File No. 333-02767
CIK #896996
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549-1004
Amendment No. 1
to
Form S-6
For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2.
A. Exact Name of Trust: Van Kampen American Capital Equity
Opportunity Trust, Series 31
B. Name of Depositor: Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
C. Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
D. Name and complete address of agents for service:
Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc.
Chapman and Cutler Attention: Don G. Powell,
Attention: Mark J. Kneedy Chairman
111 West Monroe Street One Parkview Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60603 Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
E. Title and amount of securities being registered: An indefinite
number of Units of proportionate interest pursuant to Rule 24f-2
under the Investment Company Act of 1940
F. Proposed maximum offering price to the public of the securities
being registered: Indefinite
G. Amount of registration fee: $500 (previously paid)
H. Approximate date of proposed sale to the public:
As Soon As Practicable After the Effective Date of the
Registration Statement
/ X / Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective
on May 17, 1996 pursuant to Rule 487.
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust
Series 31
Cross Reference Sheet
Pursuant to Rule 404(c) of Regulation C
under the Securities Act of 1933
(Form N-8B-2 Items Required by Instruction
1 as to Prospectus on Form S-6)
Form N-8B-2 Form S-6
Item Number Heading in Prospectus
I. Organization and General Information
1. (a) Name of trust ) Prospectus Front Cover Page
(b) Title of securities issued ) Prospectus Front Cover Page
2. Name and address of Depositor ) Summary of Essential Financial
) Information
) Trust Administration
3. Name and address of Trustee ) Summary of Essential Financial
) Information
) Fund Administration
4. Name and address of principal ) *
underwriter
5. Organization of trust ) The Fund
6. Execution and termination of ) The Fund
Trust Indenture and Agreement ) Fund Administration
7. Changes of Name ) *
8. Fiscal year ) *
9. Material Litigation ) *
II. General Description of the Trust and
Securities of the Trust
10. General information regarding ) The Fund
trust's securities and ) Taxation
rights of security holders ) Public Offering
) Rights of Unitholders
) Fund Administration
11. Type of securities comprising ) Prospectus Front Cover Page
units ) The Fund
) Trust Portfolio
12. Certain information regarding ) *
periodic payment certificates )
13. (a) Loan, fees, charges and expenses ) Prospectus Front Cover Page
) Summary of Essential Financial
) Information
) Trust Portfolio
)
) Fund Operating Expenses
) Public Offering
) Rights of Unitholders
(b) Certain information regarding )
periodic payment plan ) *
certificates )
(c) Certain percentages ) Prospectus Front Cover Page
) Summary of Essential Financial
) Information
)
) Public Offering
) Rights of Unitholders
(d) Certain other fees, expenses or ) Fund Operating Expenses
charges payable by holders ) Rights of Unitholders
(e) Certain profits to be received ) Public Offering
by depositor, principal ) *
underwriter, trustee or any ) Trust Portfolio
affiliated persons )
(f) Ratio of annual charges ) *
to income )
14. Issuance of trust's securities ) Rights of Unitholders
15. Receipt and handling of payments ) *
from purchasers )
16. Acquisition and disposition of ) The Fund
underlying securities ) Rights of Unitholders
) Fund Administration
17. Withdrawal or redemption ) Rights of Unitholders
) Fund Administration
18. (a) Receipt and disposition ) Prospectus Front Cover Page
of income ) Rights of Unitholders
(b) Reinvestment of distributions ) *
(c) Reserves or special funds ) Fund Operating Expenses
) Rights of Unitholders
(d) Schedule of distributions ) *
19. Records, accounts and reports ) Rights of Unitholders
) Fund Administration
20. Certain miscellaneous provisions ) Fund Administration
of Trust Agreement )
21. Loans to security holders ) *
22. Limitations on liability ) Trust Portfolio
) Fund Administration
23. Bonding arrangements ) *
24. Other material provisions of ) *
Trust Indenture Agreement )
III. Organization, Personnel and Affiliated
Persons of Depositor
25. Organization of Depositor ) Fund Administration
26. Fees received by Depositor ) *
27. Business of Depositor ) Fund Administration
28. Certain information as to ) *
officials and affiliated )
persons of Depositor )
29. Companies owning securities ) *
of Depositor )
30. Controlling persons of Depositor ) *
31. Compensation of Officers of ) *
Depositor )
32. Compensation of Directors ) *
33. Compensation to Employees ) *
34. Compensation to other persons ) *
IV. Distribution and Redemption of Securities
35. Distribution of trust's securities ) Public Offering
by states )
36. Suspension of sales of trust's ) *
securities )
37. Revocation of authority to ) *
distribute )
38. (a) Method of distribution )
)
(b) Underwriting agreements ) Public Offering
)
(c) Selling agreements )
39. (a) Organization of principal ) *
underwriter )
(b) N.A.S.D. membership by ) *
principal underwriter )
40. Certain fees received by ) *
principal underwriter )
41. (a) Business of principal ) Fund Administration
underwriter )
(b) Branch offices or principal ) *
underwriter )
(c) Salesmen or principal ) *
underwriter )
42. Ownership of securities of ) *
the trust )
43. Certain brokerage commissions ) *
received by principal underwriter )
44. (a) Method of valuation ) Prospectus Front Cover Page
) Summary of Essential Financial
) Information
) Fund Operating Expenses
) Public Offering
(b) Schedule as to offering ) *
price )
(c) Variation in offering price ) *
to certain persons )
46. (a) Redemption valuation ) Rights of Unitholders
) Fund Administration
(b) Schedule as to redemption ) *
price )
47. Purchase and sale of interests ) Public Offering
in underlying securities ) Fund Administration
V. Information Concerning the Trustee or Custodian
48. Organization and regulation of ) Fund Administration
Trustee )
49. Fees and expenses of Trustee ) Summary of Essential Financial
) Information
) Fund Operating Expenses
50. Trustee's lien ) Fund Operating Expenses
VI. Information Concerning Insurance of Holders of Securities
51. Insurance of holders of trust's ) Cover Page
securities ) Fund Operating Expenses
52. (a) Provisions of trust agreement )
with respect to replacement ) Fund Administration
or elimination portfolio )
securities )
(b) Transactions involving )
elimination of underlying ) *
securities )
(c) Policy regarding substitution )
or elimination of underlying ) Fund Administration
securities )
(d) Fundamental policy not ) *
otherwise covered )
53. Tax Status of trust ) Taxation
VII. Financial and Statistical Information
54. Trust's securities during ) *
last ten years )
55. )
56. Certain information regarding ) *
57. periodic payment certificates )
58. )
59. Financial statements (Instructions
) Report of Independent Certified
1(c) to Form S-6) ) Public Accountants
) Statement of Condition
______________________________________________
* Inapplicable, omitted, answer negative or not required
May 17, 1996
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31
Aggressive Growth Series
Internet Trust 2
The Fund. Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31 (the
"Fund") is comprised of one underlying unit investment trust
designated as Aggressive Growth Series, Internet Trust 2 (the "Trust").
The Trust offers investors the opportunity to purchase Units representing
proportionate interests in a fixed, diversified portfolio of actively traded
equity securities issued by companies engaged in either the enabling
technology or communications services areas of the Internet ("Equity
Securities" or "Securities"). Unless terminated earlier, the Trust
will terminate on June 18, 1997 and any Securities then held will, within a
reasonable time thereafter, be liquidated or distributed by the Trustee. Any
Securities liquidated at termination will be sold at the then current market
value for such Securities; therefore, the amount distributable in cash to a
Unitholder upon termination may be more or less than the amount such
Unitholder paid for his Units. Upon liquidation, Unitholders may choose to
reinvest their proceeds into the next Aggressive Growth Series, if available,
at a reduced sales charge, to receive a cash distribution or to receive a pro
rata distribution of the Securities then included in the Trust (if they own
the requisite number of Units).
Attention Foreign Investors. If you are not a United States citizen or
resident, distributions from the Trust will generally be subject to U.S.
federal withholding taxes; however, under certain circumstances treaties
between the United States and other countries may reduce or eliminate such
withholding tax. See "Taxation." Such investors should consult their
tax advisers regarding the imposition of U.S. withholding on distributions.
Objective of the Fund. The objective of the Trust is to provide the potential
for capital appreciation from a portfolio of equity securities involved in
either the enabling technology or communications services areas of the
Internet. See "Portfolio". There is, of course, no guarantee that the
objective of the Trust will be achieved.
Public Offering Price. The Public Offering Price of the Units of the Trust
during the initial offering period and for secondary market transactions after
the initial offering period includes the aggregate underlying value of the
Securities in the Trust's portfolio, the initial sales charge described below,
and cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts held or owned by the
Trust. The initial sales charge is equal to the difference between the maximum
total sales charge of 2.9% of the Public Offering Price and the maximum
deferred sales charge ($0.19 per Unit). The monthly deferred sales charge
($0.019 per Unit) will begin accruing on a daily basis on July 17, 1996 and
will continue to accrue through May 15, 1997. The monthly deferred sales
charge will be charged to the Trust, in arrears, commencing August 17, 1996
and will be charged on the 17th day of each month thereafter through May 16,
1997 (which will be the final deferred sales charge payment). Unitholders will
be assessed only that portion of the deferred sales charge that has accrued
from the time they became Unitholders of record. Units purchased subsequent to
the initial deferred sales charge payment will be subject only to that portion
of the deferred sales charge payments not yet collected. This deferred sales
charge will be paid from funds in the Capital Account, if sufficient, or from
the periodic sale of Securities. The total maximum sales charge assessed to
Unitholders on a per Unit basis will be 2.9% of the Public Offering Price
(2.987% of the aggregate value of the Securities less the deferred sales
charge), subject to reduction as set forth in "Public
Offering--General". During the initial offering period, the sales charge
is reduced on a graduated scale for sales involving at least 2,500 Units of
the Trust. If Units were available for purchase at the close of business on
the day before the Initial Date of Deposit, the Public Offering Price per Unit
would have been that amount set forth under "Summary of Essential
Financial Information". Except as provided in "Public Offering--Unit
Distribution", the minimum purchase is 100 Units. See "Public
Offering".
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Additional Deposits. The Sponsor may, from time to time after the Initial Date
of Deposit, deposit additional Securities in the Trust as provided under "
The Fund".
Dividend and Capital Gains Distributions. Distributions of dividends and
realized capital gains, if any, received by the Trust will be paid in cash on
the Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the record date as set forth
in the "Summary of Essential Financial Information". Such distribution
will occur upon termination of the Trust. Gross dividends received by the
Trust will be distributed to Unitholders. Expenses of the Trust will be paid
with proceeds from the sale of Securities. For the consequences of such sales,
see "Federal Taxation" and "Risk Factors." Additionally, upon
surrender of Units for redemption or termination of the Trust, the Trustee
will distribute to each Unitholder his pro rata share of the Trust's assets,
less expenses, in the manner set forth under "Rights of
Unitholders--Distributions of Income and Capital".
Secondary Market For Units. Although not obligated to do so, the Sponsor
currently intends to maintain a market for Units through November 17, 1996 and
offer to repurchase such Units at prices which are based on the aggregate
underlying value of Equity Securities (generally determined by the closing
sale or bid prices of the Securities) plus or minus cash, if any, in the
Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust. If a secondary market is not
maintained, a Unitholder may redeem Units at prices based upon the aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities plus or minus a pro rata share of
cash, if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust. See "Rights
of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". Units sold or tendered for
redemption prior to such time as the entire deferred sales charge on such
Units has been collected will be assessed the amount of the remaining deferred
sales charge at the time of sale or redemption. A Unitholder tendering 1,000
or more Units for redemption may request a distribution of shares of
Securities (reduced by customary transfer and registration charges) in lieu of
payment in cash. See "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units".
Termination. The Trust will terminate approximately thirteen months after the
Initial Date of Deposit regardless of market conditions at that time.
Commencing on the Mandatory Termination Date, Securities will begin to be sold
in connection with the termination of the Trust. The Sponsor will determine
the manner, timing and execution of the sale of the Securities. Written notice
of any termination of the Trust shall be given by the Trustee to each
Unitholder at his address appearing on the registration books of the Trust
maintained by the Trustee. At least 30 days prior to the Mandatory Termination
Date the Trustee will provide written notice thereof to all Unitholders and
will include with such notice a form to enable Unitholders to elect a
distribution of shares of the Securities (reduced by customary transfer and
registration charges) if such Unitholder owns at least 1,000 Units, rather
than to receive payment in cash for such Unitholder's pro rata share of the
amounts realized upon the disposition of such Securities. Unitholders will
receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares. To be effective, the election
form, and any other documentation required by the Trustee, must be returned to
the Trustee at least ten business days prior to the Mandatory Termination
Date. Unitholders may elect to become Rollover Unitholders as described in
"Special Redemption and Rollover in New Fund" below. Rollover
Unitholders will not receive the final liquidation distribution but will
receive units of a new Aggressive Growth Series, if one is being offered.
Unitholders not electing the Rollover Option or a distribution of shares of
Securities will receive a cash distribution from the sale of the remaining
Securities within a reasonable time after the Trust is terminated. See "
Fund Administration--Amendment or Termination".
Reinvestment Option. Unitholders of any Van Kampen American Capital-sponsored
unit investment trust may utilize their redemption or termination proceeds to
purchase Units of any other Van Kampen American Capital trust in the initial
offering period accepting rollover investments subject to a reduced sales
charge to the extent stated in the related prospectus (which may be deferred
in certain cases).
In the event that a distribution is made to Unitholders prior to the Trust's
termination, Unitholders will have such distributions reinvested into
additional Units of the Trust subject only to the remaining deferred sales
charge payments as set forth herein, if Units are available at the time of
reinvestment, or distributed in cash. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Reinvestment Option".
Special Redemption and Rollover in New Fund. Unitholders will have the option,
subject to any necessary regulatory approval, of specifying by the Rollover
Notification Date stated in "Summary of Essential Financial
Information" to have all of their Units redeemed and the distributed
Securities sold by the Trustee, in its capacity as Distribution Agent, on the
Special Redemption Date. (Unitholders so electing are referred to herein as
"Rollover Unitholders".) The Distribution Agent will appoint the
Sponsor as its agent to determine the manner, timing and execution of sales of
underlying Securities. The proceeds of the redemption will then be invested in
units of a new Aggressive Growth Series (the "1997 Fund"), if one is
offered, at a reduced sales charge (anticipated to be 1.9% of the Public
Offering Price of the 1997 Fund). The Sponsor may, however, stop offering
units of the 1997 Fund at any time in its sole discretion without regard to
whether all the proceeds to be invested have been invested. Cash which has not
been invested on behalf of the Rollover Unitholders in the 1997 Fund will be
distributed shortly after the Special Redemption Date. However, the Sponsor
anticipates that sufficient Units will be available, although moneys in this
Fund may not be fully invested on the next business day. The 1997 Fund will
contain a portfolio of common stocks of aggressive growth companies with an
investment objective of obtaining capital appreciation. Rollover Unitholders
will receive the amount of dividends in the Income Account of the Trust which
will be included in the reinvestment in units of the 1997 Fund.
Risk Factors. An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding
of the risks associated therewith, including the possible deterioration of
either the financial condition of the issuers, the general condition of the
stock market and increased stock price volatility of aggressive growth
companies (especially within high-technology industries). An investment should
also be made with an understanding of the special risks related to companies
in the high-technology industries associated with the Internet. For certain
risk considerations related to the Trust, see "Risk Factors".
Units of the Trust are not deposits or obligations of, and are not guaranteed
or endorsed by, any bank and are not federally insured or otherwise protected
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any
other agency and involve investment risk, including the possible loss of the
principal amount invested.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITY TRUST, SERIES 31
Summary of Essential Financial Information
At the close of business on the day before the Initial Date of Deposit: May 16, 1996
Sponsor: Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
Supervisor: Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp.
(An affiliate of the Sponsor)
Evaluator: American Portfolio Evaluation Services
(A division of an affiliate of the Sponsor)
Trustee: The Bank of New York
<S> <C>
GENERAL INFORMATION
Number of Units <F1>................................................................... 15,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit <F1>............................... 1/15,000
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Securities in Portfolio <F2>.......................................$ 151,061
Aggregate Value of Securities per Unit................................................$ 10.07
Maximum Sales Charge <F3>.............................................................$ 0.29
Less Deferred Sales Charge per Unit...................................................$ 0.19
Public Offering Price per Unit <F3><F4>...............................................$ 10.17
Redemption Price per Unit <F5>.........................................................$ 9.88
Initial Secondary Market Repurchase Price per Unit <F5>................................$ 9.88
Excess of Public Offering Price per Unit over Maximum Redemption Price per Unit <F5>...$ 0.29
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses per Unit <F6>.................................$ .01781
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Supervisor's Annual Supervisory Fee ...........Maximum of $.0025 per Unit
Evaluator's Annual Evaluation Fee..............Maximum of $.0025 per Unit
Rollover Notification Date ....................May 19, 1997
Special Redemption Date........................June 18, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date ....................June 18, 1997
The Trust may be terminated if the net asset value of the Trust is less than
$500,000 unless the net asset value of the Trust's deposits have exceeded
$15,000,000, then the Trust Agreement may be terminated if the net asset value of
Minimum Termination Value......................the Trust is less than $3,000,000.
Trustee's Annual Fee ..........................$.008 per Unit
Income and Capital Account Record Date.........June 18, 1997
Income and Capital Account Distribution Date...July 3, 1997
Evaluation Time................................4:00 P.M. New York time
<FN>
<F1>As of the close of business on any day on which the Sponsor is the sole
Unitholder of the Trust, the number of Units may be adjusted so that the
Public Offering Price per Unit will equal approximately $10. Therefore, to the
extent of any such adjustment the fractional undivided interest per Unit will
increase or decrease from the amount indicated above.
<F2>Each Security listed on a national securities exchange is valued at the
closing sale price or if the Security is not so listed, at the asked price
thereof.
<F3>The Maximum Sales Charge consists of an initial sales charge and a deferred
sales charge. The initial sales charge is applicable to all Units and
represents an amount equal to the difference between the Maximum Sales Charge
of 2.9% of the Public Offering Price and the amount of the maximum deferred
sales charge of $0.19 per Unit. Subsequent to the Initial Date of Deposit, the
amount of the initial sales charge will vary with changes in the aggregate
value of the Securities in the Trust. In addition to the initial sales charge,
Unitholders will pay a deferred sales charge of $0.019 per Unit per month
which will begin accruing on a daily basis on July 17, 1996 and will continue
to accrue through May 15, 1997. The monthly deferred sales charge will be
charged to the Trust, in arrears, commencing August 17, 1996 and will be
charged on the 17th day of each month thereafter through May 16, 1997. Units
purchased subsequent to the initial deferred sales charge payment will be
subject only to that portion of the deferred sales charge payments not yet
collected. These deferred sales charge payments will be paid from funds in the
Capital Account, if sufficient, or from the periodic sale of Securities. The
total maximum sales charge will be 2.9% of the Public Offering Price (2.987%
of the aggregate value of the Securities in the Trust less the deferred sales
charge). See the "Fee Table" below and "Public Offering
Price--Offering Price".
<F4>On the Initial Date of Deposit there will be no cash in the Income or Capital
Accounts. Anyone ordering Units after such date will have included in the
Public Offering Price a pro rata share of any cash in such Accounts.
<F5>The Redemption Price per Unit and the Initial Secondary Market Repurchase
Price per Unit are reduced by the unpaid portion of the deferred sales charge.
