<PAGE> 1
[VAN KAMPEN FUNDS LOGO]
VAN KAMPEN
EMERGING GROWTH FUND
Van Kampen Emerging Growth Fund is a mutual fund with the investment objective
of capital appreciation. The Fund's investment adviser seeks to achieve the
Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of common
stocks of companies considered by the Fund's investment adviser to be emerging
growth companies.
Shares of the Fund have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) or any state regulator, and neither the SEC nor any
state regulator has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus is dated DECEMBER 29, 1999,
AS SUPPLEMENTED ON JANUARY 10, 2000
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Risk/Return Summary................................ 3
Fees and Expenses of the Fund...................... 5
Investment Objective, Policies and Risks........... 6
Investment Advisory Services....................... 10
Purchase of Shares................................. 11
Redemption of Shares............................... 17
Distributions from the Fund........................ 19
Shareholder Services............................... 19
Federal Income Taxation............................ 21
Financial Highlights............................... 23
</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.
<PAGE> 3
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund is a mutual fund with the investment objective of capital appreciation.
Any income received from portfolio securities is incidental to the Fund's
investment objective.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Under normal market conditions, the Fund's investment adviser seeks to achieve
the Fund's investment objective by investing at least 65% of the Fund's total
assets in a portfolio of common stocks of emerging growth companies. Emerging
growth companies are those domestic or foreign companies that the Fund's
investment adviser believes are in the early stages of their life cycles and
have the potential to become major enterprises. Investing in such companies
involves risks not ordinarily associated with investments in larger, more
established companies. The Fund's investment adviser uses a "bottom up"
investment strategy in stock selection focusing on those companies that it
believes have rising earnings expectations and rising valuations. The Fund seeks
growth companies with long-term capital appreciation potential. The Fund
generally sells securities when earnings expectations or valuations flatten or
decline. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities of
foreign issuers. The Fund may purchase and sell certain derivative instruments
such as options, futures and options on futures, which may subject the Fund to
additional risks.
INVESTMENT RISKS
An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, and you could lose
money on your investment in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund
will achieve its investment objective.
MARKET RISK. Market risk is the possibility that the market values of securities
owned by the Fund will decline. Market risk may affect a single issuer,
industry, sector of the economy or the market as a whole. Investments in common
stocks generally are affected by changes in the stock markets, which fluctuate
substantially over time, sometimes suddenly and sharply. The Fund emphasizes a
"growth" style of investing. The market values of such securities may be more
volatile than other types of investments. The returns on "growth" securities may
or may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the
overall stock markets. During an overall stock market decline, stock prices of
smaller or unseasoned companies often fluctuate more and may fall more than the
stock prices of larger, more established companies. Historically, smaller and
medium sized company stocks have sometimes gone through extended periods when
they did not perform as well as larger company stocks.
RISKS OF EMERGING GROWTH COMPANIES. Companies that the Fund's investment adviser
believes are emerging growth companies are often companies with limited product
lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources and the management
of such companies may be dependent upon one or a few key people. The stocks of
emerging growth companies can therefore be subject to more abrupt or erratic
market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies or the stock
market in general.
FOREIGN RISKS. Because the Fund may own securities of 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, differences in securities regulation and trading, and foreign
taxation issues.
RISKS OF USING DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS. In general terms, a derivative instrument
is one whose value depends on (or is derived from) the value of an underlying
asset, interest rate or index. Options, futures and options on futures are
examples of derivatives. Derivative instruments involve risks different from
direct investment in underlying securities. These risks include imperfect
correlation between the value of the instruments and the underlying assets;
risks of default by the other party to certain transactions; risks that the
transactions may incur losses that partially or completely offset gains in
portfolio positions; risks that the transactions may not be liquid; and manager
risk.
MANAGER RISK. As with any managed fund, the Fund's investment adviser may not be
successful in selecting the best-performing securities or investment techniques,
and the Fund's performance may lag behind that of similar funds.
-
3
<PAGE> 4
INVESTOR PROFILE
In light of the Fund's investment objective and strategies, the Fund may be
appropriate for investors who:
- - Seek capital appreciation over the long term
- - Do not seek current income from their investment
- - Can withstand substantial volatility in the value of their Fund shares
- - Wish to add to their investment portfolio a fund that emphasizes a growth
style of investing in a portfolio of common stocks of emerging growth
companies
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.
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 about the Fund. An investment in the Fund is intended to be a long-term
investment and the Fund 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 has varied from year-to-year. The following chart shows the annual
returns of the Fund's Class A Shares over the ten calendar years prior to the
date of this prospectus. 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.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL RETURN
-------------
<S> <C>
'1989' 29.06
'1990' 1.97
'1991' 60.43
'1992' 9.73
'1993' 23.92
'1994' -7.12
'1995' 44.63
'1996' 17.91
'1997' 21.34
'1998' 34.73
</TABLE>
The Fund's return for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1999 was 36.61%.
The annual return 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 be
lower than the annual returns shown for the Fund's Class A Shares because of
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 26.76% (for the quarter ended December 31, 1998) and the lowest quarterly
return was -19.79% (for the quarter ended September 30, 1990).
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE
As a basis for evaluating the Fund's performance and risks, the table below
shows how the Fund's performance compares with two broad-based market indices
that the Fund's investment adviser believes are appropriate benchmarks for the
Fund: the Russell 2000 Stock Index* and the Standard & Poor's Midcap 400
Index**. The Fund's performance figures include the maximum sales charges paid
by investors. The indices' performance figures do not include any commissions or
sales charges that would be paid by investors purchasing the securities
represented by the indices. Average annual total returns are shown for the
periods ended December 31, 1998 (the most recently completed calendar year prior
to the date of this prospectus).
