-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, C0WBTj10uUHMZh2+ZFRE9PLi9RDGLXCWW6k5u90zJVfefxNRbv0ya1OuY4TUJlxj SUTCMz65Hz71/l1jlXw+kA== 0000950137-03-006512.txt : 20031230 0000950137-03-006512.hdr.sgml : 20031230 20031230172057 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950137-03-006512 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CSR PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20031031 FILED AS OF DATE: 20031230 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20031230 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: VAN KAMPEN STRATEGIC SECTOR MUNICIPAL TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000894241 IRS NUMBER: 367013700 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CSR SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-07356 FILM NUMBER: 031078378 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE PARKVIEW PLAZA STREET 2: VAN KAMPEN INVESTMENTS INC CITY: OAKBROOK TERRACE STATE: IL ZIP: 60181 BUSINESS PHONE: 6306846774 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: VAN KAMPEN INVESTMENTS INC STREET 2: ONE PARKVIEW PLAZA CITY: OAKBROOK TERRACE STATE: IL ZIP: 60181 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL STRATEGIC SECTOR MUNICIPAL TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19960102 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: VAN KAMPEN MERRITT STRATEGIC SECTOR MUNICIPAL TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19930714 N-CSR 1 c80900nvcsr.txt ANNUAL REPORT UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM N-CSR CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Investment Company Act file number 811-7356 Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) 1221 Avenue of the Americas NY NY 10020 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Ronald Robison 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name and address of agent for service) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212-762-4000 Date of fiscal year end: 10/31 Date of reporting period: 10/31/03 Item 1. Report to Shareholders Welcome, Shareholder In this report, you'll learn about how your investment in Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust performed during the annual period. The portfolio management team will provide an overview of the market conditions and discuss some of the factors that affected investment performance during the reporting period. In addition, this report includes the trust's financial statements and a list of trust investments as of October 31, 2003. Market forecasts provided in this report may not necessarily come to pass. There is no assurance that the trust will achieve its investment objective. The trust is subject to market risk, which is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the trust will decline and, therefore, the value of the trust shares may be less than what you paid for them. Accordingly, you can lose money investing in this trust. NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE Performance Summary
STRATEGIC SECTOR MUNICIPAL TRUST SYMBOL: VKS - ---------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL BASED ON BASED ON TOTAL RETURNS NAV MARKET PRICE Since Inception (1/22/93) 6.96% 6.03% 10-year 6.22 6.38 5-year 6.17 5.96 1-year 7.74 10.82 - ----------------------------------------------------
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment return, net asset value (NAV) and common share market price will fluctuate and trust shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. As a result of recent market activity, current performance may vary from the figures shown. For more up-to-date information, please visit vankampen.com or speak with your financial advisor. The NAV per share is determined by dividing the value of the trust's portfolio securities, cash and other assets, less all liabilities, by the total number of common shares outstanding. The common share market price is the price the market is willing to pay for shares of the trust at a given time. Common share market price is influenced by a range of factors, including supply and demand and market conditions. Total return assumes an investment at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions for the period in accordance with the trust's dividend reinvestment plan, and sale of all shares at the end of the period. The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is a broad-based statistical composite of municipal bonds. The index is unmanaged and does not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. 1 Trust Report FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2003 Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust is managed by the adviser's Municipal Fixed Income team.(1) Current members include Timothy D. Haney, Vice President; Robert Wimmel, Vice President; and John Reynoldson, Executive Director. MARKET CONDITIONS The economic backdrop for the 12 months ended October 31 was largely characterized by the persistent weakness of the U.S. economy. One of the most closely watched economic indicators, employment strength, was in negative territory for much of the period. Repeated comments from government and private-sector economists suggesting that the U.S. economy might be entering a deflationary period also seemed to weigh heavily on the minds of investors over the course of the year. At the same time, ongoing budgetary and fiscal difficulties at the state and local level contributed to ratings downgrades for many municipal bonds. The Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) attempted to allay these fears and keep the economy moving in the right direction by cutting the Fed Funds target rate twice during the period to a level of 1.00 percent. Although the stock markets appeared to look past the sluggish economic data, bonds, in general, were hampered. While yields on intermediate- and long-term bonds ended the period roughly where they began, the road between those two points was decidedly bumpy. The 12-month period can be divided into two distinct market environments. The first of these, which lasted from October 2002 to mid-June 2003, saw municipal yields fall by roughly 80 basis points to levels not seen since the late 1960s. These plummeting yields led to a surge in issuance as municipalities moved to lock in low financing and, in the case of older bonds, low refinancing costs. These record levels of supply met with substantial demand as investors in search of relative stability poured cash into municipal bond funds. Demand for municipal bonds was also strong from so-called "cross-over" buyers--investors who traditionally favor taxable investments, but were drawn to the relatively attractive yields of municipal bonds. The municipal market reversed abruptly in mid-June, when yields began to climb from their lows. Investors during this phase shifted their attention to the advancing equity market, which reduced demand for municipal bonds. Interest from cross-over investors also evaporated as the relative attractiveness of the taxable market returned. Issuance remained strong throughout this leg of the period, though it abated somewhat in the last three months of the reporting year. These forces combined to drive municipal bond yields off of their historic lows, ending the period where they began. (1)Team members may change without notice at any time. 2 PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS The trust's return can be calculated based upon either the market price or the net asset value (NAV) of its shares. NAV per share is determined by dividing the value of the trust's portfolio securities, cash and other assets, less all liabilities, by the total number of common shares outstanding, while market price reflects the supply and demand for the shares. As a result, the two returns can differ significantly. On both a market price and an NAV basis, the trust outperformed its benchmark, the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index. (See table below.) The trust's significant position in health-care bonds generated attractive income, as well as price appreciation driven by yield-seeking investors drawn to the bonds' relatively robust yields. Certain issues in this sector met their investment objectives during the period, and we subsequently sold them in favor of bonds with superior total-return potential. Our current strategy of avoiding housing bonds also helped the trust; the sector performed poorly amidst record levels of mortgage refinancing activity. The trust uses leverage to enhance its dividend to common shareholders by borrowing money at short-term rates through the issuance of preferred shares. The proceeds are reinvested in longer-term securities, taking advantage of the difference between short- and longer-term rates. With short-term rates at historic lows during the period, the difference between short- and longer-term rates was relatively high. This made using leverage a particularly profitable approach during the period, and added to the trust's strong performance. While the trust outperformed its benchmark, not all of its positions performed strongly over the entire period in question. With interest rates falling to historic lows, our analysis showed an increasing possibility of a damaging upward shift in interest rates. Therefore, we positioned the trust defensively by maintaining a duration (a measure of interest-rate sensitivity) that was slightly shorter than that of the benchmark during the period. This position helped the trust when rates climbed, but kept it from fully participating in the bond market rally earlier in the period. We attempted to be equally defensive in managing the portfolio's maturity structure. Given the steepness of the yield curve for much of the period (steepness is a measure of the difference in yields between long- and short- maturity securities), we focused on a strategy designed to outperform in a TOTAL RETURN FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2003
- ------------------------------------------------------------- BASED ON BASED ON LEHMAN BROTHERS NAV MARKET PRICE MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX 7.74% 10.82% 5.11% - -------------------------------------------------------------
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment return, net asset value and common share market price will fluctuate and trust shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. See Performance Summary for additional performance information. 3 curve-flattening environment. We purchased premium bonds in the 14- to 20-year range that were priced to 10-year call dates. These bonds offer attractive yields compared to bonds with similar interest-rate risk. We sold bonds in the 5- to 10-year range, an area of the curve that we feel will underperform if short rates rise. This curve flattening did not occur as early as we anticipated, however, and the strategy hampered performance when short rates fell in the first part of the period. However, when long-bond yields rose in the latter part of the period, our emphasis on defensive bonds in the 14- to 20-year range helped to preserve principal. In addition to this core strategy, we also traded high-grade bonds in the 30-year range based on relative-value fluctuations. We sought out issues that were cheap relative to comparable bonds, and then sold them after they achieved their performance targets in order to reinvest the proceeds into securities that we believe have greater total-return prospects. During the period, many municipalities faced budget shortfalls and potential credit downgrades. In this challenging environment, we sought to preserve principal by emphasizing the highest credit-quality tiers of the municipal bond market. As of October 31, 2003, approximately 84 percent of the trust's long- term investments were invested in bonds rated AA and above. We will continue with our disciplined investment approach, monitoring the market closely for compelling opportunities. TOP 5 SECTORS AS OF 10/31/03 RATINGS ALLOCATION AS OF 10/31/03 General Purpose 23.3% AAA/Aaa 76.1% Industrial Revenue 13.7 AA/Aa 7.6 Public Building 13.7 A/A 2.5 Health Care 10.5 BBB/Baa 11.1 Wholesale Electric 9.3 BB/Ba 0.3 B/B 1.3 CC/Ca 0.2 Non-Rated 0.9
Subject to change daily. All percentages are as a percentage of long-term investments. Provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy securities in the sectors shown above. Securities are classified by sectors that represent broad groupings of related industries. Rating allocations based upon ratings as issued by Standard and Poor's and Moody's, respectively. Morgan Stanley is a full-service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. 4 PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES A description of the trust's policies and procedures with respect to the voting of proxies relating to the trust's portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-847-2424. This information is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. 5 BY THE NUMBERS YOUR TRUST'S INVESTMENTS October 31, 2003 THE FOLLOWING PAGES DETAIL YOUR TRUST'S PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD.
