<TABLE>
Table of Contents
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Letter to Shareholders ................ 1
Performance Results ................... 3
Portfolio of Investments ............. 4
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ... 8
Statement of Operations ............... 9
Statement of Changes in Net Assets .... 10
Financial Highlights ................. 11
Notes to Financial Statements ......... 12
Independent Auditors' Report ......... 15
Dividend Reinvestment Plan ........... 16
VTP ANR 12/95
</TABLE>
Letter to Shareholders
November 22, 1995
Dear Shareholder:
The first ten months of 1995 have been very positive for most investors. Both
the fixed-income and equity markets have made considerable gains during the
period ended October 31, 1995.
This year serves as a reminder of just how quickly markets can move and how
difficult it can be to predict the timing of those movements. Moreover, this
year reinforces the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective and
reaffirms the principle that it is time -- not timing -- that leads to
investment success.
[PHOTO]
Dennis J. McDonnell and Don G. Powell
Economic Overview
Although the third quarter posted a stronger-than-expected annual gross
domestic product growth rate of 4.2 percent, the economy has slowed
significantly this year. This slowdown is due in large part to the Federal
Reserve Board's efforts to tighten monetary supply in 1994 --
a measure that proved successful, as economic growth during the first half of
1995 was substantially lower than its fourth quarter 1994 rate of 5.1 percent.
And, while other key economic data have shown mixed signs during recent months,
the general economic trends for the year continue to support a "soft landing"
scenario.
Comfortable with the economy's rate of growth and level of inflation, the Fed
reversed its trend of raising interest rates and lowered short-term rates by a
quarter percent on July 6. With slowing growth, interest rates declined and the
value of many fixed-income investments rose (bond yields and prices move in
opposite directions).
Performance Summary
The Trust produced a tax-exempt distribution of 6.64 percent<F3>, based on the
closing stock price of $15.00 per common share on October 31, 1995. Because
income from the Trust is exempt from federal and Pennsylvania state income
taxes, it is important to compare the Trust's distribution rate to an equivalent
taxable rate. For example, for Pennsylvania residents in the combined marginal
tax bracket of 37.8 percent, the Trust's distribution rate represents a yield
equivalent to a taxable investment earning 10.68 percent<F4>. In fact, many
closed-end municipal bond funds, such as your investment, are currently offering
higher yields (after taxes) over many income alternatives.
As the graph on the following page shows, the Trust's net asset value and
market price have made significant gains over the one-year period. The Trust's
closing stock price, for example, gained more than 16.5 percent from October
1994 to October 1995. Moreover, we are pleased to report the Trust generated a
one-year total return at market price of 24.53 percent<F1>, which includes
reinvestment of dividends for the period ended October 31, 1995.
1 (Continued on page two)
Economic Outlook
We believe the Fed will move cautiously before it continues to lower
short-term rates, waiting for key indicators to show that the economy has truly
settled into a slow growth pattern. Although current economic data continues to
send mixed signals, we anticipate the economy will grow at an annual rate of 3
percent in the fourth quarter and inflation will run under 3 percent.
Based upon a generally modest growth and low inflation outlook, we believe the
outlook for fixed-income markets is positive. As interest rates fall in response
to a slowing economy, we believe yields on short-term municipal bonds will
continue to move significantly lower than long-term municipal bonds. Lower
short-term rates typically translate into lower leveraging costs for the Trust,
which provides increased opportunities for higher earnings over time.
Additionally, a steepening of the municipal yield curve would likely increase
investor demand for long-term municipal bonds and help to boost market prices.
Long-term municipal bond prices will also benefit from the combination of low
supply of new municipal bond issues and increased demand driven by scheduled
bond maturities.
[GRAPH]
Trust Participates in Market Gains of '95
Market
Date NAV Price
31-Oct-94 15.02 12.875
30-Nov-94 14.41 13.375
31-Dec-94 15.01 13.000
31-Jan-95 15.63 14.500
28-Feb-95 16.20 15.000
31-Mar-95 16.24 15.125
30-Apr-95 16.12 15.125
31-May-95 16.86 15.000
30-Jun-95 16.42 15.250
31-Jul-95 16.47 15.000
31-Aug-95 16.65 14.875
30-Sep-95 16.68 15.000
31-Oct-95 16.95 15.000
Based on month-end prices
While there has been varied speculation about the impact of tax reform, no one
is certain about what will finally happen. Consequently, in the near term, the
municipal market may continue to experience periodic market fluctuations as
various proposals come to the forefront. However, in the long term, we believe
the municipal market will remain an attractive investment choice for investors
seeking high current income. We will continue to keep a close watch over any new
developments and evaluate the potential impact they may have on your investment
in the Trust.
