<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table of Contents
<S> <C>
Letter to Shareholders ................ 1
Performance Results ................... 3
Portfolio of Investments ............. 4
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ... 7
Statement of Operations ............... 8
Statement of Changes in Net Assets .... 9
Financial Highlights ................. 10
Notes to Financial Statements ......... 11
</TABLE>
Page: 1
Letter to Shareholders
June 16, 1995
Dear Shareholder:
During the six-month period covered by this report, November 1, 1994 through
April 30, 1995, we saw the close of a challenging and difficult year in the
financial markets -- and the beginning of a new year, with renewed optimism and
strength on many fronts.
Market Overview
Most of 1994 was a difficult period for fixed-income investors as the Federal
Reserve Board's crusade against inflation drove interest rates markedly higher.
The yield on 30-year Treasury securities, for example, climbed from 6.35 percent
as the year began to a high of 8.16 percent by early November. As interest rates
rose, fixed-income investments declined in value.
The fixed-income markets have rebounded considerably since late 1994, however,
with growing confidence that the Fed's inflation fighting initiatives have taken
hold. The yield on 30-year Treasury securities fell to 7.34 percent by the end
of April 1995 and to approximately 6.50 percent at the time of this writing.
This rate reversal has pushed bond prices back to February 1994 levels.
Closed-end municipal bond funds, in particular, have been among the greatest
beneficiaries in this rally, earning back virtually all of last year's losses
and posting attractive returns.
Performance Summary
The Trust achieved a six-month total return of 14.15 percent <F1>, based on
market price, for the period ended April 30, 1995. This robust performance can
be partially attributed to the Trust's leveraged capital structure, which has
helped it to more fully benefit from a fall in long- term interest rates over
the last six months. While leveraging adds certain financing risks and
volatility, it is designed, over time, to provide shareholders with enhanced
returns by taking advantage of the yield differential between long-term and
short-term interest rates.
Clearly, the Trust recovered from the difficult previous six-month period and
made significant price gains. The Trust's closing stock price, for example,
gained more than 10 percent from its $13.125 level on October 31, 1994, to
$14.500 on April 30, 1995. As the graph on the following page shows, we've also
seen the Trust's net asset value rebound during the last six months.
Although intermediate- and long-term interest rates eased during this
reporting period, short-term interest rates have remained persistently high,
placing continued pressure on the Trust's preferred rates and common dividend.
The Trust was able, however, to sustain its annualized dividend level in this
environment at $0.924 per common share, which represents a tax-exempt
distribution rate of 6.37 percent <F3>, based on the closing stock price of
$14.500 per share on April 30, 1995. For New Jersey residents in the combined
marginal tax bracket of 40.50 percent, this distribution rate represents a
yield equivalent to a taxable investment earning 10.71 percent <F4>.
[PHOTO]
Dennis J. McDonnell and Don G. Powell
(Continued on page two)
Page: 2
Outlook
The outlook for fixed-income securities appears favorable. To date, inflation
remains under control, and recent economic data continues to suggest a slowdown
in the economy. First-quarter gross domestic product, for example, grew at an
annual rate of 2.8 percent, substantially lower than its fourth-quarter rate of
5.1 percent last year. Many analysts now expect GDP to grow at an annual rate
between 1 and 2 percent in the second half of this year. Should this scenario
play out, we suspect that the Fed is more likely to lower than raise short-term
rates, which would be a positive development for all fixed-income investors.
Regarding the municipal market, we remain optimistic about the current supply-
and-demand dynamics. With much of the refinancing by municipal issuers behind
us, we expect new-issue supply to remain low in 1995 and demand for municipals
to be steady, if not strong. A decline in supply combined with steady demand
should lend price stability and price support to this market. We believe the
Trust will continue to provide shareholders with long-term value as we seek to
maintain a high level of current income over time.