<F6>The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
organizational costs (including costs of preparing the registration statement,
the trust indenture and other closing documents, registering Units with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the initial audit of the Trust
portfolio and the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee but not including
the expenses incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other
advertising materials and any other selling expenses) as is common for mutual
funds. Total organizational expenses will be amortized over the life of the
Trust and paid from funds in the Capital Account, if sufficient, or from the
sale of Securities. See "Fund Operating Expenses" and "Statement
of Condition". Historically, the sponsors of unit investment trusts have
paid all of the costs of establishing such trusts. Estimated Annual
Organizational Expenses per Unit have been estimated based on a projected
trust size of $25,000,000. To the extent the Trust is larger or smaller, the
actual organizational expenses paid by the Trust (and therefore by
Unitholders) will vary from the estimated amount set forth above.
</TABLE>
FEE TABLE
This Fee Table is intended to assist investors in understanding the costs and
expenses that an investor in the Trust will bear directly or indirectly. See
"Public Offering Price--Offering Price" and "Fund Operating Expenses".
Although the Trust has a term of approximately thirteen months, and is a
unit investment trust rather than a mutual fund, this information is presented
to permit a comparison of fees. The examples below assume that the principal
amount of and distributions on an investment are rolled over each year into a
new Aggressive Growth Series subject only to the anticipated reduced sales
charge applicable to Rollover Unitholders. See "Right of Unitholders--Special
Redemption and Rollover in New Fund." Investors should note that while these
examples are based on the public offering price and the estimated fees for the
current Aggressive Growth Series, the actual public offering price and fees for
any new Aggressive Growth Series created in the future periods indicated could
vary from those of the current Aggressive Growth Series.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unitholder Transaction Expenses (as of the Initial Date of Deposit) (as a percentage of offering Amount Per
price) 100 Units
<S> <C> <C>
Initial Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase........................................................... 1.00% <F1> $ 10.00
Deferred Sales Charge.............................................................................. 1.90% <F2> 19.00
2.90% $ 29.00
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Dividends .............................................. 1.90% <F3> $ 19.00
Estimated Annual Fund Operating Expenses (as of the Initial Date of Deposit) (as a percentage of
net assets)
Trustee's Fee ..................................................................................... 0.079% $ 0.80
Portfolio Supervision and Evaluation Fees ......................................................... 0.050% 0.50
Organizational Costs............................................................................... 0.177% 1.78
Other Operating Expenses .......................................................................... 0.035% 0.35
Total ............................................................................................. 0.341% $ 3.43
</TABLE>
Example
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cumulative Expenses Paid for Period of:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual
return and redemption at the end of each time period $ 32 $ 78 N/A N/A
The example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and
utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by Securities and Exchange
Commission regulations applicable to mutual funds. For purposes of the
examples, the deferred sales charge imposed on reinvestment of dividends is
not reflected until the year following payment of the dividend; the cumulative
expenses would be higher if sales charges on reinvested dividends were
reflected in the year of reinvestment. The examples should not be considered
representations of past or future expenses or annual rate of return; the
actual expenses and annual rate of return may be more or less than those
assumed for purposes of the examples.
<FN>
<F1>The Initial Sales Charge is actually the difference between 2.90% and the
maximum deferred sales charge ($19.00 per 100 Units) and would exceed 1% if
the Public Offering Price exceeds $1,000 per 100 Units.
<F2>The actual fee is $1.90 per month per 100 Units, irrespective of purchase or
redemption price, deducted over the 10 months commencing August 17, 1996. If a
holder sells or redeems Units before all of these deductions have been made,
the balance of the deferred sales charge payments remaining will be deducted
from the sales or redemption proceeds. If Unit price exceeds $10 per Unit, the
deferred portion of the sales charge will be less than 1.90%; if Unit price is
less than $10 per Unit, the deferred portion of the sales charge will exceed
1.90%. Units purchased subsequent to the initial deferred sales charge payment
will be subject to only that portion of the deferred sales charge payments not
yet collected.
<F3>Reinvested dividends will be subject only to the deferred sales charge
remaining at the time of reinvestment. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Reinvestment Option".
</TABLE>
THE FUND
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31 is comprised
of one unit investment trust: Aggressive Growth Series, Internet Trust 2. The
Fund was created under the laws of the State of New York pursuant to a Trust
Indenture and Trust Agreement (the "Trust Agreement"), dated the date
of this Prospectus (the "Initial Date of Deposit"), among Van Kampen
American Capital Distributors, Inc., as Sponsor, Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp., as Supervisor, The Bank of New York, as Trustee,
and American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van Kampen American
Capital Investment Advisory Corp., as Evaluator.
The Trust offers investors the opportunity to purchase Units representing
proportionate interests in a portfolio of actively traded equity securities
issued by companies engaged in either the enabling technology or
communications services areas of the Internet. Unless terminated earlier, the
Trust will terminate on the Mandatory Termination Date set forth under "
Summary of Essential Financial Information" and any Securities then held
will, within a reasonable time thereafter, be liquidated or distributed by the
Trustee. Any Securities liquidated at termination will be sold at the then
current market value for such Securities; therefore, the amount distributable
in cash to a Unitholder upon termination may be more or less than the amount
such Unitholder paid for his Units. Upon liquidation, Unitholders may choose
either to reinvest their proceeds into a subsequent Aggressive Growth Series,
if available, at a reduced sales charge, to receive a pro rata distribution of
the Securities then included in the Trust (if they own the requisite minimum
number of Units) or to receive a cash distribution.
On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited with the Trustee the
Securities indicated under "Portfolio" herein, including delivery
statements relating to contracts for the purchase of certain such Securities
and an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a financial institution in the
amount required for such purchases. Thereafter, the Trustee, in exchange for
such Securities (and contracts) so deposited, delivered to the Sponsor
documentation evidencing the ownership of that number of Units indicated in
"Summary of Essential Financial Information".
Additional Units of the Trust may be issued at any time by depositing in the
Trust additional Securities or contracts to purchase securities together with
irrevocable letters of credit or cash. As additional Units are issued by the
Trust as a result of the deposit of additional Securities by the Sponsor, the
aggregate value of the Securities in the Trust will be increased and the
fractional undivided interest in the Trust represented by each Unit will be
decreased. The Sponsor may continue to make additional deposits of Securities
into the Trust following the Initial Date of Deposit, provided that such
additional deposits will be in amounts which will maintain, as nearly as
practicable, the same percentage relationship among the number of shares of
each Equity Security in the Trust's portfolio that existed immediately prior
to any such subsequent deposit. Any deposit by the Sponsor of additional
Equity Securities will duplicate, as nearly as is practicable, this actual
proportionate relationship and not the original proportionate relationship on
the Initial Date of Deposit, since the actual proportionate relationship may
be different than the original proportionate relationship. Any such difference
may be due to the sale, redemption or liquidation of any of the Equity
Securities deposited in the Trust on the Initial, or any subsequent, Date of
Deposit.
Each Unit initially offered represents an undivided interest in the Trust. To
the extent that any Units are redeemed by the Trustee or additional Units are
issued as a result of additional Securities being deposited by the Sponsor,
the fractional undivided interest in the Trust represented by each unredeemed
Unit will increase or decrease accordingly, although the actual interest in
the Trust represented by such fraction will remain unchanged. Units will
remain outstanding until redeemed upon tender to the Trustee by Unitholders,
which may include the Sponsor, or until the termination of the Trust
Agreement.
OBJECTIVES AND SECURITIES SELECTION
The objective of the Trust is to provide the potential for capital
appreciation from a portfolio of equity securities involved in either the
enabling technology or communications services areas of the Internet. In
selecting the Securities, the Sponsor considered companies engaged in one or
more of the following Internet-related industry areas: manufacturers or
providers of enabling technology, access equipment, communications equipment,
service providers, access and value added services, and commerce and value
added services, software and network services. There is, of course, no
assurance that the Trust (which includes expenses and sales charges) will
achieve its objective.
It is currently estimated that approximately twenty-eight percent of U.S.
households have personal computers with that number growing significantly. The
projections for Internet penetration into homes and businesses are tremendous.
Recent estimates by Forester Research state that approximately six percent of
U.S. homes and ten percent of small U.S. businesses to sixty percent of large
U.S. businesses currently have access to the Internet, and these numbers are
expected to grow significantly by the year 2000. International access to the
Internet is also expected to experience a high level of growth by the year
2000. Currently, there are approximately 1 million Web sites with significant
growth expected in the near future. However, many authorities also expect
significant consolidation among Internet-related companies as this market
develops. Accordingly, an investment in the Trust should be considered to be
on the more aggressive end of the spectrum. For example, investors who would
be comfortable owning the individual securities in the Trust's portfolio might
find the Trust to be an appropriate investment. In addition, because
Internet-related companies are often subject to erratic market movements, the
Trust portfolio is diversified with companies involved in the creation of a
variety of products, equipment and/or services related to the Internet to help
manage this investment risk.
The Internet. The Internet is a massive network of networks, which connects
over 50,000 corporate, university, and government networks located in over 90
countries around the world. It was originally developed by the United States
Department of Defense in 1969 as a way to coordinate research at major
universities and government agencies with a network reliable enough to
withstand nuclear war. In 1992, the government opened the Internet to full
commercial use and financial backing by the U.S. government was withdrawn.
Since then, the Internet has been operated and expanded by the
interconnections of the more than 300 access providers, and growth has been
tremendous.
The World Wide Web is a technology for retrieving and processing data on the
Internet. The Internet has no physical presence. As described above, the
Internet is a network of computers which share a format for routing data. Home
computers do not typically have access to these networks except through one of
the dial-in on-line services like America Online, Prodigy or CompuServe. A Web
page is a publicly available computer file stored on a computer attached to
the Internet. These are called "web sites" and are what appears on a
computer screen when an on-line service retrieves information. Services that
index and store information exist which are called "spiders" and "
search engines." These services permit users to search the World Wide Web
for sites and information.
It is currently estimated that eighty percent of current Internet users are
limited to the ability to send and receive electronic mail (e-mail), leaving
approximately 8 million users capable of browsing the World Wide Web.
Currently, the Internet allows users to complete a variety of transactions,
access information from commercial, government and educational organizations,
and participate in thousands of "chat groups" from which users can
share and gather information.
The Aggressive Growth Series. The Aggressive Growth Series is a series of
shorter-term equity unit investment trusts geared toward the more aggressive
investor. Each Aggressive Growth Series trust invests in a portfolio of stocks
seeking high growth from the market's newest trends. The buy-and-hold
philosophy of a unit investment trust combined with an investment in the
aggressive end of the stock market leads to a shorter time horizon for the
investor. It is the intention of the Sponsor to create new trusts which will
be available for investment upon termination of each Aggressive Growth Series.
It is anticipated that each new Aggressive Growth Series trust will contain a
portfolio of common stocks of aggressive growth companies with an investment
objective of capital appreciation. See "Rights of Unitholders--Special
Redemption and Rollover in New Fund." This rollover investment strategy
allows the investor to reallocate his or her investment into a new trust
holding those companies that provide a greater potential, in the opinion of
the Sponsor, to achieve price appreciation over the following year.
The shorter terms of the Aggressive Growth Series trusts are aimed at taking
advantage of a marketplace that is changing rapidly. The shorter terms provide
investments that better take into consideration new companies going public,
consolidations of existing companies, development of new technologies and
other dynamic events which affect aggressive growth companies. It is the
intention of the Sponsor to offer a new Aggressive Growth Series at the
termination of the Trust which offers an investment which best responds to the
marketplace at that time. Accordingly, by continuing to roll over investments
into new Aggressive Growth Series trusts, over time an investor may benefit
from a long-term investment strategy that seeks to respond to current market
trends each year by investing in a different portfolio of aggressive growth
stocks.
Asset allocation is one of the most important parts of successful investing.
Asset allocation means spreading money among a number of investment classes
such as stocks, bonds and cash. Structuring a portfolio among different
classes may help spread risk, limit volatility and/or diversify opportunities
for return. Historically, stocks have outperformed bonds and cash by a
significant margin. According to Ibbotson Associates, from 1926-1995 the
Standard & Poor's 500 Index (an unmanaged composite measuring the performance
of 500 stocks from 83 industry groups) exhibited an annual average return of
10.5% (including reinvested dividends). Long-term U.S. government bonds
returned 5.2% and inflation (as measured by the Consumer Price Index) averaged
3.1% during the same period. While past performance is no indication of future
results, stocks may be an important part of an investment portfolio. Because
some stocks outperform others, the Aggressive Growth Series focuses on stocks
from a specific economic sector or market trend that Van Kampen American
Capital analysts believe has solid growth prospects. The historical
performance of the categories above is shown for illustrative purposes only;
it is not meant to forecast, imply or guarantee future performance of any
particular investment vehicle. It is important to note that stocks are
accompanied by higher volatility than bonds or investments dedicated to
capital preservation. Long-term government bonds are considered long-term
investments, and are subject to price fluctuations and the value of such bonds
declines as interest rates rise. The Trust is a short-term investment,
includes sales charges and expenses, and the value of the Securities may
fluctuate in a different manner than that of bonds.
In addition, equity investments may provide the potential to keep pace with or
outpace inflation. Inflation, the rise in prices of goods and services, can
eat away at an investor's savings. In fact, one dollar in 1975 is worth less
than 34 cents in spending power today. Many experts agree that retired
investors can no longer depend solely on conservative investments to maintain
their standard of living throughout their retirement years. According to the
National Center for Health Statistics, more than one-half of the people who
turn 65 in 1996 will live to be at least 80 years old. With life expectancies
growing longer and reforms to Social Security possible, an investor's money
set aside for retirement may have to stretch farther than originally planned.
By dedicating a modest portion of an investment portfolio toward more
aggressive investments, an investor may benefit from the potential returns
aggressive growth stocks may provide.
General. Investors will be subject to taxation on the dividend income, if any,
received by the Trust and on gains from the sale or liquidation of Securities.
Investors should be aware that there is not any guarantee that the objective
of the Trust will be achieved because it is subject to the continuing ability
of the respective issuers to declare and pay dividends and because the market
value of the Securities can be affected by a variety of factors. Common stocks
may be especially susceptible to general stock market movements and to
volatile increases and decreases of value as market confidence in and
perceptions of the issuers change. Investors should be aware that there can be
no assurance that the value of the underlying Securities will increase or that
the issuers of the Securities, which are primarily aggressive growth
companies, will pay dividends on outstanding common shares. Any distribution
of income will generally depend upon the declaration of dividends by the
issuers of the Securities and the declaration of any dividends depends upon
several factors including the financial condition of the issuers and general
economic conditions. See "Risk Factors".
Investors should note that the above criteria were applied to the Securities
for inclusion in the Trust as of the Initial Date of Deposit. Subsequent to
the Initial Date of Deposit, the Securities may no longer meet the criteria
necessary for inclusion on the Initial Date of Deposit. Should a Security fail
to meet such criteria following the Initial Date of Deposit, such Security
will not as a result thereof be removed from the portfolio.
Investors should be aware that the Fund is not a "managed" fund and as
a result the adverse financial condition of a company will not result in its
elimination from the portfolio except under extraordinary circumstances (see
"Fund Administration--Portfolio Administration"). In addition,
Securities will not be sold by the Trust to take advantage of market
fluctuations or changes in anticipated rates of appreciation. Investors should
note in particular that the Securities were selected by the Sponsor prior to
the date the Securities were purchased by the Trust. The Trust may continue to
hold Securities originally selected through this process even though the
evaluation of the attractiveness of the Securities may have changed and, if
the evaluation were performed again at that time, the Securities would not be
selected for the Trust.
TRUST PORTFOLIO
The Trust consists of a diversified portfolio of 30 different issues of
Securities which may be engaged in one or more of the following
Internet-related industry areas: manufacturers or providers of enabling
technology, access equipment, communications equipment, service providers,
access and value added services, and commerce and value added services,
software and network services. All of the issuers of the Securities have
significant business interests in the Internet or Internet-related products or
services. All of the Securities are listed on a national securities exchange,
the NASDAQ National Market System or are traded in the over-the-counter
market. The following is a general description of each of the companies
included in the Trust.
America Online, Inc. America Online, Inc. provides a wide variety of online
services to consumers in the United States. The company's services include
electronic mail, conferencing, computing support, software, electronic
magazines and newspapers and online classes. America Online markets its
services to consumers through magazine advertising, direct mail and by
establishing alliances with media companies. The company's Internet address is
www.aol.com.
Ascend Communications, Inc. Ascend Communications, Inc. develops,
manufactures, sells and supports a broad range of high-speed digital wide area
network access products. These products use bandwidth on demand to enhance and
extend existing corporate networks for applications such as remote LAN access,
Internet access, bulk file transfer, videoconferencing, imaging and integrated
voice, data and video access. The company's Internet address is www.ascend.com.
CKS Group, Inc. CKS Group, Inc. provides integrated marketing communication
services that help their client companies market their products, services and
messages. The company provides strategic corporate and product positioning,
corporate identity and product branding, new media, packaging, collateral
systems, advertising, direct mail, consumer promotions, trade promotions and
media placement services. The company's Internet address is www.cks.com.
Cascade Communications Corporation. Cascade Communications Corporation
designs, develops and maintains a line of multi-service wide area network
(WAN) switches. The switches allow network users to direct and manage
communications across WANs that use different network services. Cascade
markets its products to public network carriers including Competitive Access
Providers, Regional Bell Operating Companies and local carriers. The company's
Internet address is www.cascade. com.
Cisco Systems, Inc. Cisco System, Inc. develops, manufactures, markets and
supports multi-protocol internetworking systems that enable customers to build
large scale computer networks. The principal products include routers with
concurrent bridging and terminal servers. The company sells its products
internationally to system integrators who then resell the products primarily
to government customers. The company's Internet address is www.cisco.com.
Cylink Corporation. Cylink Corporation supplies network information security
products that enable the secure transmission of data over private local area
networks, wide area networks and public packet switched networks. The
company's information security products line provides integrated solutions
that include the prevention of unauthorized network access and identification
of information senders. The company's Internet address is www.cylink.com.
FORE Systems, Inc. FORE Systems, Inc. produces and sells high-performance
networking products that use asynchronous transfer mode technology. The
company produces switches, adapter cards, network management software and
other products for video, audio and data communications and computer
applications. FORE Systems markets its products internationally. The company's
Internet address is www.fore.com.
Gartner Group, Inc. Gartner Group, Inc. provides market research, analysis and
advisory services to information technology professional and organizations.
The company distributes its products to nearly 17,000 clients worldwide. It
has focused its global network throughout Southeast Asia and Japan. Through
its subsidiary, Relational Courseware, Inc., Gartner develops and markets
Windows-based computer products. The company's Internet address is
www.gartner.com.
Informix Corporation. Informix Corporation develops and markets computer
software. The company produces database management programs and combination
database management, word processor and spreadsheet packages which run on
minicomputers, microcomputers and personal computers. Informix sells its
software in the United States, Japan and other countries. The company's
Internet address is www.informix.com.
McAfee Associates, Inc. McAfee Associates, Inc. develops, markets and
distributes personal computer software designed for electronic distribution.
Products include antivirus, access-control, asset management, metering,
software distribution and remote control software products. Electronic
distribution allows the company to distribute its products and upgrades more
rapidly than traditional shipping methods. The company's Internet address is
www.mcafee.com.