Once again, thank you for your continued confidence in your investment with
Van Kampen American Capital and for the privilege of working with you in seeking
to reach your financial goals.
Sincerely,
Don G. Powell Dennis J. McDonnell
Chairman President
Van Kampen American Capital Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp. Investment Advisory Corp.
2
Performance Results for the Period Ended October 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Van Kampen Merritt Trust For Investment Grade
Pennsylvania Municipals
(NYSE Ticker Symbol-VTP)
<S> <C>
Total Returns
One-year total return based on market price<F1> ....................................... 24.53%
One-year total return based on NAV<F2> ................................................ 20.03%
Distribution Rates
Distribution rate as a % of initial offer common stock price<F3> ...................... 6.64%
Taxable-equivalent distribution rate as a % of initial offer common stock price<F4> ... 10.68%
Distribution rate as a % of closing common stock price<F3> ........................... 6.64%
Taxable-equivalent distribution rate as a % of closing common stock price<F4> ......... 10.68%
Share Valuations
Net asset value ....................................................................... $ 16.95
Closing common stock price ............................................................ $ 15.000
One-year high common stock price (07/11/95) ........................................... $ 15.750
One-year low common stock price (11/10/94) ........................................... $ 12.000
Preferred share rate<F5> .............................................................. 3.79%
<FN>
<F1> Total return based on market price assumes an investment at the market
price at the beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all
distributions for the period in accordance with the Trust's dividend
reinvestment plan, and sale of all shares at the closing stock price at the end
of the period indicated.
<F2> Total return based on net asset value (NAV) assumes an investment at the
beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all distributions for the
period, and sale of all shares at the end of the period, all at NAV.
<F3> Distribution rate represents the monthly annualized distributions of the
Trust at the end of the period and not the earnings of the Trust.
<F4> The taxable-equivalent distribution rate is calculated assuming a 37.8%
combined federal and state tax bracket, which takes into consideration the
deductibility of individual state taxes paid.
<F5> See "Notes to Financial Statements" footnote #4, for more information
concerning Preferred Share reset periods.
</TABLE>
A portion of the interest income may be taxable for those investors subject to
the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT).
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return, stock
price and net asset value will fluctuate with market conditions. Trust shares,
when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
3
<TABLE>
Portfolio of Investments
October 31, 1995
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Par
Amount
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Market Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Municipal Bonds
Pennsylvania 92.4%
$ 9,000 Allegheny Cnty, PA Arpt Rev Gtr Pittsburgh
Intl Arpt Ser B (FSA Insd) ....................... 6.625% 01/01/22 $ 9,437,940
1,090 Allegheny Cnty, PA Residential Fin Auth Mtg
Rev Single Family (GNMA Collateralized) .......... 7.100 05/01/24 1,146,157
1,755 Allegheny Cnty, PA San Auth Swr Rev (FGIC Insd) ... * 12/01/15 549,104
1,000 Allegheny Cnty, PA San Auth Swr Rev Ser C
(Prerefunded @ 12/01/01) (FGIC Insd) ............. 6.500 12/01/16 1,109,850
4,070 Armstrong Cnty, PA Hosp Auth Hlth Cent
Rev Canterbury Pl Proj Rfdg (MBIA Insd) ........... 6.500 12/01/21 4,257,464
2,675 Armstrong Cnty, PA Hosp Auth Hosp Rev
Armstrong Cnty Mem Hosp Ser A .................... 7.500 11/01/16 2,611,602
2,000 Armstrong Cnty, PA Hosp Auth Hosp Rev Saint
Francis Med Cent Proj A Rfdg (AMBAC Insd) ........ 6.250 06/01/13 2,073,040
2,310 Bangor, PA Area Sch Dist (AMBAC Insd) ............. 5.375 03/01/15 2,247,584
1,000 Beaver Cnty, PA Hosp Auth Rev Med Cent
Beaver, PA Inc (AMBAC Insd) ...................... 6.625 07/01/10 1,080,290
5,000 Berks Cnty, PA Muni Auth Rev Highlands
at Wyomissing Proj B .............................. 6.875 10/01/17 5,300,900
3,000 Bethlehem, PA Auth Wtr Rev
