<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 22, 1998
REGISTRATION NOS. 2-62115
811-2851
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 41 [X]
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. 36 [X]
</TABLE>
VAN KAMPEN
HIGH INCOME CORPORATE BOND FUND
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN DECLARATION OF TRUST)
ONE PARKVIEW PLAZA, OAKBROOK TERRACE, ILLINOIS 60181
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
(630) 684-6000
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE
RONALD A. NYBERG, ESQ.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
VAN KAMPEN INVESTMENTS 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)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[X] on December 29, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
Title of Securities Being Registered: Shares of Beneficial Interest, par
value $0.01 per share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
PROSPECTUS
---------------------------------------------
VAN KAMPEN HIGH INCOME
CORPORATE BOND FUND
---------------------------------------------
Van Kampen High Income Corporate Bond Fund is a mutual fund that has a
primary investment objective of seeking to maximize current income. Capital
appreciation is a secondary objective which is sought only when consistent with
the primary investment objective. The Fund's management seeks to achieve the
investment objectives by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of
high-yielding, high-risk bonds and other income securities, such as preferred
stock.
---------------------------------------------
Shares of the Fund have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC) or any state regulators, and neither the SEC nor
any state regulator has ruled on the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. It
is a criminal offense to state otherwise.
---------------------------------------------
DECEMBER , 1998.
<PAGE> 3
---------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
---------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Risk/Return Summary......................................... 3
Fees and Expenses of the Fund............................... 7
Investment Objectives and Policies.......................... 9
Investment Advisory Services................................ 16
Purchase of Shares.......................................... 17
Redemption of Shares........................................ 23
Distributions from the Fund................................. 25
Shareholder Services........................................ 25
Federal Income Taxation..................................... 26
Financial Highlights........................................ 28
Appendix--Description of Bond Ratings....................... 31
</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 Fund's investment adviser or the
Fund's distributor. This prospectus does not constitute an offer by the Fund or
by the Fund's 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> 4
---------------------------------------------
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
---------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund is a mutual fund that has a primary investment objective of
seeking to maximize current income. Capital appreciation is a secondary
objective which is sought only when consistent with the primary investment
objective.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund's management seeks to achieve the investment objectives by
investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of high-yielding, high-risk bonds
and other income securities, such as preferred stock. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in income
securities rated at the time of purchase Baa or lower by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), BBB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group
("S&P") or unrated securities judged by the Fund's investment adviser to be
similar in quality. Bonds rated Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P or
unrated securities of comparable quality are commonly referred to as "junk
bonds" (see box for an explanation of quality ratings). The Fund's investment in
medium- and lower-grade securities involves special risks as compared with
investment in higher-grade securities.
Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets are
invested in corporate bonds with maturities of more than one year, and up to 35%
of the Fund's total assets may be invested in securities issued by foreign
governments or corporations.
INVESTMENT RISKS
With its portfolio of medium- and lower-grade securities, the Fund has
greater risks than a fund owning higher-grade securities. Because of the
following risks, you could lose money on your investment in the Fund over the
short or long term:
UNDERSTANDING QUALITY RATINGS
Bond ratings are based on the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay
the principal. Bonds with ratings above the line are considered "investment
grade," while those with ratings below the line are regarded as "noninvestment
grade," or "junk bonds." A detailed explanation of these ratings can be found in
the Appendix to this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Moody's S&P Meaning
------- --- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Aaa AAA Highest quality
Aa AA High quality
A Above-average
A quality
Baa BBB Average quality
BB Below-average
Ba quality
B B Marginal quality
Caa CCC Poor quality
Ca CC Highly speculative
C C Lowest quality
D D In default
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE> 5
- - CREDIT RISK. Credit risk refers to an issuer's ability to make timely
payments of interest or principal. Because the Fund owns securities with
medium or low credit quality, it is subject to a high level of credit risk.
The credit quality of such securities is considered speculative by recognized
rating agencies with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to pay
interest or principal. The prices of lower-grade securities are more
sensitive to negative corporate developments, such as a decline in profits,
or adverse economic conditions, such as a recession, than are the prices of
higher-grade securities. Securities that have longer maturities or that do
not make regular interest payments also fluctuate more in price in response
to negative corporate or economic news.
- - MARKET RISK. The prices of income securities tend to fall as interest rates
rise. This "market risk" is usually greater among income securities with
longer maturities or longer durations. Although the Fund has no policy
governing the maturities of its investments, the Fund's investment adviser
seeks to moderate market risk by normally maintaining a portfolio duration
within a range of two to six years. This means that the Fund will be subject
to greater market risk , other things being equal, than a fund investing
solely in shorter-term securities (see box for an explanation of maturities
and durations).
Market risk is often greater among certain types of income securities, such
as zero-coupon bonds, which do not make regular interest payments but are
instead bought at a discount to their face values and paid in full upon
maturity. As interest rates change, these bonds often fluctuate more in price
than bonds that make regular interest payments. Because the Fund invests in
zero-coupon bonds, it may be subject to greater market risk than a fund that
does not own this type of bond.
UNDERSTANDING MATURITIES
A bond can be categorized according to its maturity, which is the length of
time before the issuer must repay the principal.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Term Maturity Level
---- --------------
<S> <C>
1-5 years Short
5-10 years Intermediate
More than 10 years Long
</TABLE>
UNDERSTANDING DURATION
Duration is a measure of the expected life of a security that incorporates
the security's yield, coupon interest payments, final maturity and call features
into one measure and provides an alternative approach to assessing a security's
market risk. Whereas maturity focuses only on the final principal repayment date
of a security, duration looks at the timing and present value of all of a
security's principal, interest or other payments. Typically, a bond with
interest payments due prior to maturity has a duration less than maturity. A
zero-coupon bond, which does not make interest payments prior to maturity, would
have the same duration and maturity.
- - INCOME RISK. The income you receive from the Fund is based primarily on
interest rates, which can vary widely over the short and long term. If
interest rates drop, your income from the Fund would drop as well.
4
<PAGE> 6
- - CALL RISK. If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of bonds with
high interest rates will "call" their bonds before their maturity date. In
this event, the proceeds from a called bond would be reinvested by the Fund
in bonds with the new, lower interest rates, resulting in a possible decline
in the Fund's income and distributions to shareholders.
- - FOREIGN RISKS. Because the Fund may own securities from foreign issuers, it
may be subject to risks not usually associated with owning securities of U.S.
issuers. These risks can include fluctuations in foreign currencies, foreign
currency exchange controls, political and economic instability, differences
in financial reporting and securities regulation and trading, and foreign
taxation issues.
- - MANAGER RISK. As with any fund, the Fund's management may not be successful
in selecting the best-performing securities and the Fund's performance may
lag behind that of similar funds.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank or other insured
depository institution. Your investment is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
INVESTOR PROFILE
In light of its objectives and investment strategies, the Fund may be
appropriate for investors who:
- - seek a high level of monthly income;
- - are willing to take on the substantially increased risks of medium- and
lower-grade securities in exchange for potentially higher income; and
- - wish to diversify their investment portfolios with a Fund that invests
primarily in junk bonds.
Investors should consider carefully the additional risks associated with
investment in medium- and lower-grade securities. 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.
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
One way to measure the risks of investing in the Fund is to look at how its
performance varies from year to year. The following chart shows the annual
returns of the Fund's Class A Shares over the past ten calendar years, as well
as its best and worst quarter during that period. Sales loads are not reflected
in this chart. If these sales loads had been included, the returns shown below
would have been lower. Remember that the past performance of the Fund is not
indicative of its future performance.
5
<PAGE> 7
BAR GRAPH
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period
(Fiscal Year Covered) Annual Return
<S> <C>
'1989 -12.04
'1990 -15.78
'1991 41.28
'1992 17.42
'1993 19.13
'1994 -3.62
'1995 17.43
'1996 13.65
'1997 12.24
'1998 -2.83
</TABLE>
The variability of the Fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares would be
substantially similar to that shown for the Class A Shares because all of the
Fund's shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities; however, the
actual annual returns of the Class B Shares and Class C Shares would differ from
the annual returns shown for the Fund's Class A Shares reflecting differences in
the expenses borne by each class of shares.
During the ten-year period shown in the bar chart, the highest quarterly
return was 13.18% (for the quarter ended March 31, 1991) and the lowest
quarterly return was -9.72% (for the quarter ended September 30, 1990).
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE
This table shows how the Fund's performance compares with two broad-based
indices that the Fund's management believes are applicable benchmarks for the
Fund: the Credit Suisse First Boston High Yield Index and the Lipper High Yield
Bond Fund Index. Average annual total returns are shown for one-, five-, and
ten-year periods ended December 31, 1997 (the most recently completed calendar
year). Remember that the past performance of the Fund is not indicative of its
future performance.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAST
10 YEARS
PAST PAST OR SINCE
1 YEAR 5 YEARS INCEPTION
------ ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
High Income Corp Bond Fund
Class A Shares............................... 6.91% 10.37% 8.59%
Class B Shares............................... 11.40% 10.60% 10.32%(1)
Class C Shares............................... 11.46% -- 9.02%(2)
Credit Suisse First Boston High Yield Index.... 12.63% 11.84% 12.10%
Lipper High Yield Bond Fund Index.............. 12.91% 11.50% 10.88%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------
Inception Dates: (1) 7/2/92, (2) 7/6/93
The current yield for the thirty day period ended August 31, 1998 is 8.15%
for Class A Shares, 7.68% for Class B Shares and 7.72% for Class C Shares.
Shareholders can obtain the current yield of the Fund for each class of shares
by calling 1-800-341-2911.
6
<PAGE> 8
---------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
---------------------------------------------
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your
investment):
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on
purchases (as a percentage of
offering price)...................... 4.75%(1) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
(as a percentage of the lesser of
original purchase price or redemption Year% Year%
proceeds)............................ None(2) 1--4.00 1--1.00
Year%
2--4.00 After--None
Year%
3--3.00
Year%
4--2.50
Year%
5--1.50
After--None
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed
reinvested dividends (as a percentage
of offering price)................... None None None
Redemption fees (as a percentage of
amount redeemed)..................... None None None
Exchange fee........................... None None None
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------
(1) Reduced for purchases of $100,000 and over. See "Purchase of Shares--Class A
Shares."
(2) Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to any sales charge at the
time of purchase, but a deferred sales charge of 1.00% may be imposed on
redemptions made within one year of the purchase. See "Purchase of
Shares--Class A Shares."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund
assets):
Management Fees........................... 0.53% 0.53% 0.53%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1)
Fees(1)................................. 0.23% 1.00%(2) 1.00%(2)
Other Expenses............................ 0.24% 0.26% 0.26%
---- ---- ----
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses...... 1.00% 1.79% 1.79%
</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
7
<PAGE> 9
1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to such class of shares. See
"Distribution and Service Plans."
(2) Because Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees are paid out of the Fund's
assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of
your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales
charges. Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of
the maximum front-end sales charges permitted by NASD Rules.
Example:
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those
periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return
each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year
(except for the ten year amounts for Class B Shares which reflect the conversion
of Class B Shares to Class A Shares after eight years). Although your actual
costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE THREE FIVE TEN
YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
---- ----- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares............................ $572 $778 $1,001 $1,641
Class B Shares............................ $582 $863 $1,120 $1,897*
Class C Shares............................ $282 $563 $ 970 $2,105
</TABLE>
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE THREE FIVE TEN
YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
---- ----- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares............................ $572 $778 $1,001 $1,641
Class B Shares............................ $182 $563 $ 970 $1,897*
Class C Shares............................ $182 $563 $ 970 $2,105
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------
* Based on conversion to Class A shares after eight years.
To facilitate comparison among funds, all funds are required by the SEC to
utilize a 5% annual return assumption. Class B Shares of the Fund acquired
through the exchange privilege are subject to the CDSC schedule of the fund from
which the shareholder's 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 Fund's actual annual return and actual expenses for
future periods may be greater or less than those shown.
8
<PAGE> 10
---------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
---------------------------------------------
The Fund's primary investment objective is seeking to maximize current
income. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective that the Fund will seek
only when consistent with its primary investment objective. The Fund's
management seeks to achieve the investment objectives by investing in a
diversified portfolio of high-yielding, high-risk bonds and other income
securities. Income securities appropriate for the Fund may include both
convertible and non-convertible debt securities and preferred stocks. There is
no assurance that these objectives will be achieved and yields may fluctuate
over time. The Fund's investment objectives may be changed by the Fund's
Trustees without shareholder approval, but no change is anticipated. If there is
a change in investment objectives, shareholders should consider whether the Fund
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
positions and needs.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total
assets in income securities rated at the time of purchase Baa or lower by
Moody's BBB or lower by S&P or unrated securities judged by the Fund's
investment adviser to be similar in quality. Bonds rated Ba or lower by Moody's
or BB or lower by S&P are commonly referred to as "junk bonds". See the Appendix
for a description of corporate bond ratings. Since some issuers do not seek
ratings for their securities, nonrated securities are also considered for
investment by the Fund.
Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets are
invested in corporate bonds with maturities of more than one year, and up to 35%
of the Fund's total assets may be invested in securities issued by foreign
governments or corporations.
The higher yields sought by the Fund are generally obtainable from
securities rated in the lower categories by recognized rating services. Lower
rated and comparable nonrated securities tend to offer higher yields than higher
rated securities with the same maturities because the historical conditions of
the issuers of lower grade securities may not have been as strong as that of
other issuers. These securities may be issued in connection with corporate
restructurings, such as leveraged buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, debt
recapitalization or similar events. These securities are often issued by
smaller, less creditworthy companies or companies with substantial debt. These
securities generally are subordinated to the prior claims of banks and other
senior lenders. The lower rated securities in which the Fund may invest are
considered speculative by the rating agencies with respect to the issuer's
continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. The ratings of
Moody's and S&P represent their opinions of the quality of the debt securities
they undertake to rate, but not the market risk of such securities. The ratings
do not necessarily reflect the issuer's current financial condition which may be
better or worse. You should understand, however, that ratings are general and
are not absolute standards of quality. Debt securities with the same maturity,
coupon and rating may have different yields while debt securities of the same
maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the average percentage of the
Fund's assets invested in debt securities within the various rating categories
(based on the higher of the S&P or Moody's ratings), and the nonrated debt
securities determined by the
9
<PAGE> 11
Fund's investment adviser to be of comparable quality, determined on a monthly
dollar weighted average, were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrated Securities of
Rated Securities Comparable Quality
(As a Percentage of (As a Percentage of
Category Portfolio Value) Portfolio Value)
-------- ------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
AAA/Aaa............................. % %
AA/Aa............................... % %
A/A................................. % %
BBB/Baa............................. % %
BB/Ba............................... % %
B/B................................. % %
CCC/Caa............................. % %
CC/Ca............................... % %
C/C................................. % %
D................................... % %
--------- ---------
Percentage of Rated and Unrated Debt
Securities........................ % %
========= =========
</TABLE>
In general, the prices of debt securities vary inversely with interest
rates. If interest rates rise, debt security prices generally fall; if interest
rates fall, debt security prices generally rise. In addition, for a given change
in interest rates, longer-maturity debt securities generally fluctuate more in
price (gaining or losing more in value) than shorter-maturity debt securities.