-
4
<PAGE> 5
Remember that the past performance of the Fund is not indicative of its future
performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual
Total Returns Past
for the 10 Years
Periods Ended Past Past or Since
December 31, 1998 1 Year 5 Years Inception
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Van Kampen
Emerging Growth
Fund -- Class A
Shares 26.98% 19.53% 21.50%
Russell 2000
Stock Index -2.55% 11.87% 12.92%
Standard & Poor's
Midcap 400 Index 19.11% 18.84% 19.29%
.......................................................
Van Kampen
Emerging Growth
Fund -- Class B
Shares 28.66% 19.85% 21.23%(1)***
Russell 2000
Stock Index -2.55% 11.87% 13.86%(2)
Standard & Poor's
Midcap 400 Index 19.11% 18.84% 18.62%(3)
.......................................................
Van Kampen
Emerging Growth
Fund -- Class C
Shares 32.65% 20.00% 20.08%(4)
Russell 2000
Stock Index -2.55% 11.87% 12.96%(5)
Standard & Poor's
Midcap 400 Index 19.11% 18.84% 18.80%(6)
.......................................................
</TABLE>
Inception dates: (1) 4/20/92, (2) 4/30/92, (3) 4/23/92, (4) 7/6/93, (5) 6/30/93,
(6) 7/8/93.
* The Russell 2000 Stock Index measures the general performance of small-cap
stocks and was initially selected as a benchmark for the Fund's performance.
Based upon the Fund's asset composition, the Fund believes the S&P Midcap
400 Index is a more appropriate broad-based benchmark for the Fund.
Therefore the Russell 2000 Index will not be shown in future reports.
** The Standard & Poor's Midcap 400 Index is an unmanaged market-weighted index
of 400 domestic mid-cap stocks.
*** The "Since Inception" performance for Class B Shares reflects the conversion
of such shares into Class A Shares six years after purchase. Class B Shares
purchased on or after June 1, 1996 will convert to Class A Shares eight
years after purchase. See "Purchase of Shares."
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.
SHAREHOLDER FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Class B Class C
Shares Shares Shares
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge
(load) imposed on
purchases (as a
percentage of offering 5.75%(1) None None
price)
.....................................................
Maximum deferred sales
charge (load) (as a
percentage of the
lesser of original
purchase price or
redemption proceeds) None(2) 5.00%(3) 1.00%(4)
.....................................................
Maximum sales charge
(load) imposed on
reinvested dividends None None None
.....................................................
Redemption fees None None None
.....................................................
Exchange fee None None None
.....................................................
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
- -----------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.44% 0.44% 0.44%
.....................................................
Distribution and/or
service (12b-1)
fees(5) 0.25% 1.00%(6) 1.00%(6)
.....................................................
Other expenses 0.28% 0.30% 0.30%
.....................................................
Total annual fund 0.97% 1.74% 1.74%
operating expenses
.....................................................
</TABLE>
(1) Reduced for purchases of $50,000 and over. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class
A Shares."
(2) Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to any sales charge at the
time of purchase, but a deferred sales charge of 1.00% may be imposed on
certain redemptions made within one year of the purchase. See "Purchase of
Shares -- Class A Shares."
(3) The maximum deferred sales charge is 5.00% in the first year after purchase,
declining thereafter as follows:
Year 1-5.00%
Year 2-4.00%
Year 3-3.00%
Year 4-2.50%
Year 5-1.50%
After-None
See "Purchase of Shares -- Class B Shares."
(4) The maximum deferred sales charge is 1.00% in the first year after purchase
and 0.00% thereafter. See "Purchase of Shares -- Class C Shares."
(5) Class A Shares are subject to an annual service fee of up to 0.25% of the
average daily net assets attributable to such class of shares. Class B
Shares and Class C Shares are each subject to a combined annual distribution
and service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable
to such class of shares. See "Purchase of Shares."
(6) 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.
Example:
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds.
5
<PAGE> 6
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% 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> <C>
Class A Shares $668 $866 $1,080 $1,696
......................................................................
Class B Shares $677 $848 $1,094 $1,848*
......................................................................
Class C Shares $277 $548 $ 944 $2,052
......................................................................
</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> <C>
Class A Shares $668 $866 $1,080 $1,696
......................................................................
Class B Shares $177 $548 $ 944 $1,848*
......................................................................
Class C Shares $177 $548 $ 944 $2,052
......................................................................
</TABLE>
* Based on conversion to Class A Shares after eight years.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE,
POLICIES AND RISKS
The Fund's investment objective is to provide capital appreciation. Any income
received from the investment of portfolio securities is incidental to the Fund's
investment objective. The Fund's investment objective may be changed by the
Fund's Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, but no change is
anticipated. If there is a change in the investment objective of the Fund,
shareholders should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment
in light of their then current financial positions and needs. There are risks
inherent in all investments in securities; accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund's investment adviser seeks to achieve
the Fund's investment objective by investing at least 65% of the Fund's total
assets in a portfolio of common stocks of emerging growth companies. Emerging
growth companies are those domestic or foreign companies that the Fund's
investment adviser believes are in the early stages of their life cycles and
have the potential to become major enterprises. Investments in such companies
may offer greater opportunities for growth of capital than larger, more
established companies, but also may involve certain special risks. Emerging
growth companies often have limited product lines, markets, distribution
channels or financial resources, and they may be dependent upon one or a few key
people for management. The securities of such companies may be subject to more
abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established
companies or the market averages in general.
The Fund's primary approach is to seek what the Fund's investment adviser
believes to be unusually attractive growth opportunities on an individual
company basis. The Fund's investment adviser uses a "bottom-up" disciplined
style of investing. The Fund's investment adviser relies on its research
capabilities and company/analyst meetings in reviewing companies. The Fund
focuses on those companies that exhibit rising earnings expectations and rising
valuations. In selecting securities for investment, the Fund generally seeks
companies that appear to be positioned to produce an attractive level of future
earnings through the development of new products, services or markets or as a
result of changing markets or industry conditions. The Fund's investment adviser
expects that many of the companies in which the Fund invests will, at the time
of investment, be experiencing high rates of earnings growth. The securities of
such companies may trade at higher price to earnings ratios relative to more
established companies and rates of earnings growth may be volatile.
