File No. 333-19067
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-1004
POST-EFFECTIVE
AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO
FORM S-6
For Registration Under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities
of Unit Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2
The First Trust Special Situations Trust 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
AMERICAN
(Exact Name of Trust)
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
(Exact Name of Depositor)
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices)
NIKE SECURITIES L.P. CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
Attn: James A. Bowen Attn: Eric F. Fess
1001 Warrenville Road 111 West Monroe Street
Lisle, Illinois 60532 Chicago, Illinois 60603
(Name and complete address of agents for service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
appropriate box)
: : immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
: x : April 28, 2000
: : 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
: : on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule (485 or 486)
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
658,343 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
Part One
Dated April 26, 2000
Note: Part One of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part Two and Part Three.
The Trust
The America's Leading Brands Growth Trust, Series 1 (the "Trust") is a unit
investment trust consisting of a portfolio containing common stocks issued by
companies considered to be leaders in their industries. At March 16, 2000,
each Unit represented a 1/658,343 undivided interest in the principal and net
income of the Trust (see "The Trust" in Part Two).
The Units being offered by this Prospectus are issued and outstanding Units
which have been purchased by the Sponsor in the secondary market or from the
Trustee after having been tendered for redemption. The profit or loss
resulting from the sale of Units will accrue to the Sponsor. No proceeds from
the sale of Units will be received by the Trust.
Public Offering Price
The Public Offering Price per Unit is equal to the aggregate value of the
Securities in the Portfolio of the Trust, plus or minus cash, if any, in the
Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust divided by the number of Units
outstanding, plus a sales charge of 3.0% of the Public Offering Price (3.093%
of the net amount invested) excluding income and principal cash. At March 16,
2000, the Public Offering Price per Unit was $14.906 (see "Public Offering" in
Part Two). The minimum purchase is $1,000 ($250 for Individual Retirement
Accounts or other retirement plans).
Please retain all parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Sponsor
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MARCH 16, 2000
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Number of Units 658,343
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit 1/658,343
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Securities in the Portfolio $9,496,368
Aggregate Value of Securities per Unit $14.425
Income and Principal cash in the Portfolio $23,127
Income and Principal cash per Unit $.035
Sales Charge 3.093% (3.0% of Public Offering Price,
excluding income and principal cash) $.446
Public Offering Price per Unit $14.906
Redemption Price and Sponsor's Repurchase Price per
Unit ($.446 less than the Public Offering Price
per Unit) $14.460
</TABLE>
Date Trust Established January 16, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date December 15, 2001
Evaluator's Annual Fee: $.0030 per Unit outstanding. Evaluations for
purposes of sale, purchase or redemption of Units are made as of the close of
trading (4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on
which it is open.
Supervisory fee payable to Maximum of $.0035 per
an affiliate of the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Bookkeeping and administrative expenses Maximum of $.0010 per
payable to the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Annual amortization of organization
and offering costs $6,817 annually
Trustee's Annual Fee: $.0096 per Unit outstanding.
Capital Distribution Record Date and Distribution Date: Distributions from
the Capital Account will be made monthly payable on the last day of the month
to Unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month if the amount
available for distribution equals at least $.01 per Unit. Notwithstanding,
distributions of funds in the Capital Account, if any, will be made in
December of each year.
Income Distribution Record Date: Fifteenth day of each June and December.
Income Distribution Date: The last day of each June and December.
A Unit holder who owns at least 2,500 Units may request an "In-Kind
Distribution" upon redemption or upon termination of the Trust. See "Rights
of Unit Holders - How are Income and Capital Distributed?" in Part Two.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Unit Holders of The First Trust
Special Situations Trust, Series 182,
America's Leading Brands Growth Trust, Series 1
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio, of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series
182, America's Leading Brands Growth Trust, Series 1 as of December 31, 1999,
and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets for each of
the two years in the period then ended and for the period from the Initial
Date of Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31, 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
December 31, 1999, by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the
Sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The First Trust Special
Situations Trust, Series 182, America's Leading Brands Growth Trust, Series 1
at December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and changes in its net
assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and for the period
from the Initial Date of Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31, 1997, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
April 7, 2000
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Securities, at market value (cost, $7,980,399)
(Note 1) $12,548,671
Receivable from investment transactions 94,618
Dividends receivable 13,131
Unamortized deferred organization and offering costs 13,915
___________
12,670,335
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued liabilities 1,025
Cash overdraft 11,203
Unit redemptions payable 93,197
__________
105,425
__________
Net assets, applicable to 788,809 outstanding
units of fractional undivided interest:
Cost of Trust assets (Note 1) $7,980,399
Net unrealized appreciation (Note 2) 4,568,272
Distributable funds 663,935
Less deferred sales charges paid (Note 3) (647,696)
__________
$12,564,910
===========
Net asset value per unit $15.929
===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
PORTFOLIO - See notes to portfolio.
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Market
shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities value
<C> <S> <C>
Apparel Manufacturers
13,046 (1) Tommy Hilfiger Corporation $304,141
Beverages
5,409 Coca-Cola Company 315,074
10,290 PepsiCo, Inc. 362,723
Entertainment
13,172 The Walt Disney Company 385,281
Food
7,700 H.J. Heinz Company 306,560
16,225 Sara Lee Corporation 357,972
16,627 (2) Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. 547,660
Household Products
11,914 (1) Clorox Company 600,168
13,118 (1) Colgate-Palmolive Company 852,670
5,481 Procter & Gamble Company 600,515
12,188 Ralston Purina Company 339,741
Medical Supplies
5,881 Johnson & Johnson 547,668
Pharmaceuticals
9,731 American Home Products Corporation 383,771
10,404 (1) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 667,812
17,540 Schering-Plough Corporation 739,978
Recreation
10,627 Callaway Golf Company 187,970
18,836 Carnival Corporation. 900,606
13,930 Harley-Davidson, Inc. 892,398
Restaurant
13,611 (1) McDonald's Corporation 548,700
18,468 (3) Outback Steakhouse, Inc. 479,023
Retail
34,696 (3) Gap, Inc. 1,596,016
Tobacco
7,926 Philip Morris Companies Inc. 183,788
Toiletries/Cosmetics
7,533 The Gillette Company 310,269
Toys
10,527 Mattel, Inc. 138,167
___________
Total investments $12,548,671
===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
December 31, 1999
(1) The number of shares reflects the effect of a two for one stock split.
(2) The number of shares reflects the effect of a 3% stock dividend.
(3) The number of shares reflects the effect of a three for two stock split.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividends $154,212 194,485 240,989
Expenses:
Trustee's fees and related expenses (13,591) (25,598) (15,293)
Evaluator's fees (2,922) (4,198) (4,111)
Supervisory fees (3,129) (5,361) (5,059)
Administrative fees (894) (1,532) (1,459)
Amortization of organization and
offering costs (6,817) (6,817) (6,537)
____________________________________
Total expenses (27,353) (43,506) (32,459)
____________________________________
Investment income - net 126,859 150,979 208,530
Net gain (loss) on investments:
Net realized gain (loss) 1,287,202 1,851,992 490,935
Change in net unrealized
appreciation or depreciation (1,741,313) 2,652,464 3,657,121
____________________________________
(454,111) 4,504,456 4,148,056
____________________________________
Net increase (decrease) in net
assets resulting from operations $(327,252) 4,655,435 4,356,586
====================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations:
Investment income - net $126,859 150,979 208,530
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments 1,287,202 1,851,992 490,935
Change in net unrealized
appreciation or depreciation
on investments (1,741,313) 2,652,464 3,657,121
_____________________________________
(327,252) 4,655,435 4,356,586
Units issued (1,835,578 units in
1997, net of deferred sales
charges of $642,455) - - 18,918,563
Units redeemed (232,092, 544,908 and
284,744 units in 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively) (3,865,758) (7,481,268) (3,406,616)
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (120,217) (142,165) (165,414)
Principal from investment
transactions - - -
_____________________________________
(120,217) (142,165) (165,414)
_____________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (4,313,227) (2,967,998) 19,703,119
Net assets:
At the beginning of the period
(representing 1,020,901, 1,565,809
and 14,975 units outstanding at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 and
January 16, 1997, respectively) 16,878,137 19,846,135 143,016
_____________________________________
At the end of the period (including
distributable funds applicable to
Trust units of $663,935, $665,831
and $678,636 at December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively) $12,564,910 16,878,137 19,846,135
=====================================
Trust units outstanding at the end of
the period 788,809 1,020,901 1,565,809
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant accounting policies
Security valuation -
The equity securities are stated at the closing sale prices of listed equity
securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter traded equity securities as
reported by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the Evaluator), an affiliate of the
Sponsor.
Dividend income -
Dividends on each equity security are recognized on such equity security's ex-
dividend date.
Security cost -
Cost of the equity securities is based on the market value of such securities
on the dates the securities were deposited in the Trust. The cost of
securities sold is determined using the average cost method. Sales of
securities are recorded on the trade date.
Federal income taxes -
The Trust is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes. Each unit holder is
considered to be the owner of a pro rata portion of the Trust and,
accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes.
Expenses of the Trust -
The Trust pays a fee for Trustee services to The Chase Manhattan Bank, which
is based on $.0096 per annum per unit outstanding based on the largest
aggregate number of units outstanding during the year. In addition, the
Evaluator will receive an annual fee based on $.0030 per unit outstanding.
The Trust also pays recurring financial reporting costs, an annual supervisory
fee payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor and an annual administrative fee
payable to the Sponsor.
Organization and offering costs -
The Trust has paid a portion of its organization and offering costs, including
costs of preparing the registration statement, the Trust indenture and other
closing documents, registering units with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and states, the initial audit of the Trust's portfolio, legal fees
and the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee. Such costs, totaling
$34,086, have been deferred and are being amortized over five years from the
Initial Date of Deposit.
<PAGE>
2. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation
An analysis of net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 1999 follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation $5,086,600
Unrealized depreciation (518,328)
__________
$4,568,272
==========
</TABLE>
3. Other information
Cost to investors -
The cost to initial investors of units of the Trust was based on the aggregate
underlying value of the equity securities on the date of an investor's
purchase, plus a deferred sales charge of $.35 per unit which was paid to the
sponsor over a five month period ending on December 31, 1997, plus an initial
sales charge equal to the difference between the deferred sales charge and the
total sales charge of 4.5% of the public offering price which was equivalent
to approximately 4.545% of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred
sales charge.
Distributions to unit holders -
Income distributions to unit holders, if any, are made on the last day of each
June and December to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of each June
and December. Capital distributions to unit holders, if any, are made on the
last day of each month to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such
month if the amount available for distribution equals at least $.01 per unit.
Notwithstanding, capital distributions, if any, will be made in December of
each year.
<PAGE>
Selected data per unit of the Trust
outstanding throughout each period -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividend income $.173 .152 .173
Expenses (.031) (.034) (.023)
________________________________
Investment income - net .142 .118 .150
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (.143) (1.22) (.103)
Principal from investment transactions - - -
Net gain (loss) on investments (.603) 3.862 3.078
________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net
assets (.604) 3.858 3.125
Net assets:
Beginning of the period 16.533 12.675 9.550
________________________________
End of the period $15.929 16.533 12.675
================================
</TABLE>
Dividend income, Expenses and Investment income - net per unit have been
calculated based on the weighted average number of units outstanding during
each period (894,078, 1,276,474 and 1,388,422 units in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively). Distributions to unit holders of Investment income - net
reflects the trust's actual distributions of approximately $.065 per unit to
892,426 units on June 30, 1999, approximately $.078 per unit to 801,119 units
on December 31, 1999, approximately $.060 per unit to 1,284,861 units on June
30, 1998, approximately $.062 per unit to 1,045,161 units on December 31,
1998, approximately $.042 per unit to 1,604,999 units on June 30, 1997 and
approximately $.061 per unit to 1,591,880 units on December 31, 1997. The Net
gain (loss) on investments per unit during the period ended December 31, 1997
includes the effects of changes arising from issuance of 1,835,578 additional
units during the period at net asset values which differed from the net asset
value per unit of the original 14,975 units ($9.550 per unit) on January 16,
1997.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
PART ONE
Must be Accompanied by Part Two and Part Three
___________________
P R O S P E C T U S
___________________
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not
lawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which
reference is hereby made.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
658,958 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
Part One
Dated April 26, 2000
Note: Part One of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part Two and Part Three
The Trust
The American Financial Services Growth Trust, Series 2 (the "Trust") is a unit
investment trust consisting of a portfolio containing common stocks issued
primarily by financial services companies. At March 16, 2000, each Unit
represented a 1/658,958 undivided interest in the principal and net income of
the Trust (see "The Trust" in Part Two).
The Units being offered by this Prospectus are issued and outstanding Units
which have been purchased by the Sponsor in the secondary market or from the
Trustee after having been tendered for redemption. The profit or loss
resulting from the sale of Units will accrue to the Sponsor. No proceeds from
the sale of Units will be received by the Trust.
Public Offering Price
The Public Offering Price per Unit is equal to the aggregate value of the
Securities in the Portfolio of the Trust, plus or minus cash, if any, in the
Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust divided by the number of Units
outstanding, plus a sales charge of 3.0% of the Public Offering Price (3.093%
of the net amount invested) excluding income and principal cash. At March 16,
2000, the Public Offering Price per Unit was $13.434 (see "Public Offering" in
Part Two). The minimum purchase is $1,000 ($250 for Individual Retirement
Accounts or other retirement plans).
Please retain all parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Sponsor
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MARCH 16, 2000
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Number of Units 658,958
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit 1/658,958
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Securities in the Portfolio $8,529,612
Aggregate Value of Securities per Unit $12.944
Income and Principal cash in the Portfolio $59,069
Income and Principal cash per Unit $.090
Sales Charge 3.093% (3.0% of Public Offering Price,
excluding income and principal cash) $.400
Public Offering Price per Unit $13.434
Redemption Price and Sponsor's Repurchase Price per
Unit ($.400 less than the Public Offering Price per Unit) $13.034
</TABLE>
Date Trust Established January 16, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date December 15, 2001
Evaluator's Annual Fee: $.0030 per Unit outstanding. Evaluations for
purposes of sale, purchase or redemption of Units are made as of the close of
trading (4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on
which it is open.
Supervisory fee payable to Maximum of $.0035 per
an affiliate of the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Bookkeeping and administrative expenses Maximum of $.0010 per
payable to the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Annual amortization of organization
and offering costs $5,406 annually
Trustee's Annual Fee: $.0096 per Unit outstanding.
Capital Distribution Record Date and Distribution Date: Distributions from
the Capital Account will be made monthly payable on the last day of the month
to Unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month if the amount
available for distribution equals at least $.01 per Unit. Notwithstanding,
distributions of funds in the Capital Account, if any, will be made in
December of each year.
Income Distribution Record Date: Fifteenth day of each June and December.
Income Distribution Date: Last day of each June and December.
A Unit holder who owns at least 2,500 Units may request an "In-Kind
Distribution" upon termination of the Trust. See "Rights of Unit Holders -
How are Income and Capital Distributed?" in Part Two.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Unit Holders of The First Trust
Special Situations Trust, Series 182,
American Financial Services Growth Trust, Series 2
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio, of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series
182, American Financial Services Growth Trust, Series 2 as of December 31,
1999, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets for
each of the two years in the period then ended and for the period from the
Initial Date of Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
December 31, 1999, by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the
Sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The First Trust Special
Situations Trust, Series 182, American Financial Services Growth Trust,
Series 2 at December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and changes
in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and for
the period from the Initial Date of Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31,
1997, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
April 7, 2000
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Securities, at market value (cost, $7,135,963)
(Note 1) $9,623,053
Receivable from investment transactions 12,958
Dividends receivable 24,856
Cash
569
Unamortized deferred organization and offering costs 11,033
__________
9,672,469
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued liabilities 939
Unit redemptions payable 15,684
__________
16,623
__________
Net assets, applicable to 719,986 outstanding
units of fractional undivided interest:
Cost of Trust assets (Note 1) $7,135,963
Net unrealized appreciation (Note 2) 2,487,090
Distributable funds 811,852
Less deferred sales charges paid (Note 3) (779,059)
__________
$9,655,846
==========
Net asset value per unit $13.411
==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
PORTFOLIO - See notes to portfolio.
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities
<C> <S> <C>
Credit Cards
5,612 Advanta Corporation $102,419
18,042 Bank One Corporation 578,481
24,826 (1) Capital One Financial Corporation 1,196,315
20,840 MBNA Corporation 567,890
Major Regional Banks
22,884 (1) Firstar Corporation 483,425
6,777 First Union Corporation 222,374
13,729 (2) Northern Trust Corporation 727,637
10,293 Regions Financial Corporation 258,612
11,229 SouthTrust Corporation 424,602
12,074 Wells Fargo Company 488,248
Money Center Banks
11,066 BankAmerica Corporation 555,380
9,892 (3) CitiGroup, Inc. 549,629
Mortgage Finance
9,204 Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. 232,401
Regional and Local Banks/Thrifts
10,680 Associated Bancorporation 365,790
30,963 Anchor Bancorp Wisconsin, Inc. 468,315
14,633 (4) Charter One Financial, Inc. 279,856
12,562 (4) Commerce Bancorp, Inc. 507,982
36,349 (5) Republic Bancorp, Inc. 441,313
33,453 (6) Roslyn Bancorp, Inc. 618,881
6,291 Wachovia Corporation 427,788
Specialty Finance
7,033 Conseco, Inc. 125,715
__________
Total investments $9,623,053
==========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
December 31, 1999
(1) The number of shares reflects the effect of a three for one stock split.
(2) The number of shares reflects the effect of a two for one stock split.
(3) The number of shares reflects the effect of a three for two stock split.
(4) The number of shares reflects the effect of a 5% stock dividend.
(5) In May 1999, D&N Financial Corporation (D&N), one of the Trust's
original holdings, was acquired by Republic Bancorp, Inc. (Republic).
Each shareholder of D&N received 1.82 shares of Republic for each share
of D&N held. Republic effected a 10% stock dividend subsequent to the
acquisition.
(6) In February 1999, TR Financial Corporation (TR), one of the Trust's
original holdings, was acquired by Roslyn Bancorp, Inc. (Roslyn). Each
shareholder of TR received 2.05 shares of Roslyn for each share of TR
held.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividends $248,444 312,636 395,742
Expenses:
Trustee's fees and related expenses (13,100) (25,618) (18,466)
Evaluator's fees (2,780) (4,158) (5,160)
Supervisory fees (2,961) (5,308) (6,395)
Administrative fees (846) (1,516) (1,842)
Amortization of organization and
offering costs (5,406) (5,406) (5,184)
_____________________________________
Total expenses (25,093) (42,006) (37,047)
_____________________________________
Investment income - net 223,351 270,630 358,695
Net gain (loss) on investments:
Net realized gain (loss) 1,399,406 1,528,522 1,942,573
Change in net unrealized
appreciation or depreciation (2,847,935) 336,387 4,998,638
_____________________________________
(1,448,529) 1,864,909 6,941,211
_____________________________________
Net increase (decrease) in net
assets resulting from operations $(1,225,178) 2,135,539 7,299,906
=====================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations:
Investment income - net $223,351 270,630 358,695
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments 1,399,406 1,528,522 1,942,573
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation on investments (2,847,935) 336,387 4,998,638
____________________________________
(1,225,178) 2,135,539 7,299,906
Units issued (2,210,866 units in 1997,
net of deferred sales charges of
$773,803) - - 22,193,964
Units redeemed (280,071, 559,552 and
666,273 units in 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively) (4,164,737) (7,855,234) (8,119,411)
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (208,689) (236,455) (282,562)
Principal from investment transactions - - (24,700)
____________________________________
(208,689) (236,455) (307,262)
____________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (5,598,604) (5,956,150) 21,067,197
Net assets:
At the beginning of the period
(representing 1,000,057, 1,559,609
and 15,016 units outstanding at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 and
January 16, 1997, respectively) 15,254,450 21,210,600 143,403
____________________________________
At the end of the period (including
distributable funds applicable to
Trust units of $811,852, $811,879
and $815,621 at December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively) $9,655,846 15,254,450 21,210,600
====================================
Trust units outstanding at the end
of the period 719,986 1,000,057 1,559,609
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant accounting policies
Security valuation -
The equity securities are stated at the closing sale prices of listed equity
securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter traded equity securities as
reported by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the Evaluator), an affiliate of the
Sponsor.
Dividend income -
Dividends on each equity security are recognized on such equity security's ex-
dividend date.
Security cost -
Cost of the equity securities is based on the market value of such securities
on the dates the securities were deposited in the Trust. The cost of
securities sold is determined using the average cost method. Sales of
securities are recorded on the trade date.
Federal income taxes -
The Trust is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes. Each unit holder is
considered to be the owner of a pro rata portion of the Trust and,
accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes.
Expenses of the Trust -
The Trust pays a fee for Trustee services to The Chase Manhattan Bank which is
based on $.0096 per annum per unit outstanding based on the largest aggregate
number of units outstanding during the year. In addition, the Evaluator will
receive an annual fee based on $.0030 per unit outstanding. The Trust also
pays recurring financial reporting costs, an annual supervisory fee payable to
an affiliate of the Sponsor and an annual administrative fee payable to the
Sponsor.
Organization and offering costs -
The Trust has paid a portion of its organization and offering costs, including
costs of preparing the registration statement, the Trust indenture and other
closing documents, registering units with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and states, the initial audit of the Trust's portfolio, legal fees
and the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee. Such costs, totaling
$27,029, have been deferred and are being amortized over five years from the
Initial Date of Deposit.
<PAGE>
2. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation
An analysis of net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 1999 follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation $3,066,361
Unrealized depreciation (579,271)
__________
$2,487,090
==========
</TABLE>
3. Other information
Cost to investors -
The cost to initial investors of units of the Trust was based on the aggregate
underlying value of the equity securities on the date of an investor's
purchase plus a deferred sales charge of $.35 per unit which was paid to the
sponsor over a five month period ending on December 31, 1997, plus an initial
sales charge of 4.5% of the public offering price which was equivalent to
approximately 4.545% of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred
sales charge.
Distributions to unit holders -
Income distributions to unit holders, if any, are made on the last day of each
June and December to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of June and
December. Capital distributions to unit holders, if any, are made on the last
day of each month to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month
if the amount available for distribution equals at least $.01 per unit.
Notwithstanding, capital distributions, if any, will be made in December of
each year.
<PAGE>
Selected data per unit of the Trust
outstanding throughout each period -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividend income $.294 .254 .236
Expenses (.030) (.034) (.022)
________________________________
Investment income - net .264 .220 .214
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (.268) (.208) (.162)
Principal from investment transactions - - (.026)
Net gain (loss) on investments (1.839) 1.642 4.024
________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in
net assets (1.843) 1.654 4.050
Net assets:
Beginning of the period 15.254 13.600 9.550
________________________________
End of the period $13.411 15.254 13.600
================================
</TABLE>
Dividend income - Expenses and Investment income - net per unit have been
calculated based on the weighted average number of units outstanding during
each period (846,015, 1,239,329 and 1,673,733 units in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively). Distributions to unit holders of Investment income - net
reflects the trust's actual distributions of approximately $.117 per unit to
834,906 units on June 30, 1999, approximately $.151 per unit to 735,068 units
on December 31, 1999, approximately $.093 per unit to 1,238,535 units on June
30, 1998, approximately $.115 per unit to 1,015,053 units on December 31,
1998, approximately $.073 per unit to 1,941,957 units on June 30, 1997 and
approximately $.089 per unit to 1,584,586 units on December 31, 1997.
Distributions to unit holders of principal from investment transactions
reflects the trusts actual distribution of approximately $.026 per unit to
932,429 units on February 28, 1997. The Net gain (loss) on investments per
unit during the period ended December 31, 1997 includes the effects of changes
arising from issuance of 2,210,866 additional units during the period at net
asset values which differed from the net asset value per unit of the original
15,016 units ($9.550 per unit) on January 16, 1997.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
PART ONE
Must be Accompanied by Part Two and Part Three
___________________
P R O S P E C T U S
___________________
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not
lawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which
reference is hereby made.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
788,134 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
Part One
Dated April 26, 2000
Note: Part One of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part Two and Part Three.
The Trust
The American Healthcare Growth Trust, Series 2 (the "Trust") is a unit
investment trust consisting of a portfolio containing common stocks issued by
health care companies. At March 16, 2000, each Unit represented a 1/788,134
undivided interest in the principal and net income of the Trust (see "The
Trust" in Part Two).