(Prerefunded @ 11/15/01) (MBIA Insd) .............. 6.250 11/15/21 3,288,120
2,880 Blair Cnty, PA Hosp Auth Rev Altoona
Hosp Proj (AMBAC Insd) ........................... 6.500 07/01/22 3,046,666
5,630 Blairsville-Saltsburg Sch Dist PA Ser 1992
(Prerefunded @ 05/15/02) (MBIA Insd) .............. 6.500 05/15/16 6,254,874
5,000 Bristol Twp, PA Sch Dist Ser A
(Prerefunded @ 02/15/02) (MBIA Insd) .............. 6.625 02/15/12 5,645,650
1,200 Delaware Cnty, PA ................................. * 11/15/04 774,048
2,150 Delaware Cnty, PA ................................. * 11/15/05 1,310,855
1,565 Delaware Cnty, PA ................................. * 11/15/07 842,565
1,000 Delaware Cnty, PA ................................. * 11/15/08 504,290
1,665 Delaware Cnty, PA ................................. * 11/15/09 788,028
815 Delaware Cnty, PA ................................. * 11/15/10 360,401
1,270 Delaware Cnty, PA ................................. * 11/15/11 523,710
1,030 Delaware Cnty, PA ................................. * 11/15/12 395,314
1,800 Exeter Twp, PA Sch Dist (FGIC Insd) .............. * 11/15/13 647,388
5,200 Falls Twp, PA Hosp Auth Hosp Rev Delaware
Vly Med Rfdg (FHA Gtd) ........................... 7.000 08/01/22 5,545,696
4,000 Franklin Cnty, PA Indl Dev Auth Hosp Rev
Chambersburg Hosp Proj (FGIC Insd) ................ 6.250 07/01/22 4,130,480
2,500 Governor Mifflin PA Sch Dist
(Prerefunded @ 02/01/02) (AMBAC Insd) ............ 6.500 02/01/13 2,748,125
</TABLE>
4 See Notes to Financial Statements
<TABLE>
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
October 31, 1995
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Par
Amount
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Market Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Pennsylvania (Continued)
$ 2,500 Interboro Sch Dist, PA Delaware Cnty Rfdg
(MBIA Insd) ...................................... 6.600% 10/01/12 $ 2,703,275
5,250 Lancaster Cnty, PA Hosp Auth Rev Lancaster
Genl Hosp Proj (AMBAC Insd) ...................... 6.125 07/01/12 5,399,625
1,600 Lancaster, PA Higher Edl Auth College Rev Franklin
& Marshall College Proj (MBIA Insd) .............. 6.700 04/15/12 1,729,680
2,715 Langhorne Manor Boro, PA Higher Edl & Hlth
Auth Rev Woods Sch (Connie Lee Insd) .............. 6.500 11/15/14 2,847,926
4,000 Lehigh Cnty, PA Genl Purp Auth Rev
Good Shepherd Rehab Hosp .......................... 7.500 11/15/21 4,156,000
2,000 Lehigh Cnty, PA Genl Purp Auth Rev Lehigh
Vly Hosp Inc Ser A Rfdg (MBIA Insd) .............. 6.500 07/01/10 2,172,540
1,000 Lower Providence Twp, PA Swr Auth Swr Rev ........ 6.750 05/01/22 1,051,120
2,000 Luzerne Cnty, PA Ser B (FGIC Insd) ................ 6.000 09/15/11 2,040,800
4,250 Media Boro, PA Gtd Wtr Rev Rfdg (MBIA Insd) ...... 6.600 01/01/22 4,576,442
3,000 Montgomery Cnty, PA Higher Edl & Hlth Auth Hosp Rev
Abington Hosp (Embedded Cap) (AMBAC Insd) <F2> ... 6.000 06/01/16 3,016,650
1,000 Montgomery Cnty, PA Higher Edl & Hlth Auth
Hosp Rev Pottstown Mem Med Cent Proj ............. 7.350 11/15/05 1,060,870
1,000 Montgomery Cnty, PA Higher Edl & Hlth Auth
Hosp Rev Pottstown Mem Med Cent Proj ............. 6.875 11/15/20 1,007,000
4,500 Montgomery Cnty, PA Higher Edl & Hlth Auth
Rev Saint Josephs Univ (Connie Lee Insd) .......... 6.500 12/15/22 4,764,465
1,000 Montgomery Cnty, PA Indl Dev Auth Rev
Pollutn Ctl Ser E Rfdg (MBIA Insd) ............... 6.700 12/01/21 1,081,860
5,000 North Allegheny, PA Sch Dist Ser A Rfdg
(AMBAC Insd) ..................................... 6.350 11/01/12 5,278,300
1,000 North Penn, PA Wtr Auth Wtr Rev (FGIC Insd) ...... 6.875 11/01/19 1,160,720
350 Northeastern York Cnty, PA Sch Dist Ser B
(FGIC Insd) ....................................... * 09/01/09 167,475
500 Northeastern York Cnty, PA Sch Dist Ser B
(FGIC Insd) ....................................... * 03/01/10 229,735
885 Northeastern York Cnty, PA Sch Dist Ser B
(FGIC Insd) ....................................... * 09/01/10 395,745
500 Northeastern York Cnty, PA Sch Dist Ser B
(FGIC Insd) ....................................... * 03/01/11 214,380
4,820 Northhampton Cnty, PA Hosp Auth Rev Easton
Hosp Ser A (MBIA Insd) ........................... 6.250 01/01/11 5,050,878
9,000 Northumberland Cnty, PA Auth Comwlth Lease
Rev Correctional Fac (MBIA Insd) ................. * 10/15/11 3,728,430
5,000 Pennsylvania Hsg Fin Agy Single Family
Mtg Ser 34B (FHA Gtd) ............................. 7.000 04/01/24 5,228,900
</TABLE>
