L. Robinson
/s/ EDWARD C. WOOD III Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
- -----------------------------------------------------
Edward C. Wood III
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE> 2
SCHEDULE 1
<TABLE>
<S> <S>
1. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL U.S. GOVERNMENT TRUST
2. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TAX FREE TRUST
3. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TRUST
4. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY TRUST
5. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE INCOME FUND
6. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TAX FREE MONEY FUND
7. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
8. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND FUND
9. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EMERGING GROWTH FUND
10. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL ENTERPRISE FUND
11. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY INCOME FUND
12. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND
13. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL GLOBAL MANAGED ASSETS FUND
14. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
15. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL GOVERNMENT TARGET FUND
16. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
17. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL HARBOR FUND
18. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL HIGH INCOME CORPORATE BOND FUND
19. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST
20. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL PACE FUND
21. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
22. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
23. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL SMALL CAPITALIZATION FUND
24. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
25. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL U.S. GOVERNMENT TRUST FOR INCOME
26. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL WORLD PORTFOLIO SERIES TRUST
27. VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL FOREIGN SECURITIES FUND
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 001
<NAME> VKAC COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1149437<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1308025<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 32674<F1>
<ASSETS-OTHER> 12<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 15<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1340726<F1>
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 8791<F1>
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 9868<F1>
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 18659<F1>
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0<F1>
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1042756
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 83929
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 73677
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1509<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 36635<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0<F1>
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 158588<F1>
<NET-ASSETS> 1240901
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 28538<F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4511<F1>
<OTHER-INCOME> 0<F1>
<EXPENSES-NET> 12735<F1>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 20314<F1>
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 204739<F1>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 21809<F1>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 246862<F1>
<EQUALIZATION> 0<F1>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (18935)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (190609)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 53833
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (56878)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 13289
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 169500
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 468<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 34209<F1>
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 5983<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0<F1>
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 12752<F1>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1155527
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 14.54
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.264
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 2.828
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.255)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.592)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 14.785
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.00
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0<F1>
<FN>
<F1>This item relates to the Fund on a composite basis and not on a class basis.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 002
<NAME> VKAC COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1149437<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1308025<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 32674<F1>
<ASSETS-OTHER> 12<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 15<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1340726<F1>
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 8791<F1>
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 9868<F1>
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 18659<F1>
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0<F1>
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 76609
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 5091
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 3101
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1509<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 36635<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0<F1>
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 158588<F1>
<NET-ASSETS> 75359
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 28538<F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4511<F1>
<OTHER-INCOME> 0<F1>
<EXPENSES-NET> 12735<F1>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 20314<F1>
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 204739<F1>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 21809<F1>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 246862<F1>
<EQUALIZATION> 0<F1>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (516)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (10865)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2474
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1215)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 730
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 30200
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 468<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 34209<F1>
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 5983<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0<F1>
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 12752<F1>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 58205
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 14.56
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.144
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 2.825
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.135)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.592)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 14.802
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.80
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0<F1>
<FN>
<F1>This item relates to the Fund on a composite basis and not on a class basis.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 003
<NAME> VKAC COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1149437<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1308025<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 32674<F1>
<ASSETS-OTHER> 12<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 15<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1340726<F1>
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 8791<F1>
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 9868<F1>
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 18659<F1>
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0<F1>
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 5969
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 392
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 281
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1509<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 36635<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0<F1>
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 158588<F1>
<NET-ASSETS> 5807
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 28538<F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4511<F1>
<OTHER-INCOME> 0<F1>
<EXPENSES-NET> 12735<F1>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 20314<F1>
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 204739<F1>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 21809<F1>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 246862<F1>
<EQUALIZATION> 0<F1>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (41)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (831)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 242
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (186)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 56
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1700
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 468<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 34209<F1>
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 5983<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0<F1>
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 12752<F1>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 4768
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 14.56
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.151
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 2.821
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.135)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.592)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 14.805
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.80
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0<F1>
<FN>
<F1>This item relates to the Fund on a composite basis and not on a class basis.
</FN>
</TABLE>
