<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 27, 1998
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. 50 [X]
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. 26 [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, 1998 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.
TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED: SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST, PAR VALUE
$0.01 PER SHARE.
================================================================================
<PAGE> 2
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(AS REQUIRED BY ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
<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, so numbered, 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. (the "Adviser"). 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, 1998, 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, 1998.
<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........................................ 12
Investment Advisory Services................................ 17
Alternative Sales Arrangements.............................. 19
Purchase of Shares.......................................... 22
Shareholder Services........................................ 32
Redemption of Shares........................................ 36
Distribution and Service Plans.............................. 39
Distributions from the Fund................................. 41
Tax Status.................................................. 42
Fund Performance............................................ 46
Description of Shares of the Fund........................... 48
Additional Information...................................... 49
</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 is no assurance that 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
redemption proceeds)............ None(2) Year 1--5.00% Year1--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)........................ 0.48% 0.48% 0.48%
12b-1 Fees (as a percentage of average
daily net assets)(1)..................... 0.21% 1.00%(2) 1.00%(2)
Other Expenses (as a percentage of average
daily net assets)........................ 0.25% 0.26% 0.26%
Total Fund Operating Expenses (as a
percentage of average daily net
assets).................................. 0.94% 1.74% 1.74%
</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) 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 0.94% for
Class A shares, 1.74% for Class B shares
and 1.74% for Class C shares, (ii) a
5.00% annual return and (iii) redemption
at the end of each time period:
Class A............................... $67 $86 $107 $166
Class B............................... $68 $85 $109 $184*
Class C............................... $28 $55 $ 94 $205
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 $86 $107 $166
Class B............................... $18 $55 $ 94 $184*
Class C............................... $18 $55 $ 94 $205
</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. The ten year amount with respect to Class B shares of the
Fund reflects the lower aggregate 12b-1 and service fees applicable to such
shares after conversion to Class A shares. Class B shares acquired through the
exchange privilege are subject to the CDSC 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the
Period................................... $14.785 $14.54 $12.40 $16.38 $17.30 $17.52 $14.29
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Net Investment Income.................... .275 .264 .26 .31 .32 .33 .395
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss.... 3.966 2.828 4.1125 (.92) 1.18 .795 4.065
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Total from Investment Operations.......... 4.241 3.092 4.3725 (.61) 1.50 1.125 4.46
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess of Net
Investment Income...................... .250 .255 .27 .3225 .2975 .3275 .395
Distributions from Net Realized Gain..... 2.572 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 2.1225 1.0175 .835
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Total Distributions....................... 2.822 2.847 2.2325 3.37 2.42 1.345 1.23
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period........ $16.204 $14.785 $14.54 $12.40 $16.38 $17.30 $17.52
========== ========== ============ ========== ========== ========== =========
Total Return (a).......................... 29.92% 22.34% 36.16% (3.67%) 9.09% 6.53% 31.96%
Net Assets at End of the Period (In
millions)................................ $1,518.7 $1,240.9 $1,071.4 $871.6 $980.4 $959.0 $986.2
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets
(b)...................................... .94% 1.00% .96% 1.01% .96% .87% .82%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets (b)........................... 1.71% 1.71% 1.82% 1.93% 1.82% 1.84% 2.32%
Portfolio Turnover........................ 114% 176% 151% 136% 50% 36% 38%
Average Commission Paid Per Equity Share
Traded (c)............................... $.0602 $.0598 -- -- -- -- --
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
---------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------
1990 1989 1988
---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the
Period................................... $15.29 $13.08 $11.83
---------- ---------- ---------
Net Investment Income.................... .47 .555 .36
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss.... (.9875) 3.4175 1.38
---------- ---------- ---------
Total from Investment Operations.......... (.5175) 3.9725 1.74
---------- ---------- ---------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess of Net
Investment Income...................... .475 .54 .365
Distributions from Net Realized Gain..... .0075 1.2225 .125
---------- ---------- ---------
Total Distributions....................... .4825 1.7625 .49
---------- ---------- ---------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period........ $14.29 $15.29 $13.08
========== ========== =========
Total Return (a).......................... (3.36%) 30.53% 14.80%
Net Assets at End of the Period (In
millions)................................ $812.1 $952.1 $838.9
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets
(b)...................................... .79% .69% .71%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets (b)........................... 2.99% 3.41% 2.61%
Portfolio Turnover........................ 30% 51% 61%
Average Commission Paid Per Equity Share
Traded (c)............................... -- -- --
</TABLE>
(Table and footnotes continued on following page)
8
<PAGE> 11
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS -- (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 19, 1992
(COMMENCEMENT
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 OF DISTRIBUTION) TO
------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, 1992
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 (D) (D)
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period.......................... $ 14.802 $ 14.56 $ 12.42 $ 16.40 $ 17.30 $17.62
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Net Investment Income........... .145 .144 .14 .16 .18 .03
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss..................... 3.964 2.825 4.1125 (.905) 1.192 .9225
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Total from Investment
Operations...................... 4.109 2.969 4.2525 (.745) 1.372 .9525
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Investment Income...... .130 .135 .15 .1875 .1495 .29
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain.......................... 2.572 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 2.1225 .9825
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Total Distributions.............. 2.702 2.727 2.1125 3.235 2.272 1.2725
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period.......................... $ 16.209 $ 14.802 $ 14.56 $ 12.42 $ 16.40 $17.30
========= ======== ======== ======== ========== ========
Total Return (a)................. 28.88% 21.39% 34.99% (4.41%) 8.25% 4.66% *
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions)................... $ 123.1 $ 75.4 $ 45.2 $ 22.0 $ 13.9 $ 0.8
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets (b)...................... 1.74% 1.80% 1.79% 1.84% 1.76% 1.88%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets (b).......... .92% .91% .96% 1.12% 1.04% .74%
Portfolio Turnover .............. 114% .... 176% 151% 136% 50% 36%
Average Commission Paid Per
Equity Share Traded (c)......... $ .0602 $ .0598 -- -- -- --
<CAPTION>
CLASS C SHARES
-------------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 26, 1993
(COMMENCEMENT
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 OF DISTRIBUTION) TO
------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, 1993
1997 1996 1995 1994 (D) (D)
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period.......................... $ 14.805 $ 14.56 $ 12.41 $ 16.39 $18.16
-------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Net Investment Income........... .144 .151 .15 .18 .02
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss..................... 3.963 2.821 4.1125 (.925) .1425
-------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Total from Investment
Operations...................... 4.107 2.972 4.2625 (.745) .1625
-------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Investment Income...... .130 .135 .15 .1875 .065
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain.......................... 2.572 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 1.8675
-------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Total Distributions.............. 2.702 2.727 2.1125 3.235 1.9325
-------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period.......................... $ 16.210 $ 14.805 $ 14.56 $ 12.41 $16.39
======== ======== ======== ========== ========
Total Return (a)................. 28.89% 21.38% 35.11% (4.43%) 1.11% *
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions)................... $ 10.9 $ 5.8 $ 4.1 $ 2.3 $ 0.5
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets (b)...................... 1.74% 1.80% 1.79% 1.85% 1.93%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets (b).......... .92% .92% .97% 1.15% .78%
Portfolio Turnover .............. 114% 176% 151% 136% 50%
Average Commission Paid Per
Equity Share Traded (c)......... $ .0602 $ .0598 -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ------------
*Non-Annualized
(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 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.
(d) Based on average month-end shares outstanding.
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 or its
affiliates also act as investment advisers to 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 in accordance with a specified formula. A convertible
security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt
securities 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
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<PAGE> 13
generally higher yields 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 or better by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or better 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.
Like other mutual funds, financial and business organizations and individuals
around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by the Fund's Adviser and other service providers do not properly process
and calculate date-related information and data from and after January 1, 2000.
This is commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem." The Adviser is taking steps
that it believes are reasonably designed to address the Year 2000 Problem with
respect to computer systems that it uses and to obtain reasonable assurances
that comparable steps are being taken by the Fund's other major service
providers. At this time, there can be no assurance that these steps will be
sufficient to avoid any adverse impact to the Fund. In addition, the Year 2000
Problem may adversely affect the issuers of securities in which the Fund may
invest which, in turn, may adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund.
11
<PAGE> 14
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INVESTMENT PRACTICES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
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 that do not mature within seven days if any such
investment, together with any other illiquid securities held by the Fund,
exceeds 10% of the value of its net assets. In the event of a bankruptcy or
other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience
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 stock prices, the Fund generally seeks to be
fully invested in the equity 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 stock index futures
contracts, however, the Fund can compensate for the
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<PAGE> 15
cash portion of its assets and may obtain performance equivalent to investing
100% of its assets in equity securities.
If the Adviser forecasts a market decline, the Fund may seek to reduce its
exposure to the securities markets by increasing its cash position. By selling
stock index 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. Sales of
futures contracts frequently may 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 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 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.
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 of other parties ("Counterparties") through direct
bilateral agreement with the Counterparty. The Fund will sell only OTC Options
(other than OTC 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 investing in illiquid securities as described below.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. 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. However, 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
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<PAGE> 16
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.
In order to prevent 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.
The Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net assets in illiquid securities,
including certain OTC Options deemed illiquid and repurchase agreements which
have a maturity of longer than seven days. A more complete discussion of the
potential risks involved in transactions in options, 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% in any given year, 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, and may result in the realization of more
14
<PAGE> 17
short-term capital gains than if the Fund had lower portfolio turnover. To the
extent short-term trading results in realization of gains on securities held one
year or less, shareholders are subject to taxes at ordinary income rates. The
turnover rate will not be a limiting factor, however, if the Adviser deems
portfolio changes appropriate.
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 may place portfolio transactions, to the
extent permitted by law, with brokerage firms affiliated with the Fund, the
Adviser or the Distributor and with Firms participating in the distribution of
shares of the Fund if it reasonably believes that the quality of the execution
and the commission are comparable to that available from other qualified 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
15
<PAGE> 18
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 is 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 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
16
<PAGE> 19
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 securities of foreign issuers.
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.
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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 $60 billion under management or supervision. Van Kampen American Capital's
more than 50 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 an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. The
Adviser's principal office is located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace,
Illinois 60181.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. and various of its directly or indirectly
owned subsidiaries, including Morgan Stanley Asset Management, Inc., an
investment adviser, 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; credit services; asset management;
trading of futures, options, foreign exchange, commodities and swaps (involving
foreign exchange, commodities, indices and interest rates); real estate advice,
financing and investing; and global custody, securities clearance services and
securities lending.
ADVISORY 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.
17
<PAGE> 20
Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund (the
"Advisory Agreement"), the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee computed based
upon an annual rate applied to 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 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 ACCESS, Van Kampen American Capital or Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter & Co.), 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. ("Advisory Corp.").
PERSONAL INVESTMENT 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. The Fund is managed by a management team headed by B.
Robert Baker. Mr. Baker has been primarily responsible for managing the Fund's
investment portfolio since July 1994. Mr. Baker has been Vice President and
Portfolio Manager of the Adviser and Advisory Corp. since June 1995. Prior to
that time, Mr. Baker was Associate Portfolio Manager of the Adviser. Jason Leder
and Edia Terreson are responsible as co-managers for the day-to-day management
of the Fund's investment portfolio. Mr. Leder has been Assistant Vice President
of the Adviser and Advisory Corp. since October 1996. Prior to that time, Mr.
Leder was Associate Portfolio Manager of the Adviser. Prior to February 1995,
Mr. Leder was
18
<PAGE> 21
a Securities Analyst with Salomon Brothers, Inc. Prior to August 1992, Mr. Leder
was a Securities Analyst with Fidelity Management and Research. Ms. Terreson has
been Assistant Vice President of the Adviser and Advisory Corp. since December
1997. Prior to that time, Ms. Terreson was Associate Portfolio Manager of the
Adviser. Prior to March 1997, Ms. Terreson was a Securities Analyst and
Associate Portfolio Manager with Delaware Investment Advisers. Prior to May
1996, Ms. Terreson was a Securities Analyst and Associate Portfolio Manager with
J.W. Seligman & Co.
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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
19
<PAGE> 22
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 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 schedule applicable to a share acquired through the
exchange privilege is determined by reference to the Participating Fund (defined
below) from which such share was originally purchased.
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
20
<PAGE> 23
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 may be offset to the extent of the additional funds originally
invested and any return realized on those funds. However, there can be no
assurance as to the return, if any, which will be realized on such additional
funds. For investments held for ten years or more, the relative value upon
liquidation of the three classes tends to favor Class A 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
21
<PAGE> 24
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."
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PURCHASE OF SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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
22
<PAGE> 25
and other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the
Adviser based on procedures approved 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) 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 of the Fund and has the same rights, 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
of shares has different exchange privileges, (iv) certain classes of shares are
subject to a conversion feature and (v) certain classes of 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
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.
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
23
<PAGE> 26
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 locations within or outside of the United States for
meetings or seminars of a business nature. In some instances additional
compensation or promotional incentives may be offered to brokers, dealers or
financial intermediaries that have sold or may sell significant amounts of
shares during specified periods of time. 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 the Fund will receive from such sale.
CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price of Class A shares is the net asset value plus a
sales charge, as set forth below.
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.
24
<PAGE> 27
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 institutions, other industry professionals and authorized dealers are
hereinafter referred to as "Service Organizations." Banks are currently
prohibited 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 at the time of
the purchase order 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, his or
her 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 purchasing for a single trust
or for a single fiduciary account, or a "company" as defined in Section 2(a)(8)
of the 1940 Act.
As used herein, "Participating Funds" refers to certain open-end investment
companies advised by the Adviser or Advisory Corp. and distributed by the
Distributor as determined from time to time by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
25
<PAGE> 28
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 period to determine the sales charge as outlined in the preceding
sales charge table. The size of investment shown in the preceding sales charge
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
26
<PAGE> 29
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 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 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, when permitted, 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, provided that such
purchases are otherwise permitted by such institutions.
(4) Registered investment advisers who charge a fee for their services, trust
companies and bank trust departments investing on their own behalf or on
27
<PAGE> 30
behalf of their clients. 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.
(5) Trustees and other fiduciaries purchasing shares for retirement plans
which invest in multiple fund families through broker-dealer retirement
plan alliance programs that have entered into agreements with the
Distributor and which are subject to certain minimum size and operational
requirements Trustees and other fiduciaries should refer to the Statement
of Additional Information for further detail with respect to such alliance
programs.
(6) Beneficial owners of shares of Participating Funds held by a retirement
plan or held in a tax-advantaged retirement account who purchase shares of
the Fund with proceeds from distributions from such a plan or retirement
account other than distributions taken to correct an excess contribution.
(7) 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.
(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
28
<PAGE> 31
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 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.
29
<PAGE> 32
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.
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 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
30
<PAGE> 33
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.
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.
A commission or transaction fee of up to 1.00% of the purchase amount will
generally be paid to authorized dealers at the time of purchase. Authorized
dealers also will 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) in
circumstances under which no commission or transaction fee is paid to authorized
dealers at the time of purchase of such shares: and (v) 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
31
<PAGE> 34
within 180 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.
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT. Each shareholder has an investment account under which the
investor's shares of the Fund are held by ACCESS, the Fund's transfer agent.
