<PAGE>
Van Kampen American Capital
U.S. GOVERNMENT
TRUST FOR INCOME
Semi-Annual Report
March 31, 1998
[PICTURE APPEARS HERE]
----- A Wealth of Knowledge . A Knowledge of Wealth(SM) -----
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Letter to Shareholders.................................. 1
Performance Results..................................... 3
Glossary of Terms...................................... 4
Portfolio Management Review............................. 5
Portfolio Highlights.................................... 7
Portfolio of Investments................................ 8
Statement of Assets and Liabilities..................... 10
Statement of Operations................................. 11
Statement of Changes in Net Assets...................... 12
Financial Highlights.................................... 13
Notes to Financial Statements........................... 16
</TABLE>
GTI SAR 3/98
<PAGE>
Letter to Shareholders
[PHOTO]
Dennis J. McDonnell and Don G. Powell
April 22, 1998
Dear Shareholder,
The new year ushered in what promises to be an exciting and challenging
time for investors. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, signed into law by
President Clinton in August, creates many new opportunities for you and your
family to take a more active role in achieving your long-term financial goals.
Most Americans will benefit from the bill's $95 billion in tax cuts over
five years. The so-called Kiddie Credit gives parents $400 in immediate tax
relief for every child under age 17, and families will find it easier to save
for their children's college expenses through the new Education IRA. The bill
also cuts capital gains tax rates for the first time in over a decade and
loosens restrictions on tax-deductible IRA contributions. Perhaps the most
exciting feature is the new Roth IRA, which allows investment earnings to grow
tax free, not just tax deferred.
This year more than ever, it could be important for you to talk with your
financial adviser about how to make the tax code work to your advantage. At Van
Kampen American Capital, we have prepared a variety of publications to help you
understand your choices under the new tax legislation. And with the help of your
adviser, we'll work with you to locate the many benefits hidden among the
changing tax landscape.
Economic Overview
The nation's economic report card continues to register nearly perfect
grades. Growth is strong, unemployment is low, the budget is headed for
surplus, and the dollar is rising around the world. With the economy running on
all cylinders, consumer confidence is near a 30-year high.
Despite the strength in the economy, inflation remained under control. The
producer price index actually fell by 1.4 percent during the 12 months through
March. Inflation at the consumer level also was virtually nonexistent, with the
consumer price index rising by only 1.5 percent during the same period. A
strong dollar, falling energy prices, and significant productivity gains helped
offset inflationary pressures caused by rising wages.
The Federal Reserve Board left monetary policy unchanged over the six-month
reporting period. In addition to signs that the economy was slowing modestly
from its breakneck pace of early 1997, Fed policy-makers were concerned about
the impact that higher U.S. interest rates might have on the struggling
economies of Southeast Asia. Generally, higher U.S. interest rates cause the
dollar to rise relative to other currencies. With nearly all Asian currencies
already down significantly, a hike in U.S. rates would force monetary
authorities in Asia to choose between letting their currencies decline further
or matching the rate increase, thereby slowing their already-sluggish economies.
As the reporting period ended, there was little evidence that the Asian
crisis had significantly impacted the U.S. economy. The nation's total output of
goods and services (gross domestic product) grew at a rate of 3.9 percent in the
fourth quarter of 1997, and jobs remained abundant. While profit growth was
decelerating from the strong pace of a year earlier, many companies reported
earnings that were better than expected. A modest pickup in bond yields
beginning in mid-January
Continued on page two
1
<PAGE>
indicated that global investors were increasingly confident that the U.S.
economy would escape significant damage from the slowdown in Asia.
Market Overview
Aided by benign inflation at home and an economic crisis overseas, the
government securities market posted solid returns. During the six months ended
in March, the Merrill Lynch Intermediate-Term Government Index returned 3.84
percent.
A global "flight to quality" amid the turmoil in Asia pushed long-term
interest rates sharply lower during the last three months of 1997. The yield on
the 30-year Treasury declined from 6.39 percent at the end of September to 5.66
percent in mid-January as global investors sought safety in the highly liquid
Treasury market. Demand for fixed-income securities also increased as investors
came to believe that fallout from the Asian crisis would slow the U.S. economy
enough to keep inflation from rising. But domestic economic growth remained
strong through the first quarter of 1998, and yields on long-term Treasury bonds
rebounded to close the reporting period at 5.93 percent.
Outlook
The fixed-income market in the United States remains caught between two
conflicting forces. On one hand, the deepening recession in Asia is still likely
to exert at least a mild drag on economic growth. On the other hand, the
domestic economy is thriving on low unemployment, rising wages, and record-high
consumer confidence.
As the reporting period ended, the battle between these two opposing forces
was far from resolved. Although the U.S. economy has escaped serious harm from
the Asian fallout, it is reasonable to expect some slowdown in growth in the
months ahead as the export market shrinks and falling import prices provide
difficult competition. Such a scenario is bullish for bonds.
However, consumers remain flush with cash and are in a spending mood,
thereby providing further fuel to an economy that is already testing the upper
limits of sustainable growth. We expect that uncertainties over the eventual
resolution of this conflict could result in mild upward pressure on long-term
interest rates in the near term.
Given the low inflation figures in the United States, we believe that the
Federal Reserve will leave interest rates unchanged, at least until the
situation in Asia stabilizes. Once the foreign crisis passes, we expect the Fed
will react to any acceleration in reported inflation by raising interest rates.
As we noted earlier, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 provides attractive new
vehicles through which investors can save for a variety of goals, including
higher education and retirement. We encourage you to talk with your financial
adviser about how the tax changes can work to your benefit.
Additional details about your Fund, including a question-and-answer section
with your portfolio management team, are provided in this report. As always, we
are pleased to have the opportunity to serve you through our diverse menu of
quality investments.
Sincerely,
/s/ Don G. Powell /s/ Dennis J. McDonnell
- -------------------- ---------------------------
Don G. Powell Dennis J. McDonnell
Chairman President
Van Kampen American Capital Van Kampen American Capital
Asset Management, Inc. Asset Management, Inc.