Microcom, Inc. Microcom, Inc. manufactures and markets workstation
connectivity products. The products consist of hardware and software necessary
to connect computers and allow them to share information and resources,
regardless of geographic locations. Customers include corporations, insurance
and banking institutions, government organizations and medical institutions.
The company's Internet address is www.microcom.com.
Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft Corporation develops, manufactures, licenses
and supports computer software products. The company offers "Microsoft
MS-DOS", "Microsoft Windows" and "Microsoft Windows 95"
operating systems. Microsoft also offers "Microsoft Access",
"Microsoft FoxPro", "Microsoft SQL Server" and "Microsoft
Excel" networking, database and spreadsheet programs, books and other
computer products. The company's Internet address is www.microsoft.com.
Newbridge Networks Corporation. Newbridge Networks Corporation designs,
manufactures and markets voice and data communications equipment. The products
enable corporations and common carriers to build, expand and manage
communications networks worldwide. Products are used to manage digital links
that transport voice, data, fax and video among geographically dispersed
computers. The company's Internet address is www.newbridge.com.
Netscape Communications Corporation. Netscape Communications Corporation
provides software for the exchange of information and commerce over the
Internet or private Internet Protocol networks. The company designs its
products for high performance, ease of use and security. Netscape sells its
products worldwide. The company's Internet address is www.netscape.com.
Oracle Corporation. Oracle Corporation designs, develops, markets and supports
computer software products with a variety of uses, including database
management, applications development, decision support, end user applications
and office automation. Oracle's primary product, the Oracle Relational
Database Management System, runs on a broad range of mainframes,
minicomputers, microcomputers and PC's. The company's Internet address is
www.oracle.com.
PairGain Technologies, Inc. PairGain Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures,
markets and supports products that allow telecommunications carriers and
private networks to more efficiently provide high speed digital service over
standard copper wires. Using High bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line ("HDSL")
technology, PairGain's products allow for high speed data
transmission for area networking and teleconferencing. The company's Internet
address is www.pairgain.com.
Premenos Technology Corporation. Premenos Technology Corporation develops,
markets and supports electronic software products and services that allow
businesses to exchange information using e-mail and other software. The
company's products are designed to provide for the timely, accurate,
cost-effective and secure transfer of data between a business and its trading
partners, suppliers and customers. The company's Internet address is
www.premenos.com.
Raptor Systems, Inc. Raptor Systems, Inc. develops, markets, licenses and
supports a family of integrated network security software products. The
company's products address network security for the Internet, LANs and
Intranets, mobile PC users, remote sites and enterprise security management.
The company's Internet address is www.raptor.com.
Rational Software Corporation. Rational Software Corporation designs, markets
and supports a comprehensive solution for developing software applications.
The company provides software products and services for the critical phases of
the software-development process, from business engineering and system
engineering, through analysis and design, to implementation, delivery and
maintenance. The company's Internet address is www.rational.com.
Red Brick Systems, Inc. Red Brick Systems, Inc. is a provider of relational
database products and service for data warehouse applications. The company
specializes in client server data warehouse databases, administration tools
and connectivity software. The company's Internet address is www.redbrick.com.
Remedy Corporation. Remedy Corporation designs, manufactures and markets
client/server software. The company's "Action Request System" is
designed specifically to improve quality of service for help desk and support
organizations by tracking data such as average time per customer call, calls
by severity level and calls by department. The company's Internet address is
www.remedy.com.
Security Dynamics Technologies, Inc. Security Dynamics Technologies, Inc.
designs, develops, markets and supports a family of security products used to
produce and manage access to computer-based information resources. SDI's "
SecurID Card" generates a unique sequence of pseudo-random codes at set
intervals. To log-in, a user is asked to enter both a personal identification
number and the code which appears on the card. The company's Internet address
is www.securid.com.
Shiva Corporation. Shiva Corporation is a global, full-line provider of remote
access solutions, systems and services. The company's products enable users
and user sites to connect with corporate information resources, online
services and the Internet. Shiva software and hardware are marketed by several
computer and communications equipment manufacturers and telecommunications
companies. The company's Internet address is www.shiva.com.
Spyglass, Inc. Spyglass, Inc. provides World Wide Web technologies that allow
corporations to offer products and services for the Internet. The company's
principal product, "Enhanced Mosaic", is an Internet browser which
provides graphical point-and-click access to the Web. The "Spyglass
Server", a similar software system, also accesses the Web using Window/NT
and UNIX platforms. The company's Internet address is www.spyglass.com.
Sterling Commerce, Inc. Sterling Commerce, Inc. provides electronic data
interchange (EDI) and other electronic commerce products and services
worldwide. The company offers this service to customers in industries such as
retailing, banking and pharmaceuticals. Electronic commerce involves the
automation of business-to-business transactions via telecommunications and
computers. The company's Internet address is www.csd.sterling.com.
Sun Microsystems, Inc. Sun Microsystems, Inc. is a supplier of
high-performance workstations, servers and networking software. The company
primarily designs its products for the engineering, scientific, commercial and
technical markets. Sun Microsystems sells its products in the United States,
Europe and Pacific Basin. The company's Internet address is www.sun.com.
U.S. Robotics Corporation. U.S. Robotics Corporation designs, manufactures,
markets and supports high performance data communications products and systems
targeted to business and professional users worldwide. The company sells a
broad product line of dial-up modems, network management systems and data
communications software. The company's Internet address is www.usr.com.
Verifone, Inc. Verifone, Inc. is a global provider of Transaction Automation
and Internet commerce solutions. The company's product delivers electronic
payment services to financial institutions, retail merchants and consumers,
government agencies, healthcare providers and benefits recipients. Verifone
has facilities located in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and
Australia. The company's Internet address is www.verifone.com.
Verity, Inc. Verity, Inc. develops, markets and supports software tools and
applications that enable users to locate and disseminate textual information
on enterprise networks, online services, the Internet and other databases. The
company's products include "Topic WebSearcher", "Topic News
Server" and "Topic Enterprise Server". The company's Internet
address is www.verity.com.
Xylan Corporation. Xylan Corporation provides high-bandwidth switching systems
that enhance the performance of existing local area networks and facilitate
migration to next generation networking technologies such as ATM, LAN and
virtual LANs. The company's products are used by manufacturing, computer
services, telecommunication, media and finance, the federal government and
medical organizations. The company's Internet address is www.xylan.com.
The Sponsor has not reviewed and makes no representation as to the accuracy or
adequacy of any information accessible through any company's Internet address
set forth above.
The Trust consists (a) of the Equity Securities (including contracts for the
purchase thereof) listed under the "Portfolio" as may continue to be
held from time to time in the Trust, (b) any additional Equity Securities
acquired and held by the Trust pursuant to the provisions of the Trust
Agreement and (c) any cash held in the Income and Capital Accounts. Neither
the Sponsor nor the Trustee shall be liable in any way for any failure in any
of the Equity Securities. However, should any contract for the purchase of any
of the Equity Securities initially deposited hereunder fail, the Sponsor will,
unless substantially all of the moneys held in the Trust to cover such
purchase are reinvested in substitute Equity Securities in accordance with the
Trust Agreement, refund the cash and sales charge attributable to such failed
contract to all Unitholders on or before the next scheduled distribution date.
Investors should note that the above criteria were applied to the Equity
Securities selected for inclusion in the Trust portfolio as of the date
indicated above. Since the Sponsor may deposit additional Equity Securities
which were originally selected through this process, the Sponsor may continue
to sell Units of the Trust even though the Equity Securities would no longer
be chosen for deposit into the Trust if the selection process were to be made
again at a later time.
RISK FACTORS
General. An investment in Units should be made with an understanding of the
risks which an investment in common stocks entails, including the risk that
the financial condition of the issuers of the Equity Securities or the general
condition of the common stock market may worsen and the value of the Equity
Securities and therefore the value of the Units may decline. Common stocks are
especially susceptible to general stock market movements and to volatile
increases and decreases of value as market confidence in and perceptions of
the issuers change. These perceptions are based on unpredictable factors
including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal
policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and
global or regional political, economic or banking crises. Shareholders of
common stocks have rights to receive payments from the issuers of those common
stocks that are generally subordinate to those of creditors of, or holders of
debt obligations or preferred stocks of, such issuers. Shareholders of common
stocks of the type held by the Trust have a right to receive dividends only
when and if, and in the amounts, declared by each issuer's board of directors
and have a right to participate in amounts available for distribution by such
issuer only after all other claims on such issuer have been paid or provided
for. Common stocks do not represent an obligation of the issuer and,
therefore, do not offer any assurance of income or provide the same degree of
protection of capital as do debt securities. The issuance of additional debt
securities or preferred stock will create prior claims for payment of
principal, interest and dividends which could adversely affect the ability and
inclination of the issuer to declare or pay dividends on its common stock or
the rights of holders of common stock with respect to assets of the issuer
upon liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of common stocks is subject to
market fluctuations for as long as the common stocks remain outstanding, and
thus the value of the Equity Securities in a portfolio may be expected to
fluctuate over the life of the Trust to values higher or lower than those
prevailing on the Initial Date of Deposit.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred stocks and
debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the entity, have
generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in comparison
with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or preferred
stocks issued by, the issuer. Cumulative preferred stock dividends must be
paid before common stock dividends and any cumulative preferred stock dividend
omitted is added to future dividends payable to the holders of cumulative
preferred stock. Preferred stockholders are also generally entitled to rights
on liquidation which are senior to those of common stockholders.
Whether or not the Equity Securities are listed on a national securities
exchange, the principal trading market for the Equity Securities may be in the
over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading market
for the Equity Securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in
the Equity Securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made
for any of the Equity Securities, that any market for the Equity Securities
will be maintained or of the liquidity of the Equity Securities in any markets
made. In addition, the Trust may be restricted under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 from selling Equity Securities to the Sponsor. The price at which
the Equity Securities may be sold to meet redemptions, and the value of the
Trust, will be adversely affected if trading markets for the Equity Securities
are limited or absent.
As described under "Trust Operating Expenses," all of the expenses of
the Trust will be paid from the sale of Securities from the Trust. It is
expected that such sales will be made at the end of the initial offering
period and each month thereafter through termination of the Trust. Such sales
will result in capital gains and losses and may be made at times and prices
which adversely affect the Trust. For a discussion of the tax consequences of
such sales, see "Federal Taxation."
Unitholders will be unable to dispose of any of the Equity Securities, as
such, and will not be able to vote the Equity Securities. As the holder of the
Equity Securities, the Trustee will have the right to vote all of the voting
stocks in the Trust and will vote such stocks in accordance with the
instructions of the Sponsor. In the absence of any such instructions by the
Sponsor, the Trustee will vote such stocks so as to insure that the stocks are
voted as closely as possible in the same manner and the same general
proportion as are shares held by owners other than the Trust.
Internet-Related Technology Companies. An investment in Units of the Trust
should be made with an understanding of the characteristics of the technology
industry and the risks which such an investment may entail. Technology
companies generally include companies involved in the development, design,
manufacture and sale of computers, computer related equipment, computer
networks, communications systems, telecommunications products, electronic
products, and other related products, systems and services. The market for
technology products and services, especially those specifically related to the
Internet, is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product
obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and
frequent new product introductions. The success of the issuers of the
Securities depends in substantial part on the timely and successful
introduction of new products. An unexpected change in one or more of the
technologies affecting an issuer's products or in the market for products
based on a particular technology could have a material adverse affect on an
issuer's operating results. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the
issuers of the Securities will be able to respond timely to compete in the
rapidly developing marketplace or that the Internet will continue to be
accepted as a means of communication and commerce.
The market for Internet-related products and services has only recently begun
to develop, is rapidly evolving and is characterized by an increasing number
of market entrants who have introduced or developed products and services for
communication and commerce over the Internet. The industry is young and has
few proven products and services. Moreover, critical issues concerning the
commercial use of the Internet (including security, cost, ease of use and
access, and quality of service) remain unresolved and may impact the growth of
Internet use. Additionally, many Internet-related companies have only recently
commenced operations or offered equity securities to the public. In
particular, it is important for investors to note that the initial public
offerings of a substantial number of the issues included in the Trust occurred
only within the last two years. Such companies are in the early stage of
development and have a limited operating history on which to analyze future
operating results. Such securities are generally regarded as speculative
investments. It is important to note that following its initial public
offering a security is likely to experience substantial stock price volatility
and speculative trading. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that upon
redemption of Units or termination of the Trust a Unitholder will receive an
amount greater than or equal to the Unitholder's initial investment.
There can be no assurance that commerce and communication over the Internet
will become widespread or that any related products or services will become
widely adopted for these purposes. If the market fails to develop, develops
more slowly than expected, becomes saturated with competitors or certain
products or services do not achieve market acceptance, the financial condition
of the issuers of the Securities could be materially adversely affected. In
addition, due to the increasing use of the Internet, it is possible that
various laws and regulations may be adopted addressing issues such as privacy,
pricing, characteristics, and quality of Internet products and services. For
example, recent proposals would prohibit distribution of obscene, lascivious
or indecent communications on the Internet. The adoption of any such laws
could have a material adverse impact on the Securities in the Trust.
Based on trading history, factors such as announcements of new products or
development of new technologies and general conditions of the industry have
caused and are likely to cause the market price of technology common stocks to
fluctuate substantially. In addition, technology company stocks have
experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that often have been
unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. This market
volatility may adversely affect the market price of the Securities and
therefore the ability of a Unitholder to redeem Units, or roll over Units into
a new trust, at a price equal to or greater than the original price paid for
such Units.
Some key components of certain products of technology issuers are currently
available only from single sources. There can be no assurance that in the
future suppliers will be able to meet the demand for components in a timely
and cost effective manner. Accordingly, an issuer's operating results and
customer relationships could be adversely affected by either an increase in
price for, or an interruption or reduction in supply of, any key components.
Additionally, many technology issuers are characterized by a highly
concentrated customer base consisting of a limited number of large customers
who may require product vendors to comply with rigorous and constantly
developing industry standards. Any failure to comply with such standards may
result in a significant loss or reduction of sales. Because many products and
technologies of Internet-related companies are incorporated into other related
products, such companies are often highly dependent on the performance of
other computer, electronics and communications companies (many of which are
included in the Trust's portfolio). There can be no assurance that these
customers will place additional orders, or that an issuer of Securities will
obtain orders of similar magnitude as past orders from other customers.
Similarly, the success of many Internet-related companies is tied to a
relatively small concentration of products or technologies with intense
competition between companies. Accordingly, a decline in demand of such
products, technologies or from such customers could have a material adverse
impact on issuers of the Securities.
Certain issuers of the Securities derive a significant amount of business in
foreign markets. Many countries, especially emerging market countries, have
regulatory requirements that differ from U.S. requirements and are
characterized by less developed and more volatile economies. International
sales and operations are subject to certain risks, including unexpected
changes in regulatory environments, exchange rates, tariffs and other
barriers, political and economic instability and potentially adverse tax
consequences. All of these factors could have a material adverse impact on the
financial condition of certain issuers.
Many technology companies rely on a combination of patents, copyrights,
trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary
rights in their products and technologies. There can be no assurance that the
steps taken by the issuers of the Securities to protect their proprietary
rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of their technology or
that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are
substantially equivalent or superior to such issuers' technology.
TAXATION
General. The following is a general discussion of certain of the federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
Units. The summary is limited to investors who hold the Units as capital
assets (generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section
1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"). Unitholders
should consult their tax advisers in determining the federal, state, local and
any other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Units
in the Trust.
In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, special counsel for the Sponsor, under
existing law:
1. The Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for federal income
tax purposes; each Unitholder will be treated as the owner of a pro rata
portion of each of the assets of the Trust under the Code; and the income of
the Trust will be treated as income of the Unitholders thereof under the Code.
Each Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro rata share of
income derived from the Trust asset when such income is considered to be
received by the Trust.
2. A Unitholder will be considered to have received all of the dividends paid
on his pro rata portion of each Equity Security when such dividends are
received by the Trust regardless of whether such dividends are used to pay a
portion of the deferred sales charge. Unitholders will be taxed in this manner
regardless of whether distributions from the Trust are actually received by
the Unitholder or are automatically reinvested (see "Rights of
Unitholders--Reinvestment Option").
3. Each Unitholder will have a taxable event when the Trust disposes of a
Security (whether by sale, exchange, liquidation, redemption, or otherwise) or
upon the sale or redemption of Units by such Unitholder (except to the extent
an in kind distribution of stock is received by such Unitholder as described
below). The price a Unitholder pays for his Units generally, including sales
charges, is allocated among his pro rata portion of each Security held by the
Trust (in proportion to the fair market values thereof on the valuation date
nearest to the date the Unitholder purchases his Units) in order to determine
his tax basis for his pro rata portion of each Security held by the Trust. For
federal income tax purposes, a Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends as
defined by Section 316 of the Code paid with respect to a Security held by the
Trust is taxable as ordinary income to the extent of such corporation's
current and accumulated "earnings and profits". A Unitholder's pro
rata portion of dividends paid on such Security which exceed such current and
accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce a Unitholder's tax basis in
such Security, and to the extent that such dividends exceed a Unitholder's tax
basis in such Security shall generally be treated as capital gain. In general,
any such capital gain will be short-term unless a Unitholder has held his
Units for more than one year.
4. A Unitholder's portion of gain, if any, upon the sale or redemption of
Units or the disposition of Securities held by the Trust will generally be
considered a capital gain except in the case of a dealer or a financial
institution and, will generally be long-term if the Unitholder has held his
Units for more than one year (the date on which the Units are acquired (i.e.,
the "trade date") is excluded for purposes of determining whether the
Units have been held for more than one year). A Unitholder's portion of loss,
if any, upon the sale or redemption of Units or the disposition of Securities
held by the Trust will generally be considered a capital loss (except in the
case of a dealer or a financial institution) and, in general, will be
long-term if the Unitholder has held his Units for more than one year.
Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the recognition of
gains and losses for federal income tax purposes. In particular, a Rollover
Unitholder should be aware that a Rollover Unitholder's loss, if any, incurred
in connection with the exchange of Units for units in the next new Aggressive
Growth Series (the "1997 Fund") will generally be disallowed with
respect to the disposition of any Securities pursuant to such exchange to the
extent that such Unitholder is considered the owner of substantially identical
securities under the wash sale provisions of the Code taking into account such
Unitholder's deemed ownership of the securities underlying the Units in the
1997 Fund in the manner described above, if such substantially identical
securities were acquired within a period beginning 30 days before and ending
30 days after such disposition. However, any gains incurred in connection with
such an exchange by a Rollover Unitholder would be recognized.
Deferred Sales Charge. Generally, the tax basis of a Unitholder includes sales
charges, and such charges are not deductible. A portion of the sales charge
for the Trust is deferred. It is possible that for federal income tax purposes
a portion of the deferred sales charge may be treated as interest which would
be deductible by a Unitholder subject to limitations on the deduction of
investment interest. In such a case, the non-interest portion of the deferred
sales charge would be added to the Unitholder's tax basis in his Units. The
deferred sales charge could cause the Unitholder's Units to be considered to
be debt-financed under Section 246A of the Code which would result in a small
reduction of the dividends-received deduction. In any case, the income (or
proceeds from redemption) a Unitholder must take into account for federal
income tax purposes is not reduced by amounts deducted to pay the deferred
sales charge. Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers as to the
income tax consequences of the deferred sales charge.