The Units being offered by this Prospectus are issued and outstanding Units
which have been purchased by the Sponsor in the secondary market or from the
Trustee after having been tendered for redemption. The profit or loss
resulting from the sale of Units will accrue to the Sponsor. No proceeds from
the sale of Units will be received by the Trust.
Public Offering Price
The Public Offering Price per Unit is equal to the aggregate value of the
Securities in the Portfolio of the Trust, plus or minus cash, if any, in the
Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust divided by the number of Units
outstanding, plus a sales charge of 3.0% of the Public Offering Price (3.093%
of the net amount invested) excluding income and principal cash. At March 16,
2000, the Public Offering Price per Unit was $13.579 (see "Public Offering" in
Part Two). The minimum purchase is $1,000 ($250 for Individual Retirement
Accounts and other retirement plans)
Please retain all parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Sponsor
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MARCH 16, 2000
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Number of Units 788,134
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit 1/788,134
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Securities in the Portfolio $10,376,457
Aggregate Value of Securities per Unit $13.166
Income and Principal cash in the Portfolio $4,965
Income and Principal cash per Unit $.006
Sales Charge 3.093% (3.0% of Public Offering Price,
excluding income and principal cash) $.407
Public Offering Price per Unit $13.579
Redemption Price and Sponsor's Repurchase Price per
Unit ($.407 less than the Public Offering Price
per Unit) $13.172
</TABLE>
Date Trust Established January 16, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date December 15, 2001
Evaluator's Annual Fee: $.0030 per Unit outstanding. Evaluations for
purposes of sale, purchase or redemption of Units are made as of the close of
trading (4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on
which it is open.
Supervisory fee payable to Maximum of $.0035 per
an affiliate of the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Bookkeeping and administrative expenses Maximum of $.0010 per
payable to the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Annual amortization of organization
and offering costs $5,406 annually
Trustee's Annual Fee: $.0096 per Unit outstanding.
Capital Distribution Record Date and Distribution Date: Distributions from
the Capital Account will be made monthly payable on the last day of the month
to Unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month if the amount
available for distribution equals at least $.01 per Unit. Notwithstanding,
distributions of funds in the Capital Account, if any, will be made in
December of each year.
Income Distribution Record Date: Fifteenth day of each June and December.
Income Distribution Date: The last day of each June and December.
A Unit holder who owns at least 2,500 Units may request an "In-Kind
Distribution" upon redemption or upon termination of the Trust. See "Rights
of Unit Holders - How are Income and Capital Distributed?" in Part Two.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Unit Holders of The First Trust
Special Situations Trust, Series 182,
American Healthcare Growth Trust, Series 2
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio, of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series
182, American Healthcare Growth Trust, Series 2 as of December 31, 1999, and
the related statements of operations and changes in net assets for each of the
two years in the period then ended and for the period from the Initial Date of
Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31, 1997. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
December 31, 1999, by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the
Sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The First Trust Special
Situations Trust, Series 182, American Healthcare Growth Trust, Series 2 at
December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and changes in its net
assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and for the period
from the Initial Date of Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31, 1997, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
April 7, 2000
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Securities, at market value (cost, $7,852,438)
(Note 1) $10,783,819
Dividends receivable 4,276
Unamortized deferred organization and offering costs 11,033
___________
10,799,128
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Cash overdraft 4,934
Accrued liabilities 1,188
Unit redemptions payable 12,862
__________
18,984
__________
Net assets, applicable to 895,520 outstanding
units of fractional undivided interest:
Cost of Trust assets (Note 1) $7,852,438
Net unrealized appreciation (Note 2) 2,931,381
Distributable funds 566,422
Less deferred sales charges paid (Note 3) (570,097)
___________
$10,780,144
===========
Net asset value per unit $12.038
===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
PORTFOLIO - See notes to portfolio.
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Market
shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities value
<C> <S> <C>
Advanced Medical Devices and Instruments
10,399 Boston Scientific Corporation $227,478
24,331 (1) Guidant Corporation 1,143,557
20,809 (1) Medtronic, Inc. 758,238
9,310 St. Jude Medical, Inc. 285,705
Drugs/Biotech
10,711 American Home Products Corporation 422,420
24,849 (2) Amgen, Inc. 1,492,506
7,990 (1) Merck & Company, Inc. 535,834
24,076 (3) Pfizer, Inc. 780,977
19,643 Schering-Plough Corporation 828,699
Healthcare/Managed Care
15,132 First Health Group 406,673
10,293 PhyCor, Inc. 19,299
7,824 United Healthcare Corporation 415,650
Hospital Management/Health Services
8,527 (4) Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation 249,952
30,871 Health Management Associates, Inc. 412,900
16,666 HEALTHSOUTH Corporation 89,580
451 (4) Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc. 5,328
15,877 Lincare Holdings, Inc. 550,741
451 (4) Triad Hospitals, Inc. 6,821
10,756 Ventas, Inc. 45,046
Medical Supplies
13,054 Abbott Laboratories 474,030
15,035 Becton, Dickinson & Company 402,186
8,008 Cardinal Health, Inc. 383,383
12,209 Invacare Corporation 244,949
6,463 Johnson & Johnson 601,867
___________
Total investments $10,783,819
===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
December 31, 1999
(1) The number of shares reflects the effect of a two for one stock split.
(2) The number of shares reflects the effect of two two for one stock
splits.
(3) The number of shares reflects the effect of a three for one stock split.
(4) In June 1999, Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation (Columbia), which was
one of the Trust's original holdings, spun off Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc.
(Lifepoint) and Triad Hospitals, Inc. (Triad). Each shareholder of
Columbia received .0526 shares of Lifepoint and .0526 shares of Triad
for each share of Columbia held.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividends $79,779 91,745 126,639
Expenses:
Trustee's fees and related expenses (14,878) (27,943) (13,283)
Evaluator's fees (3,459) (4,654) (3,525)
Supervisory fees (4,293) (5,908) (4,301)
Administrative fees (1,227) (1,688) (1,243)
Amortization of organization and
offering costs (5,406) (5,406) (5,184)
_____________________________________
Total expenses (29,263) (45,599) (27,536)
_____________________________________
Investment income - net 50,516 46,146 99,103
Net gain (loss) on investments:
Net realized gain (loss) 547,523 678,072 252,569
Change in net unrealized
appreciation or depreciation (2,062,526) 3,605,842 1,388,065
_____________________________________
(1,515,003) 4,283,914 1,640,634
_____________________________________
Net increase (decrease) in net
assets resulting from operations $(1,464,487) 4,330,060 1,739,737
=====================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations:
Investment income - net $50,516 46,146 99,103
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments 547,523 678,072 252,569
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation on investments (2,062,526) 3,605,842 1,388,065
____________________________________
(1,464,487) 4,330,060 1,739,737
Units issued (1,712,564 units in 1997,
net of deferred sales charges of
$584,866) - - 17,231,420
Units redeemed (336,295 and 495,695
in 1999 and 1998, respectively) (4,223,147) (6,078,484) -
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (45,406) (45,149) (94,286)
Principal from investment transactions - - (712,851)
____________________________________
(45,406) (45,149) (807,137)
____________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (5,733,040) (1,793,573) 18,164,020
Net assets:
At the beginning of the period
(representing 1,231,815, 1,727,510
and 14,946 units outstanding at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 and
January 16, 1997, respectively) 16,513,184 18,306,757 142,737
____________________________________
At the end of the period (including
distributable funds applicable to
Trust units of $566,422, $577,546
and $584,670 at December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively) $10,780,144 16,513,184 18,306,757
====================================
Trust units outstanding at the end of
the period 895,520 1,231,815 1,727,510
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant accounting policies
Security valuation -
The equity securities are stated at the closing sale prices of listed equity
securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter traded equity securities as
reported by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the Evaluator), an affiliate of the
Sponsor.
Dividend income -
Dividends on each equity security are recognized on such equity security's ex-
dividend date.
Security cost -
Cost of the equity securities is based on the market value of such securities
on the dates the securities were deposited in the Trust. The cost of
securities sold is determined using the average cost method. Sales of
securities are recorded on the trade date.
Federal income taxes -
The Trust is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes. Each unit holder is
considered to be the owner of a pro rata portion of the Trust and,
accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes.
Expenses of the Trust -
The Trust pays a fee for Trustee services to The Chase Manhattan Bank, which
is based on $.0096 per annum per unit outstanding based on the largest
aggregate number of units outstanding during the year. In addition, the
Evaluator will receive an annual fee based on $.0030 per unit outstanding.
The Trust also pays recurring financial reporting costs, an annual supervisory
fee payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor and an annual administrative fee
payable to the Sponsor.
Organization and offering costs -
The Trust has paid a portion of its organization and offering costs, including
costs of preparing the registration statement, the Trust indenture and other
closing documents, registering units with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and states, the initial audit of the Trust's portfolio, legal fees
and the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee. Such costs, totaling
$27,029, have been deferred and are being amortized over five years from the
Initial Date of Deposit.
<PAGE>
2. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation
An analysis of net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 1999 follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation $3,949,633
Unrealized depreciation (1,018,252)
__________
$2,931,381
==========
</TABLE>
3. Other information
Cost to investors -
The cost to initial investors of units of the Trust was based on the aggregate
underlying value of the equity securities on the date of an investor's
purchase, plus a deferred sales charge of $.35 per unit which was paid to the
sponsor over a five-month period ending on December 31, 1997, plus an initial
sales charge equal to the difference between the deferred sales charge and the
total sales charge of 4.5% of the public offering price which was equivalent
to approximately 4.545% of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred
sales charge.
Distributions to unit holders -
Income distributions to unit holders are made monthly on the last day of each
June and December to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of each June
and December. Capital distributions to unit holders, if any, are made on the
last day of each month to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such
month if the amount available for distribution equals at least $.01 per unit.
Notwithstanding, capital distributions, if any, will be made in December of
each year.
<PAGE>
Selected data per unit of the Trust
outstanding throughout each period -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividend income $.075 .062 .102
Expenses (.028) (.031) (.022)
________________________________
Investment income - net .047 .031 .080
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (.045) (.033) (.059)
Principal from investment transactions - - (.418)
Net gain (loss) on investments (1.370) 2.811 1.444
________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in
net assets (1.368) 2.809 1.047
Net assets:
Beginning of the period 13.406 10.597 9.550
________________________________
End of the period $12.038 13.406 10.597
================================
</TABLE>
Dividend income, Expenses and Investment income - net per unit have been
calculated based on the weighted average number of units outstanding during
each period (1,065,247, 1,466,432 and 1,233,604 units in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively). Distributions to unit holders of Investment income - net per
unit reflects the Trust's actual distributions of approximately $.025 per unit
of 1,068,873 units on June 30, 1999, approximately $.020 per unit to 918,939
units on December 31, 1999, approximately $.017 per unit to 1,456,252 units on
June 30, 1998, approximately $.016 per unit to 1,246,578 units on December 31,
1998, approximately $.013 per unit to 1,277,357 units on June 30, 1997 and
approximately $.046 per unit to 1,706,609 units on December 31, 1997.
Distributions to unit holders of principal from investments transactions
reflects the Trust's actual distribution of approximately $.418 per unit to
1,706,609 units on December 31, 1997. The Net gain (loss) on investments per
unit during the period ended December 31, 1997 includes the effects of changes
arising from issuance of 1,712,564 additional units during the period at net
asset values which differed from the net asset value per unit of the original
14,996 units ($9.550 per unit) on January 16, 1997.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
PART ONE
Must be Accompanied by Part Two and Part Three
___________________
P R O S P E C T U S
___________________
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not
lawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which
reference is hereby made.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST, SERIES 1
2,449,395 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
Part One
Dated April 26, 2000
Note: Part One of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part Two and Part Three.
The Trust
The REIT Growth & Income Trust, Series 1 (the "Trust") is a unit investment
trust consisting of a portfolio containing common stocks issued by publicly
traded real estate investment trusts, known as REITs. At March 16, 2000, each
Unit represented a 1/2,449,395 undivided interest in the principal and net
income of the Trust (see "The Trust" in Part Two).
The Units being offered by this Prospectus are issued and outstanding Units
which have been purchased by the Sponsor in the secondary market or from the
Trustee after having been tendered for redemption. The profit or loss
resulting from the sale of Units will accrue to the Sponsor. No proceeds from
the sale of Units will be received by the Trust.
Public Offering Price
The Public Offering Price per Unit is equal to the aggregate value of the
Securities in the Portfolio of the Trust, plus or minus cash, if any, in the
Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust divided by the number of Units
outstanding, plus a sales charge of 3.0% of the Public Offering Price (3.093%
of the net amount invested) excluding income and principal cash. At March 16,
2000, the Public Offering Price per Unit was $7.238 (see "Public Offering" in
Part Two). The minimum purchase is $1,000 ($250 for Individual Retirement
Accounts or other retirement plans).
Please retain all parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Sponsor
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST, SERIES 1
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MARCH 16, 2000
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Number of Units 2,449,395
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit 1/2,449,395
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Securities in the Portfolio $17,267,511
Aggregate Value of Securities per Unit $7.050
Income and Principal cash (overdraft) in the Portfolio $(73,889)
Income and Principal cash (overdraft) per Unit $(.030)
Sales Charge 3.093% (3.0% of Public Offering Price,
excluding income and principal cash) $.218
Public Offering Price per Unit $7,238
Redemption Price and Sponsor's Repurchase Price per
Unit ($.218 less than the Public Offering Price
per Unit) $7.020
</TABLE>
Date Trust Established January 16, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date December 15, 2001
Evaluator's Annual Fee: $.0030 per Unit outstanding. Evaluations for
purposes of sale, purchase or redemption of Units are made as of the close of
trading (4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on
which it is open.
Supervisory fee payable to Maximum of $.0035 per
an affiliate of the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Bookkeeping and administrative expenses Maximum of $.0010 per
payable to the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Annual amortization of organization
and offering costs $5,406 annually
Trustee's Annual Fee: $.0096 per Unit outstanding.
Capital Distribution Record Date and Distribution Date: Distributions from
the Capital Account will be made monthly payable on the last day of the month
to Unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month if the amount
available for distribution equals at least $.01 per Unit. Notwithstanding,
distributions of funds in the Capital Account, if any, will be made in
December of each year.
Income Distribution Record Date: Fifteenth day of each month.
Income Distribution Date: Last day of each month.
A Unit holder who owns at least 2,500 Units may request an "In-Kind
Distribution" upon redemption or upon termination of the Trust. See "Rights
of Unit Holders - How are Income and Capital Distributed?" in Part Two.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Unit Holders of The First Trust
Special Situations Trust, Series 182,
REIT Growth & Income Trust, Series 1
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio, of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series
182, REIT Growth & Income Trust, Series 1 as of December 31, 1999, and the
related statements of operations and changes in net assets for each of the two
years in the period then ended and for the period from the Initial Date of
Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31, 1997. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
December 31, 1999, by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the
Sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The First Trust Special
Situations Trust, Series 182, REIT Growth & Income Trust, Series 1 at December
31, 1999, and the results of its operations and changes in its net assets for
each of the two years in the period then ended and for the period from the
Initial Date of Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31, 1997, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
April 7, 2000
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST, SERIES 1
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Securities, at market value (cost, $25,172,728)
(Note 1) $19,259,397
Dividends receivable 176,256
Receivable from investment transactions 195,737
Unamortized deferred organization and offering costs 11,033
___________
19,642,423
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued liabilities 3,632
Cash overdraft 333,953
Unit redemptions payable 172,033
__________
509,618
__________
Net assets, applicable to 2,615,176 outstanding
units of fractional undivided interest:
Cost of Trust assets (Note 1) $25,172,728
Net unrealized depreciation (Note 2) (5,913,331)
Distributable funds 1,918,198
Less deferred sales charges paid (Note 3) (2,044,790)
___________
$19,132,805
===========
Net asset value per unit $7.316
===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST, SERIES 1
PORTFOLIO - See notes to portfolio.
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Market
shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities value
<C> <S> <C>
Retail
37,690 CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. $777,356
52,198 Developers Diversified Realty Corporation 672,049
42,741 Excel Legacy Corporation 141,601
57,272 JDN Realty Corporation 923,511
37,948 JP Realty, Inc. 592,938
49,558 New Plan Excel Realty Trust 783,661
32,884 Simon DeBartolo Group, Inc. 754,293
Multifamily
32,233 Camden Property Trust 882,378
49,160 Equity Residential Properties Trust 2,098,542
36,606 Gables Residential Trust 878,544
42,389 Home Properties 1,163,069
46,956 Summit Properties, Inc. 839,338
65,225 United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc. 644,097
10,031 Wellsford Real Property Trust 85,263
Office/Industrial
61,354 Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc. 609,736
31,724 First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. 870,443
40,418 Liberty Property Trust 980,137
29,877 Mack-Cali Realty Corporation 778,684
32,500 (1) Starwood Financial, Inc. 550,485
Healthcare
50,710 (2) HRPT Properties Trust 456,390
72,976 Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. 1,140,250
5,866 (2) Senior Housing Properties Trust 72,961
Hotel
78,270 Equity Inns, Inc. 528,323
34,248 Hospitality Properties Trust 652,870
Recreation
32,292 National Golf Properties, Inc. 637,767
Storage
32,824 (3) Public Storage, Inc. 744,711
___________
Total investments $19,259,397
===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST, SERIES 1
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
December 31, 1999
(1) In October 1999, TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. (TriNet), one of
the Trust's original holdings, was acquired by Starwood Financial, Inc.
(Starwood). Each shareholder of TriNet received 1.15 shares of Starwood
for each share of TriNet held.
(2) In September 1999, HRPT Properties Trust (HRPT), one of the Trust's
original holdings, spun off Senior Housing Properties Trust (Senior
Housing). Each shareholder of HRPT received .10 shares of Senior
Housing for each share of HRPT held.
(3) In March 1999, Storage Trust Realty (Storage Trust), one of the Trust's
original holdings, was acquired by Public Storage, Inc. (Public
Storage). Each shareholder of Storage Trust received .86 shares of
Public Storage for each share of Storage Trust held.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST, SERIES 1
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividends $2,262,720 3,111,998 3,382,998
Expenses:
Trustee's fees and related expenses (39,476) (84,929) (43,741)
Evaluator's fees (10,046) (13,941) (13,626)
Supervisory fees (13,605) (18,446) (16,698)
Administrative fees (3,887) (5,270) (4,812)
Amortization of organization and
offering costs (5,406) (5,406) (5,184)
_____________________________________
Total expenses (72,420) (127,992) (84,061)
_____________________________________
Investment income - net 2,190,300 2,984,006 3,298,937
Net gain (loss) on investments:
Net realized gain (loss) (1,999,308) 137,036 356,944
Change in net unrealized
appreciation or depreciation (2,024,842) (8,530,697) 4,642,208
_____________________________________
(4,024,150) (8,393,661) 4,999,152
_____________________________________
Net increase(decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations $(1,833,850) (5,409,655) 8,298,089
=====================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST, SERIES 1
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations:
Investment income - net $2,190,300 2,984,006 3,298,937
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments (1,999,308) 137,036 356,944
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation on investments (2,024,842) (8,530,697) 4,642,208
____________________________________
(1,833,850) (5,409,655) 8,298,089
Units issued (5,827,259 units in 1997,
net of deferred sales charges of
$2,039,540) - - 55,514,859
Unit redemptions (1,300,362, 1,461,053
and 465,667 units in 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively) (10,418,911)(14,102,780) (4,759,254)
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (2,245,976) (3,073,087) (2,979,868)
Principal from investment
transactions - - -
____________________________________
(1,245,976) (3,073,087) (2,979,868)
____________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets(14,498,737)(22,585,522) 56,073,826
Net assets:
At the beginning of the period
(representing 3,915,538,
5,376,591 and 14,999 units
outstanding at December 31,
1998 and 1997 and January 16,
1997, respectively) 33,631,542 56,217,064 143,238
____________________________________
At the end of the period (including
distributable funds applicable to
Trust units of $1,918,198,
$2,058,982 and $2,354,129 at
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively) $19,132,805 33,631,542 56,217,064
====================================
Trust units outstanding at the end of
the period 2,615,176 3,915,538 5,376,591
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST, SERIES 1
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant accounting policies
Security valuation -
The equity securities are stated at the closing sale prices of listed equity
securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter traded equity securities as
reported by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the Evaluator), an affiliate of the
Sponsor.
Dividend income -
Dividends on each equity security are recognized on such equity security's ex-
dividend date.
Security cost -
Cost of the equity securities is based on the market value of such securities
on the dates the securities were deposited in the Trust. The cost of
securities sold is determined using the average cost method. Sales of
securities are recorded on the trade date.
Federal income taxes -
The Trust, which is an association taxable as a corporation under the Internal
Revenue Code, intends to qualify for and elect tax treatment as a "regulated
investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. By qualifying
for and electing such treatment, the Fund will not be subject to Federal
income tax on net investment income or net capital gains distributed to its
unit holders. As the Trust distributes its entire net capital gains, if any,
and net investment income each year, no Federal income tax provision is
required.
Expenses of the Trust -
The Trust pays a fee for Trustee services to The Chase Manhattan Bank, which
is based on $.0096 per annum per unit outstanding based on the largest
aggregate number of units outstanding during the year. In addition, the
Evaluator will receive an annual fee based on $.0030 per unit outstanding.
The Trust also pays recurring financial reporting costs, an annual supervisory
fee payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor and an annual administrative fee
payable to the Sponsor.
Organization and offering costs -
The Trust has paid a portion of its organization and offering costs, including
costs of preparing the registration statement, the Trust indenture and other
closing documents, registering units with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and states, the initial audit of the Trust's portfolio, legal fees
and the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee. Such costs, totaling
$27,029, have been deferred and are being amortized over five years from the
Initial Date of Deposit.
<PAGE>
2. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation
An analysis of net unrealized depreciation at December 31, 1999 follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized depreciation $(6,076,719)
Unrealized appreciation 163,388
___________
$(5,913,331)
===========
</TABLE>
3. Other information
Cost to investors -
The cost to initial investors of units of the Trust was based on the aggregate
underlying value of the equity securities on the date of an investor's
purchase, plus a deferred sales charge of $.35 per unit which was paid to the
sponsor over a five-month period ending on December 31, 1997, plus an initial
sales charge equal to the difference between the deferred sales charge and the
total sales charge of 4.5% of the public offering price which is equivalent to
approximately 4.545% of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred
sales charge.
Distributions to unit holders -
Income distributions to unit holders are made monthly on the last day of each
month to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of each month. Capital
distributions to unit holders, if any, are made on the last day of each month
to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month if the amount
available for distribution equals at least $.01 per unit. Notwithstanding,
capital distributions, if any, will be made in December of each year.
<PAGE>
Selected data per unit of the Trust
outstanding throughout each period -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividend income $.690 .680 .713
Expenses (.022) (.028) (.018)
________________________________
Investment income - net .668 .652 .695
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (.684) (.670) (.606)
Principal from investment transactions - - -
Net gain (loss) on investments (1.257) (1.849) .817
________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in
net assets (1.273) (1.867) .906
Net assets:
Beginning of the period 8.589 10.456 9.550
________________________________
End of the period $7.316 8.589 10.456
================================
</TABLE>
Dividend income, Expenses and Investment income - net per unit have been
calculated based on the weighted average number of units outstanding during
each period (3,277,907, 4,577,704 and 4,747,801 units in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively). Distributions to unit holders of Investment income - net per
unit reflects the Trust's actual distributions during each period. The Net
gain (loss) on investments per unit during the period ended December 31, 1997
includes the effects of changes arising from issuance of 5,827,259 additional
units during the period at net asset values which differed from the net asset
value per unit of the original 14,999 units ($9.550 per unit) on January 16,
1997.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST, SERIES 1
PART ONE
Must be Accompanied by Part Two and Part Three
___________________
P R O S P E C T U S
___________________
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not
lawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which
reference is hereby made.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 5
2,105,816 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
Part One
Dated April 26, 2000
Note: Part One of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part Two and Part Three.
The Trust
The American Technology Growth Trust, Series 5 (the "Trust") is a unit
investment trust consisting of a portfolio containing common stocks issued by
U.S.-based technology companies. At March 16, 2000, each Unit represented a
1/2,105,816 undivided interest in the principal and net income of the Trust
(see "The Trust" in Part Two).
The Units being offered by this Prospectus are issued and outstanding Units
which have been purchased by the Sponsor in the secondary market or from the
Trustee after having been tendered for redemption. The profit or loss
resulting from the sale of Units will accrue to the Sponsor. No proceeds from
the sale of Units will be received by the Trust.