This potential for a decline in prices of debt securities due to rising interest
rates is referred to as "market risk." While the Fund has no policy limiting the
maturities of the debt securities in which it may invest, the Fund's investment
adviser seeks to moderate risk by normally maintaining a portfolio duration
within a range of two to six years. Duration is a measure of the expected life
of a debt security that was developed as a more precise alternative to the
concept of "term to maturity." Duration incorporates a debt security's yield,
coupon interest payments, final maturity and call features into one measurement.
A duration calculation looks at the present value of a security's entire payment
stream, whereas term to maturity is based solely on the date of a security's
final principal repayment.
In purchasing securities for the Fund, the investment adviser considers,
among other things, the security's current income potential, the rating assigned
to the security, the issuer's experience and managerial strength, the financial
soundness of the issuer and the outlook of its industry, changing financial
condition, borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, regulatory
concerns, and responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest
rates. The Fund's investment adviser also may consider relative values based on
anticipated cash flow, interest or dividend coverage, balance sheet analysis,
and earnings prospects. The investment adviser evaluates each individual income
security for credit quality and value and attempts to identify higher-yielding
securities of companies whose financial condition has improved since the
issuance of such securities or is anticipated to improve in the future. Because
of the number of investment considerations involved in investing in medium- and
lower-grade securities, achievement of the Fund's
10
<PAGE> 12
investment objectives may be more dependent upon the investment adviser's credit
analysis than is the case with investing in higher grade securities.
TYPES OF LOWER GRADE INCOME SECURITIES
The securities in which the Fund may invest include the following:
-- STRAIGHT INCOME SECURITIES. These include bonds and other debt
obligations, which generally bear a fixed or variable rate of interest payable
at regular intervals and have a fixed or resettable maturity date, and preferred
stock, which generally has a fixed or variable dividend rate (and, unlike
interest on debt securities, such dividends must be declared by the issuer's
board of directors before becoming payable) and may be subject to optional or
mandatory redemption provisions. The particular terms of such securities vary
and may include features such as call provisions and sinking funds.
-- PAY-IN-KIND INCOME SECURITIES. These pay interest in additional income
securities rather than cash.
-- ZERO-COUPON SECURITIES. These bear no interest obligation but are issued
at a discount from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their entire
return equals the difference between their issue price and their maturity value.
-- ZERO-FIXED-COUPON SECURITIES. These are zero-coupon securities which
convert on a specified date to interest-bearing income securities.
The Fund may invest in securities not producing immediate cash income, such
as zero-coupon securities, when their effective yield premiums over comparable
instruments producing cash income make these investments attractive. Prices on
non-cash-paying instruments may be more sensitive to changes in the issuer's
financial condition, fluctuations in interest rates and market demand/supply
imbalances than cash-paying securities with similar credit ratings, and thus may
be more speculative. In addition, the non-cash interest income earned on such
instruments is included in investment company taxable income, thereby increasing
the required minimum distributions to shareholders (without providing the
corresponding cash flow with which to pay such distributions). The Fund's
investment adviser will weigh these concerns against the expected total returns
from such instruments.
The Fund may invest in securities rated below B by both Moody's and S&P,
common stocks or other equity securities and income securities on which interest
or dividends are not being paid when such investments are consistent with the
Fund's investment objectives or are acquired as part of a unit consisting of a
combination of income or equity securities. Equity securities as referred to
herein do not include preferred stocks (which the Fund considers income
securities). The Fund will not purchase any such securities which will cause
more than 20% of its total assets to be so invested or which would cause more
than 10% of its total assets to be invested in common stocks, warrants and
options on equity securities. This limitation does not require the sale of a
portfolio security the rating of which has been changed.
Income securities rated below B by both Moody's and S&P include debt
obligations or other securities of companies that are financially troubled, in
default or are in bankruptcy or reorganization. Securities of such companies are
usually available at deep
11
<PAGE> 13
discounts from the face values of the instruments. The Fund will invest in such
deep discount securities when the Fund's investment adviser believes that
existing factors are likely to restore the company to a healthy financial
condition. Such factors include a restructuring of debt, management changes,
existence of adequate assets or other circumstances.
A security purchased at a deep discount may currently pay a very high
effective yield. In addition, if the financial condition of the issuer improves,
the underlying value of the security may increase, resulting in a capital gain.
If the company defaults on its obligations or remains in default, or if the plan
of reorganization does not provide sufficient payments for debtholders, the deep
discount securities may stop generating income and lose value or become
worthless. The Fund's investment adviser will balance the benefits of deep
discount securities with their risks. While a diversified portfolio may reduce
the overall impact of a deep discount security that is in default or loses its
value, the risk cannot be eliminated.
RISK FACTORS OF INVESTING IN LOWER GRADE INCOME SECURITIES
Past experience may not provide an accurate indication of future
performance of the market for lower grade income securities, particularly during
periods of economic recession. An economic downturn or increase in interest
rates is likely to have a greater negative effect on this market, including the
ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and interest, meet
projected business goals and obtain additional financing, all of which would
have an adverse effect on the value of lower grade income securities in the
Fund's portfolio and the Fund's net asset value.
Prices of lower grade income securities may be more sensitive to adverse
economic changes or corporate developments than higher grade investments. Income
securities with longer maturities, which may have higher yields, may increase or
decrease in value more than income securities with shorter maturities. Market
prices of lower grade income securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind
securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and may be
more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.
Lower grade securities have a higher incidence of default than higher grade
securities. An investment in this Fund is more speculative than investment in
shares of a fund which invests primarily in higher grade income securities. The
Fund monitors securities in the portfolio and may take actions it considers
appropriate in the event of anticipated financial difficulties, default or
bankruptcy of either the issuer or any security owned by the Fund or the
underlying source of funds for debt service. Such actions may include retaining
the services of various persons and firms to evaluate or protect any real
estate, facilities or other assets securing any such obligation or acquired by
the Fund as a result of any such event. The Fund may incur additional
expenditures in taking protective action, including litigation, with respect to
Fund obligations in default and assets securing such obligations. Where it deems
it appropriate and in the best interests of Fund's shareholders, the Fund may
incur expenses to seek recovery on a debt security on which the issuer has
defaulted.
Because the market for lower grade securities may be thinner and less
active than the market for higher grade securities, there may be additional
market price volatility for these securities and limited liquidity in the resale
market. Changes in expectations regarding an
12
<PAGE> 14
individual issuer, an industry or lower grade securities in general could reduce
market liquidity for such securities and make their sale by the Fund more
difficult, at least in the absence of price concessions. An economic downturn or
an increase in interest rates could severely disrupt the market for high yield
bonds and adversely affect the value of outstanding bonds and the ability of the
issuers to repay principal and interest. Nonrated securities are usually not as
attractive to as many buyers as are rated securities, a factor which may make
nonrated securities less marketable. These factors may have the effect of
limiting the availability of the securities for purchase by the Fund and may
also limit the ability of the Fund to sell such securities at their fair value
either to meet redemption requests or in response to changes in the economy or
the financial markets. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or
not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of
lower grade income securities, especially in a thinly traded market. To the
extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted lower grade
securities, these securities may involve special registration responsibilities,
liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties. Changes in
values of income securities which the Fund owns will affect its net asset value
per share. If market quotations are not readily available for the Fund's lower
rated or nonrated securities, these securities will be valued by a method that
the Fund's Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value. Judgment plays a
greater role in valuing lower grade income securities than with respect to
securities for which more external sources of quotations and last sale
information are available.
Special tax considerations are associated with investing in income
securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. The Fund accrues
income on these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. The Fund must
distribute substantially all of its income to its shareholders to qualify for
pass-through treatment under the tax laws and may, therefore, have to dispose of
its portfolio securities to satisfy distribution requirements.
Credit ratings are a factor the Fund's investment adviser considers in
evaluating lower rated securities, but certain risks are associated with using
credit ratings. Credit ratings are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the
current financial condition of the issuers because they may be based upon
considerations taken into account at the time such ratings were assigned, rather
than upon subsequent developments affecting such issuers. Moreover, ratings
categories tend to be broad so that there may be significant variations among
the financial conditions of issuers within the same category. The agencies may
fail to change in a timely fashion the credit ratings to reflect subsequent
events; however, the Fund's investment adviser continuously monitors the issuers
of lower rated income securities in its portfolio in an attempt to determine if
the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required
principal and interest payments. Achievement of the Fund's investment objectives
may be more dependent upon the investment adviser's credit analysis than is the
case for higher quality income securities. Credit ratings for individual
securities may change from time to time and the Fund may retain a portfolio
security whose rating has been changed.
Besides credit, market and other risks, prices for lower-grade income
securities also may be affected by legislative and regulatory developments. For
example, from time to time, Congress has considered legislation to restrict or
eliminate the corporate tax deduction for interest payments or to regulate
corporate restructurings such as takeovers or
13
<PAGE> 15
mergers. Such legislation may significantly depress the prices of outstanding
lower-grade bonds.
Overall, investors should expect that the Fund may fluctuate in price
independently of the broad market and prevailing interest rate trends, and that
price volatility at times may be very high, especially as a result of credit
concerns, market changes, market liquidity, and anticipated or actual
legislative and regulatory changes.
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities issued by
foreign governments and other foreign issuers which are similar in quality to
the securities described above. Such securities may be denominated in U.S.
dollars or in currencies other than U.S. dollars. The Fund's investment adviser
believes that in certain instances such foreign income securities may provide
higher yields than securities of domestic issuers which have similar maturities.
Investments in foreign securities present certain risks not ordinarily
associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, political and economic developments
(including war or other instability, expropriation of assets, nationalization
and confiscatory taxation), the imposition of foreign exchange limitations,
withholding taxes on income or capital transactions or other restrictions,
higher transaction costs and difficulty in taking judicial action. Generally, a
significant factor affecting the performance of the Fund's investments in
foreign securities is the fluctuation in the relative values of the currencies
in which such securities are denominated. In addition, there generally is less
publicly available information about many foreign issuers, and auditing,
accounting and financial reporting requirements are less stringent and less
uniform in many foreign countries. Such securities may be less liquid than the
securities of the U.S. corporations, and are certainly less liquid than
securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Such securities may
also be subject to greater fluctuations in price than securities of U.S.
corporations or of the U.S. Government. 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. Because there is
usually less supervision and governmental regulation of exchanges, brokers and
dealers than there is in the U.S., the Fund may experience settlement
difficulties or delays not usually encountered in the U.S. 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 judgment against the issuers of such
securities. The risks of foreign investments should be considered carefully by
an investor in the Fund. Such investments will be made only when the Fund's
investment adviser believes that higher yields justify the attendant risks.
In order to seek to manage portfolio risks associated with changes in
interest rates, the Fund may invest in or write options on income securities and
engage in transactions involving interest rate futures contracts and options on
such contracts. See the Statement of Additional Information for a discussion of
options, futures contracts and related options.
14
<PAGE> 16
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
For cash management purposes, the Fund may engage in repurchase agreements
with banks and broker-dealers to earn a return on temporarily available cash.
Such transactions are subject to the risk of default by the other party.
The investment policies of the Fund permit the Fund to purchase or sell
options, futures contracts or options on futures for several different reasons
depending on the status of the Fund's portfolio and the investment adviser's
expectations on the securities markets. In certain cases, the use of options,
futures contracts or options on futures may provide investment or risk
management opportunities not available from direct investments in securities;
and some strategies can be performed with greater ease and at lower costs than
purchasing or selling portfolio securities. However, such transactions involve
risks different from the direct investment in underlying securities such as
imperfect correlation between the value of the instruments and the underlying
assets, risk of default by the other party to certain transactions, that the
transactions may incur losses that partially or completely offset gains in
offsetting portfolio positions, that the transactions may not be liquid, and
manager risk. Such transactions also may involve commissions and other costs.
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to broker/dealers and other
financial institutions in an amount up to 10% of the Fund's total assets in
order to generate income on the loaned security and any collateral received. The
Fund may incur lending fees and other costs in connection with securities
lending, and securities lending is subject to the risk of default by the other
party.
The Fund may invest up to 15% of the Fund's total assets in illiquid and
certain restricted securities. Such securities may be difficult or impossible to
sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like. Thus, the Fund may have
to sell such securities at a lower price, sell other securities instead to
obtain cash or forego other investment opportunities.
Further information about these types of investments and other investment
practices that may be used by the Fund is contained in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information which can be obtained by investors free of charge as
described on the back cover of this prospectus.
Although the Fund does not intend to engage in substantial short-term
trading, it may sell securities without regard to the length of time they have
been held in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities or yield
differentials or otherwise. The Fund's portfolio turnover is shown under the
heading "Financial Highlights". The portfolio turnover rate may be expected to
vary from year to year. A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) increases
the Fund's transactions costs, including brokerage commissions, and may result
in the realization of more short-term capital gains than if the Fund had a lower
portfolio turnover. The turnover rate will not be a limiting factor, however, if
the Fund's investment adviser considers portfolio changes appropriate.
When market conditions dictate a more "defensive" investment strategy, the
Fund may invest on a temporary basis a portion or all of its assets in
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities, prime commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances and other obligations of domestic banks having total assets of at
least $500 million, repurchase agreements and short-term money
15
<PAGE> 17
market instruments. Under normal market conditions, the yield on these
securities will tend to be lower than the yield on other securities owned by the
Fund. The effect of taking such a defensive position may be that the Fund does
not achieve its investment objectives.
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 investment 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 Fund's investment 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 assurances that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse
impact to the Fund. In addition, the Year 2000 Problem may adversely affect the
markets and the issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest which, in
turn, may adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund. Improperly
functioning trading systems may result in settlement problems and liquidity
issues. In addition, corporate and governmental data processing errors may
result in production problems for individual companies and overall economic
uncertainties. Earnings of individual issuers will be affected by remediation
costs, which may be substantial and may be reported inconsistently in U.S. and
foreign financial statements. Accordingly, the Fund's investments may be
adversely affected.
---------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
---------------------------------------------
THE ADVISER
Van Kampen Asset Management Inc. is the Fund's investment adviser (the
"Adviser"). The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Van Kampen Investments
Inc. ("Van Kampen Investments"). Van Kampen Investments 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 Investments' more than 60
open-end and more than 35 closed-end funds and more than 2,500 unit investment
trusts are professionally distributed by leading financial advisers nationwide.
Van Kampen Funds Inc., the distributor of the Fund (the "Distributor") and the
sponsor of the funds mentioned above, is also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Van
Kampen Investments. Van Kampen Investments 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.
ADVISORY AGREEMENT. The Fund retains the Adviser to manage the investment
of its assets and to place orders for the purchase and sale of its portfolio
securities. Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the
Fund (the "Advisory
16
<PAGE> 18
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 $150 million.................................... 0.625 of 1.00%
Next $150 million..................................... 0.550 of 1.00%
Over $300 million..................................... 0.500 of 1.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Applying this fee schedule, the Fund paid the Adviser an advisory fee at the
effective rate of % of the Fund's average net assets for the Fund's fiscal
year ended August 31, 1998.