The Fund does not limit its investments to any single group or type of security.
The Fund may invest in securities involving special circumstances, such as
initial public offerings, companies with new management or management reliant on
one or a few key people, special products and techniques, limited or cyclical
product lines, markets or resources or unusual developments, such as mergers,
liquidations, bankruptcies or leveraged buyouts. Investments in smaller or
unseasoned companies or companies with special circumstances often involve much
greater risks than are inherent in other types of investments, because
securities of such companies may be more likely to experience unexpected
fluctuations in price.
6
<PAGE> 7
The Fund may dispose of a security whenever, in the opinion of the Fund's
investment adviser, factors indicate it is advisable to do so. The Fund
generally sells securities when earnings expectations or valuations flatten or
decline. Other factors may include changes in the company's operations or
relative market performance or appreciation possibilities offered by individual
securities, a change in the market trend or other factors affecting an
individual security, a change in economic or market factors in general or with
respect to a particular industry, and other circumstances bearing on the
desirability of a given investment. In addition, if an individual stock position
appreciates to a point where it begins to account for a larger percentage of the
Fund's assets, the Fund's investment adviser may sell a portion of the position
held.
The Fund may invest in securities that have above average volatility of price
movement. Because prices of common stocks and other securities fluctuate, the
value of an investment in the Fund will vary based upon the Fund's investment
performance. The Fund attempts to reduce overall exposure to risk from declines
in securities prices by spreading its investments over many different companies
in a variety of industries. There is, however, no assurance that the Fund will
be successful in achieving its objective.
The Fund invests primarily in common stocks. Common stocks are shares of a
corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the
profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other class of
securities, including such entity's debt securities, preferred stock and other
senior equity securities. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote
and frequently an exclusive right to do so.
While the Fund invests primarily in common stocks, it may invest in preferred
stocks, convertible securities and rights and warrants to purchase common or
preferred stock. Preferred stock generally has a preference as to dividends and
liquidation over an issuer's common stock but ranks junior to debt securities in
an issuer's capital structure. Unlike interest payments on debt securities,
preferred stock dividends are payable only if declared by the issuer's board of
directors. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory
redemption provisions.
A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other
security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of
common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer or into
cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A
convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or
accrued on debt securities or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the
convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before
conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to
both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to
decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to
vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying equity securities.
Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally
higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers.
Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's
capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible
securities. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any
dividend increases or decreases of the underlying equity securities although the
market prices of the convertible securities may be affected by any dividend
changes or other changes in the underlying equity securities.
Rights and warrants entitle the holder to buy equity securities at a specific
price for a specific period of time. Rights typically have a substantially
shorter duration than do warrants. Rights and warrants may be considered more
speculative and less liquid than certain other types of investments in that they
do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the
underlying securities nor do they represent any rights in the assets of the
issuing company. Rights and warrants may lack a secondary market.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities of foreign
issuers. Securities of foreign issuers may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in
currencies other than U.S. dollars. Investments in foreign securities present
certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S.
issuers. These risks include fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates,
political, economic or legal developments (including war or other instability,
expropriation of assets, nationalization and confiscatory taxation), the
imposition of foreign exchange
-
7
<PAGE> 8
limitations (including currency blockage), withholding taxes on dividend or
interest payments or capital transactions or other restrictions, higher
transaction costs (including higher brokerage, custodial and settlement costs
and currency conversion costs) and possible difficulty in enforcing contractual
obligations or taking judicial action. Also, foreign securities may not be as
liquid and may be more volatile than comparable domestic securities.
In addition, there often is less publicly available information about many
foreign issuers, and issuers of foreign securities are subject to different,
often less comprehensive, auditing, accounting and financial reporting
disclosure requirements than domestic issuers. There is generally less
government regulation of stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies abroad
than in the U.S., 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.
Delays in making trades in foreign securities relating to volume constraints,
limitations or restrictions, clearance or settlement procedures, or otherwise
could impact returns and result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are
not fully invested or attractive investment opportunities are foregone.
Investments in securities of developing or emerging market countries are subject
to greater risks than investments in securities of developed countries since
emerging market countries tend to have economic structures that are less diverse
and mature and political systems that are less stable than developed countries.
In addition to the increased risks of investing in foreign securities, there are
often increased transactions costs associated with investing in foreign
securities including the costs incurred in connection with converting
currencies, higher foreign brokerage or dealer costs, and higher settlement
costs or custodial costs.
USING OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS
AND RELATED OPTIONS
The Fund may, but is not required to, use various investment strategic
transactions, including options, futures contracts and options on futures
contracts, in several different ways depending upon the status of the Fund's
portfolio and the Fund's investment adviser's expectations concerning the
securities markets. Although the Fund's investment adviser seeks to use the
practices to further the Fund's investment objective, no assurance can be given
that the use of these practices will achieve this result.
In times of stable or rising stock prices, the Fund generally seeks to be fully
invested in equity securities. Even when the Fund is fully invested, however,
prudent management requires that at least a small portion of assets be available
as cash to honor redemption requests and for other short-term needs. The Fund
may also have cash on hand that has not yet been invested. The portion of the
Fund's assets that is invested in cash or cash equivalents does not fluctuate
with stock market prices, so that, in times of rising market prices, the Fund
may underperform the market in proportion to the amount of cash or cash
equivalents in its portfolio. By purchasing stock index futures contracts,
however, the Fund can compensate for the cash portion of its assets and may
obtain performance equivalent to investing 100% of its assets in equity
securities.
The Fund can engage in options transactions on securities (or stock index
options or options on futures) to attempt to manage the portfolio's risk in
advancing or declining markets. For example, the value of a put option generally
increases as the value of the underlying security declines below a specified
level. Value is protected against a market decline to the degree the performance
of the put correlates with the performance of the Fund's investment portfolio.