Public Offering Price
The Public Offering Price per Unit is equal to the aggregate value of the
Securities in the Portfolio of the Trust, plus or minus cash, if any, in the
Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust divided by the number of Units
outstanding, plus a sales charge of 3.0% of the Public Offering Price (3.093%
of the net amount invested) excluding income and principal cash. At March 16,
2000, the Public Offering Price per Unit was $45.309 (see "Public Offering" in
Part Two). The minimum purchase is $1,000 ($250 for Individual Retirement
Accounts or other retirement plans).
Please retain all parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Sponsor
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 5
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MARCH 16, 2000
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Number of Units 2,105,816
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit 1/2,105,816
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Securities in the Portfolio $92,648,865
Aggregate Value of Securities per Unit $43.997
Income and Principal cash (overdraft) in the Portfolio $(103,154)
Income and Principal cash (overdraft) per Unit $(.049)
Sales Charge 3.093% (3.0% of Public Offering Price,
excluding income and principal cash) $1.361
Public Offering Price per Unit $45.309
Redemption Price and Sponsor's Repurchase Price per
Unit ($1.361 less than the Public Offering Price
per Unit) $43.948
</TABLE>
Date Trust Established January 16, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date December 15, 2001
Evaluator's Annual Fee: $.0096 per Unit outstanding. Evaluations for
purposes of sale, purchase or redemption of Units are made as of the close of
trading (4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on
which it is open.
Supervisory fee payable to Maximum of $.0035 per
an affiliate of the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Bookkeeping and administrative expenses Maximum of $.0010 per
payable to the Sponsor Unit outstanding annually
Annual amortization of organization
and offering costs $5,406 annually
Trustee's Annual Fee: $.0096 per Unit outstanding.
Capital Distribution Record Date and Distribution Date: Distributions from
the Capital Account will be made monthly payable on the last day of the month
to Unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month if the amount
available for distribution equals at least $.01 per Unit. Notwithstanding,
distributions of funds in the Capital Account, if any, will be made in
December of each year.
Income Distribution Record Date: Fifteenth day of each June and December.
Income Distribution Date: The last day of each June and December.
A Unit holder who owns at least 2,500 Units may request an "In-Kind
Distribution" upon redemption or upon termination of the Trust. See "Rights
of Unit Holders - How are Income and Capital Distributed?" in Part Two.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Unit Holders of The First Trust
Special Situations Trust, Series 182,
American Technology Growth Trust, Series 5
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio, of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series
182, American Technology Growth Trust, Series 5 as of December 31, 1999, and
the related statements of operations and changes in net assets for each of the
two years in the period then ended and for the period from the Initial Date of
Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31, 1997. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
December 31, 1999, by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the
Sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The First Trust Special
Situations Trust, Series 182, American Technology Growth Trust, Series 5 at
December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and changes in its net
assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and for the period
from the Initial Date of Deposit, January 16, 1997, to December 31, 1997, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
April 7, 2000
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 5
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Securities, at market value (cost, $21,184,624)
(Note 1) $81,712,707
Dividends receivable 5,394
Unamortized deferred organization and offering costs 11,033
Receivable from investment transactions 66,015
___________
81,795,149
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued liabilities 2,836
Cash overdraft 87,526
Unit redemptions payable 64,921
__________
155,283
__________
Net assets, applicable to 2,242,407 outstanding
units of fractional undivided interest:
Cost of Trust assets (Note 1) $21,184,624
Net unrealized appreciation 60,528,083
Distributable funds 1,526,783
Less deferred sales charges paid (Note 3) (1,599,624)
___________
$81,639,866
===========
Net asset value per unit $36.407
===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 5
PORTFOLIO - See notes to portfolio.
December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Market
shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities value
<C> <S> <C>
Computers
53,718 Compaq Computer Corporation $1,453,770
205,513 (1) Dell Computer Corporation 10,481,163
15,470 Hewlett-Packard Company 1,762,621
118,022 (2) Sun Microsystems, Inc. 9,139,388
Computer Services
17,945 Electronic Data Systems Corporation 1,201,202
22,896 First Data Corporation 1,129,070
Networking
32,907 3Com Corporation 1,546,629
24,454 Cabletron Systems, Inc. 635,804
54,644 (1) Cisco Systems, Inc. 5,853,738
Semiconductor Equipment
37,642 Applied Materials, Inc. 4,768,790
23,030 KLA-Tencor Corporation 2,564,966
25,849 Novellus Systems, Inc. 3,167,304
Semiconductors
20,282 Adaptec, Inc. 1,011,565
48,528 (1) Atmel Corporation 1,434,633
23,651 (1) Intel Corporation 1,946,785
70,274 (1) Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. 3,316,090
93,770 (2) Xilinx, Inc. 4,263,628
Software
36,218 BMC Software, Inc. 2,895,194
27,940 Computer Associates International, Inc. 1,954,068
40,206 (1) Microsoft Corporation 4,694,051
45,625 (3) Oracle Corporation 5,112,874
29,566 Parametric Technology Corporation 800,145
Storage
89,431 (1) EMC Corporation 9,770,337
17,372 Seagate Technology, Inc. 808,892
___________
Total investments $81,712,707
===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 5
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
December 31, 1999
(1) The number of shares reflects the effect of a two for one stock split.
(2) The number of shares reflects the effect of two two for one stock
splits.
(3) The number of shares reflects the effect of a three for two stock split.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 5
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividends $34,514 41,533 41,333
Expenses:
Trustee's fees and related expenses (33,184) (61,109) (38,933)
Evaluator's fees (7,832) (10,273) (10,369)
Supervisory fees (8,527) (12,692) (12,758)
Administrative fees (2,436) (3,626) (3,696)
Amortization of organization and
offering costs (5,406) (5,406) (5,184)
____________________________________
Total expenses (57,385) (93,106) (70,940)
____________________________________
Investment income (loss) - net (22,871) (51,573) (29,607)
Net gain (loss) on investments:
Net realized gain (loss) 6,517,769 3,156,131 3,097,434
Change in net unrealized
appreciation or depreciation 37,310,482 19,134,854 4,082,747
____________________________________
43,828,251 22,290,985 7,180,181
____________________________________
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations $43,805,380 22,239,412 7,150,574
====================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 5
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations:
Investment income (loss) - net $(22,871) (51,573) (29,607)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 6,517,769 3,156,131 3,097,434
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation on investments 37,310,482 19,134,854 4,082,747
__________________________________
43,805,380 22,239,412 7,150,574
Units issued (4,555,661 units in 1997,
net of deferred sales charges of
$1,594,482) - - 42,735,143
Units redeemed (508,623, 939,229 and
880,094 units in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively) (11,192,078)(12,161,696)(11,077,178)
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net - - -
Principal from investment transactions - - -
__________________________________
- - -
__________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets 32,613,302 10,077,716 38,808,539
Net assets:
At the beginning of the period
(representing 2,751,030, 3,690,259
and 14,692 units outstanding at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 and
January 16, 1997, respectively) 49,026,564 38,948,848 140,309
__________________________________
At the end of the period (including
distributable funds applicable to
Trust units of $1,526,783, $1,354,809
and $1,569,840 at December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively) $81,639,866 49,026,564 38,948,848
==================================
Trust units outstanding at the end of
the period 2,242,407 2,751,030 3,690,259
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 5
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant accounting policies
Security valuation -
The equity securities are stated at the closing sale prices of listed equity
securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter traded equity securities as
reported by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the Evaluator), an affiliate of the
Sponsor.
Dividend income -
Dividends on each equity security are recognized on such equity security's ex-
dividend date.
Security cost -
Cost of the equity securities is based on the market value of such securities
on the dates the securities were deposited in the Trust. The cost of
securities sold is determined using the average cost method. Sales of
securities are recorded on the trade date.
Federal income taxes -
The Trust is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes. Each unit holder is
considered to be the owner of a pro rata portion of the Trust and,
accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes.
Expenses of the Trust -
The Trust pays a fee for Trustee services to The Chase Manhattan Bank, which
is based on $.0096 per annum per unit outstanding based on the largest
aggregate number of units outstanding during the year. In addition, the
Evaluator will receive an annual fee based on $.0030 per unit outstanding.
The Trust also pays recurring financial reporting costs, an annual supervisory
fee payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor and an annual administrative fee
payable to the Sponsor.
Organization and offering costs -
The Trust has paid a portion of its organization and offering costs, including
costs of preparing the registration statement, the Trust indenture and other
closing documents, registering units with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and states, the initial audit of the Trust's portfolio, legal fees
and the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee. Such costs, totaling
$27,029, have been deferred and are being amortized over five years from the
Initial Date of Deposit.
<PAGE>
2. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation
An analysis of net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 1999 follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation $60,676,537
Unrealized depreciation (148,454)
___________
$60,528,083
===========
</TABLE>
3. Other information
Cost to investors -
The cost to initial investors of units of the Trust was based on the aggregate
underlying value of the equity securities on the date of an investor's
purchase, plus a deferred sales charge of $.35 per unit which was paid to the
sponsor over a five-month period ending on December 31, 1997, plus an initial
sales charge equal to the difference between the deferred sales charge and the
total sales charge of 4.5% of the public offering price which is equivalent to
approximately 4.545% of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred
sales charge.
Distributions to unit holders -
Income distributions to unit holders, if any, are made on the last day of each
June and December to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of each June
and December. Capital distributions to unit holders, if any, are made on the
last day of each month to unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such
month if the amount available for distribution equals at least $.01 per unit.
Notwithstanding, capital distributions, if any, will be made in December of
each year. The Trust made no distributions to unit holders during the years
ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the period ended December 31, 1997.
<PAGE>
Selected data per unit of the Trust
outstanding throughout each period -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from
the Initial
Date of
Deposit,
Jan. 16,
1997, to
Year ended December 31, Dec. 31,
1999 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dividend income $.014 .013 .012
Expenses (.023) (.029) (.021)
________________________________
Investment income (loss) - net (.009) (.016) (.009)
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net - - -
Principal from investment transactions - - -
Net gain (loss) on investments 18.595 7.282 1.014
________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in
net assets 18.586 7.266 1.005
Net assets:
Beginning of the period 17.821 10.555 9.550
________________________________
End of the period $36.407 17.821 10.555
================================
</TABLE>
Dividend income, Expenses and Investment income (loss) - net per unit have
been calculated based on the weighted average number of units outstanding
during each period (2,436,311, 3,194,728 and 3,392,085 units in 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively). The Net gain (loss) on investments per unit during the
period ended December 31, 1997 includes the effects of changes arising from
issuance of 4,555,661 additional units during the period at net asset values
which differed from the net asset value per unit of the original 14,692 units
($9.550 per unit) on January 16, 1997.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES 182
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 5
PART ONE
Must be Accompanied by Part Two and Part Three
___________________
P R O S P E C T U S
___________________
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not
lawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which
reference is hereby made.
THE FIRST TRUST(REGISTERED TRADEMARK) SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST
FT SERIES
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART TWO PROSPECTUS MAY
Part Two ONLY BE USED WITH PART ONE
Dated April 28, 2000 AND PART THREE
The Trust. FT Series (formerly known as The First Trust Special
Situations Trust) (the "Trusts" and each a "Trust") are unit investment
trusts consisting of portfolios of one or more of the following: common
stock ("Equity Securities"), preferred stock ("Preferred Stocks"), trust
preferred securities ("Trust Preferred Securities") or zero coupon U.S.
Treasury bonds ("Treasury Obligations"). Collectively, the Equity
Securities, Preferred Stocks and Trust Preferred Securities may be
referred to as the "Securities." See Parts One and Three for a more
complete description of the portfolio for each Trust, including whether
the portfolio of a Trust includes zero coupon U.S. Treasury bonds.
For a specific description of the objective of each Trust, see "The
Objective of the Trusts" in Part Three of this Prospectus. See
"Portfolio" appearing in Part One for each Trust. Each Trust has a
Mandatory Termination Date as indicated in Part One of this Prospectus.
The Treasury Obligations evidence the right to receive a fixed payment
at a future date from the U.S. Government and are backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Government. The guarantee of the U.S.
Government does not apply to the market value of the Treasury
Obligations or the Units of the Growth and Treasury Trusts, whose net
asset values will fluctuate and, prior to maturity, may be worth more or
less than a purchaser's acquisition cost. There is, of course, no
guarantee that the objectives of the Trusts will be achieved.
Each Unit of a Trust represents an undivided fractional interest in all
the Securities and Treasury Obligations deposited in the Trust. The
Growth and Treasury Trusts have been organized so that purchasers of
Units should receive, at the termination of a Trust, an amount per Unit
at least equal to $1.00, or $10.00 for certain Trusts (which is equal to
the per Unit value upon maturity of the Treasury Obligations), even if
the Growth and Treasury Trusts never paid a dividend and the value of
the Securities were to decrease to zero, which the Sponsor considers
highly unlikely. This feature of the Growth and Treasury Trusts provides
Unit holders who purchase Units at a price of $1.00, or $10.00 for
certain Growth and Treasury Trusts, or less per Unit with total
principal protection, including any sales charges paid, although they
might forego any earnings on the amount invested. To the extent that
Units are purchased at a price less than $1.00, or $10.00 for certain
Growth and Treasury Trusts, per Unit, this feature may also provide a
potential for capital appreciation. See Part One for each Growth and
Treasury Trust to determine those Trusts for which information is based
on $1.00 per Unit or $10.00 per Unit. UNIT HOLDERS DISPOSING OF THEIR
UNITS PRIOR TO THE MATURITY OF A GROWTH AND TREASURY TRUST MAY RECEIVE
MORE OR LESS THAN $1.00 PER UNIT (OR $10.00 PER UNIT FOR CERTAIN TRUSTS)
DEPENDING ON MARKET CONDITIONS ON THE DATE UNIT ARE SOLD OR REDEEMED.
The Treasury Obligations deposited in a Growth and Treasury Trust on the
Initial Date of Deposit will mature as listed in the "Portfolio"
appearing in Part One for each Trust. The Treasury Obligations in a
Growth and Treasury Trust have a maturity value equal to or greater than
the aggregate Public Offering Price (which includes the sales charge) of
the Units of the Growth and Treasury Trust on the Initial Date of
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
Deposit. Although the Equity Securities and Preferred Stocks have no
stated maturity date and the Trust Preferred Securities each have fixed
maturity dates occurring after the Mandatory Termination Dates of their
respective Trusts, certain of the Securities may be called, or may be
redeemed pursuant to extraordinary redemption provisions, prior to the
Mandatory Termination Date of their respective Trusts. The value of the
Equity Securities will fluctuate with changes in the value of common
stocks in general and with changes in the conditions and performance of
the specific Equity Securities owned by the Trusts. The value of the
Preferred Stocks and Trust Preferred Securities will fluctuate with
changes in the value of preferred stocks in general, with changes in the
financial condition of the issuers, and with changes in interest rates
and market liquidity. In particular, increasing interest rates will
reduce the value of the Preferred Stocks and Trust Preferred Securities
held in the Trusts, as well as the value of the Units. See "Portfolio"
appearing in Part One for each Trust.
Public Offering Price. The secondary market Public Offering Price per
Unit will be based upon a pro rata share of the bid prices of the
Treasury Obligations (if applicable) and the aggregate underlying value
of the Securities in the Trusts (generally determined by the closing
sale prices of listed Securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter
traded Securities) plus or minus a pro rata share of cash, if any, in
the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust plus a sales charge as
indicated in Part One for each Trust. The minimum purchase of each Trust
is that amount as set forth in Part One for each Trust. For certain
Trusts, the sales charge is reduced on a graduated scale for sales
involving at least a minimum number of Units or a minimum dollar amount.
See "Public Offering-How is the Public Offering Price Determined?"
Dividend and Capital Distributions. Distributions of dividends and
capital received, if any, by a Trust will be paid in cash on the
Distribution Date to Unit holders of record on the Record Date as set
forth in the "Summary of Essential Information" in Part One for each
Trust. Any distribution of income and/or capital will be net of the
expenses of the Trust. Distributions of funds in the Capital Account, if
any, will be made at least annually in December of each year. INCOME
WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCRUAL OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT ON THE TREASURY
OBLIGATIONS (IF APPLICABLE) WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTED CURRENTLY, ALTHOUGH
UNIT HOLDERS OF A GROWTH AND TREASURY TRUST WILL BE SUBJECT TO INCOME
TAX AT ORDINARY INCOME RATES AS IF A DISTRIBUTION HAD OCCURRED. See
"What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?" Additionally, upon
termination of a Trust, the Trustee will distribute, upon surrender of
Units for redemption, to each Unit holder his or her pro rata share of
the Trust's assets, less expenses, in the manner set forth under "Rights
of Unit Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?"
Secondary Market for Units. The Sponsor may maintain a market for Units
of the Trusts and offer to repurchase such Units at prices which are
based on the aggregate bid side evaluation of the Treasury Obligations
(if applicable) and the aggregate underlying value of Securities in a
Trust (generally determined by the closing sale prices of listed
Securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter traded Securities)
plus or minus cash, if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of the
Trusts. If a secondary market is not maintained, a Unit holder may
redeem Units through redemption at prices based upon the aggregate bid
price of the Treasury Obligations (if applicable) plus the aggregate
underlying value of the Securities in a Trust (generally determined by
the closing sale prices of listed Securities and the bid prices of over-
the-counter traded Securities) plus or minus a pro rata share of cash,
if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of such Trust. See "Rights of
Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?" For certain Trusts, a Unit
holder tendering the minimum amount specified in "Summary of Essential
Information" appearing in Part One for such Trust for redemption may
request a distribution of shares of Securities (reduced by customary
transfer and registration charges) (an "In-Kind Distribution") in lieu
of payment in cash. See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be
Redeemed?"
Termination. Commencing no later than the Mandatory Termination Date,
Securities will begin to be sold as prescribed by the Sponsor. The
Trustee shall provide written notice of any termination of a Trust to
Unit holders which will specify when Unit holders may surrender their
certificates for cancellation and will include a form to enable Unit
holders to elect an In-Kind Distribution if such Unit holder owns at
least that minimum amount specified in "Summary of Essential
Information," in Part One for each Trust, rather than to receive payment
in cash for such Unit holder's pro rata share of the amounts realized
upon the disposition by the Trustee of Securities. All Unit holders of a
Growth and Treasury Trust will receive their pro rata portion of the
Treasury Obligations in cash upon the termination of such Trust. To be
effective, the election form, together with surrendered certificates and
other documentation required by the Trustee, must be returned to the
Trustee at least ten business days prior to the Mandatory Termination
Date. Unit holders not electing a distribution of shares of Securities
will receive a cash distribution from the sale of the remaining
Page 2
Securities and Treasury Obligations (if applicable) within a reasonable
time after a Trust is terminated. See "Rights of Unit Holders-How are
Income and Capital Distributed?" and "Other Information-How May the
Indenture be Amended or Terminated?"
Page 3
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST
FT Series
What is the FT Series?
FT Series (formerly known as The First Trust Special Situations Trust)
(the "Trusts" and each a "Trust") is one of a series of investment
companies created by the Sponsor under the name of the FT Series, all of
which are generally similar but each of which is separate and is
designated by a different series number (the "Trust"). Beginning on
October 31, 1997 with the deposit of FT 211, the name of the series was
changed from The First Trust Special Situations Trust to the FT Series.
All Trusts were created under the laws of the State of New York pursuant
to a Trust Agreement (the "Indenture"), dated the Initial Date of
Deposit, with Nike Securities L.P. as Sponsor, The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Trustee, Securities Evaluation Service, Inc., as Evaluator for
certain Trusts, First Trust Advisors L.P., as Evaluator for certain
Trusts, and First Trust Advisors L.P. as Portfolio Supervisor. See "The
Trusts" in Part Three for a more complete description of the portfolio
for each Trust.
See "The Objective of the Trusts" in Part Three for each Trust for a
specific description of the Trust's objective. The Treasury Obligations
in the Growth and Treasury Trusts evidence the right to receive a fixed
payment at a future date from the U.S. Government and are backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. The guarantee of the U.S.
Government does not apply to the market value of the Treasury
Obligations or the Units of a Growth and Treasury Trust, whose net asset
value will fluctuate and, prior to maturity, may be more or less than a
purchaser's acquisition cost. There is, of course, no guarantee that the
objectives of the Trusts will be achieved.
The Growth and Treasury Trusts have been organized so that purchasers of
Units should receive, at the termination of a Growth and Treasury Trust,
an amount per Unit at least equal to $1.00 per Unit, or $10.00 per Unit
for certain Trusts (which is equal to the per Unit value upon maturity
of the Treasury Obligations), even if the Securities never paid a
dividend and the value of the Securities in a Growth and Treasury Trust
were to decrease to zero, which the Sponsor considers highly unlikely.
The receipt of only $1.00 per Unit, or $10.00 per Unit for certain
Trusts, upon termination of a Growth and Treasury Trust (an event which
the Sponsor believes is unlikely) represents a substantial loss on a
present value basis. Furthermore, the $1.00 per Unit, or $10.00 per Unit
for certain Trusts, in no respect protects investors against diminution
in the purchasing power of their investment due to inflation (although
expectations concerning inflation are a component in determining
prevailing interest rates, which in turn determine present values). To
the extent that Units of a Trust are redeemed, the aggregate value of
the Securities and Treasury Obligations (if applicable) in the Trust
will be reduced and the undivided fractional interest represented by
each outstanding Unit of the Trusts will increase. See "Rights of Unit
Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?" Each Trust has a Mandatory
Termination Date as set forth under "Summary of Essential Information,"
appearing in Part One for each Trust.
What are the Expenses and Charges?
With the exception of brokerage fees for certain trusts discussed in
"Rights of Unit Holders-How May Securities be Removed from the Trusts?"
and bookkeeping and other administrative services provided to certain
Trusts, for which the Sponsor will be reimbursed in amounts as set forth
under "Summary of Essential Information" in Part One (if applicable),
the Sponsor will not receive any fees in connection with its activities
relating to the Trusts. Legal and regulatory filing fees and expenses
associated with annually updating the Trusts' registration statements
are also now chargeable to each Trust. Historically, the Sponsor paid
these fees and expenses.
First Trust Advisors L.P., an affiliate of the Sponsor, will receive an
annual supervisory fee set forth under "Summary of Essential
Information" in Part One of this Prospectus, for providing portfolio
supervisory services for each Trust. Such fee is based on the number of
Units outstanding in a Trust on January 1 of each year, except for the
year or years in which an initial offering period occurs in which case
the fee for a month is based on the number of Units outstanding at the
end of such month. In providing such supervisory services, the Portfolio
Supervisor may purchase research services from a variety of sources
which may include underwriters or dealers of the Trusts.
Page 4
First Trust Advisors L.P. or Securities Evaluation Service, Inc. (as
applicable), the Evaluator for the respective Trusts, will receive a fee
as set forth under "Summary of Essential Information" in Part One of
this Prospectus for providing evaluation services for each Trust. Such
fee is based on the largest aggregate number of Units of such Trust
outstanding during the calendar year, except during the initial offering
period, in which case the fee is calculated based on the largest number
of Units outstanding during the period for which compensation is paid.
The Trustee pays certain expenses of a Trust for which it is reimbursed
by such Trust. The Trustee will receive for its ordinary recurring
services to a Trust an annual fee as indicated in the "Summary of
Essential Information" in Part One of this Prospectus. Such fee is based
upon the largest aggregate number of Units of such Trust outstanding
during the calendar year, except during an initial offering period, in
which case the fee is calculated based on the largest number of Units
outstanding during the period for which compensation is paid. For a
discussion of the services performed by the Trustee pursuant to its
obligations under the Indenture, see "Rights of Unit Holders." Because
the above fees are generally calculated based on the largest aggregate
number of Units of the Trust outstanding during a calendar year, the per
Unit amounts set forth under "Summary of Essential Information" in Part
One of this Prospectus will be higher during any year in which
redemptions of Units occur.
The Trustee's and the above described fees are payable from the Income
Account of a Trust to the extent funds are available, and then from the
Capital Account of such Trust. Since funds being held in the Capital and
Income Accounts are for payment of expenses and redemptions and since
such Accounts are noninterest-bearing to Unit holders, the Trustee
benefits thereby. Part of the Trustee's compensation for its services to
a Trust is expected to result from the use of these funds.
Each of the above mentioned fees may be increased without approval of
the Unit holders by amounts not exceeding proportionate increases under
the category "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price
Index published by the United States Department of Labor. In addition,
with respect to the fees payable to the Sponsor or an affiliate of the
Sponsor for providing bookkeeping and other administrative services,
supervisory services and evaluation services, such individual fees may
exceed the actual costs of providing such services for a Trust, but at
no time will the total amount received for such services rendered to all
unit investment trusts of which Nike Securities L.P. is the Sponsor in
any calendar year exceed the actual cost to the Sponsor or its affiliate
of supplying such services in such year.