2
<PAGE>
Performance Results for the Period Ended March 31, 1998
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
A Shares B Shares C Shares
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total Returns
Six-month total return based on NAV/1/....... 3.79% 3.29% 3.29%
Six-month total return/2/.................... (1.16%) (0.71%) 2.29%
One-year total return/2/..................... 4.70% 5.01% 8.01%
Five-year average annual total return/2/..... 4.01% 4.00% N/A
Life-of-Fund average annual total return/2/.. 4.62%/3/ 4.73%/3/ 4.15%/3/
Commencement Date............................ 10/06/92 10/06/92 04/12/93
Distribution Rate and Yield
Distribution Rate/4/......................... 6.43% 6.03% 6.03%
SEC Yield/5/................................. 4.15% 3.58% 3.58%
</TABLE>
N/A = Not Applicable
/1/Assumes reinvestment of all distributions for the period and does not include
payment of the maximum sales charge (4.75% for A shares) or contingent deferred
sales charge for early withdrawal (4% for B shares and 1% for C shares).
/2/Standardized total return. Assumes reinvestment of all distributions for the
period and includes payment of the maximum sales charge (A shares) or contingent
deferred sales charge for early withdrawal (B and C shares).
/3/Total return from November 2, 1992 (date the Fund's investment strategy was
implemented) through the period end.
/4/Distribution rate represents the monthly annualized distributions of the Fund
at the end of the period and not the earnings of the Fund.
/5/SEC Yield is a standardized calculation prescribed by the Securities and
Exchange Commission for determining the amount of net income a portfolio should
theoretically generate for the 30-day period ending March 31,1998.
See the Prior Performance section of the current prospectus. Past performance
does not guarantee future results. Investment return and net asset value will
fluctuate with market conditions. Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more
or less than their original cost.
U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government, its agencies or Instrumentalities. The government backing applies
only to the timely payment of principal and interest on specific securities in
the Fund's portfolio, not to the shares of the Fund.
Market forecasts provided in this report may not necessarily come to pass.
3
<PAGE>
Glossary of Terms
Basis point:
A measure used in quoting yields on bonds. One hundred basis points is
equal to one percent. For example, if a bond's yield changes from 7.00 to 6.65
percent, it would be a 35 basis point move.
Duration:
A measure of a bond's sensitivity to changes in interest rates, expressed
in years. The longer a fund's duration, the greater the effect of interest rate
movements on net asset value. Typically, funds with shorter durations have
performed better in rising rate environments, while funds with longer durations
have performed better when decline.
Federal funds rate:
The interest rate charged by one institution lending federal funds to
another. This overnight rate is used to meet banks' daily reserve requirements.
The Federal Reserve Board uses the federal funds rate to affect the direction of
interest rates.
Federal Reserve Board (Fed):
A seven-member group that directs the operations of the Federal Reserve
System, the central bank system of the United States. Currently led by Chairman
Alan Greenspan, the Fed meets eight times a year to regulate the flow of money
and credit.
Inflation:
An economic state in which the amount of money supply and business activity
dramatically increases, accompanied by sharply rising prices. Inflation is
widely measured by the Consumer Price Index, a leading economic indicator that
measures the change in the cost of purchased goods and services .
Mortgage-backed securities:
Securities backed by pools of similar mortgages. Investors receive interest
payments and partial repayment of the principal passed through from the
underlying mortgages (agencies pass on what they receive from homeowners paying
off their mortgages). These securities are generally issued by agencies of the
U.S. government, such as Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA, or
"Ginnie Mae") and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC, or "Freddie
Mac").
Net asset value:
The value of a mutual fund share, calculated by deducting the fund's
liabilities from the total assets of the portfolio and dividing this amount by
the number of shares outstanding. The NAV is calculated daily, based on the
closing market price for each security in the fund's portfolio.
Yield:
The annual rate of return on an investment, expressed as a percentage. For
bonds and notes, the yield is the annual interest divided by the market price.
Yield curve:
A result of viewing the yields of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 1,
5, 10, and 30 years, grouped together, which often reflects a pattern of
increasing yield as maturity extends. This pattern creates an upward sloping
"curve." A "flat" yield curve represents little difference between short- and
long-term interest rates.
4
<PAGE>
Portfolio Management Review
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income
We recently spoke with the management team of the Van Kampen American Capital
U.S. Government Trust for Income about the key events and economic forces that
shaped the markets during the past six months. The team includes Ted V. Mundy,
portfolio manager, and Peter W. Hegel, chief investment officer for fixed-
income investments. The following excerpts reflect their views on the Fund's
performance during the six-month period ended March 31, 1998.
Q What were the significant changes in the market during the reporting
period?
A A combination of several opposing forces influenced the market during this
six-month period. First and foremost, stock and currency markets in
Southeast Asia remained under intense pressure, which fueled investors' concerns
that a slowdown in exports to Asia might negatively affect the U.S. economy. On
the other hand, strong job growth and a record-low unemployment rate in the
United States supported an increase in consumer and economic activity,
indicating that the domestic economy might dodge the effects of overseas
turmoil. Although this level of ongoing economic strength might normally
precipitate some type of intervention from the Federal Reserve Board, short-term
rates were unchanged thanks in part to continued low inflation.
These factors propelled a generally favorable bond market for the first
part of the period, as yields fell through the latter part of January. As
measured by the benchmark five-year Treasury, yields dropped to 5.21 percent at
the beginning of 1998, the lowest yield since February 1996. In the last few
months of the period, however, the market began to retreat, and the five-year
Treasury ended the period at 5.62 percent.
Q The Fund invests primarily in mortgage-backed securities and Treasuries.
How were these sectors affected by general market conditions?
A Overall, we had to contend with a marketplace motivated by wildly
conflicting swings and psychologies. Throughout the period, both mortgage
yield spreads and the Treasury yield curve experienced some dramatic shifts. Due
to record-low interest rates, a large percentage of outstanding mortgage loans
were refinanced, which created some concern in the mortgage-backed securities
market. Fears of increased prepayment risk caused mortgage yield spreads to
widen dramatically.