If the market remains stable or advances, the Fund can refrain from exercising
the put and its portfolio will participate in the advance, having incurred only
the premium cost for the put.
Generally, the Fund expects that options will be purchased or sold on securities
exchanges. However, the Fund is authorized to purchase and sell listed and
over-the-counter options ("OTC Options"). OTC Options are subject to certain
additional risks including default by the other party to the transaction and the
liquidity of the transactions.
-
8
<PAGE> 9
The Fund may use futures in many ways. For example, if the Fund's investment
adviser forecasts a market decline, the Fund may seek to reduce its exposure to
the securities markets by increasing its cash position. By selling stock index
futures contracts instead of portfolio securities, a similar result can be
achieved to the extent that the performance of the futures contracts correlates
to the performance of the Fund's portfolio securities. Sales of futures
contracts frequently may be accomplished more rapidly and at less cost than the
actual sale of securities. Once the desired hedged position has been reached,
the Fund could then liquidate securities in a more deliberate manner.
In certain cases, the options and futures markets provide investment or risk
management opportunities that are not available from direct investments in
securities. In addition, some strategies can be performed with greater ease and
at lower cost by utilizing the options and futures markets rather than
purchasing or selling portfolio securities. However, such transactions involve
risks different from the direct investment in underlying securities. For
example, there may be imperfect correlation between the value of the instruments
and the underlying assets. In addition, the use of such instruments includes the
risks of default by the other party to certain transactions. The Fund may incur
losses in using these instruments that partially or completely offset gains in
portfolio positions. These transactions may not be liquid and involve manager
risk. In addition, such transactions may involve commissions and other costs,
which may increase the Fund's expenses and reduce its return. A more complete
discussion of options, futures contracts and related options and their risks is
contained in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of
Additional Information can be obtained by investors free of charge as described
on the back cover of this prospectus.
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
For cash management purposes, the Fund may engage in repurchase agreements with
broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions in order to earn a return
on temporarily available cash. Such transactions are subject to the risk of
default by the other party. The Fund may invest up to 25% of the Fund's total
assets at the time of purchase in securities subject to repurchase agreements.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of the Fund's net assets in illiquid securities
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.
The Fund may sell securities without regard to the length of time they have been
held in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities, or when the
Fund's investment adviser believes the potential for capital appreciation has
lessened, or for other reasons. The Fund's portfolio turnover is shown under the
heading "Financial Highlights." The portfolio turnover rate may vary from year
to year. A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) increases a fund's
transactions costs (including brokerage commissions or dealer costs) and a high
portfolio turnover rate may result in the realization of more short-term capital
gains than if a fund had a lower portfolio turnover rate. Increases in the
Fund's transaction costs would adversely impact the Fund's performance. The
turnover rate will not be a limiting factor, however, if the Fund's investment
adviser considers portfolio changes appropriate.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGY. 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, and repurchase agreements. Under normal market
conditions, the potential for capital appreciation on these securities will tend
to be lower than the potential for capital appreciation on other securities that
may be owned by the Fund. In taking such a defensive position, the Fund would
not be pursuing and may not achieve its investment objective.
-
9
<PAGE> 10
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
THE ADVISER. Van Kampen Asset Management Inc. is the Fund's investment adviser
(the "Adviser" or "Asset Management"). 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 $79 billion under management or supervision as of
September 30, 1999. Van Kampen Investments' more than 50 open-end and 39
closed-end funds and more than 2,500 unit investment trusts are professionally
distributed by leading authorized dealers 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 1 Parkview Plaza,
PO Box 5555, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555.
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 Agreement"), the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee
computed based upon an annual rate applied to the average daily net assets of
the Fund as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily Net Assets % Per Annum
- ------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
First $350 million 0.575 of 1.00%
......................................................
Next $350 million 0.525 of 1.00%
......................................................
Next $350 million 0.475 of 1.00%
......................................................
Over $1,050 million 0.425 of 1.00%
......................................................
</TABLE>
Applying this fee schedule, the effective advisory fee rate was 0.45% of the
Fund's average daily net assets for the Fund's fiscal year ended August 31,
1999.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser furnishes offices, necessary
facilities and equipment and provides administrative services to the Fund. The
Fund pays all charges and expenses of its day-to-day operations, including
service fees, distribution fees, custodial fees, legal and independent
accountant fees, the costs of reports and proxies to shareholders, compensation
of trustees of the Trust (other than those who are affiliated persons of the
Adviser, Distributor or Van Kampen Investments) and all other ordinary 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 or by reducing
other expenses of the Fund in accordance with such limitations as 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 of Ethics permit directors, trustees,
officers and employees to buy and sell securities for their personal accounts
subject to certain restrictions. Persons with access to certain sensitive
information are subject to pre-clearance and other procedures designed to
prevent conflicts of interest.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT. The Fund is managed by a group of portfolio managers
headed by Gary M. Lewis, Senior Portfolio Manager. Mr. Lewis has been Senior
Vice President of the Adviser since October 1995 and of Advisory Corp. since
June 1995. Prior to October 1995, Mr. Lewis was Vice President--Portfolio
Manager of the Adviser. Mr. Lewis has been affiliated with the Fund since April
1989, and has been employed by the Adviser since September 1986.
Portfolio Managers Dudley Brickhouse, David Walker and Janet Luby are
responsible as co-managers for the day-to-day management of the Fund's
investment portfolio.
Mr. Brickhouse, a Portfolio Manager and Vice President of the Adviser and of
Advisory Corp. since January 1999, was an Associate Portfolio Manager of the
Adviser and of Advisory Corp. since September 1997. Prior to September 1997, Mr.
Brickhouse was a Vice President and Portfolio Manager with NationsBank
Investment Management, where he had
10
<PAGE> 11
worked since 1985. Mr. Brickhouse has been affiliated with the Fund since
September 1997.