For certain Trusts, as set forth in the "Summary of Essential
Information" appearing in Part One for such Trusts, expenses incurred in
establishing such Trusts, including costs of preparing the registration
statement, the trust indenture and other closing documents, registering
Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the
initial audit of the Trust portfolio and the initial fees and expenses
of the Trustee and any other out-of-pocket expenses, have been paid by
the Trust and are being charged off over a period not to exceed five
years from such Trust's Initial Date of Deposit, or over a period not to
exceed the life of the Trust, if shorter than five years.
The following additional charges are or may be incurred by the Trusts:
all legal and annual auditing expenses of the Trustee incurred by or in
connection with its responsibilities under the Indenture; the expenses
and costs of any action undertaken by the Trustee to protect the Trusts
and the rights and interests of the Unit holders; fees of the Trustee
for any extraordinary services performed under the Indenture;
indemnification of the Trustee for any loss, liability or expense
incurred by it without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on
its part, arising out of or in connection with its acceptance or
administration of the Trusts; for certain Trusts, any offering costs
incurred after the earlier of six months after the Initial Date of
Deposit or the end of the initial offering period; indemnification of
the Sponsor for any loss, liability or expense incurred without gross
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct in acting as Depositor of
the Trusts; all taxes and other government charges imposed upon the
Securities or Treasury Obligations (if applicable) or any part of the
Trusts (no such taxes or charges are being levied or made or, to the
knowledge of the Sponsor, contemplated). The above expenses and the
Trustee's annual fee, when paid or owing to the Trustee, are secured by
a lien on the Trusts. In addition, the Trustee is empowered to sell
Securities or Treasury Obligations (if applicable) in a Trust in order
to make funds available to pay all these amounts if funds are not
otherwise available in the Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust
except that the Trustee shall not sell Treasury Obligations in a Growth
and Treasury Trust to pay Trust expenses. Since the income stream
produced by dividend payments is unpredictable, the Sponsor cannot
provide any assurance that dividends will be sufficient to meet any or
Page 5
all expenses of the Trusts. As described above, if dividends are
insufficient to cover expenses, it is likely that Securities will have
to be sold to meet Trust expenses. These sales may result in capital
gains or losses to Unit holders. See "What is the Federal Tax Status of
Unit Holders?"
The Indenture requires a Trust to be audited on an annual basis at the
expense of the Trust by independent auditors selected by the Sponsor. So
long as the Sponsor is making a secondary market for the Units, the
Sponsor is required to bear the cost of such annual audits to the extent
such cost exceeds $.50 per 1,000 Units if information is based on $1.00
per Unit (or per 100 Units if information is based on $10.00 per Unit).
Unit holders of a Trust covered by an audit may obtain a copy of the
audited financial statements upon request.
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?
This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax
consequences of owning Units of the Trust. This section is current as of
the date of this prospectus. Tax laws and interpretations change
frequently, and these summaries do not describe all of the tax
consequences to all taxpayers. For example, these summaries generally do
not describe your situation if you are a non-U.S. person, a
broker/dealer, or other investor with special circumstances. In
addition, this section does not describe state or foreign taxes. As with
any investment, you should consult your own tax professional about your
particular consequences.
Assets of the Trust. Each Trust may hold (i) stock in domestic and
foreign corporations (the "Stocks"), (ii) interests in real estate
investment trusts (the "REIT Shares"), (iii) Trust Preferred Securities
(the "Debt Obligations"), (iv) shares in funds qualifying as regulated
investment companies (the "RIC Shares") and/or (v) zero coupon U.S.
Treasury bonds (the "Treasury Obligations"). All of the foregoing assets
constitute the "Trust Assets." For purposes of this federal tax
discussion, it is assumed that the Stocks constitute equity, the Debt
Obligations constitute debt and that the RIC Shares and the REIT Shares
constitute qualifying shares in regulated investment companies and real
estate investment trusts, respectively, for federal income tax purposes.
Trust Status. The Trust will not be taxed as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes. As a Unit owner, you will be treated as the owner
of a pro rata portion of each of the Trust Assets, and as such you will
be considered to have received a pro rata share of income (i.e.,
interest, dividends, accruals of original issue discount and market
discount, and capital gains, if any) from each Trust Asset when such
income is considered to be received by the Trust. This is true even if
you elect to have your distributions automatically reinvested into
additional Units. In addition, the income from the Trust which you must
take into account for federal income tax purposes is not reduced by
amounts used to pay a deferred sales charge.
Your Tax Basis and Income or Loss upon Disposition. If the Trust
disposes of Trust Assets, you will generally recognize gain or loss. If
you dispose of your Units or redeem your Units for cash, you will also
generally recognize gain or loss. To determine the amount of this gain
or loss, you must subtract your tax basis in the related Trust Assets
from your share of the total proceeds received in the transaction. You
can generally determine your initial tax basis in each Trust Asset by
apportioning the cost of your Units, generally including sales charges,
among each Trust Asset ratably according to its value on the date you
acquire your Units. In certain circumstances, however, you may have to
adjust your tax basis after you acquire your Units (for example, in the
case of certain dividends that exceed a corporation's accumulated
earnings and profits or in the case of original issue discount, market
discount, premium and accrued interest with regard to the Debt
Obligations, as discussed below).
If you are an individual, the maximum marginal federal tax rate for net
capital gain is generally 20% (10% for certain taxpayers in the lowest
tax bracket). Net capital gain equals net long-term capital gain minus
net short-term capital loss for the taxable year. Capital gain or loss
is long-term if the holding period for the asset is more than one year
and is short-term if the holding period for the asset is one year or
less. You must exclude the date you purchase your Units or the date the
Trust purchases a Trust Asset to determine the holding period. The tax
rates for capital gains realized from assets held for one year or less
are generally the same as for ordinary income. The Code may, however,
treat certain capital gains as ordinary income in special situations
(for example, in the case of gain on the Debt Obligations attributable
to market discount). In addition, capital gain received from assets held
for more than one year that is considered "unrecaptured section 1250
gain" (which may be the case, for example, with some capital gains
attributable to the REIT Shares) is taxed at a maximum stated tax rate
of 25%.
Page 6
Dividends from RIC Shares and REIT Shares. Some dividends on the REIT
Shares or the RIC Shares may qualify as "capital gain dividends,"
taxable to you as long-term capital gains. If you hold a Unit for six
months or less or if the Trust holds a RIC Share or REIT Share for six
months or less, any loss incurred by you related to the disposition of
such RIC Share or REIT Share will be treated as a long-term capital loss
to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or
deemed to have been received) with respect to such RIC Share or REIT
Share. Distributions of income or capital gains declared on the REIT
Shares or the RIC Shares in October, November or December will be deemed
to have been paid to you on December 31 of the year they are declared,
even when paid by the REIT or the RIC during the following January.
Discount, Accrued Interest and Premium on Debt Obligations. Debt
Obligations and Treasury Obligations may have been sold with original
issue discount. This generally means that the Debt Obligations and
Treasury Obligations were originally issued at a price below their face
(or par) value. Original issue discount accrues on a daily basis and
generally is treated as interest income for federal income tax purposes.
The basis of your Unit and of each Debt Obligation or Treasury
Obligation which was issued with original issue discount must be
increased as original issue discount accrues.
Some Debt Obligations may have been purchased by you or the Trust at a
market discount. Market discount is generally the excess of the stated
redemption price at maturity for the Debt Obligation over the purchase
price of the Debt Obligation (not including unaccrued original issue
discount). Market discount can arise based on the price the Trust pays
for a Debt Obligation or on the price you pay for your Units. Market
discount is taxed as ordinary income. You will recognize this income
when the Trust receives principal payments on the Debt Obligation, when
the Debt Obligation is sold or redeemed, or when you sell or redeem your
Units. Alternatively, you may elect to include market discount in
taxable income as it accrues. Whether or not you make this election will
affect how you calculate your basis and the timing of certain interest
expense deductions.
Alternatively, some Debt Obligations may have been purchased by you or
the Trust at a premium. Generally, if the tax basis of your pro rata
portion of any Debt Obligation exceeds the amount payable at maturity,
such excess is considered premium. You may elect to amortize premium. If
you make this election, you may reduce your interest income received on
the Debt Obligation by the amount of the premium that is amortized and
your tax basis will be reduced.
If the price of your Units included accrued interest on a Debt
Obligation, you must include the accrued interest in your tax basis in
that Debt Obligation. When the Trust receives this accrued interest, you
must treat it as a return of capital and reduce your tax basis in the
Debt Obligation.
This discussion provides only the general rules with respect to the tax
treatment of original issue discount, market discount and premium. The
rules, however, are complex and special rules apply in certain
circumstances. For example, the accrual of market discount or premium
may differ from the discussion set forth above in the case of Debt
Obligations that were issued with original issue discount.
Dividends Received Deduction. A corporation that owns Units will
generally not be entitled to the dividends received deduction with
respect to many dividends received by the Trust, because the dividends
received deduction is not available for dividends from most foreign
corporations or from REITs. Distributions on a RIC Share are eligible
for the dividends received deduction only to the extent that the
dividends received by the Unit owner are attributable to dividends
received by the RIC itself from certain domestic corporations and are
designated by the RIC as being eligible for the dividends received
deduction. Finally, because the Debt Obligations are treated as debt
(not equity) for federal income tax purposes, distributions from the
Debt Obligations are not eligible for the dividends received deduction.
In-Kind Distributions. Under certain circumstances, you may request an
In-Kind Distribution of Trust Assets when you redeem your Units or at
the Trust's termination. By electing to receive an In-Kind Distribution,
you will receive an undivided interest in Trust Assets plus, possibly,
cash. You will not recognize gain or loss if you only receive Trust
Assets in exchange for your pro rata portion of the Trust Assets held by
the Trust. However, if you also receive cash in exchange for a
fractional portion of a Trust Asset, you will generally recognize gain
or loss based on the difference between the amount of cash you receive
and your tax basis in such fractional portion of the Trust Asset.
Limitations on the Deductibility of Trust Expenses. Generally, for
federal income tax purposes, you must take into account your full pro
rata share of the Trust's income, even if some of that income is used to
Page 7
pay Trust expenses. You may deduct your pro rata share of each expense
paid by the Trust to the same extent as if you directly paid the
expense. You may be required to treat some or all of the expenses of the
Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions. However, individuals may
only deduct certain miscellaneous itemized deductions to the extent they
exceed 2% of adjusted gross income.
Foreign, State and Local Taxes. Interest and dividend payments on the
Trust Assets of foreign companies that are paid to the Trust may be
subject to foreign withholding taxes. Any income withheld will still be
treated as income to you. Under the grantor trust rules, you are
considered to have paid directly your share of foreign taxes. Therefore,
for U.S. tax purposes, you may be entitled to a foreign tax credit or
deduction for those foreign taxes.
If you are a foreign investor (i.e., an investor other than a U.S.
citizen or resident or a U.S. corporation, partnership, estate or
trust), you will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including
withholding taxes, on some of the income from the Trust or on any gain
from the sale or redemption of your Units, provided that certain
conditions are met. You should consult your tax advisor with respect to
the conditions you must meet in order to be exempt for U.S. tax purposes.
Under the existing income tax laws of the State and City of New York,
the Trust will not be taxed as a corporation, and the income of the
Trust will be treated as the income of the Unit holders in the same
manner as for federal income tax purposes. You should consult your tax
advisor regarding potential foreign, state or local taxation with
respect to your Units.
Are Investments in the Trusts Eligible for Retirement Plans?
Units of the Trusts are eligible for purchase by Individual Retirement
Accounts, Keogh Plans, pension funds and other tax-deferred retirement
plans. Generally, the Federal income tax relating to capital gains and
income received in each of the foregoing plans is deferred until
distributions are received. Distributions from such plans are generally
treated as ordinary income but may, in some cases, be eligible for
special averaging or tax-deferred rollover treatment. Investors
considering participation in any such plan should review specific tax
laws related thereto and should consult their attorneys or tax advisors
with respect to the establishment and maintenance of any such plan. Such
plans are offered by brokerage firms and other financial institutions.
Fees and charges with respect to such plans may vary.
PORTFOLIO
What are Treasury Obligations?
The Treasury Obligations deposited in the Growth and Treasury Trusts
consist of U.S. Treasury bonds which have been stripped of their
unmatured interest coupons. The Treasury Obligations evidence the right
to receive a fixed payment at a future date from the U.S. Government,
and are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
Treasury Obligations are purchased at a deep discount because the buyer
obtains only the right to a fixed payment at a fixed date in the future
and does not receive any periodic interest payments. The effect of
owning deep discount bonds which do not make current interest payments
(such as the Treasury Obligations) is that a fixed yield is earned not
only on the original investment, but also, in effect, on all earnings
during the life of the discount obligation. This implicit reinvestment
of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to
reinvest the income on such obligations at a rate as high as the
implicit yield on the discount obligation, but at the same time
eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher rates in the
future. For this reason, the Treasury Obligations are subject to
substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing
interest rates than are securities of comparable quality which make
regular interest payments. The effect of being able to acquire the
Treasury Obligations at a lower price is to permit more of a Growth and
Treasury Trust's portfolio to be invested in Securities.
What are the Securities?
Each Trust contains different issues of Securities as described in "The
Trusts" in Part Three for each Trust and "Portfolio" appearing in Part
One for each Trust. An investment in Units of the Trusts should be made
with an understanding of the risks such an investment may entail.
Although actions have been taken to provide diversified portfolios of
Securities, some inherent risks exist due to the concentration in
certain Trusts of the Securities within a specific country, state or
geographic area or within specific industries, although a number of
Page 8
companies have significant business activities outside the specific
country, state or geographic area. Unpredictable factors include
governmental, political, economic and fiscal policies of the specific
country, state, geographic area or industry which may have an adverse
effect on the performance of the issuers which have significant business
activities within the specific country, state, geographic area or
industry. In addition, regional influences may affect the performance of
the issuers, particularly if an economic downturn or contraction occurs
throughout the area. See "Portfolio" in Part Three for each Trust for
additional considerations for investors, if applicable.
Each Trust consists of Securities listed under "Portfolio" appearing in
Part One for each Trust as may continue to be held from time to time in
such Trust together with cash held in the Income and Capital Accounts.
Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee shall be liable in any way for any
failure in any of the Securities.
Because certain of the Securities from time to time may be sold under
certain circumstances described herein, and because the proceeds from
such events will be distributed to Unit holders and will not be
reinvested, no assurance can be given that the Trusts will retain for
any length of time their present size and composition. Although a
Portfolio is not managed, the Sponsor may instruct the Trustee to sell
Securities under certain limited circumstances. Pursuant to the
Indenture and with limited exceptions, the Trustee may sell or keep any
securities or other property acquired in exchange for Securities such as
those acquired in connection with a merger or other transaction. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How May Securities be Removed from the Trusts?"
Securities, however, will not be sold by a Trust to take advantage of
market fluctuations or changes in anticipated rates of appreciation or
depreciation.
Whether or not the Securities are listed on a national securities
exchange, the principal trading market for the Securities may be in the
over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading
market for the Securities may depend on whether dealers will make a
market in the Securities. There can be no assurance that a market will
be made for any of the Securities, that any market for the Securities
will be maintained or of the liquidity of the Securities in any markets
made. The investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission of
illegal insider trading in connection with corporate takeovers, and
possible congressional inquiries and legislation relating to this
investigation, may adversely affect the ability of certain dealers to
remain market makers. In addition, the Trusts may be restricted under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 from selling Securities to the
Sponsor. The price at which the Securities may be sold to meet
redemptions, and the value of the Trusts, will be adversely affected if
trading markets for the Securities are limited or absent.
An investment in Units should be made with an understanding of the risks
which an investment in common stocks entails, including the risk that
the financial condition of the issuers of the Securities or the general
condition of the common stock market may worsen and the value of the
Securities and therefore the value of the Units may decline. Common
stocks are especially susceptible to general stock market movements and
to volatile increases and decreases of value as market confidence in and
perceptions of the issuers change. These perceptions are based on
unpredictable factors including expectations regarding government,
economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates,
economic expansion or contraction, and global or regional political,
economic or banking crises. Shareholders of common stocks have rights to
receive payments from the issuers of those common stocks that are
generally subordinate to those of creditors of, or holders of debt
obligations or preferred stocks of, such issuers. Shareholders of common
stocks of the type held by the Trusts have a right to receive dividends
only when and if, and in the amounts, declared by the issuer's board of
directors and have a right to participate in amounts available for
distribution by the issuer only after all other claims on the issuer
have been paid or provided for. Common stocks do not represent an
obligation of the issuer and, therefore, do not offer any assurance of
income or provide the same degree of protection of capital as do debt
securities. The issuance of additional debt securities or preferred
stock will create prior claims for payment of principal, interest and
dividends which could adversely affect the ability and inclination of
the issuer to declare or pay dividends on its common stock or the rights
of holders of common stock with respect to assets of the issuer upon
liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of common stocks is subject to
market fluctuations for as long as the common stocks remain outstanding,
and thus the value of the Securities in a Portfolio may be expected to
fluctuate over the life of a Trust to values higher or lower than those
prevailing on a Unit holder's purchase date.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred
stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of
Page 9
the entity, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the
issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt
obligations or preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Cumulative
preferred stock dividends must be paid before common stock dividends and
any cumulative preferred stock dividend omitted is added to future
dividends payable to the holders of cumulative preferred stock.
Preferred stockholders are also generally entitled to rights on
liquidation which are senior to those of common stockholders.
Holders of preferred stocks have the right to receive dividends, when
and as declared by the issuer's Board of Directors but do not
participate in other amounts available for distribution by the issuing
corporation. Issues of preferred stock generally provide that the
preferred stock may be liquidated, either by a partial scheduled
redemption pursuant to a sinking fund or by a refunding redemption
pursuant to which, at the option of the issuer, all or part of the issue
can be retired from any available funds, at prices which may or may not
include a premium over the involuntary liquidation preference, which
generally is the same as the par or stated value of the preferred stock.
In general, optional redemption provisions are more likely to be
exercised when the preferred stocks are valued at a premium over par or
stated value than when they are valued at a discount from par or stated
value.
An investment in Units should be made with an understanding of the risks
which an investment in preferred stocks entails, including the risk that
the financial condition of the issuers of the Securities or the general
condition of the preferred stock market may worsen, and the value of the
preferred stocks and therefore the value of the Units may decline.
Preferred stocks may be susceptible to general stock market movements
and to volatile increases and decreases of value as market confidence in
and perceptions of the issuers change. These perceptions are based on
unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government,
economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates,
economic expansion or contraction, market liquidity, and global or
regional political, economic or banking crises. Preferred stocks are
also vulnerable to Congressional reductions in the dividends-received
deduction which would adversely affect the after-tax return to the
investors who can take advantage of the deduction. Such a reduction
might adversely affect the value of preferred stocks in general. Holders
of preferred stocks, as owners of the entity, have rights to receive
payments from the issuers of those preferred stocks that are generally
subordinate to those of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or,
in some cases, other senior preferred stocks of, such issuers. Preferred
stocks do not represent an obligation of the issuer and, therefore, do
not offer any assurance of income or provide the same degree of
protection of capital as do debt securities. The issuance of additional
debt securities or senior preferred stocks will create prior claims for
payment of principal and interest and senior dividends which could
adversely affect the ability and inclination of the issuer to declare or
pay dividends on its preferred stock or the rights of holders of
preferred stock with respect to assets of the issuer upon liquidation or
bankruptcy. The value of preferred stocks is subject to market
fluctuations for as long as the preferred stocks remain outstanding, and
thus the value of the Securities may be expected to fluctuate over the
life of the Trust to values higher or lower than those prevailing on the
Initial Date of Deposit.
Holders of Trust Preferred Securities incur risks in addition to or
slightly different than the typical risks of holding preferred stocks.
Trust Preferred Securities are limited-life preferred securities that
are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-
bearing notes or preferred securities issued by corporations, or by an
affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of
beneficial interests in subordinated debentures issued by the
corporation, or similarly structured securities. The maturity and
dividend rate of the Trust Preferred Securities are structured to match
the maturity and coupon interest rate of the interest-bearing notes,
preferred securities or subordinated debentures. Trust Preferred
Securities usually mature on the stated maturity date of the interest-
bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures and may
be redeemed or liquidated prior to the stated maturity date of such
instruments for any reason on or after their stated call date or upon
the occurrence of certain extraordinary circumstances at any time. Trust
Preferred Securities generally have a yield advantage over traditional
preferred stocks, but unlike preferred stocks, distributions on the
Trust Preferred Securities are treated as interest rather than dividends
for Federal income tax purposes. Unlike most preferred stocks,
distributions received from Trust Preferred Securities are not eligible
for the dividends-received deduction. Certain of the risks unique to
Trust Preferred Securities include: (i) distributions on Trust Preferred
Securities will be made only if interest payments on the interest-
bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures are made;
Page 10
(ii) a corporation issuing the interest-bearing notes, preferred
securities or subordinated debentures may defer interest payments on
these instruments for up to 20 consecutive quarters and if such election
is made, distributions will not be made on the Trust Preferred
Securities during the deferral period; (iii) certain tax or regulatory
events may trigger the redemption of the interest-bearing notes,
preferred securities or subordinated debentures by the issuing
corporation and result in prepayment of the Trust Preferred Securities
prior to their stated maturity date; (iv) future legislation may be
proposed or enacted that may prohibit the corporation from deducting its
interest payments on the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or
subordinated debentures for tax purposes, making redemption of these
instruments likely; (v) a corporation may redeem the interest-bearing
notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures in whole at any
time or in part from time to time on or after a stated call date; (vi)
Trust Preferred Securities holders have very limited voting rights; and
(vii) payment of interest on the interest-bearing notes, preferred
securities or subordinated debentures, and therefore distributions on
the Trust Preferred Securities, is dependent on the financial condition
of the issuing corporation.
Since certain of the Securities in the Trusts may consist of securities
of foreign issuers, an investment in these Trusts involves some
investment risks that are different in some respects from an investment
in a trust that invests entirely in securities of domestic issuers.
Those investment risks include future political and governmental
restrictions which might adversely affect the payment or receipt of
payment of dividends on the relevant Securities. In addition, for the
foreign issuers that are not subject to the reporting requirements of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, there may be less publicly
available information than is available from a domestic issuer. Also,
foreign issuers are not necessarily subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements
comparable to those applicable to domestic issuers. However, due to the
nature of the issuers of Securities included in the Trusts, the Sponsor
believes that adequate information will be available to allow the
Portfolio Supervisor to provide portfolio surveillance.
The securities of certain of the foreign issuers in the Trusts are in
ADR form. ADRs evidence American Depositary Receipts which represent
common stock deposited with a custodian in a depositary. American
Depositary Shares, and receipts therefor (ADRs), are issued by an
American bank or trust company to evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. These instruments may not
necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into
which they may be converted. For purposes of the discussion herein, the
term ADR generally includes American Depositary Shares.
ADRs may be sponsored or unsponsored. In an unsponsored facility, the
depositary initiates and arranges the facility at the request of market
makers and acts as agent for the ADR holder, while the company itself is
not involved in the transaction. In a sponsored facility, the issuing
company initiates the facility and agrees to pay certain administrative
and shareholder-related expenses. Sponsored facilities use a single
depositary and entail a contractual relationship between the issuer, the
shareholder and the depositary; unsponsored facilities involve several
depositaries with no contractual relationship to the company. The
depositary bank that issues an ADR generally charges a fee, based on the
price of the ADR, upon issuance and cancellation of the ADR. This fee
would be in addition to the brokerage commissions paid upon the
acquisition or surrender of the security. In addition, the depositary
bank incurs expenses in connection with the conversion of dividends or
other cash distributions paid in local currency into U.S. dollars and
such expenses are deducted from the amount of the dividend or
distribution paid to holders, resulting in a lower payout per underlying
share represented by the ADR than would be the case if the underlying
share were held directly. Certain tax considerations, including tax rate
differentials and withholding requirements, arising from applications of
the tax laws of one nation to nationals of another and from certain
practices in the ADR market may also exist with respect to certain ADRs.