ACCESS performs bookkeeping, data processing and administration services
relating 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 replacement 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) 341-2911 ((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
32
<PAGE> 35
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 debit 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; 401(k) plans; Section 403(b)(7) plans in the case of
employees of public school systems and certain non-profit organizations; or
other pension or profit sharing plans. Documents and forms containing detailed
information regarding these plans are available from the Distributor. Van Kampen
American Capital Trust Company serves as custodian under the IRA, 403(b)(7) and
Keogh plans. Details regarding fees, as well as full plan administration for
profit sharing, pension and 401(k) plans, are available from the Distributor.
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 ACH. 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) 341-2911 ((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.
33
<PAGE> 36
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same
class of any Participating Fund based on the next computed net asset values of
each fund after requesting the exchange without any sales charge, subject to
certain limitations. Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of any
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. Shareholders seeking an exchange into a Participating Fund
should obtain and read the current prospectus for such fund.
To be eligible for exchange, shares of the Fund must have been registered in
the shareholder's name for at least 30 days. Shares of the Fund registered in a
shareholder's name for less than 30 days may be exchanged only upon receipt of
prior approval of the Adviser. It is the policy of the Adviser, under normal
circumstances, not to approve such requests.
When Class B shares and Class C shares are exchanged among Participating
Funds, the holding period for purposes of computing the CDSC is based upon the
date of the initial purchase of such shares from a Participating Fund. If such
Class B or Class C shares are redeemed and not exchanged for shares of another
Participating Fund, such Class B or Class C shares are subject to the CDSC
schedule imposed by the Participating Fund from which such shares were
originally purchased.
Exchanges of shares are sales and may result in a gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes. If the shares exchanged have been held for less than 91
days, the sales charge paid on such shares 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. 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
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<PAGE> 37
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 the 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 shareholder because of the duplication of sales
charges. Any gain or loss realized by the shareholder upon redemption of shares
is a taxable event.
INTERNET TRANSACTIONS. In addition to performing transactions on your account
through written instruction or by telephone, you may also perform certain
transac-
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<PAGE> 38
tions through the Internet. Please refer to our web site at www.vkac.com for
further instruction. VKAC and the Fund employ procedures considered by them to
be reasonable to confirm that instructions communicated through the Internet are
genuine. Such procedures include requiring use of a personal identification
number prior to acting upon Internet instructions and providing written
confirmation of instructions communicated through the Internet. If reasonable
procedures are employed, neither VKAC nor the Fund will be liable for following
instructions through the Internet which it reasonably believes to be genuine. If
an account has multiple owners, ACCESS may rely on the instructions of any one
owner.
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REDEMPTION OF SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGULAR REDEMPTIONS. Shareholders may redeem for cash some or all of their
shares of the Fund at any time. To do so, a written request in proper form must
be sent directly to ACCESS, P.O. Box 418256, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-9256.
Shareholders may also place redemption requests through an authorized dealer.
Orders received from 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
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<PAGE> 39
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 120 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. 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, which may take up to fifteen
days. A taxable gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholder upon
redemption of shares.
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) 341-2911 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 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
37
<PAGE> 40
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.
GENERAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION. 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 will be given and the
shareholder will be given an opportunity to purchase the required value of
additional shares at the next determined net asset value without sales charge.
Any involuntary redemption may only occur if the shareholder account is less
than the minimum initial investment due to shareholder redemptions.
REDEMPTION UPON DEATH OR DISABILITY. The Fund will waive the CDSC on
redemptions following the death or 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 death or disability, the CDSC on Class B shares and Class C shares
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
38
<PAGE> 41
made within one year of death or 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
death or 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
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
39
<PAGE> 42
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 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
40
<PAGE> 43
(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, 1997, there
were $3,238,624.12 and $125,255.27 of unreimbursed distribution-related expenses
with respect to Class B shares and Class C shares, respectively, representing
2.63% and 1.15% 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 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
41
<PAGE> 44
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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TAX STATUS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION OF THE FUND. The Fund has elected and qualified and
intends to continue to qualify each year 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
42
<PAGE> 45
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.
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 recognize income or gain 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.
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.
The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment companies"
("PFICs"). A PFIC is a foreign corporation that, in general, meets either of the
following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income passive or (2) an average
of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production of,
passive income. Under certain circumstances, a regulated investment company that
holds stock of a PFIC will be subject to federal income tax (i) on a portion of
any "excess distribution" received on the stock or (ii) on any gain from a sale
or disposition of the stock (collectively, "PFIC income"), plus interest
thereon, even if the regulated investment company distributes the PFIC income as
a taxable dividend to its stockholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be
included in the regulated investment company's investment company taxable income
and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent that income is
distributed to its shareholders. If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to
treat the PFIC as a "qualified electing fund," then in lieu of the foregoing tax
and interest obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each
year its pro rata share of the qualified electing fund's annual ordinary
earnings and net capital gain, which most likely would have to be distributed by
the Fund to satisfy the distribution requirement for avoiding income and excise
taxes. In many instances it may be very difficult to make this election due to
certain requirements imposed with respect to the election.
43
<PAGE> 46
As an alternative to making the above-described election to treat the PFIC as
a qualified electing fund, the Fund may make an election to annually
mark-to-market certain publicly traded PFIC stock (a "PFIC Mark-to-Market
Election"). "Marking-to-market," in this context, means recognizing as ordinary
income or loss each year an amount equal to the difference between the Fund's
adjusted tax basis in such PFIC stock and its fair market value. Losses will be
allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain previously included by the
Fund pursuant to the election for prior taxable years. The Fund may be required
to include in its taxable income for the first taxable year in which it makes a
PFIC Mark-to-Market Election an amount equal to the interest charge that would
otherwise accrue with respect to distributions on, or proceeds from dispositions
of, the PFIC stock. This amount would not be deductible from the Fund's taxable
income. The PFIC Mark-to-Market Election generally applies to the taxable year
for which made and to all subsequent taxable years, unless the Internal Revenue
Service consents to revocation of the election. By making the PFIC
Mark-to-Market Election, the Fund could ameliorate the adverse tax consequences
arising from its ownership of PFIC stock, but in any particular year may be
required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it receives from the
PFIC and proceeds from the dispositions of PFIC stock.
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 gain 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). For a summary of the tax rates applicable to capital gains
(including capital gain dividends), see "Capital Gains Rates Under the 1997 Tax
Act" below. 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 distribution date.
44
<PAGE> 47
The Fund will inform shareholders of the source and tax status of all
distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year. Some portion of
the distributions from the Fund may be eligible for the dividends received
deduction for corporations
45
<PAGE> 48
if the Fund receives qualifying dividend during the year and if certain other
requirements of the Code are satisfied.
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. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States
may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
Under Code Section 988, foreign currency gains or losses from certain Forward
Contracts not traded in the interbank market as well as certain other gains or
losses attributable to currency exchange rate fluctuations are typically treated
as ordinary income or loss. Such income or loss may increase or decrease (or
possibly eliminate) the Fund's income available for distribution. If, under the
rules governing the tax treatment of foreign currency gains and losses, the
Fund's income available for distribution is decreased or eliminated, all or a
portion of the dividends declared by the Fund may be treated for federal income
tax purposes as a return of capital or, in some circumstances, as capital gain.
Generally, a shareholder's tax basis in Fund shares will be reduced to the
extent that an amount distributed to such shareholder is treated as a return of
capital.
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. For a summary of the tax rates applicable
to capital gains, see "Capital Gains Rates Under the 1997 Tax Act" below. Any
loss recognized upon a
45
<PAGE> 49
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 gain 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.
CAPITAL GAINS RATES UNDER THE 1997 TAX ACT. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of
1997 (the "1997 Tax Act"), the maximum tax rate applicable to net capital gains
recognized by individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers is (i) the same as
the maximum ordinary income tax rate for capital assets held for one year or
less, (ii) 28% for capital assets held for more than one year but not more than
18 months and (iii) 20% for capital assets held for more than 18 months. The
1997 Tax Act did not affect the maximum net capital gains tax rate for
corporations, which remains at 35%. The new tax rates for capital gains under
the 1997 Tax Act described above apply to distributions of capital gains
dividends by the Fund (if, as expected, the Fund designates capital gain
dividends as 28% rate gain distributions or 20% rate gain distributions, in
accordance with its holding periods for the securities sold that generated such
capital gain dividends) as well as to sales and exchanges of shares in the Fund.
With respect to capital losses recognized on dispositions of shares held six
months or less where such losses are treated as long-term capital losses to the
extent of prior capital gains dividends received on such shares (see "Sale of
Shares" above), it is unclear how such capital losses offset the capital gains
referred to above. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors as to the
application of the new capital gains rates to their particular circumstances.
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.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
46
<PAGE> 50
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. 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 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
47
<PAGE> 51
mutual funds, with the Consumer Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average
Index, Standard & Poor's indices or NASDAQ Composite Index, 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 standard performance information required by the SEC as described
above.
The Fund's Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report contains additional
performance information. A copy of the Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report may
be obtained without charge by calling or writing the Fund at the telephone
number and address printed on the cover 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.
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. 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. Except as described herein, there are no conversion,
preemptive or other subscription rights. 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
48
<PAGE> 52
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.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
49
<PAGE> 53
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
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
EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS-- Comstock Fund
FOR INFORMATION ON YOUR
EXISTING ACCOUNT PLEASE CALL Custodian
THE FUND'S TOLL-FREE
NUMBER--(800) 341-2911 STATE STREET BANK AND
TRUST COMPANY
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS--CALL 225 West Franklin Street
YOUR BROKER OR (800) 421-5666 P.O. Box 1713
Boston, MA 02105-1713
DEALERS--FOR DEALER Attn: Van Kampen American Capital
INFORMATION, SELLING Comstock Fund
AGREEMENTS, WIRE ORDERS, OR
REDEMPTIONS CALL THE Legal Counsel
DISTRIBUTOR'S TOLL-FREE
NUMBER--(800) 421-5666 SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE,
MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS)
FOR SHAREHOLDER AND DEALER 333 West Wacker Drive
INQUIRIES THROUGH Chicago, IL 60606
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
FOR THE DEAF (TDD) Independent Accountants
DIAL (800) 421-2833
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
FOR AUTOMATED TELEPHONE 200 East Randolph Drive
SERVICES DIAL (800) 847-2424 Chicago, IL 60601
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 54
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMSTOCK FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P R O S P E C T U S
APRIL 30, 1998
------ A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE - A KNOWLEDGE OF WEALTH ------
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 55
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
Options, Futures Contracts and Related Options.............. B-3
Investment Restrictions..................................... B-8
Trustees and Officers....................................... B-10
Legal Counsel............................................... B-19
Investment Advisory Agreement............................... B-19
Distributor................................................. B-21
Distribution and Service Plans.............................. B-21
Transfer Agent.............................................. B-22
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage........................ B-22
Determination of Net Asset Value............................ B-24
Purchase and Redemption of Shares........................... B-24
Exchange Privilege.......................................... B-27
Tax Status on the Fund...................................... B-27
Fund Performance............................................ B-28
Other Information........................................... B-28
Report of Independent Accountants........................... B-29
Financial Statements........................................ B-30
Notes to Financial Statements............................... B-41
</TABLE>
This Statement of Additional Information is dated April 30, 1998.
<PAGE> 56
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"), under
the laws of the State of Delaware as 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 an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. The principal office of the Fund, the Adviser,
the Distributor and VKAC is located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace,
Illinois 60181.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. and various of its directly or indirectly
owned subsidiaries, including Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc., an
investment adviser, 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; credit services; asset management;
trading of futures, options, foreign exchange, commodities and swaps (involving
foreign exchange, commodities, indices and interest rates); real estate advice,
financing and investing; and global custody, securities clearance services and
securities lending.
VKAC equity fund philosophy is normally to remain fully invested and
diversified across many industries to achieve consistent long-term returns. 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 72 years,
the value of $1.00 invested in 1926 was $25.98 at the end of 1997, compared to
$1,828.33 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.
As of April 6, 1998, 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 6, 1998 SHARES OWNERSHIP
--------------------------- ------------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
MLPF&S for sole benefit 43,867 C 5.49%
of its customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company 37,078,796 A 38.26%
2800 Post Oak Blvd. 2,892,243 B 34.14%
Houston, TX 77056 135,595 C 16.97%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* All holders were of record.
B-2
<PAGE> 57
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 banks or broker-dealers
deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser under guidelines approved by the
Trustees. 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 fully
collateralized by the underlying debt securities and are considered to be loans
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Fund
pays 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.
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, or for cross-hedging purposes. A call option is
covered if, 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. An option is for cross-hedging
purposes if it is not covered by the security subject to the option, but is
designed to provide a hedge against another security which the Fund owns or has
the right to acquire. In such circumstances, the Fund collateralizes the option
by maintaining in a segregated account with the Fund's Custodian, cash or liquid
securities in an amount not less than the market value of the underlying
security, marked-to-market daily, while the option is outstanding.
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
B-3
<PAGE> 58
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 the Fund might become obligated
to purchase the underlying security at an exercise price that exceeds the then
current market price.
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 which 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.
B-4
<PAGE> 59
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 would be 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 time and the price
at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the
underlying stocks in the index is made. Currently, stock index futures contracts
can be purchased with respect to the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME"), the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index
on the New York Futures Exchange and the Value Line Stock Index on the Kansas
City Board of Trade. Differences in the stocks included in the indices may
result in differences in correlation of the futures contracts with movements in
the value of the securities being hedged.
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.
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.
B-5
<PAGE> 60
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 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. Ordinarily transaction costs associated with
futures transactions are lower than the transaction costs which would be
incurred in the purchase or sale of the underlying securities.
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.
B-6
<PAGE> 61
Successful use of futures is also subject to the Adviser's ability to
predict correctly the direction of movements in the market. For example, if the
Fund hedges against a decline in the market, and market prices instead advance,
the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increase in value of its
securities holdings because it will have offsetting losses in futures contracts.
In such cases, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio
securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so in order to meet the
daily variation margin.
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
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.
The Fund will not enter into futures contracts or option transactions
(except for closing transactions) other than for bona fide hedging purposes if
immediately thereafter, the sum of its initial margin and premiums on open
futures contracts and options exceeds 5% of the fair market value of the Fund's
assets; however, in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5%
limitation. In order to prevent 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, the sale of 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 is 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.
B-7
<PAGE> 62
ADDITIONAL RISKS OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
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.
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.
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
B-8
<PAGE> 63
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 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 securities of foreign issuers.
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
B-9
<PAGE> 64
related options, segregate or deposit assets to cover or secure options written,
and make margin deposits or payments for futures contracts and related options.
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.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The tables below list the trustees and officers of the Fund 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"), Van Kampen American
Capital Advisors Corp., Van Kampen Merritt Equity Advisors Corp., Van Kampen
American Capital Insurance Agency of Illinois, Inc., VK/AC System, Inc., Van
Kampen American Capital Record Keeping Services, Inc., American Capital
Contractual Services, Inc., Van Kampen American Capital Trust Company, Van
Kampen American Capital Exchange Corporation, 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 Advisers (excluding the Van Kampen American Capital
Exchange Fund).
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/Director of each of the
funds in the Fund Complex.
Richard M. DeMartini*..................... President and Chief Operating Officer, Individual Asset
Two World Trade Center Management Group, a division of Morgan Stanley Dean
66th Floor Witter & Co. Mr. DeMartini is a Director of InterCapital
New York, NY 10048 Funds, Dean Witter Distributors, Inc. and Dean Witter
Date of Birth: 10/12/52 Trust Company. Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds. Director of
the National Healthcare Resources, Inc. Formerly Vice
Chairman of the Board of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. and Chairman of the Board of the
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. Trustee/Director of each of the
funds in the Fund Complex.