Similarly, the yield curve between two- and ten-year Treasuries changed
considerably during the period, tightening from 32 basis points in late
September to three basis points late December. When market watchers grew
concerned that the Asian turmoil might inspire a reaction from the Fed, the
market rallied decisively, bringing the yield curve back to more normal levels.
Q Considering these factors, how did you position the U.S. Government Trust
for Income?
A First, we responded by adjusting the Fund's duration. We began the period
with a duration of 4.0 years in September, increasing it slightly in the
following month to 4.3 years. This move reflected our optimistic outlook on the
market at the time, which proved to be appropriate in light of the bond market's
bull run through January. In February, we revised our outlook as the market
retreated, signaling that a more defensive perspective might be prudent. As a
result, we
5
<PAGE>
shortened the duration to 3.8 years, where it remains today. This slightly
bearish position lines up with our view that current conditions should allow
the economy's strength to continue unfettered.
Next, we examined the mix of Treasury securities and mortgage-backed
securities held in the Fund's portfolio. Early in the period, the Fund held a
lower percentage of mortgage-backed securities due to a perception of risk in
the mortgage market. As spreads fluctuated during the period, we found value in
this area and subsequently reduced the Fund's Treasury position in favor of
mortgage-backed securities. Within the Fund's Treasury holdings, we sought to
benefit from the flattening yield curve by exchanging five- and ten-year
Treasuries for a combination of two- and thirty-year securities. This reflected
our perception that the curve was so flat that very little advantage could be
found by investing in the middle of the curve. Although Fed action might further
flatten the yield curve, we don't see signs that any action is imminent. For
additional Fund portfolio highlights, please refer to page seven.
Q How did the Fund perform during the reporting period?
A For the six-month period ended March 31, 1998, the U.S. Government Trust
for Income generated a total return of 3.79 percent/1/ (Class A shares at
net asset value). Additionally, the Fund's Class A shares provided shareholders
with a competitive distribution rate of 6.43 percent/4/, based upon the maximum
offering price of $8.63 as of March 31, 1998, and a monthly dividend of $0.04625
per Class A share. By comparison, the Merrill Lynch Intermediate-Term Government
Index posted a total return of 3.84 percent for the same period. This broad-
based index measures the market performance of government securities with matu-
rities between one and ten years. Please keep in mind that this index does not
reflect any commissions that would be paid by an investor purchasing the
securities it represents. For additional Fund performance results, please refer
to the chart on page three.
Q What is your market outlook for the months ahead?
A In the near term, we expect the bond market to remain under pressure. It is
possible that long-term rates, as measured by 30-year Treasuries, could
move back up to 6.0 percent, driven by investors' concerns about the strong pace
of the domestic economy. In terms of the Asian situation, we think more time is
needed to ascertain whether additional shockwaves will upset our economy. In
spite of the economy's resiliency, we don't believe that we are immune to shocks
from overseas markets, and it's evident that Japan's woes are far from over.
However, today's economic conditions make it difficult to imagine that the Fed
will intervene before the third quarter.
With strong consumer confidence, insignificant inflation, and low interest
rates, the housing sector continues to forge ahead. Additionally, high
employment rates and decent wage gains make housing affordable as well as
attractive. Taking these factors into consideration, we are comfortable with the
Fund's portfolio allocation and slightly cautious position. We will continue to
monitor the market for changes and respond accordingly.
/s/ Peter W. Hegel /s/ Ted V. Mundy
Peter W. Hegel Ted V. Mundy
Chief Investment Officer Portfolio Manager
Fixed Income Investments
6 Please see footnotes on page three
<PAGE>
Portfolio Highlights
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income
Coupon Distribution as of March 31, 1998
[BAR GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of
Long-Term Investments
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
5-5.99 6-6.99 7-7.99 8-8.99 9-9.99 10 or More
6.6% 26.2% 9.6% 14.7% 14.6% 28.3%
Coupon Rate
</TABLE>
Portfolio Composition by Sector as a Percentage of Long-Term Investments
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of March 31, 1998
<C> <S> <C>
[ ] GNMA........................... 10.0%
[ ] FNMA........................... 11.7%
[ ] Treasury/Agency................ 50.9% [PIE CHART APPEARS HERE]
[ ] CMO............................ 8.5%
[ ] FHLMC.......................... 12.3%
[ ] Asset-Backed Securities........ 6.6%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of September 30, 1997
<C> <S> <C>
[ ] GNMA........................... 15.7%
[ ] FNMA........................... 11.3%
[ ] Treasury/Agency................ 58.3% [PIE CHART APPEARS HERE]
[ ] CMO............................ 9.3%
[ ] FHLMC.......................... 5.4%
</TABLE>
Duration
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of March 31, 1998 As of September 30, 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Duration 3.8 years 4.0 years
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio of Investments
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
=============================================================================================================
Par
Amount Market
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Asset-Backed Securities 6.0%
$ 9,824 Pacific America Home Equity Loan............. 5.950% 12/25/27 $ 9,817,604
-------------
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations 7.7%
1,638 Capstead Mortgage CMO,
Series 93-2CA3............................... 9.670 08/25/23 1,655,030
3,602 Prudential Home Mortgage Securities,
Series 93-23A7............................... 10.000 06/25/08 3,716,275
7,166 Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities,
Series 93-5A3................................ 7.360 10/25/03 7,213,290
-------------
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.................................. 12,584,595
-------------
United States Government Agency Obligations 30.8%
9,278 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Gold 30 Year Pool............................ 6.500 02/01/26 to 05/01/26 9,188,815
9,001 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Certificate Series 92-Fb..................... 6.025 09/15/27 8,998,946
8,608 Federal National Mortgage Association
CMO, Series 94-87F........................... 6.575 03/25/09 8,646,073
6,880 Federal National Mortgage Association
15 Year Pool................................. 7.000 10/01/09 7,033,974
1,611 Federal National Mortgage Association
Pool......................................... 8.500 01/01/22 to 09/01/24 1,686,528
4,253 Government National Mortgage
Association Pool............................. 8.000 11/15/21 to 08/15/24 4,421,754
5,176 Government National Mortgage
Association Pool............................. 8.500 12/15/17 5,550,063
4,519 Government National Mortgage
Association Pool............................. 9.000 03/15/18 to 12/15/19 4,904,422
-------------
Total United States Government Agency Obligations.......................... 50,430,575
-------------
United States Treasury Obligations 46.2%
8,500 United States Treasury Bonds (a)............. 10.750 08/15/05 11,014,215
11,000 United States Treasury Bonds (a)............. 6.625 02/15/27 11,935,330
10,000 United States Treasury Notes................. 8.875 11/15/98 10,201,700
14,500 United States Treasury Notes (a)............. 9.125 05/15/99 15,058,105
22,000 United States Treasury Notes (a)............. 11.625 11/15/02 27,270,540
-------------
Total United States Treasury Obligations................................... 75,479,890
-------------
Total Long-Term Investments 90.7%
(Cost $148,978,134)...................................................................... 148,312,664
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
8
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Market
Description Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Repurchase Agreement 8.9%
DLJ Mortgage Acceptance Corp. ($14,605,000 par collateralized by U.S.