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. Other operating
expenses paid by the Fund include service fees, distribution fees, custodial
fees, legal and accounting fees, the costs of reports and proxies to
shareholders, trustees' fees (other than those who are affiliated persons of the
Adviser, Distributor or Van Kampen Investments) and all other business expenses
not specifically assumed by the Adviser.
From time to time, the Adviser or the Distributor may voluntarily undertake
to reduce the Fund's expenses by reducing the fees payable to them in accordance
with such limitations the Adviser or Distributor may establish.
The Adviser may utilize, at its own expense, credit analysis, research and
trading support services provided by its affiliate, Van Kampen 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. Ellis J. Bigelow has been primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio since 1989. During
the past five years, Ms. Bigelow has been a Senior Vice President of the
Adviser. Since June 1995, Ms. Bigelow has been a Senior Vice President of
Advisory Corp.
---------------------------------------------
PURCHASE OF SHARES
---------------------------------------------
GENERAL
The Fund offers three classes of shares designated as Class A Shares, Class
B Shares and Class C Shares. By offering three classes of shares, the Fund
permits each investor to choose the class of shares that is most beneficial
given the amount to be invested and the length of time the investor expects to
hold the shares. Initial investments must be at least
17
<PAGE> 19
$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.
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 A Shares
generally bear the sales charge expenses at the time of purchase while Class B
Shares and Class C Shares bear the sales charge expenses at the time of
redemption and any expenses (including higher distribution fees and transfer
agency costs) resulting from such deferred sales charge arrangement, (ii)
generally, each class of shares 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 price of the Fund's shares is based upon the Fund's net asset value per
share. The net asset values per share of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and
Class C Shares are generally expected to be substantially the same. In certain
circumstances, however, the per share net asset values of the classes of shares
may differ from one another, reflecting the daily expense accruals of the higher
distribution fees and transfer agency costs applicable to the Class B Shares and
Class C Shares and the differential in the dividends that may be paid on each
class of shares.
The net asset value per share for each class of shares of the Fund 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 for trading. Net asset value per share for each class is determined by
dividing the value of the Fund's portfolio 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. Portfolio securities that are actively traded
in the over-the-counter market are valued at the most recently quoted bid price.
Any security for which the primary market is on an exchange is valued at the
last reported sales price on the exchange where principally traded or at the
last reported bid price if there was no sale reported that day. If no sale or
bid price is reported that day, the security is valued at the most recent sale
price. The value of any other securities or other assets is fair value as
determined in good faith by the Adviser using methods determined by the Fund's
Trustees. Short-term securities are valued in the manner described in the notes
to the financial statements included in the Statement of Additional Information.
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 Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (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 pay
distribution fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its shares and
service fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to
shareholders of each class.
The amount of distribution and service fees varies among the classes
offered by the Fund. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an
ongoing basis, these fees will increase the cost of your investment in the Fund.
By purchasing a class of shares
18
<PAGE> 20
subject to higher distribution and service fees, you may pay more over time than
on a class of shares with other types of sales charge arrangements. The net
income attributable to a class of shares and the dividends payable on such class
of shares will be reduced by the amount of the distribution fees and other
expenses associated with such class of shares. To assist investors in comparing
classes of shares, the tables under "Fees and Expenses of the Fund" set forth a
summary of sales charges and expenses and an example of the sales charges and
expenses applicable to each class of shares.
The shares are offered 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 or investors ("brokers"). "Dealers" and
"brokers" are sometimes referred to herein as "authorized dealers."
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, Van Kampen Investor Services Inc. ("Investor
Services"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Van Kampen Investments. When purchasing
shares of the Fund, investors must specify whether the purchase is for Class A
Shares, Class B Shares or Class C 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 price paid for shares purchased is based on the next calculation of 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 day
of the next computed net asset value per share 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 generally are mailed by the authorized dealer and processed at the offering
price next calculated after receipt by Investor Services.
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.
Investor accounts will automatically be credited with additional shares of
the Fund after any Fund distributions, such as dividends and capital gains
distributions, unless the investor instructs the Fund otherwise. Investors
wishing to receive cash instead of additional shares should contact the Fund at
(800) 421-5666 or writing to the Fund, c/o Van Kampen Investors Services Inc.,
PO Box 418256, Kansas City, MO 64141-9256.
19
<PAGE> 21
CLASS A SHARES
Class A Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value plus an initial
maximum sales charge of up to 4.75% of the offering price (or 4.99% of the net
amount invested), reduced on investments of $100,000 or more as follows:
Class A Shares Sales Charge Schedule
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As % of As % of Net
Size of Offering Amount
Investment Price Invested
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Less than $100,000.................................... 4.75% 4.99%
$100,000 but less than $250,000....................... 3.75% 3.90%
$250,000 but less than $500,000....................... 2.75% 2.83%
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000..................... 2.00% 2.04%
$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 contingent
deferred sales charge of 1.00% on redemptions made within one year of the
purchase. The contingent deferred sales 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.
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's Statement of Additional Information contains more detailed
information about quantity discount options (such as volume discounts,
cumulative discounts and letters of intent) and other purchase programs (such as
unit investment trust reinvestments and net asset value purchase options)
available to purchasers of Class A Shares. Interested investors should contact
their authorized dealer or obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional
Information free of charge as described on the back cover of this prospectus.
20
<PAGE> 22
CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value and are subject to a
deferred sales charge if redeemed within five years of purchase as shown in the
table as follows:
Class B Shares Sales Charge Schedule
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge as a Percentage of
Dollar Amount
Year Since Purchase Subject to Charge
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
First............................................... 4.00%
Second.............................................. 4.00%
Third............................................... 3.00%
Fourth.............................................. 2.50%
Fifth............................................... 1.50%
Sixth and After..................................... None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The contingent deferred sales 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 sales 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 contingent deferred sales charge, if any, varies
depending on the number of years from the time of payment for the purchase of
Class B Shares until the time of redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes
of determining the number of years from the time of any payment for the purchase
of shares, all payments during a month are aggregated and deemed to have been
made on the last day of the month.
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is applicable to
a redemption, it is assumed that the redemption is first of any shares in the
shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge and then of shares held the longest in the shareholder's account.
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
Class C Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value and are subject to a
deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the dollar amount subject to charge if
redeemed within one year of purchase.
21
<PAGE> 23
The contingent deferred sales 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 sales 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 purchase Class A
Shares.
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is applicable to
a redemption, it is assumed that the redemption is first of any shares in the
shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge and then of shares held the longest in the shareholder's account.
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. 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.
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 of the Fund acquired through the
exchange privilege from another Van Kampen fund is determined by reference to
the Van Kampen fund 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 federal income tax law 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.
WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on redemptions of Class B
Shares and Class C Shares (i) within one year following the death or disability
(as disability is defined by federal income tax law) of a shareholder, (ii) in
connection with required
22
<PAGE> 24
minimum distributions from an individual retirement account (IRA) or certain
other retirement plan distributions, (iii) pursuant to the Fund's systematic
withdrawal plan but limited to 12% annually of the initial value of the account,
(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 involuntarily liquidate a shareholder's
account as described herein under "Redemption of Shares." The contingent
deferred sales charge also is waived on redemptions of Class C Shares as it
relates to the reinvestment of redemption proceeds in shares of the same class
of the Fund within 180 days after redemption. For a more complete description of
contingent deferred sales charge waivers, please refer to the Statement of
Additional Information or contact your authorized dealer.
---------------------------------------------
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
---------------------------------------------
Generally shareholders may redeem for cash some or all of their shares
without charge by the Fund (other than applicable sales charge) at any time. As
described above under "Purchase of Shares," redemptions of Class B Shares and
Class C Shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. In
addition, certain redemptions of Class A Shares for shareholder accounts of $1
million or more may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
Redemptions completed though an authorized dealer or a custodian of a retirement
plan account may involve additional fees charged by the dealer or custodian.
Except as specified below under "Telephone Redemptions," payment for shares
redeemed generally will be made by check mailed within seven days after
acceptance by Investor Services 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, Investor Services may delay the redemption
until it confirms the purchase check has cleared, which may take up to 15 days.
A taxable gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholder upon redemption of
shares.
WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUESTS. Shareholders may request a redemption of
shares by written request in proper form sent directly to Van Kampen Investor
Services Inc., P.O. Box 418256, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-9256. The request
for redemption should indicate the number of shares to be redeemed, the class
designation of such shares and the shareholder's account number. The redemption
request 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
23
<PAGE> 25
necessary. For example, although the Fund normally does not issue certificates
for shares, it will do so if a special request has been made to Investor
Services. 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 Investor Services. Contact the IRA custodian for further
information.
In the case of written redemption requests sent directly to Investor
Services, the redemption price is the net asset value per share next determined
after the request in proper form is received by Investor Services.
AUTHORIZED DEALER REDEMPTION REQUESTS. Shareholders may place redemption
requests through an authorized dealer. Orders sent through 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 in proper form 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. Redemptions completed through an authorized dealer may involve
additional fees charged by the dealer.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION REQUESTS. 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 form accompanying this Prospectus or call the Fund at (800) 421-5666
to request that a copy of the Telephone Redemption Authorization form be sent to
them for completion. To redeem shares, contact the telephone transaction line at
(800) 421-5684. Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services 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 Investments, Investor Services nor the Fund will be liable
for following telephone instructions which it reasonably believes to be genuine.
Telephone redemptions may not be available if the shareholder cannot reach
Investor Services by telephone, whether because all telephone lines are busy or
for any other reason; in such case, a shareholder would have to use the Fund's
other redemption procedure previously described. Requests received by Investor
Services prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, will be processed at the next
determined net asset value per share. These privileges are available for all
accounts other than retirement accounts or accounts with shares represented by
certificates. If an account has multiple owners, Investor Services 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
24
<PAGE> 26
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
payable by wire transfer are expected to be wired on the next business day
following the date of redemption. The Fund reserves the right at any time to
terminate, limit or otherwise modify this redemption privilege.
OTHER REDEMPTION INFORMATION. The Fund may redeem any shareholder account
with a 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.
---------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE FUND
---------------------------------------------
In addition to any increase in the value of shares which the Fund may
achieve, shareholders may receive two kinds of return from the Fund: dividends
and capital gains distributions.
DIVIDENDS. Interest earned from investments is the Fund's main source of
income. Substantially all of this income, less expenses, is distributed monthly
as dividends to shareholders. Dividends are automatically applied to purchase
additional shares of the Fund at the next determined net asset value unless the
shareholder instructs otherwise.
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 purchase prices. Net realized capital gains represent the total
profit from sales of securities minus total losses from sales of securities
including losses carried forward from prior years. The Fund distributes any
taxable net realized capital gains to shareholders annually. As in the case of
dividends, capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund at net asset value unless the shareholder
instructs otherwise.
---------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
---------------------------------------------
Listed below are some of the shareholder services the Fund offers to
investors. For a more complete description of the Fund's shareholder services,
such as investment accounts, share certificates, retirement plans, automated
clearing house deposits, dividend diversification, exchange privileges, and the
systematic withdrawal plan, please refer to the Statement of Additional
Information or contact your authorized dealer.
25
<PAGE> 27
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 applicable record date of the dividend or capital gains
distribution. Unless the shareholder instructs otherwise, the reinvestment plan
is automatic. This instruction may be made by telephone by calling (800)
421-5666 ((800) 421-2833 for the hearing impaired) or by writing to Investor
Services. The investor may, on the initial application or prior to any
declaration, instruct that dividends be paid in cash and capital gains
distributions be reinvested at net asset value, or that both dividends and
capital gains distributions be paid in cash.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. An automatic investment plan is available under
which a shareholder can authorize Investor Services to charge a bank account on
a regular basis to invest pre-determined amounts in the Fund. Additional
information is available from the Distributor or your authorized dealer.
CHECK WRITING PRIVILEGE. A Class A shareholder holding shares of the Fund
for which certificates have not been issued and which are in a non-escrow status
may appoint Investor Services as agent by completing the Authorization for
Redemption by Check form and the appropriate section of the application and
returning the form and the application to Investor Services. Once the form is
properly completed, signed and returned to the agent, a supply of checks drawn
on State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank") will be sent to the Class A
shareholder. These checks may be made payable by the Class A shareholder to the
order of any person in any amount of $100 or more.
When a check is presented to the Bank for payment, full and fractional
Class A Shares required to cover the amount of the check are redeemed from the
shareholder's Class A account by Investor Services at the next determined net
asset value. Check writing redemptions represent the sale of Class A Shares. Any
gain or loss realized on the sale of shares is a taxable event. See "Redemption
of Shares."
Checks will not be honored for redemption of Class A Shares held less than
15 calendar days, unless such Class A Shares have been paid for by bank wire.
Any Class A Shares for which there are outstanding certificates may not be
redeemed by check. If the amount of the check is greater than the proceeds of
all uncertificated shares held in the shareholder's Class A account, the check
will be returned and the shareholder may be subject to additional charges. A
Class A shareholder may not liquidate the entire account by means of a check.
The check writing privilege may be terminated or suspended at any time by the
Fund or the Bank. Retirement plans and accounts that are subject to backup
withholding are not eligible for the privilege. A "stop payment" system is not
available on these checks.
---------------------------------------------
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
---------------------------------------------
Distributions of the Fund's net investment income (consisting generally of
taxable income and net short-term capital gains) 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 (which are the excess of net long-term capital gains over net
short-term capital losses), if any, are taxable to shareholders as long-term
capital gains, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional
26
<PAGE> 28
shares, and regardless of how long the shares of the Fund have been held by such
shareholders. Such capital gain dividends may be taxed at different rates
depending on how long the Fund held the securities. The Fund expects that its
distributions will consist primarily of ordinary income. 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). Although distributions generally are treated as taxable in the
year they are paid, distributions 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 31st prior to the
date of payment. The Fund will inform shareholders of the source and tax status
of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.
The sale or exchange of shares is 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. Any capital gains may be taxed at different
rates depending on how long the shareholder held it shares.
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.
Foreign shareholders, including shareholders who are non-resident aliens,
may be subject to United States withholding tax on certain distributions
(whether received in cash or in shares) at a rate of 30% or such lower rates as
prescribed by an applicable treaty. Prospective foreign investors should consult
their United States tax advisers concerning the tax consequences to them of an
investment in shares.
The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under the
federal income tax law. If the Fund so qualifies and distributes each year to
its shareholders at least 90% of its net investment income, the Fund will not be
required to pay federal income taxes on any income it distributed to
shareholders. If the Fund distributes less than 98% of its ordinary income or
less than 98% of its capital gain net income, then the Fund will be subject to a
4% excise tax on such undistributed amounts.
The federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general
information only. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisers
regarding the specific federal tax consequences of purchasing, holding,
exchanging or selling shares, as well as the effects of state, local and foreign
tax law and any proposed tax law changes.