</TABLE>
B-10
<PAGE> 65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OR
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE EMPLOYMENT IN PAST 5 YEARS
--------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
Linda Hutton Heagy........................ Managing Partner of Heidrick & Stuggles, an executive
Sears Tower search firm. Prior to 1997, Partner, Ray & Berndtson,
233 South Wacker Drive Inc., an executive recruiting and management consulting
Suite 7000 firm. Formerly, Executive Vice President of ABN AMRO,
Chicago, IL 60606 N.A., a Dutch bank holding company. Prior to 1992,
Date of Birth: 06/03/48 Executive Vice President of La Salle National Bank.
Trustee on the University of Chicago Hospitals Board, The
International House Board and the Women's Board of the
University of Chicago. Trustee/Director of each of the
funds in the 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/Director of each of the funds in the Fund
Complex.
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/Director of each of
the funds in the Fund Complex.
Don G. Powell*............................ Chairman, President and a Director of VKAC. Chairman and
2800 Post Oak Blvd. a Director of the Advisers and the Distributor. Chairman
Houston, TX 77056 and a Director of ACCESS. Director or officer of certain
Date of Birth: 10/19/39 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.
Trustee/Director of each of the funds in the Fund Complex
and other funds advised by the Advisers or Van Kampen
American Capital Management, Inc.
Phillip B. Rooney......................... Vice Chairman and Director of The ServiceMaster Company,
One ServiceMaster Way a business and consumer services. Director of Illinois
Downers Grove, IL 60515 Tool Works, Inc., a manufacturing company; the Urban
Date of Birth: 07/08/44 Shopping Centers Inc., a retail mall management company;
and Stone Container Corp., a paper manufacturing company.
Trustee, University of Notre Dame. Formerly, President
and Chief Executive Officer, Waste Management, Inc., an
environmental services company, and prior to that
President and Chief Operating Officer, Waste Management,
Inc. Trustee/Director 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/Director of each of the
funds in the Fund Complex.
</TABLE>
B-11
<PAGE> 66
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OR
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE EMPLOYMENT IN PAST 5 YEARS
--------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
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, and other open-end and closed-end funds advised
Date of Birth: 08/22/39 by the Advisers or Van Kampen American Capital
Management, Inc. Trustee/Director of each of the funds in
the Fund Complex, and other open-end and closed-end funds
advised by the Advisers or Van Kampen American Capital
Management, Inc.
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Such trustee is an "interested person" (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19)
of the 1940 Act). Mr. Whalen is an interested person of the Fund by reason of
his firm currently acting as legal counsel to the Fund. Messrs. DeMartini and
Powell are interested persons of the Fund and the Advisers by reason of their
positions with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. or its affiliates.
B-12
<PAGE> 67
OFFICERS
Messrs. McDonnell, Hegel, Nyberg, Wood, Sullivan, Dalmaso, Martin,
Wetherell and Hill are located at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
60181. The Fund's other officers 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>
Dennis J. McDonnell......... President Executive Vice President and a Director of
Date of Birth: 05/20/42 VKAC and VK/AC Holding, Inc. President,
Chief Operating Officer and a Director of
the Advisers, Van Kampen American Capital
Advisors, Inc., and Van Kampen American
Capital Management, Inc. President and a
Director of Van Kampen Merritt Equity
Advisors Corp. Prior to April of 1997, he
was a Director of Van Kampen Merritt Equity
Holdings Corp. Prior to September of 1996,
Mr. McDonnell was Chief Executive Officer
and Director of MCM Group, Inc., McCarthy,
Crisanti & Maffei, Inc. and Chairman and
Director of MCM Asia Pacific Company,
Limited and MCM (Europe) Limited. Prior to
November 1996, Executive Vice President and
a Director of VKAC Holding. Prior to July
of 1996, Mr. McDonnell was President, Chief
Operating Officer and Trustee of VSM Inc.
and VCJ Inc. President 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.
Peter W. Hegel.............. Vice President Executive Vice President of the Advisers,
Date of Birth: 06/25/56 Van Kampen American Capital Management,
Inc. and Van Kampen American Capital
Advisors, Inc. Prior to July of 1996, Mr.
Hegel was a Director of VSM Inc. Prior to
September of 1996, he was a Director of
McCarthy, Crisanti & Maffei, Inc. Vice
President of each of the funds in the Fund
Complex and certain other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or their
affiliates.
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.
</TABLE>
B-13
<PAGE> 68
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------ ----------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Ronald A. Nyberg............ Vice President and Secretary Executive Vice President, General Counsel,
Date of Birth: 07/29/53 Secretary and Director of VKAC and VK/AC
Holding, Inc. Mr. Nyberg is also Executive
Vice President, General Counsel and a
Director of Van Kampen Merritt Equity
Holdings Corp. Executive Vice President,
General Counsel, Assistant Secretary and a
Director of the Advisers and the
Distributor, Van Kampen American Capital
Advisors, Inc., Van Kampen American Capital
Management, Inc., Van Kampen American
Capital Exchange Corporation, American
Capital Contractual Services, Inc. and Van
Kampen American Capital Trust Company.
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
and Assistant Secretary of ACCESS. Director
or officer of certain other subsidiaries of
VKAC. Prior to June of 1997, Director of
ICI Mutual Insurance Co., a provider of
insurance to members of the Investment
Company Institute. Prior to April of 1997,
he was Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Director of Van Kampen Merritt
Equity Advisors Corp. Prior to July of
1996, Mr. Nyberg was Executive Vice
President and General Counsel of VSM Inc.
and Executive Vice President and General
Counsel of VCJ Inc. Prior to September of
1996, he was General Counsel of McCarthy,
Crisanti & Maffei, Inc. 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.
Alan T. Sachtleben.......... Vice President Executive Vice President of the Advisers,
Date of Birth: 04/20/42 Van Kampen American Capital Management,
Inc. and Van Kampen American Capital
Advisors, Inc. Vice President of each of
the funds in the Fund Complex and certain
other investment companies advised by the
Advisers or their affiliates.
Paul R. Wolkenberg.......... Vice President Executive Vice President and Director of
Date of Birth: 11/10/44 VKAC, and VK/AC Holding Inc. Executive Vice
President of the AC Adviser and the
Distributor. President and a Director of
ACCESS. President and Chief Operating
Officer of Van Kampen American Capital
Record Keeping Services, Inc. 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-14
<PAGE> 69
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------ ----------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward C. Wood III.......... Vice President and Chief Senior Vice President of the Advisers and
Date of Birth: 01/11/56 Financial Officer Van Kampen American Capital Management,
Inc. Vice 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 Associate General Counsel and Assistant
Date of Birth: 03/01/65 Secretary of VKAC. Vice President,
Associate General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary of the Advisers, the Distributor,
Van Kampen American Capital Advisors, Inc.
and Van Kampen American Capital Management,
Inc. 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 Vice President and a Senior Attorney of
Date of Birth: 11/15/63 VKAC. Vice President and Assistant
Secretary of the Advisers, the Distributor,
ACCESS, Van Kampen American Capital
Management, Inc., American Capital
Contractual Services, Inc., Van Kampen
American Capital Exchange Corporation and
Van Kampen American Capital Advisors, Inc.
Assistant Secretary of each of the funds in
the Fund Complex and other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or the
affiliates.
</TABLE>
B-15
<PAGE> 70
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND AGE OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------ ----------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Scott E. Martin............. Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President, Deputy General
Date of Birth: 08/20/56 Counsel and Assistant Secretary of VKAC and
VKAC Holding, Inc. Senior Vice President,
Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of the
Advisers, the Distributor, ACCESS American
Capital Contractual Services, Inc., Van
Kampen American Capital Management, Inc.,
Van Kampen American Capital Exchange
Corporation, Van Kampen American Capital
Advisors, Inc., Van Kampen American Capital
Insurance Agency of Illinois, Inc., VKAC
System, Inc., Van Kampen American Capital
Record Keeping Services, Inc. and Van
Kampen Merritt Equity Advisors Corp. Prior
to April of 1997, Senior Vice President,
Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of Van
Kampen American Capital Services, Inc. and
Van Kampen Merritt Holdings Corp. Prior to
September of 1996, Mr. Martin was Deputy
General Counsel and Secretary of McCarthy,
Crisanti & Maffei, Inc., and prior to July
of 1996, he was Senior Vice President,
Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of VSM
Inc. and VCJ Inc. Assistant Secretary of
each of the funds in the Fund Complex and
other investment companies advised by the
Advisers or the affiliates.
Weston B. Wetherell......... Assistant Secretary Vice President, Associate General Counsel
Date of Birth: 06/15/56 and Assistant Secretary of VKAC, the
Advisers, the Distributor, Van Kampen
American Capital Management, Inc. and Van
Kampen American Capital Advisors, Inc.
Prior to September of 1996, Mr. Wetherell
was Assistant Secretary of McCarthy,
Crisanti & Maffei, Inc. 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 Vice President of the Advisers. Assistant
Date of Birth: 10/16/64 Treasurer of each of the funds in the Fund
Complex and other investment companies
advised by the Advisers or the affiliates.
Michael 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 trustee/director holds the same position with each of the funds in the
Fund Complex. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, there
are 64 operating funds in the Fund Complex. For purposes of the following
compensation and benefits discussion, the Fund Complex is divided into the
following three groups: the funds advised by Asset Management (the "AC Funds"),
the funds advised by Advisory Corp. excluding funds organized as series of the
Morgan Stanley Fund, Inc. (the "VK Funds") and the funds advised by Advisory
Corp. organized as series of the Morgan Stanley Fund, Inc. (the "MS Funds").
Each
B-16
<PAGE> 71
trustee/director who is not an affiliated person of the Advisers, the
Distributor, ACCESS, Van Kampen American Capital or Morgan Stanley Dean Witter &
Co. (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 (except the money market series of the MS Funds) provides a
deferred compensation plan to its Non-Affiliated Trustees that allows
trustees/directors to defer receipt of their compensation and earn a return on
such deferred amounts. Deferring compensation has the economic effect as if the
Non-Affiliated Trustee reinvested his or her compensation into the funds. Each
fund in the Fund Complex (except the money market series of the MS Funds)
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 trustees recently reviewed and adopted a standardized compensation and
benefits program for each fund in the Fund Complex. Effective January 1, 1998,
the compensation of each Non-Affiliated Trustee includes an annual retainer in
an amount equal to $50,000 per calendar year, due in four quarterly installments
on the first business day of each quarter. Payment of the annual retainer is
allocated among the funds in the Fund Complex (except the money market series of
the MS Funds) on the basis of the relative net assets of each fund as of the
last business day of the preceding calendar quarter. Effective January 1, 1998,
the compensation of each Non-Affiliated Trustee includes a per meeting fee from
each fund in the Fund Complex (except the money market series of the MS Funds)
in the amount of $200 per quarterly or special meeting attended by the
Non-Affiliated Trustee, due on the date of the 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.
For each AC Fund's last fiscal year and the period up to and including
December 31, 1997, the compensation of each Non-Affiliated Trustee from 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.
For each VK Fund's last fiscal year and the period up to and including
December 31, 1997, the compensation of each Non-Affiliated Trustee from each VK
Fund 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.
For the period from July 2, 1997 up to and including December 31, 1997, the
compensation of each Non-Affiliated Trustee from the MS Funds was based
generally on the compensation amounts and methodology used by such funds prior
to their joining the current Fund Complex on July 2, 1997. Each trustee/director
was elected as a director of the MS Funds on July 2, 1997. Prior to July 2,
1997, the MS Funds were part of another fund complex (the "Prior Complex") and
the former directors of the MS Funds were paid an aggregate fee allocated among
the funds in the Prior Complex that resulted in individual directors receiving
B-17
<PAGE> 72
total compensation between approximately $8,000 to $10,000 from the MS Funds
during such funds' last fiscal year.
Under the deferred compensation plan, 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.
Under the retirement plan, a Non-Affiliated Trustee who is receiving
compensation from such 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 retirement from such Fund. Non-Affiliated 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 such Fund. Each
trustee/director has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Fund
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.
Additional information regarding compensation and benefits for trustees is
set forth below for the periods described in the notes accompanying the table.
COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND COMPLEX
----------------------------------------------------------
AGGREGATE AGGREGATE TOTAL
YEAR FIRST PENSION OR ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COMPENSATION
APPOINTED OR AGGREGATE COMPENSATION RETIREMENT BENEFITS ANNUAL BENEFITS BEFORE DEFERRAL
ELECTED TO THE BEFORE DEFERRAL FROM THE ACCRUED AS PART OF FROM THE FUND UPON FROM FUND
NAME(1) BOARD FUND(2) EXPENSES(3) RETIREMENT(4) COMPLEX(5)
------- -------------- ------------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Miles Branagan* 1991 $2,400 $30,328 $60,000 $111,197
Linda Hutton Heagy* 1995 2,400 3,141 60,000 111,197
R. Craig Kennedy* 1995 2,400 2,229 60,000 111,197
Jack E. Nelson* 1995 2,400 15,820 60,000 104,322
Jerome L. Robinson 1995 2,400 32,020 15,750 107,947
Phillip B. Rooney* 1997 1,800 0 60,000 74,697
Dr. Fernando Sisto* 1973 2,400 60,208 60,000 111,197
Wayne W. Whalen* 1995 2,400 10,788 60,000 111,197
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Currently a member of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Phillip B. Rooney became a
member of the Board of Trustees effective April 14, 1997 and thus does not
have a full fiscal year of information to report.
(1) Mr. Robinson is not designated by an asterisk because he is currently not a
member of the Board of Trustees, but was a member of the Board of Trustees
during the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year. Mr. Robinson retired
from the Board of Trustees on December 31, 1997. Trustees not eligible for
compensation are not included in the compensation table.
(2) The amounts shown in this column represent the Aggregate Compensation before
Deferral with respect to the Fund's fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. The
following trustees deferred compensation from the Fund during the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1997: Mr. Branagan, $2,400; Ms. Heagy, $2,400; Mr.
Kennedy, $1,200; Mr. Nelson, $2,400; Mr. Robinson, $2,400; Mr. Rooney,
$1,200; Dr. Sisto, $1,200; and Mr. Whalen, $2,400. 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
B-18
<PAGE> 73
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, including former trustees,
from the Fund as of December 31, 1997 is as follows: Mr. Branagan, $3,486;
Dr. Caruso, $15,611; Mr. Gaughan, $1,054; Ms. Heagy, $6,143; Mr. Kennedy,
$3,945; Mr. Lipshie, $5,050; Mr. Miller, $3,632; Mr. Nelson, $6,780; Mr.
Rees, $38,827; Mr. Robinson, $7,063; Mr. Rooney, $1,210; Dr. Sisto, $33,422;
Mr. Vernon, $6,549; and Mr. Whalen, $6,772. The deferred compensation plan is
described above the Compensation Table.
(3) The amounts shown in this column represent the sum of the retirement
benefits expected to be accrued by the operating investment companies in the
Fund Complex for each of the current trustees for the funds' respective
fiscal years ended in 1997. The retirement plan is described above the
Compensation Table.
(4) For Mr. Robinson this is the sum of the actual annual benefits payable by
the operating investment companies in the Fund Complex as of the date of his
retirement for each year of the 10-year period since his retirement. For the
remaining trustees, this is the sum of the estimated maximum annual benefits
payable by the operating investment companies in the Fund Complex for each
year of the 10-year period commencing in the year of such trustee's
anticipated retirement. The Retirement Plan is described above the
Compensation Table.