Government obligations in a pooled cash account, dated 03/31/98, to be sold on
04/01/98 at $14,607,373)....................................................... $ 14,605,000
------------
Total Investments 99.6%
(Cost $163,583,134)............................................................ 162,917,664
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 0.4%....................................... 712,215
------------
Net Assets 100.0%................................................................ $163,629,879
============
</TABLE>
(a) Assets segregated as collateral for open futures and forwards transactions.
9 See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Assets:
Total Investments (Cost $163,583,134)........................... $162,917,664
Cash............................................................ 2,746
Receivables:
Interest...................................................... 2,620,098
Investments Sold.............................................. 515,884
Fund Shares Sold.............................................. 24,913
Other......................................................... 37,213
Other........................................................... 15,764
------------
Total Assets............................................. 166,134,282
------------
Liabilities:
Payables:
Fund Shares Repurchased..................................... 647,142
Income Distributions........................................ 572,621
Investments Purchased....................................... 563,934
Distributor and Affiliates.................................. 233,177
Investment Advisory Fee..................................... 83,949
Variation Margin on Futures................................. 1,266
Forward Commitments............................................. 288,624
Accrued Expenses................................................ 59,355
Trustees' Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans............ 54,335
------------
Total Liabilities........................................... 2,504,403
------------
Net Assets...................................................... $163,629,879
============
Net Assets Consist of:
Capital......................................................... $213,266,305
Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income.... (25,623)
Net Unrealized Depreciation..................................... (950,143)
Accumulated Net Realized Loss................................... (48,660,660)
------------
Net Assets...................................................... $163,629,879
============
Maximum Offering Price Per Share:
Class A Shares:
Net asset value and redemption price per share (Based on
net assets of $40,182,305 and 4,886,921 shares of
beneficial interest issued and outstanding)................. $ 8.22
Maximum sales charge (4.75%* of offering price)............. .41
------------
Maximum offering price to public............................ $ 8.63
============
Class B Shares:
Net asset value and offering price per share (Based on
net assets of $110,829,025 and 13,491,644 shares of
beneficial interest issued and outstanding)................. $ 8.21
============
Class C Shares:
Net asset value and offering price per share (Based on
net assets of $12,618,549 and 1,536,095 shares of
beneficial interest issued and outstanding)................. $ 8.21
============
*On sales of $100,000 or more, the sales charge will be reduced.
</TABLE>
10 See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Investment Income:
Interest.......................................................................... $ 6,551,887
Other............................................................................. 284,509
-----------
Total Income................................................................ 6,836,396
-----------
Expenses:
Distribution (12b-1) and Service Fees (Attributed to Classes A, B and C of $45,978,
$586,803 and $65,443, respectively)............................................. 698,224
Investment Advisory Fee........................................................... 506,501
Shareholder Services.............................................................. 167,639
Custody........................................................................... 10,738
Trustees' Fees and Expenses....................................................... 10,222
Legal............................................................................. 9,646
Other............................................................................. 131,845
-----------
Total Expenses.............................................................. 1,534,815
-----------
Net Investment Income............................................................. $ 5,301,581
===========
Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss:
Realized Gain/Loss:
Investments..................................................................... $ 440,656
Futures......................................................................... (158,045)
Forward Commitments............................................................. 845,995
-----------
Net Realized Gain................................................................. 1,128,606
-----------
Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation:
Beginning of the Period......................................................... (410,480)
-----------
End of the Period:
Investments................................................................... (665,470)
Futures....................................................................... 3,951
Forward Commitments........................................................... (288,624)
-----------
(950,143)
-----------
Net Unrealized Depreciation During the Period..................................... (539,663)
-----------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain.................................................. $ 588,943
===========
Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations........................................ $ 5,890,524
===========
</TABLE>
11 See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 1998 and
the Year Ended September 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
===========================================================================================================
Six Months Ended Year Ended
March 31, 1998 September 30, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
From Investment Activities:
Operations:
Net Investment Income................................................... $ 5,301,581 $ 12,258,038
Net Realized Gain/Loss.................................................. 1,128,606 (2,095,870)
Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation During the Period.............. (539,663) 3,772,798
------------ ------------
Change in Net Assets from Operations.................................... 5,890,524 13,934,966
------------ ------------
Distributions from Net Investment Income:
Class A Shares........................................................ (1,292,820) (2,842,739)
Class B Shares........................................................ (3,531,901) (8,230,537)
Class C Shares........................................................ (394,172) (961,509)
------------ ------------
(5,218,893) (12,034,785)
------------ ------------
Net Change in Net Assets
from Investment Activities............................................ 671,631 1,900,181
------------ ------------
From Capital Transactions:
Proceeds from Shares Sold............................................... 11,865,821 7,421,625
Net Asset Value of Shares Issued Through
Dividend Reinvestment................................................. 2,034,154 4,910,254
Cost of Shares Repurchased.............................................. (24,691,037) (55,107,596)
------------ ------------
Net Change in Net Assets
from Capital Transactions............................................. (10,791,062) (42,775,717)
------------ ------------
Total Decrease in Net Assets............................................ (10,119,431) (40,875,536)
Net Assets:
Beginning of the Period................................................. 173,749,310 214,624,846
------------ ------------
End of the Period (including accumulated distributions in
excess of net investment income of $25,623 and $108,311,
respectively)......................................................... $163,629,879 $173,749,310
============ ============
</TABLE>