5 See Notes to Financial Statements
<TABLE>
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
October 31, 1995
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Par
Amount
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Market Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Pennsylvania (Continued)
$ 1,750 Pennsylvania Infrastructure Invt Auth Rev
Pennvest Subser B .................................... 6.800% 09/01/10 $ 1,922,637
2,750 Pennsylvania Intergvtl Coop Auth Spl Tax Rev City of
Philadelphia Funding Pgm (Prerefunded @ 06/15/02) ..... 6.800 06/15/12 3,105,217
6,000 Pennsylvania Intergvtl Coop Auth Spl Tax Rev City of
Philadelphia Funding Pgm (MBIA Insd) .................. 5.600 06/15/15 5,946,720
5,700 Pennsylvania St Higher Edl Assistance Agy
Student Ln Rev Ser C (AMBAC Insd) ..................... 6.400 03/01/22 5,840,220
2,660 Pennsylvania St Higher Edl Fac Auth College &
Univ Rev Temple Univ 1st Ser (MBIA Insd) ............. 6.500 04/01/21 2,815,903
3,000 Pennsylvania St Higher Edl Fac Auth Rev
Philadelphia College Osteopathic (Connie Lee Insd) .... 5.375 12/01/18 2,811,600
1,020 Pennsylvania St Ser A ................................. 6.500 11/15/10 1,101,641
3,000 Pennsylvania St Ser 1 ................................. 6.375 09/15/12 3,186,900
395 Philadelphia, PA Gas Wks Rev (AMBAC Insd) ............ 6.750 01/01/15 426,047
105 Philadelphia, PA Gas Wks Rev
(Prerefunded @ 01/01/99) (AMBAC Insd) ................ 6.750 01/01/15 114,991
5,000 Philadelphia, PA Gas Wks Rev Ser 14 (FSA Insd) ........ 6.250 07/01/08 5,363,050
1,000 Philadelphia, PA Hosp & Higher Edl Fac Auth Hosp
Rev Frankford Hosp Rfdg (Connie Lee Insd) ............. 5.750 01/01/19 987,930
500 Philadelphia, PA Hosp & Higher Edl Fac Auth
Hosp Rev Temple Univ Hosp Ser A ...................... 6.625 11/15/23 506,190
2,980 Philadelphia, PA Redev Auth Hsg Rev Rfdg
(GNMA Collateralized) ................................ 6.875 02/01/24 3,109,809
1,710 Pottstown Boro, PA Auth Swr Rev Gtd (FGIC Insd) ....... * 11/01/13 616,370
750 Reading, PA (Prerefunded @ 11/15/02)
(AMBAC Insd) ......................................... 6.500 11/15/12 838,665
5,000 Saint Mary Hosp Auth Bucks Cnty, PA Rev Franciscan
Hlth Saint Mary Ser A (MBIA Insd) .................... 6.500 07/01/22 5,289,350
2,220 Silver Spring Twp Auth, PA Swr Rev Gtd (FGIC Insd) ... 6.700 07/15/21 2,398,000
1,035 Unity Twp, PA Muni Auth Gtd Cap Apprec
(AMBAC Insd) ......................................... * 11/01/15 325,404
1,750 West Allegheny, PA Sch Dist Ser AA (AMBAC Insd) ....... 6.250 02/01/14 1,815,502
7,090 Westmoreland Cnty, PA (AMBAC Insd) ................... * 08/01/15 2,290,354
3,545 Westmoreland Cnty, PA (AMBAC Insd) ................... * 08/01/16 1,081,509
7,090 Westmoreland Cnty, PA (AMBAC Insd) ................... * 08/01/17 2,039,297
2,000 Wilkinsburg, PA Jt Wtr Auth Wtr Rev Ser B
(AMBAC Insd) ......................................... * 08/15/12 782,280
1,670 Yough Sch Dist, PA Cap Apprec (MBIA Insd) ............. * 10/01/14 564,159
-------------
180,962,702
-------------
</TABLE>
6 See Notes to Financial Statements
<TABLE>
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
October 31, 1995
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Par
Amount
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Market Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Guam 1.1%
$ 2,000 Guam Govt Ser A .......................... 5.625% 09/01/02 $ 2,022,980
------------
Puerto Rico 5.2%
6,000 Puerto Rico Comwlth Hwy & Tran Auth Hwy Rev
Ser T (Prerefunded @ 07/01/02) ............ 6.500 07/01/22 6,769,500
2,000 Puerto Rico Comwlth Pub Impt
(Prerefunded @ 07/01/02) ................. 6.800 07/01/21 2,290,780
1,000 Puerto Rico Pub Bldgs Auth Rev Gtd Ser K
(Prerefunded @ 07/01/02) ................. 6.875 07/01/21 1,149,670
------------
10,209,950
------------
Total Long-Term Investments 98.7%
(Cost $177,978,513) <F1> ............................................. 193,195,632
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 1.3% ............................ 2,620,428
------------
Net Assets 100% ....................................................... $195,816,060
============
*Zero coupon bond
<FN>
<F1> At October 31, 1995, cost for federal income tax purposes is $177,978,513;
the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $15,339,585 and the aggregate gross
unrealized depreciation is $122,466, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of
$15,217,119.