(5) The amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate compensation paid
by all operating investment companies in the Fund Complex as of December 31,
1997 before deferral by the trustees under the deferred compensation plan.
Because the funds in the Fund Complex have different fiscal year ends, the
amounts shown in this column are presented on a calendar year basis. Certain
trustees deferred all or a portion of their aggregate compensation from the
Fund Complex during the calendar year ended December 31, 1997. 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
Advisers and their affiliates also serve as investment adviser for other
investment companies; however, with the exception of Mr. Whalen, the
Non-Affiliated 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
$268,447 during the calendar year ended December 31, 1997.
As of April 6, 1998, the trustees and officers of the Fund as a group owned
less than 1% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
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 obtains and evaluates
economic, statistical and financial information to formulate and implement the
Fund's investment programs. 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 the
Fund's President, 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
B-19
<PAGE> 74
officer and the personnel operating under his direction. Charges are allocated
among the investment companies advised or sub-advised by the Adviser. A portion
of these amounts will be paid to the Adviser or its parent in reimbursement of
personnel, facilities and equipment costs attributable to the provision of
accounting services to the Fund. The services provided by the Adviser are at
cost. The Fund also pays service fees, distribution fees, custodian fees, legal
and auditing fees, the costs of reports to shareholders and all other ordinary
expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement also
provides that the Adviser shall not be liable to the Fund for any actions or
omissions if it acted in good faith without negligence or misconduct.
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 Fund's 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, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Adviser
received $5,080,809, $5,983,251 and $7,158,774 respectively, in advisory fees
from the Fund. For such periods, the Fund paid $146,156, $222,900 and $194,114
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.
B-20
<PAGE> 75
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 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 90 days' written notice. Total underwriting
commissions on the sales of shares of the Fund for the last three fiscal periods
are shown in the chart below. Advantage Capital Corporation is a former
affiliated dealer of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEALER REALLOWANCES
AMOUNTS RECEIVED BY
TOTAL UNDERWRITING RETAINED ADVANTAGE CAPITAL
COMMISSIONS BY DISTRIBUTOR CORPORATION
------------------ -------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1995.......... $ 940,059 $124,740 $96,613
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996.......... $1,344,163 $189,074 N/A
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1997.......... $1,338,917 $220,887 N/A
</TABLE>
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
B-21
<PAGE> 76
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.
The Distributor has entered into agreements with (i) The Prudential
Insurance Company of America ("Prudential") under which the Fund shall be
offered pursuant to the PruArray Programs; (ii) Smith Barney Inc. ("Smith
Barney") under which the Fund shall be offered pursuant to the MultiChoice
Program; and (iii) Merrill Lynch ("Merrill") under which the Fund shall be
offered pursuant to the Merrill Program. Trustees and other fiduciaries of
retirement plans seeking to invest in multiple fund families through
broker-dealer retirement plan alliance programs should contact Prudential, Smith
Barney or Merrill for further information concerning the PruArray, MultiChoice
and Merrill Programs including, but not limited to, minimum size and operational
requirements.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund's aggregate expenses
under the Plans for Class A shares were $2,958,327 or 0.21% 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, 1997, the Fund's aggregate expenses under the Plans for Class B shares were
$976,241 or 1.00% of the Class B shares' average net assets. Such expenses were
paid to reimburse the Distributor for the following payments: $742,608 for
commissions and transaction fees paid to financial intermediaries in respect of
sales of Class B shares of the Fund and $233,633 for fees paid to financial
intermediaries for servicing Class B shareholders and administering the Plans.
For the period ended December 31, 1997, the Fund's aggregate expenses under the
Plans for Class C shares were $81,683 or 1.00% of the Class C shares' average
daily net assets. Such expenses were paid to reimburse the Distributor for the
following payments: $65,985 for commissions and transaction fees paid to
financial intermediaries with respect to sales of Class C shares of the Fund and
$15,698 for fees paid to financial intermediaries for servicing Class C
shareholders and administering the Plans.
TRANSFER AGENT
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, ACCESS,
shareholder service agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund, received
fees, determined on a cost plus profit basis, aggregating $2,083,850, $2,078,619
and $1,901,270, respectively, for these services. Beginning in 1998, the
transfer agency fees are determined through negotiations with the Fund's Board
of Trustees and are based on competitive market benchmarks.
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
B-22
<PAGE> 77
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 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 relative net assets, 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.
During the year ended December 31, 1997 the Fund paid $1,127,913 in
brokerage commissions on transactions totalling $717,103,115 to brokers selected
primarily on the basis of research services provided to the Adviser.
Effective October 31, 1996, Morgan Stanley Group Inc. ("Morgan Stanley")
became an affiliate of the Adviser. Effective May 31, 1997, Dean Witter & Co.
("Dean Witter") 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
B-23
<PAGE> 78
non-affiliated broker in a similar transaction. The Fund paid the following
commissions to these brokers during the periods shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AFFILIATED BROKERS
---------------------
MORGAN DEAN
BROKERS STANLEY WITTER
------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Commissions Paid:
Fiscal 1995 4,345,534 $331,797 --
Fiscal 1996 5,151,597 $326,758 --
Fiscal 1997 4,276,617 -- --
Fiscal 1997 Percentages:
Commissions with affiliates to total commissions 0.00% --
Value of brokerage transactions with affiliates to total
brokerage transactions 0.00% --
</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 Adviser based on procedures
approved 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.
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."
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
B-24
<PAGE> 79
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.
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 determine fairly 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-25
<PAGE> 80
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 the 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-26
<PAGE> 81
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
180 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 180 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 each of its series, including the Fund, will be treated as
separate corporations for federal income tax purposes. The Fund will be subject
to tax if, among other things, it fails to distribute net capital gains, or if
its annual distributions, as a percentage of its income, are less than the
distributions required by tax laws.
B-27
<PAGE> 82
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, 1997 was 22.46%; (ii) the five year period ended December 31, 1997
was 16.47%; and (iii) the ten year period ended December 31, 1997 was 15.87%,
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, 1997 was 23.88%; (ii) the five year period ended December 31,
1997 was 16.77%; and (iii) the five year and two month period ended December 31,
1997 was 17.42%. 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, 1997 was 27.89%; and (ii) the four year and two month period
ended December 31, 1997 was 18.63%. 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.
The Fund seeks to remain fully invested and diversified across many
industries to achieve consistent long-term performance. From time to time
marketing materials may provide a portfolio manager update, an Adviser update or
discuss general economic conditions and outlooks. The top 10 holdings of the
Fund may also be listed in marketing pieces. Materials may also mention how Van
Kampen American Capital believes the Fund compares relative to other Van Kampen
American Capital funds. Materials may also discuss the Dalbar Financial Services
study from 1984 to 1994 which examined investor cash flow into and out of all
types of mutual funds. The ten year study found that investors who bought mutual
fund shares and held such shares outperformed investors who bought and sold. The
Dalbar study conclusions were consistent regardless if shareholders purchased
their funds in direct or sales force distribution channels. The study showed
that investors working with a professional representative have tended over time
to earn higher returns than those who invested directly. The Fund will also be
marketed on the Internet.
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, 200 East Randolph Drive,
Chicago, Il. 60601, the independent accountants for the Fund, performs an annual
audit of the Fund's financial statements.
B-28
<PAGE> 83
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
material respects, the financial position of Van Kampen American Capital
Comstock Fund (the "Fund") at December 31, 1997, 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 "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's
management; our responsibility 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 perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included
confirmation of securities at December 31, 1997 by correspondence with the
custodian and brokers and the application of alternative auditing procedures
where confirmations from brokers were not received, provide a reasonable basis
for the opinion expressed above.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
January 29, 1998
B-29
<PAGE> 84
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 1997
================================================================================
Number
Description of Shares Market Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS 90.2%
CONSUMER DISTRIBUTION 2.5%
Federated Department Stores, Inc. (a).......... 373,000 $ 16,062,313
Office Depot, Inc. (a)......................... 364,000 8,713,250
Sears Roebuck & Co............................. 360,000 16,290,000
-----------
41,065,563
-----------
CONSUMER DURABLES 0.6%
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co........................ 205,000 4,996,875
Maytag Corp.................................... 150,000 5,596,875
-----------
10,593,750
-----------
CONSUMER NON-DURABLES 9.3%
Dial Corp...................................... 2,038,000 42,415,875
First Brands Corp.............................. 687,900 18,530,306
Kimberly Clark Corp............................ 375,000 18,492,188
Philip Morris Cos., Inc........................ 525,000 23,789,063
RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp...................... 660,000 24,750,000
Tommy Hilfiger Corp............................ 746,500 26,220,812
-----------
154,198,244
-----------
CONSUMER SERVICES 2.0%
International Game Technology.................. 430,000 10,857,500
Outback Steakhouse, Inc. (a)................... 168,000 4,830,000
Time Warner, Inc............................... 273,000 16,926,000
-----------
32,613,500
-----------
ENERGY 5.5%
Amoco Corp..................................... 80,000 6,810,000
Atlantic Richfield Co.......................... 87,000 6,970,875
Chevron Corp................................... 160,000 12,320,000
Coastal Corp................................... 110,000 6,813,125
ENI--ADR (Italy) (a)........................... 220,000 12,553,750
Equitable Resources, Inc....................... 130,000 4,598,750
Texaco, Inc.................................... 160,000 8,700,000
Total SA--ADR (France)......................... 133,821 7,427,065
USX-Marathon Group............................. 220,000 7,425,000
YPF Sociedad Anonima--ADR (Argentina), Class D. 500,000 17,093,750
-----------
90,712,315
-----------
FINANCE 12.9%
AMBAC, Inc..................................... 450,900 20,741,400
American Bankers Insurance Group, Inc.......... 592,000 27,195,000
</TABLE>
B-30 See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE> 85
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS.(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1997
================================================================================
Number
Description of Shares Market Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
FINANCE - (CONTINUED)
BA Securities Corp............................ 132,000 $ 9,636,000
BancOne Corp.................................. 379,000 20,584,437
Bear Stearns Cos., Inc........................ 240,000 11,400,000
Chase Manhattan Corp.......................... 100,000 10,950,000
CIGNA Corp.................................... 66,000 11,422,125
CMAC Investment Corp.......................... 298,800 17,134,421
Conseco, Inc.................................. 337,000 15,312,438
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc............. 210,000 8,662,500
First Union Corp.............................. 434,000 22,242,500
Liberty Financial Cos., Inc................... 138,300 5,220,825
MBIA, Inc..................................... 136,000 9,086,500
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., Class A.. 80,900 2,922,513
Norwest Corp.................................. 212,000 8,188,500
Travelers Group, Inc.......................... 120,000 6,465,000
United Asset Management Corp.................. 215,100 5,256,506
-----------
212,420,665
-----------
HEALTH CARE 7.0%
Aetna, Inc.................................... 121,200 8,552,175
American Home Products Corp................... 346,000 26,469,000
Bausch & Lomb, Inc............................ 452,000 17,910,500
Lincare Holdings, Inc. (a).................... 265,300 15,122,100
Mylan Laboratories, Inc....................... 370,000 8,605,313
PacifiCare Health Systems, Class B (a)........ 442,000 23,149,750
Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc....................... 445,000 16,298,125
-----------
116,106,963
-----------
PRODUCER MANUFACTURING 5.4%
Bouygues Offshore SA--ADR (France) (a)........ 484,800 10,472,625
Cognex Corp. (a).............................. 162,000 4,414,500
Ingersoll-Rand Co............................. 120,000 4,860,000
ITT Corp...................................... 137,000 11,353,875
LucasVarity PLC--ADR (United Kingdom) (a)..... 302,000 10,532,250
Tubos De Acero De Mexico SA--ADR (Mexico) (a). 180,000 3,892,500
Waste Management, Inc......................... 1,580,000 43,450,000
-----------
88,975,750
-----------
RAW MATERIALS/PROCESSING INDUSTRIES 9.7%
Barrick Gold Corp............................. 1,145,100 21,327,487
Bethlehem Steel Corp. (a)..................... 777,000 6,701,625
</TABLE>
B-31
<PAGE> 86
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number
Description of Shares Market Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
RAW MATERIALS/PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (CONTINUED)
Boise Cascade Corp...................................... 700,000 $21,175,000
British Steel PLC--ADR (United Kingdom)................. 1,087,000 24,588,813
Georgia PacificNTimber Group (a)........................ 80,000 1,815,000
Georgia Pacific Group................................... 80,000 4,860,000
Homestake Mining Co..................................... 1,741,000 16,862,500
Imperial Chemical Industries PLC--ADR (United Kingdom).. 100,000 6,493,750
International Paper Co.................................. 280,100 12,079,313
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.................................. 454,000 8,626,000
Newmont Mining Corp..................................... 451,000 13,248,125
Placer Dome, Inc........................................ 1,165,000 14,780,937
Temple Inland, Inc...................................... 70,000 3,661,875
Union Camp Corp......................................... 86,000 4,617,125
-----------
160,837,550
-----------
TECHNOLOGY 7.7%
3Com Corp. (a).......................................... 353,000 12,332,937
Avnet, Inc.............................................. 110,000 7,260,000
Compaq Computer Corp. (a)............................... 386,000 21,784,875
Dell Computer Corp. (a)................................. 102,300 8,593,200
Gateway 2000, Inc. (a).................................. 148,000 4,828,500
Intel Corp.............................................. 58,000 4,074,500
LSI Logic Corp. (a)..................................... 104,000 2,054,000
Micron Technology, Inc.................................. 398,000 10,348,000
Nokia Corp. - ADR (Finland)............................. 68,000 4,760,000
Quantum Corp. (a)....................................... 888,000 17,815,500
SunGard Data Systems, Inc. (a).......................... 823,800 25,537,800
VLSI Technology, Inc. (a)............................... 353,100 8,341,988
-----------
127,731,300
-----------
TRANSPORTATION 0.8%
Canadian National Railway Co............................ 260,000 12,285,000
-----------
UTILITIES 26.8%
Ameritech Corp.......................................... 334,000 26,887,000
Baltimore Gas & Electric Co............................. 197,400 6,723,938
Bell Atlantic Corp...................................... 145,000 13,195,000
Bellsouth Corp.......................................... 200,000 11,262,500
Boston Edison Co........................................ 420,000 15,907,500
CMS Energy Corp......................................... 320,000 14,100,000
DTE Energy Co........................................... 370,000 12,834,375
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
B-32
<PAGE> 87
Portfolio of investments (Continued)
December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Number
Description of Shares Market Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
UTILITIES (CONTINUED)
Duke Power Co............................ 146,956 $ 8,137,689
Edison International..................... 120,000 3,262,500
Endesa SA--ADR (Spain)................... 364,400 6,627,525
FPL Group, Inc........................... 150,000 8,878,125
GPU, Inc................................. 530,000 22,326,250
Houston Industries, Inc.................. 1,721,300 45,937,194
Idaho Power Co........................... 620,000 23,327,500
Illinova Corp............................ 377,000 10,155,437
New Century Energies, Inc................ 142,500 6,831,094
Nipsco Industries, Inc................... 160,000 7,910,000
Northeast Utilities...................... 508,500 6,006,656
Northern States Power Co................. 222,000 12,931,500
OGE Energy Corp.......................... 518,900 28,377,344
PacifiCorp............................... 520,000 14,202,500
Pinnacle West Capital Corp............... 630,000 26,696,250
Public Service Co. of New Mexico......... 981,000 23,237,437
SBC Communications, Inc.................. 220,000 16,115,000
Sierra Pacific Resources................. 92,000 3,450,000
Texas Utilities Co....................... 1,135,000 47,173,437
U.S. WEST Communications Group........... 460,000 20,757,500
-------------
443,251,251
-------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS...................... 1,490,791,851
-------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
B-33
<PAGE> 88
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Market Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
U.S. Treasury Securities 4.9%
U.S. Treasury Notes ($10,000,000 par, 5.75% coupon, 11/30/02 maturity)..................... $ 10,007,800
U.S. Treasury Notes ($30,000,000 par, 6.625% coupon, 05/15/07 maturity).................... 31,753,200
U.S. Treasury Notes ($40,000,000 par, 5.75% coupon, 11/30/99 maturity)..................... 39,962,123
-------------
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES............................................................. 81,723,123
-------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 95.1% (Cost $1,316,807,514)................................... 1,572,514,974
-------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 5.7%
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS 3.2%
Swiss Bank Corp., ($53,330,000 par collateralized by U.S. Government obligations
in a pooled cash account, dated 12/31/97, to be sold on 01/02/98 at $53,348,073)........... 53,330,000
-------------
U.S. Government Agency Obligations 2.5%
Federal Home Loan Bank Consolidated Discount Note
($1,600,000 par, yielding 5.48%, maturing 01/01/98)........................................ 1,598,384
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Discount Notes
($13,000,000 par, yielding 5.72%, maturing 01/07/98)....................................... 12,985,830
Federal National Mortgage Association ($12,000,000 par, yielding 5.65%, maturing 03/03/98). 11,885,880
Federal National Mortgage Association ($14,000,000 par, yielding 5.65%, maturing 04/24/98). 13,756,120
-------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS................................................... 40,226,214
-------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $93,556,214)............................................ 93,556,214
-------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 100.8% (COST $1,410,363,728)............................................ 1,666,071,188
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (0.8%)............................................... (13,324,539)
-------------
NET ASSETS 100.0%.......................................................................... $1,652,746,649
=============
</TABLE>
(a) Non-income producing security as this stock currently does not declare
dividends.