In varying degrees, any or all of these factors may affect the value of
the ADR compared with the value of the underlying shares in the local
market. In addition, the rights of holders of ADRs may be different than
those of holders of the underlying shares, and the market for ADRs may
be less liquid than that for the underlying shares. ADRs are registered
securities pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and may be subject to
the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For those Securities that are ADRs, currency fluctuations will affect
the U.S. dollar equivalent of the local currency price of the underlying
domestic share and, as a result, are likely to affect the value of the
ADRs and consequently the value of the Securities. The foreign issuers
of securities that are ADRs may pay dividends in foreign currencies
Page 11
which must be converted into dollars. Most foreign currencies have
fluctuated widely in value against the United States dollar for many
reasons, including supply and demand of the respective currency, the
soundness of the world economy and the strength of the respective
economy as compared to the economies of the United States and other
countries. Therefore, for any securities of issuers (whether or not they
are in ADR form) whose earnings are stated in foreign currencies, or
which pay dividends in foreign currencies or which are traded in foreign
currencies, there is a risk that their United States dollar value will
vary with fluctuations in the United States dollar foreign exchange
rates for the relevant currencies.
On the basis of the best information available to the Sponsor at the
present time, none of the Securities are subject to exchange control
restrictions under existing law which would materially interfere with
payment to the Trusts of dividends due on, or proceeds from the sale of,
the Securities. However, there can be no assurance that exchange control
regulations might not be adopted in the future which might adversely
affect payment to the Trusts. In addition, the adoption of exchange
control regulations and other legal restrictions could have an adverse
impact on the marketability of international securities in the Trusts
and on the ability of the Trusts to satisfy their obligation to redeem
Units tendered to the Trustee for redemption.
Unit holders will be unable to dispose of any of the Securities in a
Portfolio, as such, and will not be able to vote the Securities. As the
holder of the Securities, the Trustee will have the right to vote all of
the voting stocks in a Trust and will vote such stocks in accordance
with the instructions of the Sponsor.
What are Some Additional Considerations for Investors?
Investors should be aware of certain other considerations before making
a decision to invest in a Trust.
The value of the Securities, like the value of the Treasury Obligations
in Growth and Treasury Trusts, will fluctuate over the life of a Trust
and may be more or less than the price at which they were deposited in
the Trust. The Securities may appreciate or depreciate in value (or pay
dividends) depending on the full range of economic and market influences
affecting these securities. However, the Sponsor believes that, upon
termination of a Growth and Treasury Trust, even if the Securities
deposited in the Trust are worthless, an event which the Sponsor
considers highly unlikely, the Treasury Obligations will provide
sufficient principal to at least equal $1.00 per Unit, or $10.00 per
Unit for certain Growth and Treasury Trusts (which is equal to the per
Unit value upon maturity of the Treasury Obligations). This feature of
the Growth and Treasury Trusts provides Unit holders with principal
protection, although they might forego any earnings on the amount
invested. To the extent that Units are purchased at a price less than
$1.00 per Unit (or less than $10.00 per Unit for certain Trusts) this
feature may also provide a potential for capital appreciation.
Unless a Unit holder purchases Units of a Growth and Treasury Trust on a
date when the value of the Units is $1.00 or less (or $10.00 or less for
certain Trusts), total distributions, including distributions made upon
termination of the Trust, may be less than the amount paid for a Unit.
The Trustee will have no power to vary the investments of the Trusts,
i.e., the Trustee will have no managerial power to take advantage of
market variations to improve a Unit holder's investment, but may dispose
of Securities only under limited circumstances. See "How May Securities
be Removed from the Trusts?"
To the best of the Sponsor's knowledge, there is no litigation pending
as of the date of this Part Two Prospectus in respect of any Security
which might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the Trusts. Litigation may be instituted on a variety of grounds with
respect to the Securities. The Sponsor is unable to predict whether any
such litigation will be instituted, or if instituted, whether such
litigation might have a material adverse effect on the Trusts. See Part
Three for additional considerations, if applicable.
Legislation. Legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the
Securities in a Trust or the issuers of the Securities. Changing
approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on certain companies
represented in a Trust. There can be no assurance that future
legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse
effect on a Trust or will not impair the ability of the issuers of the
Securities to achieve their business goals.
Page 12
PUBLIC OFFERING
How is the Public Offering Price Determined?
Although not obligated to do so, the Sponsor intends to maintain a
market for the Units and continuously offer to purchase Units at prices,
subject to change at any time, based upon the aggregate underlying value
of the Securities in the Trust plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income
and Capital Accounts of the Trust. All expenses incurred in maintaining
a secondary market, other than the fees of the Evaluator, the costs of
the Trustee in transferring and recording the ownership of Units and
costs incurred in annually updating the Trusts' registration statements,
will be borne by the Sponsor. If the supply of Units exceeds demand, or
for some other business reason, the Sponsor may discontinue purchases of
Units at such prices. IF A UNIT HOLDER WISHES TO DISPOSE OF HIS UNITS,
HE SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE SPONSOR AS TO CURRENT MARKET PRICES PRIOR TO
MAKING A TENDER FOR REDEMPTION TO THE TRUSTEE. Units subject to a
deferred sales charge which are sold or tendered for redemption prior to
such time as the entire deferred sales charge on such Units has been
collected will be assessed the amount of the remaining deferred sales
charge at the time of sale or redemption.
Units are offered at the Public Offering Price. The Public Offering
Price is based on the aggregate bid side evaluation of the Treasury
Obligations (if applicable) and the aggregate underlying value of the
Securities in the Trust, plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and
Capital Accounts of the Trust, plus the applicable sales charge.
The Public Offering Price of Units on the date of this Part Two
Prospectus may vary from the amount stated under "Summary of Essential
Information" appearing in Part One for each Trust in accordance with
fluctuations in the prices of the underlying Securities. The aggregate
value of the Units of a Trust shall be determined (a) on the basis of
the bid prices of the Treasury Obligations (if applicable) and the
aggregate underlying value of the Securities therein plus or minus cash,
if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts of a Trust, (b) if bid prices
are not available for the Treasury Obligations (if applicable), on the
basis of bid prices for comparable securities, (c) by determining the
value of the Treasury Obligations (if applicable) on the bid side of the
market by appraisal, or (d) by any combination of the above.
The aggregate value of the Securities will be determined in the
following manner: if the Securities are listed, this evaluation is
generally based on the closing sale prices on that exchange or that
system (unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a
basis for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that
exchange or system, at the closing bid prices. If the Securities are not
so listed or, if so listed and the principal market therefore is other
than on the exchange, the evaluation shall generally be based on the
current bid price on the over-the-counter market (unless these prices
are inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current bid prices are
unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the basis of
current bid prices for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the
value of the Securities on the bid side of the market or (c) by any
combination of the above.
Although payment is normally made three business days following the
order for purchase, payment may be made prior thereto. A person will
become owner of the Units on the date of settlement provided payment has
been received. Cash, if any, made available to the Sponsor prior to the
date of settlement for the purchase of Units may be used in the
Sponsor's business and may be deemed to be a benefit to the Sponsor,
subject to the limitations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Delivery of Certificates representing Units so ordered will be made five
business days following such order or shortly thereafter. See "Rights of
Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?" for information regarding the
ability to redeem Units ordered for purchase.
See "Public Offering" in Part Three for additional information for each
Trust.
How are Units Distributed?
Units repurchased in the secondary market may be offered by this Part
Two Prospectus at the secondary market public offering price determined
in the manner described above.
The Sponsor reserves the right to change the amount of the concession or
agency commission from time to time. Certain commercial banks may be
making Units of the Trusts available to their customers on an agency
basis. A portion of the sales charge paid by these customers is retained
by or remitted to the banks.
Page 13
From time to time the Sponsor may implement programs under which
broker/dealers, banks or other selling agents of a Trust may receive
nominal awards from the Sponsor for each of their registered
representatives who have sold a minimum number of UIT Units during a
specified time period. In addition, at various times the Sponsor may
implement other programs under which the sales force of a broker/dealer,
bank or other selling agent may be eligible to win other nominal awards
for certain sales efforts, or under which the Sponsor will reallow to
any such dealer that sponsors sales contests or recognition programs
conforming to criteria established by the Sponsor, or participates in
sales programs sponsored by the Sponsor, an amount not exceeding the
total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by such person at
the public offering price during such programs. Also, the Sponsor, in
its discretion, may from time to time pursuant to objective criteria
established by the Sponsor, pay fees to qualifying dealers for certain
services or activities which are primarily intended to result in sales
of Units of a Trust. Such payments are made by the Sponsor out of its
own assets, and not out of the assets of a Trust. These programs will
not change the price Unit holders pay for their Units or the amount that
a Trust will receive from the Units sold.
The Sponsor may, from time to time in its advertising and sales
materials, compare the then current estimated returns on a Trust and
returns over specified periods on other similar trusts sponsored by Nike
Securities L.P. with returns on other taxable investments such as
corporate or U.S. Government bonds, bank CDs and money market accounts
or money market funds, each of which has investment characteristics that
may differ from those of the respective Trust. U.S. Government bonds,
for example, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government, and bank CDs and money market accounts are insured by an
agency of the federal government. Money market accounts and money market
funds provide stability of principal, but pay interest at rates that
vary with the condition of the short-term debt market. The investment
characteristics of each respective Trust are described more fully
elsewhere in this Prospectus and in Part Three for each Trust.
Trust performance may be compared to performance on a total return basis
with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price
Index, or performance data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and
Morningstar Publications, Inc. or from publications such as Money, The
New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, BusinessWeek, Forbes or
Fortune. As with other performance data, performance comparisons should
not be considered representative of a Trust's relative performance for
any future period.
What are the Sponsor's Profits?
In maintaining a market for the Units, the Sponsor will realize profits
or sustain losses in the amount of any difference between the price at
which Units are purchased and the price at which Units are resold (which
price includes a sales charge as indicated in Part One for each Trust)
or redeemed. The secondary market public offering price of Units may be
greater or less than the cost of such Units to the Sponsor.
RIGHTS OF UNIT HOLDERS
How is Evidence of Ownership Issued and Transferred?
The Trustee is authorized to treat as the record owner of Units that
person who is registered as such owner on the books of the Trustee.
Ownership of Units may be evidenced by registered certificates executed
by the Trustee and the Sponsor. Delivery of certificates representing
Units ordered for purchase is normally made three business days
following such order or shortly thereafter. Certificates are
transferable by presentation and surrender to the Trustee properly
endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer. Certificates to be redeemed must be properly endorsed or
accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unit
holder must sign exactly as his name appears on the face of the
certificate with the signature guaranteed by a participant in the
Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other
signature guaranty program in addition to, or in substitution for,
STAMP, as may be accepted by the Trustee. In certain instances the
Trustee may require additional documents such as, but not limited to,
trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor or
administrator or certificates of corporate authority.
Certificates will be issued in fully registered form, transferable only
on the books of the Trustee in denominations of one Unit or any multiple
thereof, numbered serially for purposes of identification.
Page 14
Unit holders may elect to hold their Units in uncertificated form. The
Trustee will maintain an account for each such Unit holder and will
credit each such account with the number of Units purchased by that Unit
holder. Within two business days of the issuance or transfer of Units
held in uncertificated form, the Trustee will send to the registered
owner of Units a written initial transaction statement containing a
description of the Trust; the number of Units issued or transferred; the
name, address and taxpayer identification number, if any, of the new
registered owner; a notation of any liens and restrictions of the issuer
and any adverse claims to which such Units are or may be subject or a
statement that there are no such liens, restrictions or adverse claims;
and the date the transfer was registered. Uncertificated Units are
transferable through the same procedures applicable to Units evidenced
by certificates (described above), except that no certificate need be
presented to the Trustee and no certificate will be issued upon the
transfer unless requested by the Unit holder. A Unit holder may at any
time request the Trustee to issue certificates for Units.
Although no such charge is now made or contemplated, a Unit holder may
be required to pay $2.00 to the Trustee per certificate reissued or
transferred and to pay any governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with each such transfer or exchange. For new certificates
issued to replace destroyed, stolen or lost certificates, the Unit
holder may be required to furnish indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee
and pay such expenses as the Trustee may incur. Mutilated certificates
must be surrendered to the Trustee for replacement.
How are Income and Capital Distributed?
The Trustee will distribute any net income (other than accreted
interest) received with respect to any of the Securities in a Trust on
or about the Income Distribution Dates to Unit holders of record on the
preceding Income Distribution Record Date. See "Summary of Essential
Information" appearing in Part One of this Prospectus. Persons who
purchase Units will commence receiving distributions only after such
person becomes a record owner. Notification to the Trustee of the
transfer of Units is the responsibility of the purchaser, but in the
normal course of business such notice is provided by the selling
broker/dealer. The pro rata share of cash in the Capital Account of each
Trust will be computed as of the date indicated in Part One for each
Trust. Capital Account distributions to the Unit holders of record of a
Trust as of the date indicated in Part One for each Trust will be made
on the date indicated in Part One for each Trust. The Trustee is not
required to pay interest on funds held in the Capital Account of a Trust
(but may itself earn interest thereon and therefore benefit from the use
of such funds) nor to make a distribution from the Capital Account of a
Trust unless the amount available for distribution shall equal at least
$1.00 per 1000 Units (if $1.00 per Unit) or $1.00 per 100 Units (if
$10.00 per Unit). Proceeds received on the sale of any Securities or
Treasury Obligations (if applicable) in a Trust, to the extent not used
to meet redemptions of Units or pay expenses, will however be
distributed to Unit holders of record as indicated in Part One for each
Trust. Income with respect to the original issue discount on the
Treasury Obligations in a Growth and Treasury Trust will not be
distributed currently, although Unit holders will be subject to Federal
income tax as if a distribution had occurred. See "What is the Federal
Tax Status of Unit Holders?"
Under regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Trustee is
required to withhold a specified percentage of any distribution made by
a Trust if the Trustee has not been furnished the Unit holder's tax
identification number in the manner required by such regulations. Any
amount so withheld is transmitted to the Internal Revenue Service and
may be recovered by the Unit holder under certain circumstances by
contacting the Trustee, otherwise the amount may be recoverable only
when filing a tax return. Under normal circumstances the Trustee obtains
the Unit holder's tax identification number from the selling broker.
However, a Unit holder should examine his or her statements from the
Trustee to make sure that the Trustee has been provided a certified tax
identification number in order to avoid this possible "back-up
withholding." In the event the Trustee has not been previously provided
such number, one should be provided as soon as possible.
Within a reasonable time after a Trust is terminated, each Unit holder
who is not a Rollover Unit holder, if applicable, will, upon surrender
of his Units for redemption, receive: (i) the pro rata share of the
amounts realized upon the disposition of Securities, unless he or she
elects an In-Kind Distribution as described under "Other Information-How
May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?", (ii) a pro rata share of
the amounts realized upon the disposition of the Treasury Obligations
(if applicable) and (iii) a pro rata share of any other assets of the
Trust, less expenses of the Trust, subject to the limitation that
Treasury Obligations (if applicable) may not be sold to pay for Trust
expenses.
Page 15
The Trustee will credit to the Income Account of a Trust any dividends
received on the Securities therein. All other receipts (e.g. return of
principal, capital gains, etc.) are credited to the Capital Account of a
Trust.
The Trustee may establish reserves (the "Reserve Account") within a
Trust for state and local taxes, if any, and any governmental charges
payable out of such Trust.
Distribution Reinvestment Option. Eligible Unit holders may elect to
have each distribution of income or capital on his or her Units, other
than the final liquidating distribution in connection with the
termination of the Trust, automatically reinvested in additional Units
of an eligible Trust. See Part III of this Prospectus to determine
whether the distribution reinvestment option is available for a
particular Trust. Each person who purchases Units of an eligible Trust
may elect to become a participant in the Distribution Reinvestment
Option by notifying the Trustee of their election. The Distribution
Reinvestment Option may not be available in all states. In order to
enable a Unit holder to participate in the Distribution Reinvestment
Option with respect to a particular distribution on his or her Units,
the card must be received by the Trustee within 10 days prior to the
Record Date for such distribution. Each subsequent distribution of
income or capital on the participant's Units will be automatically
applied by the Trustee to purchase additional Units of the Trust. IT
SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT EVEN IF DISTRIBUTIONS ARE REINVESTED, THEY ARE
STILL TREATED AS DISTRIBUTIONS FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive?
The Trustee shall furnish Unit holders in connection with each
distribution a statement of the amount of income, if any, and the amount
of other receipts, if any, which are being distributed, expressed in
each case as a dollar amount per 1,000 Units if $1.00 per Unit (or per
100 Units if $10.00 per Unit). Within a reasonable period of time after
the end of each calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to each person
who at any time during the calendar year was a Unit holder of a Trust
the following information in reasonable detail: (1) a summary of
transactions in the Trust for such year; (2) any Securities sold during
the year and the Securities held at the end of such year by the Trust;
(3) the redemption price per 1,000 Units if $1.00 per Unit (or per 100
Units if $10.00 per Unit) based upon a computation thereof on the 31st
day of December of such year (or the last business day prior thereto);
and (4) amounts of income and capital distributed during such year.
In order to comply with Federal and state tax reporting requirements,
Unit holders will be furnished, upon request to the Trustee, evaluations
of the Securities in the Trusts furnished to it by the Evaluator.
How May Units be Redeemed?
A Unit holder may redeem all or a portion of his Units by tender to the
Trustee at its unit investment trust office in the City of New York of
the certificates representing the Units to be redeemed, or in the case
of uncertificated Units, delivery of a request for redemption, duly
endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with signature
guaranteed as explained above (or by providing satisfactory indemnity,
as in connection with lost, stolen or destroyed certificates), and
payment of applicable governmental charges, if any. No redemption fee
will be charged. On the third business day following such tender, the
Unit holder will be entitled to receive in cash an amount for each Unit
equal to the Redemption Price per Unit next computed after receipt by
the Trustee of such tender of Units. The "date of tender" is deemed to
be the date on which Units are received by the Trustee (if such day is a
day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading), except
that as regards Units received after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time (or as of
any earlier closing time on a day on which the New York Stock Exchange
is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time), the date of
tender is the next day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading and such Units will be deemed to have been tendered to the
Trustee on such day for redemption at the redemption price computed on
that day. Units so redeemed shall be cancelled.
For certain Equity Trusts, any Unit holder tendering at least the
minimum amount specified in "Summary of Essential Information" appearing
in Part One for each Trust for redemption may request by written notice
submitted at the time of tender from the Trustee in lieu of a cash
redemption a distribution of shares of Securities in an amount and value
of Securities per Unit equal to the Redemption Price Per Unit as
determined as of the evaluation next following tender. However, no In-
Kind Distribution requests submitted during the nine business days prior
to the Mandatory Termination Date will be honored. To the extent
possible, In-Kind Distributions shall be made by the Trustee through the
distribution of each of the Securities in book-entry form to the account
Page 16
of the Unit holder's bank or broker/dealer at the Depository Trust
Company. An In-Kind Distribution will be reduced by customary transfer
and registration charges. The tendering Unit holder will receive his pro
rata number of whole shares of each of the Securities comprising the
portfolio and cash from the Capital Account equal to the fractional
shares to which the tendering Unit holder is entitled. The Trustee may
adjust the number of shares of any issue of Securities included in a
Unit holder's In-Kind Distribution to facilitate the distribution of
whole shares, such adjustment to be made on the basis of the value of
Securities on the date of tender. If funds in the Capital Account are
insufficient to cover the required cash distribution to the tendering
Unit holder, the Trustee may sell Securities in the manner described
above.
Under regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Trustee is
required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount of a
Unit redemption if the Trustee has not been furnished the redeeming Unit
holder's tax identification number in the manner required by such
regulations. For further information regarding this withholding, see
"Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?" In the
event the Trustee has not been previously provided such number, one must
be provided at the time redemption is requested.
Any amounts paid on redemption representing income shall be withdrawn
from the Income Account of a Trust to the extent that funds are
available for such purpose, or from the Capital Account. All other
amounts paid on redemption shall be withdrawn from the Capital Account
of a Trust.
The Trustee is empowered to sell Securities and/or Treasury Obligations
(if applicable) of a Trust in order to make funds available for
redemption. To the extent that Securities and/or Treasury Obligations
(if applicable) are sold, the size and diversity of the Trust will be
reduced. Such sales may be required at a time when Securities and/or
Treasury Obligations (if applicable) would not otherwise be sold and
might result in lower prices than might otherwise be realized. For
Growth and Treasury Trusts, Securities will be sold to meet redemptions
of Units before Treasury Obligations, although Treasury Obligations may
be sold if the Growth and Treasury Trust is assured of retaining a
sufficient principal amount of Treasury Obligations to provide funds
upon maturity of the Trust at least equal to $1.00 per Unit, or $10.00
per Unit for certain Trusts.
The Redemption Price per Unit (as well as the secondary market Public
Offering Price) will be determined on the basis of the bid price of the
Treasury Obligations (if applicable) and the aggregate underlying value
of the Securities in the Trust, plus or minus cash, if any, in the
Income and Capital Accounts of a Trust. The Redemption Price per Unit is
the pro rata share of each Unit determined by the Trustee by adding: (1)
the cash on hand in a Trust; (2) the aggregate value of the Securities
held in a Trust, as determined by the Evaluator on the basis of bid
prices of the Treasury Obligations (if applicable) and the aggregate
underlying value of the Securities in a Trust next computed; and (3)
dividends receivable on Securities trading ex-dividend as of the date of
computation; and deducting therefrom: (1) amounts representing any
applicable taxes or governmental charges payable out of a Trust; (2) any
amounts owing to the Trustee for its advances; (3) an amount
representing estimated accrued expenses of a Trust, including but not
limited to fees and expenses of the Trustee (including legal and
auditing fees), the Evaluator and supervisory fees, if any; (4) cash
held for distribution to Unit holders of record of a Trust as of the
business day prior to the evaluation being made; and (5) other
liabilities incurred by a Trust; and finally dividing the results of
such computation by the number of Units of the Trust outstanding as of
the date thereof.
The aggregate value of the Securities will be determined in the
following manner: if the Securities are listed, this evaluation is
generally based on the closing sale prices on that exchange or that
system (unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a
basis for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that
exchange or system, at the closing bid prices. If the Securities are not
so listed or, if so listed and the principal market therefore is other
than on the exchange, the evaluation shall generally be based on the
current bid price on the over-the-counter market (unless these prices
are inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current bid prices are
unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the basis of
current bid prices for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the
value of the Securities on the bid side of the market or (c) by any
combination of the above.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any
period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than
for customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which the
Securities and Exchange Commission determines that trading on the New
York Stock Exchange is restricted or any emergency exists, as a result
Page 17
of which disposal or evaluation of the Securities is not reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange
Commission may by order permit. Under certain extreme circumstances, the
Sponsor may apply to the Securities and Exchange Commission for an order
permitting a full or partial suspension of the right of Unit holders to
redeem their Units. The Trustee is not liable to any person in any way
for any loss or damage which may result from any such suspension or
postponement.
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor?
The Trustee shall notify the Sponsor of any tender of Units for
redemption. If the Sponsor's bid in the secondary market at that time
equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per Unit, it may purchase such
Units by notifying the Trustee before 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same
business day and by making payment therefor to the Unit holder not later
than the day on which the Units would otherwise have been redeemed by
the Trustee. Units held by the Sponsor may be tendered to the Trustee
for redemption as any other Units. In the event the Sponsor does not
purchase Units, the Trustee may sell Units tendered for redemption in
the over-the-counter market, if any, as long as the amount to be
received by the Unit holder is equal to the amount he or she would have
received on redemption of the Units.
The offering price of any Units acquired by the Sponsor will be in
accord with the Public Offering Price described in the then effective
prospectus describing such Units. Any profit or loss resulting from the
resale or redemption of such Units will belong to the Sponsor.
How May Securities be Removed from the Trusts?
The Portfolio of each Trust is not "managed" by the Sponsor or the
Trustee; their activities described herein are governed solely by the
provisions of the Indenture. The Indenture provides that the Sponsor may
(but need not) direct the Trustee to dispose of a Security in the event
that an issuer defaults in the payment of a dividend that has been
declared, that any action or proceeding has been instituted restraining
the payment of dividends or there exists any legal question or
impediment affecting such Security, that the issuer of the Security has
breached a covenant which would affect the payments of dividends, the
credit standing of the issuer or otherwise impair the sound investment
character of the Security, that the issuer has defaulted on the payment
on any of its outstanding obligations, that the price of the Security
has declined to such an extent or other such credit factors exist so
that in the opinion of the Sponsor, the retention of such Securities
would be detrimental to a Trust. Treasury Obligations in Growth and
Treasury Trusts may be sold by the Trustee only pursuant to the
liquidation of a Growth and Treasury Trust or to meet redemption
requests. Pursuant to the Indenture and with limited exceptions, the
Trustee may sell any securities or other property acquired in exchange
for Securities such as those acquired in connection with a merger or
other transaction. If offered such new or exchanged securities or
property, the Trustee shall reject the offer. However, in the event such
securities or property are nonetheless acquired by a Trust, they may be
accepted for deposit in such Trust and either sold by the Trustee or
held in the Trust pursuant to the direction of the Sponsor (who may rely
on the advice of the Portfolio Supervisor). Proceeds from the sale of
Securities by the Trustee are credited to the Capital Account of a Trust
for distribution to Unit holders or to meet redemptions. The Trustee may
from time to time retain and pay compensation to the Sponsor (or an
affiliate of the Sponsor) to act as agent for a Trust with respect to
selling Securities from such Trust. In acting in such capacity the
Sponsor or its affiliate will be held subject to the restrictions under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
The Trustee may also sell Securities designated by the Sponsor, or if
not so directed, in its own discretion, for the purpose of redeeming
Units of the Trust tendered for redemption and the payment of expenses;
provided, however, that in the case of Securities sold to meet
redemption requests, Treasury Obligations in Growth and Treasury Trusts
may only be sold if the Trust is assured of retaining a sufficient
principal amount of Treasury Obligations to provide funds upon maturity
of a Growth and Treasury Trust at least equal to $1.00 per Unit, or
$10.00 per Unit for certain Trusts. Treasury Obligations may not be sold
by the Trustee to meet Trust expenses.