PAR AMOUNT MARKET (000) DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE MUNICIPAL BONDS 150.6% ALABAMA 7.8% $ 6,345 Alabama St Muni Elec Auth Pwr Supply Rev Ser A (MBIA Insd)..................................... 5.500% 09/01/19 $ 7,015,920 5,000 Alabama Wtr Pollutn Ctl Auth Revolving Fd Ln Ser A (AMBAC Insd).................................. 5.000 08/15/15 5,122,650 ------------ 12,138,570 ------------ ARIZONA 0.8% 1,200 Tempe, AZ Excise Tax Rev Rfdg................... 5.250 07/01/19 1,287,840 ------------ CALIFORNIA 23.7% 3,330 Anaheim, CA Ctf Part Anaheim Mem Hosp Assn Rfdg (Escrowed to Maturity) (AMBAC Insd)............. 5.000 05/15/13 3,457,805 20,000 Anaheim, CA Pub Fin Auth Lease Rev Cap Apprec Sub Pub Impt Proj Ser C (FSA Insd).............. * 09/01/25 6,110,800 6,000 California Infrastructure & Econ Dev Bk Rev Bay Area Toll Brdgs First Lien A (AMBAC Insd)....... 5.000 07/01/33 6,038,460 6,420 California Pollutn Ctl Fin Auth Pollutn Ctl Rev Pacific Gas & Elec Ser B (MBIA Insd) (a)........ 6.350 06/01/09 6,574,658 220 California Rural Home Mtg Fin Auth Single Family Mtg Rev Ser C (GNMA Collateralized)............. 7.800 02/01/28 238,790 2,000 California St Dept Wtr Res Pwr Ser A (XLCA Insd)........................................... 5.375 05/01/17 2,169,380 5,000 California St Dept Wtr Res Pwr Ser A (MBIA Insd)........................................... 5.375 05/01/22 5,293,550 5,000 Foothill/Eastern Corridor Agy CA Toll Rd Rev Conv Cap Apprec Rfdg (b)........................ 0/5.800 01/15/20 3,670,950 2,000 Los Angeles Cnty, CA Pub Wks Fin Auth Rev Sr Lien Ser A Rfdg (FSA Insd)...................... 5.500 10/01/18 2,272,840 4,000 Whisman, CA Sch Dist Cap Apprec Ser D (FSA Insd)........................................... * 02/01/25 1,301,240 ------------ 37,128,473 ------------ COLORADO 2.8% 1,000 Arapahoe Cnty, CO Cap Impt Tr Fd Hwy Rev E-470 Proj Ser B (Prerefunded @ 08/31/05)............. 7.000 08/31/26 1,133,690 1,000 Colorado Hlth Fac Auth Rev Hosp Parkview Med Ctr Proj............................................ 6.500 09/01/20 1,071,720 1,850 Colorado Hsg Fin Auth Multi-Family Hsg Insd Mtg Ser A........................................... 6.800 10/01/37 1,892,124
6 See Notes to Financial Statements YOUR TRUST'S INVESTMENTS October 31, 2003
PAR AMOUNT MARKET (000) DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE COLORADO (CONTINUED) $ 195 Colorado Hsg Fin Auth Single Family Pgm Sr Ser C1.............................................. 7.550% 11/01/27 $ 199,953 65 Colorado Hsg Fin Auth Single Family Pgm Sr Ser F............................................... 8.625 06/01/25 65,086 ------------ 4,362,573 ------------ CONNECTICUT 2.1% 1,500 Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe CT Spl Rev Ser A, 144A--Private Placement (c).................. 6.400 09/01/11 1,618,545 1,500 Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe CT Spl Rev Ser A, 144A--Private Placement (Prerefunded @ 09/01/07) (c)................................... 6.400 09/01/11 1,711,065 ------------ 3,329,610 ------------ GEORGIA 2.4% 1,870 Georgia Muni Elec Auth Pwr Rev Ser A (FGIC Insd)........................................... 5.500 01/01/12 2,110,202 1,425 Georgia Muni Elec Auth Pwr Rev Ser A Rfdg (Escrowed to Maturity) (FGIC Insd).............. 5.500 01/01/12 1,624,001 ------------ 3,734,203 ------------ ILLINOIS 15.8% 15,000 Chicago, IL Brd of Ed Cap Apprec Sch Reform Ser A (FGIC Insd)................................... * 12/01/31 3,150,150 5,670 Chicago, IL Cap Apprec City Colleges (FGIC Insd)........................................... * 01/01/29 1,428,670 4,335 Chicago, IL Cap Apprec City Colleges (FGIC Insd)........................................... * 01/01/30 1,029,086 2,540 Chicago, IL O'Hare Intl Arpt Rev Second Lien Passenger Fac Ser A (AMBAC Insd)................ 5.375 01/01/32 2,595,347 1,700 Chicago, IL O'Hare Intl Arpt Spl Fac Rev United Airl Proj Ser B Rfdg (d) (e).................... 5.200 04/01/11 344,250 300 Chicago, IL O'Hare Intl Arpt Spl United Airl Proj Ser A (d) (e).............................. 5.350 09/01/16 63,750 5,000 Chicago, IL Proj Ser A Rfdg (MBIA Insd)......... 5.500 01/01/38 5,245,850 950 Chicago, IL Tax Increment Alloc Sub Cent Loop Redev Ser A (ACA Insd).......................... 6.500 12/01/08 1,100,072 1,635 Cook Cnty, IL Sch Dist No. 100 Berwyn South (FSA Insd)........................................... 8.100 12/01/15 2,238,855 5,000 Cook Cnty, IL Ser A (FGIC Insd)................. 5.500 11/15/31 5,256,200 1,000 Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Midwest Physician Grp Ltd Rfdg........................................ 5.500 11/15/19 790,280 2,800 Will Cnty, IL Fst Presv Dist Ser B (FGIC Insd)........................................... * 12/01/16 1,520,848 ------------ 24,763,358 ------------
See Notes to Financial Statements 7 YOUR TRUST'S INVESTMENTS October 31, 2003
PAR AMOUNT MARKET (000) DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE INDIANA 6.6% $ 3,065 Allen Cnty, IN War Mem Coliseum Additions Bldg Corp Ser A (AMBAC Insd)......................... 5.750% 11/01/25 $ 3,310,384 3,505 East Chicago, IN Elem Sch Bldg Corp First Mtg Rfdg (AMBAC Insd)............................... 6.250 01/05/16 4,188,720 3,000 Petersburg, IN Pollutn Ctl Rev IN Pwr & Lt...... 6.375 11/01/29 2,913,000 ------------ 10,412,104 ------------ KANSAS 4.0% 5,000 Burlington, KS Pollutn Ctl KS Gas & Elec Co Proj Rfdg (MBIA Insd)................................ 7.000 06/01/31 5,225,750 1,000 Overland Park, KS Dev Corp Rev First Tier Overland Park Ser A............................. 7.375 01/01/32 1,002,700 ------------ 6,228,450 ------------ KENTUCKY 1.3% 2,000 Kentucky Econ Dev Fin Auth College & Univ Rev Impt Centre College Proj Rfdg (FSA Insd)........ 5.000 04/01/32 2,015,960 ------------ LOUISIANA 9.7% 7,930 Ernest N Morial New Orleans LA Exhibit Hall Auth Spl Tax Sr Sub Ser A (AMBAC Insd)............... 5.250 07/15/18 8,531,887 2,855 Louisiana St Gas & Fuels Tax Rev Ser A (AMBAC Insd)........................................... 5.375 06/01/16 3,130,108 2,000 New Orleans, LA Rfdg (FGIC Insd)................ 5.500 12/01/21 2,233,700 1,250 St Charles Parish, LA Pollutn Ctl Rev LA Pwr & Lt Co Proj (FSA Insd)........................... 7.500 06/01/21 1,302,688 ------------ 15,198,383 ------------ MARYLAND 4.7% 1,000 Maryland St Econ Dev Corp Student Hsg Rev Univ MD College Park Proj............................ 5.625 06/01/35 991,040 6,270 Maryland St Hlth & Higher Ed Fac Auth Rev Subn Hosp Rfdg (AMBAC Insd).......................... 5.000 07/01/13 6,414,022 ------------ 7,405,062 ------------ MASSACHUSETTS 6.3% 5,000 Massachusetts St Cons Ln Ser E (Prerefunded @ 01/01/13) (FSA Insd)............................ 5.250 01/01/20 5,550,350 2,000 Massachusetts St Dev Fin Agy Semass Sys Ser A (MBIA Insd)..................................... 5.625 01/01/15 2,227,780 1,705 Massachusetts St Hlth & Ed Fac Auth Rev Vly Regl Hlth Sys Ser C (Connie Lee Insd)................ 7.000 07/01/09 2,054,423 ------------ 9,832,553 ------------ MICHIGAN 1.0% 1,485 Michigan St Hsg Dev Auth Multi-Family Rev Adj Ltd Oblig Hsg Orion Four Ser A (Var Rate Cpn)... 6.250 08/01/39 1,519,155 ------------
8 See Notes to Financial Statements YOUR TRUST'S INVESTMENTS October 31, 2003
PAR AMOUNT MARKET (000) DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE MISSISSIPPI 4.3% $ 2,000 Mississippi Business Fin Corp Sys Energy Res Inc Proj............................................ 5.875% 04/01/22 $ 1,994,320 2,860 Mississippi Dev Bk Spl Oblig Cap Proj & Equip Acquisition Ser A2 (AMBAC Insd)................. 5.000 07/01/24 2,917,286 1,030 Mississippi Home Corp Single Family Rev Mtg Ser C (GNMA Collateralized)......................... 7.600 06/01/29 1,129,982 355 Mississippi Home Corp Single Family Rev Mtg Ser F (GNMA Collateralized)......................... 7.550 12/01/27 365,171 322 Mississippi Home Corp Single Family Rev Ser D (GNMA Collateralized)........................... 8.100 12/01/24 341,687 ------------ 6,748,446 ------------ MISSOURI 0.5% 750 St Louis, MO Indl Dev Auth Rev Sr Lien St Louis Convention Ser A................................ 6.875 12/15/20 735,960 ------------ NEVADA 0.3% 515 Nevada Hsg Div Single Family Pgm Mezz Ser E (FHA/VA Gtd).................................... 6.900 10/01/11 524,440 ------------ NEW JERSEY 7.4% 2,000 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Dist Heating & Cooling Rev Trigen Trenton Ser A........................ 6.200 12/01/10 1,999,860 2,000 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Spl Fac Rev Continental Airl Inc Proj................................... 6.250 09/15/29 1,706,020 2,500 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Wtr Fac Rev NJ American Wtr Co Inc Proj Ser A (FGIC Insd)............... 6.875 11/01/34 2,688,425 5,000 New Jersey St Tpk Auth Tpk Rev Ser A (FSA Insd)........................................... 5.000 01/01/20 5,219,850 ------------ 11,614,155 ------------ NEW YORK 16.5% 970 New York City Indl Dev Agy Civic Fac Rev Touro College Proj Ser A (f).......................... 6.350 06/01/29 853,231 2,520 New York City Ser B (Prerefunded @ 08/15/04).... 7.250 08/15/19 2,668,579 5,000 New York City Ser B1 (Prerefunded @ 08/15/04)... 7.000 08/15/16 5,285,400 5 New York City Ser C............................. 7.250 08/15/24 5,022 2,000 New York City Ser G............................. 5.750 02/01/14 2,154,280 5,000 New York City Ser H (MBIA Insd)................. 5.250 03/15/14 5,461,200 5,000 New York City Transitional Fin Auth Future Tax Sec Ser B....................................... 5.000 08/01/22 5,121,800 4,000 New York City Transitional Fin Auth Future Tax Sec Ser D (MBIA Insd)........................... 5.250 02/01/20 4,273,040 ------------ 25,822,552 ------------
See Notes to Financial Statements 9 YOUR TRUST'S INVESTMENTS October 31, 2003
PAR AMOUNT MARKET (000) DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE NORTH CAROLINA 2.1% $ 3,000 Charlotte, NC Ctf Part Convention Fac Proj Ser A Rfdg............................................ 5.500% 08/01/19 $ 3,302,580 ------------ OHIO 6.8% 1,000 Akron, OH Ctf Part Akron Muni Baseball Stad Proj............................................ 6.500 12/01/07 1,076,310 1,000 Cuyahoga Cnty, OH Hosp Fac Rev Canton Inc Proj............................................ 7.500 01/01/30 1,103,390 1,000 Delaware Cnty, OH Hlthcare Fac Rev Mtg Centrum at Willow Brook (FHA Gtd) (a)................... 6.550 02/01/35 1,053,150 1,315 Logan Cnty, OH (MBIA Insd)...................... 5.250 12/01/17 1,425,039 2,045 Marion Cnty, OH Hosp Impt Rev Cmnty Hosp Rfdg... 6.000 05/15/05 2,141,953 770 Miami Cnty, OH Hosp Fac Impt Upper Vly Med Ctr Ser C Rfdg...................................... 6.000 05/15/06 825,294 1,845 Ohio Hsg Fin Agy Mtg Rev Residential Ser A-1 (GNMA Collateralized)........................... 6.050 09/01/17 1,947,379 980 Toledo Lucas Cnty, OH Port Auth Northwest OH Bd Fd Ser C........................................ 6.000 05/15/11 1,035,546 ------------ 10,608,061 ------------ OKLAHOMA 0.9% 1,000 Mc Alester, OK Pub Wks Auth Util Sys Rev Cap Apprec (FSA Insd)............................... * 02/01/31 238,680 1,000 Tulsa Cnty, OK Pub Fac Auth Cap Impt Rev (AMBAC Insd)........................................... 6.250 11/01/22 1,153,370 ------------ 1,392,050 ------------ PENNSYLVANIA 2.5% 1,515 Delaware Cnty, PA Auth Hlthcare Rev Mercy Hlth Corp Southeastn Ser B (Prerefunded @ 11/15/05)....................................... 6.000 11/15/07 1,597,658 2,000 Philadelphia, PA Hosp & Higher Ed Fac Auth Hosp Rev PA Hosp Rfdg (Escrowed to Maturity)......... 6.350 07/01/07 2,298,000 ------------ 3,895,658 ------------ SOUTH CAROLINA 3.8% 2,420 Beaufort Cnty, SC Tax Increment New River Redev Proj Area (MBIA Insd)........................... 5.500 06/01/20 2,635,428 700 South Carolina Jobs Econ Dev Sr Myrtle Beach Convention Ser A................................ 6.625 04/01/36 675,493 2,500 South Carolina St Pub Svc Auth Rev Ser D Rfdg (FSA Insd)...................................... 5.000 01/01/21 2,578,675 ------------ 5,889,596 ------------