See Notes to Financial Statements
B-34
<PAGE> 89
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Total Investments (Cost $1,410,363,728)........................................................ $1,666,071,188
Cash........................................................................................... 6,198
Receivables:
Investments Sold.......................................................................... 9,531,524
Dividends................................................................................. 3,692,870
Fund Shares Sold.......................................................................... 1,715,228
Interest.................................................................................. 506,397
Other.......................................................................................... 58,549
--------------
Total Assets............................................................................ 1,681,581,954
--------------
LIABILITIES:
Payables:
Fund Shares Repurchased................................................................... 16,940,439
Income Distributions...................................................................... 5,944,361
Investments Purchased..................................................................... 3,969,565
Distributor and Affiliates................................................................ 850,429
Investment Advisory Fee................................................................... 662,118
Accrued Expenses............................................................................... 265,800
Trustees' Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans........................................... 202,593
--------------
Total Liabilities....................................................................... 28,835,305
--------------
NET ASSETS..................................................................................... $1,652,746,649
==============
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Capital........................................................................................ $1,321,625,631
Net Unrealized Appreciation.................................................................... 255,707,460
Accumulated Net Realized Gain.................................................................. 71,276,153
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Income................................................ 4,137,405
--------------
NET ASSETS..................................................................................... $1,652,746,649
==============
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE:
Class A Shares:
Net asset value and redemption price per share (Based on net assets of
$1,518,654,933 and 93,722,450 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)..... $ 16.20
Maximum sales charge (5.75%* of offering price)......................................... .99
--------------
Maximum offering price to public........................................................ $ 17.19
==============
Class B Shares:
Net asset value and offering price per share (Based on net assets of $123,182,846 and
7,599,567 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)......................... $ 16.21
==============
Class C Shares:
Net asset value and offering price per share (Based on net assets of $10,908,870 and
672,975 shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding)........................... $ 16.21
==============
</TABLE>
*On sales of $50,000 or more, the sales charge will be reduced.
See Notes to Financial Statements
B-35
<PAGE> 90
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends............................................................................... $ 32,319,388
Interest................................................................................ 6,843,211
------------
Total Income....................................................................... 39,162,599
------------
EXPENSES:
Investment Advisory Fee................................................................. 7,158,774
Distribution (12b-1) and Service Fees (Attributed to Classes A, B and C of $2,929,434,
$989,873 and $81,492, respectively)................................................... 4,000,799
Shareholder Services.................................................................... 2,643,854
Legal................................................................................... 49,100
Trustees' Fees and Expenses............................................................. 39,084
Custody................................................................................. 57,105
Other................................................................................... 780,347
------------
Total Expenses..................................................................... 14,729,063
------------
Net Investment Income................................................................... $ 24,433,536
============
Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss:
Realized Gain/Loss:
Investments.......................................................................... $266,838,287
Futures.............................................................................. 337,375
------------
Net Realized Gain....................................................................... 267,175,662
------------
Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation:
Beginning of the Period.............................................................. 158,588,134
End of the Period.................................................................... 255,707,460
------------
Net Unrealized Appreciation During the Period........................................... 97,119,326
------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN........................................................ $364,294,988
============
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS.............................................. $388,728,524
============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
B-36
<PAGE> 91
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
For the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, 1997 December 31, 1996
---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:
Operations:
Net Investment Income............................................................... $ 24,433,536 $ 20,313,852
Net Realized Gain................................................................... 267,175,662 204,739,541
Net Unrealized Appreciation During the Period....................................... 97,119,326 21,808,664
-------------- --------------
Change in Net Assets from Operations................................................ 388,728,524 246,862,057
-------------- --------------
Distributions from Net Investment Income:
Class A Shares................................................................. (20,935,347) (18,934,633)
Class B Shares................................................................. (802,099) (516,251)
Class C Shares................................................................. (68,046) (40,627)
-------------- --------------
(21,805,492) (19,491,511)
-------------- --------------
Distributions from Net Realized Gain:
Class A Shares................................................................. (214,376,498) (190,609,218)
Class B Shares................................................................. (16,706,248) (10,864,407)
Class C Shares................................................................. (1,451,558) (831,362)
-------------- --------------
(232,534,304) (202,304,987)
-------------- --------------
Total Distributions............................................................ (254,339,796) (221,796,498)
-------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES................................. 134,388,728 25,065,559
-------------- --------------
FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from Shares Sold........................................................... 817,288,119 870,144,817
Net Asset Value of Shares Issued Through Dividend Reinvestment...................... 234,713,290 203,868,215
Cost of Shares Repurchased.......................................................... (855,710,525) (897,713,361)
-------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS.................................. 196,290,884 176,299,671
-------------- --------------
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS........................................................ 330,679,612 201,365,230
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of the Period............................................................. 1,322,067,037 1,120,701,807
-------------- --------------
End of the Period (Including accumulated undistributed net investment
income of $4,137,405 and $1,509,361, respectively)................................ $1,652,746,649 $1,322,067,037
============== ==============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
B-37
<PAGE> 92
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 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the Period............ $ 14.785 $ 14.54 $ 12.40 $ 16.38 $ 17.30
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net Investment Income.......................... .275 .264 .26 .31 .32
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss.......... 3.966 2.828 4.1125 (.92) 1.18
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations.................... 4.241 3.092 4.3725 (.61) 1.50
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess of
Net Investment Income........................ .250 .255 .27 .3225 .2975
Distributions from Net Realized Gain........... 2.572 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 2.1225
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total Distributions................................. 2.822 2.847 2.2325 3.37 2.42
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period.................. $ 16.204 $ 14.785 $ 14.54 $ 12.40 $ 16.38
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Total Return (a).................................... 29.92% 22.34% 36.16% (3.67%) 9.09%
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions).................................. $1,518.7 $1,240.9 $1,071.4 $ 871.6 $ 980.4
Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets (b)......................... .94% 1.00% .96% 1.01% .96%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets (b)......................... 1.71% 1.71% 1.82% 1.93% 1.82%
Portfolio Turnover.................................. 114% 176% 151% 136% 50%
Average Commission Paid Per
Equity Share Traded (c)........................ $ .0602 $ .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.
See Notes to Financial Statements
B-38
<PAGE> 93
Financial Highlights (Continued)
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one share of the Fund
outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 (a)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period $14.802 $ 14.56 $ 12.42 $ 16.40 $ 17.30
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Investment Income .145 .144 .14 .16 .18
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss 3.964 2.825 4.1125 (.905) 1.192
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations 4.109 2.969 4.2525 (.745) 1.372
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess of
Net Investment Income .130 .135 .15 .1875 .1495
Distributions from Net Realized Gain 2.572 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 2.1225
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Distributions 2.702 2.727 2.1125 3.235 2.272
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period $16.209 $14.802 $ 14.56 $ 12.42 $ 16.40
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Return (b) 28.88% 21.39% 34.99% (4.41%) 8.25%
Net Assets at End of the Period (In millions) $ 123.1 $ 75.4 $ 45.2 $ 22.0 $ 13.9
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (c) 1.74% 1.80% 1.79% 1.84% 1.76%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (c) .92% .91% .96% 1.12% 1.04%
Portfolio Turnover 114% 176% 151% 136% 50%
Average Commission Paid Per Equity Share Traded (d) $ .0602 $ .0598 -- -- --
</TABLE>
(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.
See Notes to Financial Statements
B-39
<PAGE> 94
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,
Class C Shares 1997 1996 1995 1994 (a) 1993 (a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the Period $14.805 $ 14.56 $ 12.41 $ 16.39 $ 18.16
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Investment Income .144 .151 .15 .18 .02
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss 3.963 2.821 4.1125 (.925) .1425
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations 4.107 2.972 4.2625 (.745) .1625
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess of
Net Investment Income .130 .135 .15 .1875 .065
Distributions from Net Realized Gain 2.572 2.592 1.9625 3.0475 1.8675
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Distributions 2.702 2.727 2.1125 3.235 1.9325
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period $16.210 $14.805 $ 14.56 $ 12.41 $ 16.39
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total Return (b) 28.89% 21.38% 35.11% (4.43%) 1.11%*
Net Assets at End of the Period (In millions) $ 10.9 $ 5.8 $ 4.1 $ 2.3 $ 0.5
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (c) 1.74% 1.80% 1.79% 1.85% 1.93%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets (c) .92% .92% .97% 1.15% .78%
Portfolio Turnover 114% 176% 151% 136% 50%
Average Commission Paid Per Equity Share Traded (d) $ .0602 $ .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.
See Notes to Financial Statements
B-40
<PAGE> 95
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund (the "Fund") is organized as a
Delaware business trust and is registered as a diversified open-end investment
management 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
followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The
preparation 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 assets 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 available
are valued at the last bid price. For those securities where quotations or
prices are not available, valuations are determined in accordance with
procedures 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
basis. 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 aggregate
value at least equal to the amount of the when issued or delayed delivery
purchase commitments until payment is made. At December 31, 1997, 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 invest independently in repurchase agreements, or transfer
uninvested cash balances 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. INCOME AND EXPENSE-Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and
interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Original issue discount is
amortized over the life of each applicable security. Premiums on debt securities
are not amortized. Expenses of the Fund are allocated on a pro rata basis to
each class of shares, except for distribution and service fees and transfer
agency costs which are unique to each class of shares.
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
purposes primarily as a result of the deferral of losses for tax purposes
resulting from wash sales.
B-41
<PAGE> 96
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At December 31, 1997, for federal income tax purposes, cost of long- and
short-term investments is $1,413,212,294, the aggregate gross unrealized
appreciation is $301,517,070 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is
$48,658,176, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $252,858,894.
E. DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND GAINS-The Fund declares and pays dividends
quarterly from net investment income. Net realized gains, if any, are
distributed annually. Distributions from net realized gains for book purposes
may include short-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 ordinary income for tax purposes.
For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished
with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended
December 31, 1997. The Fund designated $68,399,827 as a 28% rate capital gain
distribution and $25,393,891 as a 20% rate capital gain distribution.
Shareholders were sent a 1997 Form 1099-DIV in January 1998 representing their
proportionate share of the capital gain distribution to be reported on their
income tax returns. For corporate shareholders 17.15% of the distributions
qualify for the dividend received deductions.
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>
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund recognized expenses of
approximately $49,100 representing legal services provided by Skadden, Arps,
Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois), counsel to the Fund, of which a trustee of the
Fund is an affiliated person.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund recognized expenses of
approximately $194,100 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, 1997, the Fund recognized expenses of approximately $1,901,300,
representing ACCESS' cost of providing transfer agency and shareholder services
plus a profit.
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 provides deferred compensation and retirement plans for its
trustees who are not officers of VKAC. Under the deferred compensation plan,
trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation to a later
date. Benefits under the retirement plan are payable for a ten-year period and
are based upon each trustee's years of service to the Fund. The maximum annual
benefit per trustee under the plan is equal to $2,500.
B-42
<PAGE> 97
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
The Fund has outstanding three classes of shares of beneficial interest, Classes
A, B and C, each with a par value of $.01 per share. There are an unlimited
number of shares of each class authorized.
At December 31, 1997, capital aggregated $1,194,392,039, $116,704,433 and
$10,529,159 for Classes A, B, and C, respectively. For the year ended December
31, 1997, transactions were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Sales:
Class A........................... 45,998,404 $ 744,890,923
Class B........................... 3,397,175 54,818,021
Class C........................... 1,047,262 17,579,175
---------- -------------
Total Sales............................ 50,442,841 $ 817,288,119
========== =============
Dividend Reinvestment:
Class A........................... 13,786,947 $ 217,128,859
Class B........................... 1,028,368 16,221,126
Class C........................... 86,370 1,363,305
---------- -------------
Total Dividend Reinvestment 14,901,685 $ 234,713,290
========== =============
Repurchases:
Class A........................... (49,991,503) $(810,383,665)
Class B........................... (1,916,981) (30,944,192)
Class C........................... (852,871) (14,382,668)
---------- -------------
Total Repurchases (52,761,355) $(855,710,525)
========== =============
</TABLE>
B-43
<PAGE> 98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales:
<S> <C> <C>
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>
Class B and C shares are offered without a front end sales charge, but are
subject 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
purchase for Class B and one year of the purchase for Class C as detailed in the
following schedule.
<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>
B-44
<PAGE> 99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the year ended December 31, 1997, VKAC, as Distributor for the Fund,
received net commissions on sales of the Fund's Class A shares of approximately
$220,900 and CDSC on redeemed shares of approximately $156,000. Sales charges do
not represent expenses of the Fund.
4. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
During the period, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments,
excluding short-term investments, were $1,607,114,788 and $1,669,155,483,
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
attempt 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,
including derivative instruments, are marked to market each day with the change
in value reflected in unrealized appreciation/depreciation. Upon disposition, a
realized gain or loss is recognized accordingly, except when exercising a call
option contract or taking delivery of a security underlying a futures contract.
In these instances the recognition of gain or loss is postponed until the
disposal of the security underlying the option or futures contract.
During the period, the Fund invested in futures contracts, a type of
derivative. 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 account 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, 1997,
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Outstanding at December 31, 1996............................. -0-
Futures Opened............................................... 105
Futures Closed............................................... (105)
----
Outstanding at December 31, 1997............................. -0-
----
</TABLE>
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, 1997, are payments retained by VKAC of approximately
$1,041,654.