Mr. Walker, a Portfolio Manager and Vice President of the Adviser and of
Advisory Corp. since January 1999, was an Assistant Vice President of the
Adviser and of Advisory Corp. since June 1995. Prior to April 1996, Mr. Walker
was a Quantitative Analyst of the Adviser, having worked for the Adviser since
October 1990. Mr. Walker has been affiliated with the Fund since April 1996.
Ms. Luby, a Portfolio Manager and Vice President of the Adviser and of Advisory
Corp. since January 1999, was an Assistant Vice President of the Adviser and of
Advisory Corp. since January 1997. Prior to January 1997, Ms. Luby was an
Associate Portfolio Manager of the Adviser. Previously, she spent eight years at
AIM Capital Management, Inc. where she worked five years in the accounting
department and three years in the investment area, with her last position in the
investment area being a Senior Securities Analyst. Ms. Luby has been affiliated
with the Fund since January 1997.
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 $1,000 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 and service plan (each as described below) under
which its distribution fee and/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 offering price of the Fund's shares is based upon the Fund's net asset value
per share (plus sales charges, where applicable). 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 except on any day on which no purchase or redemption orders are
received or there is not a sufficient degree of trading in the Fund's portfolio
securities such that the Fund's net asset value per share might be materially
affected. The Fund's Board of Trustees reserves the right to calculate the net
asset value per share and adjust the offering price based thereon more
frequently than once daily if deemed desirable. 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. Such
computation is made by using prices as of the close of trading on the Exchange
and (i) valuing securities listed or traded on a national securities exchange at
the last reported sale price, or if there has been no sale that day, at the mean
between the last reported bid and asked prices, (ii) valuing over-the-counter
securities at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices available
from the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations
("NASDAQ") and (iii) valuing any securities for which market quotations are not
readily available and any other assets at fair value as determined in good faith
by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the Fund's Board of
Trustees. Short-term securities are valued in the manner described in the notes
to the financial
-
11
<PAGE> 12
statements included in the Fund's 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. Under the
Distribution Plan and the Service Plan, the Fund pays 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 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. Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic
equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). The net income attributable to
a class of shares will be reduced by the amount of the distribution fees and
other expenses of the Fund associated with such class of shares. To assist
investors in comparing classes of shares, the tables under the heading "Fees and
Expenses of the Fund" provide a summary of sales charges and expenses and an
example of the sales charges and expenses of the Fund 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 1 Parkview Plaza, PO
Box 5555, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555. Shares also are offered through
members of the NASD who are acting as securities dealers ("dealers") and NASD
members or eligible non-NASD members who are acting as brokers or agents for
investors ("brokers"). "Dealers" and "brokers" are sometimes referred to herein
as "authorized dealers."
Shares may be purchased on any business day by completing the application
accompanying this prospectus and forwarding the application, directly or through
an authorized dealer, to the Fund's 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 are
entitled to receive compensation for selling such shares and may receive
differing compensation for selling Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C
Shares.
The offering price for shares is based upon the next calculation of net asset
value per share (plus sales charges, where applicable) after an order is
received by Investor Services. Orders received by authorized dealers prior to
the close of the Exchange are priced based on the date of receipt provided such
order is transmitted to Investor Services prior to Investor Services' close of
business on such date. Orders received by authorized dealers after the close of
the Exchange or transmitted to Investor Services after its close of business are
priced based on the date of the next computed net asset value per share provided
they are received by Investor Services prior to Investor Services' close of
business on such date. It is the responsibility of authorized dealers to
transmit orders received by them to Investor Services so they will be received
in a timely manner.
The Fund and the Distributor reserve the right to refuse any order for the
purchase of shares. The Fund also reserves the right to suspend the sale of the
Fund's shares in response to conditions in the securities markets or for other
reasons. Shares of the Fund may be sold in foreign countries where permissible.
Investor accounts will automatically be credited with additional shares of the
Fund after any Fund distributions, such as dividends and capital gain dividends,
unless the investor instructs the Fund otherwise. Investors wishing to receive
cash instead of additional shares should contact the Fund at (800) 341-2911 or
by writing to the Fund, c/o Van Kampen Investors Services Inc., PO Box 218256,
Kansas City, MO 64121-8256.
-
12
<PAGE> 13
CLASS A SHARES
Class A Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value plus an initial maximum
sales charge of up to 5.75% of the offering price (or 6.10% of the net amount
invested), reduced on investments of $50,000 or more as follows:
CLASS A SHARES
SALES CHARGE SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As % of As % of
Size of Offering Net Amount
Investment Price Invested
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10%
..........................................................
$50,000 but 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 may impose a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% on certain 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.
No sales charge is imposed on Class A Shares received from reinvestment of
dividends or capital gain dividends.
Under the Distribution Plan and Service Plan, the Fund may spend up to a total
of 0.25% per year of the Fund's average daily net assets with respect to the
Class A Shares of the Fund. From such amount, under the Service Plan, the Fund
may spend up to 0.25% per year of the Fund's average daily net assets with
respect to the Class A Shares for the ongoing provision of services to Class A
shareholders by the Distributor and by brokers, dealers or financial
intermediaries and for the maintenance of such shareholders' accounts. The rates
in this paragraph are 0.15% per year of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to Class A Shares with respect to accounts existing on or before
September 30, 1989.
CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value and are subject to a
contingent 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> <C> <C>
First 5.00%
................................................
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 gain dividends. 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.
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge applies to a
redemption, it is assumed that shares being redeemed first are any shares in the
shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge followed by shares held the longest in the shareholder's account.
Under the Distribution Plan, the Fund may spend up to 0.75% per year of the
Fund's average daily net assets with respect to the Class B Shares of the Fund.