Trust Rebounds in 1995
[GRAPH]
<TABLE>
COMPARISON OF NAV AND MARKET PRICE OF THE TRUST
<CAPTION>
Measurement Market
Period NAV Price
<S> <C> <C>
30-Apr-94 $15.75 14.625
31-May-94 $15.93 14.625
30-Jun-94 $15.68 14.250
31-Jul-94 $16.15 14.375
31-Aug-94 $16.18 14.375
30-Sep-94 $15.43 13.250
31-Oct-94 $14.80 13.125
30-Nov-94 $14.09 12.625
31-Dec-94 $14.86 13.125
31-Jan-95 $15.45 14.250
28-Feb-95 $16.15 14.250
31-Mar-95 $16.24 14.500
30-Apr-95 $16.10 14.500
</TABLE>
Corporate News
As you may have already noticed, we have adopted a new design for our
shareholder reports that reflects our new identity as Van Kampen American
Capital. Going forward, we will continue to look for new ways to improve upon
the presentation of information in your Trust's report. In addition, we have
developed a new corporate advertising campaign introducing Van Kampen American
Capital. Full page ads appeared in The Wall Street Journal in the first
quarter of 1995 -- watch for more advertising throughout the year.
We look forward to communicating with you on a regular basis, providing
information about your Trust's performance, new investment opportunities, and
our newly created company. We appreciate your continued confidence in your
investment with Van Kampen American Capital.
Sincerely,
Don G. Powell
Chief Executive Officer
Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp.
Dennis J. McDonnell
President
Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp.
Page: 3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Performance Results for the Period Ended April 30, 1995
Van Kampen Merritt Trust For Investment Grade New Jersey Municipals
(NYSE Ticker Symbol-VTJ)
<S> <C>
Total Returns
Six-month total return based on market price<F1> .................................. 14.15%
Six-month total return based on NAV<F2> ........................................... 12.08%
Distribution Rates
Distribution rate as a % of initial offer stock price<F3> ......................... 6.16%
Taxable-equivalent distribution rate as a % of initial offer stock price<F4> ...... 10.35%
Distribution rate as a % of 04/30/95 closing stock price<F3> ...................... 6.37%
Taxable-equivalent distribution rate as a % of 04/30/95 closing stock price<F4> ... 10.71%
Share Valuations
Net asset value as of 04/30/95 .................................................... $ 16.10
Preferred share rate as of 04/30/95<F5> ........................................... 4.10%
Closing common stock price as of 04/30/95 ........................................ $ 14.500
Six-month high common stock price (04/24/95) ..................................... $ 14.750
Six-month low common stock price (11/16/94) ...................................... $ 11.750
<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 net asset value.
<F3> Distribution rate represents the monthly annualized distributions of the
Trust at the end of April 1995, and not the earnings of the Trust.
<F4> The taxable-equivalent distribution rate is calculated assuming a 40.5%
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.
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.
</TABLE>
Page: 4
<TABLE>
Portfolio of Investments
<CAPTION>
April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Par
Amount
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Market Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Municipal Bonds
New Jersey 88.7%
$ 2,500 Aberdeen Twp, NJ Muni Util Auth
Swr Rev Cap Imp Ser B (FGIC Insd) ............. 6.500% 02/01/22 $ 2,621,775
2,000 Bergen Cnty, NJ Util Auth Wtr Pollutn
Ctl Rev Ser A (FGIC Insd) ..................... 6.500 12/15/12 2,105,220
1,000 Bordentown, NJ Swr Auth Rev
Ser C (MBIA Insd) .............................. 6.800 12/01/25 1,071,550
1,500 Brick Twp, NJ Muni Util Auth Rev
(AMBAC Insd) .................................. 6.500 12/01/12 1,591,035
2,000 Camden Cnty, NJ Muni Util Auth Swr
Rev Ser B (FGIC Insd) .......................... * 09/01/14 642,240
2,500 Camden Cnty, NJ Muni Util Auth Swr
Rev Ser B (FGIC Insd) .......................... * 09/01/15 752,550
4,095 Camden, NJ (FSA Insd) .......................... * 02/15/11 1,626,780
2,330 Edgewater, NJ Muni Util Auth Rev Swr
Rfdg (MBIA Insd) .............................. * 11/01/12 841,806
840 Essex Cnty, NJ Impt Auth Lease Jail & Youth
House Proj (AMBAC Insd) ........................ 6.600 12/01/07 911,610
3,000 Essex Cnty, NJ Impt Auth Rev Irvington Twp Sch
Dist (Prerefunded @ 10/01/02) (FSA Insd) ...... 6.625 10/01/17 3,324,900
4,875 Hudson Cnty, NJ Ctfs Partn Correctional
Fac Rfdg (MBIA Insd) .......................... 6.600 12/01/21 5,101,151
2,000 Mercer Cnty, NJ Impt Auth Rev Ewing Brd
Edl Lease Proj (MBIA Insd) ..................... 6.400 05/15/11 2,093,500
2,300 Mercer Cnty, NJ Impt Auth Rev Guaranteed
Site & Disposal Fac Proj Rfdg .................. * 04/01/08 1,112,349
6,500 Mercer Cnty, NJ Impt Auth Rev Guaranteed Site
& Disposal Fac Proj Rfdg ...................... * 04/01/10 2,732,990