B-45
<PAGE> 100
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> <S> <C>
(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(8)
(b) Specimen Class B Share Certificate(8)
(c) Specimen Class C Share Certificate(8)
(5) Investment Advisory Agreement+
(6) (a) Distribution and Service Agreement+
(b) Form of Dealer Agreement(8)
(c) Form of Broker Agreement(8)
(d) Form of Bank Agreement(8)
(8) (a) Custodian Agreement+
(b) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement+
(9) (a) Data Services Agreement(8)
(b) Fund Accounting Agreement+
(10) Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
(Illinois)(8)
(11) Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP+
(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> 101
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
(15) (a) Plan of Distribution Pursuant to 12b-1(8)
(b) Form of Shareholder Assistance Agreement(8)
(c) Form of Administrative Service Agreement(8)
(d) Service Plan(8)
(16) Computation Measure for Performance Information+
(17) (a) List of Certain Investment Companies in Response to Item 29(a)(9)
(b) List of Officers and Directors of Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. in Response
to Item 29(b)(9)
(18) Amended Multiple Class Plan(8)
(24) Power of Attorney+
(27) Financial Data Schedules+
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(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.
(8) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File Number 2-27778,
filed April 28, 1997.
(9) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to Van
Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Fund Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, Number 2-21657, filed March 27, 1998.
+ Filed herewith.
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
NONE.
C-2
<PAGE> 102
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
AS OF APRIL 6, 1998
<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 78,603 15,208 1,242
------ ------ ---
</TABLE>
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
Reference is made to Article 8, Section 8.4 of the Registrant's Agreement
and Declaration of Trust.
Article 8; Section 8.4 of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides
that each officer and trustee of the Registrant shall be indemnified by the
Registrant against all liabilities incurred in connection with the defense or
disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal,
in which the officer or trustee may be or may have been involved by reason of
being or having been an officer or trustee, except that such indemnity shall not
protect any such person against a liability to the Registrant or any shareholder
thereof to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of (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.
C-3
<PAGE> 103
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.
(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> 104
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, 1998.
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, 1998 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/ RICHARD M. DEMARTINI* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Richard M. DeMartini
/s/ LINDA HUTTON HEAGY* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Linda Hutton Heagy
/s/ R. CRAIG KENNEDY* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
R. Craig Kennedy
/s/ JACK E. NELSON* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Jack E. Nelson
/s/ DON G. POWELL* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Don G. Powell
/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, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 105
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
INDEX TO EXHIBITS TO AMENDMENT NO. 50 TO FORM N-1A
AS SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
ON APRIL 27, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ------- ----------------------
<C> <S>
(1)(c) Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation
(5) Investment Advisory Agreement
(6)(a) Distribution and Service Agreement
(8)(a) Custodian Agreement
(8)(b) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
(9)(b) Fund Accounting Agreement
(11) Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP
(16) Computation Measure for Performance Information
(24) 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 amend and restate
in its entirety the Certificate of Designations of the Van Kampen American
Capital Comstock Fund Series of the Trust dated June 21, 1995 by redesignating
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 (5)
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT (herein so called) made this May 31, 1997, 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 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 trustees 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
<PAGE> 2
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 shareholders 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 with 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.
For a period of one year commencing on the effective date of this Agreement,
the ADVISER and the FUND agree that the retention of (i) the chief executive
officer, president, chief financial officer and secretary of the ADVISER and
(ii) each director, officer and employee of the ADVISER or any of its Affiliates
(as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act") who serves as an officer of the FUND (each person referred to in (i) or
(ii) hereinafter being referred to as an "Essential Person"), in his or her
current capacities, is in the best interest of the FUND and the FUND's
shareholders. In connection with the ADVISER's acceptance of employment
hereunder, the ADVISER hereby agrees and covenants for itself and on behalf of
its Affiliates that neither the ADVISER nor any of its Affiliates shall make
any material or significant personnel changes or replace or seek to replace any
Essential Person or cause to be replaced any Essential Person, in each case
without first informing the Board of Trustees of the FUND in a timely manner.
In addition, neither the ADVISER nor any affiliate of the ADVISER shall change
or seek to change or cause to be changed, in any material respect, the duties
and responsibilities of any Essential Person, in each case without first
informing the Board of Trustees of the FUND in a timely manner.
(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, neither the ADVISER nor any subadviser shall 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.
<PAGE> 3
(3) COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO THE 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% on 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 with 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.
<PAGE> 4
(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 31, 1999 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.
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.
All questions concerning the validity, meaning and effect of this Agreement
shall be determined in accordance with the laws (without giving effect to the
conflict-of-law principles thereof) of the State of Delaware applicable to
contracts made and to be performed in that state.
In connection with its employment hereunder, the ADVISER hereby agrees and
covenants not to change its name without the prior consent of the Board of
Trustees of the FUND.
<PAGE> 5
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 VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. COMSTOCK FUND
By: /s/ Dennis J. McDonnell By: /s/ Peter W. Hegel
-------------------------------- ------------------------------
Name: Dennis J. McDonnell Name: Peter W. Hegel
Its: President Its: Executive Vice President
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (6)(A)
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
THIS DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE AGREEMENT dated as of May 31, 1997 (the
"Agreement") by and between VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
(the "Fund") and VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Distributor").
1. (a) 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.
(b) Best Efforts. The Distributor shall 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. Without
the prior approval of the Board of Trustees, the Distributor shall not, directly
or indirectly, distribute, sell or market, through its organization or other
brokers, dealers or agents, shares of any investment companies unless the Board
of Trustees of the Fund determines that such companies do not compete, or
potentially compete, with the Fund.
(c) Positions in the 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.
(d) Essential Personnel. The Distributor and the Fund agree that
the retention of (i) the chief executive officer, president, treasurer and
secretary of the Distributor, and (ii) each director, officer and employee of
the Distributor or any of its affiliates (as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") who serves as an officer of the Fund
(each person referred to in (i) or (ii) hereinafter being referred to as an
"Essential Person"), in his or her current capacities, is in the best interest
of the Fund and the Fund's shareholders. In connection with the Distributor's
acceptance of employment hereunder, the Distributor hereby agrees and covenants
for itself and on behalf of its Affiliates that neither the Distributor nor any
of its Affiliates shall replace or seek to replace any Essential Person or cause
to be replaced any Essential Person, in each case without first consulting with
the Board of Trustees of the Fund in a timely manner. In addition, neither the
Distributor nor any Affiliate of the Distributor shall change or seek to change
or cause to be changed, in any material respect, the duties and responsibilities
of any Essential Person, in each case without first consulting with the Board of
Trustees of the Fund in a timely manner.
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
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<PAGE> 2
Shares of any investment company; (b) in connection with a pro rata distribution
directly to the holders of 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. (the parent company of the Distributor), VK/AC
Holding, Inc. (the parent company of The Van Kampen American Capital, Inc.),
Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. (the parent company of VK/AC
Holding, Inc.) and to the subsidiaries of Van Kampen American Capital, Inc.;
(f) to any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for any of the
aforesaid persons; and (g) to any group of persons as permitted by Rule 22d-1
under the 1940 Act approved from time to time by the Board of Trustees and set
forth in the then current Prospectus of the Fund.
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 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. (a) 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 Fund's Multiple Class Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees in accordance
with Section 18 of the 1940 Act and Rule 18f-3 thereunder. 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.
(b) Discounts to Dealers. 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. In connection
with the Distributor's employment hereunder, the Distributor hereby agrees to
distribute the Shares through brokers, dealers and other agents of Dean Witter
Distributors, Inc. on a "proprietary basis" substantially identical to the
distribution of shares of proprietary open-end investment companies distributed
by Dean Witter Distributors, Inc.
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
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<PAGE> 3
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.
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 pay the costs and expenses of
qualifying maintaining qualification of the Shares for sale under the
securities laws of the various states. 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 and
subject to 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 1
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
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<PAGE> 4
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 class of
Shares setting forth the amounts so paid, the purposes for which such
expenditures were made for each such class of Shares, comparing the amounts paid
by such class of Shares with amounts paid by classes of shares issued by
investment companies not governed by the Board of Trustees and distributed by
the Distributor or by direct or indirect Affiliates of the Distributor and such
other information as the Board of Trustees may from time to time request.
(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 Trustees
shall review, at least quarterly, a written report with respect to each class of
Shares setting forth the amounts paid as service fees for each such class of
Shares comparing the amounts paid as service fees by such class of Shares with
amounts paid by classes of shares issued by investment companies not governed by
the Board of Trustees and distributed by the Distributor or by direct or
indirect Affiliates of the Distributor and such other information as the Board
of Trustees may from time to time request.
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,
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<PAGE> 5
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.
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
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<PAGE> 6
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 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.
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<PAGE> 7
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. Name. In connection with its employment hereunder, the
Distributor hereby agrees and covenants not to change its name without the prior
consent of the Board of Trustees.
12. 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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<PAGE> 8
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
8
<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(s) 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 Trustees 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.
1
<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
(and certain federal agencies 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
U.S. 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 U.S. 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
2
<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;
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 of Trustees,
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; and
16) Upon termination of the Contract.
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 on behalf of the
Fund 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 Trustees 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 U.S. 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 of Trustees, 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; and
8) Upon termination of this Contract.
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 U.S. 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 "U.S. 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 U.S.
Securities System provided that such securities are represented
in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the U.S.
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 U.S. 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
U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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
U.S. Securities System for the account of the Fund.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained
by the Custodian on the U.S. Securities System's accounting
system, internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities deposited in the U.S. 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 any loss or damage to
the Fund resulting from use of the U.S. 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 U.S.
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 U.S. 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 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
transaction in the U.S. 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 of Trustees 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.
10
<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 of
Trustees, 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 a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository
or in a book-entry system for the central handling of securities
located outside of the United States (each a "Foreign Securities
System") only through arrangements implemented by the foreign banking
institutions serving as sub-custodians pursuant to the terms hereof
(Foreign Securities Systems and U.S. Securities Systems are
collectively referred to herein as the "Securities Systems"). Where
possible, such arrangements shall include entry into agreements
containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.5 hereof.
3.4 Holding Securities. The Custodian may hold cash, securities and other
non-cash property for all of its customers, including the Fund, with a
foreign sub-custodian in a single account that is identified as
belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided
however, that (1) the records of the Custodian with respect to cash,
securities and other non-cash property of the Fund which are
maintained in such account shall identify by book-entry the cash,
securities and other non-cash property belonging to the Fund and (ii)
the Custodian shall require that cash, securities and other non-cash
property so held by the foreign sub-custodian be held separately from
any assets of the Custodian, the foreign sub-custodian or of others.
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a
foreign banking institution shall provide that: (a) the assets of
each 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
each 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 each
applicable 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(s) held by the foreign
sub-custodian will be subject only to the instructions of the
Custodian or its agents.
3.6 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.
3.7 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(s) held by foreign
sub-custodians, including but not limited to an identification of
entities having possession of the Fund(s) 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 each applicable Fund
indicating, as to securities acquired for a Fund, the identity of the
entity having physical possession of such securities.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Except as otherwise
provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.8, 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 each applicable Fund and delivery of
securities maintained for the account of each applicable 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. In addition, and
whether or not such practice is a customary established trading
practice in the relevany jurisdictions, the Custodian will, upon
Proper Instructions from the Fund, deliver cash to securities brokers
in foreign jurisdictions who will effect securities trades for the
Fund and cause the securities purchased to be delivered to the
applicable foreign sub-custodian at some later date. (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.
3.9 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.
3.10 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 3.13 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
13
<PAGE> 17
paragraph 3.10, 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.
3.11 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.
3.12 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).
3.13 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.
3.14 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 on behalf of each such 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 applicable Fund's governing documents and any applicable
votes of the Board of Trustees 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.
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<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 Trustees
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
Trustees of the Fund accompanied by a detailed description of procedures
approved by the Board of Trustees, Proper Instructions may include
communications effected directly between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices provided that the Board of Trustees 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
Trustees of the Fund.
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<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 Trustees 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 of Trustees 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 Trustees 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
related to such Fund.
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
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<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.
Except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or willful
misconduct or the negligence or willful misconduct of a sub-custodian or agent,
the Custodian shall be without liability to the Fund for any loss, liability,
claim or expense resulting from or caused by: (i) events or circumstances
beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian or any sub-custodian or
Securities System or any agent or nominee of any of the foregoing, including,
without limitation, nationalization or expropriation, imposition of currency
controls or restrictions, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading
on or the closure of any securities market, power or other mechanical or
technological failures or interruptions, computer viruses or communications
disruptions, acts of war or terrorism, riots, revolutions, work stoppages,
natural disasters or other similar events or acts; (ii) errors by the Fund or
its investment adviser in their instructions to the Custodian provided such
instructions have been in accordance with this Contract; (iii) the insolvency of
or acts or omissions by a Securities System; (iv) any delay or failure of any
broker, agent or intermediary, central bank or other commercially prevalent
payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodian's sub-custodian or agent
securities purchased or in the remittance or payment made in connection with
securities sold; (v) any delay or failure of any company, corporation, or other
body in charge of registering or transferring securities in the name of the
Custodian, the Fund, the Custodian's sub-custodians, nominees or agents or any
consequential losses arising out of such delay or failure to transfer such
securities including non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other
accretions or benefits; (vi) delays or inability to perform its duties due to
any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any particular security or
Securities System; and (vii) any provision of any present or future law or
regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or
any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent
jurisdiction.
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.
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 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.
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)
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<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 an annual
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of the
Fund 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 Fund's governing documents, and further provided, that the Fund
on behalf of one or more of the Funds 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 a Fund shall be appointed by the Board
of Trustees of such 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, Funds and other properties of each
applicable Fund then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of
the successor custodian all of the securities of each 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 Trustees 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 of Trustees 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 each
applicable Fund and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and
all other property held by it under this Contract on behalf of each applicable
Fund and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the
securities of each such 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 of Trustees 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
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<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. Reproduction of Documents
This Contract and all schedules, exhibits, attachments and amendments
hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm,
micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties
hereto all/each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence
as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or
not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made
by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement,
facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be
admissible in evidence.
21. 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 or any funds or accounts established 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 Fund's name,
address, and share positions of each Fund listed on
Exhibit A.
NO [X] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's
name, address, and share positions of each Fund listed
on Exhibit A.
22
<PAGE> 26
22. Limitation of Liability.
The execution of this Contract has been authorized by each Fund's
Board of Trustees. 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.
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 1st day of August, 1997.
ATTEST EACH OF THE FUNDS LISTED ON APPENDIX A
/s/ Nicholas Dalmaso By: /s/ Ronald A. Nyberg
- ------------------------ -----------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg, Vice President
and Secretary
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/s/ Francine Hayes 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
Asset Allocation Portfolio
Domestic Income Portfolio
Emerging Growth Portfolio
Enterprise Portfolio
Global Equity Portfolio
Government Portfolio
Growth and Income Portfolio
Money Market Portfolio
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT 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 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
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 PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE INCOME FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TAX FREE MONEY FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL FOREIGN SECURITIES FUND
24
<PAGE> 28
THE EXPLORER INSTITUTIONAL TRUST
Explorer Institutional Active Core Fund
Explorer Institutional Limited Duration Fund
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL NAVIGATOR FUNDS
Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio
Emerging Markets Fixed Income Portfolio
U.S. QUALITY FUNDS
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EXCHANGE FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL HIGH INCOME TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL HIGH INCOME TRUST II
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRADE MUNICIPAL TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL PRIME RATE INCOME 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 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
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL BOND FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INCOME TRUST
25
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (8)(b)
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 31st day of May, 1997 by and between each of the
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL OPEN END FUNDS set forth on Schedule "A" hereto,
which are organized under the laws of the state and as the entities set forth
in Schedule "A" hereto (collectively, the "Funds"), and ACCESS INVESTOR
SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("ACCESS").