In addition, under the Service Plan, the Fund may spend up to 0.25% per year of
the Fund's average daily net assets with respect to the Class B Shares for
13
<PAGE> 14
the ongoing provision of services to Class B shareholders by the Distributor and
by brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries and for 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
contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the dollar amount subject to charge
if redeemed within one year of 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. In addition, no sales charge is assessed
on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gain dividends. 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 applies to a
redemption, it is assumed that shares being redeemed first are any shares in the
shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge followed by shares held the longest in the shareholder's account.
Under the Distribution Plan, the Fund may spend up to 0.75% per year of the
Fund's average daily net assets with respect to the Class C Shares of the Fund.
In addition, under the Service Plan, the Fund may spend up to 0.25% per year of
the Fund's average daily net assets with respect to the Class C Shares for the
ongoing provision of services to Class C shareholders by the Distributor and by
brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries and for the maintenance of such
shareholders' accounts.
The aggregate distribution and service fees are currently 1.00% per year of the
average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares of the Fund. The
aggregate distribution and service fees are 0.90% per year of the average daily
net assets attributable to Class C Shares of the Fund with respect to accounts
existing on or before March 31, 1995.
CONVERSION FEATURE
Class B Shares purchased on or after June 1, 1996, and any dividend reinvestment
plan Class B 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 Class B 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 Class C 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 participating in the
exchange program 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 capital gain dividends
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) for
required minimum distributions from an individual retirement account ("IRA") or
certain other retirement plan distributions, (iii) for withdrawals under the
Fund's systematic withdrawal plan but limited to 12% annually of the initial
value of the account, (iv) if no commission or transaction fee is paid to
authorized dealers at the time of purchase of such shares and (v) if made by
involuntary liquidation by the Fund of a shareholder's account as described
under the heading "Redemption
-
14
<PAGE> 15
of Shares." Subject to certain limitations, a shareholder who has redeemed Class
C Shares of the Fund may reinvest in Class C Shares at net asset value with
credit for any contingent deferred sales charge if the reinvestment is made
within 180 days after the redemption. For a more complete description of
contingent deferred sales charge waivers, please refer to the Fund's Statement
of Additional Information or contact your authorized dealer.
QUANTITY DISCOUNTS
Investors purchasing Class A Shares may, under certain circumstances described
below, be entitled to pay reduced or no sales charges. 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 pay 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 currently owned.
LETTER OF INTENT. A Letter of Intent provides an opportunity for an investor to
obtain a reduced sales charge by aggregating 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
includes purchases of shares of the Participating Funds over a 13-month period
based on the total amount of intended purchases plus the value of all shares of
the Participating Funds previously purchased and still owned. An investor may
elect to compute the 13-month period 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 sales charge. Such adjustment
in sales charge will be used to purchase additional shares for the shareholder
with the applicable sales charge. 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 or no initial sales
charges in connection with the unit investment trust reinvestment program 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 PROGRAM. 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 per share and with no minimum initial or
subsequent investment requirement, if the administrator of an investor's unit
investment trust program meets certain uniform
-
15
<PAGE> 16
criteria relating to cost savings by the Fund and the Distributor. The total
sales charge for all other investments made from unit investment 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 terms and
conditions that apply to the program, 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 investor participating in the program in a computerized
format fully compatible with Investor Services' processing system.
In order to obtain these special benefits, all dividends and other distributions
by the Fund must be reinvested in additional shares and there can not be 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 quarterly basis only, even if their investments are made more
frequently. The Fund reserves the right to modify or terminate this program at
any time.
NET ASSET VALUE 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 Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter & Co. and any of its subsidiaries 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 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.
Trustees and other fiduciaries should refer to the Statement of Additional
Information for further details with respect to such alliance programs.
(6) Beneficial owners of shares of Participating Funds held by a retirement plan
or held in a tax-advantaged retirement account who purchase shares of the
Fund with proceeds from distributions from such a plan or retirement account
other than distributions taken to correct an excess contribution.
(7) Accounts as to which a bank or broker-dealer charges an account management
fee ("wrap accounts"), provided the bank or broker-dealer has a separate
agreement with the Distributor.
(8) Trusts created under pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit plans
qualified under Section 401(a) of the 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
-
16
<PAGE> 17
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 January 1, 2000, that (1) the
total plan assets are at least $1,000,000 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 January 1, 2000 based on net asset
value purchase privileges previously in effect will be qualified to purchase
shares of the Participating Funds at net asset value. 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. 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 of 1.00% in the event of redemption within
one year of purchase, and a commission will be paid to authorized dealers
who initiate and are responsible for such sales to each individual as
follows: 1.00% on sales to $2 million, plus 0.80% on the next $1 million and
0.50% on the excess over $3 million.
The term "families" includes a person's spouse, children under 21 years of age
and grandchildren, parents, and a person's spouse's parents.
Purchase orders made pursuant to clause (4) may be placed either through
authorized dealers as described above or directly with 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 above
on purchases made under options (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.
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 under the heading "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 through 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 Redemption Requests," payment for
shares redeemed generally will be made by check mailed within seven days after
receipt by Investor Services of the request and any other necessary documents in
proper form as described below. Such payment may
-
17
<PAGE> 18
be postponed or the right of redemption suspended as provided by the rules of
the SEC. Such payment may, under certain circumstances, be paid wholly or in
part by a distribution-in-kind of portfolio securities which may result in
brokerage costs and a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes when such
securities are sold. If the shares to be redeemed have been recently purchased
by check, Investor Services may delay the payment of redemption proceeds 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., PO Box 218256, Kansas City, MO 64121-8256. 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 to be in proper form. In some
cases, however, additional documents may be necessary. In the case of
shareholders holding certificates, the certificates for the shares being
redeemed must be properly endorsed for transfer and 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 by your authorized dealer via the
FUNDSERV network). The redemption price for such shares is the net asset value
per share 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. A shareholder
automatically has telephone redemption privileges unless the shareholder
indicates otherwise by checking the applicable box on the application form
accompanying the prospectus. For accounts that are not established with
telephone redemption privileges, a shareholder may call the Fund at (800)
341-2911 to request that a copy of the Telephone Redemption Authorization form
be sent to the shareholder for completion. To redeem shares, contact the
telephone transaction line at (800) 421-5684. Van Kampen Investments 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,
none of Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services or 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
-
18
<PAGE> 19
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 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 that
has 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 provided to the
shareholder and such 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 distributions from the Fund of dividends and capital
gain dividends.