The Sponsor, in designating Securities to be sold by the Trustee, will
generally make selections in order to maintain, to the extent
practicable, the proportionate relationship among the number of shares
of individual issues of Securities. To the extent this is not
practicable, the composition and diversity of the Securities may be
Page 18
altered. In order to obtain the best price for a Trust, it may be
necessary for the Sponsor to specify minimum amounts (generally 100
shares) in which blocks of Securities are to be sold. The Sponsor may
consider sales of Units of unit investment trusts which it sponsors in
making recommendations to the Trustee as to the selection of
broker/dealers to execute the Trusts' portfolio transactions.
INFORMATION AS TO SPONSOR, TRUSTEE AND EVALUATOR
Who is the Sponsor?
Nike Securities L.P., the Sponsor, specializes in the underwriting,
trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities.
Nike Securities L.P., an Illinois limited partnership formed in 1991,
acts as Sponsor for successive series of The First Trust Combined
Series, FT Series (formerly known as The First Trust Special Situations
Trust), The First Trust Insured Corporate Trust, The First Trust of
Insured Municipal Bonds, The First Trust GNMA, Templeton Growth and
Treasury Trust, Templeton Foreign Fund & U.S. Treasury Securities Trust
and The Advantage Growth and Treasury Securities Trust. First Trust
introduced the first insured unit investment trust in 1974 and to date
more than $27 billion in First Trust unit investment trusts have been
deposited. The Sponsor's employees include a team of professionals with
many years of experience in the unit investment trust industry. The
Sponsor is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. and Securities Investor Protection Corporation and has its
principal offices at 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532;
telephone number (630) 241-4141. As of December 31, 1999, the total
partners' capital of Nike Securities L.P. was $19,881,035 (audited).
This paragraph relates only to the Sponsor and not to the Trusts or to
any series thereof or to any other Underwriter. The information is
included herein only for the purpose of informing investors as to the
financial responsibility of the Sponsor and its ability to carry out its
contractual obligations. More detailed financial information will be
made available by the Sponsor upon request.
Code of Ethics. The Sponsor and each Trust have adopted a code of ethics
requiring the Sponsor's employees who have access to information on
Trust transactions to report personal securities transactions. The
purpose of the code is to avoid potential conflicts of interest and to
prevent fraud, deception or misconduct with respect to a Trust.
Who is the Trustee?
The Trustee is The Chase Manhattan Bank, with its principal executive
office located at 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017 and its unit
investment trust office at 4 New York Plaza, 6th floor, New York, New
York 10004-2413. Unit holders who have questions regarding the Trusts
may call the Customer Service Help Line at 1-800-682-7520. The Trustee
is subject to supervision by the Superintendent of Banks of the State of
New York, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
The Trustee, whose duties are ministerial in nature, has not
participated in the selection of the Securities. For information
relating to the responsibilities of the Trustee under the Indenture,
reference is made to the material set forth under "Rights of Unit
Holders."
The Trustee and any successor trustee may resign by executing an
instrument in writing and filing the same with the Sponsor and mailing a
copy of a notice of resignation to all Unit holders. Upon receipt of
such notice, the Sponsor is obligated to appoint a successor trustee
promptly. If the Trustee becomes incapable of acting or becomes bankrupt
or its affairs are taken over by public authorities, the Sponsor may
remove the Trustee and appoint a successor as provided in the Indenture.
If upon resignation of a trustee no successor has accepted the
appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring trustee may
apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor. The resignation or removal of a trustee becomes effective
only when the successor trustee accepts its appointment as such or when
a court of competent jurisdiction appoints a successor trustee.
Any corporation into which a Trustee may be merged or with which it may
be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or
consolidation to which a Trustee shall be a party, shall be the
successor Trustee. The Trustee must be a banking corporation organized
under the laws of the United States or any State and having at all times
an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than
$5,000,000.
Page 19
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee
The Sponsor and the Trustee shall be under no liability to Unit holders
for taking any action or for refraining from taking any action in good
faith pursuant to the Indenture, or for errors in judgment, but shall be
liable only for their own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence (ordinary negligence in the case of the Trustee) or reckless
disregard of their obligations and duties. The Trustee shall not be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the
Trustee of any of the Securities. In the event of the failure of the
Sponsor to act under the Indenture, the Trustee may act thereunder and
shall not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith under the
Indenture.
The Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental
charges imposed upon or in respect of the Securities or upon the
interest thereon or upon it as Trustee under the Indenture or upon or in
respect of a Trust which the Trustee may be required to pay under any
present or future law of the United States of America or of any other
taxing authority having jurisdiction. In addition, the Indenture
contains other customary provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee.
If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the
Indenture or becomes incapable of acting or becomes bankrupt or its
affairs are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (a)
appoint a successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the
Trustee to be reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or (b) terminate the Indenture and
liquidate the Trust as provided herein, or (c) continue to act as
Trustee without terminating the Indenture.
Who is the Evaluator?
The Evaluator is either Securities Evaluation Service, Inc., 531 East
Roosevelt Road, Suite 200, Wheaton, Illinois 60187 or First Trust
Advisors L.P., an Illinois limited partnership formed in 1991 and an
affiliate of the Sponsor. The address of First Trust Advisors L.P. is
1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532. See Part One for each
Trust to determine if Securities Evaluation Service, Inc. or First Trust
Advisors L.P. is evaluating such Trust. The Evaluator may resign or may
be removed by the Sponsor and the Trustee, in which event the Sponsor
and the Trustee are to use their best efforts to appoint a satisfactory
successor. Such resignation or removal shall become effective upon the
acceptance of appointment by the successor Evaluator. If upon
resignation of the Evaluator no successor has accepted appointment
within 30 days after notice of resignation, the Evaluator may apply to a
court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor.
The Trustee, Sponsor and Unit holders may rely on any evaluation
furnished by the Evaluator and shall have no responsibility for the
accuracy thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator under the Indenture
shall be made in good faith upon the basis of the best information
available to it, provided, however, that the Evaluator shall be under no
liability to the Trustee, Sponsor or Unit holders for errors in
judgment. This provision shall not protect the Evaluator in any case of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of its obligations and duties.
OTHER INFORMATION
How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?
The Sponsor and the Trustee have the power to amend the Indenture
without the consent of any of the Unit holders when such an amendment is
(1) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision of
the Indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provision contained therein, or (2) to make such other provisions as
shall not adversely affect the interest of the Unit holders (as
determined in good faith by the Sponsor and the Trustee).
The Indenture provides that a Trust shall terminate upon the maturity,
redemption or other disposition of the last of the Treasury Obligations
held in a Growth and Treasury Trust, but in no event beyond the
Mandatory Termination Date indicated in Part One for each Trust under
"Summary of Essential Information." A Trust may be liquidated at any
time by consent of 100% of the Unit holders of the Trust, by the Trustee
in the event that Units of a Trust not yet sold aggregating more than
60% of the Units of the Trust are tendered for redemption by an
Underwriter, including the Sponsor or, for Equity Trusts, by the Trustee
when the principal amount of the Securities owned by a Trust as shown by
any evaluation, is less than the amount specified in Part One for each
Trust. In the event of termination, written notice thereof will be sent
by the Trustee to all Unit holders of a Trust. Within a reasonable
period after termination, the Trustee will follow the procedures set
Page 20
forth under "Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income and Capital
Distributed?"
Commencing during the period beginning nine business days prior to and
no later than the Mandatory Termination Date, Securities will begin to
be sold in connection with the termination of a Trust. The Sponsor will
determine the manner, timing and execution of the sale of the
Securities. Written notice of any termination of a Trust specifying the
time or times at which Unit holders may surrender their certificates for
cancellation shall be given by the Trustee to each Unit holder at his
address appearing on the registration books of a Trust maintained by the
Trustee. Not less than 60 days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date,
the Trustee will provide written notice thereof to all Unit holders and
will include with such notice a form to enable Unit holders to elect a
distribution of shares of Securities (an "In-Kind Distribution"), if
such Unit holder owns at least that minimum amount as set forth in
"Summary of Essential Information" in Part One for each Trust, rather
than receive payment in cash for such Unit holder's pro rata share of
the amounts realized upon the disposition by the Trustee of Securities.
An In-Kind Distribution will be reduced by customary transfer and
registration charges. To be effective, the election form, together with
surrendered certificates and other documentation required by the
Trustee, must be returned to the Trustee at least ten business days
prior to the Mandatory Termination Date. Not less than 60 days prior to
the termination of the Trust, those Unit holders with at least that
minimum amount as set forth in "Summary of Essential Information" in
Part One for each Trust, will be offered the option of having the
proceeds from the Securities distributed "In-Kind," or they will be paid
in cash, as indicated above. For Growth and Treasury Trusts, all Unit
holders will receive their pro rata portion of the Treasury Obligations
in cash upon the termination of a Trust. A Unit holder may, of course,
at any time after the Securities are distributed, sell all or a portion
of the shares. Unit holders not electing a distribution of shares of
Securities will receive a cash distribution from the sale of the
remaining Securities and Treasury Obligations (if applicable) within a
reasonable time after a Trust is terminated. Regardless of the
distribution involved, the Trustee will deduct from the funds of the
Trust any accrued costs, expenses, advances or indemnities provided by
the Trust Agreement, including estimated compensation of the Trustee and
costs of liquidation and any amounts required as a reserve to provide
for payment of any applicable taxes or other governmental charges. Any
sale of Securities in a Trust upon termination may result in a lower
amount than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not required
at such time. In addition, to the extent that Securities are sold prior
to the Mandatory Termination Date, Unit holders will not benefit from
any stock appreciation they would have received had the Securities not
been sold at such time. The Trustee will then distribute to each Unit
holder his pro rata share of the balance of the Income and Capital
Accounts.
Legal Opinions
The legality of the Units offered hereby and certain matters relating to
Federal tax law have been passed upon by Chapman and Cutler, 111 West
Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, as counsel for the Sponsor.
Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, acted as counsel for the Trustee and as
special New York tax counsel for the Trust.
Experts
The financial statements of the various Series of the Trust appearing in
Part One of this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their
reports thereon appearing elsewhere therein and in the Registration
Statement, and are included in reliance upon such reports given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Page 21
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS*
Standard & Poor's. A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poor's
rating symbols and their meanings follows:
A Standard & Poor's corporate or municipal bond rating is a current assessment
of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific debt
obligation. This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as
guarantors, insurers, or lessees.
The bond rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security,
inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a
particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable.
Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any rating
and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings
may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or
unavailability of, such information, or for other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
I. Likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligation;
II. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
III. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangements under the
laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA - Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's
to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
extremely strong.
AA - Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A - Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated
categories.
BBB - Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances
are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay
principal for bonds in this category than for bonds in higher rated
categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC - Debt rated BB, B, CCC and CC is regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposure to adverse
conditions.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BBB" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the
major rating categories.
Provisional Ratings: The letter "p" indicates that the rating is provisional.
A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project being
financed by the bonds being rated and indicates that payment of debt service
requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and timely
completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit
quality subsequent to completion of the project, makes no comment on the
likelihood of, or the risk of default upon failure of, such completion. The
investor should exercise his/her own judgment with respect to such likelihood
and risk.
Credit Watch: Credit Watch highlights potential changes in ratings of bonds
and other fixed income securities. It focuses on events and trends which
place companies and government units under special surveillance by S&P's
180-member analytical staff. These may include mergers, voter referendums,
actions by regulatory authorities, or developments gleaned from analytical
reviews. Unless otherwise noted, a rating decision will be made within 90
days. Issues appear on Credit Watch where an event, situation, or deviation
from trends occurred and needs to be evaluated as to its impact on credit
ratings. A listing, however, does not mean a rating change is inevitable.
_______________
* As published by the rating companies.
Page 22
Since S&P continuously monitors all of its ratings, Credit Watch is not
intended to include all issues under review. Thus, rating changes will
occur without issues appearing on Credit Watch.
Moody's. A brief description of the applicable Moody's rating symbols and
their meanings follows:
Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be
visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position
of such issues. Their safety is so absolute that with the occasional
exception of oversupply in a few specific instances, characteristically,
their market value is affected solely by money market fluctuations.
Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds
because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities
or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or
there may be other elements present which make the long term risks appear
somewhat large than in Aaa securities. Their market value is virtually
immune to all but money market influences, with the occasional exception
of oversupply in a few specific instances.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but
elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
sometime in the future. The market value of A-rated bonds may be influenced
to some degree by economic performance during a sustained period of
depressed business conditions, but, during periods of normalcy, A-rated
bonds frequently move in parallel with Aaa and Aa obligations, with the
occasional exception of oversupply in a few specific instances.
A 1 and Baa 1 - Bonds which are rated A 1 and Baa 1 offer the maximum in
security within their quality group, can be bought for possible upgrading
in quality, and additionally, afford the investor an opportunity to gauge
more precisely the relative attractiveness of offerings in the market place.
Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations;
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable
over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. The
market value of Baa-rated bonds is more sensitive to changes in economic
circumstances, and aside from occasional speculative factors applying to
some bonds of this class, Baa market valuations will move in parallel with
Aaa, Aa, and A obligations during periods of economic normalcy, except in
instances of oversupply.
Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance
of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Moody's bond rating symbols may contain numerical modifiers of a generic
rating classification. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond ranks at the
high end of its category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and
the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its
generic rating category.
Con.(- - -) - Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of
some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These
are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b)
earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals which
begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other
limiting condition attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable credit
stature upon completion of construction or elimination of basis of condition.
Fitch IBCA, Inc. (formerly known as Fitch Investors Service, L.P.) A brief
description of the applicable Fitch rating symbols and their meanings follows:
AAA - These bonds are considered to be investment grade and of the highest
quality. The obligor has an extraordinary ability to pay interest and repay
Page 23
principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA - These bonds are considered to be investment grade and of high quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is very
strong, is somewhat less than for AAA-rated securities or more subject to
possible change over the term of the issue.
A - These bonds are considered to be investment grade and of good quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB - These bonds are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to weaken this ability than bonds
with higher ratings.
BB - These bonds are considered speculative and of low investment grade.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is not strong and
is considered likely to be affected over time by adverse economic changes.
B - These bonds are considered highly speculative. Bonds in this class are
lightly protected as to the obligor's ability to pay interest over the life
of the issue and repay principal when due.
A "+" or a "-" sign after a rating symbol indicates relative standing in its
rating.
Page 23
CONTENTS:
The First Trust Special Situations Trust
FT Series:
What is the FT Series? 4
What are the Expenses and Charges? 4
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders? 6
Are Investments in the Trusts Eligible for
Retirement Plans? 8
Portfolio:
What are Treasury Obligations? 8
What are the Securities? 8
What are Some Additional Considerations for
Investors? 12
Public Offering:
How is the Public Offering Price Determined? 13
How are Units Distributed? 13
What are the Sponsor's Profits? 14
Rights of Unit Holders:
How is Evidence of Ownership Issued and
Transferred? 14
How are Income and Capital Distributed? 15
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive? 16
How May Units be Redeemed? 16
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor? 18
How May Securities be Removed
from the Trusts? 18
Information as to Sponsor, Trustee and Evaluator:
Who is the Sponsor? 19
Who is the Trustee? 19
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee 20
Who is the Evaluator? 20
Other Information:
How May the Indenture be Amended or
Terminated? 20
Legal Opinions 21
Experts 21
Description of Bond Ratings 22
___________
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE FUND
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
FIRST TRUST (registered trademark)
The First Trust
Special Situations Trust
FT Series
Prospectus
Part Two
April 28, 2000
First Trust (registered trademark)
1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 300
Lisle, Illinois 60532
1-630-241-4141
Trustee:
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
1-800-682-7520
THIS PART TWO MUST BE
ACCOMPANIED BY PART ONE AND PART THREE.
PLEASE RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Page 24
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Special Situations Trust
FT Series
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Part Three MAY ONLY BE USED WITH
Dated March 31, 2000 PART ONE AND PART TWO
The Trusts. The Trusts consist of common stocks issued by companies
considered to be leaders in their industries. The Trusts do not include
Treasury Obligations. See "Portfolio" appearing in Part One for each
Trust.
The Objective of the Trusts. The objective of each Trust is to provide
for capital appreciation potential by investing a Trust's portfolio in
common stocks issued by companies considered to be leaders in their
industries (the "Equity Securities"). There is, of course, no guarantee
that the objective of the Trusts will be achieved.
Portfolio. The Trusts contain different issues of Equity Securities
which are listed on a national securities exchange or The Nasdaq Stock
Market or are traded in the over-the-counter market. Each Trust
initially consisted of a portfolio of 25 companies involved in one or
more of the following industries: apparel manufacturers, beverages,
entertainment, food, household products, medical supplies,
pharmaceuticals, recreation, restaurants, retail, technology, tobacco,
toiletries/cosmetics and toys. This type of diversification can help
offset risk, although it does not eliminate it entirely. Furthermore, to
achieve this type of diversification on your own would require
substantial time and capital commitments.
Almost every American is familiar with brand name companies like "Coca-
Cola," "Walt Disney," "Gap" and "Mattel." They are household names, and
their products can be found in almost every home across the country.
Increasingly, such companies are becoming household names overseas as
well. Many of these companies already have a strong presence in
international markets; and they stand to benefit even more from the
increasing demands of growing populations, rising standards of living,
more relaxed foreign trade agreements, and improved political climates
in many countries around the world.
Furthermore, these companies have strong financial positions and market
dominance, competitive advantages, skilled management, and essential
products and services. Generally, consumer goods companies with these
attributes perform strongly, even during uncertain economic times.
In general, the Sponsor believes these companies have above-average
growth prospects for sales and earnings, established market shares for
their products and services, and lower than average debt. In addition,
the Sponsor believes that employing a "buy and hold" philosophy
encourages investors to be disciplined and patient while looking at the
future prospects of the companies, rather than focusing on short-term
performance. You will have an investment which has the potential to
weather economic downturns, grow consistently in a healthy economy, and
provide stable, consistent total return over time. There is, however, no
assurance that the objective of the Trusts will be achieved.
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
An investment in Units of the Trusts should be made with an
understanding of the problems and risks inherent in the consumer
products industry in general. These include the cyclicality of revenues
and earnings, changing consumer demands, regulatory restrictions,
product liability litigation and other litigation resulting from
accidents, extensive competition (including that of low-cost foreign
competition), unfunded pension fund liabilities and employee and retiree
benefit costs and financial deterioration resulting from leveraged buy-
outs, takeovers or acquisitions. In general, expenditures on consumer
products will be affected by the economic health of consumers. A weak
economy with its consequent effect on consumer spending would have an
adverse effect on consumer products companies. Other factors of
particular relevance to the profitability of the industry are the
effects of increasing environmental regulation on packaging and on waste
disposal, the continuing need to conform with foreign regulations
governing packaging and the environment, the outcome of trade
negotiations and the effect on foreign subsidies and tariffs, foreign
exchange rates, the price of oil and its effect on energy costs,
inventory cutbacks by retailers, transportation and distribution costs,
health concerns relating to the consumption of certain products, the
effect of demographics on consumer demand, the availability and cost of
raw materials and the ongoing need to develop new products and to
improve productivity.
Public Offering. The applicable sales charge is reduced by a discount as
indicated below for aggregate volume purchases (except for sales made
pursuant to a "wrap fee account" or similar arrangements as set forth
below):
Percent of Percent of
Dollar Amount of Transaction Offering Net Amount
at Public Offering Price* Price Invested
____________________________ __________ __________
$ 50,000 but less than $100,000 0.25% 0.2506%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 0.50% 0.5025%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 1.00% 1.0101%
$500,000 or more 2.00% 2.0408%
* The breakpoint sales charges are also applied on a Unit basis
utilizing a breakpoint equivalent in the above table of $10 per Unit and
will be applied on whichever basis is more favorable to the investor.
The breakpoints will be adjusted to take into consideration purchase
orders stated in dollars which cannot be completely fulfilled due to the
requirement that only whole Units be issued.
Sales will be made to dealers and other selling agents at prices which
reflect a concession or agency commission of 65% of the maximum sales
charge.
Any such reduced sales charge shall be the responsibility of the selling
broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. The reduced sales charge
structure will apply on all purchases of Units of a Trust by the same
person on any one day from any one broker/dealer, bank or other selling
agent. Additionally, Units purchased in the name of the spouse of a
purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser under 21 years of
age will be deemed, for the purposes of calculating the applicable sales
charge, to be additional purchases by the purchaser. The reduced sales
charges will also be applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary
purchasing securities for a single trust estate or single fiduciary
account. The purchaser must inform the broker/dealer, bank or other
selling agent of any such combined purchase prior to the sale in order
to obtain the indicated discount. In addition, with respect to the
employees, officers and directors (including their immediate family
members, defined as spouses, children, grandchildren, parents,
grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, sons-in-law and
daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the
benefit of such persons) of the Sponsor and the broker/dealers, banks or
other selling agents and their subsidiaries and vendors providing
services to the Sponsor, Units may be purchased at the Public Offering
Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows to dealers and
other selling agents.
Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price less the concession
the Sponsor typically allows to dealers and other selling agents for
purchases (see "Public Offering-How are Units Distributed?" in Part Two
of this Prospectus) by investors who purchase Units through registered
investment advisers, certified financial planners or registered broker-
dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for financial
planning, investment advisory or asset management services, or provide
such services in connection with the establishment of an investment
account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed.
Page 2
America's Leading Brands Growth Trust Series
The First Trust (registered trademark) Special Situations Trust
FT Series
PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Must be Accompanied by Parts One and Two
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Page 3
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Special Situations Trust
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Part Three MAY ONLY BE USED WITH
Dated April 28, 2000 PART ONE AND PART TWO
The Trusts. The Trusts consist of common stocks which, as of the Initial
Date of Deposit, were issued primarily by financial services companies.
The Trusts do not include Treasury Obligations. See "Portfolio"
appearing in Part One for each Trust.
The Objective of the Trusts. The objective of each Trust is to provide
for capital appreciation potential by investing a Trust's portfolio in
common stocks as described above ("Equity Securities"). There is, of
course, no guarantee that the objective of the Trusts will be achieved.
Portfolio. The Trusts contain different issues of Equity Securities
which are listed on a national securities exchange or The Nasdaq Stock
Market or are traded in the over-the-counter market. Each portfolio is
diversified across financial institutions including money center banks,
major regional banks, regional and local banks and thrifts, credit card
companies, mortgage finance companies and specialty finance companies.
Despite consistent earnings growth, on average, the companies included
in the portfolios traded at below-market price to earnings ratios at the
Initial Date of Deposit. Given their high level of profitability and
superior earnings growth, the companies included in the portfolios
traded at compelling valuation levels relative to the S&P 500 and their
historic trading range. The attractive valuations of the stocks chosen
should provide above-average capital appreciation potential.
The banking and financial services industries are poised to benefit from
strong and improving fundamentals as both businesses and consumers
increase their levels of borrowing due to the low level of interest
rates. Financial institutions are able to enhance their profitability as
they expand their businesses without taking on excessive credit risk due
to the overall strength of the U.S. economy.
The banking and thrift industries continue to experience significant
consolidation, as a nationwide banking law enacted in 1995 allows bank
holding companies to acquire banks anywhere in the U.S.; and secondly,
allows mergers and branching across state lines. The Trusts offer
portfolios which allow investors to hold positions in stocks of
companies which may acquire existing financial institutions and/or be
acquired themselves. The Sponsor believes investors can profit from
institutions expanding their earnings potential through acquisitions and
the resulting efficiency gains. In addition, investors may benefit from
takeover premiums if and when the companies in the Trusts are acquired.
An investment in Units of a Trust should be made with an understanding
of the problems and risks inherent in the bank and financial services
sector in general.