Dividends Received Deduction. A corporation that owns Units will generally be
entitled to a 70% dividends received deduction with respect to such
Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends received by the Trust (to the
extent such dividends are taxable as ordinary income, as discussed above, and
are attributable to domestic corporations) in the same manner as if such
corporation directly owned the Securities paying such dividends (other than
corporate shareholders, such as "S" corporations, which are not
eligible for the deduction because of their special characteristics and other
than for purposes of special taxes such as the accumulated earnings tax and
the personal holding corporation tax). However, a corporation owning Units
should be aware that Sections 246 and 246A of the Code impose additional
limitations on the eligibility of dividends for the 70% dividends received
deduction. These limitations include a requirement that stock (and therefore
Units) must generally be held at least 46 days (as determined under Section
246(c) of the Code). Final regulations have been recently issued which address
special rules that must be considered in determining whether the 46 day
holding period requirement is met. Moreover, the allowable percentage of the
deduction will be reduced from 70% if a corporate Unitholder owns certain
stock (or Units) the financing of which is directly attributable to
indebtedness incurred by such corporation. It should be noted that various
legislative proposals that would affect the dividends received deduction have
been introduced. Unitholders should consult with their tax advisers with
respect to the limitations on and possible modifications to the dividends
received deduction.
Limitations on Deductibility of Trust Expenses by Unitholders. Each
Unitholder's pro rata share of each expense paid by the Trust is deductible by
the Unitholder to the same extent as though the expense had been paid directly
by him. It should be noted that as a result of the Tax Reform Act of 1986,
certain miscellaneous itemized deductions, such as investment expenses, tax
return preparation fees and employee business expenses will be deductible by
an individual only to the extent they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted
gross income. Unitholders may be required to treat some or all of the expenses
of the Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this limitation.
Recognition of Taxable Gain or Loss Upon Disposition of Securities by the
Trust or Disposition of Units. As discussed above, a Unitholder may recognize
taxable gain (or loss) when a Security is disposed of by the Trust or if the
Unitholder disposes of a Unit (although losses incurred by Rollover
Unitholders may be subject to disallowance, as discussed above). For taxpayers
other than corporations, net capital gains are subject to a maximum marginal
stated tax rate of 28%. However, it should be noted that legislative proposals
are introduced from time to time that affect tax rates and could affect
relative differences at which ordinary income and capital gains are taxed.
"The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993" (the "Tax Act")
raised tax rates on ordinary income while capital gains remain subject to a
28% maximum stated rate for taxpayers other than corporations. Because some or
all capital gains are taxed at a comparatively lower rate under the Tax Act,
the Tax Act includes a provision that recharacterizes capital gains as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
"conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered into after
April 30, 1993. Unitholders and prospective investors should consult with
their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this provision on their
investment in Units.
If a Unitholder disposes of a Unit he is deemed thereby to have disposed of
his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the Trust involved including his
pro rata portion of all Securities represented by a Unit.
Special Tax Consequences of In Kind Distributions Upon Redemption of Units or
Termination of the Trust. As discussed in "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units," under certain circumstances a
Unitholder tendering Units for redemption may request an In Kind Distribution.
A Unitholder may also under certain circumstances request an In Kind
Distribution upon the termination of the Trust. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units". The Unitholder requesting an In Kind
Distribution will be liable for expenses related thereto (the
"Distribution Expenses") and the amount of such In Kind Distribution will
be reduced by the amount of the Distribution Expenses. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units". As previously discussed, prior to the
redemption of Units or the termination of the Trust, a Unitholder is
considered as owning a pro rata portion of each of the Trust assets for
federal income tax purposes. The receipt of an In Kind Distribution will
result in a Unitholder receiving an undivided interest in whole shares of
stock plus, possibly, cash.
The potential tax consequences that may occur under an In Kind Distribution
with respect to each Security owned by the Trust will depend on whether or not
a Unitholder receives cash in addition to Securities. A "Security" for
this purpose is a particular class of stock issued by a particular
corporation. A Unitholder will not recognize gain or loss if a Unitholder only
receives Securities in exchange for his or her pro rata portion in the
Securities held by the Trust. However, if a Unitholder also receives cash in
exchange for a fractional share of a Security held by the Trust, such
Unitholder will generally recognize gain or loss based upon the difference
between the amount of cash received by the Unitholder and his tax basis in
such fractional share of a Security held by the Trust.
Because the Trust will own many Securities, a Unitholder who requests an In
Kind Distribution will have to analyze the tax consequences with respect to
each Security owned by the Trust. The amount of taxable gain (or loss)
recognized upon such exchange will generally equal the sum of the gain (or
loss) recognized under the rules described above by such Unitholder with
respect to each Security owned by the Trust. Unitholders who request an In
Kind Distribution are advised to consult their tax advisers in this regard.
As discussed in "Rights of Unitholders--Special Redemption and Rollover in
New Fund," a Unitholder may elect to become a Rollover Unitholder. To the
extent a Rollover Unitholder exchanges his Units for Units of the 1997 Fund in
a taxable transaction, such Unitholder will recognize gains, if any, but
generally will not be entitled to a deduction for any losses recognized upon
the disposition of any Securities pursuant to such exchange to the extent that
such Unitholder is considered the owner of substantially identical securities
under the wash sale provisions of the Code taking into account such
Unitholder's deemed ownership of the securities underlying the Units in the
1997 Fund in the manner described above, if such substantially identical
securities were acquired within a period beginning 30 days before and ending
30 days after such disposition under the wash sale provisions contained in
Section 1091 of the Code. In the event a loss is disallowed under the wash
sale provisions, special rules contained in Section 1091(d) of the Code apply
to determine the Unitholder's tax basis in the securities acquired. Rollover
Unitholders are advised to consult their tax advisers.
Computation of the Unitholder's Tax Basis. Initially, a Unitholder's tax basis
in his Units will generally equal the price paid by such Unitholder for his
Units. The cost of the Units is allocated among the Securities held in the
Trust in accordance with the proportion of the fair market values of such
Securities on the valuation date nearest the date the Units are purchased in
order to determine such Unitholder's tax basis for his pro rata portion of
each Security.
A Unitholder's tax basis in his Units and his pro rata portion of a Security
held by the Trust will be reduced to the extent dividends paid with respect to
such Security are received by the Trust which are not taxable as ordinary
income as described above.
Other Matters. Each Unitholder will be requested to provide the Unitholder's
taxpayer identification number to the Trustee and to certify that the
Unitholder has not been notified that payments to the Unitholder are subject
to back-up withholding. If the proper taxpayer identification number and
appropriate certification are not provided when requested, distributions by
the Trust to such Unitholder (including amounts received upon the redemption
of Units) will be subject to back-up withholding. Distributions by the Trust
(other than those that are not treated as United States source income, if any)
will generally be subject to United States income taxation and withholding in
the case of Units held by non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations
or other non-United States persons. Such persons should consult their tax
advisers. On December 7, 1995, the U.S. Treasury Department released proposed
legislation that, if adopted, could affect the United States federal income
taxation of non-United States Unitholders and the portion of the Trust's
income allocable to non-United States Unitholders. Similar language, which
would be effective on the date of enactment, was included in the Health
Insurance Reform Bill as passed by the U.S. Senate on April 23, 1996.
At the termination of the Trust, the Trustee will furnish to each Unitholder a
statement containing information relating to the dividends received by the
Trust on the Securities, the gross proceeds received by the Trust from the
disposition of any Security (resulting from redemption or the sale of any
Security), and the fees and expenses paid by the Trust. The Trustee will also
furnish annual information returns to Unitholders and to the Internal Revenue
Service.
Unitholders desiring to purchase Units for tax-deferred plans and IRAs should
consult their broker-dealers for details on establishing such accounts. Units
may also be purchased by persons who already have self-directed plans
established.
In the opinion of Kroll & Tract, special counsel to the Fund for New York tax
matters, the Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and the
income of the Trust will be treated as the income of the Unitholders under the
existing income tax laws of the State and City of New York.
The foregoing discussion relates only to the tax treatment of U.S. Unitholders
("U.S. Unitholders") with regard to federal and certain aspects of New
York State and City income taxes. Unitholders may be subject to taxation in
New York or in other jurisdictions and should consult their own tax advisers
in this regard. As used herein, the term "U.S. Unitholder" means an
owner of a Unit of the Trust that (a) is (i) for United States federal income
tax purposes a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation,
partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States or of any political subdivision thereof, or (iii) an estate or
trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation
regardless of its source or (b) does not qualify as a U.S. Unitholder in
paragraph (a) but whose income from a Unit is effectively connected with such
Unitholder's conduct of a United States trade or business. The term also
includes certain former citizens of the United States whose income and gain on
the Units will be taxable.
FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
Compensation of Sponsor and Evaluator. The Sponsor will not receive any fees
in connection with its activities relating to the Fund. However, Van Kampen
American Capital Investment Advisory Corp., which is a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Sponsor, will receive an annual supervisory fee which is not to exceed
the amount set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial Information",
for providing portfolio supervisory services for the Fund. Such fee (which
is based on the number of Units outstanding on January 1 of each year except
during the initial offering period in which event the calculation is based on
the number of Units outstanding at the end of the month of such calculation)
may exceed the actual costs of providing such supervisory services for this
Trust, but at no time will the total amount received for portfolio supervisory
services rendered to Series 1 and subsequent series of Van Kampen Merritt
Equity Opportunity Trust or its successors (Van Kampen American Capital Equity
Opportunity Trust) and to any other unit investment trusts sponsored by the
Sponsor for which the Supervisor provides portfolio supervisory services in
any calendar year exceed the aggregate cost to the Supervisor of supplying
such services in such year. In addition, American Portfolio Evaluation
Services, which is a division of Van Kampen American Capital Investment
Advisory Corp., shall receive for regularly providing evaluation services to
the Fund the annual per Unit evaluation fee set forth under "Summary of
Essential Financial Information" (which is based on the number of Units
outstanding on January 1 of each year for which such compensation relates
except during the initial offering period in which event the calculation is
based on the number of Units outstanding at the end of the month of such
calculation) for regularly evaluating the Fund portfolio. The fees set forth
herein are payable as described under "General" below. Both of the
foregoing fees may be increased without approval of the Unitholders by amounts
not exceeding proportionate increases under the category "All Services
Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price Index published by the United
States Department of Labor or, if such category is no longer published, in a
comparable category. The Sponsor will receive sales commissions and may
realize other profits (or losses) in connection with the sale of Units and the
deposit of the Securities as described under "Public Offering--Sponsor and
Other Compensation".
Trustee's Fee. For its services the Trustee will receive the annual per Unit
fee from the Trust set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial
Information" (which is based on the number of Units outstanding at the end
of the month of such calculation until July 16, 1996 at which time such
calculation is based on the number of Units outstanding on such date). The
fees set forth herein are payable as described under "General" below.
The Trustee benefits to the extent there are funds for future distributions,
payment of expenses and redemptions in the Capital and Income Accounts since
these Accounts are non-interest bearing and the amounts earned by the Trustee
are retained by the Trustee. Part of the Trustee's compensation for its
services to the Trust is expected to result from the use of these funds. Such
fees may be increased without approval of the Unitholders by amounts not
exceeding proportionate increases under the category "All Services Less
Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price Index published by the United
States Department of Labor or, if such category is no longer published, in a
comparable category. For a discussion of the services rendered by the Trustee
pursuant to its obligations under the Trust Agreement, see "Rights of
Unitholders--Reports Provided" and "Fund Administration".
Miscellaneous Expenses. Expenses incurred in establishing the Trust, including
the cost of the initial preparation of documents relating to the Trust
(including the Prospectus, Trust Agreement and closing documents), federal and
state registration fees, the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee, legal
and accounting expenses, payment of closing fees and any other out-of-pocket
expenses, will be paid by the Trust and amortized over the life of the Trust.
The following additional charges are or may be incurred by the Trust: (a)
normal expenses (including the cost of mailing reports to Unitholders)
incurred in connection with the operation of the Trust, (b) fees of the
Trustee for extraordinary services, (c) expenses of the Trustee (including
legal and auditing expenses) and of counsel designated by the Sponsor, (d)
various governmental charges, (e) expenses and costs of any action taken by
the Trustee to protect the Trust and the rights and interests of Unitholders,
(f) indemnification of the Trustee for any loss, liability or expenses
incurred in the administration of the Trust without negligence, bad faith or
wilful misconduct on its part, (g) foreign custodial and transaction fees and
(h) expenditures incurred in contacting Unitholders upon termination of the
Trust. The fees set forth herein are payable as described under
"General" below.
General. During the initial offering period of the Trust, all of the fees and
expenses of the Trust will accrue on a daily basis and will be charged to the
Trust, in arrears, at the end of the initial offering period. After the
initial offering period, all of the fees and expenses of the Trust will accrue
on a daily basis and will be charged to the Trust, in arrears, on a monthly
basis on or before the twenty-fifth day of each month. The fees and expenses
are payable out of the Capital Account of the Trust. When such fees and
expenses are paid by or owing to the Trustee, they are secured by a lien on
the Trust's portfolio. If the balance in the Capital Account is insufficient
to provide for amounts payable by the Trust, the Trustee has the power to sell
Equity Securities to pay such amounts. It is expected that the balance in the
Capital Account will be insufficient to provide for amounts payable by the
Trust and that Equity Securities will be sold from the Trust to pay such
amounts. These sales may result in capital gains or losses to Unitholders. See
"Taxation".
PUBLIC OFFERING
General. Units are offered at the Public Offering Price. During the initial
offering period and for secondary market transactions after the initial
offering period the Public Offering Price is based on the aggregate underlying
value of the Securities in the Trust's portfolio, the initial sales charge
described below, and cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts held or
owned by the Trust. The initial sales charge is equal to the difference
between the maximum total sales charge for a Trust of 2.9% of the Public
Offering Price and the maximum deferred sales charge for a Trust ($0.19 per
Unit). The monthly deferred sales charge ($0.019 per Unit) will begin accruing
on a daily basis on July 17, 1996 and will continue to accrue through May 15,
1997. The monthly deferred sales charge will be charged to the Trust, in
arrears, commencing August 17, 1996 and will be charged on the 17th day of
each month thereafter through May 16, 1997 (the final deferred sales charge
payment date). Unitholders will be assessed only that portion of the deferred
sales charge accrued from the time they became Unitholders of record. Units
purchased subsequent to the initial deferred sales charge payment will be
subject to only that portion of the deferred sales charge payments not yet
collected. This deferred sales charge will be paid from funds in the Capital
Account, if sufficient, or from the periodic sale of Securities. The total
maximum sales charge assessed to Unitholders on a per Unit basis will be 2.9%
of the Public Offering Price (2.987% of the aggregate value of the Securities
in the Trust less the deferred sales charge). The initial sales charge
applicable to quantity purchases is reduced on a graduated basis to any person
acquiring 2,500 or more Units as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of Sales
Aggregate Number of Units Charge Reduction
Purchased Per Unit
<S> <C>
2,500-4,999 .................... 0.15%
5,000-9,999 .................... 0.30
10,000-24,999 .................. 0.65
25,000 or more ................. 0.90
</TABLE>
The sales charge reduction will primarily be the responsibility of the selling
broker, dealer or agent. This reduced sales charge structure will apply on all
purchases by the same person from any one dealer of units of Van Kampen
American Capital-sponsored unit investment trusts which are being offered in
the initial offering period (a) on any one day (the "Initial Purchase
Date") or (b) on any day subsequent to the Initial Purchase Date if (1)
the units purchased are of a unit investment trust purchased on the Initial
Purchase Date, and (2) the person purchasing the units purchased a sufficient
amount of units on the Initial Purchase Date to qualify for a reduced sales
charge on such date. In the event units of more than one trust are purchased
on the Initial Purchase Date, the aggregate dollar amount of such purchases
will be used to determine whether purchasers are eligible for a reduced sales
charge. Such aggregate dollar amount will be divided by the public offering
price per unit (on the day preceding the date of purchase) of each respective
trust purchased to determine the total number of units which such amount could
have purchased of each individual trust. Purchasers must then consult the
applicable trust's prospectus to determine whether the total number of units
which could have been purchased of a specific trust would have qualified for a
reduced sales charge and, if so qualified, the amount of such reduction.
Assuming a purchased qualified for a sales charge reduction or reductions, to
determine the applicable sales charge reduction or reductions it is necessary
to accumulate all purchases made on the Initial Purchase Date and all
purchases made in accordance with (b) above. Units purchased in the name of
the spouse of a purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser under 21
years of age will be deemed for the purposes of calculating the applicable
sales charge to be additional purchases by the purchaser. The reduced sales
charges will also be applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing
securities for one or more trust estate or fiduciary accounts.
Units may be purchased in the primary or secondary market at the Public
Offering Price (for purchases which do not qualify for a sales charge
reduction for quantity purchases) less the concession the Sponsor typically
allows to brokers and dealers for purchases (see "Public Offering--Unit
Distribution") by (1) investors who purchase Units through registered
investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered
broker-dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for financial
planning, investment advisory or asset management service, or provide such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for
which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed, (2) bank trust
departments investing funds over which they exercise exclusive discretionary
investment authority and that are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or
similar capacity, (3) any person who for at least 90 days, has been an
officer, director or bona fide employee of any firm offering Units for sale to
investors or their immediate family members (as described above) and (4)
officers and directors of bank holding companies that make Units available
directly or through subsidiaries or bank affiliates. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary in this Prospectus, such investors, bank trust departments,
firm employees and bank holding company officers and directors who purchase
Units through this program will not receive sales charge reductions for
quantity purchases.
Employees of Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. and its
subsidiaries may purchase Units of the Trust at the current Public Offering
Price less the underwriting commission or less the dealer's concession in the
absence of an underwriting commission. Registered representatives of selling
brokers, dealers, or agents may purchase Units at the current Public Offering
Price less the dealer's concession during the initial offering period and for
secondary market transactions.
During the initial offering period of the Trust, unitholders of unaffiliated
unit investment trusts having an investment objective similar to the
investment objective of the Trust may utilize proceeds received upon
termination or upon redemption immediately preceding termination of such
unaffiliated trust to purchase Units of the Trust subject to a sales charge of
1.9% of the Public Offering Price (all of which will be deferred as provided
herein).
During the initial offering period, unitholders of any Van Kampen American
Capital-sponsored unit investment trust may utilize their redemption or
termination proceeds to purchase Units of this Trust subject to a reduced
sales charge of 1.9% of the Public Offering Price (all of which will be
deferred as provided herein).
Offering Price. The Public Offering Price of the Units will vary from the
amounts stated under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in
accordance with fluctuations in the prices of the underlying Securities in the
Trust.
As indicated above, the price of the Units was established by adding to the
determination of the aggregate underlying value of the Securities an amount
equal to the difference between the maximum total sales charge of 2.9% of the
Public Offering Price and the maximum deferred sales charge ($0.19 per Unit)
and dividing the sum so obtained by the number of Units outstanding. The
Public Offering Price per Unit shall include the proportionate share of any
cash held in the Income and Capital Accounts. Such price determination as of
the close of the relevant stock market on the day before the Initial Day of
Deposit was made on the basis of an evaluation of the Securities prepared by
Interactive Data Corporation, a firm regularly engaged in the business of
evaluating, quoting or appraising comparable securities. Thereafter, the
Evaluator on each business day will appraise or cause to be appraised the
value of the underlying Securities as of the Evaluation Time and will adjust
the Public Offering Price of the Units commensurate with such valuation. Such
Public Offering Price will be effective for all orders received prior to the
Evaluation Time on each such day. Orders received by the Trustee or Sponsor
for purchases, sales or redemptions after that time, or on a day which is not
a business day for the Trust, will be held until the next determination of
price. Unitholders who purchase Units subsequent to the Initial Date of
Deposit will pay an initial sales charge equal to the difference between the
maximum total sales charge for a Trust of 2.9% of the Public Offering Price
and the maximum deferred sales charge for a Trust ($0.19 per Unit) and will be
assessed a deferred sales charge of $0.019 per Unit on each of the remaining
deferred sales charge payment dates as set forth in "Public
Offering-General". The Sponsor currently does not intend to maintain a
secondary market after November 17, 1996.
The aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities during the initial
offering period is determined on each business day by the Evaluator in the
following manner: if the Equity Securities are listed on a national securities
exchange, this evaluation is generally based on the closing sale prices on
that exchange (unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as
a basis for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that exchange,
at the closing ask prices. If the Equity Securities are not so listed or, if
so listed and the principal market therefore is other than on the exchange,
the evaluation shall generally be based on the current ask price on the
over-the-counter market (unless it is determined that these prices are
inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current ask prices are
unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the basis of
current ask prices for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the value of
the Equity Securities on the ask side of the market or (c) by any combination
of the above.
In offering the Units to the public, neither the Sponsor nor any
broker-dealers are recommending any of the individual Securities but rather
the entire pool of Securities, taken as a whole, which are represented by the
Units.
Unit Distribution. During the initial offering period, Units will be
distributed to the public by the Sponsor, broker-dealers and others at the
Public Offering Price. Upon the completion of the initial offering period,
Units repurchased in the secondary market, if any, may be offered by this
Prospectus at the secondary market Public Offering Price in the manner
described above.
The Sponsor intends to qualify the Units for sale in a number of states.
Brokers, dealers and others will be allowed a concession or agency commission
in connection with the distribution of Units during the initial offering
period as set forth in the following table. In addition to such concessions or
agency commissions, the Sponsor will pay such brokers, dealers and others that
additional amount per Unit set forth in the following table out of its own
assets as additional compensation.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Initial Offering Period
Aggregate Number of Concession or Agency Additional Sponsor
Units Purchased Commission per Unit Payment per Unit
<S> <C> <C>
1 - 2,499 1.00% 1.00%
2,500 - 4,999 0.85 1.00
5,000 - 9,999 0.70 1.00
10,000 - 24,999 0.35 1.10
25,000 or more 0.10 1.25
</TABLE>
In addition to the amounts set forth above, any firm that distributes a total
of 1,000,000 or more Units of the Trust during the initial offering period
will be paid additional compensation by the Sponsor of $0.01 per Unit
distributed. Such additional compensation will be paid at the end of the
initial offering period of the Trust.
Any quantity discount provided to investors will be borne by the selling
dealer or agent as indicated under "General" above. For transactions
involving Rollover Unitholders, the total concession or agency commission will
amount to 1.0% per Unit (or such lesser amount resulting from quantity sales
discounts). For all secondary transactions, the total concession or agency
commission will amount to 2.0% per Unit. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, the total of any concessions, agency commissions and any
additional compensation allowed or paid to any broker, dealer or other
distributor of Units with respect to any individual transaction, shall in no
case exceed the total sales charge applicable to such transaction.
Certain commercial banks are making Units available to their customers on an
agency basis. A portion of the sales charge (equal to the agency commission
referred to above) is retained by or remitted to the banks. Under the
Glass-Steagall Act, banks are prohibited from underwriting Trust Units;
however, the Glass-Steagall Act does permit certain agency transactions and
the banking regulators have not indicated that these particular agency
transactions are not permitted under such Act. In addition, state securities
laws on this issue may differ from the interpretations of federal law
expressed herein and banks and financial institutions may be required to
register as dealers pursuant to state law.
To facilitate the handling of transactions, sales of Units shall normally be
limited to transactions involving a minimum of 100 Units except as stated
herein. In connection with fully disclosed transactions with the Sponsor, the
minimum purchase requirement will be that number of Units set forth in the
contract between the Sponsor and the related broker or agent. The Sponsor
reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order for the purchase
of Units and to change the amount of the concession or agency commission to
dealers and others from time to time. Brokers and dealers, banks and/or others
are eligible to participate in a program in which such firms receive from the
Sponsor a nominal award for each of their registered representatives who have
sold a minimum number of units of unit investment trusts created by the
Sponsor during a specified time period. In addition, at various times the
Sponsor may implement other programs under which the sales forces of brokers,
dealers, banks and/or others may be eligible to win other nominal awards for
certain sales efforts, or under which the Sponsor will reallow to any such
brokers, dealers, banks and/or others that sponsor sales contests or
recognition programs conforming to criteria established by the Sponsor, or
participate in sales programs sponsored by the Sponsor, an amount not
exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by such
person at the public offering price during such programs. Also, the Sponsor in
its discretion may from time to time pursuant to objective criteria
established by the Sponsor pay fees to qualifying brokers, dealers, banks
and/or others for certain services or activities which are primarily intended
to result in sales of Units of the Trust. Such payments are made by the
Sponsor out of its own assets and not out of the assets of the Trust. These
programs will not change the price Unitholders pay for their Units or the
amount that the Trust will receive from the Units sold.
Sponsor and Other Compensation. The Sponsor will receive the gross sales
commission equal to 2.9% of the Public Offering Price of the Units, less any
reduced sales charge for quantity purchases as described under
"General" above. Any such quantity discount provided to investors will be
borne by the selling dealer or agent.
In addition, the Sponsor will realize a profit or will sustain a loss, as the
case may be, as a result of the difference between the price paid for the
Securities by the Sponsor and the cost of such Securities to the Trust on the
Initial Date of Deposit as well as on subsequent deposits. See
"Portfolio". The Sponsor has not participated as sole underwriter or as
manager or as a member of the underwriting syndicates or as an agent in a
private placement for any of the Securities in the Trust portfolio. The
Sponsor may further realize additional profit or loss during the initial
offering period as a result of the possible fluctuations in the market value
of the Securities after a date of deposit, since all proceeds received from
purchasers of Units.
Cash, if any, made available to the Sponsor prior to the date of settlement
for the purchase of Units may be used in the Sponsor's business and may be
deemed to be a benefit to the Sponsor, subject to the limitations of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
As stated under "Public Market" below, the Sponsor currently intends
to maintain a secondary market for Units for the period indicated. In so
maintaining a market, the Sponsor will also realize profits or sustain losses
in the amount of any difference between the price at which Units are purchased
and the price at which Units are resold (which price includes the applicable
sales charge). In addition, the Sponsor will also realize profits or sustain
losses resulting from a redemption of such repurchased Units at a price above
or below the purchase price for such Units, respectively.
Public Market. Although it is not obligated to do so, the Sponsor currently
intends to maintain a market for the Units offered hereby through November 17,
1996 and offer continuously to purchase Units at prices, subject to change at
any time, based upon the aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities
(computed as indicated under "Offering Price" above and "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units"). If the supply of Units exceeds demand
or if some other business reason warrants it, the Sponsor may either
discontinue all purchases of Units or discontinue purchases of Units at such
prices. In the event that a market is not maintained for the Units and the
Unitholder cannot find another purchaser, a Unitholder desiring to dispose of
his Units will be able to dispose of such Units by tendering them to the
Trustee for redemption at the Redemption Price. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units". A Unitholder who wishes to dispose of
his Units should inquire of his broker as to current market prices in order to
determine whether there is in existence any price in excess of the Redemption
Price and, if so, the amount thereof. Units sold prior to such time as the
entire deferred sales charge on such Units has been collected will be assessed
the amount of the remaining deferred sales charge at the time of sale.
Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans. Units are available for purchase in connection
with certain types of tax-sheltered retirement plans, including Individual
Retirement Accounts for the individuals, Simplified Employee Pension Plans for
employees, qualified plans for self-employed individuals, and qualified
corporate pension and profit sharing plans for employees. The purchase of
Units may be limited by the plans' provisions and does not itself establish
such plans.
RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS
Certificates. The Trustee is authorized to treat as the record owner of Units
that person who is registered as such owner on the books of the Trustee.
Ownership of Units will be evidenced by certificates unless a Unitholder or
the Unitholder's registered broker-dealer makes a written request to the
Trustee that ownership be in book entry form. Units are transferable by making
a written request to the Trustee and, in the case of Units evidenced by a
certificate, by presentation and surrender of such certificate to the Trustee
properly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer. A Unitholder must sign such written request, and such certificate or
transfer instrument, exactly as his name appears on the records of the Trustee
and on the face of any certificate representing the Units to be transferred
with the signature guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer
Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other signature guarantee
program in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP as may be accepted by
the Trustee. In certain instances the Trustee may require additional documents
such as, but not limited to, trust instruments, certificates of death,
appointments as executor or administrator or certificates of corporate
authority. Certificates will be issued in denominations of one Unit or any
whole multiple thereof.
Although no such charge is now made or contemplated, the Trustee may require a
Unitholder to pay a reasonable fee for each certificate reissued or
transferred and to pay any governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with each such transfer or interchange. Destroyed, stolen,
mutilated or lost certificates will be replaced upon delivery to the Trustee
of satisfactory indemnity, evidence of ownership and payment of expenses
incurred. Mutilated certificates must be surrendered to the Trustee for
replacement.
Distributions of Income and Capital. Any dividends received by the Trust with
respect to the Equity Securities therein are credited by the Trustee to the
Income Account. Other receipts (e.g., capital gains, proceeds from the sale of
Securities, etc.) are credited to the Capital Account. Proceeds from the sales
of Securities to meet redemptions of Units shall be segregated within the
Capital Account from proceeds from the sale of Securities made to satisfy the
fees, expenses and charges of the Trust.
The Trustee will distribute any net income received with respect to any of the
Securities on or about the Income Account Distribution Date to Unitholders of
record on the preceding Income Record Date. See "Summary of Essential
Financial Information". Proceeds received on the sale of any Securities,
to the extent not used to meet redemptions of Units, pay the deferred sales
charge or pay expenses, will be distributed annually on the Capital Account
Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the preceding Capital Account
Record Date. Proceeds received from the disposition of any of the Securities
after a record date and prior to the following distribution date will be held
in the Capital Account and not distributed until the next distribution date
applicable to such Capital Account. The Trustee is not required to pay
interest on funds held in the Capital or Income Accounts (but may itself earn
interest thereon and therefore benefits from the use of such funds).
The distribution to Unitholders as of each record date will be made on the
following distribution date or shortly thereafter and shall consist of each
Unitholder's pro rata share of the cash in the Income Account. Because
dividends are not received by the Trust at a constant rate throughout the
year, such distributions to Unitholders are expected to fluctuate from
distribution to distribution. Persons who purchase Units will commence
receiving distributions only after such person becomes a record owner.
Notification to the Trustee of the transfer of Units is the responsibility of
the purchaser, but in the normal course of business such notice is provided by
the selling broker-dealer.
At the end of the initial offering period and as of the twenty-fifth day of
each month thereafter, the Trustee will deduct from the Capital Account
amounts necessary to pay the expenses of the Trust (as determined on the basis
set forth under "Fund Operating Expenses"). The Trustee also may
withdraw from the Income and Capital Accounts such amounts, if any, as it
deems necessary to establish a reserve for any governmental charges payable
out of the Trust. Amounts so withdrawn shall not be considered a part of the
Trust's assets until such time as the Trustee shall return all or any part of
such amounts to the appropriate accounts. In addition, the Trustee may
withdraw from the Income and Capital Accounts such amounts as may be necessary
to cover redemptions of Units.
It is anticipated that the deferred sales charge will be collected from the
Capital Account. To the extent that amounts in the Capital Account are
insufficient to satisfy the then current deferred sales charge obligation,
Equity Securities may be sold to meet such shortfall. Distributions of amounts
necessary to pay the deferred portion of the sales charge will be made to an
account maintained by the Trustee for purposes of satisfying Unitholders'
deferred sales charge obligations.
Reinvestment Option. In the event that any distribution is made to Unitholders
prior to termination of the Trust, Unitholders will initially have each such
distribution of dividend income, capital gains and/or principal on their Units
automatically reinvested in additional Units of the Trust under the
"Automatic Reinvestment Option" (to the extent Units may be lawfully
offered for sale in the state in which the Unitholder resides). Brokers and
dealers who distribute Units to Unitholders pursuant to the Automatic
Reinvestment Option must do so via the Dividend Reinvestment Service through
the Depository Trust Company. In order for a broker or dealer to utilize the
Automatic Reinvestment Option on behalf of a Unitholder, the broker or dealer
must have a PTS terminal equipped with the Elective Dividend System function
(EDS) prior to the first Record Date set forth under "Summary of Essential
Financial Information". Unitholders receiving Units pursuant to
participation in the Automatic Reinvestment Option will be subject to the
remaining deferred sales charge payments due on Units (assuming for these
purposes such Units had been outstanding during the primary offering period).
Unitholders may also elect to receive distributions of dividend income,
capital gains and/or principal on their Units in cash. To receive cash, a
Unitholder may either contact his or her broker or agent or file with the
Trustee a written notice of election at least five days prior to the Record
Date for which the first distribution is to apply. A Unitholder's election to
receive cash will apply to all Units owned by such Unitholder and such
election will remain in effect until changed by the Unitholder.
Reinvestment plan distributions may be reinvested in Units already held in
inventory by the Sponsor (see "Public Offering--Public Market") or,
until such time as additional Units cease to be issued by the Trust (see
"The Fund"), distributions may be reinvested in such additional Units. If
Units are unavailable in the secondary market, distributions which would
otherwise have been reinvested shall be paid in cash to the Unitholder on the
applicable Distribution Date.
Purchases of additional Units made pursuant to the reinvestment plan will be
made at the net asset value for Units as of the Evaluation Time on the related
Income or Capital Distribution Dates. Under the reinvestment plan, the Trust
will pay the Unitholder's distributions to the Trustee which in turn will
purchase for such Unitholder full and fractional Units and will send such
Unitholder a statement reflecting the reinvestment.
A participant may at any time prior to five days preceding the next succeeding
distribution date, by so notifying the Trustee in writing, elect to terminate
his or her reinvestment plan and receive future distributions on his or her
Units in cash. There will be no charge or other penalty for such termination.
The Sponsor shall have the right to suspend or terminate the reinvestment plan
at any time.
Reports Provided. The Trustee shall furnish Unitholders in connection with
each distribution a statement of the amount of income and the amount of other
receipts (received since the preceding distribution), if any, being
distributed, expressed in each case as a dollar amount representing the pro
rata share of each Unit outstanding. Within a reasonable period of time after
the end of each calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to each person who at
any time during the calendar year was a registered Unitholder of the Trust a
statement (i) as to the Income Account: income received, deductions for
applicable taxes and for fees and expenses of the Trust, for redemptions of
Units, if any, and the balance remaining after such distributions and
deductions, expressed in each case both as a total dollar amount and as a
dollar amount representing the pro rata share of each Unit outstanding on the
last business day of such calendar year; (ii) as to the Capital Account: the
dates of disposition of any Securities and the net proceeds received
therefrom, deductions for payment of applicable taxes, fees and expenses of
the Trust held for distribution to Unitholders of record as of a date prior to
the determination and the balance remaining after such distributions and
deductions expressed both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar amount
representing the pro rata share of each Unit outstanding on the last business
day of such calendar year; (iii) a list of the Securities held by the Trust
and the number of Units outstanding on the last business day of such calendar
year; (iv) the Redemption Price per Unit based upon the last computation
thereof made during such calendar year; and (v) amounts actually distributed
during such calendar year from the Income and Capital Accounts, separately
stated, expressed as total dollar amounts.
In order to comply with federal and state tax reporting requirements,
Unitholders will be furnished, upon request to the Trustee, evaluations of the
Securities in the Trust furnished to it by the Evaluator.
Redemption of Units. A Unitholder may redeem all or a portion of his Units by
tender to the Trustee at its unit investment trust office at 101 Barclay
Street, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10286 and, in the case of Units
evidenced by a certificate, by tendering such certificate to the Trustee, duly
endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with signature
guaranteed as described above (or by providing satisfactory indemnity, as in
connection with lost, stolen or destroyed certificates) and by payment of
applicable governmental charges, if any. No redemption fee will be charged. On
the third business day following such tender, the Unitholder will be entitled
to receive in cash (unless the redeeming Unitholder elects an In Kind
Distribution as described below) an amount for each Unit equal to the
Redemption Price per Unit next computed after receipt by the Trustee of such
tender of Units. The "date of tender" is deemed to be the date on
which Units are received by the Trustee, except that with respect to Units
received after the applicable Evaluation Time the date of tender is the next
business day as defined under "Public Offering--Offering Price" and
such Units will be deemed to have been tendered to the Trustee on such day for
redemption at the redemption price computed on that day.
The Trustee is empowered to sell Securities in order to make funds available
for redemption if funds are not otherwise available in the Capital and Income
Accounts to meet redemptions. The Securities to be sold will be selected by
the Trustee from those designated on a current list provided by the Supervisor
for this purpose. Units so redeemed shall be cancelled. Units tendered for
redemption prior to such time as the entire deferred sales charge on such
Units has been collected will be assessed the amount of the remaining deferred
sales charge at the time of redemption.
Unitholders tendering 1,000 or more Units for redemption may request from the
Trustee in lieu of a cash redemption an in kind distribution ("In Kind
Distribution") of an amount and value of Securities per Unit equal to the
Redemption Price per Unit as determined as of the evaluation next following
the tender. An In Kind Distribution on redemption of Units will be made by the
Trustee through the distribution of each of the Securities in book-entry form
to the account of the Unitholder's bank or broker-dealer at Depository Trust
Company. The tendering Unitholder will receive his pro rata number of whole
shares of each of the Securities comprising the Trust portfolio and cash from
the Capital Account equal to the fractional shares to which the tendering
Unitholder is entitled. The Trustee may adjust the number of shares of any
issue of Securities included in a Unitholder's In Kind Distribution to
facilitate the distribution of whole shares, such adjustment to be made on the
basis of the value of Securities on the date of tender. If funds in the
Capital Account are insufficient to cover the required cash distribution to
the tendering Unitholder, the Trustee may sell Securities according to the
criteria discussed above.
To the extent that Securities are redeemed in kind or sold, the size of the
Trust will be, and the diversity of the Trust may be, reduced. Sales may be
required at a time when Securities would not otherwise be sold and may result
in lower prices than might otherwise be realized. The price received upon
redemption may be more or less than the amount paid by the Unitholder
depending on the value of the Securities in the portfolio at the time of
redemption. Special federal income tax consequences will result if a
Unitholder requests an In Kind Distribution. See "Taxation".
The Redemption Price per Unit (as well as the secondary market Public Offering
Price) will be determined on the basis of the aggregate underlying value of
the Equity Securities, plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital
Accounts. On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Public Offering Price per Unit
(which includes the initial sales charge) exceeded the values at which Units
could have been redeemed by the amounts shown under "Summary of Essential
Financial Information". The Redemption Price per Unit is the pro rata
share of each Unit in the Trust determined on the basis of (i) the cash on
hand in the Trust, (ii) the value of the Securities and (iii) dividends
receivable on the Equity Securities trading ex-dividend as of the date of
computation, less (a) amounts representing taxes or other governmental charges
payable out of the Trust and (b) the accrued expenses of the Trust. The
Evaluator may determine the value of the Equity Securities in the following
manner: if the Equity Securities are listed on a national securities exchange,
this evaluation is generally based on the closing sale prices on that exchange
(unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis for
valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that exchange, at the
closing bid prices. If the Equity Securities are not so listed or, if so
listed and the principal market therefore is other than on the exchange, the
evaluation shall generally be based on the current bid price on the
over-the-counter market (unless these prices are inappropriate as a basis for
evaluation). If current bid prices are unavailable, the evaluation is
generally determined (a) on the basis of current bid prices for comparable
securities, (b) by appraising the value of the Equity Securities on the bid
side of the market or (c) by any combination of the above.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any period
during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than for customary
weekend and holiday closings, or any period during which the Securities and
Exchange Commission determines that trading on that Exchange is restricted or
an emergency exists, as a result of which disposal or evaluation of the
Securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the
Securities and Exchange Commission may by order permit.