10 See Notes to Financial Statements YOUR TRUST'S INVESTMENTS October 31, 2003
PAR AMOUNT MARKET (000) DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE TENNESSEE 1.9% $ 1,500 Elizabethton, TN Hlth & Ed Fac Brd Rev Hosp First Mtg Ser B Impt & Rfdg..................... 8.000% 07/01/33 $ 1,682,025 1,000 Johnson City, TN Hlth & Ed Fac Brd Hosp Rev First Mtg MTN States Hlth Ser A Rfdg (MBIA Insd)........................................... 7.500 07/01/25 1,253,900 ------------ 2,935,925 ------------ TEXAS 5.3% 1,500 Brazos River Auth TX Pollutn Ctl Rev Adj TXU Elec Co Proj Ser C Rfdg (b)..................... 5.750 05/01/36 1,570,410 3,000 Dallas, TX Wtrwks & Swr Sys Rev Impt & Rfdg (FSA Insd)........................................... 5.375 10/01/19 3,248,670 4,790 Galena Park, TX Indpt Sch Dist Cap Apprec Rfdg (PSF Gtd)....................................... * 08/15/28 1,220,013 1,500 Houston, TX Arpt Sys Rev Spl Fac Continental Airl Ser B...................................... 6.125 07/15/17 1,273,740 1,000 Matagorda Cnty, TX Navig Dist No 1 Rev Houston Lt Rfdg (AMBAC Insd)............................ 5.125 11/01/28 1,010,010 ------------ 8,322,843 ------------ VIRGINIA 1.0% 1,485 Richmond, VA Indl Dev Auth Govt Fac Rev Bonds (AMBAC Insd).................................... 5.000 07/15/15 1,621,917 ------------ WASHINGTON 8.3% 1,000 Grant Cnty, WA Pub Util Dist No 002 Wanapum Hydro Elec Rev Ser B Rfdg (MBIA Insd)........... 5.375 01/01/18 1,042,640 5,000 Spokane, WA Pub Fac Dist Hotel Motel & Sales Use Tax (MBIA Insd)................................. 5.250 09/01/33 5,171,900 2,030 Washington St Pub Pwr Supply Sys Nuclear Proj No 3 Rev Ser C Rfdg (MBIA Insd).................... * 07/01/13 1,341,688 3,380 Washington St Pub Pwr Supply Sys Nuclear Proj No 3 Rev Ser C Rfdg (MBIA Insd).................... * 07/01/15 1,986,054 3,000 Washington St Ser B............................. 5.500 05/01/18 3,375,060 ------------ 12,917,342 ------------ TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 150.6% (Cost $225,573,360).......................................................... 235,687,819 ------------ SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 7.0% 8,100 Massachusetts St Hlth & Ed Fac Auth Rev Assets Prog Ser D (Var Rate Cpn)....................... 1.150 01/01/35 8,100,000 1,785 Missouri St Enviroment Impt & Energy Res Auth Enviroment Impt Mates Union Elec Co Proj Rfdg (Var Rate Cpn).................................. 1.650 12/01/20 1,785,000 1,100 South Fork Muni Auth PA Hosp Rev Conemaugh Hlth Sys Ser A (Var Rate Cpn)........................ 1.130 07/01/28 1,100,000 ------------
See Notes to Financial Statements 11 YOUR TRUST'S INVESTMENTS October 31, 2003
MARKET VALUE TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $10,985,000)........................................................... $ 10,985,000 ------------ TOTAL INVESTMENTS 157.6% (Cost $236,558,360).......................................................... 246,672,819 OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES 3.1%.................................... 4,896,663 PREFERRED SHARES (INCLUDING ACCRUED DISTRIBUTIONS) (60.7%).................... (95,014,500) ------------ NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES 100.0%................................. $156,554,982 ============
* Zero coupon bond (a) All or a portion of these securities have been physically segregated in connection with open futures contracts. (b) Security is a "step-up" bond where the coupon increases or steps up at a predetermined date. (c) 144A securities are those which are exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers. (d) Non-income producing security. (e) Issuer has filed for protection in federal bankruptcy court. (f) These securities are restricted and may be resold only in transactions exempt from registration which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers. ACA--American Capital Access AMBAC--AMBAC Indemnity Corp. Connie Lee--Connie Lee Insurance Co. FGIC--Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. FHA--Federal Housing Administration FHA/VA--Federal Housing Administration/Department of Veterans Affairs FSA--Financial Security Assurance Inc. GNMA--Government National Mortgage Association MBIA--Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corp. PSF--Public School Fund XLCA--XL Capital Assurance Inc. 12 See Notes to Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of Assets and Liabilities October 31, 2003 ASSETS: Total Investments (Cost $236,558,360)....................... $246,672,819 Cash........................................................ 51,099 Receivables: Investments Sold.......................................... 11,533,986 Interest.................................................. 3,585,617 Other....................................................... 4,730 ------------ Total Assets............................................ 261,848,251 ------------ LIABILITIES: Payables: Investments Purchased..................................... 9,720,963 Investment Advisory Fee................................... 138,414 Variation Margin on Futures............................... 64,969 Income Distributions--Common Shares....................... 54,434 Administrative Fee........................................ 21,294 Affiliates................................................ 8,300 Trustees' Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans........ 180,764 Accrued Expenses............................................ 89,631 ------------ Total Liabilities....................................... 10,278,769 Preferred Shares (including accrued distributions).......... 95,014,500 ------------ NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES...................... $156,554,982 ============ NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE ($156,554,982 divided by 10,806,700 shares outstanding)............................ $ 14.49 ============ NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: Common Shares ($.01 par value with an unlimited number of shares authorized, 10,806,700 shares issued and outstanding).............................................. $ 108,067 Paid in Surplus............................................. 147,064,328 Net Unrealized Appreciation................................. 9,348,444 Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Income............. 2,582,290 Accumulated Net Realized Loss............................... (2,548,147) ------------ NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES...................... $156,554,982 ============ PREFERRED SHARES ($.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares, 3,800 issued with liquidation preference of $25,000 per share)........................................ $ 95,000,000 ============ NET ASSETS INCLUDING PREFERRED SHARES....................... $251,554,982 ============
See Notes to Financial Statements 13 Statement of Operations For the Year Ended October 31, 2003 INVESTMENT INCOME: Interest.................................................... $13,566,153 ----------- EXPENSES: Investment Advisory Fee..................................... 1,636,707 Preferred Share Maintenance................................. 263,211 Administrative Fee.......................................... 251,799 Trustees' Fees and Related Expenses......................... 53,534 Legal....................................................... 31,565 Custody..................................................... 17,710 Other....................................................... 199,225 ----------- Total Expenses.......................................... 2,453,751 ----------- NET INVESTMENT INCOME....................................... $11,112,402 =========== REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS: Realized Gain/Loss: Investments............................................... $ 5,382,004 Futures................................................... (277,585) ----------- Net Realized Gain........................................... 5,104,419 ----------- Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation: Beginning of the Period................................... 13,327,778 End of the Period: Investments............................................. 10,114,459 Futures................................................. (766,015) ----------- 9,348,444 ----------- Net Unrealized Depreciation During the Period............... (3,979,334) ----------- NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN............................ $ 1,125,085 =========== DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS..................... $(1,008,168) =========== NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES FROM OPERATIONS................................................ $11,229,319 ===========
14 See Notes to Financial Statements Statements of Changes in Net Assets
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2003 OCTOBER 31, 2002 ----------------------------------- FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES: Operations: Net Investment Income..................................... $ 11,112,402 $ 11,723,174 Net Realized Gain......................................... 5,104,419 1,489,533 Net Unrealized Depreciation During the Period............. (3,979,334) (5,021,124) Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: Net Investment Income................................... (1,008,168) (1,344,123) ------------ ------------ Change in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares from Operations.............................................. 11,229,319 6,847,460 Distributions to Common Shareholders: Net Investment Income................................... (10,697,472) (10,227,407) ------------ ------------ NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES................................... 531,847 (3,379,947) NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES: Beginning of the Period................................... 156,023,135 159,403,082 ------------ ------------ End of the Period (Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of $2,582,290 and $3,733,979, respectively)........................................... $156,554,982 $156,023,135 ============ ============
See Notes to Financial Statements 15 Financial Highlights THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE PRESENTS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR ONE COMMON SHARE OF THE TRUST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIODS INDICATED.