Banks, thrifts and their holding companies are especially subject to the
adverse effects of economic recession, volatile interest rates,
portfolio concentrations in geographic markets and in commercial and
residential real estate loans, and competition from new entrants in
their fields of business. Banks and thrifts are highly dependent on net
interest margin. Recently, bank profits have come under pressure as net
interest margins have contracted, but volume gains have been strong in
both commercial and consumer products. There is no certainty that such
conditions will continue. Bank and thrift institutions had received
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
significant consumer mortgage fee income as a result of activity in
mortgage and refinance markets. As initial home purchasing and
refinancing activity subsided, this income diminished. Economic
conditions in the real estate markets, which have been weak in the past,
can have a substantial effect upon banks and thrifts because they
generally have a portion of their assets invested in loans secured by
real estate. Banks, thrifts and their holding companies are subject to
extensive federal regulation and, when such institutions are state-
chartered, to state regulation as well. Such regulations impose strict
capital requirements and limitations on the nature and extent of
business activities that banks and thrifts may pursue. Furthermore, bank
regulators have a wide range of discretion in connection with their
supervisory and enforcement authority and may substantially restrict the
permissible activities of a particular institution if deemed to pose
significant risks to the soundness of such institution or the safety of
the federal deposit insurance fund. Regulatory actions, such as
increases in the minimum capital requirements applicable to banks and
thrifts and increases in deposit insurance premiums required to be paid
by banks and thrifts to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC"), can negatively impact earnings and the ability of a company to
pay dividends. Neither federal insurance of deposits nor governmental
regulations, however, insures the solvency or profitability of banks or
their holding companies, or insures against any risk of investment in
the securities issued by such institutions.
The statutory requirements applicable to and regulatory supervision of
banks, thrifts and their holding companies have increased significantly
and have undergone substantial change in recent years. To a great
extent, these changes are embodied in the Financial Institutions Reform,
Recovery and Enforcement Act; enacted in August 1989, the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, the Resolution
Trust Corporation Refinancing, Restructuring, and Improvement Act of
1991 and the regulations promulgated under these laws. Many of the
regulations promulgated pursuant to these laws have only recently been
finalized and their impact on the business, financial condition and
prospects of the Securities in the Trust's portfolio cannot be predicted
with certainty. The recently enacted Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act repealed
most of the barriers set up by the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act which
separated the banking, insurance and securities industries. Now banks,
insurance companies and securities firms can merge to form one-stop
financial conglomerates marketing a wide range of financial service
products to investors. This legislation will likely result in increased
merger activity and heightened competition among existing and new
participants in the field. Efforts to expand the ability of federal
thrifts to branch on an interstate basis have been initially successful
through promulgation of regulations, and legislation to liberalize
interstate banking has recently been signed into law. Under the
legislation, banks will be able to purchase or establish subsidiary
banks in any state, one year after the legislation's enactment. Since
mid-1997, banks have been allowed to turn existing banks into branches.
Consolidation is likely to continue. The Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Financial Accounting Standards Board require the
expanded use of market value accounting by banks and have imposed rules
requiring market accounting for investment securities held in trading
accounts or available for sale. Adoption of additional such rules may
result in increased volatility in the reported health of the industry,
and mandated regulatory intervention to correct such problems.
Additional legislative and regulatory changes may be forthcoming. For
example, the bank regulatory authorities have proposed substantial
changes to the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, rules
and regulations, and there can be no certainty as to the effect, if any,
that such changes would have on the Securities in the Trust's portfolio.
In addition, from time to time the deposit insurance system is reviewed
by Congress and federal regulators, and proposed reforms of that system
could, among other things, further restrict the ways in which deposited
moneys can be used by banks or reduce the dollar amount or number of
deposits insured for any depositor. Such reforms could reduce
profitability as investment opportunities available to bank institutions
become more limited and as consumers look for savings vehicles other
than bank deposits. Banks and thrifts face significant competition from
other financial institutions such as mutual funds, credit unions,
mortgage banking companies and insurance companies, and increased
competition may result from legislative broadening of regional and
national interstate banking powers as has been recently enacted. Among
other benefits, the legislation allows banks and bank holding companies
to acquire across previously prohibited state lines and to consolidate
their various bank subsidiaries into one unit. The Sponsor makes no
prediction as to what, if any, manner of bank and thrift regulatory
actions might ultimately be adopted or what ultimate effect such actions
might have on the Trust's portfolio.
Page 2
The Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 generally prohibits a bank
holding company from (1) acquiring, directly or indirectly, more than 5%
of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of a bank or
bank holding company, (2) acquiring control of a bank or another bank
holding company, (3) acquiring all or substantially all the assets of a
bank, or (4) merging or consolidating with another bank holding company,
without first obtaining Federal Reserve Board ("FRB") approval. In
considering an application with respect to any such transaction, the FRB
is required to consider a variety of factors, including the potential
anti-competitive effects of the transaction, the financial condition and
future prospects of the combining and resulting institutions, the
managerial resources of the resulting institution, the convenience and
needs of the communities the combined organization would serve, the
record of performance of each combining organization under the Community
Reinvestment Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the
prospective availability to the FRB of information appropriate to
determine ongoing regulatory compliance with applicable banking laws. In
addition, the federal Change In Bank Control Act and various state laws
impose limitations on the ability of one or more individuals or other
entities to acquire control of banks or bank holding companies.
The FRB has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends
by bank holding companies. In the policy statement, the FRB expressed
its view that a bank holding company experiencing earnings weaknesses
should not pay cash dividends which exceed its net income or which could
only be funded in ways that would weaken its financial health, such as
by borrowing. The FRB also may impose limitations on the payment of
dividends as a condition to its approval of certain applications,
including applications for approval of mergers and acquisitions. The
Sponsor makes no prediction as to the effect, if any, such laws will
have on the Securities or whether such approvals, if necessary, will be
obtained.
Companies involved in the insurance industry are engaged in
underwriting, reinsuring, selling, distributing or placing of property
and casualty, life or health insurance. Other growth areas within the
insurance industry include brokerage, reciprocals, claims processors and
multiline insurance companies. Insurance company profits are affected by
interest rate levels, general economic conditions, and price and
marketing competition. Property and casualty insurance profits may also
be affected by weather catastrophes and other disasters. Life and health
insurance profits may be affected by mortality and morbidity rates.
Individual companies may be exposed to material risks including reserve
inadequacy and the inability to collect from reinsurance carriers.
Insurance companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation,
including the imposition of maximum rate levels, which may not be
adequate for some lines of business. Proposed or potential tax law
changes may also adversely affect insurance companies' policy sales, tax
obligations, and profitability. In addition to the foregoing, profit
margins of these companies continue to shrink due to the commoditization
of traditional businesses, new competitors, capital expenditures on new
technology and the pressures to compete globally.
In addition to the normal risks of business, companies involved in the
insurance industry are subject to significant risk factors, including
those applicable to regulated insurance companies, such as: (i) the
inherent uncertainty in the process of establishing property-liability
loss reserves, particularly reserves for the cost of environmental,
asbestos and mass tort claims, and the fact that ultimate losses could
materially exceed established loss reserves which could have a material
adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition; (ii)
the fact that insurance companies have experienced, and can be expected
in the future to experience, catastrophe losses which could have a
material adverse impact on their financial condition, results of
operations and cash flow; (iii) the inherent uncertainty in the process
of establishing property-liability loss reserves due to changes in loss
payment patterns caused by new claims settlement practices; (iv) the
need for insurance companies and their subsidiaries to maintain
appropriate levels of statutory capital and surplus, particularly in
light of continuing scrutiny by rating organizations and state insurance
regulatory authorities, and in order to maintain acceptable financial
strength or claims-paying ability rating; (v) the extensive regulation
and supervision to which insurance companies' subsidiaries are subject,
various regulatory initiatives that may affect insurance companies, and
regulatory and other legal actions; (vi) the adverse impact that
increases in interest rates could have on the value of an insurance
company's investment portfolio and on the attractiveness of certain of
its products; (vii) the need to adjust the effective duration of the
assets and liabilities of life insurance operations in order to meet the
anticipated cash flow requirements of its policyholder obligations; and
(vii) the uncertainty involved in estimating the availability of
reinsurance and the collectibility of reinsurance recoverables.
Page 3
The state insurance regulatory framework has, during recent years, come
under increased federal scrutiny, and certain state legislatures have
considered or enacted laws that alter and, in many cases, increase state
authority to regulate insurance companies and insurance holding company
systems. Further, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
("NAIC") and state insurance regulators are re-examining existing laws
and regulations, specifically focusing on insurance companies,
interpretations of existing laws and the development of new laws. In
addition, Congress and certain federal agencies have investigated the
condition of the insurance industry in the United States to determine
whether to promulgate additional federal regulation. The Sponsor is
unable to predict whether any state or federal legislation will be
enacted to change the nature or scope of regulation of the insurance
industry, or what effect, if any, such legislation would have on the
industry.
All insurance companies are subject to state laws and regulations that
require diversification of their investment portfolios and limit the
amount of investments in certain investment categories. Failure to
comply with these laws and regulations would cause non-conforming
investments to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes of
measuring statutory surplus and, in some instances, would require
divestiture.
Environmental pollution clean-up is the subject of both federal and
state regulation. By some estimates, there are thousands of potential
waste sites subject to clean up. The insurance industry is involved in
extensive litigation regarding coverage issues. The Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
("Superfund") and comparable state statutes ("mini-Superfund") govern
the clean-up and restoration by "Potentially Responsible Parties"
("PRP's"). Superfund and the mini-Superfunds ("Environmental Clean-up
Laws or "ECLs") establish a mechanism to pay for clean-up of waste sites
if PRP's fail to do so, and to assign liability to PRP's. The extent of
liability to be allocated to a PRP is dependent on a variety of factors.
The extent of clean-up necessary and the assignment of liability has not
been fully established. The insurance industry is disputing many such
claims. Key coverage issues include whether Superfund response costs are
considered damages under the policies, when and how coverage is
triggered, applicability of pollution exclusions, the potential for
joint and several liability and definition of an occurrence. Similar
coverage issues exist for clean up and waste sites not covered under
Superfund. To date, courts have been inconsistent in their rulings on
these issues. An insurer's exposure to liability with regard to its
insureds which have been, or may be, named as PRPs is uncertain.
Superfund reform proposals have been introduced in Congress, but none
have been enacted. There can be no assurance that any Superfund reform
legislation will be enacted or that any such legislation will provide
for a fair, effective and cost-efficient system for settlement of
Superfund related claims.
While current federal income tax law permits the tax-deferred
accumulation of earnings on the premiums paid by an annuity owner and
holders of certain savings-oriented life insurance products, no
assurance can be given that future tax law will continue to allow such
tax deferrals. If such deferrals were not allowed, consumer demand for
the affected products would be substantially reduced. In addition,
proposals to lower the federal income tax rates through a form of flat
tax or otherwise could have, if enacted, a negative impact on the demand
for such products.
Companies engaged in investment banking/brokerage and investment
management include brokerage firms, broker/dealers, investment banks,
finance companies and mutual fund companies. Earnings and share prices
of companies in this industry are quite volatile, and often exceed the
volatility levels of the market as a whole. Recently, ongoing
consolidation in the industry and the strong stock market has benefited
stocks which investors believe will benefit from greater investor and
issuer activity. Major determinants of future earnings of these
companies are the direction of the stock market, investor confidence,
equity transaction volume, the level and direction of long-term and
short-term interest rates, and the outlook for emerging markets.
Negative trends in any of these earnings determinants could have a
serious adverse effect on the financial stability, as well as the stock
prices, of these companies. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that
the issuers of the Securities included in the e-Tail Portfolio will be
able to respond in a timely manner to compete in the rapidly developing
marketplace. In addition to the foregoing, profit margins of these
companies continue to shrink due to the commoditization of traditional
businesses, new competitors, capital expenditures on new technology and
the pressures to compete globally.
Public Offering. The applicable sales charge is reduced by a discount as
indicated below for aggregate volume purchases (except for sales made
pursuant to a "wrap fee account" or similar arrangements as set forth
below):
Page 4
Percent of Percent of
Dollar Amount of Transaction Offering Net Amount
at Public Offering Price Price Invested
___________________________ __________ __________
$ 50,000 but less than $100,000 0.25% 0.2506%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 0.50% 0.5025%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 1.00% 1.0101%
$500,000 or more 2.00% 2.0408%
Sales will be made to dealers and other selling agents at prices which
reflect a concession or agency commission of 65% of the maximum sales
charge.
Any such reduced sales charge shall be the responsibility of the selling
broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. The reduced sales charge
structure will apply on all purchases of Units in a Trust by the same
person on any one day from any one broker/dealer, bank or other selling
agent. Additionally, Units purchased in the name of the spouse of a
purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser under 21 years of
age will be deemed, for the purposes of calculating the applicable sales
charge, to be additional purchases by the purchaser. The reduced sales
charges will also be applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary
purchasing securities for a single trust estate or single fiduciary
account. The purchaser must inform the broker/dealer, bank or other
selling agent of any such combined purchase prior to the sale in order
to obtain the indicated discount. In addition, with respect to the
employees, officers and directors (including their immediate family
members, defined as spouses, children, grandchildren, parents,
grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, sons-in-law and
daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the
benefit of such persons) of the Sponsor, broker/dealers, banks or other
selling agents and their subsidiaries and vendors providing services to
the Sponsor, Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price less
the concession the Sponsor typically allows to dealers and other selling
agents.
Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price less the concession
the Sponsor typically allows to dealers and other selling agents for
purchases (see "Public Offering-How are Units Distributed?" in Part Two
of this Prospectus) by investors who purchase Units through registered
investment advisers, certified financial planners or registered
broker/dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for
financial planning, investment advisory or asset management services, or
provide such services in connection with the establishment of an
investment account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed.
Page 5
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES GROWTH TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Special Situations Trust
PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Must be Accompanied by Parts One and Two
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Page 6
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Special Situations Trust
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Part Three MAY ONLY BE USED WITH
Dated June 30, 1999 PART ONE AND PART TWO
The Trusts. The Trusts consist of common stocks issued by healthcare
companies. The Trusts do not include Treasury Obligations. See
"Portfolio" appearing in Part One for each Trust.
The Objective of the Trusts. The objective of each Trust is to provide
for capital appreciation potential by investing a Trust's portfolio in
common stocks issued by healthcare companies, which in the Sponsor's
opinion, represent both market leaders and emerging growth companies in
the healthcare sector ("Equity Securities"). There is, of course, no
guarantee that the objective of the Trusts will be achieved.
Portfolio. The Trusts consist of different issues of Equity Securities,
all of which are listed on a national securities exchange or The Nasdaq
Stock Market or are traded in the over-the-counter market. The Sponsor
believes the healthcare industry is currently undergoing structural
changes and facing an ever-increasing demand for services and products
from the nation's aging population.
Demand for medical-related services and products is increasing as the
aging American population lives longer. Today, the U.S. population over
65 numbers about 30 million; and the impact of the aging of the 76
million "baby boomers" will surely have a dramatic effect on the
healthcare system.
Although government regulation could have an impact, the Sponsor
believes that three market factors will shape the way changes in the
healthcare system occur: consolidation, managed healthcare and
technological advancements.
Every sector of healthcare offers merger opportunities as reforms
continue to unfold. Mergers, acquisitions and partnerships continue to
be a viable way for larger companies to fill specific product lines,
acquire new technology and benefit from economies of scale.
HMOs, PPOs, and other managed care companies are experiencing enrollment
growth. This provides quality care at reduced costs through a network of
contracted care providers. Insurer-controlled HMOs, with 139 million
enrollees, are experiencing 6% annual growth largely through employer
plans.
The pace of scientific discoveries in healthcare is accelerating. The
research and development pipeline for new medicines and technologies
creates new markets and provides the potential for sales growth.
An investment in Units of the Trusts should be made with an
understanding of the problems and risks inherent in the healthcare
industry in general. Healthcare companies involved in advanced medical
devices and instruments, drugs and biotech, healthcare/managed care,
hospital management/health services and medical supplies have potential
risks unique to their sector of the healthcare field. These companies
are subject to governmental regulation of their products and services, a
factor which could have a significant and possibly unfavorable effect on
the price and availability of such products or services. Furthermore,
such companies face the risk of increasing competition from new products
or services, generic drug sales, the termination of patent protection
for drug or medical supply products and the risk that technological
advances will render their products obsolete. The research and
development costs of bringing a drug to market are substantial, and
include lengthy governmental review processes with no guarantee that the
product will ever come to market. Many of these companies may have
losses and not offer certain products for several years. Such companies
may also have persistent losses during a new product's transition from
development to production, and revenue patterns may be erratic. In
addition, healthcare facility operators may be affected by events and
conditions including among other things, demand for services,
the ability of the facility to
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
provide the services required, physicians' confidence in the facility,
management capabilities, competition with other hospitals, efforts by
insurers and governmental agencies to limit rates, legislation establishing
state rate-setting agencies, expenses, government regulation, the cost and
possible unavailability of malpractice insurance and the termination or
restriction of governmental financial assistance, including that
associated with Medicare, Medicaid and other similar third party payor
programs.
As the population of the United States ages, the companies involved in
the healthcare field will continue to search for and develop new drugs,
medical products and medical services through advanced technologies and
diagnostics. On a worldwide basis, such companies are involved in the
development and distributions of drugs, vaccines, medical products and
medical services. These activities may make the healthcare and medical
services sector very attractive for investors seeking the potential for
growth in their investment portfolio. However, there are no assurances
that the Trusts' objectives will be met.
Legislative proposals concerning healthcare are proposed in Congress
from time to time. These proposals span a wide range of topics,
including cost and price controls (which might include a freeze on the
prices of prescription drugs), national health insurance, incentives for
competition in the provision of healthcare services, tax incentives and
penalties related to healthcare insurance premiums and promotion of pre-
paid healthcare plans. The Sponsor is unable to predict the effect of
any of these proposals, if enacted, on the issuers of Equity Securities
in the Trusts.
Public Offering. The applicable sales charge is reduced by a discount as
indicated below for aggregate volume purchases (except for sales made
pursuant to a "wrap fee account" or similar arrangements as set forth
below):
Percent of Percent of
Dollar Amount of Transaction Offering Net Amount
at Public Offering Price Price Invested
_______________________________ __________ __________
$ 50,000 but less than $100,000 0.25% 0.2506%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 0.50% 0.5025%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 1.00% 1.0101%
$500,000 or more 2.00% 2.0408%
Any such reduced sales charge shall be the responsibility of the selling
broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. The reduced sales charge
structure will apply on all purchases of Units in a Trust by the same
person on any one day from any one broker/dealer, bank or other selling
agent. Additionally, Units purchased in the name of the spouse of a
purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser under 21 years of
age will be deemed, for the purposes of calculating the applicable sales
charge, to be additional purchases by the purchaser. The reduced sales
charges will also be applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary
purchasing securities for a single trust estate or single fiduciary
account. The purchaser must inform the broker/dealer, bank or other
selling agent of any such combined purchase prior to the sale in order
to obtain the indicated discount. In addition, with respect to the
employees, officers and directors (including their immediate family
members, defined as spouses, children, grandchildren, parents,
grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, sons-in-law and
daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the
benefit of such persons) of the Sponsor and broker/dealers, banks or
other selling agents and their subsidiaries and vendors providing
services to the Sponsor, Units may be purchased at the Public Offering
Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows to dealers and
other selling agents.
Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price less the concession
the Sponsor typically allows to dealers and other selling agents for
purchases (see "Public Offering-How are Units Distributed?" in Part Two
of this Prospectus) by investors who purchase Units through registered
investment advisers, certified financial planners or registered broker-
dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for financial
planning, investment advisory or asset management services, or provide
such services in connection with the establishment of an investment
account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed.
It is the intention of the Sponsor to qualify Units of the Trusts for
sale in a number of states. For Series 1 of the Trust, sales initially
will be made to dealers and other selling agents at prices which
represent a concession or agency commission of 3.0% of the Public
Offering Price (or 65% of the then current maximum sales charge).
For Series 2 of the Trust, sales initially will be made to dealers and
other selling agents at prices which represent a concession or agency
commission of 3.2% of the Public Offering Price (or 65% of the then
current maximum sales charge).
Page 2
AMERICAN HEALTHCARE GROWTH TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Special Situations Trust
PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Must be Accompanied by Parts One and Two
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Page 3
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST SERIES
The First Trust(registered trademark) Special Situations Trust
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Part Three MAY ONLY BE USED WITH
Dated April 28, 2000 PART ONE AND PART TWO
The Trusts. The Trusts consist of a diversified portfolio of common
stocks issued by publicly traded equity real estate investment trusts,
known as REITs. See "Portfolio" appearing in Part One for each Trust.
The Objective of the Trusts. The objective of each Trust is to provide
for potential capital appreciation and potential for increasing dividend
income by investing a Trust's portfolio in common stocks issued by
publicly traded equity real estate investment trusts ("Equity
Securities"). Additionally, the Trusts allow individual investors the
opportunity to invest in the real estate market in a more affordable,
practical and liquid alternative to purchasing individual properties.
There is, of course, no guarantee that the objective of the Trusts will
be achieved.
Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in Part Two of the Prospectus, the following discussion is
limited to investors who own Units of the REIT Growth & Income Trust
Series, which Trusts are structured to qualify as regulated investment
companies for Federal tax purposes.
Each Trust, which is an association taxable as a corporation under the
Internal Revenue Code, intends to elect and qualify on a continuing
basis for special Federal income tax treatment as a regulated investment
company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). If a Trust so qualifies and timely distributes to Unit holders
90% or more of its taxable income (without regard to its net capital
gain, i.e., the excess of its long-term capital gain over its net short-
term capital loss), it will not be subject to Federal income tax on the
portion of its taxable income (including any net capital gain) that it
distributes to Unit holders. In addition, to the extent a Trust
distributes to Unit holders at least 98% of its taxable income
(including any net capital gain), it will not be subject to the 4%
excise tax on certain undistributed income of "regulated investment
companies." Each Trust intends to timely distribute its taxable income
(including any net capital gains) to avoid the imposition of Federal
income tax or the excise tax.
In any taxable year of a Trust, the distributions of each Trust's
income, other than distributions which are designated as capital gain
dividends, will be taxable as ordinary income to the Unit holders,
except that, to the extent that distributions to a Unit holder in any
year exceed a Trust's current and accumulated earnings and profits, they
will be treated as a return of capital and will reduce the Unit holder's
basis in his Units, and to the extent that they exceed his basis, will
be treated as a gain from the sale of his Units as discussed below.
Distributions from a Trust will not be eligible for the dividends
received deduction for corporations. Although distributions generally
will be treated as distributed when paid, distributions declared in
October, November or December, payable to Unit holders of record on a
specified date in one of those months and paid during January of the
following year will be treated as having been distributed by a Trust
(and received by the Unit holders) on December 31 of the year such
distributions are declared.
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
Distributions of a Trust's net capital gain which are properly
designated as capital gain dividends by the Trust will be taxable to
Unit holders as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time
the Units have been held by a Unit holder. A Unit holder may recognize a
taxable gain or loss if the Unit holder sells or redeems his Units. Any
gain or loss arising from (or treated as arising from) the sale or
redemption of Units will generally be a capital gain or loss, except in
the case of a dealer or financial institution. The Internal Revenue
Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (the "1998 Tax Act")
provides that for taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gain
(which is defined as net long-term capital gain over net short-term
capital loss for the taxable year) realized from property (with certain
exclusions) is generally subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate
of 20% (10% in the case of certain taxpayers in the lowest tax bracket).
However, capital gain realized from assets held more than one year that
is considered unrecaptured section 1250 gain is taxed at a maximum
marginal stated tax rate of 25%. Capital gain or loss is long-term if
the holding period for the asset is more than one year, and is short-
term if the holding period for the asset is one year or less. The date
on which a Unit is acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded for
purposes for determining the holding period of the Unit. The legislation
is generally effective retroactively for amounts properly taken into
account on or after January 1, 1998. Capital gains realized from assets
held for one year or less are taxed at the same rates as ordinary income.