DIVIDENDS. Dividends from stocks and interest earned from other investments are
the Fund's main sources of income. The Fund's present policy, which may be
changed at any time by the Board of Trustees, is to distribute all, or
substantially all of this income, less expenses, at least annually 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 GAIN DIVIDENDS. 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 capital gain represents the total
profits from sales of securities minus total losses from sales of securities
(including any losses carried forward from prior years), other than net
short-term capital gain from sales of securities held for one year or less. The
Fund distributes any taxable net capital gain to shareholders as capital gain
dividends at least annually. As in the case of dividends, capital gain dividends
are automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund at the next
determined 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 and the systematic withdrawal plan,
please refer to the Statement of Additional Information or contact your
authorized dealer.
REINVESTMENT PLAN. A convenient way for investors to accumulate additional
shares is by accepting dividends and capital gain dividends in shares of the
Fund. Such shares are acquired at net asset value per share (without sales
charge) on the applicable payable date of the dividend or capital gain dividend.
Unless the shareholder instructs otherwise, the reinvestment
-
19
<PAGE> 20
plan is automatic. This instruction may be made by telephone by calling (800)
341-2911 ((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 gain dividends
be reinvested at net asset value, or that both dividends and capital gain
dividends 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.
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 prior to
implementing an exchange. A prospectus of any of the Participating Funds may be
obtained from any authorized dealer or the Distributor.
To be eligible for exchange, shares of the Fund must have been registered in the
shareholder's name for 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. It is the policy of the Adviser,
under normal circumstances, not to approve such requests.
When shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge are exchanged
among Participating Funds, the holding period for purposes of computing the
contingent deferred sales charge is based upon the date of the initial purchase
of such shares from a Participating Fund. When such shares are redeemed and not
exchanged for shares of another Participating Fund, the shares are subject to
the contingent deferred sales charge schedule imposed by the Participating Fund
from which such shares were originally purchased.
Exchanges of shares are sales of shares of one Participating Fund and purchases
of shares of another Participating Fund. The sale may result in a gain or loss
for federal income tax purposes. If the shares sold 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
the shareholder indicates otherwise by checking the applicable box on the
application form accompanying the prospectus. Van Kampen Investments 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,
none of Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services or the Fund will be liable for
following telephone instructions which it reasonably believes to be genuine. If
the exchanging shareholder does not have an account in the fund whose shares are
being acquired, a new account will be established with the same registration,
dividend and capital gain dividend 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 submit a
specific request. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order to acquire its
shares through exchange. In addition, the Fund and other Participating Funds may
restrict exchanges by shareholders engaged in excessive trading by limiting or
disallowing the exchange privilege to such shareholders. For further information
on these restrictions, see the Statement of Additional Information. 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
-
20
<PAGE> 21
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 such shareholder's 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 of the fund which the
shareholder is redeeming will be redeemed at the net asset value per share next
determined on the date of receipt. Shares of the fund that the shareholder is
purchasing 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.
INTERNET TRANSACTIONS. In addition to performing transactions on your account
through written instruction or by telephone, you may also perform certain
transactions through the internet. Please refer to our web site at
www.vankampen.com for further instruction. Van Kampen Investments and its
subsidiaries, including Investor Services, and the Fund employ procedures
considered by them to be reasonable to confirm that instructions communicated
through the internet are genuine. Such procedures include requiring use of a
personal identification number prior to acting upon internet instructions and
providing written confirmation of instructions communicated through the
internet. If reasonable procedures are employed, none of Van Kampen Investments,
Investor Services or the Fund will be liable for following instructions received
through the internet which it reasonably believes to be genuine. If an account
has multiple owners, Investor Services may rely on the instructions of any one
owner.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
Distributions of the Fund's net investment income (consisting generally of
taxable income and net short-term capital gain) 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 gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss) as capital gain dividends, if any, are taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or reinvested in
additional shares, and regardless of how long the shares of the Fund have been
held by such shareholders. The Fund expects that its distributions will consist
of ordinary income and capital gain dividends. 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. Shareholders who sell their shares will generally recognize gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between their adjusted tax basis in
the shares sold and the amount received. If the 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 such 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.
-
21
<PAGE> 22
Foreign shareholders, including shareholders who are non-resident aliens, may be
subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions (whether received in
cash or in shares) at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as prescribed by an
applicable treaty. Prospective foreign investors should consult their tax
advisers concerning the tax consequences to them of an investment in shares.
The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under 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 distributes to
shareholders. If the Fund distributes less than an amount equal to the sum of
98% of its ordinary income and 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, and disposing of
shares, as well as the effects of state, local and foreign tax law and any
proposed tax law changes.