<F2> An Embedded Cap security includes a cap strike level such that the coupon
payment may be supplemented by cap payments if the floating rate index upon which
the cap is based rises above the strike level. The price of these securities may be
more volatile than the price of a comparable fixed rate security. The Trust invests
in these instruments as a hedge against a rise in the short-term interest rates which
it pays on its preferred shares.
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes the portfolio composition at October 31, 1995,
based upon quality ratings issued by Standard & Poor's. For securities not rated
by Standard & Poor's, the Moody's rating is used.
Portfolio Composition by Credit Quality
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
AAA ... 82.0%
AA .... 8.8
A ..... 3.5
BBB ... 4.3
B ..... 1.4
-------
100.0%
=======
</TABLE>
7 See Notes to Financial Statements
<TABLE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Assets:
Investments, at Market Value (Cost $177,978,513) (Note 1) .................................... $ 193,195,632
Receivables:
Interest ................................................................................... 3,426,556
Investments Sold ........................................................................... 25,000
Unamortized Organizational Expenses (Note 1) ................................................ 7,011
--------------
Total Assets ............................................................................. 196,654,199
--------------
Liabilities:
Payables:
Custodian Bank ............................................................................... 484,772
Investment Advisory Fee (Note 2) ........................................................... 107,743
Income Distributions - Common and Preferred Shares ........................................ 83,498
Administrative Fee (Note 2) ............................................................... 33,152
Accrued Expenses ............................................................................. 128,974
--------------
Total Liabilities ........................................................................ 838,139
--------------
Net Assets ................................................................................... $ 195,816,060
==============
Net Assets Consist of:
Preferred Shares ($.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares, 1,400 issued with
liquidation preference of $50,000 per share) (Note 4) ...................................... $ 70,000,000
--------------
Common Shares ($.01 par value with an unlimited number of shares authorized,
7,420,972 shares issued and outstanding) .................................................. 74,210
Paid in Surplus ............................................................................. 109,423,100
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments .................................................. 15,217,119
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Income ............................................. 839,160
Accumulated Net Realized Gain on Investments ................................................. 262,471
--------------
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares ................................................... 125,816,060
--------------
Net Assets ................................................................................... $ 195,816,060
==============
Net Asset Value Per Common Share($125,816,060 divided
by 7,420,972 shares outstanding) ........................................................... $ 16.95
==============
</TABLE>
8 See Notes to Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Investment Income:
Interest ....................................................... $ 11,724,459
--------------
Expenses:
Investment Advisory Fee (Note 2) .............................. 1,228,659
Administrative Fee (Note 2) .................................... 378,049
Preferred Share Maintenance (Note 4) ........................... 138,444
Custody (Note 1) .............................................. 61,204
Trustees Fees and Expenses (Note 2) ............................ 20,742
Legal (Note 2) ................................................ 15,230
Amortization of Organizational Expenses (Note 1) .............. 4,997
Other .......................................................... 145,901
--------------
Total Expenses ................................................. 1,993,226
Earnings Credits on Cash Balances (Note 1) ..................... (6,408)
--------------
Net Expenses ................................................... 1,986,818
--------------
Net Investment Income .......................................... $ 9,737,641
==============
Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss on Investments:
Realized Gain/Loss on Investments:
Proceeds from Sales ............................................ $ 8,739,501
Cost of Securities Sold ........................................ (8,421,668)
--------------
Net Realized Gain on Investments .............................. 317,833
--------------
Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments:
Beginning of the Period ....................................... 715,009
End of the Period .............................................. 15,217,119
--------------
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments During the Period ... 14,502,110
--------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments ................ $ 14,819,943
==============
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations ..................... $ 24,557,584
==============
</TABLE>
9 See Notes to Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