-------------------------------------- 2003 2002 (a) 2001 2000 -------------------------------------- NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD............. $ 14.44 $ 14.75 $ 13.70 $ 13.14 ------- ------- ------- ------- Net Investment Income.............................. 1.03 1.09 1.10 1.07 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss.............. .10 (.33) .94 .61 Common Share Equivalent of Distributions Paid to Preferred Shareholders: Net Investment Income............................ (.09) (.12) (.28) (.36) Net Realized Gain................................ -0- -0- -0- -0- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total from Investment Operations..................... 1.04 .64 1.76 1.32 Distributions Paid to Common Shareholders: Net Investment Income............................ (.99) (.95) (.71) (.76) Net Realized Gain................................ -0- -0- -0- -0- ------- ------- ------- ------- NET ASSET VALUE, END OF THE PERIOD................... $ 14.49 $ 14.44 $ 14.75 $ 13.70 ======= ======= ======= ======= Common Share Market Price at End of the Period....... $ 14.10 $ 13.66 $ 13.28 $11.250 Total Return (b)..................................... 10.82% 10.14% 24.99% 3.37% Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares at End of the Period (In millions)............................... $ 156.6 $ 156.0 $ 159.4 $ 148.0 Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares (c).................................. 1.56% 1.54% 1.55% 1.66% Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares (c).................... 7.09% 7.51% 7.77% 8.07% Portfolio Turnover................................... 33% 33% 44% 22% SUPPLEMENTAL RATIOS: Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Including Preferred Shares (c)............................... .97% .95% .96% 1.00% Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares (d).................... 6.44% 6.65% 5.79% 5.38% SENIOR SECURITIES: Total Preferred Shares Outstanding................... 3,800 3,800 3,800 3,800 Asset Coverage Per Preferred Share (e)............... $66,202 $66,065 $66,948 $63,958 Involuntary Liquidating Preference Per Preferred Share.............................................. $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 Average Market Value Per Preferred Share............. $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
(a) As required, effective November 1, 2001, the Trust has adopted the provisions of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment companies and began accreting market discount on fixed income securities. The effect of this change for the year ended October 31, 2002 was to increase net investment income per share by $.03, decrease net realized and unrealized gains and losses per share by $.03 and increase the ratio of net investment income to average net assets applicable to common shares by .19%. Per share, ratios and supplemental data for periods prior to October 31, 2002 have not been restated to reflect this change in presentation. (b) Total return assumes an investment at the common share market price at the beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all distributions for the period in accordance with the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan, and sale of all shares at the closing common share market price at the end of the period indicated. (c) Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to preferred shareholders. (d) Ratios reflect the effect of dividend payments to preferred shareholders. (e) Calculated by subtracting the Trust's total liabilities (not including the preferred shares) from the Trust's total assets and dividing this by the number of preferred shares outstanding. 16
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31 - -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 14.82 $ 14.35 $ 13.67 $ 13.72 $ 12.28 $ 15.25 ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- 1.07 1.09 1.10 1.12 1.15 1.18 (1.69) .47 .67 (.07) 1.51 (2.93) (.28) (.31) (.31) (.31) (.34) (.24) -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- (.01) ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (.90) 1.25 1.46 .74 2.32 (2.00) (.78) (.78) (.78) (.79) (.88) (.94) -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- (.03) ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- $ 13.14 $ 14.82 $ 14.35 $ 13.67 $ 13.72 $ 12.28 ======= ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== $11.625 $14.5625 $ 12.750 $ 11.750 $ 11.875 $ 10.750 -15.30% 20.97% 15.55% 5.69% 18.79% -20.83% $ 142.0 $ 160.2 $ 155.1 $ 147.7 $ 148.3 $ 132.7 1.64% 1.62% 1.65% 1.67% 1.77% 1.61% 7.47% 7.47% 7.89% 8.23% 8.74% 8.52% 39% 18% 23% 24% 75% 165% 1.01% 1.01% 1.01% 1.01% 1.06% .99% 5.50% 5.35% 5.67% 5.91% 6.14% 6.76% 3,800 1,900 1,900 1,900 1,900 1,900 $62,357 $134,297 $131,631 $127,743 $128,047 $119,868 $25,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $25,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000
See Notes to Financial Statements 17 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2003 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust (the "Trust") is registered as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as amended. The Trust's investment objective is to seek to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax, consistent with preservation of capital. The Trust will invest in a portfolio consisting substantially of municipal obligations from those market sectors which the Adviser feels will best meet the Trust's investment objective. The Trust commenced investment operations on January 22, 1993. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A. SECURITY VALUATION Municipal bonds are valued by independent pricing services or dealers using the mean of the bid and asked prices or, in the absence of market quotations, at fair value based upon yield data relating to municipal bonds with similar characteristics and general market conditions. Securities which are not valued by independent pricing services or dealers are valued at fair value using procedures established in good faith by the Board of Trustees. Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day on the exchange on which they are traded. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. B. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS Security transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are determined on an identified cost basis. The Trust may purchase and sell securities on a "when-issued" or "delayed delivery" basis with settlement to occur at a later date. The value of the security so purchased is subject to market fluctuations during this period. The Trust will segregate assets with the custodian having an aggregate value at least equal to the amount of the when-issued or delayed delivery purchase commitments until payment is made. At October 31, 2003, the Trust did not have any when-issued or delayed delivery purchase commitments. C. INVESTMENT INCOME Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Bond premium is amortized and discount is accreted over the expected life of each applicable security. D. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES It is the Trust's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required. The Trust intends to utilize provisions of the federal income tax laws which allow it to carry a realized capital loss forward for eight years following the year of the loss and offset 18 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2003 such losses against any future realized capital gains. At October 31, 2003, the Trust had an accumulated capital loss carryforward for tax purposes of $3,365,379, which will expire between October 31, 2004 and October 31, 2008. Of this amount, $1,702,886 will expire on October 31, 2004. At October 31, 2003 the cost and related gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation are as follows: Cost of investments for tax purposes........................ $235,475,717 ============ Gross tax unrealized appreciation........................... $ 13,621,912 Gross tax unrealized depreciation........................... (2,424,810) ------------ Net tax unrealized appreciation on investments.............. $ 11,197,102 ============
E. DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND GAINS The Trust declares and pays monthly dividends from net investment income to common shareholders. Net realized gains, if any, are distributed annually on a pro rata basis to common and preferred shareholders. Distributions from net realized gains for book purposes may include short-term capital gains and a portion of futures gains, which are included as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:
2003 2002 Distribution paid from: Ordinary Income........................................... $41,136 $424,794 Long-Term Capital Gain.................................... -0- -0- ------- -------- $41,136 $424,794 ======= ========
Due to inherent differences in the recognition of income, expenses and realized gains/ losses under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and federal income tax purposes, permanent differences between book and tax basis reporting have been identified and appropriately reclassified on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. A permanent book and tax difference relating to a portion of the capital loss carryforward expiring in the current year totaling $1,323,361 was reclassified from accumulated net realized loss to paid in surplus. Additionally, a permanent book and tax difference relating to expenses which are not deductible for tax purposes totaling $965 was reclassified from accumulated undistributed net investment income to paid in surplus. Also, a permanent book and tax difference relating to book and tax accretion differences totaling $559,416 was reclassified from accumulated undistributed net investment income to accumulated net realized loss. As of October 31, 2003, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows: Undistributed ordinary income............................... $952,648
19 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2003 Net realized gains and losses may differ for financial reporting purposes primarily as a result of gains or losses recognized for tax purposes on open future transactions on October 31, 2003. 2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES Under the terms of the Trust's Investment Advisory Agreement, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp. (the "Adviser") will provide investment advice and facilities to the Trust for an annual fee payable monthly of .65% of the average daily net assets of the Trust. In addition, the Trust will pay a monthly administrative fee to Van Kampen Investments Inc. or its affiliates' (collectively "Van Kampen"), the Trust's Administrator, at an annual rate of ..10% of the average daily net assets of the Trust. The administrative services provided by the Administrator include record keeping and reporting responsibilities with respect to the Trust's portfolio and preferred shares and providing certain services to shareholders. For the year ended October 31, 2003, the Trust recognized expenses of approximately $16,900 representing legal services provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois), counsel to the Trust, of which a trustee of the Trust is an affiliated person. Under separate Accounting Services and Legal Services agreements, the Adviser provides accounting and legal services to the Trust. The Adviser allocates the cost of such services to each trust. For the year ended October 31, 2003, the Trust recognized expenses of approximately $34,400 representing Van Kampen's cost of providing accounting and legal services to the Trust, which are reported as part of "Other" and "Legal" expenses, respectively, in the Statement of Operations. Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers and directors of Van Kampen. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers of Van Kampen. The Trust provides deferred compensation and retirement plans for its trustees who are not officers of Van Kampen. Under the deferred compensation plan, trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation to a later date. Benefits under the retirement plan are payable upon retirement for a ten-year period and are based upon each trustee's years of service to the Trust. The maximum annual benefit per trustee under the plan is $2,500. 3. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS During the period, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments, excluding short-term investments, were $82,012,889 and $96,060,281, respectively. 4. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS A derivative financial instrument in very general terms refers to a security whose value is "derived" from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. In order to seek to manage the interest rate exposure of the Trust's portfolio in a changing interest rate environment, the Trust may purchase or sell financial futures contracts or engage in transactions involving interest rate swaps, caps, floors or collars. The Trust expects to enter into these transactions primarily as a hedge against anticipated interest rate or fixed-income market changes, for duration management or for risk management purposes, 20 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2003 but may also enter into these transactions to generate additional income. All of the Trust's portfolio holdings, including derivative instruments, are marked to market each day with the change in value reflected in the unrealized appreciation/depreciation. Upon disposition, a realized gain or loss is recognized accordingly, except when taking delivery of a security underlying a futures contract. In this instance, the recognition of gain or loss is postponed until the disposal of the security underlying the futures contract. During the period, the Trust invested in futures contracts, a type of derivative. A futures contract is an agreement involving the delivery of a particular asset on a specified future date at an agreed upon price. The Trust generally invests in exchange traded futures on U.S. Treasury Bonds and Notes and typically closes the contract prior to delivery date. Upon entering into futures contracts, the Trust maintains an amount of cash or liquid securities with a value equal to a percentage of the contract amount with either a future commission merchant pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated under the 1940 Act, as amended, or with its custodian in an account in the broker's name. This amount is known as initial margin. During the period the futures contract is open, payments are received from or made to the broker based upon changes in the value of the contract (the variation margin). The risk of loss associated with a futures contract is in excess of the variation margin reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Transactions in futures contracts for the year ended October 31, 2003, were as follows:
CONTRACTS Outstanding at October 31, 2002............................. 205 Futures Opened.............................................. 1,255 Futures Closed.............................................. (1,143) ------ Outstanding at October 31, 2003............................. 317 ======
The futures contracts outstanding as of October 31, 2003 and the descriptions and unrealized appreciation/depreciation are as follows:
UNREALIZED CONTRACTS DEPRECIATION SHORT CONTRACTS: U.S. Treasury Notes 10-Year Futures December 2003 (Current Notional Value of $112,297 per contract)................................................. 61 (203,274) U.S. Treasury Notes 5-Year Futures December 2003 (Current Notional Value of $111,813 per contract)................................................. 256 (562,741) --- --------- 317 $(766,015) === =========
5. PREFERRED SHARES The Trust has outstanding 3,800 Auction Preferred Shares ("APS") in two series. Series A contains 2,000 shares while Series B contains 1,800 shares. Dividends are cumulative and the dividend rate for both Series is generally reset every 28 days through an auction process. At 21 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2003 October 31, 2003, the average rate in effect was 0.865%. During the year ended October 31, 2003, the rates ranged from 0.750% to 1.800%. The Trust pays annual fees equivalent to .25% of the preferred share liquidation value for the remarketing efforts associated with the preferred auctions. These fees are included as a component of "Preferred Share Maintenance" expense in the Statement of Operations. The APS are redeemable at the option of the Trust in whole or in part at the liquidation value of $25,000 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The Trust is subject to certain asset coverage tests and the APS are subject to mandatory redemption if the tests are not met. 22 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust: We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust (the "Trust"), including the portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 2003, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The Trust's financial highlights for the periods ended prior to October 31, 2000, were audited by other auditors whose report, dated December 6, 1999, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2003, by correspondence with the Trust's custodian; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust as of October 31, 2003, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for the respective stated periods, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Chicago, Illinois December 8, 2003 23 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN The Trust offers a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to which Common Shareholders who are participants in the Plan may have dividends and capital gains distributions automatically reinvested in Common Shares of the Trust. All Common Shareholders are deemed to be participants in the Plan unless they specifically elect not to participate. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all distributions of dividends and capital gains in cash paid by check mailed directly to the Common Shareholder by the Trust's dividend disbursing agent. HOW THE PLAN WORKS State Street Bank and Trust Company, as your Plan Agent, serves as agent for the Common Shareholders in administering the Plan. After the Trust declares a dividend or determines to make a capital gains distribution, the Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, receive the cash payment and use it to buy Common Shares in the open market, on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants' accounts. The Trust will not issue any new Common Shares in connection with the Plan. All reinvestments are in full and fractional Common Shares, carried to three decimal places. Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, the Trust reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to all Common Shareholders of the Trust at least 90 days before the record date for the dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by the Plan Agent by at least 90 days written notice to all Common Shareholders of the Trust. COSTS OF THE PLAN The Plan Agent's fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be paid by the Trust. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent's open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. No other charges will be made to participants for reinvesting dividends or capital gains distributions, except for certain brokerage commissions, as described above. TAX IMPLICATIONS You will receive tax information annually for your personal records and to help you prepare your federal income tax return. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions does not relieve you of any income tax which may be payable on dividends or distributions. 24 RIGHT TO WITHDRAW All Common Shareholders of the Trust are deemed to be participants in the Plan unless they specifically elect not to participate. You may withdraw from the Plan at any time by calling 1-800-341-2929 or by writing State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8200, Boston, MA 02266-8200. If you withdraw, you will receive, without charge, a share certificate issued in your name for all full Common Shares credited to your account under the Plan and a cash payment will be made for any fractional Common Share credited to your account under the Plan. You may again elect to participate in the Plan at any time by calling 1-800-341-2929 or writing to the Trust at: Van Kampen Funds Inc. Attn: Closed-End Funds 2800 Post Oak Blvd. Houston, TX 77056 25 BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND IMPORTANT ADDRESSES VAN KAMPEN STRATEGIC SECTOR MUNICIPALS TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES DAVID C. ARCH J. MILES BRANAGAN JERRY D. CHOATE ROD DAMMEYER LINDA HUTTON HEAGY R. CRAIG KENNEDY HOWARD J KERR MITCHELL M. MERIN* THEODORE A. MYERS JACK E. NELSON RICHARD F. POWERS, III* HUGO F. SONNENSCHEIN WAYNE W. WHALEN* - Chairman SUZANNE H. WOOLSEY INVESTMENT ADVISER VAN KAMPEN INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP. 1 Parkview Plaza P.O. Box 5555 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555 CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY c/o EquiServe P.O. Box 43011 Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3011 LEGAL COUNSEL SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS) 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 180 North Stetson Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60601 For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Trust during its taxable year ended October 31, 2003. The Trust designated 99.6% of the income distributions as a tax-exempt income distribution. In January, the Trust provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year. * "Interested persons" of the Trust, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. 26 RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER VOTES The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of the Trust was held on June 24, 2003, where shareholders voted on the election of trustees. With regards to the election of the following trustees by the common shareholders of the Trust:
# OF SHARES ----------------------------- IN FAVOR WITHHELD - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ David C. Arch.............................................. 9,690,966 120,679 Jerry D. Choate............................................ 9,690,212 121,433 Linda Hutton Heagy......................................... 9,694,566 117,079 R. Craig Kennedy........................................... 9,693,700 117,945 Howard J Kerr.............................................. 9,693,966 117,679 Suzanne H. Woolsey......................................... 9,694,566 117,079
The other trustees of the Trust whose terms did not expire in 2003 are Rod Dammeyer, Theodore A. Myers, Richard F. Powers, III, Hugo F. Sonnenschein and Wayne W. Whalen. With regard to the vote for the amendment to the Declaration of Trust by common shareholders of the Trust, 9,461,548 shares voted in favor of the proposal, 220,261 shares voted against and 129,836 shares abstained. 27 TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS The business and affairs of the Trust are managed under the direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees and the Trust's officers appointed by the Board of Trustees. The tables below list the trustees and executive officers of the Trust and their principal occupations during the last five years, other directorships held by trustees and their affiliations, if any, with Van Kampen Investments Inc. ("Van Kampen Investments"), Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp. ("Advisory Corp."), Van Kampen Asset Management Inc. ("Asset Management"), Van Kampen Funds Inc. (the "Distributor"), Van Kampen Advisors Inc., Van Kampen Exchange Corp. and Van Kampen Investor Services Inc. ("Investor Services"). Advisory Corp. and Asset Management sometimes are referred to herein collectively as the "Advisers." The term "Fund Complex" includes each of the investment companies advised by the Advisers or their affiliates as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information. Trustees serve until reaching their retirement age or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Officers are annually elected by the trustees. INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
NUMBER OF TERM OF FUNDS IN OFFICE AND FUND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF COMPLEX NAME, AGE AND ADDRESS HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE David C. Arch (58) Trustee Trustee Chairman and Chief 90 Trustee/Director/Managing Blistex Inc. since 1992 Executive Officer of General Partner of funds 1800 Swift Drive Blistex Inc., a consumer in the Fund Complex. Oak Brook, IL 60523 health care products manufacturer. Former Director of the World Presidents Organization-Chicago Chapter. Director of the Heartland Alliance, a nonprofit organization serving human needs based in Chicago. J. Miles Branagan (71) Trustee Trustee Private investor. 88 Trustee/Director/Managing 1632 Morning Mountain Road since 2003 Co-founder, and prior to General Partner of funds Raleigh, NC 27614 August 1996, Chairman, in the Fund Complex. Chief Executive Officer and President, MDT Corporation (now known as Getinge/Castle, Inc., a subsidiary of Getinge Industrier AB), a company which develops, manufactures, markets and services medical and scientific equipment.