7,055 Mercer Cnty, NJ Impt Auth Rev Guaranteed Site
& Disposal Fac Proj Rfdg ...................... * 04/01/12 2,610,985
4,375 Mercer Cnty, NJ Impt Auth Rev Solid
Waste Ser A Rfdg (FGIC Insd) .................. 6.700 04/01/13 4,504,806
2,500 New Jersey Bldg Auth St Bldg Rev
(Prerefunded @ 06/15/99) ...................... 6.250 06/15/13 2,672,375
600 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Econ Dev Rev Ser F ... 6.600 06/01/12 612,264
265 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Econ Dev Rev Ser O2 ... 6.600 06/01/12 270,417
475 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Econ Dev Rev Ser Y ... 6.600 06/01/12 484,709
2,000 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Mkt Transition Fac
Rev Sr Lien Ser A (MBIA Insd) ................. 5.800 07/01/07 2,001,440
1,000 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Mkt Transition Fac
Rev Sr Lien Ser A (MBIA Insd) ................. 5.800 07/01/08 993,090
1,700 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Mkt Transition Fac
Rev Sr Lien Ser A (MBIA Insd) ................. 5.800 07/01/09 1,682,048
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page: 5
<TABLE>
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
<CAPTION>
April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Par
Amount
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Market Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey (Continued)
$ 10,000 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth St Contract
Econ Recovery (Embedded Cap) <F2> .......... 5.900% 09/15/21 $ 9,894,900
4,575 New Jersey Hlthcare Fac Fin Auth Rev
Atlantic City Med Cent Ser C Rfdg .......... 6.800 07/01/11 4,719,158
2,200 New Jersey Hlthcare Fac Fin Auth Rev
Genl Hosp Cent at Passaic (FSA Insd) ....... 6.500 07/01/11 2,311,254
2,000 New Jersey Hlthcare Fac Fin Auth Rev
Genl Hosp Cent at Passaic (FSA Insd) ....... 6.750 07/01/19 2,125,660
2,000 New Jersey Hlthcare Fac Fin Auth Rev
Hackensack Med Cent (FGIC Insd) ........... 6.625 07/01/11 2,099,360
2,900 New Jersey Hlthcare Fac Fin Auth Rev
Hackensack Med Cent (FGIC Insd) ........... 6.625 07/01/17 3,024,932
1,000 New Jersey Hlthcare Fac Fin Auth Rev
Overlook Hosp Assn Ser E (FGIC Insd) ...... 6.700 07/01/13 1,044,570
1,150 New Jersey St .............................. 6.800 07/15/06 1,257,744
4,750 New Jersey St Hsg & Mtg Fin Agy Rev ....... 6.600 11/01/14 4,820,205
4,800 New Jersey St Hwy Auth Garden St Parkway
Genl Rev Sr Parkway ........................ 6.250 01/01/14 4,869,984
2,000 North Bergen Twp, NJ (FSA Insd) ........... * 08/15/09 890,500
2,675 Passaic Vly, NJ Wtr Comm Wtr Supply
Rev Ser A (FGIC Insd) ...................... * 12/15/09 1,168,788
2,675 Passaic Vly, NJ Wtr Comm Wtr Supply
Rev Ser A (FGIC Insd) ...................... * 12/15/10 1,087,842
1,000 Paterson, NJ (FSA Insd) ................... 6.600 02/15/07 1,069,660
2,850 Port Auth NY & NJ Cons Ser 78 ............. 6.500 04/15/11 2,968,731
2,000 Rockaway Vly, NJ Regl Swr Auth Swr
Rev Rfdg (MBIA Insd) ....................... * 12/15/09 873,860
1,225 Rutgers, St Univ of NJ Ser A Rfdg ......... 6.500 05/01/18 1,274,906
2,000 Salem Cnty, NJ Indl Pollutn Ctl Fin Auth Rev
Pollutn Ctl Pub Svc Elec & Gas Ser D Rfdg
(MBIA Insd) ............................... 6.550 10/01/29 2,074,820
1,500 Union City, NJ (MBIA Insd) ................. 6.700 09/01/12 1,602,855
------------
91,541,319
------------
Guam 2.7%
1,000 Guam Arpt Auth Rev Ser B .................. 6.700 10/01/23 1,012,640
1,800 Guam Govt Ltd Oblig Hwy Ser A Rfdg
(Cap Guar Insd) ........................... 6.300 05/01/12 1,830,870
------------
2,843,510
------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page: 6
<TABLE>
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
<CAPTION>
April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Par
Amount
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Market Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Puerto Rico 4.8%
$ 1,750 Puerto Rico Comwlth Hwy & Tran Auth Hwy
Rev Ser T (Prerefunded @ 07/01/02) ..... 6.500% 07/01/22 $ 1,920,450
1,700 Puerto Rico Comwlth Pub Impt
(Prerefunded @ 07/01/02) .............. 6.800 07/01/21 1,891,607
1,000 Puerto Rico Pub Bldgs Auth Rev Gtd Ser K
(Prerefunded @ 07/01/02) .............. 6.875 07/01/21 1,118,990
--------------
4,931,047
--------------
Total Long-Term Investments 96.2%
(Cost $94,633,907) <F1> .............................................. 99,315,876
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 3.8% .......................... 3,875,069
--------------
Net Assets 100% ..................................................... $ 103,190,945
--------------
*Zero coupon bond
<FN>
<F1> At April 30, 1995, cost for federal income tax purposes is $94,633,907; the
aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $4,773,901 and the aggregate gross
unrealized depreciation is $91,932, resulting in net unrealized appreciation
of $4,681,969.