27
<PAGE> 29
---------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
---------------------------------------------
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the
Fund's financial performance for the past five years. Certain information
reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the
table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an
investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, whose report, along with the Fund's financial
statements, is included in the Statement of Additional Information and may be
obtained by shareholders without charge by calling the telephone number on the
back 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 AUGUST 31
----------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the Period.......... $6.548 $6.298 $ 6.15 $ 6.12 $ 6.61
Net Investment Income............................. .614 .604 .607 .55 .63
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss............. (.479) .267 .139 .0515 (.47)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from Investment Operations.................. .135 .871 .746 .6015 .16
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Less Distributions from and in Excess of Net
Investment Income............................... .623 .621 .598 .5715 .65
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period................ $6.060 $6.548 $6.298 $ 6.15 $ 6.12
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Total Return(a)................................... 1.66% 14.44% 12.66% 10.48% 2.34%
Net Assets at End of the Period (In millions)..... $499.3 $468.6 $421.4 $411.9 $364.2
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets(b)........ 1.00% 1.08% 1.08% 1.12% 1.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets(b)....................................... 9.33% 9.37% 9.65% 9.23% 9.03%
Portfolio Turnover................................ 90% 75% 76% 49% 66%
</TABLE>
(Table and footnotes continued on following page)
28
<PAGE> 30
---------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
-- (CONTINUED)
---------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES
--------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31
------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the Period... $6.558 $6.310 $ 6.16 $6.14 $6.63
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
Net Investment Income...................... .571 .559 .559 .51 .58
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss...... (.490) .262 .141 .0335 (.468)
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
Total from Investment Operations........... .081 .821 .700 .5435 .112
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
Less Distributions from and in Excess of
Net Investment Income.................... .575 .573 .550 .5235 .602
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
Net Asset Value, End of the Period......... $6.064 $6.558 $6.310 $6.16 $6.14
====== ====== ====== ===== =====
Total Return(a)............................ 0.77% 13.58% 11.78% 9.41% 1.59%
Net Assets at End of the Period (In
millions)................................ $283.1 $198.0 $114.6 $89.9 $71.0
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets(b)................................ 1.79% 1.86% 1.87% 1.93% 1.90%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets(b)............................ 8.52% 8.60% 8.86% 8.42% 8.25%
Portfolio Turnover......................... 90% 75% 76% 49% 66%
</TABLE>
(Table and footnotes continued on following page)
29
<PAGE> 31
---------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
-- (CONTINUED)
---------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31
----------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the
Period............................... $6.528 $6.284 $ 6.14 $6.11 $6.61
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
Net Investment Income.................. .570 .561 .557 .51 .53
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss............................ (.488) .256 .137 .0435 (.428)
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
Total from Investment Operations....... .082 .817 .694 .5535 .102
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
Less Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Investment Income............. .575 .573 .550 .5235 .602
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
Net Asset Value, End of the Period..... $6.035 $6.528 $6.284 $6.14 $6.11
====== ====== ====== ===== =====
Total Return(a)........................ 0.93% 13.64% 11.66% 9.63% 1.43%
Net Assets at End of the Period (In
millions)............................ $ 55.8 $ 30.8 $ 17.5 $15.7 $13.2
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets(b)............................ 1.79% 1.86% 1.87% 1.93% 1.91%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets(b)................ 8.49% 8.57% 8.86% 8.42% 8.25%
Portfolio Turnover..................... 90% 75% 76% 49% 66%
</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) For the years ended August 31, 1997 and 1996, 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%.
30
<PAGE> 32
---------------------------------------------
APPENDIX--DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
---------------------------------------------
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP--A brief description of the applicable
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (S&P) rating symbols and their meanings (as
published by S&P follows):
A S&P corporate or municipal debt rating is a current assessment of
the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation.
This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors,
insurers, or lessees.
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability
for a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer
or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable. S&P does not
perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely
on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended,
or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such
information, or based on other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
1. Likelihood of payment--capacity and willingness of the obligor to
meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with
the terms of the obligation:
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation:
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under
the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditor's rights.
LONG-TERM DEBT--INVESTMENT GRADE
AAA: Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated "AA" differs from the highest rated issues only in small
degree. Capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very
strong.
A: Debt rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher
rated categories. Capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
still strong.
BBB: Debt rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
31
<PAGE> 33
SPECULATIVE GRADE
BB, B, CCC, CC, C: Debts rated "BB", "B", "CCC", "CC" and "C" are regarded
as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least
degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely
have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by
large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: Debt rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative
issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's
inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: Debt rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
"BB", but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic
conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC: Debt rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely
to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC: Debt rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C: The "C" rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy
petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this
obligation are being continued.
D: Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grace period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on
an obligation are jeopardized.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant
noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected
returns which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include:
obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities;
obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk--such as interest-only or
principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky
interest terms, such as inverse floaters.
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE--A brief description of the applicable Moody's
Investors Service (Moody's) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by
Moody's Investor Service) follows:
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edged." Interest
32
<PAGE> 34
payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and
principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change,
such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally
strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations,
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payment
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in
a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic
rating classification from Aa to B. The modifier 1 indicates that the issue
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates
a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
ABSENCE OF RATING: Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has
been suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of
the issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
33
<PAGE> 35
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities that are not
rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or
issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not
published in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise,
the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer
available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a
bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
Both S&P and Moody's use the same designations for preferred stock as they
do for corporate bonds except in the case of Moody's preferred stock ratings the
initial letter rating is not capitalized. While the descriptions are tailored
for preferred stocks, the relative quality distinctions are comparable to those
described above for corporate bonds.
34
<PAGE> 36
EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS--
FOR INFORMATION ON YOUR
EXISTING ACCOUNT PLEASE
CALL THE FUND'S TOLL-FREE NUMBER--(800) 341-2911
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS--CALL
YOUR BROKER OR (800) 421-5666
DEALERS--FOR DEALER
INFORMATION, SELLING
AGREEMENTS, WIRE ORDERS,
OR REDEMPTIONS CALL THE
DISTRIBUTOR'S TOLL-FREE
NUMBER--(800) 421-5666
FOR SHAREHOLDER AND
DEALER INQUIRIES THROUGH
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
FOR THE DEAF (TDD)--
(800) 421-2833
FOR AUTOMATED TELEPHONE
SERVICES--(800) 847-2424
VAN KAMPEN HIGH INCOME
CORPORATE BOND FUND
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Investment Adviser:
VAN KAMPEN ASSET
MANAGEMENT, INC.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Distributor:
VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Transfer Agent:
VAN KAMPEN INVESTOR
SERVICES INC.
P.O. Box 418256
Kansas City, MO 64141-9256
Attn: Van Kampen High Income
Corporate Bond Fund
Custodian:
STATE STREET BANK AND
TRUST COMPANY
225 West Franklin Street, P.O. Box 1713
Boston, MA 02105-1713
Attn: Van Kampen High Income
Corporate Bond Fund
Legal Counsel:
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE,
MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS)
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Independent Accountants:
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
200 East Randolph Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
35
<PAGE> 37
---------------------------------------------
VAN KAMPEN HIGH INCOME
CORPORATE BOND FUND
---------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
DECEMBER , 1998
A Statement of Additional Information, which contains more details about
the Fund, is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this prospectus.
You will find additional information about your Fund in its annual and
semiannual reports, which explain the market conditions and investment
strategies affecting your Fund's recent performance.
You can ask questions or obtain a free copy of your Fund's reports or its
Statement of Additional Information by calling 1-800-421-5666 from 7:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m., Central time, Monday through Friday. Telecommunications Device for
the Deaf users may call 1-800-421-2833. A free copy of your Fund's reports can
also be ordered from our web site at www.van-kampen.com.
Information about the Fund, including its reports and Statement of
Additional Information, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). It can be reviewed and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room
in Washington, DC or online at the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov). For more
information, please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You can also request these
materials by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington DC,
20549-6009, and paying a duplication fee.
---------------------------------------------
VAN KAMPEN FUNDS
---------------------------------------------
36
<PAGE> 38
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VAN KAMPEN
HIGH INCOME CORPORATE BOND FUND
Van Kampen High Income Corporate Bond 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 Funds Inc. at One
Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 or (800) 421-5666.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
General Information......................................... B-2
Investment Objectives and Policies.......................... B-3
Options, Futures Contracts and Related Options.............. B-5
Investment Restrictions..................................... B-10
Trustees and Officers....................................... B-12
Investment Advisory Agreement............................... B-19
Distribution and Service.................................... B-20
Transfer Agent.............................................. B-23
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage........................ B-23
Share Purchase Programs..................................... B-24
Shareholder Services........................................ B-27
Redemption of Shares........................................ B-30
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge -- Class A................. B-30
Waiver of Class B and Class C Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge.................................................... B-30
Taxation.................................................... B-32
Fund Performance............................................ B-35
Other Information........................................... B-37
Report of Independent Accountants........................... B-
Financial Statements........................................ B-
Notes to Financial Statements............................... B-
</TABLE>
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS DATED DECEMBER , 1998.
<PAGE> 39
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fund was originally incorporated in Texas on July 11, 1978 under the
name American Capital High Yield Investments, Inc. The Fund was reincorporated
by merger into a Maryland corporation on July 2, 1992 under the name American
Capital High Income Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. The Fund was reorganized under the
laws of the State of Delaware as a business trust on August 5, 1995 under the
name Van Kampen American Capital Bond Fund. The Fund adopted its present name as
of July 14, 1998.
Van Kampen Asset Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), Van Kampen Funds Inc.
(the "Distributor"), and Van Kampen Investor Services Inc. ("Investor Services")
are wholly owned subsidiaries of Van Kampen Investments Inc. ("VK"), which is an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. The
principal office of the Fund, the Adviser, the Distributor and VK 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.
The authorized capitalization of the Fund consists of an unlimited number
of shares of beneficial interest, par value of $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. Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share. Except as
otherwise described in the Prospectus or 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 agent costs,
the liquidation proceeds to holders of Class B Shares and Class C Shares are
likely to be lower than to holders of Class A Shares.
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.
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.
B-2
<PAGE> 40
As of December , 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
NAME AND ADDRESS DECEMBER , CLASS PERCENTAGE
OF HOLDER 1998 OF SHARES OWNERSHIP
---------------- ------------ --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
[Van Kampen Trust Company..................................
2800 Post Oak Blvd.
Houston, TX 77056
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc....................
For the Sole Benefit of its Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East
3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
</TABLE>
- ---------------
Van Kampen Trust Company acts as custodian for certain employee benefit plans
and independent retirement accounts.]
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The following disclosures supplement disclosures set forth under the same
caption in the Prospectus and do not, standing alone, present a complete or
accurate explanation of the matters disclosed. Readers must refer also to this
caption in the Prospectus for a complete presentation of the matters disclosed
below.
LENDING OF SECURITIES
Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the Fund may lend its
portfolio securities, in an amount up to 10% of the Fund's total assets, to
broker-dealers and other financial institutions provided that such loans are
callable at any time by the Fund, and are at all times secured by cash
collateral that is at least equal to the market value, determined daily, of the
loaned securities. The advantage of such loans is that the Fund continues to
receive the interest and dividends on the loaned securities, while at the same
time earning interest on the collateral which will be invested in short-term
obligations. The Fund pays lending fees and custodial fees in connection with
loans of its securities. There is no assurance as to the extent to which
securities loans can be effected.
A loan may be terminated by the borrower on one business day's notice, or
by the Fund at any time. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount
of collateral, the loan automatically terminates, and the Fund could use the
collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any
excess of replacement cost over collateral. As with any extensions of credit,
there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in
the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However,
these loans of portfolio securities will only be made to firms deemed by the
Fund's management to be creditworthy and when the consideration which can be
earned from such loans is believed to justify the attendant risks. On
termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to
the Fund; any gain or loss in the market price during the loan would inure to
the Fund.
When voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the
borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loan, whole or in part
as may be appropriate, to permit the exercise of such rights if the matters
involved would have a material effect on the Fund's investment in the securities
which are the subject of the loan.
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.,
B-3
<PAGE> 41
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 may enter into repurchase
agreements with banks or broker-dealers deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser
under guidelines approved by the Trustees. The Fund will not invest in
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days if any such investment,
together with any other illiquid securities held by the Fund, would exceed the
Fund's limitation on illiquid securities described below. In the event of the
bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund
could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses
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 exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") authorizing this practice, which conditions are designed to
ensure the fair administration of the joint account and to protect the amounts
in that account.
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 will
be required to maintain the value of the underlying securities marked-to-market
daily at not less than the repurchase price. The underlying securities (normally
securities of the U.S. Government, or its agencies and instrumentalities) may
have maturity dates exceeding one year. The Fund does not bear the risk of a
decline in value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under its
repurchase obligation.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Although the Fund does not intend to engage in substantial short-term
trading, it may sell portfolio securities without regard to the length of time
they have been held in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities
or yield differentials, or because the Fund desires to preserve gains or limit
losses due to changing economic conditions or the financial condition of the
issuer. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of
purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a fiscal year by the average
monthly value of the Fund's portfolio securities during such fiscal year.
Securities which mature in one year or less at the time of acquisition are not
included in this computation. The turnover rate may vary greatly from year to
year as well as within a year. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate (the lesser of
the value of the securities purchased or securities sold divided by the average
value of the securities held in the Fund's portfolio excluding all securities
whose maturities at acquisition were one year or less) is shown in the table of
"Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus. A high portfolio turnover rate (100%
or more) increases the Fund's transaction costs, including brokerage
commissions, and may result in the realization of more short-term capital gains
than if the Fund had a lower portfolio turnover. The turnover rate will not be a
limiting factor, however, if the Adviser deems portfolio changes appropriate.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities,
which includes repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven
days and generally includes securities that are restricted from sale to the
public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act"). However, the Fund shall not invest in such securities in excess of
10% of its net assets without prior
B-4
<PAGE> 42
approval of the Trustees. Restricted securities are often purchased at a
discount from the market price of unrestricted securities of the same issuer
reflecting the fact that such securities may not be readily marketable without
some time delay. Investments in securities which have no ready market are valued
at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with
procedures approved by the Fund's Trustees. Ordinarily, the Fund would invest in
restricted securities only when it receives the issuer's commitment to register
the securities without expense to the Fund. However, registration and
underwriting expenses (which may range from 7% to 15% of the gross proceeds of
the securities sold) may be paid by the Fund. Restricted securities which can be
offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the
1933 Act ("144A Securities") and are determined to be liquid under guidelines
adopted by and subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees are
not subject to the limitation on illiquid securities. Such 144A securities are
subject to monitoring and may become illiquid to the extent qualified
institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing such
securities. Factors used to determine whether 144A Securities are liquid
include, among other things, a security's trading history, the availability of
reliable pricing information, the number of dealers making quotes or making a
market in such security and the number of potential purchasers in the market for
such security.