28
NUMBER OF TERM OF FUNDS IN OFFICE AND FUND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF COMPLEX NAME, AGE AND ADDRESS HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE Jerry D. Choate (65) Trustee Trustee Prior to January 1999, 88 Trustee/Director/Managing 33971 Selva Road since 2003 Chairman and Chief General Partner of funds Suite 130 Executive Officer of the in the Fund Complex. Dana Point, CA 92629 Allstate Corporation Director of Amgen Inc., a ("Allstate") and Allstate biotechnological company, Insurance Company. Prior and Director of Valero to January 1995, Energy Corporation, an President and Chief independent refining Executive Officer of company. Allstate. Prior to August 1994, various management positions at Allstate. Rod Dammeyer (63) Trustee Trustee President of CAC, llc., a 90 Trustee/Director/Managing CAC, llc. since 1992 private company offering General Partner of funds 4350 LaJolla Village Drive capital investment and in the Fund Complex. Suite 980 management advisory Director of TeleTech San Diego, CA 92122-6223 services. Prior to July Holdings Inc., 2000, Managing Partner of Stericycle, Inc., Equity Group Corporate TheraSense, Inc., GATX Investment (EGI), a Corporation, Arris Group, company that makes Inc. and Trustee of the private investments in University of Chicago other companies. Hospitals and Health Systems. Prior to May 2002, Director of Peregrine Systems Inc. Prior to February 2001, Vice Chairman and Director of Anixter International, Inc. and IMC Global Inc. Prior to July 2000, Director of Allied Riser Communications Corp., Matria Healthcare Inc., Transmedia Networks, Inc., CNA Surety, Corp. and Grupo Azcarero Mexico (GAM). Prior to April 1999, Director of Metal Management, Inc.
29
NUMBER OF TERM OF FUNDS IN OFFICE AND FUND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF COMPLEX NAME, AGE AND ADDRESS HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE Linda Hutton Heagy (55) Trustee Trustee Managing Partner of 88 Trustee/Director/Managing Heidrick & Struggles since 2003 Heidrick & Struggles, an General Partner of funds 233 South Wacker Drive executive search firm. in the Fund Complex. Suite 7000 Trustee on the University Chicago, IL 60606 of Chicago Hospitals Board, Vice Chair of the Board of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and a member of the Women's Board of the University of Chicago. Prior to 1997, Partner of Ray & Berndtson, Inc., an executive recruiting firm. Prior to 1996, Trustee of The International House Board, a fellowship and housing organization for international graduate students. Prior to 1995, Executive Vice President of ABN AMRO, N.A., a bank holding company. Prior to 1992, Executive Vice President of La Salle National Bank. R. Craig Kennedy (51) Trustee Trustee Director and President of 88 Trustee/Director/Managing 11 DuPont Circle, N.W. since 2003 the German Marshall Fund General Partner of funds Washington, D.C. 20016 of the United States, an in the Fund Complex. independent U.S. foundation created to deepen understanding, promote collaboration and stimulate exchanges of practical experience between Americans and Europeans. Formerly, advisor to the Dennis Trading Group Inc., a managed futures and option company that invests money for individuals and institutions. Prior to 1992, President and Chief Executive Officer, Director and member of the Investment Committee of the Joyce Foundation, a private foundation. Howard J Kerr (68) Trustee Trustee Prior to 1998, President 90 Trustee/Director/Managing 736 North Western Avenue since 1992 and Chief Executive General Partner of funds P.O. Box 317 Officer of Pocklington in the Fund Complex. Lake Forest, IL 60045 Corporation, Inc., an Director of the Lake investment holding Forest Bank & Trust. company. Director of the Marrow Foundation.
30
NUMBER OF TERM OF FUNDS IN OFFICE AND FUND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF COMPLEX NAME, AGE AND ADDRESS HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE Theodore A. Myers (73) Trustee Trustee Financial consultant, 36 Director of Met Life 550 Washington Avenue since 1992 Trustee or Managing Investors (formerly knows Glencoe, IL 60022 General Partner of other as COVA Financial Life funds in the Closed-End Insurance). Prior to Fund Complex. Prior to 1997, Director of McLouth 1998, Senior Financial Steel. Advisor (and, prior to 1997, an Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director) of Qualitech Steel Corporation, a producer of high quality engineered steels for automotive, transportation and capital goods industries. Prior to 1997, member of the Arthur Andersen Chief Financial Officers' Advisory Committee. Jack E. Nelson (67) Trustee Trustee President of Nelson 88 Trustee/Director/Managing 423 Country Club Drive since 2003 Investment Planning General Partner of funds Winter Park, FL 32789 Services, Inc., a in the Fund Complex. financial planning company and registered investment adviser in the State of Florida. President of Nelson Ivest Brokerage Services Inc., a member of the NASD, Securities Investors Protection Corp. and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. President of Nelson Sales and Services Corporation, a marketing and services company to support affiliated companies. Hugo F. Sonnenschein (63) Trustee Trustee President Emeritus and 90 Trustee/Director/Managing 1126 E. 59th Street since 1994 Honorary Trustee of the General Partner of funds Chicago, IL 60637 University of Chicago and in the Fund Complex. the Adam Smith Director of Winston Distinguished Service Laboratories, Inc. Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Chicago. Prior to July 2000, President of the University of Chicago. Trustee of the University of Rochester and a member of its investment committee. Member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
31
NUMBER OF TERM OF FUNDS IN OFFICE AND FUND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF COMPLEX NAME, AGE AND ADDRESS HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE Suzanne H. Woolsey (61) Trustee Trustee Currently with Paladin 88 Trustee/Director/Managing 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W. since 2003 Capital Group/Paladin General Partner of funds Room 285 Homeland Security Fund. in the Fund Complex. Washington, D.C. 20418 Previously Chief Director of Neurogen Communications Officer of Corporation, a the National Academy of pharmaceutical company, Sciences/National since January 1998. Research Council, an independent, federally chartered policy institution, since 2001 and Chief Operating Officer from 1993 to 2001. Director of the Institute for Defense Analyses, a federally funded research and development center, Director of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and Trustee of Colorado College. Prior to 1993, Executive Director of the Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education at the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council. From 1980 through 1989, Partner of Coopers & Lybrand.
32 INTERESTED TRUSTEES*
NUMBER OF TERM OF FUNDS IN OFFICE AND FUND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF COMPLEX NAME, AGE AND ADDRESS HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS OF INTERESTED TRUSTEE TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE Mitchell M. Merin* (50) Trustee, Trustee President and Chief 88 Trustee/Director/Managing 1221 Avenue of the Americas President since 2002 Executive Officer of General Partner of funds New York, NY 10020 and Chief funds in the Fund in the Fund Complex. Executive Complex. Chairman, Officer President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Advisers and VK Advisors Inc. since December 2002. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Van Kampen Investments since December 2002. Director of Van Kampen Investments since December 1999. Chairman and Director of Van Kampen Funds Inc. since December 2002. President, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Morgan Stanley Investment Management since December 1998. President and Director since April 1997 and Chief Executive Officer since June 1998 of Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. and Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc. since June 1998. Chairman since June 1998, and Director since January 1998 of Morgan Stanley Trust. Director of various Morgan Stanley subsidiaries. President of the Morgan Stanley Funds since May 1999. Previously Chief Executive Officer of Van Kampen Funds Inc. from December 2002 to July 2003, Chief Strategic Officer of Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. and Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc. and Executive Vice President of Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc. from April 1997 to June 1998. Chief Executive Officer from September 2002 to April 2003 and Vice President from May 1997 to April 1999 of the Morgan Stanley Funds.
33
NUMBER OF TERM OF FUNDS IN OFFICE AND FUND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF COMPLEX NAME, AGE AND ADDRESS HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS OF INTERESTED TRUSTEE TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE Richard F. Powers, III* (57) Trustee Trustee Advisory Director of 90 Trustee/Director/Managing 1 Parkview Plaza since 1999 Morgan Stanley. Prior to General Partner of funds P.O. Box 5555 December 2002, Chairman, in the Fund Complex. Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Director, President, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Van Kampen Investments and its investment advisory, distribution and other subsidiaries. Prior to December 2002, President and Chief Executive Officer of funds in the Fund Complex. Prior to May 1998, Executive Vice President and Director of Marketing at Morgan Stanley and Director of Dean Witter, Discover & Co. and Dean Witter Realty. Prior to 1996, Director of Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. Wayne W. Whalen* (64) Trustee Trustee Partner in the law firm 90 Trustee/Director/Managing 333 West Wacker Drive since 1992 of Skadden, Arps, Slate, General Partner of funds Chicago, IL 60606 Meagher & Flom in the Fund Complex. (Illinois), legal counsel to funds in the Fund Complex.