12 See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one share of the Fund
outstanding throughout the periods indicated. (Unaudited)
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Year Ended September 30,
Ended -----------------------------------
Class A Shares March 31, 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the Period............... $ 8.193 $8.108 $ 8.38 $ 8.17 $ 9.26
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Net Investment Income............................. .283 .567 .565 .63 .67
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss............. .024 .073 (.274) .23 (1.0085)
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Total from Investment Operations....................... .307 .640 .291 .86 (.3385)
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Less:
Distributions from Net Investment Income.......... .278 .555 .563 .645 .674
Distributions from Net Realized Gain.............. -0- -0- -0- .005 .0775
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Total Distributions.................................... .278 .555 .563 .65 .7515
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period..................... $ 8.222 $8.193 $8.108 $ 8.38 $ 8.17
======= ====== ====== ====== ========
Total Return (a)....................................... 3.79%* 8.09% 3.57% 10.97% (3.82%)
Net Assets at End of the Period (In millions).......... $ 40.2 $ 38.3 $ 45.2 $ 70.2 $ 75.3
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets................ 1.23% 1.18% 1.13% 1.09% 1.07%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets............................................... 6.87% 6.95% 6.83% 7.67% 7.89%
Portfolio Turnover..................................... 109%* 82% 282% 262% 122%
</TABLE>
*Non-Annualized
(a) Total return is based upon net asset value which does not include payment
of the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
13 See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights (Continued)
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one share of the Fund
outstanding throughout the periods indicated. (Unaudited)
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Six Months Year Ended September 30,
Ended -----------------------------------
Class B Shares March 31, 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the Period............. $ 8.187 $8.104 $ 8.38 $ 8.17 $ 9.26
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Net Investment Income........................... .251 .505 .504 .57 .61
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss........... .024 .073 (.277) .228 (1.0205)
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Total from Investment Operations..................... .275 .578 .227 .798 (.4105)
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Less:
Distributions from Net Investment Income........ .248 .495 .503 .583 .602
Distributions from Net Realized Gain............ -0- -0- -0- .005 .0775
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Total Distributions.................................. .248 .495 .503 .588 .6795
------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period................... $ 8.214 $8.187 $8.104 $ 8.38 $ 8.17
======= ====== ====== ====== ========
Total Return (a)..................................... 3.29%* 7.43% 2.70% 10.14% (4.61%)
Net Assets at End of the Period (In millions)........ $ 110.8 $ 121.7 $150.8 $200.2 $ 226.7
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets.............. 1.99% 1.94% 1.89% 1.85% 1.82%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets............................................. 6.11% 6.20% 6.08% 6.92% 7.11%
Portfolio Turnover................................... 109%* 82% 282% 262% 122%
</TABLE>
*Non-Annualized
(a) Total return is based upon net asset value which does not include payment
of the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
14 See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights (Continued)
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one share of the Fund
outstanding throughout the periods indicated. (Unaudited)
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Year Ended September 30,
Ended ------------------------------------
Class C Shares March 31, 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the Period............. $8.186 $8.104 $ 8.38 $ 8.17 $ 9.25
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net Investment Income........................... .250 .503 .502 .57 .63
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss................ .026 .074 (.275) .228 (1.0305)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Total from Investment Operations..................... .276 .577 .227 .798 (.4005)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Less:
Distributions from Net Investment Income........ .248 .495 .503 .583 .602
Distributions from Net Realized Gain............ -0- -0- -0- .005 .0775
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Total Distributions.................................. .248 .495 .503 .588 .6795
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net Asset Value, End of the Period................... $8.214 $8.186 $8.104 $ 8.38 $ 8.17
====== ====== ====== ====== ========
Total Return (a)..................................... 3.29%* 7.43% 2.70% 10.14% (4.51%)
Net Assets at End of the Period (In millions)........ $ 12.6 $ 13.7 $ 18.6 $ 28.1 $ 37.5
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets.............. 1.99% 1.94% 1.89% 1.85% 1.82%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets............................................. 6.11% 6.20% 6.08% 6.94% 7.08%
Portfolio Turnover................................... 109%* 82% 282% 262% 122%
</TABLE>
*Non-Annualized
(a) Total return is based upon net asset value which does not include payment
of the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
15 See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income (the "Fund") is
organized as a Delaware business trust, and is registered as a diversified
open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended. The Fund's investment objective is to seek a high level of income by
primarily investing in debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund commenced investment
operations on October 6, 1992 with two classes of common shares, Class A and
Class B shares. The distribution of the Fund's Class C shares commenced on April
12, 1993.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
A. Security Valuation--Investments are stated at value using market quotations.
For those securities where quotations or prices are not available, valuations
are determined in accordance with procedures established in good faith by the
Board of Trustees. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of 60 days
or less are valued at amortized cost.
B. Security Transactions--Security transactions are recorded on a trade date
basis. Realized gains and losses are determined on an identified cost basis.
The Fund may purchase and sell securities on a "when issued" or "delayed
delivery" basis, with settlement to occur at a later date. The value of the
security so purchased is subject to market fluctuations during this period. The
Fund will maintain, in a segregated account with its custodian, assets having
an aggregate value at least equal to the amount of the when issued or delayed
delivery purchase commitments until payment is made. At March 31, 1998, there
were no when issued or delayed delivery purchase commitments.
The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements, which are short-term
investments in which the Fund acquires ownership of a debt security and the
seller agrees to repurchase the security at a future time and specified price.
The Fund may invest independently in repurchase agreements, or transfer
uninvested cash balances into a pooled cash account along with other investment
companies advised by Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc. (the
"Adviser") or its affiliates, the daily aggregate of which is invested in
repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are fully collateralized by the
underlying debt security. The Fund will make payment for such securities only
upon physical delivery or evidence of book entry transfer to the account of the
custodian
16
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
bank. The seller is required to maintain the value of the underlying security at
not less than the repurchase proceeds due the Fund.