Special Redemption and Rollover in New Fund. It is expected that a special
redemption will be made of all Units held by any Unitholder (a "Rollover
Unitholder") who affirmatively notifies the Trustee in writing that he
desires to rollover his Units by the Rollover Notification Date specified in
the "Summary of Essential Financial Information".
All Units of Rollover Unitholders will be redeemed on the Special Redemption
Date and the underlying Securities will be distributed to the Distribution
Agent on behalf of the Rollover Unitholders. On the Special Redemption Date
(as set forth in "Summary of Essential Financial Information"), the
Distribution Agent will be required to sell all of the underlying Securities
on behalf of Rollover Unitholders. The sales proceeds will be net of brokerage
fees, governmental charges or any expenses involved in the sales.
The Distribution Agent will attempt to sell the Securities as quickly as is
practicable on the Special Redemption Date. The Sponsor does not anticipate
that the period will be longer than one day given that the Securities are
usually liquid. However, certain of the factors discussed under "Risk
Factors" could affect the ability of the Sponsor to sell the Securities
and thereby affect the length of the sale period somewhat. The liquidity of
any Security depends on the daily trading volume of the Security and the
amount that the Sponsor has available for sale on any particular day.
The Rollover Unitholders' proceeds will be invested in the next subsequent
Aggressive Growth Series (the "1997 Fund"), if then being offered,
which will contain a portfolio of common stocks of aggressive growth companies
and will have an investment objective of obtaining capital appreciation. The
proceeds of redemption will be used to buy 1997 Fund units in the portfolio as
the proceeds become available.
The Sponsor intends to create the 1997 Fund shortly prior to the Special
Redemption Date, dependent upon the availability and reasonably favorable
prices of the securities included in the 1997 Fund portfolio, and it is
intended that Rollover Unitholders will be given first priority to purchase
the 1997 Fund units. There can be no assurance, however, as to the exact
timing of the creation of the 1997 Fund units or the aggregate number of 1997
Fund units which the Sponsor will create. The Sponsor may, in its sole
discretion, stop creating new units in a trust portfolio at any time it
chooses, regardless of whether all proceeds of the Special Redemption have
been invested on behalf of Rollover Unitholders. Cash which has not been
invested on behalf of the Rollover Unitholders in 1997 Fund units will be
distributed shortly after the Special Redemption Date.
Any Rollover Unitholder may thus be redeemed out of the Trust and become a
holder of an entirely different unit investment trust in the 1997 Fund with a
different portfolio of Securities. The Rollover Unitholders' Units will be
redeemed and the distributed Securities shall be sold on the Special
Redemption Date. In accordance with the Rollover Unitholders' offer to
purchase the 1997 Fund units, the proceeds of the sales (and any other cash
distributed upon redemption) will be invested in the 1997 Fund at the public
offering price, including the applicable sales charge per Unit (which for
Rollover Unitholders is currently expected to be 1.9% of the Public Offering
Price of the 1997 Fund units).
This process of redemption and rollover into a new trust is intended to allow
for the fact that the portfolios selected by the Sponsor are chosen on the
basis of growth potential only for a year, at which point a new portfolio is
chosen. It is contemplated that a similar process of redemption and rollover
in new unit investment trusts will be available for the 1997 Fund and each
subsequent series of the Fund, approximately a year after that Series'
creation.
There can be no assurance that the redemption and rollover in the Aggressive
Growth Series will avoid any negative market price consequences stemming from
the trading of large volumes of securities and of the underlying Securities in
the Aggressive Growth Series. The above procedures may be insufficient or
unsuccessful in avoiding such price consequences. In fact, market price trends
may make it advantageous to sell or buy more quickly or more slowly than
permitted by these procedures. Investors should note that, because aggressive
growth stocks generally experience stock price volatility to a greater extent
than other securities and because the Trust is not a "managed" fund,
there can be no assurance that these procedures will result in advantageous
sales or purchases of securities or that any future rollover will occur at an
advantageous time. See "Fund Administration -- Portfolio
Administration" and "Risk Factors".
It should also be noted that Rollover Unitholders may realize taxable capital
gains on the Special Redemption and Rollover but, in certain circumstances,
will not be entitled to a deduction for certain capital losses and, due to the
procedures for investing in the subsequent Aggressive Growth Series, no cash
would be distributed at that time to pay any taxes. Included in the cash for
the Special Redemption and Rollover will be any amount of cash attributable to
the last distribution of dividend income; accordingly, Rollover Unitholders
also will not have such cash distributed to pay any taxes. See
"Taxation". Unitholders who do not inform the Distribution Agent that they
wish to have their Units so redeemed and liquidated will not realize capital
gains or losses due to the Special Redemption and Rollover and will not be
charged any additional sales charge.
The Sponsor may for any reason, in its sole discretion, decide not to sponsor
the 1997 Fund or any subsequent Aggressive Growth Series, without penalty or
incurring liability to any Unitholder. If the Sponsor so decides, the Sponsor
shall notify the Unitholders before the Special Redemption Date would have
commenced. The Sponsor may modify the terms of the 1997 Fund or any subsequent
Aggressive Growth Series. The Sponsor may also modify the terms of the Special
Redemption and Rollover in the 1997 Fund upon notice to the Unitholders prior
to the Rollover Notification Date specified in the related "Summary of
Essential Financial Information".
FUND ADMINISTRATION
Sponsor Purchases of Units. The Trustee shall notify the Sponsor of any Units
tendered for redemption. If the Sponsor's bid in the secondary market at that
time equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per Unit, it may purchase such
Units by notifying the Trustee before the close of business on the next
succeeding business day and by making payment therefor to the Unitholder not
later than the day on which the Units would otherwise have been redeemed by
the Trustee. Units held by the Sponsor may be tendered to the Trustee for
redemption as any other Units.
The offering price of any Units acquired by the Sponsor will be in accord with
the Public Offering Price described in the then currently effective prospectus
describing such Units. Any profit resulting from the resale of such Units will
belong to the Sponsor which likewise will bear any loss resulting from a lower
offering or redemption price subsequent to its acquisition of such Units.
Portfolio Administration. The portfolio of the Fund is not "managed"
by the Sponsor, Supervisor or the Trustee; their activities described herein
are governed solely by the provisions of the Trust Agreement. Traditional
methods of investment management for a managed fund typically involve frequent
changes in a portfolio of securities on the basis of economic, financial and
market analyses. The Fund, however, will not be managed. The Trust Agreement,
however, provides that the Sponsor may (but need not) direct the Trustee to
dispose of an Equity Security in certain events such as the issuer having
defaulted on the payment on any of its outstanding obligations or the price of
an Equity Security has declined to such an extent or other such credit factors
exist so that in the opinion of the Sponsor the retention of such Securities
would be detrimental to the Trust. Pursuant to the Trust Agreement and with
limited exceptions, the Trustee may sell any securities or other properties
acquired in exchange for Equity Securities such as those acquired in
connection with a merger or other transaction. If offered such new or
exchanged securities or property, the Trustee shall reject the offer. However,
in the event such securities or property are nonetheless acquired by the
Trust, they may be accepted for deposit in the Trust and either sold by the
Trustee or held in the Trust pursuant to the direction of the Sponsor (who may
rely on the advice of the Supervisor). Proceeds from the sale of Securities
(or any securities or other property received by the Fund in exchange for
Equity Securities) are credited to the Capital Account for distribution to
Unitholders, pay an accrued deferred sales charge, to meet redemptions or to
pay certain costs or expenses of the Trust. Except as stated under "Trust
Portfolio" for failed securities and as provided in this paragraph, the
acquisition by the Trust of any securities other than the Securities is
prohibited.
As indicated under "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units" above,
the Trustee may also sell Securities designated by the Supervisor, or if no
such designation has been made, in its own discretion, for the purpose of
redeeming Units of the Trust tendered for redemption and the payment of
expenses.
The Supervisor, in designating Equity Securities to be sold by the Trustee,
will generally make selections in order to maintain, to the extent
practicable, the proportionate relationship among the number of shares of
individual issues of Equity Securities in the Trust. To the extent this is not
practicable, the composition and diversity of the Equity Securities in the
Trust may be altered. In order to obtain the best price for the Trust, it may
be necessary for the Supervisor to specify minimum amounts (generally 100
shares) in which blocks of Equity Securities are to be sold.
Amendment or Termination. The Trust Agreement may be amended by the Trustee
and the Sponsor without the consent of any of the Unitholders (1) to cure any
ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision thereof which may be
defective or inconsistent, or (2) to make such other provisions as shall not
adversely affect the Unitholders (as determined in good faith by the Sponsor
and the Trustee), provided, however, that the Trust Agreement may not be
amended to increase the number of Units (except as provided in the Trust
Agreement). The Trust Agreement may also be amended in any respect by the
Trustee and Sponsor, or any of the provisions thereof may be waived, with the
consent of the holders representing 51% of the Units then outstanding,
provided that no such amendment or waiver will reduce the interest in such
Trust of any Unitholder without the consent of such Unitholder or reduce the
percentage of Units required to consent to any such amendment or waiver
without the consent of all Unitholders. The Trustee shall advise the
Unitholders of any amendment promptly after execution thereof.
The Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of Unitholders representing
66 2/3% of the Units then outstanding or by the Trustee when the value of the
Equity Securities owned by the Trust, as shown by any evaluation, is less than
that amount set forth under Minimum Termination Value in "Summary of
Essential Financial Information." The Trust will be liquidated by the
Trustee in the event that a sufficient number of Units not yet sold are
tendered for redemption by the Sponsor so that the net worth of the Trust
would be reduced to less than 40% of the value of the Securities at the time
they were deposited in the Trust. If the Trust is liquidated because of the
redemption of unsold Units by the Sponsor, the Sponsor will refund to each
purchaser of Units the entire sales charge paid by such purchaser. The Trust
Agreement will terminate upon the sale or other disposition of the last
Security held thereunder, but in no event will it continue beyond the
Mandatory Termination Date stated under "Summary of Essential Financial
Information".
Commencing on the Mandatory Termination Date, Equity Securities will begin to
be sold in connection with the termination of the Trust. The Sponsor will
determine the manner, timing and execution of the sales of the Equity
Securities. The Sponsor shall direct the liquidation of the Securities in such
manner as to effectuate orderly sales and a minimal market impact. In the
event the Sponsor does not so direct, the Securities shall be sold within a
reasonable period and in such manner as the Trustee, in its sole discretion,
shall determine. At least 30 days before the Mandatory Termination Date the
Trustee will provide written notice of any termination to all Unitholders and
will include with such notice a form to enable Unitholders owning 1,000 or
more Units to request an In Kind Distribution rather than payment in cash upon
the termination of the Trust. To be effective, this request must be returned
to the Trustee at least five business days prior to the Mandatory Termination
Date. On the Mandatory Termination Date (or on the next business day
thereafter if a holiday) the Trustee will deliver each requesting Unitholder's
pro rata number of whole shares of each of the Securities in the Trust to the
account of the broker-dealer or bank designated by the Unitholder at
Depository Trust Company. The value of the Unitholder's fractional shares of
the Securities will be paid in cash. Unitholders with less than 1,000 Units,
Unitholders with 1,000 or more Units not requesting an In Kind Distribution
and Unitholders who do not elect the Rollover Option will receive a cash
distribution from the sale of the remaining Securities within a reasonable
time following the Mandatory Termination Date. Regardless of the distribution
involved, the Trustee will deduct from the funds of the Trust any accrued
costs, expenses, advances or indemnities provided by the Trust Agreement,
including estimated compensation of the Trustee, costs of liquidation and any
amounts required as a reserve to provide for payment of any applicable taxes
or other governmental charges. Any sale of Securities upon termination may
result in a lower amount than might otherwise be realized if such sale were
not required at such time. The Trustee will then distribute to each Unitholder
his pro rata share of the balance of the Income and Capital Accounts.
The Sponsor currently intends to, but is not obligated to, offer for sale
units of a subsequent Aggressive Growth Series pursuant to the Rollover Option
(see "Rights of Unitholders--Special Redemption and Rollover in New
Fund"). There is, however, no assurance that units of any new Aggressive
Growth Series will be offered for sale at that time, or if offered, that there
will be sufficient units available for sale to meet the requests of any or all
Unitholders.
Within 60 days of the final distribution Unitholders will be furnished a final
distribution statement of the amount distributable. At such time as the
Trustee in its sole discretion will determine that any amounts held in reserve
are no longer necessary, it will make distribution thereof to Unitholders in
the same manner.
Limitations on Liabilities. The Sponsor, the Evaluator, the Supervisor and the
Trustee shall be under no liability to Unitholders for taking any action or
for refraining from taking any action in good faith pursuant to the Trust
Agreement, or for errors in judgment, but shall be liable only for their own
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence (negligence in the case of
the Trustee) in the performance of their duties or by reason of their reckless
disregard of their obligations and duties hereunder.
The Trustee shall not be liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of
the sale by the Trustee of any of the Securities. In the event of the failure
of the Sponsor to act under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee may act
thereunder and shall not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith
under the Trust Agreement. The Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or
other governmental charges imposed upon or in respect of the Securities or
upon the interest thereon or upon it as Trustee under the Trust Agreement or
upon or in respect of the Trust which the Trustee may be required to pay under
any present or future law of the United States of America or of any other
taxing authority having jurisdiction. In addition, the Trust Agreement
contains other customary provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee.
The Trustee, Sponsor, Supervisor and Unitholders may rely on any evaluation
furnished by the Evaluator and shall have no responsibility for the accuracy
thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator under the Trust Agreement shall be
made in good faith upon the basis of the best information available to it,
provided, however, that the Evaluator shall be under no liability to the
Trustee, Sponsor or Unitholders for errors in judgment. This provision shall
not protect the Evaluator in any case of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.
Sponsor. Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, is the Sponsor of the Trust. Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc. is primarily owned by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc., a New
York-based private investment firm. Van Kampen American Capital Distributors,
Inc. management owns a significant minority equity position. Van Kampen
American Capital Distributors, Inc. specializes in the underwriting and
distribution of unit investment trusts and mutual funds with roots in money
management dating back to 1926. The Sponsor is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and has offices at One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, (708) 684-6000 and 2800 Post Oak Boulevard,
Houston, Texas 77056, (713) 993-0500. It maintains a branch office in
Philadelphia and has regional representatives in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles,
New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa. As of March 31, 1996 the total
stockholders' equity of Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc. was
$123,020,000 (unaudited). (This paragraph relates only to the Sponsor and not
to the Trust or to any Series thereof. The information is included herein only
for the purpose of informing investors as to the financial responsibility of
the Sponsor and its ability to carry out its contractual obligations. More
detailed financial information will be made available by the Sponsor upon
request.)
As of March 31, 1996, the Sponsor and its affiliates managed or supervised
approximately $57.2 billion of investment products, of which over $24.8
billion is invested in municipal securities. The Sponsor and its affiliates
managed $45.4 billion of assets, consisting of $22.5 billion for 63 open end
mutual funds (of which 47 are distributed by Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc.), $11.9 billion for 38 closed-end funds and $5.6 billion
for 93 institutional accounts. The Sponsor has also deposited approximately
$26 billion of unit investment trusts. All of Van Kampen American Capital's
open-end funds, closed-end funds and unit investment trusts are professionally
distributed by leading financial firms nationwide. Based on cumulative assets
deposited, the Sponsor believes that it is the largest sponsor of insured
municipal unit investment trusts, primarily through the success of its Insured
Municipals Income Trust(R)or the IM-IT(R)trust. The Sponsor also
provides surveillance and evaluation services at cost for approximately $13
billion of unit investment trust assets outstanding. Since 1976, the Sponsor
has serviced over two million investor accounts, opened through retail
distribution firms.
If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the Trust
Agreement or become incapable of acting or shall become bankrupt or its
affairs are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (i) appoint
a successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the Trustee to be
reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (ii) terminate the Trust Agreement and liquidate the Trusts as
provided therein or (iii) continue to act as Trustee without terminating the
Trust Agreement.
Trustee. The Trustee is The Bank of New York, a trust company organized under
the laws of New York. The Bank of New York has its offices at 101 Barclay
Street, New York, New York 10286 (800) 221-7668. The Bank of New York is
subject to supervision and examination by the Superintendent of Banks of the
State of New York and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,
and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to
the extent permitted by law.
The duties of the Trustee are primarily ministerial in nature. It did not
participate in the selection of Securities for the Trust portfolio.
In accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Trustee shall keep proper books of
record and account of all transactions at its office for the Trust. Such
records shall include the name and address of, and the number of Units held
by, every Unitholder of the Fund. Such books and records shall be open to
inspection by any Unitholder at all reasonable times during the usual business
hours. The Trustee shall make such annual or other reports as may from time to
time be required under any applicable state or federal statute, rule or
regulation (see "Rights of Unitholders--Reports Provided"). The
Trustee is required to keep a certified copy or duplicate original of the
Trust Agreement on file in its office available for inspection at all
reasonable times during the usual business hours by any Unitholder, together
with a current list of the Securities held in the Trust.
Under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee or any successor trustee may resign and
be discharged of its responsibilities created by the Trust Agreement by
executing an instrument in writing and filing the same with the Sponsor. The
Trustee or successor trustee must mail a copy of the notice of resignation to
all Unitholders then of record, not less than 60 days before the date
specified in such notice when such resignation is to take effect. The Sponsor
upon receiving notice of such resignation is obligated to appoint a successor
trustee promptly. If, upon such resignation, no successor trustee has been
appointed and has accepted the appointment within 30 days after notification,
the retiring Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor. The Sponsor may remove the Trustee and appoint a
successor trustee as provided in the Trust Agreement at any time with or
without cause. Notice of such removal and appointment shall be mailed to each
Unitholder by the Sponsor. Upon execution of a written acceptance of such
appointment by such successor trustee, all the rights, powers, duties and
obligations of the original trustee shall vest in the successor. The
resignation or removal of a Trustee becomes effective only when the successor
trustee accepts its appointment as such or when a court of competent
jurisdiction appoints a successor trustee.
Any corporation into which a Trustee may be merged or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to
which a Trustee shall be a party, shall be the successor trustee. The Trustee
must be a banking corporation organized under the laws of the United States or
any state and having at all times an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000.
OTHER MATTERS
Legal Opinions. The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon
by Chapman and Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, as
counsel for the Sponsor. Kroll & Tract has acted as counsel for the Trustee.