* Such trustee is an "interested person" (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act). Mr. Whalen is an interested person of certain funds in the Fund Complex by reason of his firm currently acting as legal counsel to such funds in the Fund Complex. Messrs. Merin and Powers are interested persons of funds in the Fund Complex and the Advisers by reason of their current or former positions with Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. 34 OFFICERS
TERM OF OFFICE AND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF NAME, AGE AND HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) ADDRESS OF OFFICER TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS Stephen L. Boyd (63) Vice President Officer Managing Director of Global Research Investment Management. 2800 Post Oak Blvd. since 1998 Vice President of funds in the Fund Complex. Prior to 45th Floor December 2002, Chief Investment Officer of Van Kampen Houston, TX 77056 Investments and President and Chief Operations Officer of the Advisers and Van Kampen Advisors Inc. Prior to May 2002, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of funds in the Fund Complex. Prior to May 2001, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Van Kampen Investments, and Managing Director and President of the Advisers and Van Kampen Advisors Inc. Prior to December 2000, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Van Kampen Investments, and President and Chief Operating Officer of the Advisers. Prior to April 2000, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Equity Investments of the Advisers. Prior to October 1998, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager with AIM Capital Management, Inc. Prior to February 1998, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc., Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp. and Van Kampen American Capital Management, Inc. Stefanie V. Chang (37) Vice President Officer Executive Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. 1221 Avenue of the Americas since 2003 Vice President of funds in the Fund Complex. New York, NY 10020 Joseph J. McAlinden (60) Executive Vice Officer Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Morgan 1221 Avenue of the Americas President and Chief since 2002 Stanley Investment Advisors Inc., Morgan Stanley Investment New York, NY 10020 Investment Officer Management Inc. and Morgan Stanley Investments LP and Director of Morgan Stanley Trust for over 5 years. Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of funds in the Fund Complex. Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Van Kampen Investments, the Advisers and Van Kampen Advisors Inc. since December 2002.
35
TERM OF OFFICE AND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF NAME, AGE AND HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) ADDRESS OF OFFICER TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS John R. Reynoldson (50) Vice President Officer Executive Director and Portfolio Specialist of the Advisers 1 Parkview Plaza since 2000 and Van Kampen Advisors Inc. Vice President of funds in the P.O. Box 5555 Fund Complex. Prior to July 2001, Principal and Co-head of Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 the Fixed Income Department of the Advisers and Van Kampen Advisors Inc. Prior to December 2000, Senior Vice President of the Advisers and Van Kampen Advisors Inc. Prior to May 2000, Senior Vice President of the investment grade taxable group for the Advisers. Prior to June 1999, Senior Vice President of the government securities bond group for Asset Management. Ronald E. Robison (64) Executive Vice Officer Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Investor Services. 1221 Avenue of the Americas President and Principal since 2003 Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer of New York, NY 10020 Executive Officer funds in the Fund Complex. Chief Global Operations Officer and Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. Managing Director of Morgan Stanley. Managing Director and Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. and Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc. Chief Executive Officer and Director of Morgan Stanley Trust. Vice President of the Morgan Stanley Funds. A. Thomas Smith III (46) Vice President and Officer Managing Director of Morgan Stanley, Managing Director and 1221 Avenue of the Americas Secretary since 1999 Director of Van Kampen Investments, Director of the New York, NY 10020 Advisers, Van Kampen Advisors Inc., the Distributor, Investor Services and certain other subsidiaries of Van Kampen Investments. Managing Director and General Counsel-Mutual Funds of Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors, Inc. Vice President and Secretary of funds in the Fund Complex. Prior to July 2001, Managing Director, General Counsel, Secretary and Director of Van Kampen Investments, the Advisers, the Distributor, Investor Services, and certain other subsidiaries of Van Kampen Investments. Prior to December 2000, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Director of Van Kampen Investments, the Advisers, Van Kampen Advisors Inc., the Distributor, Investor Services and certain other subsidiaries of Van Kampen Investments. Prior to January 1999, Vice President and Associate General Counsel to New York Life Insurance Company ("New York Life"), and prior to March 1997, Associate General Counsel of New York Life. Prior to December 1993, Assistant General Counsel of The Dreyfus Corporation. Prior to August 1991, Senior Associate, Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Prior to January 1989, Staff Attorney at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Division of Investment Management, Office of Chief Counsel.
36
TERM OF OFFICE AND POSITION(S) LENGTH OF NAME, AGE AND HELD WITH TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) ADDRESS OF OFFICER TRUST SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS John L. Sullivan (48) Vice President, Chief Officer Director and Managing Director of Van Kampen Investments, 1 Parkview Plaza Financial Officer and since 1996 the Advisers, Van Kampen Advisors Inc. and certain other P.O. Box 5555 Treasurer subsidiaries of Van Kampen Investments. Vice President, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of funds in the Fund Complex. Head of Fund Accounting for Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Prior to December 2002, Executive Director of Van Kampen Investments, the Advisers and Van Kampen Advisors Inc.
37 Van Kampen Privacy Notice The Van Kampen companies and investment products* respect your right to privacy. We also know that you expect us to conduct and process your business in an accurate and efficient manner. To do so, we must collect and maintain certain nonpublic personal information about you. This is information we collect from you on applications or other forms, and from the transactions you conduct with us, our affiliates, or third parties. We may also collect information you provide when using our Web site, and text files (also known as "cookies") may be placed on your computer to help us to recognize you and to facilitate transactions you initiate. We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about you or any of our former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law. For instance, so that we may continue to offer you Van Kampen investment products and services that meet your investing needs, and to effect transactions that you request or authorize, we may disclose the information we collect to companies that perform services on our behalf, such as printers and mailers that assist us in the distribution of investor materials. These companies will use this information only for the services for which we hired them, and are not permitted to use or share this information for any other purpose. To protect your nonpublic personal information internally, we permit access to it only by authorized employees, and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to guard your nonpublic personal information. * Includes Van Kampen Investments Inc., Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., Van Kampen Asset Management Inc., Van Kampen Advisors Inc., Van Kampen Management Inc., Van Kampen Funds Inc., Van Kampen Investor Services Inc., Van Kampen System Inc. and Van Kampen Exchange Corp., as well as the many Van Kampen mutual funds and Van Kampen unit investment trusts. Van Kampen Funds Inc. 1 Parkview Plaza, P.O. Box 5555 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555 www.vankampen.com (VAN KAMPEN INVESTMENTS LOGO) Copyright (C)2003 Van Kampen Funds Inc. All rights reserved. VKS ANR 12/03 Member NASD/SIPC. 12557L03-AS-12/03 Item 2. Code of Ethics. (a) The Trust has adopted a code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Trust or a third party. (b) No information need be disclosed pursuant to this paragraph. (c) Not applicable. (d) Not applicable. (e) Not applicable. (f) (1) The Trust's Code of Ethics is attached hereto as Exhibit 10A. (2) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable. Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Trust's Board of Trustees has determined that it has four "audit committee financial experts" serving on its audit committee, each of whom are "independent" Trustees : J. Miles Branagan, Jerry Choate, R. Craig Kennedy and Theodore A. Myers. Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an "expert" for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification. Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Applicable only for reports covering fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2003. Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. Applicable only for reports covering periods ending on or after the earlier of (i) the first annual shareholder meeting after January 15, 2004 or (ii) October 31, 2004. Item 6. [Reserved.] Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. The Trust invests in exclusively non-voting securities and therefore this item is not applicable to the Trust. Item 8. [Reserved.] Item 9. Controls and Procedures (a) The Trust's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Trust's disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, based upon such officers' evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report. There were no significant changes or corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Trust's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the Trust's internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation. (b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Item 10. Exhibits. (a) The Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers is attached hereto. (b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant are attached hereto as part of EX-99.CERT. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. (Registrant) Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust By: /s/Ronald E. Robison --------------------- Name: Ronald E. Robison Title: Principal Executive Officer Date: December 18, 2003 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By: /s/Ronald E. Robison --------------------- Name: Ronald E. Robison Title: Principal Executive Officer Date: December 18, 2003 By: /s/ John L. Sullivan -------------------- Name: John L. Sullivan Title: Principal Financial Officer Date: December 18, 2003 EX-99.CODE 3 c80900exv99wcode.txt CODE OF ETHICS CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS ADOPTED JULY 23, 2003 I. This Code of Ethics (the "Code") for the investment companies within the Van Kampen complex identified in Exhibit A (collectively, "Funds" and each, a "Fund") applies to each Fund's Principal Executive Officer, President, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer (or persons performing similar functions) ("Covered Officers" each of whom are set forth in Exhibit B) for the purpose of promoting: o honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships. o full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and in other public communications made by the Fund; o compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations; o prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and o accountability for adherence to the Code. Each Covered Officer should adhere to a high standard of business ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest. Any question about the application of the Code should be referred to the General Counsel or his/her designee (who is set forth in Exhibit C). II. COVERED OFFICERS SHOULD HANDLE ETHICALLY ACTUAL AND APPARENT CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OVERVIEW. A "conflict of interest" occurs when a Covered Officer's private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, with the interests of, or his service to, the Fund. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Officer, or a member of his family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his position with the Fund. Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between Covered Officers and the Fund and already are subject to conflict of interest provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act") and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Investment Advisers Act"). For example, Covered Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with the Fund because of their status as "affiliated persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Fund. The Fund's and its investment adviser's compliance programs and procedures are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these programs and procedures, and such conflicts fall outside the parameters of this Code, unless or until the General Counsel determines that any violation of such programs and procedures is also a violation of this Code. Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts may arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between the Fund and its investment adviser of which the Covered Officers are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for the Fund or for the investment adviser, or for both), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different effects on the Fund and its investment adviser. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between the Fund and the investment adviser and is consistent with the performance by the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the Fund. Thus, if performed in conformity with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the Funds' Boards of Directors/Trustees ("Boards") that the Covered Officers may also be officers or employees of one or more other investment companies covered by this or other codes. Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions in the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act. The following list provides examples of conflicts of interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind that these examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the personal interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the interest of the Fund. Each Covered Officer must not: o use his personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions or financial reporting by the Fund whereby the Covered Officer would benefit personally (directly or indirectly) to the detriment of the Fund; o cause the Fund to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than the benefit of the Fund; or o use material non-public knowledge of portfolio transactions made or contemplated for, or actions proposed to be taken by, the Fund to trade personally or cause others to trade personally in contemplation of the market effect of such transactions. Each Covered Officer must, at the time of signing this Code, report to the General Counsel all affiliations or significant business relationships outside the Morgan Stanley complex and must update the report annually. Conflict of interest situations should always be approved by the General Counsel and communicated to the relevant Fund or Fund's Board. Any activity or relationship that would present such a conflict for a Covered Officer would likely also present a conflict for the Covered Officer if an immediate member of the Covered Officer's family living in the same household engages in such an activity or has such a relationship. Examples of these include: o service or significant business relationships as a director on the board of any public or private company; o accepting directly or indirectly, anything of value, including gifts and gratuities in excess of $100 per year from any person or entity with which the Fund has current or prospective business dealings, not including occasional meals or tickets for theatre or sporting events or other similar entertainment; provided it is business-related, reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not so frequent as to raise any question of impropriety; o any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any of the Fund's service providers, other than its investment adviser, principal underwriter, or any affiliated person thereof; and o a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by the Fund for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Covered Officer's employment, such as compensation or equity ownership. III. DISCLOSURE AND COMPLIANCE o Each Covered Officer should familiarize himself/herself with the disclosure and compliance requirements generally applicable to the Funds; o each Covered Officer must not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the Fund to others, whether within or outside the Fund, including to the Fund's Directors/Trustees and auditors, or to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations; o each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his area of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the Funds and their investment advisers with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents the Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds; and o it is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote compliance with the standards and restrictions imposed by applicable laws, rules and regulations. IV. REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY Each Covered Officer must: o upon adoption of the Code (thereafter as applicable, upon becoming a Covered Officer), affirm in writing to the Boards that he has received, read and understands the Code; o annually thereafter affirm to the Boards that he has complied with the requirements of the Code; o not retaliate against any other Covered Officer, other officer or any employee of the Funds or their affiliated persons for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith; and o notify the General Counsel promptly if he/she knows or suspects of any violation of this Code. Failure to do so is itself a violation of this Code. The General Counsel is responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented under it and has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation. However, any waivers(1) sought by a Covered Officer must be considered by the Board of the relevant Fund or Funds. The Funds will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code: o the General Counsel will take all appropriate action to investigate any potential violations reported to him; o if, after such investigation, the General Counsel believes that no violation has occurred, the General Counsel is not required to take any further action; o any matter that the General Counsel believes is a violation will be reported to the relevant Fund's Audit Committee; o if the directors/trustees/managing general partners who are not "interested persons" as defined by the Investment Company Act (the "Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners") of the relevant Fund concur that a violation has occurred, they will consider appropriate action, which may include review of, and appropriate modifications to, applicable policies and procedures; notification to appropriate personnel of the investment adviser or its board; or a recommendation to dismiss the Covered Officer or other appropriate disciplinary actions; o the Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners of the relevant Fund will be responsible for granting waivers of this Code, as appropriate; and o any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required, be disclosed as provided by SEC rules. V. OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the Funds for purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Insofar as other policies or procedures of the Funds, the Funds' investment advisers, principal underwriters, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code, they are superseded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict with the provisions of this Code unless any provision of this Code conflicts with any applicable federal or state law, in which case the requirements of such law will govern. The Funds' and their investment advisers' and principal underwriters' codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and Morgan Stanley's Code of Ethics are separate requirements applying to the Covered Officers and others, and are not part of this Code. VI. AMENDMENTS Any amendments to this Code, other than amendments to Exhibits A, B or C, must be approved or ratified by a majority vote of the Board of each Fund, including a majority of Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners. - -------- (1) Item 2 of Form N-CSR defines "waiver" as "the approval by the registrant of a material departure from a provision of the code of ethics." VII. CONFIDENTIALITY All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners of the relevant Fund or Funds and their counsel, the relevant Fund or Funds and their counsel and the relevant investment adviser and its counsel. VIII. INTERNAL USE The Code is intended solely for the internal use by the Funds and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any Fund, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion I have read and understand the terms of the above Code. I recognize the responsibilities and obligations incurred by me as a result of my being subject to the Code. I hereby agree to abide by the above Code. _________________________ Date:____________________ EXHIBIT A FUND LIST Van Kampen Series Fund, Inc. on behalf of its series Van Kampen American Value Fund Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt Fund Van Kampen Emerging Markets Fund Van Kampen Equity Growth Fund Van Kampen European Value Equity Fund Van Kampen Focus Equity Fund Van Kampen Global Equity Allocation Fund Van Kampen Global Value Equity Fund Van Kampen Growth and Income Fund II Van Kampen International Magnum Fund Van Kampen Japanese Equity Fund Van Kampen Mid Cap Growth Fund Van Kampen Global Franchise Fund Van Kampen Value Fund Van Kampen Worldwide High Income Fund Van Kampen U.S. Government Trust on behalf of its series Van Kampen U.S. Government Fund Van Kampen Tax Free Trust on behalf of its series Van Kampen Insured Tax Free Income Fund Van Kampen Strategic Municipal Income Fund Van Kampen California Insured Tax Free Fund Van Kampen Municipal Income Fund Van Kampen Intermediate Term Municipal Income Fund Van Kampen New York Tax Free Income Fund Van Kampen California Municipal Income Fund Van Kampen Michigan Tax Free Income Fund Van Kampen Missouri Tax Free Income Fund Van Kampen Ohio Tax Free Income Fund Van Kampen Trust on behalf of its series Van Kampen High Yield Fund Van Kampen Equity Trust on behalf of its series Van Kampen Utility Fund Van Kampen Growth Fund Van Kampen Aggressive Growth Fund Van Kampen Small Cap Value Fund Van Kampen Select Growth Fund Van Kampen Small Company Growth Fund Van Kampen Small Cap Growth Fund Van Kampen Value Opportunities Fund Van Kampen Tax-Exempt Trust on behalf of its Series Van Kampen High Yield Municipal Fund EXHIBIT A (CONT.) FUND LIST Van Kampen Equity Trust II on behalf of its Series Van Kampen Technology Fund Van Kampen International Advantage Van Kampen Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund Van Kampen Tax Free Money Fund Van Kampen Comstock Fund Van Kampen Corporate Bond Fund Van Kampen Emerging Growth Fund Van Kampen Enterprise Fund Van Kampen Equity Income Fund Van Kampen Government Securities Fund Van Kampen Growth and Income Fund Van Kampen Harbor Fund Van Kampen High Income Corporate Bond Fund Van Kampen Limited Maturity Government Fund Van Kampen Pace Fund Van Kampen Real Estate Securities Fund Van Kampen Reserve Fund Van Kampen Exchange Fund Van Kampen Life Investment Trust on behalf of its Portfolios Aggressive Growth Portfolio Comstock Portfolio Emerging Growth Portfolio Enterprise Portfolio Government Portfolio Growth and Income Portfolio Money Market Portfolio Van Kampen Municipal Income Trust Van Kampen California Municipal Trust Van Kampen High Income Trust Van Kampen High Income Trust II Van Kampen Investment Grade Municipal Trust Van Kampen Municipal Trust Van Kampen California Quality Municipal Trust Van Kampen Florida Quality Municipal Trust Van Kampen New York Quality Municipal Trust Van Kampen Ohio Quality Municipal Trust Van Kampen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Trust Van Kampen Trust for Insured Municipals Van Kampen Trust for Investment Grade Municipals Van Kampen Trust for Investment Grade California Municipals Van Kampen Trust for Investment Grade Florida Municipals Van Kampen Trust for Investment Grade New Jersey Municipals Van Kampen Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals Van Kampen Trust for Investment Grade Pennsylvania Municipals Van Kampen Municipal Opportunity Trust Van Kampen Advantage Municipal Income Trust Van Kampen Advantage Pennsylvania Municipal Income Trust Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust EXHIBIT A (CONT.) FUND LIST Van Kampen Value Municipal Income Trust Van Kampen California Value Municipal Income Trust Van Kampen Massachusetts Value Municipal Income Trust Van Kampen New York Value Municipal Income Trust Van Kampen Ohio Value Municipal Income Trust Van Kampen Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust Van Kampen Municipal Opportunity Trust II Van Kampen Advantage Municipal Income Trust II Van Kampen Select Sector Municipal Trust Van Kampen Senior Loan Fund Van Kampen Senior Income Trust Van Kampen Bond Fund Van Kampen Income Trust EXHIBIT B COVERED OFFICERS Mitchell M. Merin - President Ronald E. Robison - Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer John L. Sullivan - Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer EXHIBIT C GENERAL COUNSEL'S DESIGNEE A. Thomas Smith III EX-99.CERT 4 c80900exv99wcert.txt CERTIFICATION I, Ronald E. Robison, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; [b) Omitted.] c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: December 18, 2003 /s/ Ronald E. Robison ---------------------- Principal Executive Officer I, John L. Sullivan, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; [b) Omitted.] c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: December 18, 2003 /s/ John L. Sullivan --------------------- Principal Executive Officer EX-99.906CERT 5 c80900exv99w906cert.txt 906 CERTIFICATION Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Name of Issuer: Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the above-named issuer for the period ended October 31, 2003 that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer. Date: December 18, 2003 /s/ Ronald E. Robison ---------------------- Ronald E. Robison Principal Executive Officer A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust and will be retained by Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Name of Issuer: Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the above-named issuer for the period ended October 31, 2003 that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer. Date: December 18, 2003 /s/ John L. Sullivan ---------------------- John L. Sullivan Principal Financial Officer A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust and will be retained by Van Kampen Strategic Sector Municipal Trust and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----