C. Income and Expenses--Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.
Original issue discount is amortized over the expected life of each applicable
security. Expenses of the Fund are allocated on a pro rata basis to each class
of shares, except for distribution and service fees and transfer agency costs
which are unique to each class of shares.
D. Federal Income Taxes--It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
At March 31, 1998, for federal income tax purposes, cost of long- and
short-term investments is $163,583,134, the aggregate gross unrealized
appreciation is $1,623,713 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is
$2,573,856, resulting in net unrealized depreciation including open futures
transactions and forward commitments of $950,143.
The Fund 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 the loss and offset these losses against any future realized capital
gains. At September 30, 1997, the Fund had an accumulated capital loss
carryforward for tax purposes of $48,680,382 which will expire between September
30, 2003 and September 30, 2005. Net realized loss differs for financial and tax
reporting purposes as a result of post October 31 losses which are not
recognized for tax purposes until the first day of the following fiscal year and
losses recognized for tax purposes on open futures positions at September 30,
1997.
E. Distribution of Income and Gains--The Fund declares daily and pays monthly
dividends from net investment income. Net realized gains , if any, are
distributed annually. Distributions from net realized gains for book purposes
may include short-term capital gains and gains on futures transactions. All
short-term capital gains and a portion of futures gains are included in ordinary
income for tax purposes.
Due to inherent differences in the recognition of distributions from income
under generally accepted accounting principles and federal income tax purposes,
the amount of distributable net investment income may differ between book and
federal income tax purposes for a particular period. These differences are
temporary in nature, but may result in distributions in excess of net investment
income for certain periods.
17
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will
provide investment advice and facilities to the Fund for an annual fee, payable
monthly, of .60% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
For the six months ended March 31, 1998, the Fund recognized expenses of
approximately $9,600 representing legal services provided by Skadden, Arps,
Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois), counsel to the Fund, of which a trustee of the
Fund is an affiliated person.
For the six months ended March 31, 1998, the Fund recognized expenses of
approximately $22,500 representing VKAC's cost of providing accounting services
to the Fund. These services are provided by VKAC at cost.
ACCESS Investor Services, Inc. ("ACCESS"), an affiliate of the Adviser,
serves as the shareholder servicing agent for the Fund. For the six months ended
March 31, 1998, the Fund recognized expenses of approximately $125,000,
representing ACCESS' cost of providing transfer agency and shareholder services
plus a profit.
Certain officers and trustees of the Fund are also officers and directors
of VKAC. The Fund does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers
of VKAC.
The Fund provides deferred compensation and retirement plans for its
trustees who are not officers of VKAC. Under the deferred compensation plan,
trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation to a later
date. Benefits under the retirement plan a repayable for a ten-year period and
are based upon each trustee's years of service to the Fund. The maximum annual
benefit per Trustee under the plan is equal to $2,500.
At March 31, 1998, VKAC owned 5,302 shares each of Classes A and B,
respectively, and 53 shares of Class C.
18
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
3. Capital Transactions
The Fund has outstanding three classes of shares of beneficial interest, Classes
A, B and C, each with a par value of $.01 per share. There are an unlimited
number of shares of each class authorized.
At March 31, 1998, capital aggregated $51,369,629, $143,410,036 and
$18,486,640 for Classes A, B and C, respectively. For the six months ended March
31, 1998, transactions were as follows:
Shares Value
===============================================================
Sales:
Class A...................... 815,905 $ 6,703,596
Class B...................... 559,536 4,602,282
Class C...................... 67,864 559,943
----------- -------------
Total Sales.................... 1,443,305 $ 11,865,821
=========== =============
Dividend Reinvestment:
Class A...................... 55,171 $ 455,152
Class B...................... 168,787 1,391,636
Class C...................... 22,726 187,366
----------- -------------
Total Dividend Reinvestment.... 246,684 $ 2,034,154
=========== =============
Repurchases:
Class A...................... (659,702) $ (5,437,221)
Class B...................... (2,106,051) (17,360,058)
Class C...................... (229,285) (1,893,758)
----------- -------------
Total Repurchases.............. (2,995,038) $ (24,691,037)
=========== =============
19
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
At September 30, 1997, capital aggregated $49,648,102, $154,776,176 and
$19,633,089 for Classes A, B and C, respectively. For the year ended September
30, 1997, transactions were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Value
================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
Sales:
Class A....................................... 414,895 $ 3,387,293
Class B....................................... 419,235 3,415,948
Class C....................................... 76,387 618,384
----------- ------------
Total Sales..................................... 910,517 $ 7,421,625
=========== ============
Dividend Reinvestment:
Class A....................................... 141,435 $ 1,152,447
Class B....................................... 404,778 3,295,398
Class C....................................... 56,785 462,409
----------- ------------
Total Dividend Reinvestment..................... 602,998 $ 4,910,254
=========== ============
Repurchases:
Class A....................................... (1,456,979) $(11,854,279)
Class B....................................... (4,563,587) (37,123,144)
Class C....................................... (753,064) (6,130,173)
----------- ------------
Total Repurchases............................... (6,773,630) $(55,107,596)
=========== ============
</TABLE>
Class B and C shares are offered without a front end sales charge, but are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). The CDSC will be imposed
on most redemptions made within five years of the purchase for Class B and one
year of the purchase for Class C as detailed in the following schedule.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge
--------------------
Year of Redemption Class B Class C
================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
First........................................... 4.00% 1.00%
Second.......................................... 4.00% None
Third........................................... 3.00% None
Fourth.......................................... 2.50% None
Fifth........................................... 1.50% None
Sixth and Thereafter............................ None None
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
For the six months ended March 31, 1998, VKAC, as Distributor for the Fund,
received commissions on sales of the Fund's Class A shares of approximately
$1,700 and CDSC on redeemed shares of approximately $124,400. Sales charges do
not represent expenses of the Fund.