Note, however, that the 1998 Tax Act (and the Taxpayer Relief Act of
1997 (the "1997 Act")) provide that the application of the rules
described above in the case of pass-through entities such as the Trusts
will be prescribed in future Treasury Regulations. The Internal Revenue
Service has released preliminary guidance which provides that, in
general, pass-through entities such as the Trusts may designate their
capital gains dividends as either a 20% rate gain distribution, an
unrecaptured section 1250 gain distribution, or a 28% rate gain
distribution, depending on the nature of the gain received by the pass-
through entity. Unit holders should consult their own tax advisors as to
the tax rate applicable to capital gain dividends. Note that, if a Unit
holder holds Units for six months or less and subsequently sells such
Units at a loss, the loss will be treated as a long-term capital loss to
the extent that any long-term capital gain distribution is made with
respect to such Units during the six-month period or less that the Unit
holder owns the Units. Distributions in partial liquidation reflecting
the proceeds of prepayments, redemptions, maturities (including monthly
mortgage payments of principal) or sales of Securities (exclusive of net
capital gain) will not be taxable to Unit holders of such Trust to the
extent that they represent a return of capital for tax purposes. The
portion of distributions which represents a return of capital will,
however, reduce a Unit holder's basis in his Units, and to the extent
they exceed the basis of his Units will be taxable as a capital gain.
The 1997 Act includes other provisions that treat certain other
transactions designed to reduce or eliminate risk of loss and
opportunities for gain (e.g., short sales, offsetting notional principal
contracts, futures or forward contracts or similar transactions) as
constructive sales for purposes of recognition of gain (but not loss)
and for purposes of determining the holding period. Unit holders should
consult their own tax advisers with regard to any such constructive
sales rules.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
"conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered into after
April 30, 1993. Unit holders and prospective investors should consult
with their tax advisors regarding the potential effect of this provision
on their investment in Units.
Under the Code, certain miscellaneous itemized deductions, such as
investment expenses, tax return preparation fees and employee business
expenses, will be deductible by individuals only to the extent they
exceed 2% of adjusted gross income. Miscellaneous itemized deductions
subject to this limitation under present law do not include expenses
incurred by a Trust as long as the Units of a Trust are held by or for
500 or more persons at all times during the taxable year or another
exception is met. In the event the Units of a Trust are held by fewer
than 500 persons, additional taxable income may be realized by the
individual and Unit holders in excess of the distributions received from
a Trust.
Each Unit holder of a Trust shall receive an annual statement describing
the tax status of the distributions paid by a Trust.
Each Unit holder will be requested to provide the Unit holder's taxpayer
identification number to the Trustee and to certify that the Unit holder
has not been notified that payments to the Unit holder are subject to
back-up withholding. If the proper taxpayer identification number and
appropriate certification are not provided when requested, distributions
Page 2
by a Trust to such Unit holder (including amounts received upon the
redemption of Units) will be subject to back-up withholding.
Distributions by a Trust will generally be subject to United States
income taxation and withholding in the case of Units held by non-
resident alien individuals, foreign corporations or other non-United
States persons. Such persons should consult their tax advisors.
As discussed in "Rights of Unit holders-How May Units be Redeemed?" in
Part Two of this Prospectus, under certain circumstances a Unit holder
who owns at least 2,500 Units may request an In Kind Distribution upon
the redemption of Units or the termination of a Trust. Unit holders
electing an In Kind Distribution of shares of the Securities should be
aware that the exchange is subject to taxation and Unit holders will
recognize gain or loss based on the value of the Securities received.
A Unit holder who is a foreign investor (i.e., an investor other than a
United States citizen or resident or a United States corporation,
partnership, estate or trust) should be aware that, generally, subject
to applicable tax treaties, distributions from a Trust which constitute
dividends for Federal income tax purposes (other than dividends which a
Trust designates as capital gain dividends) will be subject to United
States income taxes, including withholding taxes. However, distributions
received by a foreign investor from a Trust that are designated by that
Trust as capital gain dividends should not be subject to United States
Federal income taxes, including withholding taxes, if all of the
following conditions are met: (i) the capital gain dividend is not
effectively connected with the conduct by the foreign investor of a
trade or business within the United States, (ii) the foreign investor
(if an individual) is not present in the United States for 183 days or
more during his or her taxable year, and (iii) the foreign investor
provides all certification which may be required of his status (foreign
investors may contact the Sponsor to obtain a Form W-8 which must be
filed with the Trustee and refiled every three calendar years
thereafter). Foreign investors should consult their tax advisors with
respect to United States tax consequences of ownership of Units. Units
in a Trust and Trust distributions may also be subject to state and
local taxation and Unit holders should consult their tax advisors in
this regard.
The Federal tax status of each year's distributions will be reported to
Unit holders and to the Internal Revenue Service. The foregoing
discussion relates only to the Federal income tax status of a Trust and
to the tax treatment of distributions by a Trust to United States Unit
holders. Distributions by a Trust will generally be subject to United
States income taxation and withholding in the case of Units held by non-
resident alien individuals, foreign corporations or other non-United
States persons. Such persons should consult their tax advisors. Units in
a Trust and Trust distributions may also be subject to state and local
taxation and Unit holders should consult their tax advisor in this regard.
Investment in a Trust may be particularly well suited for purchase by
funds and accounts of individual investors that are exempt from Federal
income taxes such as Individual Retirement Accounts, Keogh Plans,
pension funds and other tax-deferred retirement plans. (See "Why are
Investments in the Trust Suitable for Retirement Plans?" in Part Two of
this Prospectus.)
Portfolio. The Trusts consist of different issues of Securities which
are listed on a national securities exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market
or are traded in the over-the-counter market.
For some individuals, ownership in a group of commercial properties may
be difficult to achieve because it can require a substantial capital
commitment, and property management may be time-consuming and expensive.
An easier way to invest in commercial real estate is to buy shares of
publicly-traded companies that own and operate several properties.
Essentially, a REIT is a corporation that combines the capital of many
investors to acquire real estate. Investors can enjoy the benefits of a
diversified portfolio managed by real estate professionals, receive
income from rents, and achieve capital appreciation if properties are
sold at a profit. In addition, REITs are traded on major stock
exchanges, making them highly liquid. The Sponsor believed, as of the
Initial Date of Deposit, that the REITs selected for the portfolios
offer the potential for attractive returns and stable income.
Most individual REITs specialize in a particular type of property or
concentrate in a specific geographic region. Each Trust invests in a
diversified portfolio of 25 REITs, which own more than 3,000 real estate
properties, including multi-family, office/industrial, recreation,
retail, hotels, healthcare facilities, and storage.
Several indicators suggest that real estate is poised to produce
attractive returns. Commercial real estate properties currently are
Page 3
producing improving rental incomes and stable occupancy rates. Real
estate supply is expected to remain tight as most real estate properties
are valued below replacement cost, discouraging new developments. And,
lastly, demand for real estate is positive and is expected to track the
growth of the nation's economy.
REITs are required by law to distribute 95% of earnings; therefore,
dividend payout will likely increase in line with forecasted earnings
growth of 10%, on average, over the next five years. In addition, a
portion of a REIT's dividend is treated as a non-taxable return of
capital for tax purposes. (This means you do not pay taxes on that
portion of the income.) Instead, it is used to reduce your cost basis.
This portion of income, normally taxed at personal income tax rates, is
reclassified into a more favorably taxed, long-term capital gain, which
is deferred until shares are sold.
An investment in the Trusts should be made with an understanding of the
many factors which may have an adverse impact on the credit quality of
the real estate industry. Generally, these include economic recession,
the cyclical nature of real estate markets, competitive overbuilding,
unusually adverse weather conditions, changing demographics, changes in
governmental regulations (including tax laws and environmental,
building, zoning and sales regulations), increases in real estate taxes
or costs of material and labor, the inability to secure performance
guarantees or insurance as required, the unavailability of investment
capital and the inability to obtain construction financing or mortgage
loans at rates acceptable to builders and purchasers of real estate.
Additional risks include an inability to reduce expenditures associated
with a property (such as mortgage payments and property taxes) when
rental revenue declines, and possible loss upon foreclosure of mortgaged
properties if mortgage payments are not paid when due.
REITs are financial vehicles that have as their objective the pooling of
capital from a number of investors in order to participate directly in
real estate ownership or financing. REITs are generally fully integrated
operating companies that have interests in income-producing real estate.
REITs are differentiated by the types of real estate properties held and
the actual geographic location of properties and fall into two major
categories: equity REITs emphasize direct property investment, holding
their invested assets primarily in the ownership of real estate or other
equity interests, while mortgage REITs concentrate on real estate
financing, holding their assets primarily in mortgages secured by real
estate. REITs obtain capital funds for investment in underlying real
estate assets by selling debt or equity securities in the public or
institutional capital markets or by bank borrowing. Thus, the returns on
common equities of the REITs in which a Trust invests will be
significantly affected by changes in costs of capital and, particularly
in the case of highly "leveraged" REITs (i.e., those with large amounts
of borrowings outstanding), by changes in the level of interest rates.
The objective of an equity REIT is to purchase income-producing real
estate properties in order to generate high levels of cash flow from
rental income and a gradual asset appreciation, and they typically
invest in properties such as office, retail, industrial, hotel and
apartment buildings and healthcare facilities.
REITs are a creation of the tax law. REITs essentially operate as a
corporation or business trust with the advantage of exemption from
corporate income taxes provided the REIT satisfies the requirements of
Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code. The major tests
for tax-qualified status are that the REIT (i) be managed by one or more
trustees or directors, (ii) issue shares of transferable interest to its
owners, (iii) have at least 100 shareholders, (iv) have no more than 50%
of the shares held by five or fewer individuals, (v) invest
substantially all of its capital in real estate related assets and
derive substantially all of its gross income from real estate related
assets and (vi) distributed at least 95% of its taxable income to its
shareholders each year. If any REIT in a Trust's portfolio should fail
to qualify for such tax status, the related shareholders (including the
Trust) could be adversely affected by the resulting tax consequences.
The underlying value of the Securities and a Trust's ability to make
distributions to Unit holders may be adversely affected by changes in
national economic conditions, changes in local market conditions due to
changes in general or local economic conditions and neighborhood
characteristics, increased competition from other properties,
obsolescence of property, changes in the availability, cost and terms of
mortgage funds, the impact of present or future environmental
legislation and compliance with environmental laws, the ongoing need for
capital improvements, particularly in older properties, changes in real
estate tax rates and other operating expenses, regulatory and economic
impediments to raising rents, adverse changes in governmental rules and
fiscal policies, dependency on management skill, civil unrest, acts of
God, including earthquakes and other natural disasters (which may result
Page 4
in uninsured losses), acts of war, adverse changes in zoning laws, and
other factors which are beyond the control of the issuers of the REITs
in a Trust.
The value of the REITs may at times be particularly sensitive to
devaluation in the event of rising interest rates. Equity REITs are less
likely to be affected by interest rate fluctuations than mortgage REITs
and the nature of the underlying assets of an equity REIT may be
considered more tangible than that of a mortgage REIT. Equity REITs are
more likely to be adversely affected by changes in the value of the
underlying property it owns than mortgage REITs.
REITs may concentrate investments in specific geographic areas or in
specific property types, i.e., hotels, shopping malls, residential
complexes and office buildings. The impact of economic conditions on
REITs can also be expected to vary with geographic location and property
type. Investors should be aware the REITs may not be diversified and are
subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are also subject to
defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, the market's perception of the
REIT industry generally, and the possibility of failing to qualify for
pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code, and to maintain
exemption from the Investment Company Act of 1940. A default by a
borrower or lessee may cause the REIT to experience delays in enforcing
its right as mortgagee or lessor and to incur significant costs related
to protecting its investments. In addition, because real estate
generally is subject to real property taxes, the REITs in a Trust may be
adversely affected by increases or decreases in property tax rates and
assessments or reassessments of the properties underlying the REITs by
taxing authorities. Furthermore, because real estate is relatively
illiquid, the ability of REITs to vary their portfolios in response to
changes in economic and other conditions may be limited and may
adversely affect the value of the Units. There can be no assurance that
any REIT will be able to dispose of its underlying real estate assets
when advantageous or necessary.
The issuer of REITs generally maintains comprehensive insurance on
presently owned and subsequently acquired real property assets,
including liability, fire and extended coverage. However, certain types
of losses may be uninsurable or not be economically insurable as to
which the underlying properties are at risk in their particular locales.
There can be no assurance that insurance coverage will be sufficient to
pay the full current market value or current replacement cost of any
lost investment. Various factors might make it impracticable to use
insurance proceeds to replace a facility after it has been damaged or
destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds received by
a REIT might not be adequate to restore its economic position with
respect to such property.
Under various environmental laws, a current or previous owner or
operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or
remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on, under or in such
property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or
operator caused or knew of the presence of such hazardous or toxic
substances and whether or not the storage of such substances was in
violation of a tenant's lease. In addition, the presence of hazardous or
toxic substances, or the failure to remediate such property properly,
may adversely affect the owner's ability to borrow using such real
property as collateral. No assurance can be given that one or more of
the REITs in a Trust may not be presently liable or potentially liable
for any such costs in connection with real estate assets they presently
own or subsequently acquire while such REITs are held in a Trust.
Public Offering Price. The applicable sales charge is reduced by a
discount as indicated below for aggregate volume purchases (except for
sales made pursuant to a "wrap fee account" or similar arrangements as
set forth below):
Percent of Percent of
Dollar Amount of Transaction Offering Net Amount
at Public Offering Price* Price Invested
____________________________ __________ __________
$ 50,000 but less than $100,000 0.25% 0.2506%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 0.50% 0.5025%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 1.00% 1.0101%
$500,000 or more 2.00% 2.0408%
*The breakpoint sales charges are also applied on a Unit basis utilizing
a breakpoint equivalent in the above table of $10 per Unit and will be
applied on whichever basis is more favorable to the investor. The
breakpoints will be adjusted to take into consideration purchase orders
stated in dollars which cannot be completely fulfilled due to the
requirement that only whole Units be issued.
Page 5
Sales will be made to dealers and other selling agents at prices which
reflect a concession or agency commission of 65% of the maximum sales
charge.
Any such reduced sales charge shall be the responsibility of the selling
broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. The reduced sales charge
structure will apply on all purchases of Units in a Trust by the same
person on any one day from any one broker/dealer, bank or other selling
agent. Additionally, Units purchased in the name of the spouse of a
purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser under 21 years of
age will be deemed, for the purposes of calculating the applicable sales
charge, to be additional purchases by the purchaser. The reduced sales
charges will also be applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary
purchasing securities for a single trust estate or single fiduciary
account. The purchaser must inform the broker/dealer, bank or other
selling agent of any such combined purchase prior to the sale, in order
to obtain the indicated discount.
In addition, with respect to the employees, officers and directors
(including their immediate family members, defined as spouses, children,
grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-
in-law, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or
fiduciaries for the benefit of such persons) of the Sponsor and
broker/dealers, banks or other selling agents and their subsidiaries and
vendors providing services to the Sponsor, Units may be purchased at the
Public Offering Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows
to dealers and other selling agents.
Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price less the concession
the Sponsor typically allows to dealers and other selling agents for
purchases (see "Public Offering-How are Units Distributed?" in Part Two
of this Prospectus) by investors who purchase Units through registered
investment advisers, certified financial planners or registered
broker/dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for
financial planning, investment advisory or asset management services, or
provide such services in connection with the establishment of an
investment account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed.
How May Units be Redeemed? Unit holders electing a distribution of
shares of Securities should be aware that the transaction is subject to
taxation and Unit holders will recognize gain based on the appreciation
in value of the Securities received. See "Federal Tax Status of Unit
Holders."
How May Securities be Removed from a Trust? The Sponsor will instruct
the Trustee to dispose of certain Securities and to take such further
action as may be needed from time to time to ensure that the Trusts
continue to satisfy the qualifications of a regulated investment
company, including the requirements with respect to diversification
under Section 851 of the Internal Revenue Code. Except as stated under
"Portfolio-What are Some Additional Considerations for Investors?" in
Part Two of the Prospectus for Failed Obligations, the acquisition by
the Trusts of any securities or other property other than the Securities
is prohibited.
Page 6
REIT GROWTH & INCOME TRUST SERIES
The First Trust(registered trademark) Special Situations Trust
PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Must be Accompanied by Parts One and Two
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Page 7
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST SERIES
THE FIRST TRUST(REGISTERED TRADEMARK) SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Part Three MAY ONLY BE USED WITH
Dated December 31, 1999 PART ONE AND PART TWO
The Trusts. The Trusts consist of common stocks issued by companies in
the computer and technology industry. The Trusts do not include Treasury
Obligations. See "Portfolio" appearing in Part One for each Trust.
The Objective of the Trusts. The objective of each Trust is to provide
income and potential capital appreciation by investing a Trust's
portfolio in common stocks issued by U.S.-based companies in the
computer and technology industry ("Equity Securities"). There is, of
course, no guarantee that the objective of the Trusts will be achieved.
Portfolio. The Trusts contain different issues of Equity Securities, all
of which may be issued by companies engaged in the computer and
technology industry and are listed on a national securities exchange or
The Nasdaq Stock Market or are traded in the over-the-counter market.
The Sponsor believes the companies selected are best positioned to take
advantage of the ongoing technology boom. An investment in Units of the
Trusts should be made with an understanding of the problems and risks
such an investment may entail.
A technological revolution which affects our daily lives is currently
spanning the globe. Consider the advancements of the last few years made
possible by technology: personal computers; fax machines; cellular
phones; online data services; and the convergence of computers and the
explosive growth in Internet communications. Corporations continue to
invest in technology to enhance their productivity and to stay ahead of
the competition.
As American companies discover, innovate, research and develop new
technologies, businesses, consumers and governments around the world are
waiting to buy the products resulting from their efforts.
In addition, individuals are increasing their spending on technology.
Consider the sheer number of personal computers in the home, the
proliferation of software for education and entertainment purposes, and
the ever-increasing amount of services and information accessible on the
Internet.
In general, the Sponsor believes the companies selected for the
portfolios have above-average growth prospects for both sales and
earnings, established market shares for their products, and lower-than-
average debt.
An investment in Units of the Trusts should be made with an
understanding of the characteristics of the problems and risks such an
investment may entail. Technology companies generally include companies
involved in the development, design, manufacture and sale of computers
and peripherals, software and services, data networking/communications
equipment, internet access/information providers, semiconductors and
semiconductor equipment and other related products, systems and
services. The market for these products, especially those specifically
related to the Internet, is characterized by rapidly changing
technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns,
evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The
success of the issuers of the Equity Securities depends in substantial
part on the timely and successful introduction of new products. An
unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an
issuer's products or in the market for products based on a particular
technology could have a material adverse affect on an issuer's operating
results. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the issuers of the
Equity Securities will be able to respond in a timely manner to compete
in the rapidly developing marketplace.
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
Based on trading history of common stock, factors such as announcements
of new products or development of new technologies and general
conditions of the industry have caused and are likely to cause the
market price of high-technology common stocks to fluctuate
substantially. In addition, technology company stocks have experienced
extreme price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated to
the operating performance of such companies. This market volatility may
adversely affect the market price of the Equity Securities and therefore
the ability of a Unit holder to redeem Units at a price equal to or
greater than the original price paid for such Units.
Some key components of certain products of technology issuers are
currently available only from single sources. There can be no assurance
that in the future suppliers will be able to meet the demand for
components in a timely and cost effective manner. Accordingly, an
issuer's operating results and customer relationships could be adversely
affected by either an increase in price for, or an interruption or
reduction in supply of, any key components. Additionally, many
technology issuers are characterized by a highly concentrated customer
base consisting of a limited number of large customers who may require
product vendors to comply with rigorous industry standards. Any failure
to comply with such standards may result in a significant loss or
reduction of sales. Because many products and technologies of technology
companies are incorporated into other related products, such companies
are often highly dependent on the performance of the personal computer,
electronics and telecommunications industries. There can be no assurance
that these customers will place additional orders, or that an issuer of
Equity Securities will obtain orders of similar magnitude as past orders
from other customers. Similarly, the success of certain technology
companies is tied to a relatively small concentration of products or
technologies. Accordingly, a decline in demand of such products,
technologies or from such customers could have a material adverse impact
on issuers of the Equity Securities.
Many technology companies rely on a combination of patents, copyrights,
trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their
proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no
assurance that the steps taken by the issuers of the Equity Securities
to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent
misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not
independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or
superior to such issuers' technology. In addition, due to the increasing
public use of the Internet, it is possible that other laws and
regulations may be adopted to address issues such as privacy, pricing,
characteristics, and quality of Internet products and services. For
example, recent proposals would prohibit the distribution of obscene,
lascivious or indecent communications on the Internet. The adoption of
any such laws could have a material adverse impact on the Equity
Securities in the Trust.
Like many areas of technology, the semiconductor business environment is
highly competitive, notoriously cyclical and subject to rapid and often
unanticipated change. Recent industry downturns have resulted, in part,
from weak pricing, persistent overcapacity, slowdown in Asian demand and
a shift in retail personal computer sales toward the low end, or "sub-
$1,000" segment. Industry growth is dependent upon several factors,
including: the rate of global economic expansion; demand for products
such as personal computers and networking and communications equipment;
excess productive capacity and the resultant effect on pricing; and the
rate of growth in the market for low-priced personal computers.
Public Offering. The applicable sales charge is reduced by a discount as
indicated below for aggregate volume purchases (except for sales made
pursuant to a "wrap fee account" or similar arrangements as set forth
below):
Dollar Amount of Percent of Percent of
Transaction of Offering Net Amount
Public Offering Price Price Invested
_______________ __________ _________
$ 50,000 but less than 100,000 0.25% 0.2506%
$100,000 but less than 250,000 0.50% 0.5025%
$250,000 but less than 500,000 1.00% 1.0101%
$500,000 or more 2.00% 2.0408%
Sales will be made to the party making the sale at prices which reflect
a concession or agency commission of 65% of the then current maximum
sales charge.
Any such reduced sales charge shall be the responsibility of the selling
broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. An investor may aggregate
purchases of Units of an American Technology Growth Trust and an
Page 2
American Technology Growth & Treasury Trust for purposes of qualifying
for volume purchase discounts listed above. The aggregate amount of
Units of each Trust purchased will be used to determine the applicable
sales charge to be imposed on the purchase of Units of each Trust. The
reduced sales charge structure will apply on all purchases of Units in a
Trust by the same person on any one day from any one broker/dealer, bank
or other selling agent. Additionally, Units purchased in the name of the
spouse of a purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser under
21 years of age will be deemed, for the purposes of calculating the
applicable sales charge, to be additional purchases by the purchaser.
The reduced sales charges will also be applicable to a trustee or other
fiduciary purchasing securities for a single trust estate or single
fiduciary account. The purchaser must inform the broker/dealer, bank or
other selling agent of any such combined purchase prior to the sale in
order to obtain the indicated discount. In addition, with respect to the
employees, officers and directors (including their immediate family
members, defined as spouses, children, grandchildren, parents,
grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, sons-in-law and
daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the
benefit of such persons) of the Sponsor, broker/dealers, banks or other
selling agents and their subsidiaries and vendors providing services to
the Sponsor, Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price less
the concession the Sponsor typically allows to dealers and other selling
agents.
Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price less the concession
the Sponsor typically allows to dealers and other selling agents for
purchases (see "Public Offering-How are Units Distributed?" in Part Two
of this Prospectus) by investors who purchase Units through registered
investment advisers, certified financial planners or registered broker-
dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for financial
planning, investment advisory or asset management services, or provide
such services in connection with the establishment of an investment
account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed.
Page 3
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY GROWTH TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Special Situations Trust
PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Must be Accompanied by Parts One and Two
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 62-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Page 4
CONTENTS OF POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT
OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Post-Effective Amendment of Registration Statement
comprises the following papers and documents:
The facing sheet
The prospectus
The signatures
The Consent of Independent Auditors
S-1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
the Registrant, THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST, SERIES
182 AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
AMERICAN , certifies that it meets all of the requirements
for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule
485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment of its Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized
in the Village of Lisle and State of Illinois on April 28, 2000.
THE FIRST TRUST SPECIAL SITUATIONS TRUST,
SERIES 182
AMERICA'S LEADING BRANDS GROWTH TRUST,
SERIES 1
AMERICAN
(Registrant)
ByNIKE SECURITIES L.P.
(Depositor)
ByRobert M. Porcellino
Senior Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
this Post-Effective Amendment of Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following person in the capacity and on the
date indicated:
Signature Title Date
David J. Allen Sole Director of )
Nike Securities )
Corporation, ) April 28, 2000
the General Partner )
of Nike Securities L.P. )
)
) Robert M. Porcellino
) Attorney-in-Fact**
* The title of the person named herein represents his capacity
in and relationship to Nike Securities L.P., Depositor.
** An executed copy of the related power of attorney was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection
with the Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 of The First Trust
Combined Series 258 (File No. 33-63483) and the same is
hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
S-2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption
"Experts" and to the use of our report dated April 7, 2000 in
this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement and
related Prospectus of The First Trust Special Situations Trust
dated April 26, 2000.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
April 25, 2000