<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 April 30, 1995,
based upon quality ratings issued by Standard & Poor's. For securities not rated
by Standard & Poor's, the Moody's rating is used.
<TABLE>
Portfolio Composition by Credit Quality
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
AAA .......... 58.4%
AA ........... 18.3
A ............ 19.6
BBB .......... 1.0
Non-Rated ... 2.7
-------
100.0%
-------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page: 7
<TABLE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
<CAPTION>
April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Assets:
Investments, at Market Value (Cost $94,633,907) (Note 1) .................... $ 99,315,876
Cash ....................................................................... 2,743,627
Interest Receivable ......................................................... 1,603,009
Unamortized Organizational Expenses (Note 1) ............................... 9,530
--------------
Total Assets ................................................................ 103,672,042
--------------
Liabilities:
Payables:
Income Distributions - Common and Preferred Shares ......................... 173,614
Investment Advisory Fee (Note 2) ............................................ 55,614
Administrative Fee (Note 2) ................................................ 17,112
Accrued Expenses ............................................................ 234,757
--------------
Total Liabilities ........................................................... 481,097
--------------
Net Assets .................................................................. $ 103,190,945
--------------
Net Assets Consist of:
Preferred Shares ($.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares, 800 issued
with liquidation preference of $50,000 per share) (Note 4) .................. $ 40,000,000
--------------
Common Shares ($.01 par value with an unlimited number of shares authorized,
3,925,373 shares issued and outstanding) ................................... 39,254
Paid in Surplus ............................................................ 57,511,539
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments ................................. 4,681,969
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Income ............................ 879,469
Accumulated Net Realized Gain on Investments ................................ 78,714
--------------
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares ...................................... 63,190,945
--------------
Net Assets .................................................................. $ 103,190,945
--------------
Net Asset Value Per Common Share($63,190,945 divided
by 3,925,373 shares outstanding) ............................................ $ 16.10
--------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page: 8
<TABLE>
Statement of Operations
<CAPTION>
For the Six Months Ended April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Investment Income:
Interest ....................................................... $ 3,088,751
---------------
Expenses:
Investment Advisory Fee (Note 2) .............................. 322,520
Administrative Fee (Note 2) .................................... 99,237
Preferred Share Maintenance (Note 4) ........................... 49,643
Trustees Fees and Expenses (Note 2) ............................ 10,498
Legal (Note 2) ................................................ 7,421
Amortization of Organizational Expenses (Note 1) .............. 2,478
Other .......................................................... 75,511
---------------
Total Expenses ................................................. 567,308
---------------
Net Investment Income .......................................... $ 2,521,443
---------------
Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss on Investments:
Realized Gain/Loss on Investments:
Proceeds from Sales ............................................ $ 13,234,728
Cost of Securities Sold ........................................ (13,146,489)
---------------
Net Realized Gain on Investments .............................. 88,239
---------------
Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments:
Beginning of the Period ....................................... (350,392)
End of the Period .............................................. 4,681,969
---------------
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments During the Period ... 5,032,361
---------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments ................ $ 5,120,600
---------------
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations ..................... $ 7,642,043
---------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page: 9
<TABLE>
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
For the Six Months Ended April 30, 1995 and the Year Ended October 31, 1994
(Unaudited)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended Year Ended