R E C I T A L:
-------------
WHEREAS, each of the Funds desires to appoint ACCESS as its transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder service agent and ACCESS
desires to accept such appointments;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained,
the parties hereto agree as follows:
Article 1. Terms of Appointment; Duties of ACCESS.
---------------------------------------
1.01 Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, each
of the Funds hereby employs and appoints ACCESS as its transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and shareholder service agent.
1.02 ACCESS hereby accepts such employment and appointments and agrees
that on and after the effective date of this Agreement it will act as the
transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder service agent for
each of the Funds on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
1.03 ACCESS agrees that its duties and obligations hereunder will be
performed in a competent, efficient and workmanlike manner with due diligence
in accordance with reasonable industry practice, and that the necessary
facilities, equipment and personnel for such performance will be provided.
1.04 For a period of one year commencing on the effective date of this
Agreement, ACCESS and each of the Funds agree that the retention of (i) the
chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief operating
officer and secretary of ACCESS and (ii) each director, officer and employee of
ACCESS or any of its Affiliates (as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) who serves as an officer of the Funds (each
person referred to in (i) or (ii) hereinafter being referred to as an
"Essential Person"), in his or her current capacities, is in the best interest
<PAGE> 2
of the Funds and the Funds' shareholders. In connection with ACCESS's
acceptance of employment hereunder, ACCESS hereby agrees and covenants for
itself and on behalf of its Affiliates that neither ACCESS nor any of its
Affiliates shall make any material or significant personnel changes or replace
or seek to replace any Essential Person or cause to be replaced any Essential
Person, in each case without first informing the Board of Trustees of the Funds
in a timely manner. In addition, neither ACCESS nor any Affiliate of ACCESS
shall change or seek to change or cause to be changed, in any material
respect, the duties and responsibilities of any Essential Person, in each case
without first informing the Board of Trustees of the Funds in a timely
manner.
1.05 In order to assure compliance with section 1.03 and to implement a
cooperative effort to improve and maintain the quality of transfer agency,
dividend disbursing and shareholder services received by each of the Funds and
their shareholders, ACCESS agrees to provide and maintain quantitative
performance objectives, including maximum target turn-around times and maximum
target error rates, for the various services provided hereunder. ACCESS also
agrees to provide a reporting system designed to provide the Board of Trustees
of each of the Funds (the "Board") on a quarterly basis with quantitative data
comparing actual performance for the period with the performance objectives.
The foregoing procedures are designed to provide a basis for continuing
monitoring by the Board of the quality of services rendered hereunder.
Article 2. Fees and Expenses.
------------------
2.01 For the services to be performed by ACCESS pursuant to this
Agreement, each of the Funds agrees to pay ACCESS the fees provided in the fee
schedules agreed upon from time to time by each of the Funds and ACCESS.
2.02 In addition to the amounts paid under section 2.01 above, each of the
Funds agrees to reimburse ACCESS promptly for such Fund's reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses or advances paid on its behalf by ACCESS in connection
with its performance under this Agreement for postage, freight, envelopes,
checks, drafts, continuous forms, reports and statements, telephone, telegraph,
costs of outside mailing firms, necessary outside record storage costs, media
for storage of records (e.g., microfilm, microfiche and computer tapes) and
printing costs incurred due to special requirements of such Fund. In addition,
any other special out-of-pocket expenses paid by ACCESS at the specific request
of any of the Funds will be promptly reimbursed by the requesting Fund.
Postage for mailings of dividends, proxies, Fund reports and other mailings
Page 2
<PAGE> 3
to all shareholder accounts shall be advanced to ACCESS by the concerned Fund
three business days prior to the mailing date of such materials.
Article 3. Representations and Warranties of Access.
-----------------------------------------
ACCESS represents and warrants to each of the Funds that:
3.01 It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Delaware.
3.02 It is duly qualified to carry on its business in each jurisdiction in
which the nature of its business requires it to be so qualified.
3.03 It is empowered under applicable laws and regulations and by its
charter and bylaws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
3.04 All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it
to enter into and perform this Agreement.
3.05 It has and will continue to have during the term of this Agreement
access to the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its
duties and obligations hereunder.
3.06 It will maintain a system regarding "as of" transactions as follows:
(a) Each "as of" transaction effected at a price other than that in
effect on the day of processing for which an estimate has not been given
to any of the affected Funds and which is necessitated by ACCESS' error,
or delay for which ACCESS is responsible or which could have been avoided
through the exercise of reasonable care, will be identified, and the net
effect of such transactions determined, on a daily basis for each such
Fund.
(b) The cumulative net effect of the transactions included in
paragraph (a) above will be determined each day throughout each month.
If, on any day during the month, the cumulative net effect upon any Fund
is negative and exceeds an amount equivalent to 1/2 of 1 cent per share
of such Fund, ACCESS shall promptly make a payment to such Fund (in cash
or through use of a credit as described in paragraph (c) below) in such
amount as necessary to reduce the negative cumulative net effect to less
than 1/2 of 1 cent per share of such Fund. If on the last business day
of the month the cumulative net effect (adjusted by the amount of any
payments or credits used pursuant to the preceding sentence) upon any
Fund is negative, such Fund shall be entitled to a reduction in the
monthly transfer agency fee next payable by an equivalent amount, except
as provided in paragraph (c) below. If on the last
Page 3
<PAGE> 4
business day of the month the cumulative net effect (similarly adjusted)
upon any Fund is positive, ACCESS shall be entitled to recover certain
past payments, credits used and reductions in fees, and to a credit
against all future payments and fee reductions made under this paragraph
to such Fund, as described in paragraph (c) below.
(c) At the end of each month, any positive cumulative net effect
upon any Fund shall be deemed to be a credit to ACCESS which shall first
be applied to recover any payments, credits used and fee reductions made
by ACCESS to such Fund under paragraph (b) above during the calendar year
by increasing the amount of the monthly transfer agency fee next payable
in an amount equal to prior payments, credits used and fee reductions
made during such year, but not exceeding the sum of that month's credit
and credits arising in prior months during such year to the extent such
prior credits have not previously been utilized as contemplated by this
paragraph (c). Any portion of a credit to ACCESS not so used shall
remain as a credit to be used as payment against the amount of any future
negative cumulative net effects which would otherwise require a payment,
use of a credit or fee reduction to such Fund pursuant to paragraph (b)
above.
Article 4. Representations and Warranties of the Funds.
--------------------------------------------
Each of the Funds hereby represents and warrants on behalf of itself
only and not on behalf of any other Funds which are a party to this Agreement
that:
4.01 It is duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws
of the commonwealth or state set forth in Schedule "A" hereto.
4.02 It is empowered under applicable laws and regulations and by its
Declaration of Trust and by-laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.03 All requisite proceedings have been taken by its Board to authorize
it to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.04 It is an open-end, management investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Page 4
<PAGE> 5
4.05 A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate
state securities laws filings have been made and will continue to be made, with
respect to all of its shares being offered for sale.
Article 5. Indemnification.
---------------
5.01 ACCESS shall not be responsible for and each of the Funds shall
indemnify and hold ACCESS harmless from and against any and all losses,
damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and
liabilities (collectively, "Losses") arising out of or attributable to:
(a) All actions of ACCESS required to be taken by ACCESS for the
benefit of such Fund pursuant to this Agreement, provided that ACCESS has
acted in good faith with due diligence and without negligence or willful
misconduct.
(b) The reasonable reliance by ACCESS on, or reasonable use by
ACCESS of, information, records and documents which have been prepared or
maintained by or on behalf of such Fund or have been furnished to ACCESS
by or on behalf of such Fund.
(c) The reasonable reliance by ACCESS on, or the carrying out by
ACCESS of, any instructions or requests of such Fund.
(d) The offer or sale of such Fund's shares in violation of any
requirement under the federal securities laws or regulations or the
securities laws or regulations of any state or in violation of any stop
order or other determination or ruling by any federal agency or any state
with respect to the offer or sale of such shares in such state unless
such violation results from any failure by ACCESS to comply with written
instructions of such Fund that no offers or sales of such Fund's shares
be made in general or to the residents of a particular state.
(e) Such Fund's refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this
Agreement, or such Fund's lack of good faith, negligence or willful
misconduct or the breach of any representation or warranty of such Fund
hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Fund shall be required to
indemnify or hold ACCESS harmless from and against any Losses arising out
of or attributable to any action or failure to take action, or any
information, records or
Page 5
<PAGE> 6
documents prepared or maintained, on behalf of
the Fund by the Fund's investment adviser or distributor, or any person
providing fund accounting or legal services to the Fund that is also an
officer or employee of Van Kampen American Capital, Inc. or its
subsidiaries unless such person or entity is otherwise entitled to
indemnification from the Fund.
5.02 ACCESS shall indemnify and hold harmless each of the Funds from and
against any and all Losses arising out of or attributable to ACCESS' refusal or
failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, or ACCESS' lack of good
faith, or its negligence or willful misconduct, or the breach of any
representation or warranty of ACCESS hereunder.
5.03 At any time ACCESS may apply to any authorized officer of any of the
Funds for instructions, and may consult with any of the Funds' legal counsel,
at the expense of such concerned Fund, with respect to any matter arising in
connection with the services to be performed by ACCESS under this Agreement,
and ACCESS shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by such concerned Fund
for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in reasonable reliance upon
such instructions or upon the opinion of such counsel. ACCESS shall be
protected and indemnified in acting upon any paper or document reasonably
believed by ACCESS to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper person
or persons and shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of
any person, until receipt of written notice thereof from the concerned Fund.
ACCESS shall also be protected and indemnified in recognizing stock
certificates which ACCESS reasonably believes to bear the proper manual or
facsimile signatures of the officers of the concerned Fund, and the proper
countersignature of any former transfer agent or registrar, or of a
co-transfer agent or co-registrar.
5.04 In the event that any party is unable to perform its obligations
under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, strikes, equipment or
transmission failure or damage, or other causes reasonably beyond its control,
such party shall not be liable to the other for any damages resulting from such
failure to perform or otherwise from such causes.
5.05 In no event and under no circumstances shall any party to this
Agreement be liable to another party for consequential damages under any
provision of this Agreement or for any act or failure to act hereunder.
5.06 In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this
Article 5 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which one party may be
required to indemnify another, the party seeking indemnification shall promptly
notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party
advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim.
Page 6
<PAGE> 7
The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate
with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim. The party
seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any
compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it
except with the other party's prior written consent.
Article 6. Covenants of Each of the Funds and ACCESS.
------------------------------------------
6.01 Each of the Funds shall promptly furnish to ACCESS the following:
(a) Certified copies of the resolution of its Board authorizing the
appointment of ACCESS and the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
(b) Certified copies of its Declaration of Trust or Articles of
Incorporation and by-laws and all amendments thereto.
6.02 ACCESS hereby agrees to maintain facilities and procedures
reasonably acceptable to each of the Funds for safekeeping of share
certificates, check forms and facsimile signature imprinting devices, if any;
and for the preparation or use, and for keeping account of, such
certificates, forms and devices.
6.03 ACCESS shall keep records relating to the services to be
performed hereunder in the form and manner as it may deem advisable; provided,
however, that all accounts, books and other records of each of the Funds
(hereinafter referred to as "Fund Records") prepared or maintained by ACCESS
hereunder shall be maintained and kept current in compliance with Section 31 of
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder (such Section and
Rules being hereinafter referred to as the "1940 Act Requirements"). To the
extent required by the 1940 Act Requirements, ACCESS agrees that all Fund
Records prepared or maintained by ACCESS hereunder are the property of the
concerned Fund and shall be preserved and made available in accordance with the
1940 Act Requirements, and shall be surrendered promptly to the concerned Fund
on its request. ACCESS agrees at such reasonable times as may be requested by
the Board and at least quarterly to provide (i) written confirmation to the
Board that all Fund Records are maintained and kept current in accordance with
the 1940 Act Requirements, and (ii) such other reports regarding its
performance hereunder as may be reasonably requested by the Board.
Page 7
<PAGE> 8
6.04 ACCESS and each of the Funds agree that all books, records,
information and data pertaining to the business of the other party which are
exchanged or received pursuant to the negotiation or the carrying out of this
Agreement shall remain confidential, and shall not be voluntarily
disclosed to any other person, except as may be required by law.
6.05 In case of any requests or demands for the inspection of any of
the Fund Records, ACCESS will endeavor to notify each of the concerned
Funds and to secure instructions from an authorized officer of each of the
concerned Funds as to such inspection. ACCESS reserves the right, however, to
exhibit such Fund Records to any person whenever it is advised by its counsel
that it may be held liable for the failure to exhibit such Fund records to such
person.
Article 7. Term and Termination Of Agreement.
----------------------------------
7.01 The initial term of this Agreement shall expire May 31, 1999,
and thereafter this Agreement shall automatically be renewed for
successive one year periods to begin on June 1 of each year unless any party
provides notice to the other party at least 120 days in advance of that date
that this Agreement is not to be renewed.
7.02 Notwithstanding the foregoing, any party may terminate this
Agreement for good and reasonable cause at any time by giving written
notice to the other party at least 60 days prior to the date on which such
termination is to be effective or such shorter period as may be required by
law.
7.03 Any unpaid fees or reimbursable expenses payable to ACCESS at
the termination date of this Agreement shall be due on that termination date.
ACCESS agrees to use its best efforts to cooperate with the Funds and the
successor transfer, dividend disbursement, or shareholder servicing agent
or agents in accomplishing an orderly transition.
Article 8. Miscellaneous.
--------------
8.01 Except as provided in section 8.03 below, neither this
Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any party
without the written consent of ACCESS or the concerned Fund, as the case may
be; provided, however, that no consent shall be required for any merger of any
of the Funds with, or any sale of all or substantially all the assets of
any of the Funds to, another investment company.
8.02 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
Page 8
<PAGE> 9
8.03 ACCESS may, without further consent on the part of any of the
Funds, subcontract with DST, Inc., a Missouri corporation, or any other
qualified servicer, for the performance of data processing activities;
provided, however, that ACCESS shall be as fully responsible to each of
the Funds for the acts and omissions of DST, Inc. or other qualified
servicer as it is for its own acts and omissions.
8.04 Without the prior approval of the Boards of Trustees of the
Funds, ACCESS shall not, directly or indirectly, provide services,
including services such as transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent or
shareholder service agent, to any investment companies.
8.05 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes
any prior agreement with respect thereto, whether oral or written, and
this Agreement may not be modified except by written instrument executed
by the affected parties.
8.06 The execution of this Agreement has been authorized by the
Funds' Trustees. This Plan is executed on behalf of the Funds or the
Trustees of the Funds as Trustees and not individually and the
obligations of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Trustees,
officers or shareholders of the Funds individually but are binding only
upon the assets and property of the Funds. A Certificate of Trust in
respect of each of the Funds is on file with the appropriate state
agency.
8.07 For each of those Funds which have one or more portfolios as
set forth in Schedule "A" hereto, all obligations of those Funds under
this Agreement shall apply only on a portfolio-by-portfolio basis and the
assets of one portfolio shall not be liable for the obligations of any
other.
8.08 In the event of a change in the business or regulatory
environment affecting all or any portion of this Agreement, the parties
hereto agree to renegotiate such affected portions in good faith.