BRADY BONDS
The Fund may invest in "Brady Bonds," which are debt restructurings that
provide for the exchange of cash and loans for newly issued bonds. Brady Bonds
have been, or are expected to be, issued by the governments of Costa Rica,
Mexico, Nigeria, Uruguay, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil and the Philippines and
other emerging market countries. Investors should recognize that Brady Bonds
have been issued only recently and, accordingly, do not have a long payment
history. Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in
various currencies (primarily the U.S. dollar) and are actively traded in the
secondary market for Latin American debt. The Salomon Brothers Brady Bond Index
provides a benchmark that can be used to compare returns of emerging market
Brady Bonds with returns in other bond markets, e.g., the U.S. bond market.
The Fund may invest in either collateralized or uncollateralized Brady
Bonds. U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed
rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are collateralized in full as to
principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as the
Brady Bonds. Interest payments on such bonds generally are collateralized by
cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal
to at least one year of rolling interest payments or, in the case of floating
rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year of rolling interest payments
based on the applicable interest rate at that time, and is adjusted at regular
intervals thereafter.
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 a higher
portfolio turnover rate.
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
B-5
<PAGE> 43
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, State Street
Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") cash or liquid securities in an amount
of not less than the exercise price of the option, or would hold a put on the
same underlying security at an equal or greater exercise price.
Closing Purchase Transactions and Offsetting Transactions. In order to
terminate its position as a writer of a call or put option, the Fund could enter
into a "closing purchase transaction," which is the purchase of a call (put) on
the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration
date as the call (put) previously written by the Fund. The Fund would realize a
gain (loss) if the premium plus commission paid in the closing purchase
transaction is less (greater) than the premium it received on the sale of the
option. The Fund would also realize a gain if an option it has written lapses
unexercised.
The Fund could write options that are listed on an exchange as well as
options which are privately negotiated in over-the-counter transactions. A Fund
could close out its position as a writer of an option only if a liquid secondary
market exists for options of that series, but there is no assurance that such a
market will exist, particularly in the case of over-the-counter options, since
they can be closed out only with the other party to the transaction.
Alternatively, the Fund could purchase an offsetting option, with would not
close out its position as a writer, but would provide an asset of equal value to
its obligations under the option written. If the Fund is not able to enter into
a closing purchase transaction or to purchase an offsetting option with respect
to an option it has written, it will be required to maintain the securities
subject to the call or the collateral underlying the put until a closing
purchase transaction can be entered into (or the option is exercised or expires)
even though it might not be advantageous to do so.
Risks of Writing Options. By writing a call option, the Fund loses the
potential for gain on the underlying security above the exercise price while the
option is outstanding; by writing a put option 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.
B-6
<PAGE> 44
OTC OPTIONS
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 (each a "Counterparty") 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 illiquid securities described above.
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."
An interest rate futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which a party
agrees to take or make delivery of a specified debt security (such as U.S.
Treasury bonds or notes) at a specified future time and at a specified price.
Initial and Variation Margin. In contrast to the purchase or sale of a
security, no price is paid or received upon the purchase or sale of a futures
contract. Initially, the Fund is required to deposit with its custodian in an
account in the broker's name an amount of cash or liquid securities equal to not
more than 5% of the contract amount. This amount is known as initial margin. The
nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of
margin in securities transactions in that futures contract margin does not
involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transaction.
Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith
deposit on the contract, which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the
futures contract and satisfaction of its contractual obligations. Subsequent
payments to and from the broker, called variation margin, are made on a daily
basis as the price of the underlying securities fluctuates, making the long and
short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known
as marking to market.
For example, when the Fund purchases a futures contract and the price of
the underlying security 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 has declined, the position would be less valuable, and
the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker.
At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Fund may elect
to terminate the position by taking an opposite position. A final determination
of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or
released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or a gain.
Futures Strategies. When the Fund anticipates a significant market or
market sector advance, the purchase of a futures contract affords a hedge
against not participating in the advance at a time when the Fund is 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, 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 commissions on futures transactions
are lower than transaction costs incurred in the purchase and sale of
securities.
B-7
<PAGE> 45
Special Risks Associated with Futures Transactions. There are several
risks connected with the use of futures contracts as a hedging device. These
include the risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the
futures contracts and of the underlying securities, the risk of market
distortion, the illiquidity risk and the risk or error in anticipating price
movement.
There may be an imperfect correlation (or no correlation) between movements
in the price of the futures contracts and of the securities being hedged. The
risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the securities
being hedged diverges from the securities upon which the futures contract is
based. If the price of the futures contract moves less than the price of the
securities being hedged, the hedge will not be fully effective. To compensate
for the imperfect correlation, the Fund could buy or sell futures contracts in a
greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the
historical volatility of the securities being hedged is greater than the
historical volatility of the securities underlying the futures contract.
Conversely, the Fund could buy or sell futures contracts in a lesser dollar
amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the historical
volatility of the securities being hedged is less than the historical volatility
of the securities underlying the futures contract. It is also possible that the
value of futures contracts held by the Fund could decline at the same time as
portfolio securities being hedged; if this occurred, the Fund would lose money
on the futures contract in addition to suffering a decline in value in the
portfolio securities being hedged.
There is also the risk that the price of futures contracts may not
correlate perfectly with movements in the securities underlying the futures
contract due to certain market distortions. First, all participants in the
futures market are subject to margin depository and maintenance requirements.
Rather than meet additional margin depository requirements, investors may close
futures contracts through offsetting transactions, which could distort the
normal relationship between the futures market and the securities underlying the
futures contract. Second, from the point of view of speculators, the deposit
requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in
the securities markets. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the
futures markets may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of
price distortion in the futures markets and because of the imperfect correlation
between movements in futures contracts and movements in the securities
underlying them, a correct forecast of general market trends by the Adviser may
still not result in a successful hedging transaction.
There is also the risk that futures markets may not be sufficiently liquid.
Futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that
provides a market for such futures contracts. Although the Fund intends to
purchase or sell futures only on exchanges and boards of trade where there
appears to be an active secondary market, there can be no assurance that an
active secondary market will exist for any particular contract or at any
particular time. In the event of such illiquidity, it might not be possible to
close a futures position and, in the event of adverse price movement, the Fund
would continue to be required to make daily payments of variation margin. Since
the securities being hedged would not be sold until the related futures contract
is sold, an increase, if any, in the price of the securities may to some extent
offset losses on the related futures contract. In such event, the Fund would
lose the benefit of the appreciation in value of the securities.
Successful use of futures is also subject to the Adviser's ability to
correctly predict the direction of movements in the market. For example, if the
Fund hedges against a decline in the market, and market prices instead advance,
the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increase in value of its
securities holdings because it will have offsetting losses in futures contracts.
In such cases, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it 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
B-8
<PAGE> 46
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 or options (except for closing
transactions) for other than bona fide hedging purposes if, immediately
thereafter, the sum of its initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts
and options exceed 5% of the current 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 purposes 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 price of the underlying
security, when the use of any option on a future would result in a loss to the
Fund when the use of a future would not.
ADDITIONAL RISKS OF OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS
TRANSACTIONS
Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum
number of call or put options on the same underlying security or futures
contract (whether or not covered) which may be written by a single investor,
whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such
options are written on the same or different exchanges or are held or written on
one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). Option positions of all
investment companies advised by the Adviser are combined for purposes of these
limits. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in
violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions.
These position limits may restrict the number of listed options which the Fund
may write.
In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages
in transactions in listed options, futures or related options, the Fund could
experience delays or losses in liquidating open positions
B-9
<PAGE> 47
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.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the following investment restrictions which may not be
changed without approval by the vote of a majority of its outstanding voting
shares which is defined in the 1940 Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the
voting securities present in person or by proxy at the meeting, if the holders
of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented
by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. 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. Borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow for temporary purposes in
amounts not exceeding 5% of the market or other fair value (taken at
the lower of cost or current value) of its total assets (not including
the amount borrowed). Secured temporary borrowings may take the form of
reverse repurchase agreements, pursuant to which the Fund would sell
portfolio securities for cash and simultaneously agree to repurchase
such securities at a specified date for the same amount of cash plus an
interest component. Pledge its assets or assign or otherwise encumber
them in excess of 3.25% of its net assets (taken at market value at the
time of pledging) and then only to secure borrowings effected within
the limitations set forth in the preceding sentence. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Fund may engage in transactions in options, futures
contracts and related options and make margin deposits and payments in
connection therewith.
2. Engage in the underwriting of securities except insofar as the Fund may
be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 in disposing
of a portfolio security.
3. Make short sales of securities, but it may engage in transactions in
options, futures contracts, and related options.
4. Purchase securities on margin, except for such short-term credits as
may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio
securities, and it may engage in transactions in options, futures
contracts and related options and make margin deposits and payments in
connection therewith.
5. Purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase securities of
issuers which engage in real estate operations, securities which are
secured by interests in real estate, or securities representing
interests in real estate.
6. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity futures contracts, except
that the Fund may enter into transactions in futures contracts and
related options.
7. Make loans of money or securities, except (a) by the purchase of debt
obligations in which the Fund may invest consistent with its investment
objectives and policies; (b) by investment in repurchase agreements or
(c) by lending its portfolio securities, subject to limitations
described elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information.
8. Purchase oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights or royalty contracts
or exploration or development programs, except that the Fund may invest
in the securities of companies which invest in or sponsor such
programs.
9. Invest in securities issued by other investment companies except as
part of a merger, reorganization or other acquisition and except to the
extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time,
(ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("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. Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of another
company, except that the Fund may purchase securities of other
investment companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act,
B-10
<PAGE> 48
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.
11. Invest in securities of any company if, to the knowledge of the Fund,
any officer or director of the Fund or of the Adviser owns more than
1/2 of 1% of the outstanding securities of such company, and such
officers and directors who own more than 1/2 of 1% own in the aggregate
more than 5% of the outstanding securities of such company.
12. Invest more than 5% of the market or other fair value of its assets in
warrants, or more than 2% of such value in warrants which are not
listed on the New York or American Stock Exchanges. Warrants attached
to other securities are not subject to these limitations.
13. Invest more than 15% of its net assets (determined at the time of
investment) in illiquid securities and repurchase agreements which have
a maturity of longer than seven days.
14. With respect to 75% of its assets, invest more than 5% of its assets in
the securities of any one issuer (except the U.S. 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.
15. Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in securities of
issuers in any particular industry (except obligations of the U.S.
Government).
16. Issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, except that this
restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit the Fund from (i) making
and collateralizing any permitted borrowings, (ii) making any permitted
loans of its portfolio securities, or (iii) entering into repurchase
agreements, utilizing options, futures contracts, options on futures
contracts and other investment strategies and instruments that would be
considered "senior securities" but for the maintenance by the Fund of a
segregated account with its custodian or some other form of "cover".
B-11
<PAGE> 49
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the
Fund's Board of Trustees and the Fund's officers appointed by the Board of
Trustees. The tables below list the trustees and officers of the Fund and
executive officers of the Fund's investment adviser and their principal
occupations for the last five years and their affiliations, if any, with Van
Kampen Investments Inc. ("VK"), Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp. ("Advisory
Corp."), Van Kampen Asset Management Inc. ("Asset Management"), Van Kampen Funds
Inc. (the "Distributor"), Van Kampen Management Inc., Van Kampen Advisors Corp.,
Van Kampen Insurance Agency of Illinois Inc., Van Kampen Insurance Agency of
Texas Inc., Van Kampen System Inc., Van Kampen Recordkeeping Services Inc.,
American Capital Contractual Services, Inc., Van Kampen Trust Company, Van
Kampen Exchange Corp. and Van Kampen Investor Services Inc. ("Investor
Services"). 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 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.
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.
</TABLE>
B-12
<PAGE> 50
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OR
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE EMPLOYMENT IN PAST 5 YEARS
--------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
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 and a Director of VK, the Advisers, the
2800 Post Oak Blvd. Distributor and Investor Services. Director or officer of
Houston, TX 77056 certain other subsidiaries of VK. Chairman of the Board
Date of Birth: 10/19/39 of Governors and the Executive Committee of the
Investment Company Institute. Prior to July of 1998,
Director and Chairman of VK/AC Holding, Inc. Prior to
November 1996, President, Chief Executive Officer and a
Director of VK/AC Holding, Inc. Trustee/Director of each
of the funds in the Fund Complex and
Trustee/Director/Managing General Partner of other funds
advised by the Advisers or Van Kampen Management Inc.
Phillip B. Rooney......................... Vice Chairman and Director of The ServiceMaster Company,
One ServiceMaster Way a business and consumer services company. Director of
Downers Grove, IL 60515 Illinois Tool Works, Inc., a manufacturing company; the
Date of Birth: 07/08/44 Urban 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.
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 Management Inc.
Trustee/Director of each of the funds in the Fund
Complex, and Trustee/Managing General Partner of other
open-end and closed-end funds advised by the Advisers or
Van Kampen 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-13
<PAGE> 51
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>
NAME, AGE, POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------------------ ---------------------
<S> <C>
Dennis J. McDonnell.................. Executive Vice President and a Director of VK. President,
Date of Birth: 05/20/42 Chief Operating Officer and a Director of the Advisers, Van
President Kampen Advisors Inc., and Van Kampen Management Inc. Prior
to July of 1998, Director and Executive Vice President of
VK/AC Holding, Inc. Prior to April of 1998, President and a
Director of Van Kampen Merritt Equity Advisors Corp. Prior
to April of 1997, Mr. McDonnell 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 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/Managing General Partner of other investment
companies advised by the Advisers or their affiliates.
Peter W. Hegel....................... Executive Vice President of the Advisers, Van Kampen
Date of Birth: 06/25/56 Management Inc. and Van Kampen Advisors Inc. Prior to July
Vice President 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..................... Senior Vice President of the Advisers, Vice President and
Date of Birth: 08/04/46 Chief Accounting Officer of each of the funds in the Fund
Vice President and Chief Accounting Complex and certain other investment companies advised by
Officer the Advisers or their affiliates.
Ronald A. Nyberg..................... Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and
Date of Birth: 07/29/53 Director of VK. Mr. Nyberg is Executive Vice President,
Vice President and Secretary General Counsel, Assistant Secretary and a Director of the
Advisers and the Distributor, Van Kampen Advisors Inc., Van
Kampen Management Inc., Van Kampen Exchange Corp., American
Capital Contractual Services, Inc. and Van Kampen Trust
Company. Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary of Investor Services. Director or
officer of certain other subsidiaries of Van Kampen.
Director of ICI Mutual Insurance Co., a provider of
insurance to members of the Investment Company Institute.
Prior to July of 1998, Director and Executive Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary of VK/AC Holding,
Inc. Prior to April of 1998, Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Director of Van Kampen Merritt Equity
Advisors Corp. Prior to April of 1997, he was Executive Vice
President, General Counsel and a Director of Van Kampen
Merritt Equity Holdings Corp. Prior to September of 1996, he
was General Counsel of McCarthy, Crisanti & Maffei, Inc.
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. 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.
</TABLE>
B-14
<PAGE> 52
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------------------ ---------------------
<S> <C>
Paul R. Wolkenberg................... Executive Vice President and Director of VK. Executive Vice
Date of Birth: 11/10/44 President of Asset Management and the Distributor. President
Vice President and a Director of Investor Services. President and Chief
Operating Officer of Van Kampen Recordkeeping Services, Inc.