4. Investment Transactions
During the period, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments,
excluding short-term investments and forward commitment transactions, were
$173,284,697 and $187,182,423, respectively.
5. Derivative Financial Instruments
A derivative financial instrument in very general terms refers to a security
whose value is "derived" from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate
or index.
The Fund has a variety of reasons to use derivative instruments, such as to
attempt to protect the Fund against possible changes in the market value of its
portfolio or generate potential gain. All of the Fund's portfolio holdings,
including derivative instruments, are marked to market each day with the change
in value reflected in unrealized appreciation/depreciation. Upon disposition, a
realized gain or loss is recognized accordingly, except when taking delivery of
a security underlying a futures contract or forward commitment. In these
instances, the recognition of gain or loss is postponed until the disposal of
the security underlying the futures contract or forward commitment.
Summarized below are the specific types of derivative financial instruments
used by the Fund.
A. Futures Contracts--A futures contract is an agreement involving the delivery
of a particular asset on a specified future date at an agreed upon price. The
Fund generally invests in exchange traded futures contracts on U.S. Treasury
Bonds and typically closes the contract prior to the delivery date. These
contracts are generally used to manage the portfolio's effective maturity and
duration.
Upon entering into futures contracts, the Fund maintains, in a segregated
account with its custodian, securities with a value equal to its obligation
under the futures contracts. During the period the futures contract is open,
payments are received from or made to the broker based upon changes in the value
of the contract (the variation margin). The potential risk of loss associated
with a futures contract could be in excess of the variation margin reflected on
the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
21
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
Transactions in futures contracts, each with a par value of $100,000, for
the six months ended March 31, 1998, were as follows:
Contracts
================================================================================
Outstanding at September 30, 1997..................................... 125
Futures Opened........................................................ 1,630
Futures Closed........................................................ (1,742)
--------
Outstanding at March 31, 1998......................................... 13
========
The futures contracts outstanding as of March 31, 1998, and the
descriptions and unrealized appreciation/depreciation are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Contracts Depreciation
====================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
Long Contracts
5-Year U.S. Treasury Note Future, June 1998--
(Current Notional Value of $108,975 per contract)..... 5 $ (881)
Short Contracts
10-Year U.S. Treasury Note Future, June 1998--
(Current Notional Value of $112,375 per contract)..... 8 4,832
------- --------
13 $ 3,951
======= ========
</TABLE>
22
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
March 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
================================================================================
B. Forward Commitments--The Fund trades certain securities under the terms of
forward commitments, whereby the settlement occurs at a specific future date.
Forward commitments are privately negotiated transactions between the Fund and
dealers. While forward commitments are outstanding, the Fund maintains
sufficient collateral of cash or securities in a segregated account with its
custodian. Forward commitments are marked to market on a daily basis with
changes in value reflected as a component of unrealized appreciation/
depreciation. Purchasing securities on a forward commitment involves a risk that
the market value at the time of delivery may be lower than the agreed upon
purchase price resulting in an unrealized loss. Selling securities on a forward
commitment involves different risks and can result in losses more significant
than those arising from the purchase of such securities. The following forward
commitments were outstanding as of March 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized
Par Amount Current Appreciation/
(000) Description Value Depreciation
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Long Contracts
$20,000 U.S. T-Note, 5.375% $ 19,924,400 $ (95,131)
10,500 U.S. T-Note, 5.50% 10,357,568 (98,369)
10,000 U.S. T-Note, 6.25% 10,135,650 5,962
5,000 U.S. T-Note, 7.25% 5,408,300 (28,419)
2,800 U.S. T-Note, 8.875% 3,707,998 1,717
3,500 FHLMC, 30 Yr., 7.50% 3,588,043 (3,832)
6,000 FNMA Balloon, 7 Yr., 6.50% 6,037,500 (15,000)
7,000 FNMA Dwarf, 15 Yr., 6.00% 6,882,995 (33,880)
5,000 FNMA Dwarf, 15 Yr., 6.50% 5,008,025 (13,850)
7,000 GNMA, 7.50% 7,178,290 (22,960)
Short Contracts
10,000 U.S. T-Note, 5.875% 10,076,550 (1,550)
5,000 U.S. T-Note, 7.25% 5,408,300 5,763
5,000 FHLMC, 30 Yr., 6.50% 4,951,575 10,925
----------
$ (288,624)
==========
</TABLE>
6. Distribution and Service Plans
The Fund and its shareholders have adopted a distribution plan pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and a service plan (collectively
the "Plans"). The Plans govern payments for the distribution of the Fund's
shares, ongoing shareholder services and maintenance of shareholder accounts.
Annual fees under the Plans of up to .25% of Class A net assets and 1.00%
each of Class B and Class C net assets are accrued daily. Included in these fees
for the six months ended March 31, 1998, are payments retained by VKAC of
approximately $509,100.
23
<PAGE>
Funds Distributed by Van Kampen American Capital
EQUITY FUNDS
Domestic
MS Aggressive Equity
VKAC Aggressive Growth
MS American Value
VKAC Comstock
VKAC Emerging Growth
VKAC Enterprise
VKAC Equity Income
VKAC Growth
VKAC Growth and Income
VKAC Harbor
VKAC Pace
VKAC Real Estate Securities
MS U.S. Real Estate
VKAC Utility
MS Value
International/Global
MS Asian Growth
MS Emerging Markets
MS Global Equity
MS Global Equity Allocation
VKAC Global Managed Assets
MS International Magnum
MS Latin American
FIXED-INCOME FUNDS
Income
VKAC Corporate Bond
MS Global Fixed Income
VKAC Global Government Securities
VKAC Government Securities
VKAC High Income Corporate Bond
MS High Yield
VKAC High Yield
VKAC Limited Maturity Government
VKAC Short-Term Global Income
VKAC Strategic Income
VKAC U.S. Government
VKAC U.S. Government Trust for Income
MS Worldwide High Income
Tax Exempt Income
VKAC California Insured Tax Free
VKAC Florida Insured Tax Free Income
VKAC High Yield Municipal
VKAC Insured Tax Free Income
VKAC Intermediate Term
Municipal Income
VKAC Municipal Income
VKAC New York Tax Free Income
VKAC Pennsylvania Tax Free Income
VKAC Tax Free High Income
Capital Preservation
VKAC Prime Rate Income Trust
VKAC Reserve
VKAC Senior Floating Rate
VKAC Tax Free Money
To find out more about any of these funds, ask your financial adviser for a
prospectus, which contains more complete information, including sales charges,
risks, and expenses. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money.