Independent Certified Public Accountants. The statement of condition and the
related securities portfolio at the Initial Date of Deposit included in this
Prospectus have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified
public accountants, as set forth in their report in this Prospectus, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
and the Unitholders of Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust,
Series 31 (Aggressive Growth Series, Internet Trust 2):
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the related
portfolio of Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31
(Aggressive Growth Series, Internet Trust 2) as of May 17, 1996. The statement
of condition and portfolio are the responsibility of the Sponsor. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on such financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our
procedures included confirmation of irrevocable letters of credit deposited to
purchase securities by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the
Sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Van Kampen American Capital
Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31 (Aggressive Growth Series, Internet Trust
2) as of May 17, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
GRANT THORNTON LLP
Chicago, Illinois
May 17, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITY TRUST
SERIES 31
STATEMENT OF CONDITION
As of May 17, 1996
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES
Contracts to purchase Securities <F1>...........$ 151,061
Organizational costs <F2>....................... 44,515
Total..........................................$ 195,576
LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
Liability--
Accrued organizational costs <F2>..............$ 44,515
Interest of Unitholders--
Cost to investors <F3>......................... 155,400
Less: Gross underwriting commission <F3><F4>... 4,339
Net interest to Unitholders <F3>............... 151,061
Total..........................................$ 195,576
<FN>
<F1>The aggregate value of the Securities listed under "Portfolio" herein
and their cost to the Trust are the same. The value of the Securities is
determined by Interactive Data Corporation on the bases set forth under "
Public Offering--Offering Price". The contracts to purchase Securities are
collateralized by a letter of credit of $151,061 which has been deposited with
the Trustee.
<F2>The Trust will bear all or a portion of its organizational costs, which will
be deferred and amortized over the life of the Trust. Organizational costs
have been estimated based on a projected Trust size of $25,000,000. To the
extent the Trust is larger or smaller, the estimate will vary. Securities will
be sold to pay organizational costs.
<F3>The aggregate public offering price and the aggregate initial sales charge are
computed on the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price"
and "Public Offering--Sponsor and Other Compensation" and assume all
single transactions involve less than 2,500 Units. For single transactions
involving 2,500 or more Units, the sales charge is reduced (see "Public
Offering--General") resulting in an equal reduction in both the Cost to
investors and the Gross underwriting commission while the Net interest to
Unitholders remains unchanged.
<F4>Gross underwriting commission includes a deferred sales charge of $0.19 per
Unit.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH SERIES
INTERNET TRUST 2
PORTFOLIO (VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITY TRUST, SERIES 31)
as of the Initial Date of Deposit: May 17, 1996
<CAPTION>
Estimated
Annual Cost of
Number of Market Value Dividends per Securities
Shares Name of Issuer <F1> per Share <F2> Share <F2> to Trust <F2>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
86 America Online, Inc. $ 55.750 $ 0.00 $ 4,794.50
77 Ascend Communications, Inc. 67.500 0.00 5,197.50
117 CKS Group, Inc. 41.875 0.00 4,899.38
45 Cascade Communications Corporation 115.000 0.00 5,175.00
90 Cisco Systems, Inc. 56.000 0.00 5,040.00
261 Cylink Corporation 21.000 0.00 5,481.00
57 FORE Systems, Inc. 86.750 0.00 4,944.75
122 Gartner Group, Inc. 42.500 0.00 5,185.00
214 Informix Corporation 24.125 0.00 5,162.75
83 McAfee Associates, Inc. 60.250 0.00 5,000.75
221 Microcom, Inc. 22.750 0.00 5,027.75
43 Microsoft Corporation 117.125 0.00 5,036.38
74 Newbridge Networks Corporation 67.375 0.00 4,985.75
72 Netscape Communications Corporation 69.000 0.00 4,968.00
143 Oracle Corporation 35.125 0.00 5,022.88
45 PairGain Technologies, Inc. 115.500 0.00 5,197.50
214 Premenos Technology Corporation 23.250 0.00 4,975.50
157 Raptor Systems, Inc. 32.000 0.00 5,024.00
85 Rational Software Corporation 60.625 0.00 5,153.13
101 Red Brick Systems, Inc. 49.250 0.00 4,974.25
59 Remedy Corporation 84.000 0.00 4,956.00
57 Security Dynamics Technologies, Inc. 89.250 0.00 5,087.25
72 Shiva Corporation 70.250 0.00 5,058.00
172 Spyglass, Inc. 29.250 0.00 5,031.00
129 Sterling Commerce, Inc. 38.000 0.00 4,902.00
86 Sun Microsystems, Inc. 58.250 0.00 5,009.50
54 U.S. Robotics Corporation 92.500 0.00 4,995.00
104 Verifone, Inc. 47.750 0.00 4,966.00
140 Verity, Inc. 35.250 0.00 4,935.00
75 Xylan Corporation 65.000 0.00 4,875.00
3,255 $ 151,060.52
</TABLE>
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
(1) All of the Securities are represented by "regular way" contracts for
the performance of which an irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited
with the Trustee. At the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor has assigned to
the Trustee all of its right, title and interest in and to such Securities.
Contracts to acquire Securities were entered into on May 16, 1996 and are
expected to settle on May 21, 1996. (see "The Fund").
(2) The market value of each of the Equity Securities is based on the closing
sale price of each listed Security on the applicable exchange, or on the asked
price if not so listed, on the day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit.
Estimated annual dividends are based on the most recently declared dividends.
Other information regarding the Securities in the Fund, as of the Initial Date
of Deposit is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggregate
Estimated
Cost To Profit (Loss) Annual
Sponsor To Sponsor Dividends
<S> <C> <C>
$ 151,071 $ (10) $ --
</TABLE>
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations
not contained in this Prospectus; and any information or representation not
contained herein must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund
or the Sponsor. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a
solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in any state to any person to whom
it is not lawful to make such offer in such state.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
<S> <C>
Summary of Essential Financial Information........... 4
The Fund............................................. 7
Objectives and Securities Selection.................. 8
Trust Portfolio...................................... 10
Risk Factors......................................... 14
Taxation............................................. 16
Fund Operating Expenses.............................. 20
Public Offering...................................... 21
Rights of Unitholders................................ 26
Fund Administration.................................. 31
Other Matters........................................ 34
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants... 35
Statement of Condition .............................. 36
Portfolio............................................ 37
Notes to Portfolio................................... 38
</TABLE>
This Prospectus contains information concerning the Fund and the Sponsor, but
does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration
statements and exhibits relating thereto, which the Fund has filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act
of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which reference is
hereby made.
PROSPECTUS
May 17, 1996
Van Kampen
American Capital
Equity Opportunity
Trust, Series 31
Aggressive Growth
Series
Internet Trust 2
A Wealth of Knowledge A Knowledge of Wealth (sm)
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
2800 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77056
Please retain this Prospectus for future reference.
This Amendment of Registration Statement comprises the following
papers and documents:
The facing sheet
The Cross-Reference Sheet
The Prospectus
The signatures
The consents of independent public accountants and legal counsel
The following exhibits:
1.1 Copy of Trust Agreement.
3.1 Opinion and consent of counsel as to legality of securities being
registered.
3.2 Opinion of Counsel as to the Federal Income tax status of securities
being registered.
3.3 Opinion and consent of counsel as to New York tax status of
securites being registered.
4.1 Consent of Interactive Data Corporation.
4.2 Consent of Independent Certified Public Acountants.
4.3 Financial Data Schedule.
Signatures
The Registrant, Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity
Trust, Series 31, hereby identifies Van Kampen Merritt Equity Opportunity
Trust, Series 4, Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust,
Series 13 and Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust,
Series 14 for purposes of the representations required by Rule 487 and
represents the following: (1) that the portfolio securities deposited in
the series as to the securities of which this Registration Statement is
being filed do not differ materially in type or quality from those
deposited in such previous series; (2) that, except to the extent
necessary to identify the specific portfolio securities deposited in, and
to provide essential financial information for, the series with respect
to the securities of which this Registration Statement is being filed,
this Registration Statement does not contain disclosures that differ in
any material respect from those contained in the registration statements
for such previous series as to which the effective date was determined by
the Commission or the staff; and (3) that it has complied with Rule 460
under the Securities Act of 1933.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series
31 has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in
the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on the 17th day of May, 1996.
Van Kampen American Capital Equity
Opportunity Trust, Series 31
By Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc.
By Sandra A. Waterworth
Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the
following persons in the capacities and on May 17, 1996.
Signature Title
Don G. Powell Chairman and Chief Executive )
Officer )
William R. Rybak Senior Vice President and )
Chief Financial Officer )
Ronald A. Nyberg Director )
William R. Molinari Director )
Sandra A. Waterworth
(Attorney-in-fact*)
*An executed copy of each of the related powers of attorney was
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the
Registration Statement on Form S-6 of Insured Municipals Income Trust and
Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust, Multi-Series 203 (File No. 33-65744)
and with the Registration Statement on Form S-6 of Insured Municipals
Income Trust, 170th Insured Multi-Series (File No. 33-55891) and the same
are hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 1.1
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust
Series 31
Trust Agreement
Dated: May 17, 1996
This Trust Agreement among Van Kampen American Capital Distributors,
Inc., as Depositor, American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of
Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp., as Evaluator, Van
Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp., as Supervisory
Servicer, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, sets forth certain
provisions in full and incorporates other provisions by reference to the
document entitled "Van Kampen Merritt Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 1
and Subsequent Series, Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust, Effective
November 21, 1991" (herein called the "Standard Terms and Conditions of
Trust") and such provisions as are set forth in full and such provisions
as are incorporated by reference constitute a single instrument. All
references herein to Articles and Sections are to Articles and Sections
of the Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust.
Witnesseth That:
In consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements herein
contained, the Depositor, Evaluator, Supervisory Servicer and Trustee
agree as follows:
Part I
Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust
Subject to the provisions of Part II hereof, all the provisions
contained in the Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a
part of this instrument as fully and to the same extent as though said
provisions had been set forth in full in this instrument.
Part II
Special Terms and Conditions of Trust
The following special terms and conditions are hereby agreed to:
1. The Securities defined in Section 1.01(22), listed in the
Schedule hereto, have been deposited in trust under this Trust
Agreement.
2. The fractional undivided interest in and ownership of the
Trust represented by each Unit is the amount set forth under
"Summary of Essential Financial Information - Fractional Undivided
Interest in the Trust per Unit" in the Prospectus. Such fractional
undivided interest may be (a) increased by the number of any
additional Units issued pursuant to Section 2.03,(b) increased or
decreased in connection with an adjustment to the number of Units
pursuant to Section 2.03, or (c) decreased by the number of Units
redeemed pursuant to Section 5.02.
3. Section 1.01(1) shall be amended to read as follows:
"(1) "Depositor" shall mean Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc. and its successors in interest, or any
successor depositor appointed as hereinafter provided."
4. Section 1.01(3) shall be amended to read as follows:
"(3) "Evaluator" shall mean American Portfolio
Evaluation Services, a division of Van Kampen American
Capital Investment Advisory Corp. and its successors in
interest, or any successor evaluator appointed as
hereinafter provided."
5. Section 1.01(4) shall be amended to read as follows:
"(4) "Supervisory Servicer" shall mean Van Kampen
American Capital Investment Advisory Corp. and its
successors in interest, or any successor portfolio
supervisor appointed as hereinafter provided."
6. Section 1.01(19) will be inapplicable for this Trust.
7. Section 1.01(34) shall be amended to read as follows:
"(34) The term "Rollover Unitholder" shall be defined as
set forth in Section 5.05, herein."
8. Section 1.01(35) shall be amended to read as follows:
"(35) The "Rollover Notification Date" shall be defined
as set forth in the Prospectus under "Summary of Essential
Information."
9. Section 1.01(36) shall be amended to read as follows:
"(36) The term "Rollover Distribution" shall be defined
as set forth in Section 5.05, herein."
10. Section 1.01(37) shall be amended to read as follows:
"(37) The term "Distribution Agent" shall refer to the
Trustee acting in its capacity as distribution agent
pursuant to Section 5.05 herein."
11. Section 1.01(38) shall be amended to read as follows:
"(38) The term "Special Redemption and Liquidation
Period" shall be as set forth in the Prospectus under
"Summary of Essential Information - Special Redemption
Date."
12. The Initial Date of Deposit for the Trust is May 17, 1996.
13. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary appearing in the
Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust, "Van Kampen American Capital
Equity Opportunity Trust" will replace "Select Equity Trust."
14. The second sentence in the second paragraph of Section
3.11 shall be revised as follows: "However, should any issuance,
exchange or substitution be effected notwithstanding such rejection
or without an initial offer, any securities, cash and/or property
received shall be deposited hereunder and shall be promptly sold, if
securities or property, by the Trustee unless the Depositor advises
the Trustee to keep such securities, cash or properties."
15. Article III of the Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust
is hereby amended by inserting the following paragraph which shall
be entitled Section 3.17.:
"Section 3.17. Deferred Sales Charge. If the prospectus
related to the Trust specifies a deferred sale charge, the
Trustee shall, on the dates specified in and as permitted
by such Prospectus, withdraw from the Capital Account, an
amount per Unit specified in such Prospectus and credit
such amount to a special non-Trust account maintained at
the Trustee out of which the deferred sales charge will be
distributed to the Depositor. If the balance in the
Capital Account is insufficient to make any such
withdrawal, the Trustee shall, as directed by the
Depositor, either advance funds in an amount equal to the
proposed withdrawal and be entitled to reimbursement of
such advance upon the deposit of additional monies in the
Capital Account, sell Securities and credit the proceeds
thereof to such special Depositor's account or credit (if
permitted by law) Securities in kind to such special
Depositor's Account. If a Unitholder redeems Units prior
to full payment of the deferred sales charge, the Trustee
shall, if so provided in the related Prospectus, on the
Redemption Date, withhold from the Redemption Price
payable to such Unitholder an amount equal to the unpaid
portion of the deferred sales charge and distribute such
amount to such special Depositor's Account. The Depositor
may at any time instruct the Trustee in writing to
distribute to the Depositor cash or Securities previously
credited to the special Depositor's Account."
16. The following Section 5.05 shall be added:
"Section 5.05. Rollover of Units. (a) If the Depositor shall
offer a subsequent series of the Trust (the "New Series"), the
Trustee shall, at the Depositor's sole cost and expense, include in
the notice sent to Unitholders specified in Section 8.02 a form of
election whereby Unitholders, whose redemption distribution would be
in an amount sufficient to purchase at least one Unit of the New
Series, may elect to have their Units(s) redeemed in kind in the
manner provided in Section 5.02, the Securities included in the
redemption distribution sold, and the cash proceeds applied by the
Distribution Agent to purchase Units of the New Series, all as
hereinafter provided. The Trustee shall honor properly completed
election forms returned to the Trustee, accompanied by any
Certificate evidencing Units tendered for redemption or a properly
completed redemption request with respect to uncertificated Units,
by its close of business on the Rollover Notification Date.
All Units so tendered by a Unitholder (a "Rollover Unitholder")
shall be redeemed and cancelled on the Rollover Notification Date.
Subject to payment by such Rollover Unitholder of any tax or other
governmental charges which may be imposed thereon, such redemption
is to be made in kind pursuant to Section 5.02 by distribution of
cash and/or Securities to the Distribution Agent on the Rollover
Notification Date of the net asset value (determined on the basis of
the Trust Fund Evaluation as of the Rollover Notification Date in
accordance with Section 4.01) multiplied by the number of Units
being redeemed (herein called the "Rollover Distribution"). Any
Securities that are made part of the Rollover Distribution shall be
valued for purposes of the redemption distribution as of the
Rollover Notification Date.
All Securities included in a Unitholder's Rollover Distribution
shall be sold by the Distribution Agent on the Special Redemption
Date specified in the Prospectus pursuant to the Depositor's
direction, and the Distribution Agent shall employ the Depositor as
broker in connection with such sales. For such brokerage services,
the Depositor shall be entitled to compensation at its customary
rates, provided however, that its compensation shall not exceed the
amount authorized by applicable Securities laws and regulations.
The Depositor shall direct that sales be made in accordance with the
guidelines set forth in the Prospectus under the heading "Special
Redemption and Rollover in New Fund." Should the Depositor fail to
provide direction, the Distribution Agent shall sell the Securities
in the manner provided in the prospectus for "less liquid Equity
Securities." The Distribution Agent shall have no responsibility
for any loss or depreciation incurred by reason of any sale made
pursuant to this Section.
Upon each trade date for sales of Securities included in the
Rollover Unitholder's Rollover Distribution, the Distribution Agent
shall, as agent for such Rollover Unitholder, enter into a contract
with the Depositor to purchase from the Depositor Units of the New
Series (if any), at the Depositor's public offering price for such
Units on such day, and at such reduced sales charge as shall be
described in the prospectus for the Trusts. Such contract shall
provide for purchase of the maximum number of Units of the New
Series whose purchase price is equal to or less than the cash
proceeds held by the Distribution Agent for the Unitholder on such
day (including therein the proceeds anticipated to be received in
respect of Securities traded on such day net of all brokerage fees,
governmental charges and any other expenses incurred in connection
with such sale), to the extent Units are available for purchase from
the Depositor. In the event a sale of Securities included in the
Rollover Unitholder's redemption distribution shall not be
consummated in accordance with its terms, the Distribution Agent
shall apply the cash proceeds held for such Unitholder as of the
settlement date for the purchase of Units of the New Series to
purchase the maximum number of units which such cash balance will
permit, and the Depositor agrees that the settlement date for Units
whose purchase was not consummated as a result of insufficient funds
will be extended until cash proceeds from the Rollover Distribution
are available in a sufficient amount to settle such purchase. If
the Unitholder's Rollover Distribution will produce insufficient
cash proceeds to purchase all of the Units of the New Series
contracted for, the Depositor agrees that the contract shall be
rescinded with respect to the Units as to which there was a cash
shortfall without any liability to the Rollover Unitholder or the
Distribution Agent. Any cash balance remaining after such purchase
shall be distributed within a reasonable time to the Rollover
Unitholder by check mailed to the address of such Unitholder on the
registration books of the Trustee. Units of the New Series will be
uncertificated unless and until the Rollover Unitholder requests a
certificate. Any cash held by the Distribution Agent shall be held
in a non-interest bearing account which will be of benefit to the
Distribution Agent in accordance with normal banking procedures.
Neither the Trustee nor the Distribution Agent shall have any
responsibility or liability for loss or depreciation resulting from
any reinvestment made in accordance with this paragraph, or for any
failure to make such reinvestment in the event the Depositor does
not make Units available for purchase.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Depositor may, in its
discretion at any time, decide not to offer a New Series in the
future, and if so, this Section 5.05 concerning the Rollover of
Units shall be inoperative.
(c) The Distribution Agent shall receive no fees for
performing its duties hereunder. The Distribution Agent shall,
however, be entitled to receive reimbursement from the Trust for any
and all expenses and disbursements to the same extent as the Trustee
is permitted reimbursement hereunder."
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in lieu of selling
Securities through the Depositor on the open market the Distribution
Agent may sell Securities from a terminating Trust into the
corresponding New Series if those Securities continue to meet the
New Series' strategy. The price for those Securities will be the
closing sale price on the sale date on the exchange where the
Securities are principally traded, as certified by the Sponsor.
17. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Standard
Terms and Conditions of Trust, the requisite number of Units needed
to be tendered to exercise an In Kind Distribution as set forth in
Sections 5.02 and 8.02 shall be that number set forth in the
Prospectus.
18. Section 8.02 is hereby revised to require an affirmative
vote of Unitholders representing 66 2/3% of the then outstanding
Units to terminate the Trust rather than the 51% indicated therein.