Prior to July of 1998, Director and Executive Vice President
of VK/AC Holding, Inc. Vice President of each of the funds
in the Fund Complex and certain other investment companies
advised by the Advisers or their affiliates.
Edward C. Wood III................... Senior Vice President of the Advisers, VK and Van Kampen
Date of Birth: 01/11/56 Management Inc. Senior Vice President and Chief Operating
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Distributor. Vice President and Chief
Officer 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..................... First Vice President of VK and the Advisers. Treasurer of
Date of Birth: 08/20/55 each of the funds in the Fund Complex and certain other
Treasurer investment companies advised by the Advisers or their
affiliates.
Tanya M. Loden....................... Vice President of VK and the Advisers. Controller of each of
Date of Birth: 11/19/59 the funds in the Fund Complex and other investment companies
Controller advised by the Advisers or their affiliates.
Nicholas Dalmaso..................... Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of VK.
Date of Birth: 03/01/65 Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant
Assistant Secretary Secretary of the Advisers, the Distributor, Van Kampen
Advisors Inc. and Van Kampen Management Inc. Assistant
Secretary of each of the funds in the Fund Complex and other
investment companies advised by the Advisers or their
affiliates.
Huey P. Falgout, Jr.................. Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Senior Attorney of
Date of Birth: 11/15/63 VK. Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Senior Attorney
Assistant Secretary of the Advisers, the Distributor, Investor Services, Van
Kampen Management Inc., American Capital Contractual
Services, Inc., Van Kampen Exchange Corp. and Van Kampen
Advisors Inc. Assistant Secretary of each of the funds in
the Fund Complex and other investment companies advised by
the Advisers or their affiliates.
Scott E. Martin...................... Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant
Date of Birth: 08/20/56 Secretary of VK. Senior Vice President, Deputy General
Assistant Secretary Counsel and Secretary of the Advisers, the Distributor,
Investor Services, American Capital Contractual Services,
Inc., Van Kampen Management Inc., Van Kampen Exchange Corp.,
Van Kampen Advisors Inc., Van Kampen Insurance Agency of
Illinois Inc., Van Kampen System Inc. and Van Kampen
Recordkeeping Services Inc. Prior to July of 1998, Senior
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary of VK/AC Holding, Inc. Prior to April of 1998, 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 their affiliates.
</TABLE>
B-15
<PAGE> 53
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
OFFICES WITH FUND DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------------------ ---------------------
<S> <C>
Weston B. Wetherell.................. Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant
Date of Birth: 06/15/56 Secretary of VK, the Advisers, the Distributor, Van Kampen
Assistant Secretary Management Inc. and Van Kampen 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 their affiliates.
Steven M. Hill....................... Vice President of VK and the Advisers. Assistant Treasurer
Date of Birth: 10/16/64 of each of the funds in the Fund Complex and other
Assistant Treasurer investment companies advised by the Advisers or their
affiliates.
Michael Robert Sullivan.............. Assistant Vice President of the Advisers. Assistant
Date of Birth: 03/30/33 Controller of each of the funds in the Fund Complex and
Assistant Controller other investment companies advised by the Advisers or their
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
Van Kampen Series Fund, Inc. (the "VK Funds") and the funds advised by Advisory
Corp. organized as series of the Van Kampen Series Fund, Inc. (the "MS Funds").
Each trustee/director who is not an affiliated person of VK, the Advisers or the
Distributor (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
B-16
<PAGE> 54
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
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.
B-17
<PAGE> 55
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 $ $30,328 $60,000 $111,197
Linda Hutton Heagy* 1995 3,141 60,000 111,197
R. Craig Kennedy* 1995 2,229 60,000 111,197
Jack E. Nelson* 1995 15,820 60,000 104,322
Jerome L. Robinson 1995 32,020 15,750 107,947
Phillip B. Rooney* 1997 0 60,000 74,697
Dr. Fernando Sisto* 1979 60,208 60,000 111,197
Wayne W. Whalen* 1995 10,788 60,000 111,197
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Currently a member of the Board of Trustees.
(1) Persons not designated by an asterisk are not currently members of the Board
of Trustees, but were members of the Board of Trustees during the Fund's
most recently completed fiscal year. 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 August 31, 1998. The
following trustees deferred compensation from the Fund during the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1998: Mr. Branagan, ; Ms. Heagy, ; Mr.
Kennedy, ; Mr. Nelson, ; Mr. Robinson, ; Mr. Rooney,
; Dr. Sisto, ; and Mr. Whalen, . Amounts deferred are
retained by the Fund and earn a rate of return determined by reference to
either the return on the common shares of the Fund or other funds in the
Fund Complex as selected by the respective Non-Affiliated Trustee, with the
same economic effect as if such Non-Affiliated Trustee had invested in one
or more funds in the Fund Complex. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act,
each Fund may invest in securities of those funds selected by the
Non-Affiliated Trustees in order to match the deferred compensation
obligation. The cumulative deferred compensation (including interest)
accrued with respect to each trustee, including former trustees, from the
Fund as of August 31, 1998 is as follows: Mr. Branagan, ; Dr.
Caruso, ; Mr. Gaughan, ; Ms. Heagy, ; Mr. Kennedy,
; Mr. Miller, ; Mr. Nelson, ; Mr. Rees, ; Mr.
Robinson, ; Mr. Rooney, ; Dr. Sisto, ; Mr. Vernon,
; and Mr. Whalen, . 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
B-18
<PAGE> 56
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 December , 1998, the trustees and officers of the Fund as a group
owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Fund and the Adviser are parties to an investment advisory agreement
(the "Advisory Agreement"). Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund retains the
Adviser to manage the investment of the Fund's assets, including the placing of
orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities. The Adviser obtains
and evaluates economic, statistical and financial information to formulate and
implement the Fund's investment objectives. The Adviser also furnishes the
services of the Fund's President and such other executive and clerical personnel
as are necessary to prepare the various reports and statements and conduct the
Fund's day-to-day operations. The Fund, however, bears the cost of its
accounting services, which include maintaining its financial books and records
and calculating its daily net asset value. The costs of such accounting services
include the salaries and overhead expenses of the Fund's Treasurer and the
personnel operating under his direction. Charges are allocated among the
investment companies advised or subadvised by the Adviser. A portion of these
amounts is paid to the Adviser or its affiliates in reimbursement of personnel,
office space, facilities and equipment costs attributable to the provision of
accounting services to the Fund. The Fund also pays shareholder service fees,
distribution fees, custodian fees, legal and auditing fees, the costs of reports
to shareholders, and all other ordinary business expenses not specifically
assumed by the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement also provides that the Adviser
shall not be liable to the Fund for any actions or omissions if it acted without
willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays to the Adviser, as compensation
for the services rendered, facilities furnished, and expenses paid by it, a fee
payable monthly, computed on average daily net assets of the Fund at the annual
rate of: 0.625% on the first $150 million of average net assets; 0.55% on the
next $150 million of average net assets; and 0.50% on the net assets over $300
million.
The Fund's average net assets are determined by taking the average of all
of the determinations of the net assets 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 will 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
less any direct expenses incurred by such subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc., in
connection with obtaining such commissions, fees, brokerage or similar 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 for the Adviser or any other direct or indirect majority owned
subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc. to receive in connection with the Fund's
portfolio transactions or other arrangements which may benefit the Fund.
The Advisory Agreement also provides that, in the event the ordinary
business expenses of the Fund for any fiscal year exceed the most restrictive
expense limitation applicable in the states where the Fund's shares are
qualified for sale, the compensation due the Adviser will be reduced by the
amount of such excess and
B-19
<PAGE> 57
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.
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 60 days' written notice.
During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998 the Adviser
received $2,929,197, $3,377,516 and , respectively, in advisory fees
from the Fund. For such periods, the Fund paid $135,427, $98,686, and
, respectively, for accounting services.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE
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 on a continuous basis. 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 sale 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 August 31, 1998.............. $ $ $
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 1997.............. $1,248,686 $131,363 N/A
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 1996.............. $ 839,736 $ 76,236 $176,992
</TABLE>
With respect to sales of Class A Shares of the Fund, the total sales
charges and concessions reallowed to authorized dealers at the time of purchase
are as follows:
CLASS A SHARES SALES CHARGE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL SALES CHARGE
--------------------------- REALLOWED
AS % OF AS % OF TO DEALERS
OFFERING NET AMOUNT AS A % OF
SIZE OF INVESTMENT PRICE INVESTED OFFERING PRICE)
------------------ -------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $100,000................................... 4.75% 4.99% 4.25%
$100,000 but less than $250,000...................... 3.75% 3.90% 3.25%
$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 deferred
sales charge of 1.00% on redemptions made within one year of the purchase. A
commission or transaction fee will be paid by the Distributor at the time of
purchase directly
B-20
<PAGE> 58
out of the Distributor's assets (and not out of the Fund's assets) to
authorized dealers who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1
million or more computed based on a percentage of the dollar value of such
shares sold 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.
With respect to sales of Class B Shares and Class C Shares of the Fund, a
commission or transaction fee generally will be paid by the Distributor at the
time of purchase directly out of the Distributor's assets (and not out of the
Fund's assets) to authorized dealers who initiate and are responsible for such
purchases computed based on a percentage of the dollar value of such shares sold
of 4.00% on Class B Shares and 1.00% on Class C Shares.
Proceeds from any deferred sales charge and any distribution fees on Class
B Shares and Class C Shares of the Fund are paid to the Distributor and are used
by the Distributor to defray its distribution related expenses in connection
with the sale of the Fund's shares, such as the payment to authorized dealers
for selling such shares. With respect to Class C Shares, the authorized dealers
generally are paid the ongoing commission 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.
In addition to reallowances or commissions described above, the Distributor
may from time to time implement programs under which an authorized dealer's
sales force may be eligible to win nominal awards for certain sales efforts or
under which the Distributor will reallow to any authorized dealer that sponsors
sales contests or recognition programs conforming to criteria established by the
Distributor, or participates in sales programs sponsored by the Distributor, an
amount not exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales generated
by the authorized dealer at the public offering price during such programs.
Other programs provide, among other things and subject to certain conditions,
for certain favorable distribution arrangements for shares of the Fund. Also,
the Distributor in its discretion may from time to time, pursuant to objective
criteria established by the Distributor, pay fees to, and sponsor business
seminars for, qualifying authorized dealers for certain services or activities
which are primarily intended to result in sales of shares of the Fund. Fees may
include payment for travel expenses, including lodging, incurred in connection
with trips taken by invited registered representatives and members of their
families to 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. The Distributor may provide additional compensation
to Edward D. Jones & Co. or an affiliate thereof based on a combination of its
sales of shares and increases in assets under management. All of the foregoing
payments are made by the Distributor out of its own assets. Such fees paid for
such services and activities with respect to the Fund will not exceed in the
aggregate 1.25% of the average total daily net assets of the Fund on an annual
basis. These programs will not change the price an investor will pay for shares
or the amount that a Fund will receive from such sale.
Banks are currently prohibited under the Glass-Steagall Act from providing
certain underwriting or distribution services. If banking firms were prohibited
from acting in any capacity or providing any of the described services, the
Distributor would consider what action, if any, would be appropriate. The
Distributor does not believe that termination of a relationship with a bank
would result in any material adverse consequences to the Fund. State securities
laws regarding registration of banks and other financial institutions may differ
from the interpretations of federal law expressed herein, and banks and other
financial institutions may be required to register as dealers pursuant to
certain state laws.
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
B-21
<PAGE> 59
Service Agreement") with the Distributor of each class of the Fund's shares,
sub-agreements between the Distributor and members of the NASD who are acting as
securities dealers and NASD members or eligible non-members who are acting as
brokers or agents and similar agreements between the Fund and financial
intermediaries who are acting as brokers (collectively, "Selling Agreements")
that may provide for their customers or clients certain services or assistance,
which may include, but not be limited to, processing purchase and redemption
transactions, establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts regarding the
Fund, and such other services as may be agreed to from time to time and as may
be permitted by applicable statute, rule or regulation. Brokers, dealers and
financial intermediaries that have entered into sub-agreements with the
Distributor and sell shares of the Fund are referred to herein as "financial
intermediaries."
The Distributor must submit quarterly reports to the Board of Trustees of
the Trust, of which the Fund is a series, setting forth separately by class of
shares all amounts paid under the Distribution Plan and the purposes for which
such expenditures were made, together with such other information as from time
to time is reasonably requested by the Trustees. The Plans provide that they
will continue in full force and effect from year to year so long as such
continuance is specifically approved by a vote of the Trustees, and also by a
vote of the disinterested Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on the Plans. Each of the Plans may not be amended to increase
materially the amount to be spent for the services described therein with
respect to any class of shares without approval by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting shares of such class, and all material amendments to either
of the Plans must be approved by the Trustees and also by the disinterested
Trustees. Each of the Plans may be terminated with respect to any class of
shares at any time by a vote of a majority of the disinterested Trustees or by a
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of such class.
The Plans generally provide for the Fund to reimburse the lesser of (i) the
distribution and service fees at the rates specified in the prospectus or (ii)
the amount of the Distributor's actual expenses incurred less any deferred sales
charges it received. For Class A Shares, to the extent the Distributor is not
fully reimbursed in a given year, there is no carryover of such unreimbursed
amounts of succeeding years. For each of the Class B Shares and Class C Shares,
to the extent the Distributor is not fully reimbursed a given year, any
unreimbursed expenses for such class will be carried forward and paid by the
Fund in future years so long as such Plans are 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 of Class C Share may be greater or less than the amount
of the initial commission (including carrying cost) paid by the Distributor with
respect to such share. In such circumstances, a shareholder of a share may be
deemed to incur expenses attributable to other shareholders of such class. As of
August 31, 1998, there were $ and $ of unreimbursed
distribution-related expenses with respect to Class B Shares and Class C Shares,
respectively, representing % and % of the Fund's net assets attributable
to Class B Shares and Class C Shares, respectively. If the Plan were 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 deferred sales charge.
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund's aggregate expenses
under the Plans for Class A Shares were $ or % of the Class A
Shares' average daily net assets. Such expenses were paid to reimburse the
Distributor for payments made to financial intermediaries for servicing Fund
shareholders and for administering the Plans. For the fiscal year ended August
31, 1998, the Fund's aggregate expenses under the Class B Plan were $
or 1.00% of the Class B Shares' average net assets. Such expenses were paid to
reimburse the Distributor for the following payments: $ for commissions
and transaction fees paid to financial intermediaries in respect of sales of
Class B Shares of the Fund and $ for fees paid to financial intermediaries
for servicing Class B shareholders and administering the Plans. For the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund's aggregate expenses under the Plans for
Class C Shares were $ or 1.00% of the Class C Shares' average net assets.
Such expenses were paid to reimburse the Distributor for the following payments;
$ for commissions and transaction fees paid to financial intermediaries
in respect of sales of Class C Shares of the Fund and $0 for fees paid to
financial intermediaries for servicing Class C shareholders and administering
the Class C Plan.