-
22
<PAGE> 23
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 CLASS B SHARES
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
1999(a) 1998(a) 1997 1996(a) 1995(a) 1999(a) 1998(a)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
the Period..................... $36.129 $40.844 $34.347 $31.59 $24.37 $33.840 $38.789
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Investment Income/Loss... (.228) (.212) (.127) (.096) .05 (.575) (.515)
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss.................. 26.408 (.750) 8.177 6.043 7.79 24.602 (.681)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from Investment
Operations................... 26.180 (.962) 8.050 5.947 7.84 24.027 (1.196)
Less Distributions from Net
Realized Gain................ 2.309 3.753 1.553 3.190 .62 2.309 3.753
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period....................... $60.000 $36.129 $40.844 $34.347 $31.59 $55.558 $33.840
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Return(b)................ 75.10% (2.19%) 24.44% 20.54% 33.11% 73.78% (2.98%)
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions)................ $4,156.4 $1,990.8 $1,970.7 $1,438.5 $1,029.2 $2,850.2 $1,357.6
Ratio of Expenses to Average
Net Assets(c)................ .97% 1.00% 1.05% 1.10% 1.14% 1.74% 1.79%
Ratio of Net Investment
Income/Loss to Average Net
Assets(c).................... (.45%) (.50%) (.30%) (.29%) .19% (1.22%) (1.29%)
Portfolio Turnover............. 124% 103% 92% 91% 101% 124% 103%
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES CLASS C SHARES
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
1997 1996(a) 1995(a) 1999(a) 1998(a) 1997 1996(a) 1995(a)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
the Period..................... $32.938 $30.65 $23.86 $34.391 $39.351 $33.384 $31.02 $24.14
-------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Net Investment Income/Loss... (.270) (.349) (.16) (.583) (.523) (.273) (.354) (.16)
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss.................. 7.674 5.827 7.57 25.020 (.684) 7.793 5.908 7.66
-------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Total from Investment
Operations................... 7.404 5.478 7.41 24.437 (1.207) 7.520 5.554 7.50
Less Distributions from Net
Realized Gain................ 1.553 3.190 .62 2.309 3.753 1.553 3.190 .62
-------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period....................... $38.789 $32.938 $30.65 $56.519 $34.391 $39.351 $33.384 $31.02
======== ======= ====== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======
Total Return(b)................ 23.51% 19.61% 32.01% 73.79% (2.96%) 23.56% 19.60% 32.01%
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions)................ $1,220.4 $757.3 $450.5 $454.5 $164.7 $139.9 $82.4 $41.8
Ratio of Expenses to Average
Net Assets(c)................ 1.85% 1.90% 1.97% 1.74% 1.79% 1.85% 1.89% 1.96%
Ratio of Net Investment
Income/Loss to Average Net
Assets(c).................... (1.10%) (1.10%) (.64%) (1.21%) (1.29%) (1.10%) (1.10%) (.63%)
Portfolio Turnover............. 92% 91% 101% 124% 103% 92% 91% 101%
</TABLE>
(a) Based on average shares outstanding.
(b) Total Return is based upon Net Asset Value which does not include payment of
maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(c) 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%.
23
<PAGE> 24
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AND OFFICERS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
J. Miles Branagan Richard F. Powers, III*
Jerry D. Choate Phillip B. Rooney
Linda Hutton Heagy Fernando Sisto
R. Craig Kennedy Wayne W. Whalen*
Mitchell M. Merin* Suzanne H. Woolsey
Jack E. Nelson Paul G. Yovovich
</TABLE>
OFFICERS
Richard F. Powers, III*
President
Dennis J. McDonnell*
Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer
A. Thomas Smith III*
Vice President and Secretary
Edward C. Wood III*
Vice President
Michael H. Santo*
Vice President
Peter W. Hegel*
Vice President
Stephen L. Boyd*
Vice President
John L. Sullivan*
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
Curtis W. Morell*
Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
Tanya M. Loden*
Controller
* "Interested Persons" of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS OR PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS
Call your broker or (800) 341-2911
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday
DEALERS
For dealer information, selling agreements, wire orders, or
redemptions, call the Distributor at (800) 421-5666
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR THE DEAF
For shareholder and dealer inquiries through Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (TDD), call (800) 421-2833
FUNDINFO(R)
For automated telephone services, call (800) 847-2424
WEB SITE
www.vankampen.com
VAN KAMPEN EMERGING GROWTH FUND
1 Parkview Plaza
PO Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555
Investment Adviser
VAN KAMPEN ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
1 Parkview Plaza
PO Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555
Distributor
VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
1 Parkview Plaza
PO Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555
Transfer Agent
VAN KAMPEN INVESTOR SERVICES INC.
PO Box 218256
Kansas City, MO 64121-8256
Attn: Van Kampen Emerging Growth Fund
Custodian
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
225 West Franklin Street, PO Box 1713
Boston, MA 02105-1713
Attn: Van Kampen Emerging Growth 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
-
<PAGE> 25
[VAN KAMPEN FUNDS LOGO]
The Fund's Investment Company Act
File No. is 811-2424.
EMG PRO 01/00
VAN KAMPEN
EMERGING GROWTH FUND
PROSPECTUS
DECEMBER 29, 1999,
AS SUPPLEMENTED ON JANUARY 10, 2000
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 the
Fund in its annual and semiannual reports to
shareholders. The annual report explains the
market conditions and investment strategies
affecting the Fund's performance during its
last fiscal year.
You can ask questions or obtain a free copy of
the Fund's reports or its Statement of
Additional Information by calling (800)
341-2911 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central
time, Monday through Friday.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf users
may call (800) 421-2833. A free copy of the
Fund's reports can also be ordered from our
web site at www.vankampen.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's Public
Reference Room in Washington, DC or on the
EDGAR Database on the SEC's internet site
(http://www.sec.gov). Information on the
operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room
may be obtained by calling the SEC at
1-202-942-8090. You can also request copies of
these materials, upon payment of a duplicating
fee, by electronic request at the SEC's e-mail
address ([email protected]), or by writing
the Public Reference Section of the SEC,
Washington, DC, 20549-0102.
<PAGE> 26
VAN KAMPEN EMERGING GROWTH FUND
Supplement dated January 10, 2000
To the Statement of Additional Information dated
December 29, 1999
The first paragraph on page B-1 of the Statement of Additional Information
is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:
Van Kampen Emerging Growth Fund (the "Fund") is a mutual fund with the
investment objective of capital appreciation. The Fund's investment adviser
seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in a
portfolio of common stocks of companies considered by the Fund's investment
adviser to be emerging growth companies as defined in the Prospectus.