To view a current Van Kampen American Capital or Morgan Stanley fund prospectus
or to receive additional fund information, choose from one of the following:
. visit our web site at www.vkac.com - to view prospectuses, select
Investors' Place, then Download a Prospectus
. call us at 1-800-341-2911 weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time
(Telecommunications Device for the Deaf users, call 1-800-421-2833)
. e-mail us by visiting www.vkac.com and selecting Investors' Place
24
<PAGE>
Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income
Board of Trustees
J. Miles Branagan
Richard M. DeMartini*
Linda Hutton Heagy
R. Craig Kennedy
Jack E. Nelson
Don G. Powell*
Phillip B. Rooney
Fernando Sisto
Wayne W. Whalen* - Chairman
Officers
Dennis J. McDonnell*
President
Ronald A. Nyberg*
Vice President and Secretary
Edward C. Wood, III*
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Curtis W. Morell*
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
John L. Sullivan*
Treasurer
Tanya M. Loden*
Controller
Peter W. Hegel*
Alan T. Sachtleben*
Paul R. Wolkenberg*
Vice Presidents
Investment Adviser
Van Kampen American Capital
Asset Management, Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Distributor
Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Shareholder Servicing Agent
ACCESS Investor
Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 418256
Kansas City, Missouri 64141-9256
Custodian
State Street Bank
and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
P.O. Box 1713
Boston, Massachusetts 02105
Legal Counsel
Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom (Illinois)
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Independent Accountants
Price Waterhouse LLP
200 E. Randolph Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
* "Interested" persons of the Fund, as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
(C) Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc., 1998
All rights reserved.
(SM) denotes a service mark of Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the
Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless it
has been preceded or is accompanied by an effective prospectus of the Fund which
contains additional information on how to purchase shares, the sales charge, and
other pertinent data. After September 30, 1998, the report, if used with
prospective investors, must be accompanied by a quarterly performance update.
25
<PAGE>
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. Bulk Rate
One Parkview Plaza U.S. Postage
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 PAID
VAN KAMPEN
AMERICAN CAPITAL
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 11
<NAME> US GOV'T TR FOR INC A
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1998<F1>
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1997<F1>
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1998<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 163,583,134<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 162,917,664<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 3,198,108<F1>
<ASSETS-OTHER> 15,764<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 2,746<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 166,134,282<F1>
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 563,934<F1>
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,940,469<F1>
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,504,403<F1>
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0<F1>
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 51,369,629
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,886,921
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,675,547
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> (25,623)<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (48,660,660)<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0<F1>
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (950,143)<F1>
<NET-ASSETS> 40,182,305
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0<F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 6,551,887<F1>
<OTHER-INCOME> 284,509<F1>
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,534,815)<F1>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 5,301,581<F1>
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,128,606<F1>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (539,663)<F1>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5,890,524<F1>
<EQUALIZATION> 0<F1>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (1,292,820)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 815,905
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (659,702)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 55,171
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,879,653
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> (108,311)<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (49,789,266)<F1>
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 506,501<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0<F1>
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 1,534,815<F1>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 38,459,067
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.193
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.283
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.024
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.278)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 8.222
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.23
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<FN>
<F1> This item relates to the Fund on a composite basis and not on a class
basis
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 12
<NAME> US GOV'T TR FOR INC B
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1998<F1>
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1997<F1>
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1998<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 163,583,134<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 162,917,664<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 3,198,108<F1>
<ASSETS-OTHER> 15,764<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 2,746<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 166,134,282<F1>
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 563,934<F1>
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,940,469<F1>
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,504,403<F1>
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0<F1>
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 143,410,036
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 13,491,644
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 14,869,372
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> (25,623)<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (48,660,660)<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0<F1>
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (950,143)<F1>
<NET-ASSETS> 110,829,025
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0<F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 6,551,887<F1>
<OTHER-INCOME> 284,509<F1>
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,534,815)<F1>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 5,301,581<F1>
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,128,606<F1>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (539,663)<F1>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5,890,524<F1>
<EQUALIZATION> 0<F1>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (3,531,901)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 559,536
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,106,051)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 168,787
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (11,704,492)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> (108,311)<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (49,789,266)<F1>
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 506,501<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0<F1>
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 1,534,815<F1>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 117,610,858
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.187
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.251
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.024
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.248)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 8.214
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.99
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<FN>
<F1> This item relates to the Fund on a composite basis and not on a class
basis
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 13
<NAME> US GOV'T TR FOR INC C
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1998<F1>
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1997<F1>
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1998<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 163,583,134<F1>
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 162,917,664<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 3,198,108<F1>
<ASSETS-OTHER> 15,764<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 2,746<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 166,134,282<F1>
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 563,934<F1>
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0<F1>
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,940,469<F1>
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,504,403<F1>
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0<F1>
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 18,486,640
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,536,095
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,674,790
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> (25,623)<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (48,660,660)<F1>
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0<F1>
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (950,143)<F1>
<NET-ASSETS> 12,618,549
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0<F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 6,551,887<F1>
<OTHER-INCOME> 284,509<F1>
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,534,815)<F1>
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 5,301,581<F1>
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,128,606<F1>
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (539,663)<F1>
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5,890,524<F1>
<EQUALIZATION> 0<F1>
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (394,172)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 67,864
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (229,285)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 22,726
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (1,091,592)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> (108,311)<F1>
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (49,789,266)<F1>
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0<F1>
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 506,501<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0<F1>
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 1,534,815<F1>
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 13,118,937
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.186
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.250
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.026
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.248)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 8.214
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.99
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<FN>
<F1> This item relates to the Fund on a composite basis and not on a class
basis
</FN>
</TABLE>