B-22
<PAGE> 60
TRANSFER AGENT
The Fund's transfer agent is Van Kampen Investor Services Inc., P.O. Box
418256, Kansas City, MO 64141-9256. During the fiscal years ending August 31,
1996, 1997 and 1998, Investor Services, shareholder service agent and dividend
disbursing agent for the Fund, received fees aggregating $1,197,009, $943,600,
and respectively for these services. Prior to 1998, these services
were provided at cost plus a profit. Beginning in 1998, the transfer agency
prices are determined through negotiations with the Fund's Board of Trustees and
are based on competitive 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 any
commissions, if any, paid on such transactions. As most transactions made by the
Fund are principal transactions at net prices, the Fund incurs little or no
brokerage costs. Portfolio securities are normally purchased directly from the
issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Purchases from
underwriters of portfolio securities include a commission or concession paid by
the issuer to the underwriter and purchases from dealers serving as market
makers include the spread between the bid and asked price. Sales to dealers are
effected at bid prices.
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 as a factor in the
selection of firms to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund.
The Adviser is responsible for placing portfolio transactions and does so
in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to the Fund and not according to any
formula. The primary consideration in all portfolio transactions is prompt
execution of orders in an effective manner at the most favorable price. In
selecting broker/dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Adviser considers
the firm's reliability, the quality of its execution services on a continuing
basis and its financial condition. When more than one firm is believed to meet
these criteria, preference may be given to firms which also provide research
services to the Fund or the Adviser. 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. No specific value can be assigned to such research services
which are furnished without cost to the Adviser. The investment advisory fee is
not reduced as a result of the Adviser's receipt of such research services.
Services provided may include (a) furnishing advice as to the value of
securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities,
and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (b)
furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of
accounts; and (c) effecting securities transactions and performing functions
incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement and custody). Research
services furnished by firms through which the Fund effects its securities
transactions may be used by the Adviser in servicing all of its advisory
accounts; not all of such services may be used by the Adviser in connection with
the Fund.
The Adviser places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts,
including other investment companies. The Adviser seeks to allocate portfolio
transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or
sell securities for the Fund and another advisory account. In some cases, this
procedure could have an adverse effect on the price or the amount of securities
available to the Fund. In making such allocations among the Fund and other
advisory accounts, the main factors considered by the Adviser are the respective
investment objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or
comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment, the size of
investment commitments generally held and opinions of the persons responsible
for recommending the investment.
B-23
<PAGE> 61
Effective October 31, 1996, Morgan Stanley Group Inc. ("Morgan Stanley")
became an affiliate of the Adviser. Effective May 31, 1997, Dean Witter Discover
& Co. ("Dean Witter") became an affiliate of the Adviser. The quality of
execution and the negotiated commission paid to an affiliated broker on any
transaction are comparable to that payable to a non-affiliated broker in a
similar transaction.
The Fund paid the following commissions to all brokers and affiliated
brokers during the periods shown:
Commissions Paid:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AFFILIATED BROKERS
------------------
MORGAN DEAN
BROKERS STANLEY WITTER
------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Commissions paid:
Fiscal year 1996.......................................... 0 N/A N/A
Fiscal year 1997.......................................... 1,625 N/A N/A
Fiscal year 1998..........................................
-------
Fiscal year 1998 Percentages:
Commissions with affiliate to total commissions........... N/A N/A
Value of brokerage transactions with affiliate to total
transactions........................................... N/A N/A
</TABLE>
SHARE PURCHASE PROGRAMS
The following information supplements the section in the Fund's Prospectus
captioned "Purchase of Shares."
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 herein.
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 Asset Management or Advisory Corp. and distributed by the
Distributor as determined from time to time by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
Volume Discounts. The size of investment shown in the Class A Shares 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 Class A
Shares 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
13-month period to determine the sales charge as outlined in the Class A Shares
sales charge table. The size of investment shown in the Class A Shares sales
charge table also includes purchases of shares of the Participating Funds over a
13-month period based on the total amount of intended purchases plus the value
of all shares of the Participating Funds previously purchased and still
B-24
<PAGE> 62
owned. An investor may elect to compute the 13-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. 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 adjustment in sales charge will be used to purchase additional
shares for the shareholder at the applicable discount category. The Fund
initially will escrow shares totaling 5% of the dollar amount of the Letter of
Intent to be held by Investor Services in the name of the shareholder. In the
event the Letter of Intent goal is not achieved within the period, the investor
must pay the difference between the sales charge applicable to the purchases
made and the sales charges previously paid. Such payments may be made directly
to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor will liquidate sufficient
escrowed shares to obtain the difference.
OTHER PURCHASE PROGRAMS
Purchasers of Class A Shares may be entitled to reduced initial sales
charges in connection with unit investment trust reinvestment programs and
purchases by registered representatives of selling firms or purchases by persons
affiliated with the Fund or the Distributor. The Fund reserves the right to
modify or terminate these arrangements at any time.
Unit Investment Trust Reinvestment Programs. The Fund permits unitholders
of unit investment trusts to reinvest distributions from such trusts in Class A
Shares of the Fund, at net asset value and with no minimum initial or subsequent
investment requirement, if the administrator of an investor's unit investment
trust program meets certain uniform criteria relating to cost savings by the
Fund and the Distributor. The total sales charge for all other investments made
from unit trust distributions will be 1.00% of the offering price (1.01% of net
asset value). Of this amount, the Distributor will pay to the authorized dealer,
if any, through which such participation in the qualifying program was initiated
0.50% of the offering price as a dealer concession or agency commission. Persons
desiring more information with respect to this program, including the applicable
terms and conditions thereof, should contact their authorized dealer or the
Distributor.
The administrator of such a unit investment trust must have an agreement
with the Distributor pursuant to which the administrator will (1) submit a
single bulk order and make payment with a single remittance for all investments
in the Fund during each distribution period by all investors who choose to
invest in the Fund through the program and (2) provide Investor Services with
appropriate backup data for each participating investor in a computerized format
fully compatible with Investor Services' 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 Asset
Management or Advisory Corp. and such persons' families and their beneficial
accounts.
(2) Current or retired directors, officers and employees of Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter & Co. 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
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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
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 12-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.
(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 Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (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 Trust Company serves 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, plus 0.25% on the excess over
$10 million. For purchases on February 1, 1997 and thereafter, a commission
will be paid as follows: 1.00% on sales to $2 million, plus 0.80% on the
next $1 million, plus 0.50% on the next $47 million, plus 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
contingent deferred sales charge ("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.
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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 Investor Services by the
investment adviser, trust company or bank trust department, provided that
Investor Services 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 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.
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. Below is a
description of such services. The following information supplements the section
in the Fund's Prospectus captioned "Shareholder Services."
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Each shareholder has an investment account under which the investor's
shares of the Fund are held by Investor Services, the Fund's transfer agent.
Investor Services performs bookkeeping, data processing and administrative
services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Except as described
in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, 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 any of the
Participating Funds will receive statements quarterly from Investor Services
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 Investor Services.
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 Funds, c/o Investor Services, P.O. Box 418256, Kansas City, MO
64141-9256, requesting an "affidavit of loss" and obtain a Surety Bond in a form
acceptable to Investor Services. On the date the letter is received, Investor
Services will calculate a fee for replacing the lost certificate 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.
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 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
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<PAGE> 65
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 Investor Services 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 Investor Services.
DIVIDEND DIVERSIFICATION
A shareholder may, upon written request or by completing the appropriate
section of the application form accompanying the Prospectus or by calling (800)
421-5666 ((800) 421-2833 for the hearing impaired), elect to have all dividends
and other distributions paid on a class of shares of the Fund invested into
shares of the same class of any Participating Fund so long as the investor has a
pre-existing account for such class of shares of the other fund. Both accounts
must be of the same type, either non-retirement or retirement. If the accounts
are retirement accounts, they must both 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 per
share as of the payable date of the distribution.
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 value per share 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 a 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 at least 30 days prior to an exchange. Shares of the
Fund registered in a shareholder's name for less than 30 days may only be
exchanged upon receipt of prior approval of the Adviser. Under normal
circumstances, it is the policy of the Adviser 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 Shares or Class C Shares are redeemed and not exchanged for shares of
another Participating Fund, Class B shares and 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 Investor Services 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 the Prospectus.
Van Kampen and its subsidiaries, including Investor Services, 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, Investor Services nor the Fund will
be liable for following telephone instructions which it reasonably believes to
be genuine. If the exchanging
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<PAGE> 66
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 gains options (except dividend diversification) and authorized
dealer of record as the account from which shares are exchanged, unless
otherwise specified by the shareholder. In order to establish a systematic
withdrawal plan for the new account or reinvest dividends from the new account
into another fund, however, an exchanging shareholder must file a specific
written request. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order to acquire its
shares through exchange. In addition, the Fund may modify, restrict or terminate
the exchange privilege at any time on 60 days' notice to its shareholders of any
termination or material amendment.
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 Participating 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, semiannual or
annual withdrawal plan. This plan provides for the orderly use of the entire
account, not only the income but also the capital, if necessary. Each withdrawal
constitutes a redemption of shares on which any capital gain or loss will be
recognized. The planholder may 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 plans are reinvested in additional shares
at the next determined net asset value per share. 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. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate
the systematic withdrawal program on 30 days' notice to its shareholders.
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<PAGE> 67
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 net 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 per share (without
sales charge) next determined after the order is received, which must be within
180 days after the date of the redemption. Reinstatement at net asset value per
share is also offered to participants in those eligible retirement plans held or
administered by Van Kampen Trust Company for repayment of principal (and
interest) on their borrowings on such plans.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Redemptions are not made on days during which the Exchange is closed. The
right of redemption may be suspended and the payment therefor may be postponed
for more than seven days during any period when (a) the Exchange is closed for
other than customary weekends or holidays; (b) trading on the Exchange is
restricted; (c) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of
securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the value of its net assets; or (d)
the SEC, by order, so permits.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE-CLASS A
For 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.
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 is waived on redemptions of Class B Shares and Class C Shares in the
circumstances described below:
(a) Redemption Upon Death or Disability
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 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 death or disability, 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.
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<PAGE> 68
(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 Participating 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
("Plan") with respect to the shareholder's investment in the Fund. Under the
Plan, a dollar amount of a participating shareholder's investment in the Fund
will be redeemed systematically by the Fund on a periodic basis, and the
proceeds mailed to the shareholder. The amount to be redeemed and frequency of
the systematic withdrawals will be specified by the shareholder upon his or her
election to participate in the Plan. The CDSC-Class B and C will be waived on
redemptions made under the Plan.
The amount of the shareholder's investment in a Fund at the time the
election to participate in the Plan is made with respect to the Fund is
hereinafter referred to as the "initial account balance." The amount to be
systematically redeemed from the Fund without the imposition of a CDSC-Class B
and C may not exceed a maximum of 12% annually of the shareholder's initial
account balance. The Fund reserves the right to change the terms and conditions
of the Plan and the ability to offer the Plan.
(d) No Initial Commission or Transaction Fee
The Fund will waive the CDSC -- Class B and C in circumstances under which
no commission or transaction fee is paid to authorized dealers at the time of
purchases of shares.
(e) Involuntary Redemptions of Shares
The Fund reserves the right to redeem shareholder accounts with balances of
less than a specified dollar amount as set forth in the Prospectus. Prior to
such redemptions, shareholders will be notified in writing and allowed a
specified period of time to purchase additional shares to bring the account up
to the required minimum balance. The Fund will waive the CDSC-Class B and C upon
such involuntary redemption.
(f)Reinvestment of Redemption Proceeds
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. Shares acquired in this manner will be deemed to have the original cost
and purchase date of the redeemed shares for purposes of applying the CDSC-Class
C to subsequent redemptions.
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(g) 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.
TAXATION
Federal Income Taxation. 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 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 31st of each year, at least an amount equal to the sum of (i) 98% of
its ordinary income for such year and (ii) 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 31st of such year), plus any amounts that were not distributed
in previous taxable years. For purposes of the excise tax, any ordinary income
or capital gain net income retained by, and subject to federal income tax in the
hands of, the Fund will be treated as having been distributed.
If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company or failed
to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement in any taxable year, the Fund would
be taxed as an ordinary corporation on its taxable income (even if such income
were distributed to its shareholders) and all distributions out of earnings and
profits would be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. To qualify again as a
regulated investment company in a subsequent year, the Fund may be required to
pay an interest charge on 50% of its earnings and profits attributable to
non-regulated investment company years and would be required to distribute such
earnings and profits to shareholders (less any interest charge). In addition, if
the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company for its first
taxable year or, if immediately after qualifying as a regulated investment
company for any taxable year, it failed to qualify for a period greater than one
taxable year, the Fund would be required to recognize any net built-in gains
(the excess of aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses
that would have been realized if it had been liquidated) in order to qualify as
a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.
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.
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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"
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.
The Fund will inform shareholders of the source and tax status of all
distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year. Fund distributions
generally will not qualify for the dividends received deduction for
corporations.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid,
dividends declared in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of
record on a specified date in such month and paid during January of the
following year will be treated as having been distributed by the Fund and
received by the shareholders on the December 31st 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 or 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.
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. For a summary of the tax rates
applicable to capital gains, see "Capital Gains Rates" below. Any loss
recognized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will
be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital 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. 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 or (ii) 20% for capital assets held for more than one year. A special 28%
tax rate may apply
B-33
<PAGE> 71
to a portion of the capital gain dividends paid by the Fund with respect to its
taxable year ended August 31, 1998. The maximum long-term capital gains rate for
corporations is 35%.
Non-U.S. Shareholders. A shareholder who is not (i) a citizen or resident
of the United States, (ii) a corporation or partnership created or organized
under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, (iii) an estate, the
income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless
of its source or (iv) a trust whose administration is subject to the primary
supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States
fiduciaries who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the
trust (a "Non-U.S. Shareholder") generally will be subject to withholding of
United States federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower applicable treaty rate)
on dividends from the Fund (other than capital gain dividends) that are not
"effectively connected" with a United States trade or business carried on by
such shareholder. Accordingly, investment in the Fund is likely to be
appropriate for a Non-U.S. Shareholder only if such person can utilize a foreign
tax credit or corresponding tax benefit in respect of such United States
withholding tax.
Non-effectively connected capital gain dividends and gains realized from
the sale of shares will not be subject to United States federal income tax in
the case of (i) a Non-U.S. Shareholder that is a corporation and (ii) a Non-U.S.
Shareholder that is not present in the United States for more than 182 days
during the taxable year (assuming that certain other conditions are met).
However, certain Non-U.S. Shareholders may nonetheless be subject to backup
withholding on capital gain dividends and gross proceeds paid to them upon the
sale of their shares. See "Backup Withholding" below.
If income from the Fund or gains realized from the sale of shares is
effectively connected with a Non-U.S. Shareholder's United States trade or
business, then such amounts will be subject to United States federal income tax
at the tax rates applicable to United States citizens or domestic corporations.