For the Years Ended October 31, 1995 and 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended Year Ended
October 31, 1995 October 31, 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
From Investment Activities:
Operations:
Net Investment Income ............................................. $ 9,737,641 $ 9,842,137
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Investments ............................. 317,833 (55,362)
Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments
During the Period ................................................ 14,502,110 (21,508,113)
--------------- ---------------
Change in Net Assets from Operations ............................. 24,557,584 (11,721,338)
--------------- ---------------
Distributions from Net Investment Income:
Common Shares ................................................... (7,391,153) (7,391,226)
Preferred Shares ............................................... (2,789,395) (1,891,467)
--------------- ---------------
(10,180,548) (9,282,693)
--------------- ---------------
Distributions from Net Realized Gain on Investments (Note 1):
Common Shares ................................................... -0- (243,408)
Preferred Shares ............................................... -0- (66,236)
--------------- ---------------
-0- (309,644)
--------------- ---------------
Total Distributions .............................................. (10,180,548) (9,592,337)
--------------- ---------------
Net Change in Net Assets from Investment Activities ............... 14,377,036 (21,313,675)
Net Assets:
Beginning of the Period .......................................... 181,439,024 202,752,699
--------------- ---------------
End of the Period (Including undistributed net investment income of
$839,160 and $1,282,067, respectively) .......................... $ 195,816,060 $ 181,439,024
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
10 See Notes to Financial Statements
Financial Highlights
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one common share
of the Trust outstanding throughout the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 27,1992
(Commencement
Year Ended October 31 of Investment
------------------------------------ Operations) to
1995 1994 1993 October 31,1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value,
Beginning of the Period <F1> ......... $ 15.017 $ 17.889 $ 14.914 $ 14.763
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------------
Net Investment Income ................ 1.312 1.327 1.324 .598
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss on Investments .......... 1.997 (2.906) 2.942 .100
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------------
Total from Investment Operations ...... 3.309 (1.579) 4.266 .698
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------------
Less:
Distributions from Net
Investment Income:
Paid to Common Shareholders ........ .996 .996 .996 .415
Common Share Equivalent of
Distributions Paid to
Preferred Shareholders ........... .376 .255 .282 .132
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain on Investments (Note 1):
Paid to Common Shareholders ........ -0- .033 .010 -0-
Common Share Equivalent of
Distributions Paid to
Preferred Shareholders ........... -0- .009 .003 -0-
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------------
Total Distributions .................... 1.372 1.293 1.291 .547
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period .... $ 16.954 $ 15.017 $ 17.889 $ 14.914
========== ============ ========== ===============
Market Price Per Share at
End of the Period .................... $ 15.000 $ 12.875 $ 17.250 $ 15.000
Total Investment Return at Market Price
(Non-Annualized) <F2> ............... 24.53% (20.21%) 22.29% 2.72%
Total Return at Net Asset Value
(Non-Annualized) <F3> ............... 20.03% (10.65%) 27.39% 2.56%
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions) ........................ $ 195.8 $ 181.4 $ 202.8 $ 180.6
Ratio of Expenses to Average
Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares (Annualized) <F4> ...... 1.67% 1.66% 1.60% 1.53%
Ratio of Expenses to Average
Net Assets (Annualized) <F4> ......... 1.05% 1.06% 1.02% 1.09%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares (Annualized) <F5> ...... 5.83% 6.45% 6.25% 5.09%
Portfolio Turnover ................... 4.58% 4.89% 3.99% 3.51%
<FN>
<F1> Net asset value at March 27, 1992, is adjusted for common and preferred
share offering costs of $.237 per common share.
<F2> Total investment return at market price reflects the change in market value
of the common shares for the period indicated with reinvestment of dividends in
accordance with the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan.
<F3> Total return at net asset value (NAV) reflects the change in value of the
Trust's assets with reinvestment of dividends based upon NAV.
<F4> Beginning with the year ended October 31, 1995, the Ratios of Expenses are
based upon Total Expenses which does not reflect credits earned on overnight cash
balances. (Note 1)
<F5> Net investment income is adjusted for the common share equivalent of
distributions paid to preferred shareholders.
</TABLE>
11 See Notes to Financial Statements
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31,1995
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1. Significant Accounting Policies
Van Kampen Merritt Trust for Investment Grade Pennsylvania Municipals (the
"Trust") is registered as a non-diversified closed-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Trust
commenced investment operations on March 27, 1992.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements.