April 30,1995 October 31,1994
---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
From Investment Activities:
Operations:
Net Investment Income ............................................. $ 2,521,443 $ 5,048,070
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Investments ............................. 88,239 (9,525)
Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments
During the Period ................................................ 5,032,361 (13,221,534)
---------------- ---------------
Change in Net Assets from Operations ............................. 7,642,043 (8,182,989)
---------------- ---------------
Distributions from Net Investment Income:
Common Shares ..................................................... (1,813,469) (3,626,968)
Preferred Shares ................................................. (732,897) (1,146,565)
---------------- ---------------
(2,546,366) (4,773,533)
---------------- ---------------
Distributions from Net Realized Gain on Investments:
Common Shares ..................................................... -0- (241,410)
Preferred Shares ................................................. -0- (73,743)
---------------- ---------------
-0- (315,153)
---------------- ---------------
Total Distributions .............................................. (2,546,366) (5,088,686)
---------------- ---------------
Net Change in Net Assets from Investment Activities ............... 5,095,677 (13,271,675)
Net Assets:
Beginning of the Period .......................................... 98,095,268 111,366,943
---------------- ---------------
End of the Period (Including undistributed net investment income of
$879,469 and $904,392, respectively) ............................. $ 103,190,945 $ 98,095,268
---------------- ---------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page: 10
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one common share of the
Trust outstanding throughout the periods indicated. (Unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
March 27,1992
Six Months Year Year (Commencement
Ended Ended Ended of Investment
April 30, October 31, October 31, Operations) to
1995 1994 1993 October 31,1992
---------- ------------ ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period <F1> ............ $ 14.800 $ 18.181 $ 14.882 $ 14.678
---------- ------------ ----------- ---------------
Net Investment Income ............... .643 1.286 1.314 .578
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss on Investments ........... 1.304 (3.371) 3.309 .156
---------- ------------ ----------- ---------------
Total from Investment Operations ... 1.947 (2.085) 4.623 .734
---------- ------------ ----------- ---------------
Less:
Distributions from Net
Investment Income:
Paid to Common Shareholders ......... .462 .924 .924 .385
Common Share Equivalent of
Distributions Paid to
Preferred Shareholders .............. .187 .292 .278 .145
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain on Investments:
Paid to Common Shareholders ......... -0- .061 .092 -0-
Common Share Equivalent of
Distributions Paid to
Preferred Shareholders .............. -0- .019 .030 -0-
---------- ------------ ----------- ---------------
Total Distributions ................. .649 1.296 1.324 .530
---------- ------------ ----------- ---------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period ..... $ 16.098 $ 14.800 $ 18.181 $ 14.882
---------- ------------ ----------- ---------------
Market Price Per Share
at End of Period .................... $ 14.500 $ 13.125 $ 16.750 $ 14.750
Total Investment Return at Market
Price (Non-Annualized) <F2> ......... 14.15% (16.32%) 20.92% .83%
Total Return at Net Asset Value
(Non-Annualized) <F3> .............. 12.08% (13.59%) 29.84% 1.62%
Net Assets at End of Period
(In millions) ....................... $ 103.2 $ 98.1 $ 111.4 $ 98.4
Ratio of Expenses to Average
Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares (Annualized) .......... 1.88% 1.85% 1.80% 1.77%
Ratio of Expenses to Average
Net Assets (Annualized) ............ 1.13% 1.15% 1.12% 1.23%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares (Annualized) <F4> ..... 5.92% 5.99% 6.15% 4.83%
Portfolio Turnover .................. 11.81% 11.96% 18.68% 28.28%
<FN>
<F1> Net asset value at March 27, 1992 is adjusted for common and preferred
share offering costs of $.322 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> Net investment income is adjusted for the common share equivalent of
distributions paid to preferred shareholders.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page: 11
Notes to Financial Statements
April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Van Kampen Merritt Trust for Investment Grade New Jersey Municipals (the
"Trust") is registered as a 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 April 30, 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 ("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.