Non-U.S. Shareholders that are corporations may also be subject to an additional
"branch profits tax" with respect to income from the Fund that is effectively
connected with a United States trade or business.
The United States Treasury Department recently issued Treasury regulations
generally effective for payments made after December 31, 1999 concerning the
withholding of tax and reporting for certain amounts paid to nonresident alien
individuals and foreign corporations (the "Final Withholding Regulations").
Among other things, the Final Withholding Regulations may require Non-U.S.
Shareholders to furnish new certification of their foreign status after December
31, 1999. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning the
applicability and effect of the Final Withholding Regulations on an investment
in shares.
The tax consequences to a Non-U.S. Shareholder entitled to claim the
benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described in
this section. Non-U.S. Shareholders may be required to provide appropriate
documentation to establish their entitlement to the benefits of such a treaty.
Foreign investors are advised to consult their tax advisers with respect to the
tax implications of purchasing, holding and disposing of shares.
Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required to withhold federal income tax
at a rate of 31% ("backup withholding") from dividends and redemption proceeds
paid to non-corporate shareholders. This tax may be withheld from dividends if
(i) the shareholder fails to furnish the Fund with its correct taxpayer
identification number, (ii) the IRS notifies the Fund that the shareholder has
failed to properly report certain interest and dividend income to the IRS and to
respond to notices to that effect or (iii) when required to do so, the
shareholder fails to certify that he or she is not subject to backup
withholding. Redemption proceeds may be subject to withholding under the
circumstances described in (i) above.
The Fund must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Shareholder
the amount of dividends paid to such shareholder and the amount, if any, of tax
withheld pursuant the backup withholding rules with respect to such dividends.
This information may also be made available to the tax authorities in the
Non-U.S. Shareholder's country of residence.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the
backup withholding rules from payments made to a Shareholder may be refunded or
credited against such shareholder's United States federal income tax liability,
if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
B-34
<PAGE> 72
General. The federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general
information only. Prospective investors should consult their advisors regarding
the specific federal tax consequences of purchasing, 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 year, five year and ten year periods. Other total
return quotations, aggregate or average, over other time periods may also be
included.
The total return of the Fund for a particular period represents the
increase (or decrease) in the value of a hypothetical investment in the Fund
from the beginning to the end of the period. Total return is calculated by
subtracting the value of the initial investment from the ending value and
showing the difference as a percentage of the initial investment; the
calculation assumes the initial investment is made at the current maximum public
offering price (which includes a maximum sales charge of 4.75% for Class A
shares); that all income dividends or capital gains distributions during the
period are reinvested in Fund shares at net asset value; and that any applicable
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 6.75% prior
to June 12, 1989, 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 or to
reflect the fact no 12b-1 fees were incurred prior to October 1, 1989.
Average annual total return quotations for periods of two or more years are
computed by finding the average annual compounded rate of return over the period
that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value.
In addition to total return information, the Fund may also advertise its
current "yield." Yield figures are based on historical earnings and are not
intended to indicate future performance. Yield is determined by analyzing the
Fund's net income per share for a 30-day (or one-month) period (which period
will be stated in the advertisement), and dividing by the maximum offering price
per share on the last day of the period. A "bond equivalent" annualization
method is used to reflect a semiannual compounding.
For purposes of calculating yield quotations, net income is determined by a
standard formula prescribed by the SEC to facilitate comparison with yields
quoted by other investment companies. Net income computed for this formula
differs from net income reported by the Fund in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and from net income computed for federal income
tax reporting purposes. Thus the yield computed for a period may be greater or
less than the Fund's then current dividend rate.
The Fund's yield is not fixed and will fluctuate in response to prevailing
interest rates and the market value of portfolio securities, and as a function
of the type of securities owned by the Fund, portfolio maturity and the Fund's
expenses.
Yield quotations should be considered relative to changes in the net asset
value of the Fund's shares, the Fund's investment policies, and the risks of
investing in shares of the Fund. For example, the high yields of lower grade
bonds in which the Fund invests reflect the risk that the value of the bonds may
be impaired in a financial restructuring or default by the issuer. The
investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will
fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less
than their original cost.
Yield and total return are calculated separately for Class A Shares, Class
B Shares and Class C Shares. Class A Shares total return figures include the
maximum sales charge of 4.75%; 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.
B-35
<PAGE> 73
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 mutual funds with the Consumer Price 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 financial nationally
recognized 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 contain additional
performance information. A copy of the Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report may
be obtained without charge by calling or writing the Fund at the telephone
number and address printed on the back cover of the Prospectus.
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
August 31, 1998 was , (ii) the five year period ended August 31, 1998 was
and (iii) the ten year period ended August 31, 1998 was . The Fund's
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 August 31, 1998
was , (ii) the five year period ended August 31, 1998 was and (iii)
the six year, two month period since July 2, 1992, the commencement of
distribution for Class B Shares of the Fund, through August 31, 1998 was .
The average annual total return (computed in the manner described in the
Prospectus) for Class C Shares of the Fund for (i) the one year period ended
August 31, 1998 was ; (ii) the five year period ended August 31, 1998 was
%; and (iii) the five year, 1 1/2 month period since July 6, 1993, the
commencement of distribution for Class C Shares of the Fund, through August 31,
1998 was . These results are based on historical earnings and asset value
fluctuations and are not intended to indicate future performance. Such
information should be considered in light of the Fund's investment objectives
and policies as well as the risks incurred in the Fund's investment practices.
The annualized current yield for Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C
Shares of the Fund for the 30-day period ending August 31, 1998 was ,
and , respectively. The yield for Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class
C Shares is not fixed and will fluctuate in response to prevailing interest
rates and the market value of portfolio securities, and as a function of the
type of securities owned by the Fund, portfolio maturity and the Fund's
expenses.
Yield and total return are computed separately for Class A Shares, Class B
Shares and Class C Shares.
B-36
<PAGE> 74
The Fund may, from time to time: (1) illustrate the benefits of
tax-deferral by comparing taxable investments to investments made through
tax-deferred retirement plans; (2) illustrate in graph or chart form, or
otherwise, the benefits of dollar cost averaging by comparing investments made
pursuant to a systematic investment plan to investments made in a rising market;
and (3) in reports or other communications to shareholders or in advertising
material, illustrate the benefits of compounding at various assumed rates of
return. Such illustrations may be in the form of charts or graphs and will not
be based on historical returns experienced by the Fund.
OTHER INFORMATION
CUSTODY OF ASSETS -- All securities owned by the Fund and all cash, including
proceeds from the sale of shares of the Fund and of securities in the Fund's
investment portfolio, are held by State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 West
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 -- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 200 East Randolph Drive,
Chicago, Illinois 60601, the independent accountants for the Fund, performs an
annual audit of the Fund's financial statements.
B-37
<PAGE> 75
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(a)(1) -- First Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of
Trust (7)
(2) -- Second Certificate of Amendment +
(3) -- Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation+
(b) -- Amended and Restated Bylaws (7)
(c)(1) -- Specimen Class A Share Certificate(9)
(2) -- Specimen Class B Share Certificate(9)
(3) -- Specimen Class C Share Certificate(9)
(d) -- Investment Advisory Agreement(9)
(e)(1) -- Distribution and Service Agreement(9)
(2) -- Form of Dealer Agreement (8)
(3) -- Form of Broker Fully Disclosed Selling Agreement (8)
(4) -- Form of Bank Fully Disclosed Selling Agreement (8)
(f)(1) -- Individual Retirement Account Brochure with Application
(4)
(2) -- 403(b)(7) Custodial Account (3)
(3) -- ORP 403(b)(7) Custodial Account (3)
(4) -- Retirement Plans for the Small Business-Forms Package and
Plan Documents (1)
(5) -- Prototype Profit Sharing/Money Purchase Plan and Trust
(2)
(6) -- Prototype 401(k) Plan and Trust (2)
(7) -- Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan (5)
(8) -- Simplified Employee Pension Plan Brochure with
Application (6)
(g)(1) -- Custodian Contract(9)
(2) -- Transfer Agency and Service Agreement(9)
(h)(1) -- Data Access Services Agreement (8)
(2) -- Fund Accounting Agreement(9)
(i) -- Opinion and Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom (Illinois) (8)
(j) -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP++
(k) -- Computation of Performance Quotations++
(l) -- Not applicable.
(m)(1) -- Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (8)
(2) -- Form of Shareholder Assistance Agreement (8)
(3) -- Form of Administrative Services Agreement (8)
(4) -- Service Plan (8)
(n) -- Financial Data Schedules++
(o) -- Amended Multi-Class Plan(9)
(p) -- Power of Attorney+
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to Van
Kampen American Capital Emerging Growth Fund's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, File No. 2-33214, filed December 21, 1990.
C-1
<PAGE> 76
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Van
Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Fund's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, File No. 2-21657, filed March 26, 1991.
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to Van
Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A,
File No. 2-50870, filed September 24, 1992.
(4) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to Van
Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A,
File No. 2-50870, filed September 23, 1993.
(5) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to Van
Kampen American Capital World Portfolio Series Trust's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 33-37879, filed September 24, 1993.
(6) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Van
Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Fund's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, File No. 2-21657, filed March 24, 1994.
(7) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 2-62115, filed
December 22, 1995.
(8) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 2-62115, filed
December 26, 1996.
(9) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 2-62115, filed
December 24, 1997.
+ Filed herewith.
++ To be filed by further amendment.
C-2
<PAGE> 77
ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
See the Statement of Additional Information.
ITEM 25. 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 interests 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 (iii) for a criminal proceeding, not having a reasonable cause
to believe that such conduct was unlawful (collectively, "Disabling Conduct").
Absent a court determination that an officer or trustee seeking indemnification
was not liable on the merits or guilty of Disabling Conduct in the conduct of
his or her office, the decision by the Registrant to indemnify such person must
be based upon the reasonable determination of independent counsel or non-party
independent trustees, after review of the facts, that such officer or trustee is
not guilty of Disabling Conduct in the conduct of his or her office.
The Registrant has purchased insurance on behalf of its officers and
trustees protecting such persons from liability arising from their activities as
officers or trustees of the Registrant. The insurance does not protect or
purport to protect such persons from liability to the Registrant or to its
shareholders to which such officer or trustee would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of the duties involved in the conduct of their office.
Conditional advancing of indemnification monies may be made if the trustee
or officer undertakes to repay the advance unless it is ultimately determined
that he or she is entitled to the indemnification and only if the following
conditions are met: (1) the trustee or officer provides a security for the
undertaking; (2) the Registrant is insured against losses arising from lawful
advances; or (3) a majority of a quorum of the Registrant's disinterested,
non-party trustees, or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall
determine, based upon a review of readily available facts, that a recipient of
the advance ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by the trustee, officer, or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the
shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 26. 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 Van
Kampen Asset Management Inc., 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.
C-3
<PAGE> 78
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
(a) The sole principal underwriter is Van Kampen Funds Inc., which acts as
principal underwriter for certain investment companies and unit investment
trusts to be filed by further amendment.
(b) Van Kampen Funds Inc. which is an affiliated person of an affiliated person
of Registrant, is the sole principal underwriter for Registrant. The name,
principal business address and positions and offices with Van Kampen Funds
Inc. of each of the directors and officers will be filed by further
amendment. 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 28. 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. Van Kampen 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 Van Kampen Funds Inc., the
principal underwriter, will be maintained at its offices located at One Parkview
Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181.
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS.
Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish to each person to whom a Prospectus
is delivered a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report to shareholders,
upon request and without charge.
Registrant hereby undertakes, if requested to do so by the holders of at
least 10% of the Registrant's outstanding shares, to call a meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of a trustee
or trustees and to assist in communications with other shareholders as required
by Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
C-4
<PAGE> 79
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, VAN KAMPEN HIGH INCOME CORPORATE
BOND FUND, 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 State of Illinois, on the 22nd day of October, 1998.
VAN KAMPEN
HIGH INCOME CORPORATE BOND FUND
By /s/ RONALD A. NYBERG
-------------------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg, Vice President and
Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
to the Registration Statement has been signed on October 22, 1998 by the
following persons in the capacities indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURES TITLE
---------- -----
<C> <S>
Principal Executive Officer:
/s/ DENNIS J. MCDONNELL* President
- -----------------------------------------------------
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 H. HEAGY* Trustee
- -----------------------------------------------------
Linda H. 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
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Signed pursuant to a power of attorney.
/s/ RONALD A. NYBERG October 22, 1998
- --------------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg
Attorney-in-Fact
<PAGE> 80
SCHEDULE OF EXHIBITS TO POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 41 TO FORM N-1A
AS SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON
OCTOBER 22, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(a)(2) -- Second Certificate of Amendment
(a)(3) -- Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation
(p) -- Power of Attorney
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT a(2)
SECOND CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT DATED JULY 14, 1998
TO
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT
AND DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED JUNE 21, 1995
WHEREAS, the Trustees of Van Kampen American Capital High Income Corporate
Bond Fund, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust") have approved the amendment
of the Trust's First Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust
dated June 21, 1995 ("Declaration of Trust") in accordance with Section 9.5
thereof;
WHEREAS, the Trustees have authorized the proper officers of the Trust,
including the officer whose name appears below, to effect such amendment;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Declaration of Trust is amended as follows:
1. The first sentence of Section 1.1 is amended and restated in its entirety
to read as follows:
1.1 Name. The name of the Trust shall be
"VAN KAMPEN HIGH INCOME CORPORATE BOND FUND"
and so far as may be practicable, the Trustees shall conduct
the Trust's activities, execute all documents and sue or be
sued under that name, which name (and the word "Trust"
wherever used in this Agreement and Declaration of Trust,
except where the context otherwise requires) shall refer to
the Trustees in their capacity as Trustees, and not
individually or personally, and shall not refer to the
officers, agents or employees of the Trust or of such
Trustees, or to the holders of the Shares of the Trust or any
Series. If the Trustees determine that the use of such name is
not practicable, legal or convenient at any time or in any
jurisdiction, or if the Trust is required to discontinue the
use of such name pursuant to Section 10.7 hereof, then subject
to that Section, the Trustees may use such other designation,
or they may adopt such other name for the Trust as they deem
proper, and the Trust may hold property and conduct its
activities under such designation or name.
EXECUTED, to be effective as of July 14, 1998
/s/ RONALD A. NYBERG
----------------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg,
Secretary
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT a(3)
VAN KAMPEN HIGH INCOME CORPORATE BOND FUND
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation
of
Van Kampen High Income Corporate Bond Fund
The undersigned, being the Secretary of Van Kampen High Income Corporate Bond
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 Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of the Van
Kampen American Capital High Income Corporate Bond Fund Series of the Trust
dated December 12, 1996 by redesignating such Series as the Van Kampen High
Income Corporate Bond Fund Series 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.
<PAGE> 2
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 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.
July 14, 1998
/s/ Ronald A. Nyberg
---------------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg, Secretary
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (p)
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>
<S> <C>
Signature Title
--------- -----
/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 EMERGING GROWTH FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL ENTERPRISE FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY INCOME FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL GLOBAL MANAGED ASSETS FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL 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