8.09 All questions concerning the validity, meaning and effect of
this Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws (without
giving effect to the conflict-of-law principles thereof) of the State of
Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in that state.
8.10 (a) Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, or the breach, termination or validity
thereof, shall be finally settled by arbitration in accordance with
the Expedited Procedures
Page 9
<PAGE> 10
of the commercial arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration
Association (the "AAA") then in effect (the "Rules"). The
arbitration shall be held in Chicago, Illinois.
(b) There shall be one arbitrator who shall be selected jointly by
the parties. If the parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator
within 15 days after a demand for arbitration is made by a party,
the arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA in accordance with the
Rules. The hearing shall be held within 90 days of the appointment
of the arbitrator. Notwithstanding the Expedited Procedures
of the Rules, the arbitrator, at his discretion, may schedule
additional days of hearings.
(c) Either party may, without inconsistency with this Agreement,
seek from a court any interim or provisional relief in aid of
arbitration, pending the establishment of the arbitral tribunal.
The parties hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
federal and state courts located in the northern district of the
state of Illinois for any such relief in aid of arbitration, or for
any relief relating to arbitration, except for the enforcement of an
arbitral award which may be enforced in any court having
jurisdiction.
(d) Any arbitration proceedings or award rendered hereunder and the
validity, effect and interpretation of Section 8.10 shall be
governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. Sections 1 et
--
seq.) The award shall be final and binding upon the parties.
---
Judgment upon any award may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction.
(e) This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the Parties
shall remain in full force and effect pending the award in any
arbitration proceeding hereunder.
Page 10
<PAGE> 11
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and on their behalf and through their duly authorized
officers, as of the date first above written.
EACH OF THE VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
OPEN END FUNDS LISTED ON SCHEDULE
"A" HERETO
BY: /s/ Ronald A. Nyberg
----------------------------------
Vice President
ATTEST:
/s/ Nicholas Dalmaso
- ----------------------------------
Assistant Secretary
ACCESS INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.
BY: /s/ Paul R. Wolkenberg
---------------------------------
President and Chief Executive Officer
ATTEST:
/s/ Huey P. Falgout
- ---------------------------------
Assistant Secretary
Page 11
<PAGE> 12
SCHEDULE "A"
------------
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL OPEN-END FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Organization Type
Fund Name State of [Business Trust
(including Portfolios) Organization "T"]
=====================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
Van Kampen American Capital Aggressive Growth Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital California Insured Tax Free Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Corporate Bond Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Emerging Growth Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Enterprise Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Florida Insured Tax Free Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Foreign Securities Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Global Managed Assets Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Government Securities Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Government Target Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Great American Companies Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Growth Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Harbor Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital High Income Corporate Bond Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital High Yield Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Tax Free Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Intermediate Term Municipal Income Fund DE T
</TABLE>
Page 12
<PAGE> 13
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Organization Type
Fund Name State of [Business Trust
(including Portfolios) Organization "T"]
=====================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust DE T
Asset Allocation Portfolio
Domestic Income Portfolio
Emerging Growth Portfolio
Enterprise Portfolio
Global Equity Portfolio
Government Portfolio
Growth and Income Portfolio
Money Market Portfolio
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio
Strategic Stock Portfolio
Van Kampen American Capital Limited Maturity Government Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Municipal Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital New York Tax Free Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Pace Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund PA T
Van Kampen American Capital Prospector Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Real Estate Securities Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Short-Term Global Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Small Capitalization Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Strategic Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Tax-Exempt Trust DE T
Van Kampen American Capital High Yield Municipal Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free High Income Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Money Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Utility Fund DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Value Fund DE T
</TABLE>
PAGE 13
<PAGE> 14
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Organization Type
Fund Name State of [Business Trust
(including Portfolios) Organization "T"]
=====================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
Van Kampen American Capital World Portfolio Series Trust DE T
Van Kampen American Capital Global Equity Fund
Van Kampen American Capital Global Government Securities
Fund
</TABLE>
PAGE 14
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (9)(b)
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated May 31, 1997, 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.
<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.
<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
<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 High Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital High Income Trust II
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
<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 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 Limited Maturity Government Fund ("Limited
Maturity Government Fund")
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")
<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 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")
<PAGE> 8
AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE
TO THE
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE, dated July 24, 1997, to the Fund Accounting
Agreement dated May 31, 1997 (the "Agreement") by and between the parties set
forth in Schedule A, attached hereto and incorporated by reference and VAN
KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP., a Delaware corporation
("Advisory Corp.").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the following party, being an open-end management investment
company as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, wishes to become party to the Agreement:
ADVISED BY VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. ("ASSET
MANAGEMENT, INC.") (COLLECTIVELY, THE "FORMER AMERICAN CAPITAL FUNDS"):
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust ("Life Investment
Trust" or "LIT") on behalf of its Series
Strategic Stock Portfolio ("LIT Strategic Stock Portfolio")
WHEREAS, the original parties desire to add the aforementioned
additional entity as party to the Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants
spelled out in the Agreement and herein, it is hereby agreed that Schedule A of
the Agreement be amended to add the party mentioned above as party to the
Agreement.
<PAGE> 9
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this 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
<PAGE> 10
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 High Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital High Income Trust II
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
<PAGE> 11
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 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 Limited Maturity Government Fund ("Limited
Maturity Government Fund")
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")
<PAGE> 12
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 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")
<PAGE> 13
AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO
TO THE
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE, dated April 22, 1998, to the Fund Accounting
Agreement dated May 31, 1997 (the "Agreement") by and between the parties set
forth in Schedule A, attached hereto and incorporated by reference and VAN
KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP., a Delaware corporation
("Advisory Corp.").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the following party, being an open-end management investment
company as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, wishes to become party to the Agreement:
ADVISED BY VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP.
("ADVISORY CORP."):
Van Kampen American Capital Senior Income Trust
WHEREAS, the original parties desire to add the aforementioned
additional entity as party to the Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants
spelled out in the Agreement and herein, it is hereby agreed that Schedule A of
the Agreement be amended to add the party mentioned above as party to the
Agreement.
<PAGE> 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this 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
<PAGE> 15
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 High Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital High Income Trust II
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
<PAGE> 16
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 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")
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio ("LIT Morgan Stanley
Real Estate Securities Portfolio")
Growth and Income Portfolio ("LIT Growth and Income Portfolio")
Strategic Stock Portfolio ("LIT Strategic Stock Portfolio")
Van Kampen American Capital Limited Maturity Government Fund ("Limited
Maturity Government Fund")
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")
<PAGE> 17
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 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")
<PAGE> 18
AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE
TO THE
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE, dated April 23, 1998, to the Fund Accounting
Agreement dated May 31, 1997 (the "Agreement") by and between the parties set
forth in Schedule A, attached hereto and incorporated by reference and VAN
KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP., a Delaware corporation
("Advisory Corp.").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the following party, being an open-end management investment
company as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, wishes to become party to the Agreement:
ADVISED BY VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
("ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC."):
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust ("Life Investment
Trust" or "LIT") on behalf of its Series
Comstock Portfolio ("LIT Comstock Portfolio")
WHEREAS, the original parties desire to add the aforementioned
additional entity as party to the Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants
spelled out in the Agreement and herein, it is hereby agreed that Schedule A of
the Agreement be amended to add the party mentioned above as party to the
Agreement.
<PAGE> 19
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this 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
<PAGE> 20
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 High Income Trust
Van Kampen American Capital High Income Trust II
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
Van Kampen American Capital Senior Income 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
<PAGE> 21
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 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")
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio ("LIT Morgan Stanley
Real Estate Securities Portfolio")
Growth and Income Portfolio ("LIT Growth and Income Portfolio")
Strategic Stock Portfolio ("LIT Strategic Stock Portfolio")
Van Kampen American Capital Limited Maturity Government Fund ("Limited
Maturity Government Fund")
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")
<PAGE> 22
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 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")
<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. 50, to the registration
statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated
January 29, 1998, 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
Chicago, Illinois
April 27, 1998
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (16)
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS A SHARES
Total Return Calculation One Year Period Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,224.61 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/97 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 22.46% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,299.16 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/97 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 29.92% = T
</TABLE>
Total Return Calculation Five Years Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,143.10 = ERV
Five years ended 12/31/97 5 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 16.47% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,274.32 = ERV
Five years ended 12/31/97 5 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 17.86% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 2
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS A SHARES
Total Return Calculation Ten Years Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $4,363.99 = ERV
Ten years ended 12/31/97 10 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 15.87% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $4,629.67 = ERV
Ten years ended 12/31/97 10 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 16.56% = T
Total Return Calculation Inception Through December 31, 1997
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $32,628.48 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/97 29.23 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 12.66% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $34,601.86 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/97 29.23 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 12.89% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS A SHARES
Non-Standardized Cumulative Total Return Calculation
Inception Through December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula
ERV - P
------- = T
P
Including Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $32,628.48 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 3,162.85% = T
Excluding Payment of the Sales Charge
Net Asset Value $16.20
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $34,601.86 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 3,360.19% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS B SHARES
Total Return Calculation One Year Period Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,238.84 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/97 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 23.88% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,288.84 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/97 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 28.88% = T
</TABLE>
Total Return Calculation Five Years Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,171.25 = ERV
Five years ended 12/31/97 5 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 16.77% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,185.30 = ERV
Five years ended 12/31/97 5 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 16.92% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 5
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS B SHARES
Total Return Calculation Inception Through December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,305.29 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/97 5.20 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 17.42% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,305.29 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/97 5.20 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 17.42% = T
</TABLE>
Non-Standardized Cumulative Total Return Calculation
Inception Through December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula
ERV - P
------- = T
P
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,305.29 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 130.53% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,305.29 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 130.53% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 6
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS C SHARES
Total Return Calculation One Year Period Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,278.86 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/97 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 27.89% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $1,288.86 = ERV
One year period ended 12/31/97 1 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 28.89% = T
</TABLE>
Total Return Calculation Inception Through December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Formula P(1+T)n = ERV
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,042.57 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/97 4.18 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 18.63% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,042.57 = ERV
Inception through 12/31/97 4.18 = n
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 18.63% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 7
<TABLE>
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND - CLASS C SHARES
Non-Standardized Cumulative Total Return Calculation
Inception Through December 31, 1997
<CAPTION>
Formula ERV - P = T
------
P
<S> <C> <C>
Including Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,042.57 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 104.26% = T
Excluding Payment of the CDSC
Net Asset Value $16.21
Initial Investment $1,000.00 = P
Ending Redeemable Value $2,042.57 = ERV
TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD 104.26% = T
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (24)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned, being officers and trustees of each of the Van Kampen
American Capital Open End Trusts (individually, a "Trust") 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, and being officers and
directors of the Morgan Stanley Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation"), a Maryland
corporation, 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 or the Corporation 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 24, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
<S> <C>
/s/ DENNIS J. MCDONNELL President and Trustee/Director
----------------------------------
Dennis J. McDonnell
/s/ EDWARD C. WOOD III Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
----------------------------------
Edward C. Wood III
/s/ J. MILES BRANAGAN Trustee/Director
----------------------------------
J. Miles Branagan
/s/ RICHARD M. DEMARTINI Trustee/Director
----------------------------------
Richard M. DeMartini
/s/ LINDA HUTTON HEAGY Trustee/Director
----------------------------------
Linda Hutton Heagy
/s/ R. CRAIG KENNEDY Trustee/Director
----------------------------------
R. Craig Kennedy
/s/ JACK E. NELSON Trustee/Director
----------------------------------
Jack E. Nelson
/s/ DON G. POWELL Trustee/Director
----------------------------------
Don G. Powell
/s/ PHILLIP B. ROONEY Trustee/Director
----------------------------------
Phillip B. Rooney
/s/ FERNANDO SISTO, SC.D. Trustee/Director
----------------------------------
Fernando Sisto, Sc. D.
/s/ WAYNE W. WHALEN Trustee/Director and Chairman
----------------------------------
Wayne W. Whalen
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 2
SCHEDULE 1
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL U.S. GOVERNMENT TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TAX FREE TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE INCOME FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL TAX FREE MONEY FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL COMSTOCK FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATE BOND FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EMREGING 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 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
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 U.S. GOVERNMENT TRUST FOR INCOME
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL WORLD PORTFOLIO SERIES TRUST
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL FOREIGN SECURITIES FUND
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 011
<NAME> COMSTOCK CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,410,363,728<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,666,071,188<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 15,446,019<F1>
<ASSETS-OTHER> 58,549<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 6,198<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,681,581,954<F1>
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3,969,565<F1>
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 24,865,740<F1>
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 28,835,305<F1>
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,194,392,039
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 93,722,450
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 83,928,602
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,137,405<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 71,276,153<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0<F1>
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 255,707,460<F1>
<NET-ASSETS> 1,518,654,933
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 32,319,388<F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 6,843,211<F1>
<OTHER-INCOME> 0<F1>
<EXPENSES-NET> (14,729,063)<F1>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 24,433,536<F1>
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 267,175,662<F1>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 97,119,326<F1>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 388,728,524<F1>
<EQUALIZATION> 0<F1>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (20,935,347)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (214,376,498)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 45,998,404
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (49,991,503)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 13,786,947
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 277,753,533
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,509,361<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 36,634,795<F1>
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 7,158,774<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0<F1>
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 14,729,063<F1>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,372,980,089
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 14.785
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.275
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 3.966
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.250)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.572)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 16.204
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.94
<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> 012
<NAME> COMSTOCK CLASS B
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,410,363,728<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,666,071,188<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 15,446,019<F1>
<ASSETS-OTHER> 58,549<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 6,198<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,681,581,954<F1>
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3,969,565<F1>
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 24,865,740<F1>
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 28,835,305<F1>
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 116,704,433
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 7,599,567
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 5,091,005
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,137,405<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 71,276,153<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0<F1>
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 255,707,460<F1>
<NET-ASSETS> 123,182,846
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 32,319,388<F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 6,843,211<F1>
<OTHER-INCOME> 0<F1>
<EXPENSES-NET> (14,729,063)<F1>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 24,433,536<F1>
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 267,175,662<F1>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 97,119,326<F1>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 388,728,524<F1>
<EQUALIZATION> 0<F1>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (802,099)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (16,706,248)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,397,175
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,916,981)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,028,368
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 47,823,948
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,509,361<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 36,634,795<F1>
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 7,158,774<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0<F1>
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 14,729,063<F1>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 98,947,619
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 14.802
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.145
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 3.964
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.130)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.572)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 16.209
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.74
<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> 013
<NAME> COMSTOCK CLASS C
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,410,363,728<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,666,071,188<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 15,446,019<F1>
<ASSETS-OTHER> 58,549<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 6,198<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,681,581,954<F1>
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3,969,565<F1>
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 24,865,740<F1>
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 28,835,305<F1>
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 10,529,159
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 672,975
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 392,214
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,137,405<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 71,276,153<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0<F1>
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 255,707,460<F1>
<NET-ASSETS> 10,908,870
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 32,319,388<F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 6,843,211<F1>
<OTHER-INCOME> 0<F1>
<EXPENSES-NET> (14,729,063)<F1>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 24,433,536<F1>
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 267,175,662<F1>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 97,119,326<F1>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 388,728,524<F1>
<EQUALIZATION> 0<F1>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (68,046)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1,451,558)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,047,262
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (852,871)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 86,370
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 5,102,130
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,509,361<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 36,634,795<F1>
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 7,158,774<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0<F1>
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 14,729,063<F1>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 8,142,719
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 14.805
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.144
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 3.963
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.130)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.572)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 16.210
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.74
<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>