A. Security Valuation-Investments are stated at value using market quotations
or, if such valuations are not available, estimates obtained from yield data
relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics in accordance
with procedures established in good faith by the Board of Trustees. Short-term
securities with remaining maturities of less than 60 days are valued at
amortized cost.
B. Security Transactions-Security transactions are recorded on a trade date
basis. Realized gains and losses are determined on an identified cost basis. The
Trust may purchase and sell securities on a "when issued" or "delayed delivery"
basis with settlement to occur at a later date. The value of the security so
purchased is subject to market fluctuations during this period. The Trust will
maintain, in a segregated account with its custodian, assets having an aggregate
value at least equal to the amount of the when issued or delayed delivery
purchase commitments until payment is made. At October 31, 1995, there were no
when issued or delayed delivery purchase commitments.
C. Investment Income-Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Bond
premium and original issue discount are amortized over the expected life of each
applicable security.
D. Organizational Expenses-The Trust has reimbursed Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively "VKAC") for costs incurred in
connection with the Trust's organization and initial registration in the amount
of $25,000. These costs are being amortized on a straight line basis over the 60
month period ending March 26, 1997. Van Kampen American Capital Investment
Advisory Corp. (the "Adviser") has agreed that in the event any of the initial
shares of the Trust originally purchased by VKAC are redeemed during the
amortization period, the Trust will be reimbursed for any unamortized
organizational expenses in the same proportion as the number of shares redeemed
bears to the number of initial shares held at the time of redemption.
12
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
October 31,1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. Expense Reductions-During the year ended October 31, 1995, the Trust's
custody fee was reduced by $6,408 as a result of credits earned on overnight
cash balances.
F. Federal Income Taxes-It is the Trust's policy to comply with the requirements
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
G. Distribution of Income and Gains-The Trust declares and pays dividends from
net investment income to common shareholders monthly. Net realized gains, if
any, are distributed annually on a pro rata basis to common and preferred
shareholders. Distributions from net realized gains for book purposes may
include short-term capital gains, which are included as ordinary income for tax
purposes.
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the Trust's Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will
provide investment advice and facilities to the Trust for an annual fee payable
monthly of .65% of the average net assets of the Trust. In addition, the Trust
will pay a monthly administrative fee to VKAC, the Trust's Administrator, at an
annual rate of .20% of the average net assets of the Trust. The administrative
services provided by the Administrator include record keeping and reporting
responsibilities with respect to the Trust's portfolio and preferred shares and
providing certain services to shareholders.
Certain legal expenses are paid to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom,
counsel to the Trust, of which a trustee of the Trust is an affiliated person.
For the year ended October 31, 1995, the Trust recognized expenses of
approximately $14,000 representing VKAC's cost of providing accounting and legal
services to the Trust.
Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers and directors of
VKAC. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers of
VKAC.
The Trust has implemented deferred compensation and retirement plans for its
trustees. Under the deferred compensation plan, trustees may elect to defer all
or a portion of their compensation to a later date. The retirement plan covers
those trustees who are not officers
of VKAC. The Trust's liability under the deferred compensation and retirement
plans at October 31, 1995, was approximately $24,400.
At October 31, 1995, VKAC owned 6,700 common shares of the Trust.
13
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
October 31,1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Investment Transactions
Aggregate purchases and cost of sales of investment securities, excluding
short-term notes, for the year ended October 31, 1995, were $14,780,269 and
$8,421,668, respectively.
4. Preferred Shares
The Trust has outstanding 1,400 Auction Preferred Shares ("APS"). Dividends are
cumulative and the dividend rate is currently reset every 28 days through an
auction process. The rate in effect on October 31, 1995, was 3.79%. During the
year ended October 31, 1995, the rates ranged from 3.50% to 5.10%.
The Trust pays annual fees equivalent to .25% of the preferred share
liquidation value for the remarketing efforts associated with the preferred
auctions. These fees are included as a component of Preferred Share Maintenance
expense.
The APS are redeemable at the option of the Trust in whole or in part at the
liquidation value of $50,000 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends.
The Trust is subject to certain asset coverage tests and the APS are subject to
mandatory redemption if the tests are not met.
14
Independent Auditors' Report
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Van Kampen Merritt Trust for Investment Grade Pennsylvania Municipals:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Van
Kampen Merritt Trust for Investment Grade Pennsylvania Municipals (the "Trust"),
including the portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 1995, and the related
statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net
assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial
highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
October 31, 1995, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Van
Kampen Merritt Trust for Investment Grade Pennsylvania Municipals as of October
31, 1995, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in
its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the
financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Chicago, Illinois
December 5, 1995
15
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trust offers a dividend reinvestment plan (the "Plan") pursuant to which
Common Shareholders may elect to have dividends and capital gains distributions
reinvested in Common Shares of the Trust. The Trust declares dividends out of
net investment income, and will distribute annually net realized capital gains,
if any. Common Shareholders may join or withdraw from the Plan at
any time.