Page: 12
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. 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.
The Trust intends to utilize provisions of the federal income tax laws which
allow it to carry a realized capital loss forward for eight years following the
year of loss and offset such losses against any future realized capital gains.
At October 31, 1994, the Trust had an accumulated capital loss carryforward of
$9,525 which will expire on October 31, 2002.
F. 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 six months ended April 30, 1995, the Trust recognized expenses of
approximately $6,600 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 April 30, 1995, was approximately
$13,400.
At April 30, 1995, VKAC owned 6,700 common shares of the Trust.
Page: 13
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Investment Transactions
Aggregate purchases and cost of sales of investment securities, excluding
short-term notes, for the six months ended April 30, 1995, were $11,460,516 and
$13,146,489, respectively.
4. Preferred Shares
The Trust has outstanding 800 Auction Preferred Shares ("APS"). Dividends are
cumulative and the dividend rate is currently reset every six months through an
auction process. The rate in effect on April 30, 1995, was 4.10%. During the six
months ended April 30, 1995, the rates ranged from 3.000% to 4.149%.
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.
Page: 14
Funds Distributed by Van Kampen American Capital
GLOBAL AND
INTERNATIONAL
Govett Emerging Markets Fund
AC Global Equity Fund
Govett Global Government Income Fund
AC Global Government Securities
AC Global Managed Assets Fund
Govett International Equity Fund
Govett Latin America Fund
Govett Pacific Strategy Fund
VKM Short-Term Global Income Fund
VKM Strategic Income Fund
EQUITY
Growth
AC Emerging Growth Fund
AC Enterprise Fund
AC Pace Fund
Govett Smaller Companies Fund
Growth & Income
VKM Balanced Fund
AC Comstock Fund
AC Equity Income Fund
AC Growth and Income Fund
VKM Growth and Income Fund
AC Harbor Fund
AC Real Estate Securities Fund
VKM Utility Fund
AC Utilities Income Fund
FIXED INCOME
VKM Adjustable Rate U.S. Government Fund
AC Corporate Bond Fund
AC Federal Mortgage Trust
AC Government Securities
VKM High Yield Fund
AC High Yield Investments
VKM Money Market Fund
VKM Prime Rate Income Trust
AC Reserve Fund
VKM U.S. Government Fund
AC U.S. Government Trust for Income
TAX-FREE
VKM California Insured Tax Free Fund
VKM Florida Insured Tax Free Income Fund
VKM Insured Tax Free Income Fund
VKM Limited Term Municipal Income Fund
AC Municipal Bond Fund
VKM Municipal Income Fund
VKM New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund
VKM New York Tax Free Income Fund
VKM Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund
AC Tax-Exempt Trust
-- High Yield Municipal Portfolio
-- Insured Municipal Portfolio
VKM Tax Free High Income Fund
VKM Tax Free Money Fund
AC Texas Municipal Securities
Ask your investment representative for a prospectus containing more complete
information, including sales charges and expenses. Please read it carefully
before you invest or send money. Or call us direct at 1-800-421-5666 weekdays
from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time.
Page: 15
Van Kampen Merritt Trust For Investment Grade New Jersey 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.
Page: 16
Van Kampen Merritt Trust For Investment Grade New Jersey Municipals
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