19. Section 3.01 of the Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust
shall be replaced in its entirety with the following:
"Section 3.01. Initial Costs. The following
organization and regular and recurring expenses of the
Trust shall be borne by the Trustee: (a) to the extent
not borne by the Depositor, expenses incurred in
establishing a Trust, including the cost of the initial
preparation and typesetting of the registration statement,
prospectuses (including preliminary prospectuses), the
indenture, and other documents relating to the Trust,
Securities and Exchange Commission and state blue sky
registration fees, the costs of the initial valuation of
the portfolio and audit of the Trust, the initial fees and
expenses of the Trustee, and legal and other out-of-pocket
expenses related thereto, but not including the expenses
incurred in the printing of preliminary prospectuses and
prospectuses, expenses incurred in the preparation and
printing of brochures and other advertising materials and
any other selling expenses, (b) the amount specified in
Section 3.05 and Article VIII, (c) to the extent permitted
by Section 6.02, auditing fees and, to the extent not
borne by the Depositor, expenses incurred in connection
with maintaining the Trust's registration statement
current with Federal and State authorities, (d) any
Certificates issued after the Initial Date of Deposit ;
and (e) expenses of any distribution agent. The Trustee
shall be reimbursed for those organizational expenses
referred to in clause (a) as provided in the Prospectus.
20. Section 6.01(i) of the Standard Terms and Conditions of
Trust shall be amended by adding the following to the beginning of
such Section:
"Except as provided in Sections 3.01 and 3.05,"
21. Section 8.04 is hereby amended by deleting the first word
of such Section and replacing it with the following:
"Except as provided in Sections 3.01 and 3.05, the"
22. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the
annual audit of the Trust's accounts described in Section 6.02 shall
not be required.
23. Section 2.03(a) shall be amended by adding the following
sentence immediately after the first sentence of such Section: "The
number of Units may be increased through a split of the Units or
decreased through a reverse split thereof, as directed by the
Depositor, on any day on which the Depositor is the only Unitholder,
which revised number of Units shall be recorded by the Trustee on
its books."
In Witness Whereof, Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
has caused this Trust Agreement to be executed by one of its Vice
Presidents or Assistant Vice Presidents and its corporate seal to be
hereto affixed and attested by its Secretary or one of its Vice
Presidents or Assistant Secretaries, American Portfolio Evaluation
Services, a division of Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory
Corp., and Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp., have
each caused this Trust Indenture and Agreement to be executed by their
respective President or one of their respective Vice Presidents and the
corporate seal of each to be hereto affixed and attested to by the
Secretary, Assistant Secretary or one of their respective Vice Presidents
or Assistant Vice Presidents and The Bank of New York, has caused this
Trust Agreement to be executed by one of its Vice Presidents and its
corporate seal to be hereto affixed and attested to by one of its
Assistant Treasurers all as of the day, month and year first above
written.
Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc.
By Sandra A. Waterworth
Vice President
Attest:
By Gina M. Scumaci
Assistant Secretary
American Portfolio Evaluation
Services, a division of Van Kampen
American Capital Investment
Advisory Corp.
By Dennis J. McDonnell
President
Attest
By Scott E. Martin
Assistant Secretary
Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp.
By Dennis J. McDonnell
President
Attest
By Scott E. Martin
Assistant Secretary
The Bank of New York
By Jeffrey Bieselin
Vice President
Attest
By Norbert Loney
Assistant Treasurer
Schedule A to Trust Agreement
Securities Initially Deposited
in
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31
(Note: Incorporated herein and made a part hereof is the "Portfolio" as
set forth in the Prospectus.)
Exhibit 3.1
Chapman and Cutler
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
May 17, 1996
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Re: Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust,
Series 31
Gentlemen:
We have served as counsel for Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc. as Sponsor and Depositor of Van Kampen American
Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31 (hereinafter referred to as
the "Trust"), in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery
of a Trust Agreement dated May 17, 1996, among Van Kampen American
Capital Distributors, Inc., as Depositor, American Portfolio Evaluation
Services, a division of Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory
Corp., as Evaluator, Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory
Corp., as Supervisory Servicer, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee,
pursuant to which the Depositor has delivered to and deposited the
Securities listed in the Schedule to the Trust Agreement with the Trustee
and pursuant to which the Trustee has provided to or on the order of the
Depositor documentation evidencing ownership of Units of fractional
undivided interest in and ownership of the Trust (hereinafter referred to
as the "Units"), created under said Trust Agreement.
In connection therewith we have examined such pertinent records and
documents and matters of law as we have deemed necessary in order to
enable us to express the opinions hereinafter set forth.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The execution and delivery of the Trust Agreement and
the execution and issuance of certificates evidencing the Units
in the Trust have been duly authorized; and
2. The certificates evidencing the Units in the Trust,
when duly executed and delivered by the Depositor and the
Trustee in accordance with the aforementioned Trust Agreement,
will constitute valid and binding obligations of such Trust and
the Depositor in accordance with the terms thereof.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-02767) relating to the Units
referred to above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our
firm in said Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
MJK/cjw
Exhibit 3.2
Chapman and Cutler
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
May 17, 1996
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
Re: Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust,
Series 31
Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc., Depositor of Van Kampen American Capital Equity
Opportunity Trust, Series 31 (the "Fund"), in connection with the
issuance of Units of fractional undivided interest in the Fund, under a
Trust Agreement dated May 17, 1996 (the "Indenture") among Van Kampen
American Capital Distributors, Inc., as Depositor, Van Kampen American
Capital Investment Advisory Corp., as Evaluator, Van Kampen American
Capital Investment Advisory Corp., as Supervisory Servicer, and The Bank
of New York, as Trustee. The Fund is comprised of one unit investment
trust, Aggressive Growth Series, Internet Trust 2.
In this connection, we have examined the Registration Statement, the
Prospectus, the Indenture, and such other instruments and documents as we
have deemed pertinent.
The assets of each Trust will consist of a portfolio of equity
securities (the "Equity Securities") as set forth in the Prospectus.
Based upon the foregoing and upon an investigation of such matters
of law as we consider to be applicable, we are of the opinion that, under
existing United States Federal income tax law:
(i) Each Trust is not an association taxable as a
corporation but will be governed by the provisions of
subchapter J (relating to Trusts) of chapter 1, Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").
(ii) A Unitholder will be considered as owning a pro rata
share of each asset of the particular Trust in the proportion
that the number of Units held by him bears to the total number
of Units outstanding. Under subpart E, subchapter J of chapter
1 of the Code, income of a Trust will be treated as income of
each Unitholder in the proportion described, and an item of
Trust income will have the same character in the hands of a
Unitholder as it would have in the hands of the Trustee. Each
Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro rata
share of income derived from each Trust asset when such income
is considered to be received by a Trust. A Unitholder's pro
rata portion of distributions of cash or property by a
corporation with respect to an Equity Security ("dividends" as
defined by Section 316 of the Code ) are taxable as ordinary
income to the extent of such corporation's current and
accumulated "earnings and profits." A Unitholder's pro rata
portion of dividends which exceed such current and accumulated
earnings and profits will first reduce the Unitholder's tax
basis in such Equity Security, and to the extent that such
dividends exceed a Unitholder's tax basis in such Equity
Security, shall be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of
property.
(iii) The price a Unitholder pays for his Units, generally
including sales charges, is allocated among his pro rata
portion of each Security held by a Trust (in the proportion to
the fair market values thereof on the valuation date closest to
the date the Unitholder purchases his Units), in order to
determine his tax basis for his pro rata portion of each
Security held by a Trust.
(iv) Gain or loss will be recognized to a Unitholder
(subject to various nonrecognition provisions under the code)
upon redemption or sale of his Units, except to the extent an
in kind distribution of stock is received by such Unitholder
from a Trust as discussed below. Such gain or loss is measured
by comparing the proceeds of such redemption or sale with the
adjusted basis of his Units. Before adjustment, such basis
would normally be cost if the Unitholder had acquired his units
by purchase. Such basis will be reduced, but not below zero,
by the Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends with respect
to each Equity Security which are not taxable as ordinary
income.
(v) If the Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether by
sale, exchange, liquidation redemption, payment on maturity or
otherwise) gain or loss will be recognized to the Unitholder
(subject to various nonrecognition provisions under the code)
and the amount thereof will be measured by comparing the
Unitholder's aliquot share of the total proceeds from the
transaction with his basis for his fractional interest in the
asset disposed of. Such basis is ascertained by apportioning
the tax basis for his Units (as of the date on which his Units
were acquired) among each of the Trust assets of such Trust (as
of the date on which his Units were acquired) ratably according
to their values as of the valuation date nearest the date on
which he purchased such Units. A Unitholder's basis in his
Units and of his fractional interest in each Trust asset must
be reduced, but not below zero, by the Unitholder's pro rata
portion of dividends with respect to each Security which are
not taxable as ordinary income.
(vi) Under the Indenture, under certain circumstances, a
Unitholder tendering Units for redemption may request an in
kind distribution of Securities upon the redemption of Units or
upon the termination of the Trust. As previously discussed,
prior to the redemption of Units or the termination of a Trust,
a Unitholder is considered as owning a pro rata portion of each
of the particular Trust's assets. The receipt of an in kind
distribution will result in a United States Unitholder
receiving an undivided interest in whole shares of stock and
possibly cash. The potential federal income tax consequences
which may occur under an in kind distribution with respect to
each Security owned by the United States Trust will depend upon
whether or not a United States Uniholder receives cash in
addition to Securities. A "Security" for this purpose is a
particular class of stock issued by a particular corporation.
A Unitholder will not recognize gain or loss if a Unitholder
only receives Securities in exchange for his or her pro rata
portion in the Securities held by the Trust. However, if a
Unitholder also receives cash in exchange for a fractional
share of a Security held by the Trust, such Unitholder will
generally recognize gain or loss based upon the difference
between the amount of cash received by the Unitholder and his
tax basis in such fractional share of a Security held by the
Trust. The total amount of taxable gains (or losses)
recognized upon such redemption will generally equal the sum of
the gain (or loss) recognized under the rules described above
by the redeeming Unitholder with respect to each Security owned
by a Trust.
Dividends received by a Trust which are attributable to a
corporation owning Units in a Trust and which are taxable as ordinary
income may be eligible for the 70% dividends received deduction pursuant
to Section 243(a) of the Code, subject to the limitations imposed by
Sections 246 and 246A of the Code. It should be noted that various
legislative proposals that would affect the dividend received deduction
have been introduced.
Section 67 of the Code provides that certain itemized deductions,
such as investment expenses, tax return preparation fees and employee
business expenses will be deductible by individuals only to the extent
they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted gross income. Temporary
regulations have been issued which require Unitholders to treat certain
expenses of a Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this
limitation.
A Unitholder will recognize taxable gain (or loss) when all or part
of the pro rata interest in a Security is either sold by the Trust or
redeemed or when a Unitholder disposes of his Units in a taxable
transaction, in each case for an amount greater (or less) than his tax
basis therefor, subject to various non-recognition provisions of the
Code.
Any gain recognized on a sale or exchange will, under current law,
generally be capital gain or loss.
The scope of this opinion is expressly limited to the matters set
forth herein, and, except as expressly set forth above, we express no
opinion with respect to any other taxes, including state or local taxes
or collateral tax consequences with respect to the purchase, ownership
and disposition of Units.
Very truly yours
Chapman and Cutler
MJK/cjw
Exhibit 3.3
Kroll & Tract
520 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
May 17, 1996
Van Kampen American Capital Equity
Opportunity Trust, Series 31
c/o The Bank of New York,
As Trustee
101 Barclay Street, 17 West
New York, New York 10286
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as special counsel for the Van Kampen American Capital
Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31 (the "Fund") consisting of Aggressive
Growth Series, Internet Trust 2 (individually a "Trust") for the purposes
of determining the applicability of certain New York taxes under the
circumstances hereinafter described.
The Fund is created pursuant to a Trust Agreement (the
"Indenture"), dated as of today (the "Date of Deposit") among Van Kampen
American Capital Distributors, Inc. (the "Depositor"), American Portfolio
Evaluation Services, a division of an affiliate of the Depositor, as
Evaluator, Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp., as
Supervisory Servicer (the "Supervisory Servicer"), and The Bank of New
York as Trustee (the "Trustee"). As described in the prospectus relating
to the Fund dated today to be filed as an amendment to a registration
statement heretofore filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Prospectus") (File
Number 333-02767), the objectives of the Fund are to provide the
potential for capital appreciation from a portfolio of equity securities
involved in either the enabling technology or commnications services
areas of the Internet. It is noted that no opinion is expressed herein
with regard to the Federal tax aspects of the securities, units of the
Trust (the "Units"), or any interest, gains or losses in respect thereof.
As more fully set forth in the Indenture and in the Prospectus, the
activities of the Trustee will include the following:
On the Date of Deposit, the Depositor will deposit with the Trustee
with respect to each Trust the securities and/or contracts and cash for
the purchase thereof together with an irrevocable letter of credit in the
amount required for the purchase price of the securities comprising the
corpus of the Trust as more fully set forth in the Prospectus.
The Trustee did not participate in the selection of the securities
to be deposited in the Trust, and, upon the receipt thereof, will deliver
to the Depositor a registered certificate for the number of Units
representing the entire capital of the Trust as more fully set forth in
the Prospectus. The Units, which are represented by certificates
("Certificates"), will be offered to the public upon the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement.
The duties of the Trustee, which are ministerial in nature, will
consist primarily of crediting the appropriate accounts with cash
dividends received by the Fund and with the proceeds from the disposition
of securities held in the Fund and the proceeds of the treasury
obligation on maturity and the distribution of such cash dividends and
proceeds to the Unitholders. The Trustee will also maintain records of
the registered holders of Certificates representing an interest in the
Fund and administer the redemption of Units by such Certificateholders
and may perform certain administrative functions with respect to an
automatic investment option.
Generally, equity securities held in the Trust may be removed
therefrom by the Trustee at the direction of the Depositor upon the
occurrence of certain specified events which adversely affect the sound
investment character of the Fund, such as default by the issuer in
payment of declared dividends or of interest or principal on one or more
of its debt obligations..
Article 9-A of the New York Tax Law imposes a franchise tax on
business corporations, and, for purposes of that Article, Section 208(l)
defines the term "corporation" to include, among other things, "any
business conducted by a trustee or trustees wherein interest or ownership
is evidenced by certificate or other written instrument."
The Regulations promulgated under Section 208 provide as follows:
A business conducted by a trustee or trustees in
which interest or ownership is evidenced by
certificate or other written instrument. includes,
but is not limited to, an association commonly
referred to as a "business trust" or "Massachusetts
trust". In determining whether a trustee or trustees
are conducting a business, the form of the agreement
is of significance but is not controlling. The
actual activities of the trustee or trustees, not
their purposes and powers, will be regarded as
decisive factors in determining whether a trust is
subject to tax under Article 9-A. The mere
investment of funds and the collection of income
therefrom, with incidental replacement of securities
and reinvestment of funds, does not constitute the
conduct of a business in the case of a business
conducted by the trustee or trustees. 20 NYCRR 1-
2.3(b)(2) (July 11, 1990).
New York cases dealing with the question of whether a trust will be
subject to the franchise tax have also delineated the general rule that
where a trustee merely invests funds and collects and distributes the
income therefrom, the trust is not engaged in business and is not subject
to the franchise tax. Burrell v. Lynch, 274 A.D. 347, 84 N.Y.S.2d 171
(3rd Dept. 1948), order resettled, 274 A.D. 1073, 85 N.Y.S.2d 705 (1949).
An opinion of the Attorney General of the State of New York, 47 N.Y.
Atty. Gen. Rep. 213 (Nov. 24, 1942), it was held that where the trustee
of an unincorporated investment trust was without authority to reinvest
amounts received upon the sales of securities and could dispose of
securities making up the trust only upon the happening of certain
specified events or the existence of certain specified conditions, the
trust was not subject to the franchise tax.
In the instant situation, the Trustee is not empowered to sell
obligations contained in the corpus of the Fund and reinvest the proceeds
therefrom. Further, the power to sell such obligations is limited to
circumstances in which the creditworthiness or soundness of the issuer of
such equity security is in question or in which cash is needed to pay
redeeming Unit holders or to pay expenses, or where the Fund is
liquidated pursuant to the termination of the Indenture. In substance,
the Trustee will merely collect and distribute income and will not
reinvest any income or proceeds, and the Trustee has no power to vary the
investment of any Unit holder in a Trust.
Under Subpart E of Part I, Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the grantor of a trust
will be deemed to be the owner of the trust under certain circumstances,
and therefore taxable on his proportionate interest in the income
thereof. Where this Federal tax rule applies, the income attributed to
the grantor will also be income to him for New York income tax purposes.
See TSB-M-78(9)(c), New York Department of Taxation and Finance June 23,
1978.
By letter, dated today, Messrs. Chapman and Cutler, counsel for the
Depositor, rendered their opinion that each Unit holder will be
considered as owning a share of each asset of a Trust in the proportion
that the number of Units held by such holder bears to the total number of
Units outstanding and the income of a Trust will be treated as the income
of each Unit holder in said proportion pursuant to Subpart E of Part 1,
subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Code.
Based on the foregoing and on the opinion of Messrs. Chapman and
Cutler, counsel for the Depositor, dated today, upon which we
specifically rely, we are of the opinion that under existing laws,
rulings and court decisions interpreting the laws of the State and City
of New York.
1. Each Trust will not constitute an association taxable as a
corporation under New York law and, accordingly, will not be subject to
tax on its income under the New York State franchise tax or the New York
City general corporation tax.
2. The income of the Trust will be treated as the income of the
Unit holders under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York,
and
3. Unit holders who are not residents of the State of New York are
not subject to the income tax laws thereof with respect to any interest
or gain derived from the Fund or any gain from the sale or other
disposition of the Units, except to the extent that such interest or gain
is from property employed in a business trade profession or occupation
carried on in the State of New York.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement relating to the Units and to the use of our name
and the reference to our firm in the Registration Statement and in the
Prospectus.
Very truly yours,
Kroll & Tract
MNS:ac
Exhibit 4.1
Interactive Data
14 West Street
New York, NY 10005
May 15, 1996
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Re: Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31
(A Unit Investment Trust) Registered Under the Securities
Act of 1933, File No. 333-02767
Gentlemen:
We have examined the Registration Statement for the above captioned
Fund.
We hereby consent to the reference in the Prospectus and Registration
Statement for the above captioned Fund to Interactive Data Services, Inc.,
as the Evaluator, and to the use of the Obligations prepared by us which
are referred to in such Prospectus and Statement.
You are authorized to file copies of this letter with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
Very truly yours,
James Perry
Vice President
Exhibit 4.2
Independent Certified Public Accountants' Consent
We have issued our report dated May 17, 1996 on the statement of
condition and related securities portfolio of Van Kampen American Capital
Equity Opportunity Trust, Series 31 as of May 17, 1996 contained in the
Registration Statement on Form S-6 and Prospectus. We consent to the use
of our report in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and to the use
of our name as it appears under the caption "Other Matters-Independent
Certified Public Accountants.'"
Grant Thornton LLP
Chicago, Illinois
May 17, 1996
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This report reflects the current period taken from 487 on May 17, 1996, it is
unaudited
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 2
<NAME> INET
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JUN-18-1997
<PERIOD-START> MAY-17-1996
<PERIOD-END> MAY-17-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 151061
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 151061
<RECEIVABLES> 44515
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 195576
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 44515
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 44515
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 151061
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 15000
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<NET-ASSETS> 151061
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<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 0
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<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 0
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
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<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
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<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
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<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
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<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