If you decide to participate in the Plan, State Street Bank and Trust Company,
as your Plan Agent, will automatically invest your dividends and capital gains
distributions in Common Shares of the Trust for your account.
How to Participate
If you wish to participate and your shares are held in your own name, call
1-800-341-2929 for more information and a Plan brochure. If your shares are held
in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you should contact your
nominee to see if it would participate in the Plan on your behalf. If you wish
to participate in the Plan, but your brokerage firm, bank or nominee is unable
to participate on your behalf, you should request that your shares be
re-registered in your own name which will enable your participation in the Plan.
How the Plan Works
Participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in Common Shares valued on
the valuation date, generally at the lower of market price or net asset value,
except as specified below. The valuation date will be the dividend or
distribution payment date or, if that date is not a trading day on the national
securities exchange or market system on which the Common Shares are listed for
trading, the next preceding trading day. If the market price per Common Share on
the valuation date equals or exceeds net asset value per Common Share on that
date, the Trust will issue new Common Shares to participants valued at the
higher of net asset value or 95% of the market price on the valuation date. In
the foregoing situation, the Trust will not issue Common Shares under the Plan
below net asset value. If net asset value per Common Share on the valuation date
exceeds the market price per Common Share on that date, or if the Board of
Trustees should declare a dividend or capital gains distribution payable to the
Common Shareholders only in cash, participants in the Plan will be deemed to
have elected to receive Common Shares from the Trust valued at the market price
on that date. Accordingly, in this circumstance, the Plan Agent will, as agent
for the participants, buy the Trust's Common Shares in the open market for the
participants' accounts on or shortly after the payment date. If,before the Plan
Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the net asset value
per share of the Common Shares, the average per share purchase price paid by the
Plan Agent may exceed the net asset value of the Trust's Common Shares,
resulting in the acquisition of fewer Common Shares than if the dividend or
distribution had been paid in Common Shares issued by the Trust. All
reinvestments are in full and fractional Common Shares and are carried to three
decimal places.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable.
Accordingly, the Trust reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as
applied to any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the
changes sent to all Common Shareholders of the Trust at least 90 days before the
record date for the dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or
terminated by the Plan Agent by at least 90 days written notice to all Common
Shareholders of the Trust.
Costs of the Plan
The Plan Agent's fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions will be paid by the Trust. However, each participant will pay a
pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan
Agent's open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends
and distributions. No other charges will be made to participants for reinvesting
dividends or capital gains distributions, except for certain brokerage
commissions, as described above.
Tax Implications
You will receive tax information annually for your personal records and to help
you prepare your federal income tax return. The automatic reinvestment of divi-
dends and capital gains distributions does not relieve you of any income tax
which may be payable on dividends or distributions.
Right to Withdraw
Plan participants may withdraw at any time by calling 1-800-341-2929 or by
writing State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8200, Boston, MA
02266-8200. If you withdraw, you will receive, without charge, a share
certificate issued in your name for all full Common Shares credited to your
account under the Plan and a cash payment will be made for any fractional Common
Share credited to your account under the Plan. You may again elect to
participate in the Plan at any time by calling 1-800-341-2929 or writing to the
Trust at:
One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Attn: Closed-End Funds
16
Van Kampen Merritt Trust For Investment Grade Pennsylvania Municipals
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officers and Trustees
Don G. Powell*
Chairman and Trustee
Dennis J. McDonnell*
President and Trustee
David C. Arch
Trustee
Rod Dammeyer
Trustee
Howard J Kerr
Trustee
Theodore A. Myers
Trustee
Hugo F. Sonnenschein
Trustee
Wayne W. Whalen*
Trustee
Peter W. Hegel*
Vice President
Ronald A. Nyberg*
Vice President and Secretary
Edward C. Wood, III*
Vice President and Treasurer
Scott E. Martin*
Assistant Secretary
Weston B. Wetherell*
Assistant Secretary
Nicholas Dalmaso*
Assistant Secretary
John L. Sullivan*
Controller
Steven M. Hill*
Assistant Treasurer
Investment Adviser
Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Custodian and Transfer Agent
State Street Bank
and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
P.O. Box 1713
Boston, Massachusetts 02105
Legal Counsel
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606
Independent Auditors
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Peat Marwick Plaza
303 East Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60601
*"Interested" persons of the Trust, as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940.
(C)Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc., 1995 All rights reserved.
SM denotes a service mark of
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
17